Chapter 126
Chapter 126
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 126
Chapter Title: The Bishop's Demonology
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Though described as a “bright smile,” in reality, it looked utterly grotesque.
The reason, of course, was Matthias’s appearance.
He looked like a skull hanging from a dead tree, wrapped in gray leather. Add to that a smile stretching from ear to ear, and the sight was far from pleasant.
And there was another reason.
The flow of mana also played a part in why Loan couldn’t look away.
*'If a human tree were to come alive, would it be like this?'*
Bishop Matthias was constantly drawing in mana through the pores of his entire body—not his nose or mouth, but the microscopic openings in his skin.
It wasn’t the same concept as circulating magical power through mana cultivation like Loan did.
It was as if he were replenishing his life force with mana, just as one breathes or circulates blood—as if he would die otherwise.
The fact that mana was constantly being supplied through an opening in the ceiling to make this possible was both fascinating and unsettling.
Thanks to this, the mana density in the reception room was becoming as rich as that of the great outdoors.
As Loan processed this information about Matthias in that brief moment,
Nikos and Bel, startled by Loan’s remark, were growing anxious.
They could protest the excessive measures, but his choice of metaphor was far too extreme.
“Loan, what are you saying?”
“To the Bishop, of all people…”
It was notable that they lowered their voices to a whisper, mindful of their junior’s reputation, but their reaction was understandable.
They must not have sensed any malicious energy from the Bishop.
From that perspective—
*'I might have spoken too hastily.'*
The words had slipped out in his surprise, but it wasn't a good approach for discerning the other party's identity and intentions.
Of course, his assessment wasn’t wrong.
In his mind—
*It's been purified now, but it's definitely a demon. How? It doesn't seem like possession or a descent, but its original form.*
*How is it maintaining its shape? Did it form a master-servant relationship with someone? Did they purify it? Is that why it's constantly absorbing mana?*
—a chain of thoughts and questions followed.
To keep the conversation going, Loan decided to first admit his fault.
His seniors had set the stage perfectly.
“I apologize. I have a prejudice against certain appearances.”
At words that could be perceived as even worse than calling him a demon, the two seniors were once again flustered.
Bishop Matthias gazed at Loan for a moment before bursting into laughter.
“I had heard you were an extraordinary individual, but I never imagined you’d be this amusing.”
Perhaps his intention had worked, to some extent.
Loan’s remark had somewhat eased the tense atmosphere.
The Bishop spoke.
“Coming from you, that’s quite persuasive. It’s strangely understandable, you know? I’ve lived my life with a certain confidence in my looks, but I never realized I could appear so hideous. Haha.”
“But isn’t your inner self pure and clear, Bishop? I can’t imagine you giving the kind of cold, inhumane orders I’ve experienced.”
It was a question laden with multiple meanings.
Matthias did not let the smile fade from his face.
Looking at that face, Nikos and Bel were inwardly thinking that Loan’s words hadn't been an exaggeration after all.
Matthias asked.
“Do you think my measures were excessive?”
“I thought it was an order difficult for a person of faith to give. Then, upon meeting you, Bishop, the word ‘demon’ slipped out before I knew it.”
Before long, the conversation was being led by the Bishop and Loan.
The two seniors felt as though they were walking on thin ice, but the two were so focused on each other that it was impossible to intervene.
“A demon. A name I’ve been hearing quite often lately.”
“Were they called something different in the past?”
“Well, now. That’s like asking since when have humans been human. Can you answer that, Sir Loan?”
“No, I cannot. In that case, as a clergyman, I’m curious how you view demons, Bishop.”
“What I can say is that our perception is too fixated on the label ‘demon’ itself.”
He seemed to be trying to argue for his own identity.
Loan was inwardly impressed but feigned ignorance, tilting his head slightly.
“I don’t quite understand what you mean.”
“Humans are all different, are they not? I thought demons might be the same. I understand it is the policy of the Grafton Kingdom not to discriminate against non-human species. From a believer’s standpoint, it’s curious that demons are not included in that category.”
In his experience, most demons were eloquent speakers.
Matthias was no different.
Considering Matthias’s unique nature, Loan wanted to prolong this conversation.
“What I’m hearing, Bishop, is that not all demons are the same, that there are good demons, and that even bad demons can become good through the power of faith. Is that what you mean?”
“Yes. You see it clearly. That is my demonology.”
“So the word ‘demon’ is too broad and violent. You have a different way of thinking than I do.”
“Is that your own thought, Sir Loan, not the official stance of the Union?”
“Yes.”
“I’m curious. Would you care to share it?”
Curiosity flickered across Matthias’s face. Although his facial muscles didn't actually move, it felt that way.
Loan said, as if firing back.
“If you don't like our world, go back to yours.”
“…”
“That’s what I’d like to say. If I ever meet a demon, that is.”
“And your reason?”
“To me, demons are like mosquitoes. Even if they aren't a problem right now, they're bound to cause harm eventually. It would be better if they disappeared from the world entirely.”
“Don't you think mosquitoes might contribute to some form of balance?”
“I am unaware of their use. But even if I knew, I doubt my judgment would change. I don't think it would be worth the risk.”
“Are you not making an exception for yourself?”
He had either heard about it or seen Aul appear outside the chapel himself.
“When the time comes, I’ll send Aul back to its world too.”
