I quickly averted Fabian's gaze.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"You're mixed. And very obviously so. If you keep giving off that scent, others will notice too."

"...Others?"

"Those similar to us. Hmm... Dwayne? Arfina will probably figure it out too..."

Fabian folded his fingers one by one. Both hands were fully folded.

"...More than I can count on my fingers?"

"Darn it!"

That's the problem with perceptive people!

I slid into the water, carefully watching Fabian's reaction. The handsome man met my eyes and burst out laughing.Fabian splashed water on me.

"I thought you came in so boldly because you had some secret ace up your sleeve. Are you telling me you really have nothing?"

"..."

Well, I do have something.

Causing chaos with Surtr.

My physical state has almost completely recovered. But could I really take Fabian down with the Demon Sword Surtr?

When I can’t even draw out 10% of Laevateinn’s power?

…It's impossible.

Yes, it is impossible, no doubt about it.

Initially, I was mistaken. I had too much blind faith in the phrase from the twisted holy scripture that said 'It won't be detected by ordinary holy power detectors.'

I do make mistakes, after all.

But that one mistake might just get me killed.

"...What are you going to do with me?"

"Hmm, I'm not sure. What should I do?"

Fabian spoke leisurely.

"First, I'd like to know what you're mixed with."

"......"

Answer well, Jahad.

Don't let it get complicated, right?

"...There was a time when I was drenched in an incredible amount of blood while fighting the Demon of the Snow."

"Was that really a demon?"

"Pardon?"

"No, just talking to myself. Anyway, so you got mixed with that?"

"There's nothing else, really..."

Surely, he can't see traces of Naga, right?

"Can I have your hand?"

I extended my hand.

He examined my Stigmata closely.

"It might sting."

Fire flared up in Fabian's hand.

"Ugh."

The flame seared my Stigmata. It hurt for a moment, but then it was fine. As the flame disappeared and the Stigmata shone, Fabian crossed his arms.

"So, it can't be identified... But Ra's Stigmata still activates well... Even when mixed, the divine power remains unchanged... If it was a demon's corrosion, surely Ra would have left, but since that didn't happen..."

Fabian shrugged his shoulders.

"Well, I guess there's no problem."

"...Really?!"

"Yeah. Well, want to try using a holy spell?"

I conjured the Holy Fire.

"For the holy spell to work properly means the divine power is flowing well. I thought perhaps your body was tainted by a demon, but it seems that's not the case after all… It seems your faith is still intact... There shouldn't be any major issues. Probably?"

"Phew."

"But even so, there will be many who doubt you. Didn't Dimona notice anything?"

"She didn't seem to care?"

"Is that so? Well, even if Dimona is doing well, it would still be difficult for her to fully grasp things on this side."

Fabian leaned in.

"So, as of now, I'm the only one who knows about this?"

"...Yes?"

"Would you like me to keep it a secret?"

"...Really?"

"Of course. I'm an Apostle, one of Ra's most prominent figures."

Fabian flashed a grin. He placed his hand on my Stigmata.

A sharp sensation passed through again. When he withdrew his hand, there wasn't much visible change.

I opened and closed my hand. It didn't seem like anything had changed. What's going on?

"Is it done?"

"Yeah. As long as you don't draw too much divine power, it won't be discovered. It's just a simple trick, so don't rely on it too much."

"...Why are you helping me?"

"Because it sounds fun?"

Fabian stood up.

"The current order is too quiet. It just wants to stay quietly at home like mice. Isn't that boring?"

"......"

"In the past, we didn't care about the Empire. In fact, the Empire used to care about us. We used to be the Empire, and the Empire used to be us."

A Holy Fire erupted from Fabian's body. The quiet flame burned through the moisture and then flickered out as quickly as it had appeared.

"But now, it's different. We've fallen to the bottom."

"...What is it that you want?"

"Everything."

He murmured.

"I want it all."

Silence enveloped the room.

Fabian looked back at me. The heavy silence suddenly vanished into thin air.

He smiled broadly and tapped my forehead lightly.

"Apprentice Priest Jahad, the whistleblower. I like the changes you're stirring up. It's good for this rotten cult to be shaken."

"Suddenly, I feel a heavy burden on my shoulders."

"Even if it feels heavy, endure it. That's why I've given you this gift. I expect you to show me many things. Let's meet at the Divine Tribunal, righteous Apprentice Priest."

He winked and walked out the door.

The attendant was flustered.

"Fa-Fabian?! How come you're in the bathhouse... Ahhh! Naked?!"

"Of course I'm naked, I just took a bath."

I leaned against the bathhouse wall. It was indeed the Fabian I knew.

Inconsiderate, acting as he pleases without regard for others' opinions.

Yet, at the same time, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off about him.

I must remain vigilant. Whatever happens, I'll use him if I can, but I won't allow myself to be used!

For now...

I'll make good use of this gift. Apostle of Ra.

“...Did you meet Apostle Fabian?”

Dimona examined me thoroughly.

“You didn't get hit anywhere? You’re not injured, right?”

“Would an apostle really beat a priest?”

“He's definitely the kind of person who might. Unpredictable. I thought you’d get punched because you can be quite rude... but you’re surprisingly okay?”

