"You bastards, how dare you do this to the Inquisitor!"

"Who do you think you are!"

"Calm down!"

"No, it's not like that..."

Hmm. What a mess.

I stepped back from the two bickering factions and looked out further. There were no bodies of the Snake Cult, just traces of their departure.

Good. Good. It seems my beloved Isabella has fled far away.

Go far. And return when you are needed.

Don't forget the favor you owe me.

The misunderstanding was quickly resolved. Dimona, who had been sobbing, clung to Radatok.

"I... I thought Radatok was... dead..."

Dimona, unlike her usual cunning self, cried like a little child. Radatok seemed surprised, his eyes widening slightly.

He slowly patted her head. Her eyes were fixed on me.

"Thanks to Brother Jahad, I survived."

"Brother Jahad?"

Dimona wiped her tears and looked back at me. Radatok, uncharacteristically, smiled broadly.

"You probably won't believe it even after hearing it. Let's discuss the details as we move."

"I really just want to get some sleep. I feel like I'm going to die from exhaustion."

I suppose I can finally close my eyes now.

I collapsed into the snowfield. Ah, I don't care anymore.

Someone will have to carry me. I've really reached my limit.

"Brother Radatok."

"Yes, Brother."

"I'm going to sleep now."

"Of course."

He swiftly hoisted me onto his back.

"Have a good dream, Brother."

When I opened my eyes, it seemed that everything had been sorted out. Apparently, I slept for three days straight. The Inquisitor couldn't believe what had happened inside. As soon as he came to see me, he asked directly.

"Apprentice Priest Jahad. Is it true that you have been chosen as the new Apostle of the Sun God Ra?"

"Hey."

"Yes?"

"First, can you give me some food? I'm starving to death."

The Inquisitors quietly got up and brought some food.

Dimona's mouth hung wide open.

"They wouldn't listen to anyone except for me and Radatok... how..."

"You are our lifesaver, Brother."

"You've helped us with so many things."

"What we've received is overwhelming, even a lifetime wouldn't be enough to repay."

I glanced at the Inquisitors, noticing the array of weapons hanging at their waists, likely the ones they had brought back then. They were using them even without any improvements from a craftsman, which indicated just how smitten they were. Hmm, the meat is very delicious, not as good as mine, but still tasty.

I finished a light meal at the camp, nodding at Radatok's advice not to overeat.

Inquisitor Dimona's mouth remained open the whole time.

"Inquisitor Radatok... paying attention to someone other than me?"

"You are an extraordinary person, Brother."

"Radatok does have an eye for talent."

"What… I don't know what's going on."

Dimona brushed her hand over her face. Her usually pretty features were unusually serious.

"So, Jahad, the Apprentice Priest?"

"Yes."

"You really met the Ancient Evil at the Cult Branch and then got chosen as a Successor to become an Apostle?"

"That's right."

"Can you prove it?"

"I can prove it, but... here?"

Most of the people Dimona had brought along didn't seem to be Inquisitors. They belonged to a different unit, as evidenced by the different insignias they wore.

Noticing my remark, she nodded and led me to a secluded spot.

"...Show me."

"Here it is."

I discreetly revealed Surtr. Dimona's eyes widened.

"What is this evil! It's unbelievable! It was in the Cult Branch, and no one knew about it?"

"It was trapped deep down."

"How did you find it?"

"Ra gave a revelation. There was an Ancient Evil with a broken seal under the Cult Branch. Someone had to take on that role."

"But... this is..."

Dimona noticed the strange connection between Surtr and me.

"You'll never escape this evil for the rest of your life! It's practically a curse! If you keep holding onto it... eventually, your body will become tainted and you'll die!"

"That too is my duty, I suppose."

By using Surtr once, it was clear that I was its owner. An involuntary master-servant relationship with the Demon Sword Surtr.

It was certain that this would have a negative impact on me. I could feel the holy power occasionally flickering and my body being subtly tainted by its magic.

Yes.

But that's not it.

My level-up speed is faster.

I added a spoonful of truth on top of the lies I had been smoothly telling. I smiled.

"I'll manage to endure. Ra and I promised. Even if I can't, I plan to ensure a clear successor."

"Why on earth..."

Dimona frowned and let out a sigh. She then looked at me and bowed her head respectfully.

"I apologize for the late introduction. Inquisitor Dimona extends her courtesy to you. Thank you for saving Inquisitor Radatok and the other Inquisitors."

"I just did what I had to do."

"...Surely, you didn't think that would work on me, did you?"

"Certainly not. You're different from those people."

In front of me stood a fox. A veteran among veterans who had survived the politics within the Cult. Despite being much younger than Radatok, her cunning was no joke.

I straightened my shoulders, wiping the kind smile off my face. Dimona glared at me.

"What do you want, Apprentice Priest Jahad?"

"I want one thing for now. It's a process I will eventually reach, but it's the most important."

"And what is that?"

"An Academy Admission Ticket."

It felt like I was finally entering the starting point.

