Chapter 117
Chapter 117
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 117
Chapter Title: The Star that Pierces the Truth (2)
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A space enveloped in light so brilliant it was almost too much to bear with open eyes.
Enrico Turis trembled his eyelids precariously as he finally took in his surroundings. He tried not to show any sign of it, but it was impossible to hide.
He had braced himself for a face-to-face meeting upon hearing that the alliance's ally had come to visit in person. But he never imagined it would be like this. To think he'd be suddenly kidnapped into some mysterious space without warning.
Before him sat an elderly man smiling kindly.
His hair was white as snow, his bishop's robes even whiter, and the halo behind him whiter still. It was an aura of utmost piety and sanctity that could overwhelm anyone at first sight.
The old man greeted him in a gentle voice.
"May the exalted guide of light, Elga, lead your journey like a morning star. It's a pleasure to meet you, Councilor Enrico. I am Erensko, Archbishop of the Second Seat and head of the Elga Church's Lucaon Archdiocese branch."
"...May you encounter Lord Remillion's golden blessings no matter which path you take. It's truly an honor to meet you, Your Grace. For one as esteemed and renowned as yourself to come personally for a lowly secular official like me—I'm at a loss for words."
"Elga has said that whether the sun above the sky or the candle beneath the earth, every light has its place. There's no need to belittle your own position just because it's worldly, Councilor."
The archbishop lifted the corners of his mouth warmly as he spoke.
Yet he offered not even empty words of apology or understanding for the kidnapping.
Enrico tensed his abdomen. He was essentially dropped bare-handed into the heart of enemy territory. He sharpened his mind and met the archbishop's eyes clearly.
At first, their conversation was nothing but formalities. Just as his brother Pellico had described, the archbishop brought up questions about the demon outbreak on the Golden Highway and offers of support. That was talk better suited for Galentana, which had been hit directly—not for a councilor in distant Remtana.
The pretense didn't last long. At some point, the archbishop tossed out an utterly out-of-place question without any context.
"By the way, Councilor Enrico. Have you ever heard the name 'Linton Feliferus'?"
"...I'm sorry, Your Grace. My knowledge is limited; I've never heard of such a person."
"Ah, no. That's to be expected. He's a fresh knight of Elga, ordained just a few months ago. But given a bit more time, you surely would have heard of him. He possessed exemplary faith worthy of emulation and remarkable martial prowess."
Enrico swallowed dryly. It was clearly said with some deeper intent, but he couldn't guess what.
"For Your Grace to speak of him that way, he must have been an exceptional knight. If the chance arises, I'd love to meet..."
"That's impossible. He's dead. Murdered while escorting prisoners near the border. Still, we recovered his decayed remains, so you can visit his grave if you come to the holy city."
"......"
The archbishop still wore that calm, nonchalant smile, as if it were nothing.
But Enrico could see through it. The anger in his light-flecked pupils, the burning grief like roaring flames. It wasn't hard to infer that the deceased knight had a special connection to Archbishop Erensko.
The archbishop slowly erased his emotions and continued.
"In any case, we can't just let the murder of Elga's agent slide. I ordered an Arch Paladin to uncover the truth and pursue the culprit. But a few months ago, I heard that Arch Paladin had crossed the border and died fighting an alliance mage—as if possessed by a ghost."
"......"
"What an absurd and tragic affair... I wondered how Elga's almighty guidance could go so astray. And that battle took place in your jurisdiction, didn't it, Councilor?"
"...Yes, Your Grace."
"Why aren't you angry, Councilor?"
"...What do you mean?"
"Shouldn't you be outraged if you have nothing to hide? A high-ranking knight illegally crossed the border and murdered an innocent mage aide."
A chill seeped into the riot of radiant light.
The archbishop's face hardened like a stone statue.
Enrico fell silent for a moment before replying with resolute eyes, as if he couldn't possibly be so rude before the archbishop. The archbishop sneered as if it were absurd.
"We can send an investigation team from our church soon enough, can't we? Cross-verification is needed to clearly sort truth from lies."
"I'm sorry, but that seems like a matter beyond my unilateral judgment."
"Where is the divine weapon, 'Flame of Gehenna', Councilor? If the Arch Paladin died in battle, the weapon should remain."
"It was gone when we arrived at the scene. We suspect it vanished during or after the fight."
"Intriguing. A divine weapon blessed by Elga, unmelting even in a boiling volcano, touchable only by its master—'vanished'... Did the Lord of Eternal Light reclaim it personally?"
"We're investigating its exact whereabouts. And truly sorry, but we won't hand it over even if found until we receive 'adequate compensation'. As you said, this was a case of a high-ranking knight illegally crossing the border and murdering an innocent aide."
The sharp questions were repeatedly parried with deft responses. The archbishop chuckled mockingly, leaning deeply into his chairback before abruptly changing the subject again.
"I hear there's a mercenary making waves on the Golden Highway. Nicknamed... 'Demon Slayer', was it?"
"......"
"Ah, not just the Golden Highway. Remarkable feats in Galentana and Agon too, I hear? Though there, it was mostly... people he cut down, not demons."
Only then did Enrico realize for sure.
It wasn't aimless topic-shifting. No matter the method, the archbishop already knew the full truth of the incident. Kidnapping him wasn't to extract information—it was merely to reconfirm facts.
The archbishop no longer hid his intentions, laying them bare.
"Word is, in Galentana he consorted with 'Followers of the Forgotten God', and in Agon he borrowed 'demonic power'. For such hell-deserving villainy, brazenly roaming free... I imagine the Demon Slayer stirring up the alliance territories has caused you much trouble."
