This chapter is sponsored by The Bitch in the Fantasy World Patrons:
• [Crusader] The orc warrior 261
• [Mercenary] Tafadzwa Kungwengwe
• [Crusader] uxel
I would also like to thank the donators for December 2025 (Ko-Fi account is unavailable at the moment due to technical reasons):
• [Crusader] uxel - $5
This chapter 2/3 for the 3rd week of January 2026.
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7:12 p.m.
Blauer'nebel Town, Iron Kingdom.
A carriage stopped in front of a two-story building.
Ka-cha.
The carriage door opened and then a person donned in a full Crusader Armor stepped out.
It was Caleb.
He turned around and held out his hand towards the carriage. A gloved hand covered in dried blood reached for his hand and the owner climbed down, revealing Vivian with her White Cloak, dried blood-stained clothes and barefooted.
This time around, she decided to ride a carriage because she didn't want to run around town barefoot under the thick fog and chilly night.
Whaaack.
The coachman whipped the reins on the Karfax as Vivian and Caleb headed for the main entrance of the public building of the Branch Chapter Temple's compound.
Clak! Ka-cha!
Before Caleb could knock on the closed double door, the sound of the latch unlocking from inside erupted and then one of the doors slowly opened.
"Welcome back, Sister Inquisitor Monad and Brother High Lieutenant Caleb," two people said.
The first one was Hanno, the first Priest they met when they first arrived here in Blauer'nebel Town.
The second one was a Gold Cloak Priestess in her mid-30s with pink hair.
Seeing the Priestess, Vivian and Caleb had different reactions.
In Vivian's case, she had no idea who she was because the list of members of this Branch Chapter Temple wasn't listed on the document that Craft gave her.
As for Caleb, he had seen her a couple of times in the past, during the application day of the Holy Crusade at the Holy City, at the Infantry Barracks, and had participated in one or two Field Missions with her where she was a higher-ranking officer.
"I am Sister Tea, one of the Sisters assigned to this Branch Chapter Temple. May the God of Light always watch over you, Sister Inquisitor Monad, Brother High Lieutenant Caleb."
Vivian gave a casual salute.
"May the God of Light always watch over you as well."
Caleb saluted.
"May the God of Light always watch over you as well, Sister."
Tea nodded with a smile and then focused on Caleb.
"It's been a while, I'm glad to see you're doing well, Brother High Lieutenant."
Caleb nodded back.
"I'm also glad you're doing well, Sister Captain Tea."
"Please call me Sister Tea, I've retired from the Holy Crusade 4 years ago."
Caleb gave a quick and slight bow.
"My apologies, Sister Tea."
Truth be told, in the times they bumped into each other in the past, they exchanged no more than 25 words, with most of it a salute from him and a nod from her.
Vivian couldn't help but raise an eyebrow watching Caleb and Tea's interaction.
Is this guy an idiot…?
She shook her head mentally and then focused on Tea and Hanno.
"Is there a reason why both of you are here?"
Everyone turned to her.
"Since you and Brother High Lieutenant Caleb are here in Blauer'nebel Town to conduct an investigation, High Sister Gerda sent out an order that everyone in the Branch Chapter Temple should be ready to assist both of you at any moment," Tea replied.
"So everyone is here?"
"Among our Brothers and Sisters, only High Sister Gerda, High Brother Nils, Brother Per, Brother Hanno, and I are here. High Brother Jannick is still at Iron City. And Brother Arne and the rest are on standby elsewhere because High Sister Gerda and High Brother Nils agreed that it wasn't ideal if we all stay in one location and then get wiped out in one swoop.
"And for the non-Priest employees, all of the vital ones are present."
"It sounds to me like you and your Branch Chapter Temple are expecting a fight?"
Tea's face made a slight and subtle twitch.
Meanwhile, Hanno's face also did the same and his eyes glanced at Tea for a quick moment.
"All of this is just a precaution, Sister Inquisitor. After all, I believe it's wiser to be ready than wait for something to happen, and then react. Don't you agree?" Tea said.
"I'm going to my room to freshen up. Have someone to send me a fresh set of clothes…" she said and then named the type of clothes she wanted and their sizes. After telling them, she turned to Caleb. "Brother, we will regroup at the Meeting Room after one hour."
"Yes, Sister."
"One more thing, Brother," she said and then a playful smile spread across her cheeks. "If you suspect anything, don't hesitate. Don't worry, you have me and the God of Light. And in the name of the God of Light, we will destroy any heretic who dares to get in our way."
"Yes, Sister…"
Vivian turned and then walked away.
