I jumped off the carriage with a hop. Beverick flinched.

"Beverick, Apprentice Priest. What's wrong?"

"You... you, you..."

Judging by his stuttering, he's definitely been properly trained. Well, it's only natural, given how much he's been scolded. Forgetting would be stranger.

There was a middle-aged man glaring at me. He had a well-groomed beard and carried a heavy presence. His image was the complete opposite of the laid-back Beverick.

"...Are you Apprentice Priest Jahad?"

"Yes, and you must be Bishop Brody?"

"That's right. I am Brody. Beverick's father and—"

He looked down at me. His intimidation was no joke.

"I'm here to clear Apprentice Priest Beverick of false charges."

"False charges, you say?"

I casually shook off the intimidating presence of the fiery divine power.

"Aren't you being a little too protective just because he's your kid? Come on, be honest. If that boy were my son, I would've stripped him bare and thrown him off a bridge by now."

"......"

Bishop Brody's eyes widened slightly. He took a short breath after witnessing the divine power bounce off.

With glaring eyes and a flash of anger.

"You... you're no ordinary Apprentice Priest!"

"Obviously."

"Reveal your identity!"

"My identity is..."

I clasped my hands together and said a short prayer.

[The Prayer of Fire (C) is activated.]

[You feel warmth spreading through your body.]

[Your physical abilities are enhanced.]

I gave a wide smile.

"As a devotee of Ra and an Apprentice Priest striving to become a full priest soon."

"You're just playing with words!"

"Whether it's playing with words or not."

I lowered my voice, whispering just enough so that only he could hear.

"If you're upset, let's settle this in court. Make way, old bald man. Did you reserve the road?"

"You little..."

Whoosh.

Flames arose. Despite his status as a Bishop, his flames only slightly surpassed mine, flickering beneath my chin.

I could block it if I wanted to, but I let it be. Why?

I have a loyal bear on my side!

Boom!

A loud explosion sounded. Bishop Brody was thrown backward. Seeing him spring back up, the damage didn’t seem severe. However, his face was now covered in dirt, significantly undermining his previously neat appearance.

"What on earth is this, Inquisitor Radatok?!"

"I should be asking you, Bishop Brody."

Ratatok, who was shielding me, glared at him coldly.

"What were you trying to do to Brother Jahad, merely an Apprentice Priest?"

"I was just trying to teach some manners to this disrespectful youth!"

"He’s the accuser in the holy trial right now. Until the trial concludes, no one can touch him. If you wish to do so..."

Iron Blood Bear Radatok stepped forward. Beverick shrieked and scurried backward.

"You’ll have to go through me first."

"...Grr!"

Bishop Brody scrambled to his feet, glaring at me and gritting his teeth in anger.

"You little... It won't be long before you stop walking around with your head held high. You will lose, and even the gods will crush your dishonored name!"

"Oh, yes."

"This insolent brat!!!"

"Bishop Brody."

Radatok placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"This is your final warning."

"...Damn it!"

Brody turned away in a huff. Watching him and his group move away, Radatok sighed.

"Are you planning to make even more enemies?"

"The relationship is already broken, so why bother bowing to them? I don't really like groveling before those who offer nothing in return."

When I think about having to bow to that damn Beverick, it just makes me want to pay him back more.

We then walked with determined steps. Cult Headquarters.

In front of me stood the grand cathedral located in the city of Ainkad. Its size alone matched that of the small city.

One of the largest cults in the declining yet still glimmering Empire.

The Cult of Ra spread out before my eyes.

"Whew."

Everywhere I looked was filled with holiness. There wasn't a speck of dust, and the colors of pure white and flame were splashed across the surroundings.

Majesty. Wonder. It felt like exploring the most beautiful place among ancient cities.

I calmed my pounding heart. Seeing it in person, I couldn't contain the excitement overwhelming me.

It's incredible.

Alright.

Let's swiftly take care of the divine trial and then go for a stroll!

Inquisitor Dimona spoke.

"The trial preparations are already complete."

"Then can I go out for a bit?"

"...Until then, the whistleblower must be isolated. There should be no contact with the outside."

"What a bothersome system."

"Why are you so relaxed?"

"Because I don't think I will lose."

Even if I were to lose, I would just overturn everything and leave.

If nothing works, well...

I can always rely on Naga!

[That's not really something you can just—]

‘Won't you help me?’

[Uh, my sister would scold me…]

‘Lord Naga, I trust you.’

I whispered to her.

‘You can do at least that much for me, right? I appreciate the way Lord Naga supports me. She is a goddess who works hard for me.’

[L-l-l-l-like...?]

Her voice trembled and then melted away.

[Y-ye...still...c-c-can't...oh...but...what to do...what to do…]

‘I believe in you.’

[Oh...Ha-eut...I can't...I really can't...Still... if Jahad says so…]

"Excuse me. What are you doing in the corner?"

