Dimona screamed as if sobered up in an instant.

"No way!"

"Oh, come on, there's no room for dislike in this world."

"I said no! Do you even know what you're talking about?!"

Dimona gulped down the drink as if trying to swallow her irritation.

A silence lingered for a while. Dimona, who had been rinsing her mouth with the alcohol, let out a deep sigh.

"...Alright, look. I'll explain it to you clearly. You seem to not know the situation right now, so I'll make it understandable."

Dimona grabbed a blank sheet of paper and began to write quickly with a pen.

"The Sun God Religion, also known as the Cult of Ra, is composed of one main power and four independent institutions. Think of the main power as just a general hierarchy centered around His Holiness the Pope. It's also known as the Papal Court. Currently, Archbishop Dwayne has a firm grip here. It's essentially the Sun God Religion itself."

Dimona quickly sketched some lines.

"The other four are independently operated institutions. Instead of being directly entangled with the Papal Court, they receive commissions from them. Think of it as stepping back from the complex political scene of the Papal Court in exchange for independent operational rights."

"What are they?"

"First, there's this one... the 'Inquisition Office.' We are responsible for condemning heretics, and sometimes we handle the work of other Paladins. Lately, the latter is more common because the influence of religion has waned, making the definition of heresy quite vague."

"What about the rest?"

"Another is the 'Priestess of the Day.’ It's a combat unit directly under the Pope. It's not a place just anyone can join—only the elite of the elite. It's said that if two or three of them gather, they can match a full Apostle.

Because of the danger involved, they only act when His Holiness is at risk. And then let me see... there's one called the 'Time of Night,' a business organization.

The 'Time of Night' manages most of the financial circulation operated by the Sun God Religion. It's essentially a large trading company, composed of dozens of smaller ones. Even if internal conflicts occur within the Sun God Religion, this place has never gone bankrupt."

Dimona quickly drew the last line.

"The other one is the 'Punishment Execution Center.' It's responsible for handling heretics and traitors. Just like where the convicts are gathered, this place is just as powerful as the Inquisition Office.

It's independent enough to be described as very unruly. In fact, it's located at a distance from the Cult Headquarters, so there's hardly any interference."

"Hmmm..."

"Now, a question for you. We are an independent organization, right? So why do you think I'm hesitant to accept you?"

Well, it seems pretty obvious.

"You said you receive commissions, right? Even though it's an independent institution, it can't be completely isolated. After all, it's part of the Sun God Religion, so wouldn't it be influenced by the Papal Court?"

"Precisely. It's called an independent organization, but it's essentially just another underling. They claim to acknowledge some degree of autonomy, but in the end, you have no choice but to follow orders."

Dimona frowned deeply.

"On top of that, Archbishop Dwayne doesn't get along well with our Inquisition Office."

"Why is that?"

"Honestly, there's no specific reason. To be frank, Archbishop Dwayne is quite competent, but he's not exactly a good person. Judging by his actions, he's practically a heretic. I'd love to bring him down, but he's too powerful to tackle just like that. And besides..."

Dimona sighed.

"I'm not the only Inquisitor. There are five Inquisitors in total, and three of them have fallen under Archbishop Dwayne's influence. You see? It's a situation where we have enemies outside, but also inside. I'm only managing because I'm doing a decent job, but those corrupt bastards accuse me of arrogance and incompetence. It makes me want to just eliminate them... ha."

"So, what's your conclusion?"

"If I take you in, it'll be like declaring an outright battle with Archbishop Dwayne, who already doesn't view us favorably. Do you know what would happen then?"

Dimona took a swig of her drink.

"Not only would all the burdens fall on me, but my subordinates—every single one of my Inquisitors—would end up dead. We're already short-staffed, and they're struggling... Do you want me to push them to their deaths? Damn it. I'd rather hang myself."

"I didn't expect you to be so considerate."

"Hey, do you have a death wish? I'm just protecting my people. The politics of it is just about holding on to what I have."

There certainly are issues. If I just enter as a simple Inquisitor, Archbishop Dwayne will surely hinder my every step.

