Chapter 497
Chapter 497
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 497
Chapter Title: Junior Priest Kim Katt
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Anyway, wearing this great gear made me feel like I was going insane.
This was hands-down the first time in my life I'd ever worn such a fine set of armor. The comfort was out of this world. These pieces were basically unique items. With this level of defense, even if those bastards beat the crap out of me, I wouldn't get a single scratch for sure.
"And here's the reward money."
The reward came to one gold and fifty silver.
No fucking way, that's a shitload.
"What, this much?"
"It was that kind of demon. Anyway, this is the reward straight from the lord, so you don't need to thank the church."
"Still, thank you!"
Shake shake shake!
Now my hands and feet were trembling uncontrollably. It was full-on vibrator hands. With extreme hand tremors kicking in, I took the reward money.
Perfect timing to feed the Alraune.
I had to etch this sensation into my memory.
I'd planned to use the reward to buy some new gear, but now there was no need.
Wait, even setting aside the gear set and this payout, Claudy and Winia's rewards were still pending. Catching one ridiculously strong demon and having rewards rain down like this... Talk about faithful, trustworthy religious folk.
"Now, about the rewards for the other sisters... The truth is, Brother, your merits have been recognized, granting you the rank of Junior Priest. Unfortunately, the others lack sufficient contributions for the same honor."
The pastor uncle trailed off.
"I see."
Truth be told, I'd shown my face around the church plenty, but Claudy and Winia hadn't. Their church contribution points were just too low to qualify for Junior Priest status.
Oh well, too bad. What could anyone do?
"That's right. So we racked our brains over what to give them. One's a warrior, the other's a mage, correct?"
"Yes. You nailed it."
"Please pass these along to them."
At the pastor's cue, a nearby priest opened a box. Inside sat a brass-plated wand and a pretty damn nice-looking sword.
"These are also standard-issue gear from our Brass Celestial Society. Both the wand and the sword react sharply to holy power. They do respond to mana as well, but it's less efficient than with holy power."
Naturally, church gear would favor holy power over mana. From the explanation, both were valuable items—especially effective against evil spirits.
This had to be the church's maximum reward.
"Thank you. They'll be thrilled."
In the end, I'd walked away with a ton today.
Winia could make good use of the wand, and Claudy would love the sword. Though... she wielded curved blades. Would a straight sword work okay?
Time to say my goodbyes and head out.
"Thank you so much today. I swear, from here on, I'll repay the church's generosity by slaying evil demons. Heh heh heh—as a Junior Priest, I've gotta hustle."
"Of course we trust you will. Ah, before you go, there's a quick procedure for issuing your Junior Priest certificate. Just follow me and fill in your personal info."
"Got it."
A priest nearby handed me the documents and a pen.
I read it over carefully: it was the form for crafting a Junior Priest certificate. I filled it out completely and handed it back. As the pastor uncle bid me farewell, he added,
"One last bit of news."
Damn, so much going on.
"Lord Isvant was horrified when he saw Andromalius's arm in person. He's decided to commend the entire search party for their merits, so return to the church in a week. Your certificate should be ready by then."
"Pardon?"
What did he say?
"We'll assemble here at the church and head to the lord's castle together. Wear the Battle Priest gear set you're sporting now. And please tell the other sisters to dress formally."
For a split second, I thought it was bullshit, but piecing it together: the lord had flipped out over the demon's arm and would hand out rewards personally.
Holy shit.
"Hahaha! Brother, you're stunned! Don't forget—a week from now, bright and early at the church! Safe travels!"
"Farewell. You did outstanding work."
The lord himself, giving rewards?
"Ah... yes. Thank you, Pastor, Brother Bakrel, all you priests. Take care."
Dazed by the massive rewards and bizarre news, I mumbled my goodbyes and stepped outside.
Already scored a ton... and now the lord's reward on top?
"Heh, heh heh heh!"
Laughter bubbled up unbidden.
"Fuck yeah! Jackpot!"
Living clean and righteous had paid off big time. People really ought to do good deeds.
"I'm Junior Priest Kim Katt of the Brass Celestial Society!"
Junior Priest.
There were perks aplenty, but the real value was the Brass Celestial Society guaranteeing my status.
Any city with one of their churches, and I was 100% backed. Their HQ was even in the royal capital—I could roam there worry-free.
If trouble hit and it wasn't my fault, they'd protect me.
That was the power of having a solid status.
Basically, a reliable backer.
The kind where I could declare loud and proud: touch this guy and you're fucked.
"Heh heh heh!"
I burst out laughing as I strolled down the street.
We'd done a fucking stellar job, no doubt. These rewards were well deserved. Andromalius wasn't some nameless demon—he was a heavyweight who could throw his weight around in Hell itself.
The wives would flip when I told them.
Me, a Junior Priest...!
"..."
But an audience with the lord, huh.
O~ho ho ho ho ho!
I pictured the Lady of Isvant.