"I want next year's Academy Admission Ticket."

Dimona's response came after a delay. It wasn't an affirmation.

"What the heck? No, I mean, someone who claims to have become an Apostle... and all you want is an Academy Admission Ticket… After making me indebted to you... requesting an Academy Admission Ticket that even a Bishop could obtain..."

Dimona was grumbling, and I poked her cheek playfully.

"Could you quiet down a bit?"

"I just don't understand!"

Dimona flared up.

"With my power, I could ask for something much bigger! Like... yes! I could make all the Inquisitors your followers! Something like that!"

"No, you wouldn't."

"...How do you know that?"

"From what I see, Inquisitor Dimona doesn't seem like someone who would serve under another person..."

I shrugged my shoulders.

"Wouldn't being colleagues be better than being subordinates?"

"...Oh?"

Dimona bared her fangs as she laughed.

"Have you perhaps studied about me beforehand?"

"No way. I'm just good at reading people."

"That's strange. You seem to know me too well."

"I'm only interested in myself. Since I'm so capable, why bother paying attention to others?"

"Haha. Your pride is quite high. Be careful it doesn't break.”

“Haha, as if that could happen. My arrogance is justifiable because of my abilities. Who could possibly break it?"

"...Both of you, please stop."

Radatok mediated between the two of us, glancing subtly in my direction.

"First, Brother, the internal whistleblowing issue must be resolved."

"Oh, right. I almost forgot. Let's just wrap it up quickly."

"It's not something we can wrap up quickly. We've been missing for a month. The Inquisitor himself explained it to us."

"The Inquisitor is right. Things have gotten tangled up strangely. I never expected Archbishop Dwayne to get directly involved. It seems there's a deal happening in the background with Brody, Bishop of Beverick’s Apprentice Priest."

Dimona waved the papers around.

"These have all become worthless scraps of paper. The evidence has all been covered up. While we were focusing on the actions of the Inquisitors, Archbishop Dwayne tidied up the situation himself."

"...Is that true?"

No, wait a minute.

So, after going through all the trouble of whistleblowing, it's just going to get dismissed due to lack of evidence? While I get branded?

"You're lying, right?"

"Unfortunately, it's not a lie. We could link it to the sexual harassment case involving Apprentice Priest Irene, but... it's not enough. It's not something that would be brought to a holy trial."

"Come on. Could the famed Dimona really be that incompetent?"

"...I can't tell if you're complimenting me or insulting me."

"It's a compliment. A compliment."

Dimona glared at me, then sighed. She pulled out more documents from her coat.

"...Of course, I've prepared everything. Including traces of attempts to eliminate evidence."

As expected!

Radatok looked at Dimona as though betrayed by his master.

"You didn't say anything to me..."

"It had to be kept secret. Everyone here is trustworthy, right? Apprentice Priest Jahad is still uncertain, but it's essentially as if you're on board with us."

"Praise to the competent Inquisitor Dimona!"

"Don't flatter me, Apprentice Priest Jahad. It gives me goosebumps. I wanted to see your reaction, but you're not very surprised, so it's no fun."

Oh, I was surprised. It's just that I had other plans in mind. I was thinking about overthrowing everything if things went south.

Now, I even have Brunach!

However, since I am still considered valuable, it seemed better to remain with the Order for now. Even if there are those who dislike me, there are also people who have now teamed up with me.

Creating a new group from scratch is far slower than taking over an existing one. After all, I don’t have much time left.

"Inquisitor Dimona."

"What is it?"

"You know I love you, right?"

"Inquisitor, could you please throw this person out of the carriage?"

"Haha, just joking."

"I'm not joking."

Dimona shot a piercing look at me.

"I trust the Inquisitor's words. But even that trust needs to go through my own verification process. Apprentice Priest Jahad, if you truly seek my help, prove your abilities. Then, on behalf of all the Inquisitors, I will stand by your side."

"As a subordinate?"

"As a comrade."

"That's a pity."

"You said so yourself earlier."

The teasing tone had completely vanished. Until just before we left the city, she had been toying with me from a superior position. Even this pouty Dimona was quite cute. Hmm. Delightful. Very delightful indeed.

One must indeed become competent to be recognized.

“Don’t worry.”

Moreover, I had already found a way to become stronger. My lone earring swung and glimmered as it moved.

"I'll prove it beyond your expectations."

We steadily made our way to the Cult Headquarters. Including the time I slept and the time spent inside Vaigines, it took almost a month and a half before I finally set foot in the city where the Headquarters was located.

The city of Ainkad.

Our journey that began at the frozen end of winter had now welcomed spring. I inhaled the scent of Ainkad deeply.

Ah.

Great.

It would have been even better if unwelcome faces weren't here.

"......"

A group from the Church was waiting for us. It included Beverick, the Apprentice Priest who always makes me want to toss him into a cesspit just by looking at his face, along with his father, Bishop Brody.

They greeted us with a few followers in tow.

With scowls on their faces.

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