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This chapter 1/3 for the 1st week of January 2026.
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Decus 2, 3023, Day of Satur, 11:13 a.m.
Gru'n Town, Iron Kingdom.
A green-colored Draghorn carrying a Crusader and an Inquisitor on its back was descending to a wet and foggy compound.
When the Draghorn finally landed at the compound, Vivian quickly climbed down and then untied her suitcase from the monster.
"Thank you, Sister High Sergeant, and may the God of Light always watch over you."
Juana saluted.
"May the God of Light always watch over you as well, Sister Inquisitor," she said and then flew away with her mount, Pipi.
As Vivian turned around, she saw a familiar White Cloak Priest in his mid-30s heading her way along with a Guard.
As the two men were heading over to Vivian, they couldn't help but stare at her clothes, because it was something they had never saw before. And if they were to be honest, it looked like a butler's clothes.
What was this guy's name again…?
Brother Nico…?
Vivian decided to meet them halfway.
But I wonder, is it spelled N-i-c-o or N-i-k-o…?
Or perhaps N-i-k-k-o…?
She tried to recall the document that Pen gave her back when she first arrived here at Gru'n Town.
Hmm…
I believe it's Nico…
When Nico and the Guard finally reached Vivian, they immediately stopped and greeted her.
"Welcome back, Sister Inquisitor Monad, and may the God of Light be with you," Nico said as he smiled and lowered his head a bit.
The Guard, on the other hand, saluted.
And Vivian stopped, and then gave a casual salute.
"May the God of Light be with you as well, Brother," she said and then resumed walking. "I'm here to resume my duties. Where are Brother Inquisitor Craft and the others?"
Nico and the Guard started walking as well, with Nico beside Vivian and the Guard behind them.
"Brother Inquisitor Craft is at the Meeting Room assigned to your Holy Crusade Squad. I believe he's with Brother High Captain Eoin and Brother High Lieutenant Caleb."
"What happened to the rest of the members?"
"Brother Inquisitor Song and Brother Captain Kian are still missing, but Brother High Lieutenant Stale's body was found 7 days ago.
Vivian raised an eyebrow behind her Inquisitor Half-Mask.
Brother High Lieutenant Stale's body was found 7 days ago...?
Right…
Song, Kian and Stale were part of the first Squad along with Brother Lieutenant Jamaal and Sister Inquisitor Mabel…
And when I arrived, they went missing after meeting a potential suspect or lead at a restaurant-sauna called Burning Gem…
"Sister Inquisitor Mabel, Brother High Captain Sveinung and Brother Lieutenant Jamaal went to Heus'chrecke Village this morning to follow up on a lead.
"And High Brother Zacharias and Lord Sven left 5 days ago."
Lord Sven…?
Oh, right…
The Aristocratic Noble from the dog family…
"You mentioned that Brother High Lieutenant Stale's body was found?" Vivian asked.
Nico nodded.
"Yes, his body was found in the sewers 7 days ago. But unfortunately, less than 50% of his body was recovered, so he couldn't be resurrected."
"I see. Did anyone touch my room?"
Nico blinked a few times.
"Ah… When Brother Inquisitor Craft and the others thought that you and Lord Konrad disappeared like Brother Inquisitor Song, Brother Captain Kian and Brother High Lieutenant Stale, Brother Inquisitor Craft ordered your Squad to check your rooms, and then had Lord Sven track you and Lord Konrad's scent."
"Did they find Lord Konrad?"
"I'm not sure. All I know, the day everyone thought you and Lord Konrad disappeared, Lord Sven, High Brother Zacharias, High Captain Sveinung and High Captain Eoin went out of the town to search for you and then returned a few hours later."
"I see."
I've got to make sure none of my items inside my room are missing…
Who knows, some pervert might steal my bra and underwear…
I also have to make sure if they added a bug or something…
***
11:31 a.m.
Temple of Priests Building, Gru'n Town.
Ka-cha, ku-chud.
A door opened and Vivian stepped inside the Meeting Room assigned to their Holy Crusade Squad before closing the door behind her.