“Aul… So that is your demonology.”
Matthias was still smiling, but now it held a stronger hint of bitterness.
“I am neither lenient nor harsh with everyone. That is why I said we must distinguish between demons. It is in the same vein that the Orthodox Church must unite to fight against demons with evil energy.”
“I saw the Monastery of Reception, the Monastery of Fellowship, and the Chapel of Hardship. There were non-believers whose entry was denied even though the doors were closed. Even when it was clear they would be sacrificed.”
“It is a small sacrifice for a greater victory. One of the mountains we must cross for the happiness of all. Just as with demons, humans must also be distinguished.”
It was an extremely dangerous statement for a bishop of the Orthodox Church to make.
This time, even Nikos couldn't stay silent.
“As a priest, and as a member of the Union, that is a statement I cannot simply ignore.”
Bishop Matthias’s gaze turned to Nikos.
“That is why I concluded that it would be difficult to walk the same path as the Union. I believe the Orthodox Church must be at the center if we are to protect the world from the coming hordes of evil.”
“The Archbishop and the Pope will not accept this.”
“Is that so? Well, there isn't only one way to interpret the voice of God and practice one's faith.”
“Are you suggesting a new denomination?”
“Is there any reason I shouldn't?”
Matthias asked leisurely, looking at the three of them.
Loan suddenly wondered why he had bothered to let the three of them inside.
“Then why did you let us in and have this conversation, instead of just continuing as you were?”
“Because of a certain possibility. I do not doubt that the future I dream of will bring happiness to more people. But that, too, cannot escape the criticism of being consequentialist. That is why I wished to discuss whether there was a path of coexistence with the Union.”
Nikos answered firmly.
“If you intend to maintain your current stance, there is no path of coexistence. I will immediately request a heresy investigation from the Holy See.”
“So, if I were to withdraw my claims and policies, it would be possible?”
This time, Loan answered.
“My seniors will report that there are extenuating circumstances to the Holy See, and I might be able to amend the contents of the missive I sent to headquarters.”
“It seems you’ve sent some ill words about me to headquarters.”
“Yes. Things will be very different for you from now on. You already have transgressions you’ve committed.”
“Isn’t that why I am making this proposal now?”
“To make a proposal with such claims, I believe you need to have the power to back them up. Along with the expectation that the result will have a positive impact on the Union and the people of Scion.”
“That is what I would rather say to you. A Runner of the Union is, by the standards of the Orthodox Church's knightly order, someone who has just reached the second stage of their authority. Isn't that a title with too little weight to be making such claims?”
He asked with a polite bow of his hands, but the aura emanating from his entire body was no longer gentle.
Loan could feel his intent to test their strength through force. He had probably intended to do so from the beginning.
Loan inwardly welcomed it.
He wanted to end the situation quickly and find the source of the gushing mana.
“Do I just need to show I have the right? Something like the winner’s opinion is followed.”
“Wouldn’t that be cleaner?”
“I didn’t know you were fond of wagers, Bishop. I, of course, agree. If my seniors are alright with it, I would like to step forward. Being young, there are many things I wish to experience.”
Loan looked at his seniors as if seeking their consent.
At Matthias’s sudden proposal, Nikos and Bel wore troubled expressions. Nikos mouthed a question.
*Are you sure?*
Loan nodded silently and gestured behind him with his hand.
It was a sign for his two seniors to give him some space.
Matthias spoke.
“Priests of the Orthodox Church learn to use their power through combat once their second authority is unlocked. I will consider you to be at the same level, Sir Loan.”
“Are you saying you can also use the authority of God, Bishop?”
“Haha, of course. I am a bishop, after all. If you truly doubt it, you can simply test me.”
“Then I, too, shall respond with combat.”
Matthias extended a hand forward as if to signal the start.
Loan infused the magical power gathered through his necklace throughout his body and wrapped himself tightly in Convection.
He sent a steady flow of magical power through the newly opened transverse path, making his lower body heavy. Infused with will and resolve, it felt different from when he simply circulated it.
*'Good.'*
Loan took the first step forward.
The Narrow Path was aimed precisely at Matthias’s solar plexus.
He added the rotational force of his entire body to his sliding speed.
His arm shot forward.
The feeling on his fist was heavy.
*CRACK—!*
A direct hit. Matthias’s body bent like an arrowhead and shot backward a good distance.
With the blow carrying the rotational force of Convection, Loan saw a flow of mana explode around Matthias’s solar plexus.
For a moment, a void of mana appeared inside him as if he had been completely shattered, only to be refilled in an instant.
Circulation alone couldn't refill it that quickly.
*'It felt like it was being sucked in by pressure.'*
He pondered the mechanism and worked backward.
He analyzed the phenomenon and simulated it in his mind. Equations instantly unfolded in his head, and Loan’s brow furrowed for a moment.
Matthias, who had been pushed back to the entrance of the reception room, showed no change in expression.
He spoke.
“An excellent attack. However, my resilience and stamina are quite exceptional.”
A steady supply of mana and an opponent who fueled his will.
The expectation that he could advance through this contest.
How could he apply the way his opponent recovered magical power to himself? Wouldn't that help expand the paths of circulation?
Loan, having just found the answer, smiled and replied.
“I'm the same, but I think it would be fine to end this a little early today.”