“What do you think of me?”

Dimona glared at me.

“It seems like as we become more equal, you're getting ruder.”

“If we’re on the same level, is there really a need for formality?”

“Although that’s true, it somehow bothers me.”

“What does it matter?”

I chuckled softly.

“Between friends.”

"...Friend?"

"Isn't it so?"

Dimona looked at me with a skeptical expression.

"You're so young, what do you mean..."

"Only outwardly. I'm actually quite old, you know?"

"You're sixteen."

"That's just my physical age. Mentally, I'm like a grandfather."

"I figured as much."

"Why are you so annoying?!"

Dimona gave me a gentle push on the back.

"Go in and rest. I have official duties to attend to, so I'll be a bit busy."

"Spend some more time with me."

"I told you I'm busy."

"I thought we could explore outside with the Inquisitor... I'm really curious about the Cult Headquarters."

There are some things I need to take a closer look at. Like the location of hidden relics, for example.

I clasped my hands together.My eyes sparkled.

"Could I ask a favor? O holy and great Inquisitor Dimona?"

"Hmm..."

Dimona smiled brightly.

"No."

Bang!

I was locked in the room. How cold-hearted she is.

An isolated room without a single window. Plus, it was at the end of the hallway, meaning I’d have to pass through several rooms to escape.

It was called a room, but it seemed more like a prison. At least it had a bed. I climbed onto the chair.

"...Sigh."

It's comfortable. After washing up, eating, and reaching the room, it felt like paradise. The trial was set to start three days from today.

Until then, I just had to wait here.

Dimona will handle the minor details, and all the evidence has already been secured.

Probably no unexpected changes will occur.

It's a rare moment of free time. I could enjoy it, but I have things I must do.

"Excuse me."

【......】

"I know you can hear me, right?"

【......】

"So, you’re not going to answer?"

I tapped the earring lightly. The Spear of Light, Brunach. A weapon transformed into an earring.

Originally, it would simply be a holy relic. However, this one aged for a long time inside Vaigines' belly.

It's only natural that it would lose its value as a relic. Despite that, Brunach did not lose its light and remained trapped inside the monster's stomach.

How?

The reason is simple. Its previous owner continued to protect it.

Or rather, no.

The word 'protect' isn't quite accurate.

It's better to say that it became her new body.

"Saint Beatrice."

The earring flinched.

"I know you're in there."

The earring trembled. The movement was slight, but I heard it clearly.

【...Gasp.】

A short intake of breath. A voice that shouldn't exist in this solitary place.

"We're the only ones here, so why not talk?"

【......】

"If you're going to keep silent, I only have one option."

【......】

Saint Beatrice. One of the strongest saints who fought against Vaigines, despite the cult's objections.

I encountered her several times in the game. The Holy Spear Brunach emerges naturally, even if the protagonist doesn't specifically aim to possess it.

One of the Sun God's priests who respects her is the one responsible for subjugating Vaigines.

Well, that's not what's important. What matters is that I know her, and I know what she dislikes the most.

I invoked the Holy Fire. It's not difficult. A simple flick of my fingers suffices.

A bright flame. The red holy spell flickered at my fingertips.

"You know, don't you? What kind of power resides within me."

【......】

"So pay close attention."

I stirred the divine power. Shadows began to cling to the edges of the Holy Fire.

I whispered softly.

"The flame of Ra that you cherish so much... watch how it becomes tainted."

Slowly, stealthily.

The shadow clinging to the tip of the flame started to crawl up little by little. The earring, which had been still as if dead, twitched violently.

【...How dare you...!】

The earring spat blood, and its voice rang loudly.

【...How dare you, as a follower of Ra, attempt to taint Ra's flame with darkness!!】

"See? You could speak all along, so why didn't you?"

【I have nothing to say to a traitor!】

"Traitor, you say. That's rather hurtful to the traitor who’s listening."

I extended the influence of the shadowy divine power. Half of the sacred flame was engulfed in darkness.

【No! Stop it! Th-this is blasphemy! Can't you stop that vile act immediately?!】

"Did I do something wrong?"

【Stop it! And yet you call yourself a priest of Ra!】

"Ah."

I whispered.

"Is it not enough?"

In an instant, the shadow swallowed the flame entirely.The earring foamed at the mouth.

【Aaaaah!! Get rid of that filthy flame at once! Just looking at it gives me chills all over!】

"Alright then."

I extinguished the flame. The earring took a breath.

【I have nothing to discuss with you!】

"Really?"

Look at it acting all high and mighty again just because the flame disappeared. But what can you do?

The night was long, and there was plenty of time.

Beatrice, who despised blasphemy above all else. She was known as a paragon of sainthood and a fanatic obsessed with Ra.

She was a woman who revered the flame more than anyone. So much so that some even called her an arsonist.

I grinned widely and ignited flames on all ten of my fingers.

"Then it seems I have nothing to say either."

【Oh, could it be...】

I slowly increased the power of the shadow aura.

"At what point will Saint Beatrice decide to converse with me?"

【Aaaaahhhh!!】

The flames repeatedly emerged from and vanished into the shadows. Beatrice's screams were quite pleasant to hear.

A young girl's scream...

How could I resist that!

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