As she swept her gaze around, she noticed that there were 5 people inside the room and they were all looking at her. And they also noticed her peculiar attire that reminded them of a butler.
Craft was at the lounging area talking to a pale-skinned White Cloak Priest in his late 30s and another pale-skinned civilian in his early 40s who looked like a Noble.
Meanwhile, Eoin and Caleb were seated at that long table where there were piles of documents and a Memory Crystal on top of it.
Are they currently interrogating someone…?
That stupid Nico didn't mention anything about this…
Whatever…
Vivian casually went over to the long table where Eoin and Caleb were.
Should I give them a salute…?
I mean…
Yes, Eoin is a High Captain and Caleb is a Lieutenant…
However…
The former is Air Division and the latter is Infantry…
One is nothing but a glorified courier, while the other is just from the retard Division…
And I doubt they're stronger than me…
I mean, I already know that Caleb isn't…
But Eoin…?
I'm also sure…
She let out a sigh.
Well…
Whatever…
Let's just try to be kind, but casual…
When she finally reached the table, she offered a weak salute.
"May the God of Light be with you, Brothers," she said without waiting for their replies and pulling a chair.
Both Eoin and Caleb nodded.
"May the God of Light be with you also, Sister Inquisitor."
"May the God of Light be with you also, Sister Inquisitor Monad."
As Vivian was making herself comfortable in her seat, both men glanced at each other.
When they first found out that Vivian and Konrad had vanished, they immediately went to search for them with Sven on the lead because of his Lore Magic, and it left them confused.
First off, Vivian and Konrad went to the same place together, which was about 2 miles north outside of the town.
Secondly, the place they went to turned out to be a battleground.
Thirdly, there were bizarre clues on the battleground, such as giant footsteps and handprints that looked like they belonged to a 10-meter-tall demon.
Fourthly, they found Konrad's corpse, or at least what was left of it, which was just bits and pieces, suggesting he was killed with an Explosive-Type Physical Art.
Fifthly, Vivian's scent ended at that battle scene with no trace of her body parts.
And lastly, the entire Swamp of Gelfal'lenen and some section of the Battlefield of Hel'den, particularly the southeast area, were completely destroyed.
They had no idea why Vivian and Konrad went there. As for the battle, first off, demons have no scent, so their main theory was that the demon killed Konrad and ate Vivian at the battleground, and then went to the Swamp of Gelfal'lenen and the Battlefield of Hel'den to destroy a target or targets before finally disappearing. And then 2 days later, Craft and the entire Squad received a letter from the Inquisitory Division that Sister Inquisitor Monad was at the Inquisitory Division Headquarters.
At that moment, if Eoin and Caleb were to be honest, they wanted to ask Vivian what had happened. However, they were aware that she was an Inquisitor, and only a higher-ranking Inquisitor and a representative from the Holy Palace at the Holy City could ask an Inquisitor such a question.
In addition to that, they also had their own interest.
In Eoin's case, based on Vivian's accent, he could tell that Vivian was definitely from the same Chapter Temple as him, the Luxen Chapter Temple. However, he doesn't remember any Sister who has her hair color and is around her age.
Meanwhile, in Caleb's case, aside from the fact that he could also tell that Vivian was from the Luxen Chapter Temple due to her accent, he was also curious how Eoin and she would interact with each other. After all, he knew that Vivian was ruthless and was also quite strong for her age. The time he shared with Vivian back at Plano Town was still fresh inside his mind -- she decapitated a pickpocketer with her bare hand, she decapitated Ferdino but with her fist, and she left him half-dead when she kicked him after he accidentally struck her with his Lore Magic, [Holy Wrath].
Vivian got up from her seat and went over to the kitchen to get a bottle of wine and a glass.
Hopefully, there are chocolates here…
The Iron Kingdom has the best chocolates…
At least when compared to the ones I've had at the Holy City…
***
12:05 p.m.
The White Cloak Priest and the Noble that Craft was talking to got up and then bid farewell. And when they finally left the Meeting Room, Craft turned to Vivian, who was still at the long table along with Eoin and Caleb, and enjoying a glass of wine.
