Life Is a Journey Through Trials

"Looking forward to working with you."

"Trials, is it…"

The Pope spoke after reading the new passage from the Age of Upheaval.

"A fine passage."

He had long believed that the greater the trial, the stronger a human could become. At times that conviction had been so absolute that others had rebuked him for it. Yet now the Original Bible itself had proven the belief was not mistaken, and as Pope he could only rejoice.

"Still, this almost feels less like the Age of Upheaval and more like Inquisitor Cael's own gospel."

"I agree."

The cardinals nearby nodded. In broad, encompassing chapters like this, the same name was not normally recorded in every successive verse; it would appear only at intervals, if at all.

Of course, it wasn't unheard of.

The successive saints among the Seven Great Goods had achieved feats no ordinary human could manage, and so their names filled the Original Bible in abundance.

Which would mean Inquisitor Cael is destined to become a saint on the same level as the Seven Great Goods?

That remained impossible to know. One thing, however, was certain.

"With this, there can be ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠no doubt that the fate of the world is being upheaved by Inquisitor Cael."

"Yes. There is no longer any room for doubt."

The bald cardinal Gregory asked, "Then how do you intend to deal with Inquisitor Cael going forward? Your predecessor said we should simply watch him, but that was before he was recorded in the scripture."

"Hmm."

"I worry his blade may yet turn in the wrong direction. If we merely stand by and the world's fate is twisted beyond recognition, it will be far too late to rein him in."

The Pope answered with a faint smile.

"Cardinal Gregory."

"Yes, Your Holiness."

"Be honest with me. Do you truly say this out of concern for the world's fate, or because you wish to see my own convictions enforced?"

"Th-that is…"

The sudden question left Gregory flustered.

"Of course I understand the worry. We still know little of this man called Cael, yet his name has been written into the Original Bible—something that has not happened in a hundred and two years."

"……"

"But I see nothing amiss in Inquisitor Cael's path thus far. If anything, he is more zealous than anyone in rooting out heresy."

The Pope spoke slowly.

"Therefore my answer remains unchanged. We shall continue to watch Inquisitor Cael. There is no need for us to haul a great boulder into his path."

"…Yes."

"And who can say? Our meddling with him might produce the very catastrophe we fear. I trust you considered that possibility as well before speaking, Cardinal Gregory?"

Gregory swallowed dryly and bowed deeply at the waist.

"Forgive me, Your Holiness. My thoughts were shortsighted."

The Pope merely wore a thin smile. Beside him, Cardinal Barun struggled to keep the corners of his mouth from rising.

"Still…"

The Pope spoke again.

"There will surely remain those who continue to worry over Inquisitor Cael. Which is why I wonder if we might include him in the coming subjugation."

The other cardinals' eyes went wide.

"Surely you do not mean the subjugation of Jealousy among the Seven Deadly Sins?"

"However you look at it, he is still a newly appointed Heresy Inquisitor! Even if Jealousy is judged the weakest of the current Seven Deadly Sins, is this not premature?"

The Seven Deadly Sins were not chosen solely for being the strongest of the wicked, yet those who earned the title were without question formidable. How many of the Papacy's own people had already died to that one?

Handing such a quarry to a fledgling inquisitor like Cael was excessive.

"It may well be an unreasonable demand. That is why I will not force it. Whether he accepts this trial is his choice alone."

The Pope looked around at the cardinals.

"However—if Inquisitor Cael achieves something of substance in this subjugation, I will permit no further interference with him whatsoever."

The cardinals were inwardly startled. Those words were tantamount to the Pope himself extending direct protection over Cael.

"Of course, should he commit wrongdoing thereafter, he will be held to full account. But until that day, no one may stand in his way."

"Yes. We understand, Your Holiness."

The cardinals offered formal respect.

"Then let us take our leave. May new verses be written soon."

The Pope and the cardinals each returned to their places.

I spent a week at the inn, refining my holy power and tempering a body that had only just reached the realm of Wrath. A frame that had grown too quickly needed reordering.

I reached the realm of Wrath in less than a month.

In my previous life it had taken half a year after the fall of my house merely to touch the realm of Joy.

All of it was thanks to the rapid expansion of holy power I had gained by offering demons to the Goddess and the like.

Next is Sorrow, then.

Honestly, cultivating a body worthy of the realm of Sorrow did not worry me. It would take longer than reaching Wrath, but I could simply keep raising my holy power as before.

But can I obtain sorrow deep enough?

More than anything, I did not want to feel sorrow. Who would willingly face a situation that demanded grief? Especially the kind that emptied the mind and filled the lungs as though they were drowning.

In any case, for the time being, refining the realm of Wrath will be enough.

And once one reached the realm of Wrath, the sword of Joy grew stronger in equal measure. There were only stages of arrival; no hierarchy of absolute strength existed among them.

Still, I spend far more time angry than joyful, so I used the sword of Wrath more often.

That much, I suspected, would be no different from my previous life.