"Thinking of becoming a heretic?"

"What?!"

"Just kidding."

I crossed the threshold of the temple. I naturally parted ways with the Inquisitors.

"We must report to the higher-ups now."

Radatok took my hand.

"Our oath will remain even if my body turns to ashes."

"I trust you, Brother Radatok."

"May the sun endure forever."

The other Inquisitors raised their voices in unison.

"Brother! See you soon!"

"If something comes up again, let's go together!"

"If you ever want to become an Inquisitor, come find me!"

"I will respectfully call you 'Hyung' (older brother)!"

"But you're younger and want to call me 'Hyung'? Is that even possible?"

"Well, it works for me."

"Me too! Jahad Hyung! Make sure to come visit us!"

The enthusiastic cheers of the men.

Everyone in the church was focused on me, but I didn't mind. In fact, I felt proud. Ah, of course.

Sincerity always feels good, doesn't it?

"...Keep your face straight while you walk."

"Where are we going?"

"There's no need for additional greetings. As the Inquisitor, I fully manage the whistleblower. But you..."

She glanced up at my shabby appearance.

My clothes were stained with blood and pus. Even after a wash, they still looked like rags. Since we hadn't stopped in any villages and had rushed here, I looked no different from a beggar.

"Let's get cleaned up first."

"That's a hassle."

"...Are you serious?"

"No? Just kidding."

To be honest, I really did want to take a good scrub in a clean bath.

"Will you feed me after I wash?"

"Depends on how you behave."

"Come on, I know you'll give me food."

"...Why are you so annoying?"

Splash!

I jumped straight into the water. A vast golden tub, with water pouring down like a waterfall.

"Ahhh..."

Paradise.

It's paradise.

I leaned my body against the marble backrest. As the warm water enveloped me, I soon felt drowsy.

"Apprentice Priest Jahad, I'll leave your clothes here."

The servant, who was tasked with both watching over me and attending to my needs, spoke from beyond the door. I gave a half-hearted response and dunked my head completely under the water.

Bubble bubble bubble.

Playing in the water is always fun.

I popped up and stood, only to bump into something.

A firm chest.

I raised my eyes.

"Hello?"

"...Who might you be?"

"Does it really matter who I am?"

The long-haired man sat beside me and submerged himself in the water. A lazy sigh escaped his lips.

"What matters is having warm water to immerse your body in. Wouldn't you agree?"

"I don't agree. Who are you?"

"...You don't appreciate the finer things."

The man had a handsome face, but his body was covered in scars. After splashing his face and sweeping back his hair, he glanced at me casually.

Emerald green eyes. His skin was slightly tanned. He was muscular, but his build was far from unappealing.

A body hardened by battles. Long black hair lightly resting on it.

I felt like I should recognize him... Who could he be?

"Are you the whistleblower?"

"Who are you?"

"...Could you answer my question first?"

"Why bother asking when you already know?"

"Is that so?"

The man grinned widely.

"Fabian. That's my name."

"...Fabian?"

Oh.

Fabian?

One of Ra's Apostles?

I took another careful look at his face. Yes. That's right. He looks just like the illustration. Unbelievable.

Did they make him too handsome?!

I stood up swiftly.

I looked down at Fabian.

Fabian's gaze dropped, and he flinched slightly.

"Wow... You're quite something, aren't you? You've got a promising future."

"You're the impressive one, aren't you?"

We both exchanged thumbs up with a sly grin, forming an instant camaraderie. I casually turned and sat down next to him.

"So, what brings you here?"

"Do you know who I am?"

"Of course. If I didn't, I'd be out of the loop. Fabian, one of Ra's Apostles."

"...And knowing that, you're still so calm?"

"Won't all sorts of people gather for the divine trial? It won't do to be surprised already. I'm saving my astonishment for later."

"Hmm..."

Fabian gave a sly smile.

"You're an interesting guy."

Fabian, one of Ra's Apostles.

He is the Paladin Order Leader of the Paladin Order known as the 'Traces of Ash.'

Famous for his unpredictable nature and tendency to proceed with things as he pleases, luckily, his innate goodness keeps him from crossing the line too severely.

Still, he was one of Ra's Apostles. Among the top ranks in terms of might within the order, rivaling that of a Cardinal or even the Pope.

Standing before me was one of the strongest individuals in this world. I kept a casual smile, but truthfully, I was a little anxious.

Damn it.

He's too formidable to face just yet. If things go wrong between us, I could be annihilated.

He glanced at me. After a brief pondering with a "Hmm," he smiled again.

"Jahad, the Apprentice Priest and whistleblower."

"Pardon?"

"I can understand everything else, but there's one thing I can't comprehend."

He leaned in towards me.

He whispered softly.

"What are you mixed with?"

...I thought it was going well, but damn it.

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