He got up from his seat and went over to them.
"Welcome back, Sister Inquisitor. And may the God of Light watch over you."
Vivian placed her glass down and turned to him.
"May the God of Light watch over you as well, Brother Inquisitor."
"Since you've returned, I'm assuming you're ready to continue your duties?"
"Yes. What do I have to do?"
Craft went over to one of the folders laid out on the table, grabbed one of them, and then slid it over to Vivian.
"I need you to go to Blauer'nebe Town and speak with Lord Ansgar of the Blauer'nebe family.
"One of his main roles is hosting a legal and sanctioned auction house named Tierkunst. Find out the truth about whether he also engages in illegal trades. Ask him if he knows anyone who bought a large supply of Duft Powder or any of the ingredients related to Duft Powder in the last 10 years. Other details of his background are here.
"Apart from High Captain Eoin and High Lieutenant Caleb accompanying you, I suggest you also request more bodyguards from the Branch Chapter Temple Blauer'nebe Town just to be safe.
"Do you have any questions?"
Vivian raised an eyebrow as she stared at the folder.
So they're still stuck with the Duft Powder…?
And the Blauer'nebe family…
She tried to recall the document that Pen gave her about the Aristocratic Noble families.
As far as I know, they're unlike the other Aristocratic Noble families…
They have both a Patriarch and a Matriarch…
Baron Vinzenz and Baroness Susanna…
The reason behind that is because of their Lore Magic…
The male members can emit a blue-colored mist that can semi-hypnotize women…
And if they want to completely hypnotize a woman, they can transform into a blue-colored mist and then enter the woman's body…
The female members, it's basically the same, except for two things:…
Instead of a blue-colored mist, theirs was pink…
And instead of semi-hypnotizing or completely hypnotizing women, theirs only work on men…
The hypnotizing effect of their [Lore Magic] is based on the caster's Magic Force…
And because of their peculiar Lore Magic…
All of their male members are stationed at Blauer'nebe Town and led by Baron Vinzenz…
Meanwhile, all of their female members are stationed at Rosa'nebel Village and led by Baroness Susanna…
She slid the folder close to her and then returned her gaze to Craft.
"I was informed that you've found Brother High Lieutenant Stale's body?"
Craft nodded.
"We have, but the only clue we found is that whoever killed him was someone who could cleanly slice someone who has a Physical Force of Adamantite with a single strike.
"And given that we still haven't found Brother Inquisitor Song and Brother Captain Kian, then we can assume that the suspect or suspects' Physical and Magic Force is way higher."
"I'm not sure how powerful Brother Inquisitor Song is, but I know Brother Captain Kian, because I've participated in a few Field Missions with him before. He's a Gold Cloak, someone with 3 Magic Art Affinities, and a great fighter," Eoin said with a grave tone and a hint of anger.
Caleb nodded.
"Although I've only been in one Field Mission with Brother Captain Kian, I agree with Brother Captain Eoin's assessment."
Vivian glanced at Eoin.
This guy…
His accent sounds like it's from the Luxen Chapter Temple…
But for that Brother Captain Kian, from what I read in the documents, he's from the Twin Chapter Temple and part of the Infantry Division…
So the suspicion that the suspect or suspects must be a powerful Priest, Noble, or an Aristocratic Noble still stands…
However, the item that started all of this investigation was a lost and forbidden Rune Art that could block Affinity Crystals…
Because of that, I wouldn't be surprised if the suspect or suspects turned out to be demon-worshippers...
Vivian returned her attention to Craft, who was now sitting down with everyone at the table.
"If Brother High Captain Eoin and Brother Lieutenant Caleb are to accompany me, who would accompany you?"
"There's no need to worry. I will be staying in this Branch Chapter Temple to wait for Sister Inquisitor Mabel and the others to return. I doubt anyone would dare to attack me here."
Vivian swept her gaze around everyone for a moment.
"No offense, brother, but I also suspect our Brothers and Sisters here. Have you used [Halo] on them to make sure they're not working with the suspect or suspects?"
Eoin and Caleb's eyes turned wide.