"I also require a bountiful feast at the Meeting Room.
"Make sure there's 10 large steaks with a healthy amount of mushroom sauce, a large pot of meat stew also with a lot of mushrooms, at least 2 large bowls of salad with two block cheeses on the side, one large tray of different types of Ironian chocolates, and at least 2 bottles of whatever red wine you have.
"Also, all glasses, especially the wine glass, must be made of glass, the plates marble or ceramic, and the utensils metal.
"If you can't provide any of that, don't even bother."
I fucking eat one or two of you instead…
***
Ka-cha!
A door opened and Vivian stepped inside her room.
Vooom!
Pssss…!
In the blink of an eye, she removed her half-mask and placed it on top of a desk, stripped off her clothes and threw them inside a basket, entered the bathroom, and turned on the shower.
Red water and pieces of red meat and bones ran through her body and then rushed to the sink.
She stared at her long fingernails.
I just trimmed them this morning and they're already this long…
Her gaze landed on the soft and short purple bush between her legs.
I don't know why but right now I'm really horny…
Is it because of the cold weather…?
In my original body, during natural cold seasons, that's when I really become a degenerate…
She closed her eyes and raised her head to let the hot shower wash her face.
And it looks like I'm no different in this body…
An image of Juana flashed inside her head.
I should've brought her here with me…
She turned around and let the hot shower wash the back of her hair.
But am I though…?
Am I now different…?
I mean, I like to think there are certain parts of me that has changed -- mentally or psychologically…
One thing is wearing makeup and lipstick…
But is that a mental or psychological thing, or am I just trying to project what I think a woman should be…?
She tried to think what other masculine things she used to do in her original body and what feminine things she now does on her new body.
Clothes are only natural…
There was the hair color…
But I stopped it after my hair started growing like crazy…
Same as nail polish…
Perfume and cologne…?
Well, I now use female perfume and cologne…
Preparing for menstruation…?
Well, men don't have menstruation and women have no choice but to have menstruation unless they decide to have an extremely low body fat percentage…
So that doesn't count…
I play with my body…?
Hmm…
Putting aside the fact that I have yet to properly masturbate, men have penises and women have vaginas, two completely different tools…
Also, masturbation is a gender-neutral thing…
She grabbed a bottle of shampoo, pour some on her hands, and then began lathering her hair with it.
Well…
I guess there's shaving…
I never shave my armpits with my male body…
She washed away the shampoo lather on her hands, grabbed the bottle of shampoo, poured some on her hands, and then applied it on her bush this time.
I guess shampoo-ing my pubic hair…?
I mean, I've always kept my pubic hair short and only wash it with soap…
An image of a naked Juana lying down on the bed and moaning flashed inside her head, causing her to subconsciously slide her finger inside the slit between her legs.
"Ahh…" her lips slowly parted and she let out a small moan once she found the tingly spot.
Now that I think about it…
I'm probably the first person in the world who actually knows the exact sensation between masturbating with a penis and masturbating with a vagina…
And I must admit, the vagina is more sensitive…
Or is it just because it's something still new to me…?
She pulled out her finger.
I don't have time for this…
The enemies could attack any moment…
Be it the Priest families in this Town or the Aristocratic Noble family of this Town…
She focused on taking a bath.
"Fuck…! I really want sex right now…!"
***
8:24 p.m.
Meeting Room, Temple of Priests Building.
Caleb was still donned in his full set of Crusader Armor as he sat at the long table with an array of dishes laid on top of it. Underneath his helmet, he wore a long face while he contemplated everything that happened today.
Out of everything that happened today, there was one scene that kept playing inside his head. And it was the one where Vivian chased and delivered True Death on the running Knights and Mercenaries.
An image of his past self flashed inside his head.
Back then, to his young self, everything was simple -- protect humanity from demons, demon-kins, the Cult of Infinity and the heretics.
But as time went on, the older he got and the more Field Missions he participated in, that simplicity slowly eroded.
The first major erosion he encountered was back when he was 25 years old. He was on a Field Mission that time in the vast Sab'bia Desert of the Southern Continent hunting an infamous Necromancer demon-kin.
When he and the rest of the Platoons arrived at the hideout of a Necromancer, there were already 3 Platoons of demon-kins from the Houtan Empire fighting the Necromancer.
The Company Leader immediately ordered all of the Platoons to join in the fight. But instead of only hunting down the Necromancer, their orders were to hunt down all of the non-humans.
He and his Squad ended up facing a Major from the Houtan Empire, which meant the being had at least mastered 6 Physical Masteries and 6 Magic Masteries. Because of that, he immediately unleashed his Lore Magic, [Holy Wrath]. However, to his surprise, the enemy wasn't affected.