But for me, this is the best choice. If I can connect with someone like Dimona, she wouldn't flatly reject me. Moreover, working as an Inquisitor would allow me to quickly build up a track record.

Entering the Academy on time is the most critical thing right now. Leaving the church isn't an option. This is the fastest way. Furthermore, leaving the church without having gained sufficient power is ill-advised.

The moment I use divine power outside, people will immediately label me a heretic for using Ra's power after leaving the church. That might make me Dimona's enemy. A capable ally turning into an enemy is always more troublesome.

Ultimately, staying here is the best choice.

I snatched her drink away. Dimona scowled.

"Give me my drink."

"Is it okay to drink alone? We should share."

"I have no intention of matching pace with a minor. If you don't like it, come back when you're a year older."

"Inquisitor Dimona."

I lowered my voice. Dimona hurriedly clapped her hands over her ears.

"Can't hear. Can't hear. Don't lower your voice. I'm not falling for it."

"I haven't said anything yet."

"I heard everything from Radatok. He said you have a snake-like tongue, and that you managed to put two sects into a temporary truce with your words. Why should I listen to you? You're trying to persuade me right now, aren't you?"

"Well, that's true..."

"Listen, I'll be blunt."

Dimona took her drink back from my hand.

"Letting you in here is a gamble. Even if I can somehow manage it with my authority, it would be like trampling on the little future I have left. So no, I don't want to accept you."

I stared at Dimona. Although it was the fastest path, it wasn't the only one.

From the start, I was confident I could survive under Archbishop Dwayne. Still, I chose her because of her character.

I had to ask, to see if it was the same as in the game.

"Inquisitor Dimona."

"What is it now?"

"Why doesn't Inquisitor Dimona accept the bribes from Archbishop Dwayne?"

"......"

Dimona gulped down her drink, draining it to the last drop.

"If you accepted, you could probably afford more luxurious drinks than the one you’re having now."

"Why, you ask?"

Dimona glared at me.

"It's the last bit of conscience I have as a clergy member. Does that answer satisfy you?"

"...Pfft."

Well, it's just the same.

Once she decides to trust someone, she'll never betray them. I really like that.

You have to choose the right people to work with. Having ability doesn't mean everything in this world.

"What are you laughing at? What?"

"Inquisitor Dimona, would you like to place a bet with me?"

"No."

"Just hear me out."

"La la la la la, I can't hear you, I won't hear you."

"It's nothing big, just how about giving me a chance?"

"...What?"

Dimona blinked in surprise. I flashed a wide grin.

"Most Inquisitors probably know about this situation already, right? So after explaining everything, I'm asking if I can join. What do you think?"

"Hmm?"

Dimona tilted her head, looking genuinely puzzled.

"Do you think that's going to work? My subordinates aren't children… Considering the current situation, it's only natural to refuse... It's not like I owe you my life just because you helped me once..."

"Just give me a chance. You know I have nowhere to go if I get kicked out of here. Sniff, sniff. Archbishop Dwayne is scary. He'll probably have my head chopped off. Ah... I'm going to die... Even though I saved Radatok, I'll be helpless, all alone..."

"...Damn it."

Dimona snapped angrily.

"I'll just ask! That's all! Do you understand?!"

Fine.

Well, it's basically game over already.

You wouldn't know just from hearing about it. You have no idea what really went on in there!

Those guys are all on my side!

"Hehehe."

"Wow. What a face that just makes you want to punch it."

Dimona visited two days later.

"No, seriously?! What are you?!"

Formalities had completely disappeared. I leisurely drank my tea.

"What are you saying?"

"This isn't...even children's play... How did you manage it?!"

"Maybe they were swayed by my piety?"

"Ugh, seriously!!"

Dimona pressed her forehead and ran her hand down her face.

"...You were right. The Inquisitors who interacted with you all gave their approval."

"What did Radatok say?"

"Radatok also... gave his approval. Above all, that bear-like man, who is always concerned about me, agreed to accept you. Are you some kind of fated ally or something? Huh?"