"Why do you suspect our Brothers and Sisters, Sister Inquisitor?" Craft asked.
"Just think about it: The suspects are confident enough to murder and kidnap an Inquisitor and a Captain with 3 Magic Art Affinities from the Infantry Division. To be able to pull that off, there's no doubt that the main suspect is someone from a powerful background and with powerful subordinates. So as far as I'm concerned, everyone here is a suspect unless we've already asked them with [Halo]."
Craft nodded.
"I understand your concerns, sister. But if the suspects ever decide to attack me here in this building, then what would be the point of them hiding in the dark after all this time? Attacking me here will only grab more attention. And once that happens, the Holy Kingdom would have to send an army to quarantine the entire Viscount Domain of the Marquis Faction, and then force everyone here, regardless of their background, to be interrogated with [Halo].
"I believe that Brother Inquisitor Song, Brother Captain Kian and Brother High Lieutenant Stale discovered something very important that afternoon they disappeared, which is why the suspect or suspects had no choice but to take a very risky measure. And if we could find out whatever that was, we'll be able to solve this case."
Vivian turned to Caleb.
I don't know how powerful Eoin is…
But with Caleb, I at least know he's from one of the Golden Families…
And he and I have a past…
So controlling him would be easier…
"Brother High Lieutenant, can you fly a Draghorn or a Rhonea?"
"Yes."
Vivian got up from her seat and then focused on Craft.
"Brother High Lieutenant and I have worked in the past, and we have something that only he and I can do, think of it like some sort of secret Lore Magic that we can't disclose."
Craft and Eoin looked at Caleb.
"What…?" Caleb said with a confused expression.
"So I suggest that only the Brother High Lieutenant and I go to Blauer'nebel Town, while Brother Captain Eoin stays here with you, Brother," she said and returned her attention to Caleb. "Brother High Lieutenant, please prepare a single mount for the both of us."
Craft knitted his brows behind his Inquisitor Full-Mask.
"Sister, I'm not sure what's really going on here. But if you want --"
[Halo].
A golden glowing ring appeared on Vivian's back and everyone was caught in a semi-trance.
She then deactivated her [Halo].
Once everyone woke up from the semi-trance, apart from Caleb, both Craft and Eoin looked at Vivian in astonishment.
"Do you understand now, Brothers? All of you are too weak and have wasted too much time playing around with useless rules.
"One of our Brothers is dead, and two are still missing. I don't know about all of you, but I want to save them as soon as possible.
"So from now on, Brother High Lieutenant Caleb and I will take the lead in doing the straightforward, dangerous tasks.
"And if you have any disagreement with how I deal with things, go cry your grievances over to Brother Inquisitor Pen."
She turned away and headed for the door.
"Brother High Lieutenant, I'll be waiting in my room. Send someone once you're ready."
When she reached the door, she stopped and turned to them.
"And oh, if any of you speak to others about my strength or anything about me, I will know who it is. After all, only you 3 know of my strength. And once I figure out who it is, I swear to the God of Light that you will get the appropriate punishment."
Ka-cha, chud.
***
12:35 p.m.
Vivian stepped into the open area space where the flying mounts land and take off within the compound of Branch Chapter Temple in Gru'n Town.
At the center of the space, Caleb, who was donned in his full Crusader armor set, was standing next to a red-colored Draghorn that was staring intently at Vivian as if it was ready to attack her at any moment.
She let out a sigh.
This is why I didn't like to bring Eoin…
[Poison Golem].
A 3-meter-tall golem made out of green mana started to manifest on her side, and then she started casually walking forward.
Seeing the Golem, Caleb and everyone nearby were confused.
[Fire Lance].
Woooh!
The Draghorn hurled a spell towards Vivian.
Vooom!
The Poison Golem finally fully manifested and immediately rushed over to Draghorn.
Psssh…!
Braaag…!
Ba-pssh, ba-pssh, ba-pssh…!
When the Golem arrived in front of the Draghorn, it grabbed the monster's jaw, causing green mist to burst out from the touch and the monster going limp. It then slammed the monster's head into the solid concrete and began beating it into a bloody pulp.