It wasn't because the enemy was way stronger. Yes, the enemy was indeed stronger, but it didn't mean the enemy had over 3 Magic Force Grades compared to him, because he was still able to track his movements. And the way his Lore Magic [Holy Wrath] works, its damage is based on the target's morality -- the more morally evil the target is, the greater the damage, and the more morally good the target is, the less damage or no damage at all -- and it has an extra +3 Magic Force Grades.
At that time, his Magic Force was already 225 points with a (+30) from [Blessing]. He even investigated if the enemy was a Warrior and had (+60) to both Physical and Magic Force, but the enemy was a Thief. So just with numbers alone, his [Holy Wrath] should've affected the enemy.
That was the first major erosion he encountered, which led him to question some of the beliefs he was raised in and was fighting for.
Many more erosions came, but that's a story for another time.
At the moment, the latest erosion he experienced was the one he saw Vivian delivering True Death on the Knights and Mercenaries who were clearly no match for her and had no real desire to fight.
And the part that bothered him the most, it was that he knew Vivian was smart. The "debate" they had back at Plano Town inside the carriage after she decapitated the pickpocketer was solid proof she knew the difference between committing a small crime for the sake of the greater good versus committing a small act of kindness and then causing a catastrophic mess.
"She said that she's doing this in order to save Brother Inquisitor Song and Brother Captain Kian as soon as possible…
"That I can understand…"
He tightened his jaw.
"But…!"
Another scene flashed inside his head. This time, it was the scenes where Vivian was referring to the people here as "slaves".
In his mind, there was a reason why the Holy Kingdom didn't have the Nobility title. It was one of the wishes of the first Priest, the first Light Saint, and the founder of the Temple of Priests, N'eua.
Among the many recorded stories about N'eua, there were several where he clearly showed that he abhorred ranks. A few of them featured during meal time where insisted that everyone should be treated equal. Back then, the world was still a very chaotic place where anyone could die at any moment, so he wanted everyone to experience happiness, even if it was just for a moment.
Naturally, fast-forward today, the Northern Continent is no longer as chaotic back when N'eua was still alive and people dying of old age was now the norm. Because of that, certain different customs arose. One such custom, which goes against his teachings, was the sense of superiority of Priest families over other non-Priest families. The Priest families in the Holy Kingdom and the Orion Kingdom, and the Golden Families may not have adapted the Nobility title like the Priests families from other kingdoms, but a lot of their mindset have become no different from Royalty, Aristocratic Nobles and Nobles.
Even the Priests from the Orion Kingdom, who are arguably the most progressive Chapter Temple out of all the Chapter Temples because of their push for equality, still have some sort of sense of superiority.
Another wish that N'eua passed down was not to worship him as a god. Fortunately, many seemed to have honored that. Now, whether it was because Priests think they're better than N'eua, they're too busy with their own lives, the other Golden Families think it will only strengthen the political influence of the Lu'x family, or perhaps they truly and simply wish to respect N'eua's wishes, that was something Caleb had no idea about.
Caleb rested his elbows on the table, clasped his hands together into a fist, closed his eyes, and then pressed his forehead against it.
"I am the sword and shield of the Holy Crusade…
"Grant me courage and wisdom, God of Light…
"I am the sword and shield of the Holy Crusade…
"Grant me courage and wisdom, God of Light…"
Ka-cha!
The entrance door of the Meeting Room opened and it was Vivian.
She still had her Inquisitor Half-Mask, but was no longer wearing a suit. And under her fresh White Cloak, she wore a black sweater and pants, a brown belt, a pair of brown gloves and boots.
Ku-chud.
She closed the door behind her and then she casually headed to the long table where Caleb was.
He immediately stood up and saluted.
"Sister Inquisitor!"
She casually gestured with her left hand to sit down.
"Looks like the food is still warm," she said as she noticed the steam coming out from some of the dishes.
Caleb, who was now seated, nodded.
"Yes, they used pots and plates with Runes for the steaks and stew."
"No need to pull a chair for me," Vivian said when he noticed Caleb about to stand up.
When she finally reached the table, she grabbed a seat near Caleb and sat down. And as she was grabbing a plate, knife and fork, she noticed something.
"You're still wearing your helmet?"
"My apologies, it slipped my mind," Caleb said and then removed his helmet.
Vivian was about to reach for the steaks when she suddenly stopped and stared at the food.
"Brother, what do you think are the chances of someone spitting on this food?"