Knock, knock—

- Inquisitor, you have a visitor.

At Bella's voice I opened my eyes where I sat on the bed.

"Show them in."

The door opened and Bella entered with a priest in his forties. A man in deep crimson robes.

"Keh-heh, have you been well, Inquisitor Cael? I hear you pulled off another grand feat."

"What brings ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠you here, Cardinal Barun?"

"I received Sub-deacon Bella's report and came because I have something important to tell you."

"Which is?"

"Ah, before that, there is a personal matter I should mention first…"

Barun settled into a chair and continued. After listening, I stroked my chin.

"Hmm. So I have been recorded in the Original Bible…"

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

A truly bizarre affair. To think that I, once called the strongest of the wicked, would be mentioned in the Original Bible. I did not even recall a chapter called the Age of Upheaval existing in my previous life.

"And because Inquisitor Cael crushed the Evil Book Society here, absorbing the Scalen territory has become far easier. Leaving it as it was risked the same tragedy repeating, so the others had little choice but to accept it."

"I see."

I answered.

"For the time being, however, I would ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠prefer the Holy Empire manage the Scalen territory. We are not yet prepared."

At the very least the plague spreading through the fields had to be dealt with. I knew someone who could handle that blight, so I intended to settle the matter before planting season.

Taking on Scalen at such a critical juncture would be troublesome. It demands money and manpower.

But if left to the Holy Empire, they would have no choice but to bear the costs for a while. Having learned of the Evil Book Society's victims, turning a blind eye would only sour public sentiment.

"Yes. It will take us some time on our end as well, so there should be no issue."

"Good. Then what is the real business?"

"Ah. Would you lend your strength to the subjugation of Jealousy among the Seven Deadly Sins?"

"Jealousy of the Seven Deadly Sins?"

The Jealousy Barun spoke of was not Bella. There had been a Jealousy before she ever earned the title.

"Yes. There are those who look unfavorably upon the two of you. If Inquisitor Cael assists in this subjugation, His Holiness will ensure they do not engage in open mischief. Of course, this is not an order."

"Hmm…"

In my previous life, everyone who went to subjugate Jealousy of the Seven Deadly Sins had died together with the target. I had wanted to take part this time if possible, and if the Pope would clear the obstacles in my path as well, there was no reason to refuse.

"As a Heresy Inquisitor, cutting down heretics is only natural. Seeking reward for it is strange, yet since His Holiness extends his grace, I accept it gladly."

"……"

Barun and Bella both blinked. Barun gave an awkward laugh.

"Yes. We are grateful for your efforts, Inquisitor Cael."

"Think nothing of it."

"Ah, and also…"

Barun drew a small crystal orb from his robes and held it out.

"Please take this."

"A communication magic tool of the Zarkan Empire?"

"You recognize it at once…"

"Well, one thing led to another."

"It is linked to my own communication tool. If you ever have something to tell me or need anything, use it."

Barun was a cardinal of considerable standing. Accepting it would prove useful.

"I'll put it to good use."

"Then once preparations are complete, I will guide you to the subjugation force."

"We'll go right now."

I tossed the crystal orb to Bella and rose from my seat.

"I am always ready."

Silence had settled over the table where the men sat. They only stole glances at one another, none willing to speak first, so I opened my mouth.

"If you have complaints, say them. Stop glancing around like a dog that needs to piss."

One man heaved a sigh and answered.

"Honestly, I don't like it. We're going after Jealousy of the Seven Deadly Sins, not some half-rate mongrel, and now we're supposed to cooperate with a brand-new Heresy Inquisitor…"

"And if you don't like it, what do you intend to do about it? His Holiness placed me here. Or are you raising a banner against His Holiness's will?"

"Th-that is…"

"Oh dear. A heretic right under my nose. I must still be green as an inquisitor—my eye for such things is lacking."

I fixed him with a cold stare. The hangers-on behind him began fingering their weapons.

"Draw them. You'll have to answer for it."

Sharp gazes clashed in the air for a long moment.

"Everyone, calm yourselves. Like it or not, we must cooperate from here on. This sort of discord helps no one."

A burly man on one side intervened.

"Perhaps introductions first. I am Sebastian Montague of the Twelve Holy Knights. I look forward to working with you."

Sebastian carried the formidable aura befitting one of the Twelve. Roughly the combat strength I had possessed when I first reached the realm of Joy. The Twelve Holy Knights themselves grew at different rates, so their power varied greatly. Sebastian was probably among the weaker of them.

Still, beings of that caliber are not common.

Next the man with the hangers-on spoke.

"I am Ulric, captain of the Fang Mercenary Corps. Some also call me the Twin-Bladed Butcher."

As expected of a force assembled to hunt a Seven Deadly Sin, their credentials were impressive. I nodded and opened my mouth.

"I am the newly appointed Heresy Inquisitor, the black sheep of House Luminara, and the pretty face of this subjugation force—Cael Luminara."