Vivian was casually walking forward to Caleb, who had a confused expression written all over his face.
Had I known that I would be going to Blauer'nebel Town, I would've asked Juana to stay…
Should I ask her to accompany me instead of Caleb…?
She shook her head.
She's too weak and she'd be a perfect victim of the Blauer'nebel family's Lore Magic…
As for Caleb, he thought about stopping the Golem. But after remembering what happened between him and Vivian at Plano Town, and also the defiance she showed back at the Meeting Room, he decided not to.
"Oh? Looks like you've finally learned your lesson, brother," Vivian said when she finallyr reached him.
Caleb turned his head to her.
"You… What in the God of Light are you doing…?"
"This dumb monster doesn't seem to respect me, so I decided to teach it some manners. Don't worry, I simply ordered my Golem to break its bones, not kill it."
The Golem suddenly stopped because there were no bones left to break without killing the monster.
Vivian sent out a mental command.
Chu-psssh!
The Golem grabbed the monster's head and then brought it in front of Vivian. Even though it was already on the brink of death, its eyes were still staring at her defiantly.
Can this monster understand Zonian…?
I remember watching videos back in my real world where dogs would only react to human languages that they're exposed to…
But then again, Juana's Draghorn and Janis's Rhonea did understand…
I guess violence is a universal language…?
"Listen here, you stupid lizard. If you don't want to --"
[Fire Lance].
The monster summoned another spell.
Pooof…!
The spell landed on Vivian's body, but it didn't affect her.
Vivian let out a sigh.
"Seems like you still need more lessons."
[Heal].
The faint golden light enveloped the monster's body, healing some of its wounds.
[Heal].
She casted another one, healing the rest of the wounds.
[Heal].
And then one more time to fully heal all of the wounds.
As for the weakening effect from the Poison Golem's touch, the monster was still completely in a limped state. Vivian would have to use the [Cure] spell, or the monster must wait for 30 seconds without being touched by the Poison Golem.
Ba-pssh, ba-pssh, ba-pssh…!
The Poison Golem began to beat the monster into a bloody pulp once again.
"IRO-WHAT'S IRO-GOING IRO-ON IRO-HERE…?!!!" someone suddenly shouted.
Vivian, Caleb and the Guards nearby turned to voice, and they saw another Guard who was in his late 20s.
"IRO-WHY IRO-ARE IRO-YOU IRO-HURTING KUMPEL…?!!!"
Vivian looked at Caleb.
"Why is this lower lifeform shouting at us?"
Caleb recalled the memory where Vivian decapitated a pickpocketer, and then also the time she decapitated Ferdino. Finally, he thought to himself that he couldn't let Vivian decapitate everyone in this building.
Vooom!
Paaa-thud…!
He appeared in front of the Guard and then slapped him to the ground, leaving him in a daze.
"Mind your manners! And how dare you lend us an unruly mount?!"
Caleb cursed inside his heart because he truly didn't want to do such a thing, and then turned to a nearby Guard.
"Guard! Take this person out of my sight!"
As the Guard rushed over to grab the dazed Guard, Nico, the White Cloak Priest in charge of the flight log-ins, appeared with a worried and confused expression.
"Brother High Lieutenant, may I ask what seems to be the problem here...?"
Caleb cursed inside his heart once again.
"Brother Nico, I asked you and your men to lend us a mount because Sister Inquisitor Monad and I are headed to Blauer'nebel Town to conduct an investigation related to the case we're dealing with here, and yet you lent us an unruly mount. Are you trying to stop us from doing our Field Mission?"
Nico's jaw dropped.
"Ha…? No, no, of course, not…! I would never, I swear to the God of Light…! Please, allow me to order someone to get you another mount…!"
In Nico's head, although he was older than Caleb and Vivain, and they were from other Chapters, Caleb's white hair, which was currently covered by his helmet, was a sign that he was from one of the Golden Families. And as a Priest from a Low-Tier Noble Priest family, he would never dream of going against them.
"No need," Vivian said, causing both men to look at her. "Once I'm done teaching this lizard a lesson, it will be obedient."
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Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
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