Caleb was already holding a knife and fork when he looked at her with a confused expression.
"Did you say something, Sister?"
"The thing I did earlier with High Sister Gerda and the rest, I wouldn't be surprised if they or someone spat on my food," she said and then placed the knife and fork down. "Ugh…! Why didn't I consider this…?"
"I don't think anyone, especially someone of High Sister Gerda's position, would stoop that low."
Vivian looked at Caleb and then flashed a smile as she leaned back on her chair.
"I didn't know you were this optimistic towards people."
Caleb shook his head.
"I'm simply stating the truth. And even if someone were to steep that low, we can easily confirm it with [Halo]. And if they were to poison our food, we could use [Cleanse] to cure ourselves."
Vivian raised an eyebrow.
Is this guy actually smart…?
Or am I just hungry that I'm struggling to think properly…?
"You're right. But don't you think they have other plans?"
A confused expression appeared on Caleb's face.
"What do you mean?"
"Earlier, when we met Brother Hanno and Sister Tea. Why did you let Sister Tea confirm your identity?"
Vivian noticed an additional emotion -- shock -- registering on Caleb's face on top of his earlier one. And instead of waiting for him to answer, she continued.
"One of the reasons why you've maintained wearing your helmet this whole time was to cover your white hair, right?
"Of course, back when we were in Plano Town, you didn't mind hiding your hair because that was supposed to be a relaxed Field Mission. But the one we're currently in is a tense Field Mission.
"And since you're from the Infantry Division, the best Division when it comes to fighting, you of all people should know how dangerous it is to be surrounded by so many potential enemies that know what you're capable of."
Caleb slowly nodded.
"What you said is correct. And you're also correct that I failed to notice what Sister Tea did, assuming that is her intention."
Vivian raised an eyebrow.
"Assuming that's her intention?"
"I've been in Field Mission with Sister Tea before, and she was part of the Infantry Division before she retired. And as a member of the Infantry Division, I know that all of us are trained not to question orders and will gladly sacrifice ourselves for the Holy Crusade."
"But this isn't the Holy Kingdom. There is no Internal and External Unit here, there is only Internal Unit. Who do you think she will side with: The Holy Crusade or her own family and friends here in Blauer'nebel Town?
"I mean, sure, there is a chance that what you said is true, and she would side with us. But on the balance of probability? I'm betting on the scenario that she will side with her family and friends. And given her age -- What is she? Mid-30s? So she must have a child or two, right? Unless we have her children and guarantee their safety, there's no way she's siding with us.
"And yes, she could also try to play both sides, but I doubt she's smart enough to outsmart an Inquisitor."
Caleb, who heard everything Vivian said, was now starting to question everything and blankly staring at the food in front of him.
Vivian picked up a wine glass and inspected it.
"I'm betting right now that everyone here has already contacted the Main Chapter Temple, the Holy Palace and the Blauer'nebel family, and will execute their plan any time soon."
Once she deemed the glass "clean", she picked up a napkin. However, as she was about to wipe the glass with the napkin, she checked it as well, and then pressed it near her nose.
Sniff, sniff.
Smells clean I suppose…
She inspected the napkin once again.
I think it's clean…
And then finally wiped the glass.
Plok!
After wiping the glass, she picked up one of the wine bottles and opened it.
At least with this one, I'm sure it hasn't been tampered…
But the taste…
Well, that's another story…
Sip.
She poured herself a glass of wine, brought it to her lips, and then took a sip.
Hmm…
Not bad, I guess…
"Have you lost your appetite, Brother High Lieutenant?" she asked with a playful smile.
Caleb blinked.
"No, I'm just thinking…" he replied without looking at her and continued staring at the food in front of him.
Sip.
Vivian took another sip.
"I see."
She took one more sip and then placed her glass down.
"Tell me, Brother, have you fought and killed our fellow Brothers and Sisters before?"
"There were a few I needed to subdue…"
"I'm talking about True Death."
"No…"
"Then we're the same."
This time, Caleb finally looked at her.
Although he had never seen or heard of Vivian dealing True Death to a fellow Brother or Sister, as a seasoned fighter, and after seeing everything Vivian had done, he was certain that she was the type who wouldn't hesitate to commit True Death towards a fellow Brother or Sister if she was ordered to.
"That's reassuring. And I pray to the God of Light we both won't have to reach a point like that in our lives."
Vivian casually picked up her glass.
"I feel the same way," she said with a smile.
Sip.
And then took a sip.
Knock, knock.
There was a knock on the door.
Ka-cha!
The door then opened and 4 people stepped in.
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Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
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