Red rolled-up bread hair and that quintessentially aristocratic laugh—she was a stunning beauty with an impressive chest.
Seemed pretty bold and outgoing. Above all, she'd wielded that inhuman greatsword with ease, slicing an ogre's flank like it was kimbap in one swing.
Though her agility seemed low—she hadn't landed a single hit until her forces wore it down with tactics. Still, unleashing sword aura that destructive meant she was no slouch.
Hell, I'd seen her in the arena too.
Might run into her face-to-face, so I should prep a greeting. With rewards from the lord incoming, I'd need to thank them profusely. All in all, a grateful household.
Step step.
My footsteps felt incredibly light.
Come to think of it, that bitch Hildegart had spilled the demon gate intel, leading straight to all this.
What, was she some lucky bluebird?
Lost in that thought as I headed home—
Whoosh!
Suddenly, an eerie aura hit me. I whipped around to see a familiar succubus beaming and waving.
"Knight! New gear? You look amazing. So nice to see you after so long. Good things happening?"
"Hi-Hildegart!"
Speak of the devil!
"Yes, it's Hildegart, forever thinking of you alone."
I started to draw my sword but hesitated.
Hildegart... coming to find me on her own.
"You bitch!"
Because of her demon gate tip, we'd nearly gotten killed by Andromalius. And here she was with that smiling face!
"Yes? Why the anger this time? Hehe, even mad, you look so cool. Care to explain?"
Despite my rage, Hildegart just smiled and approached. Did this bitch really not know about Andromalius?
"Bullshit! You dared trick me!"
"Trick you how?"
"That demon gate!"
"Yes, yes. There was a gate, just like I said. You got rewards from the church because of it. Congrats! Does this mean you can trust me a little now?"
"The exact opposite, you cunt!"
"...What on earth?"
She stared at me with a face full of innocent confusion.
"No, fuck—smashed the gate, and out pops this massive demon asshole. Nearly died, you bitch. You set a trap for me?"
"Pardon? Pardon? A massive demon?"
"Yeah! Andromalius popped out and nearly killed me! Tried to off me!"
"Andromalius?!"
At the name, her eyes went wide as she yelled.
"Don't fake the shock, demon!"
"No no! Knight! It's a misunderstanding! Andromalius? I just told you everything I knew, all for your sake! I have no idea what you're talking about!"
Hildegart seemed genuinely flustered, spilling excuses like mad.
Her words weren't wrong, technically.
Andromalius showing up was the only anomaly.
"Didn't know? Bullshit? You said it'd profit me—didn't use me and the holy knights to take out Andromalius, some plot?"
"N-No way! Why does seeking your trust keep blowing up like this! Andromalius the Count?! Knight, I'm so confused right now! What happened? Explain properly!"
"..."
Acting or legit? She seemed clueless, but she was a demon at heart. Sure, thanks to her we'd scored the Battle Priest set and gold, but blind trust? No dice.
"...You know what Andromalius is?"
"Of course! The cruel, grotesque count! Legend says demons slain for wrong answers piled up like mountains... You're saying you fought him?"
From her reaction, she knew something. Yeah, the guy had demanded answers and raved like a lunatic.
"Beat him with the holy knights. Though at the end, he left one arm behind and fled to Hell."
"One arm...! Sounds like an incomplete summon... No! This isn't the time! Knight, talking here isn't smart—let's go somewhere private. I'll tell you everything I know."
Follow her?
Curious as hell... Fine, whatever.
Full gear on, mana topped off—no trouble coming my way. But demon talk in public? Awkward as fuck.
"Alright, I'll hear you out once."
"...Really? You're really gonna listen?"
"Begrudgingly—thanks to you, I hit the jackpot with rewards. Appreciate it."
Got the goods, so a nod of thanks.
Received payment? Reciprocate accordingly.
That was the true way of fusion Confucianism. Natural as breathing. Hearing her out wasn't a bad deal.
"Heh, heh heh heh... Th-Thank you! All for you, of course—what's to thank? Come on, let's find somewhere private."
She burst into laughter and reached for my arm—I dodged instantly.
"Hands off my body, bitch?"
"Not yet? You got all those rewards thanks to me."
"Shut it."
"You're so mean. But just talking like this makes me happy."
We ducked into a nearby general store. Great scoring the Battle Priest set, but it was so flashy—everywhere I went, eyes on me.
Needed to cover up a bit.
Bought a black cape that hung to my waist.
Perfect fit.
"Let's roll."
"I know a quiet spot."
"Lead on."
With that, I followed Hildegart's lead.
This succubus chattered nonstop the whole way, grinning ear to ear. Was this her true attitude because she craved my essence? One slip, and she'd drain me dry.
"Here?"
"Where I'm staying."
We arrived at some rundown lodging in a corner of the city.
"You bitch?"
"No no, not like that. No better spot to talk without humans eavesdropping. Not a story they need to hear."
"..."
Fair point.
I followed her straight inside.