"......"
"Fortunately, our church has many righteous knights of Elga filled with the will to exterminate evil. I'll dispatch one to aid in eliminating this fiend. That should suffice as 'adequate compensation', yes?"
It wasn't about compensation. It was a blatant declaration of unleashing a high-ranking knight into alliance territory to kill the Demon Slayer. Enrico's lips stiffened gradually.
"...Gracious offer, but as a mere border councilor, that's beyond my authority. With ongoing border disputes, we must approach knight entry cautiously..."
"Councilor Enrico."
A firm call cut him off, followed by a low voice.
"One more word of evasion, and Remtana vanishes from the map by morning."
"...!"
The tone was utterly even, but the content was utterly vicious.
This time, even Enrico lost his composure. His eyes trembled in shock. The archbishop, pleased by the expression, steepled his fingers contentedly and continued.
"I'm not asking permission. You've been granted autonomy, but don't forget the Free City Alliance remains part of the Lucaonia Empire."
"......"
"I've already dispatched one of the 'Decagram'."
In the afterglow of overflowing radiant light.
The alliance's councilor, Enrico, narrowed his eyes coldly.
But the empire's archbishop, Erensko, wore a warm smile.
A pleasant forest path trampled with countless footprints, grass blades pressed flat. Kadim walked silently, while Duncan held a map open in both hands, comparing it to the path.
"This way... Yes, straight this way, milord! Another day and a half, and we'll reach Vesta!"
From the continent's center to its eastern edge, the grueling journey was finally nearing its end. Perhaps imagination, but the forest breeze already carried the salty tang of sea air.
Yet the journey wasn't conclusively over. Duncan reined in his excitement and said,
"But before that... there's one thing we need to decide."
"What is it?"
"We'll soon reach a fork. One path goes through Quirn village, the other skirts around directly. Both are about the same distance to Vesta... Which way, milord?"
"......"
"Quirn probably has decent taverns or inns. A bit off the Golden Highway, but still a waypoint to a major city..."
Duncan subtly hoped for the village. After all, having lived in luxury mansions, returning to sleeping rough would make a soft bed under a roof tempting.
But Kadim thought differently. Crowds meant unpredictable trouble. Now, even falling leaves demanded caution. Unnecessary commotion could complicate entering the Magic Tower...
"Take the side path straight. When the goal's this close, fewer surprises are better."
"...Understood, milord. I'll guide us that way."
A bit deflated, but Duncan assented without argument.
Yet at the actual fork, Kadim suddenly switched gears.
"Left here leads through the village?"
"P-Pardon? Y-Yes..."
"Changed my mind. Village it is."
With that, Kadim strode left, taking the lead.
Duncan stared blankly for a moment before hurrying after. Only after catching up and seeing Kadim's face did he understand.
Eyes gleaming with killing intent, a mouth split in a feral grin, the edge of a beast scenting blood.
No need to ask. Duncan sighed inwardly.
'Why a demon here of all places? Vesta's practically next door—do those mages not hunt demons or what...'
Lamenting his fate changed nothing. Praying this demon was weak, Duncan trudged after the demon-obsessed barbarian warrior.
About half a shichen later, the village outline appeared in the distance.
As expected, Quirn wasn't some backwater hamlet. It had sturdy arched gates, stone walls, multi-story brick buildings—a proper look for a village near a metropolis.
But now wasn't the time to admire that.
A bizarre scene unfolded at the entrance.
A pitch-black curtain enveloping the entire village outskirts, and just inside it, emaciated people huddled densely.
Sunken eyes soon spotted the barbarian and merchant.
The people sprang up, swarming toward them and pounding the curtain madly.
Thud thud, thud thud thud! Thud thud! Thud!! Thud thud thud! Thud thud thud thud thud!!
"............! ...........!"
"............! ..............!!"
The glass-like barrier transmitted vibrations but no sound. Like goldfish gaping in inky water. But their faces twisted grotesquely, some wielding hammers or axes—creating an atmosphere far more chilling.
"M-Milord... what the hell is... Th-They're possessed by demons, aren't they...?"
Terrified, Duncan backed away. Kadim advanced instead. He jerked his chin lightly at the people inside, signaling them to step aside.
The screams and frenzy stopped instantly. The crowd surprisingly parted obediently. Once the path cleared straight ahead, Kadim hurled a lightning bolt shaped like an axe.
――――――――― Zzzzap - !
Flash - !
The destructive light flickered; from the impact point, a massive shock rippled across the entire barrier. Cracks spiderwebbed, thunder roared.
――――――――― Rumble, craaaack boom - !!!
No need for a second 'Thunderbolt'. The struck spot shattered outright. Kadim recalled his axe with force and stepped naturally into the village through the breach.
The people gaped, frozen like statues. As if their desperate frenzy moments ago was a lie. Beneath hollowed eyes, awe and admiration filled every face.
"N-No way, thousands of hammer blows couldn't scratch it..."
"H-How, how did you shatter it in one go..."
"Mercy, Lord Remillion... Even mages couldn't breach that wall..."
Murmurs rippled. From the crowd, a bushy-bearded middle-aged man pushed forward. He set aside his hammer and looked up at Kadim reverently.
"A-Are you a mage, sir? A high mage too? From the Magic Tower?"
"......"
Kadim scowled at the question free of any prejudice based on appearance—until he caught a very intriguing word in the man's speech.
'...He asks if I'm a "high mage" too?'