"……"

"Looking forward to working with you."

They blinked. Ulric's brow furrowed.

"Do you take this subjugation for a joke?"

"I only stated facts. What's the problem? Want me to show you what a real joke looks like?"

The atmosphere threatened to turn ugly again, and once more Sebastian mediated.

"Do not be so hard on him. Inquisitor Cael's career may be short, but in that brief time he has left behind considerable achievements. He will be a great asset in this hunt."

"Well, if the Holy Knight says so…"

Ulric let his hostility subside. Sebastian nodded and looked my way.

"Then the young woman with you is Sub-deacon Bella?"

"Yes! I look forward to working with you!"

Bella bowed briskly.

"I was told she is a mage…"

"Ah, yes, well…"

Bella gave an awkward laugh and scratched her head.

"A-a mage?"

A stir rose among the mercenaries. Eyes fixed on Bella, so I spoke.

"There was once a Heresy Inquisitor and a bishop who tried to kill Bella and the children of her orphanage in order to reject magic. Do you know what became of them?"

"……"

"They all ascended to heaven. I personally showed them the way. Is there anyone here who also requires my guidance?"

Sebastian replied at once.

"Ah, that was not my meaning. I sincerely apologize."

He bowed his head.

"I hold no particular fondness for magic myself, but I am not so extreme as to harbor murderous intent toward every mage. So I would be grateful if Sub-deacon Bella would lend her strength to this subjugation as well."

"Yes! I'll do my best!"

Sebastian smiled faintly. As expected, the Twelve Holy Knights were of a different caliber of character. Certain stalker bastards were far too rigid for their own good, but that was another matter.

"Then let us discuss the subjugation."

Sebastian and Ulric exchanged the information they possessed while I watched from the side.

"Enoch, Jealousy of the Seven Deadly Sins, is currently staying in a certain building in Norden Village…"

I tilted my head. I had assumed we would have to start by finding where Jealousy was hiding, yet they already knew his location.

"How large is the force under Enoch's command?"

"We estimate roughly fifty."

"Many. Is there no way to draw Enoch out alone?"

"None so far. His subordinates take turns standing watch."

"I see."

"The only method would be to lure him with someone gifted in a particular field—his preferred prey—but even that is meaningless if he shows no interest."

"Hmm. So for now we have no choice but to wait for Enoch to leave the building…"

I could listen no longer and spoke.

"Is there any need to wait? We know where he is and how many men he has."

Sebastian turned to me.

"You have a method?"

"Of course."

I answered simply.

"We just storm the building and kill them all."

Every gaze locked onto me. The suggestion clearly had not occurred to them. I found myself admiring their intellect.

"Are they idiots…?"

Ulric narrowed his eyes and objected.

"Who doesn't know that? The problem is that method is bound to produce heavy casualties, and we might end up wiped out without even catching the bastard."

"Mm."

"You've fought strong opponents before, but this is a different dimension. This is a Seven Deadly Sin officially recognized by the Holy Empire. Do you have any idea how many people—from commoners to agents dispatched by the Papacy—have died to him?"

I was well aware how strong a Seven Deadly Sin could be. I had been one in my previous life; of course I knew. In that life Enoch had in fact massacred everyone present here.

"You don't understand."

"What?"

"Until a moment ago it was only the lot of you. Now I am here."

"What does that—"

I continued without pause.

"And why do you assume only you have time? Have you not considered that he is watching your movements as well? By your own words he is a Seven Deadly Sin recognized by the Holy Empire."

"……"

"Drag things out and you may walk straight into a trap yourselves. Better to strike a blind spot with a method he cannot possibly expect."

While Ulric stood dazed, Sebastian asked,

"Are you truly confident? Failure will not end with your own life alone."

A quiet laugh escaped the corner of my mouth.

"I have always taken responsibility for every swing of my sword. That is why I am here."

In my previous life I had killed a great many people. That was how I became a villain and walked a path soaked in blood. Perhaps I had regressed precisely so that I could take responsibility for it.

Sebastian sank into deep thought, humming. Before long he seemed to reach a decision and nodded.

"Very well. Inquisitor Cael—I will trust you."

Ulric was visibly flustered.

"H-Holy Knight?"

"In any case, gathering proper reinforcements is difficult. We never know when he might go to ground again. And if we waste time, as Inquisitor Cael says, we ourselves may grow desperate and fall into a trap."

"That may be true, but…"

"I am fully aware that a frontal assault may cost your men their lives. Still, I would be grateful for your aid."

Sebastian bowed at the waist. It was rare for one of the Twelve Holy Knights to show such courtesy. Knowing that, Ulric let out a heavy sigh.

"Understood. We'll do it that way."

"Thank you."

Once the matter was settled, I rose from my seat as well.

"Then we leave at once."

I began walking and continued speaking.

"Whether we enter his building or leave it is entirely up to me."

"……"

"Therefore not a single person here will die."

Only then did the idiots snort with laughter and fall in behind me.