"Rather than fated allies, they probably just know."

"Know what?"

"If they follow me..."

I casually made a circle with my fingers.

"That there will be rewards?"

"...Ahhh!!! If I had known, I would have just gone to the place where the Demon of the Snow was! Since I didn’t see it firsthand, I can't tell what's what!"

Dimona banged her head on the desk. Given her nature, she's frustrated because she couldn't see for herself whether I'm trustworthy or worth investing in.

She's practically the leader of the group. She can't recklessly bear risks, so she must be cautious.

Moreover, she's not someone who moves based on the words of others. She's the type who needs to see with her own eyes to act.

"Dimona, Inquisitor."

"What now?!"

"So? Didn't we make a bet? You're not going back on your word, are you?"

"As if I would! I'm Dimona! An Inquisitor, remember?"

"Thank you oh great inquisitor."

"Ahhh! Really! Move over!"

Dimona took over my bed and thrust some documents in my face.

"Sign these!"

"What is this?"

"Although you've been appointed as a full priest, you still lack some education, right? So, I've decided to enroll you directly under my name at the Pontifical Theological Academy."

"You want me to go to school despite having no time?"

"Anyway, you can only take accelerated courses. Cases like yours, where someone becomes a priest, are rare. Archbishop Dwayne compressed the education period into just a month. Specialized teachers will push you hard, day and night, to quickly make you a full-fledged priest and, of course, to torment you along the way."

Dimona handed me a pen.

"Sign here, and I'll tell you my condition."

"Can't you tell me first?"

"Just sign it. Becoming a priest immediately was something I stretched the rules for, after all, extending your timeline by just a month."

I signed lightly. I did want to enhance my qualifications further. With so many holy spells to learn, it wasn't a bad idea to delve into the academy.

"Here."

"Alright. There's only one condition."

She handed me another sheet of paper.

"You have a total of twelve subjects to study. Bring back grades in all twelve that will leave the specialized teachers speechless."

"Sure, that's manageable."

"I know it sounds impossible, but you need to achieve that… What? What did you just say?"

"It's not a difficult task at all. Isn't the condition too easy, rather?"

I used to be good at using my head. Remembering and retrieving information was something I had always done well.

And as for physical strength, that's as evident as it gets. In terms of sheer might, I'm on par with a Bishop. I am confident I wouldn't lose in a match. While learning more advanced holy spells would make it easier, I can manage even now.

And as for learning new holy spells?

That's precisely my specialty!

Dimona's expression soured.

"I think you’re seriously mistaken... It's not as easy as you think. You're essentially trying to learn two years' worth of knowledge at once. Do you understand? And you have to achieve remarkable grades in all of it? Everything needs to be an A+. That's the kind of result I expect from you!”

“It's easy even if I slack off a little."

"...Where does this confidence come from? You're just an Apprentice Priest, you know? No matter how talented you are, there are limits."

"But I'm an Apostle, you know?"

"Whether you're an Apostle or whatever, in the end, the difference is the total amount of holy power. It's unrelated to stuffing knowledge into your head, you know?"

"You'll see."

I glanced at Dimona.

"If I pass everything, you'll let me in, right?"

"...Ahaha. Go ahead and try. Even I, who was once called a genius, took six months. You think it's easy? I'm curious about what will happen in a month. How that confident face of yours will crumble."

"I'm curious as well, Inquisitor Dimona. What kind of expression will you have in a month?"

"...In one month. Right here. I will come back."

"Bring the appointment letter. Understood?"

Dimona growled like an angry cat.

"I'm telling you in advance! If you fail, that's the end! I'm not going to help you at all, so don't count on it! You've already defied Archbishop Dwayne, so keep that in mind! You've already taken on all the risks!"

"Ah. Yes. Go on in. I won't go far since I have to study."

"Argh, seriously! You never give in!"

I stretched with a yawn.

Alright, let's give it a try.

All A+?

Easy. Piece of cake. Let’s sweep them all! After all, this is...

Something I studied once in the game!

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