[Brian's POV]
It hardly feels as though more than a month has passed since I began my field work practice in the Duchy of Grenaut.
The academy students here are relegated to simple patrol duties whenever there are no reports of banditry or monster sightings. Growing restless, I requested that Inquisitor Marcus allow me to accompany him on more challenging assignments.
He eventually brought me to the Grand Temple of the Duchy Grenaut.
The Inquisitor mentioned that a discussion regarding the movements of the Heretics would take place, presided over by Bishop Vermind—the highest-ranking priest in the Duchy.
After nearly an hour of riding, we reached Grenaut City and hurried toward the city's Grand Temple. We soon arrived at the religious district, the site where the Grand Temple stands. The area was filled with old building; it seemed this district had been established in the distant past.
This area also serves as a branch of the Authority of the Temple of Goddess Diana from the Empire, resulting in a large population of Inquisitors and priests from the Holy City of Notredame.
"Inquisitor, why do the people of the Temple hate the Heretics so much?" I asked him. "Is it not because you were ordered here specifically to deal with matters regarding these groups?"
"Listen, Brian. The Temple of Goddess Diana wields immense influence across this continent," the Inquisitor replied. "They have always healed the populace from various plagues, aided those in distress, exorcised demons, and consistently provided donations to the needy. This is why they are held in such high regard by all of humanity."
He was right. Even in the remote corner where my hometown is located, the villagers would always summon a priest whenever trouble struck, be it a plague, a monster attack, or a bandit raid. The priests of the Temple of Goddess Diana have become an indispensable part of life in this land.
"Their decisions are akin to the laws of this world; even some nations dare not find themselves on the Temple Authority's bad side," Inquisitor Marcus explained. "Therefore, the Authority loathes the Heretics, who seek to undermine their influence across the continent through actions that defy the Temple's power."
Is that so? I thought. If the Temple were to remain passive and fail to halt these Heretic activities, the people of the continent might perceive the Authority as weakening, suggesting that the Temple's decrees are not absolute. Consequently, it would become increasingly difficult for the Temple Authority to enforce specific laws or edicts upon its followers.
"I think I understand now, Inquisitor."
"Heee~ It is rare for you to grasp my explanations so quick," Inquisitor Marcus teased.
"What is that supposed to mean, Inquisitor! I am not so dim-witted that I cannot understand a simple concept!"
After walking for several minutes through the religious complex, we finally reached the Grand Temple situated at the heart of the area. Numerous Aques were seen guarding the premises. I reckoned the security here nearly rivaled that of the Grand Temple in the Imperial Capital.
We finally entered the temple. Inside, many priests were bustling about, some carrying documents while others were deep in conversation. It appeared the duties of these priests extended far beyond mere healing.
"The Temple of Goddess Diana is divided into several divisions," the Inquisitor said, sensing my confusion. "You already know of the Temple's military unit called the Aques. The Temple also possesses administrative and religious units known as Clerics."
The Inquisitor explained that the Clerics' duties involve delivering regular sermons and maintaining records of the Temple's activities. Additionally, specialized priests assigned to perform healing and support the Aques on the battlefield against monsters and demons are called Purifiers. They are also the ones who frequently perform exorcisms on humans possessed by dark magic or demons.
"Marcus, you've arrived, I see."
Suddenly, we were approached by a man in his fifties wearing priestly robes.
"Bishop Vermind, how have you been?" the Inquisitor greeted him politely. It seemed he was an acquaintance of Marcus.
"Ah, I am as well as ever," the Bishop said with a warm smile. "And who is this young man beside you?" He shifted his gaze toward me.
"This is Brian—my new Squire," the Inquisitor answered.
Last month, following a raid on a monster den, the Inquisitor had appointed me as his accompanying Squire. A Squire serves as a Knight's attendant, assisting with cleaning weapons and armor, feeding horses, and handling other necessities. In exchange, the Knight teaches the Squire combat techniques and imparts the knowledge they possess.
"Brian, is it...? You are quite handsome and look very courageous," the Bishop said, smiling at me. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Brian. May you one day become a magnificent Knight, perhaps even a Holy Knight."
Hearing the Bishop's praise and blessing, my mood brightened considerably.
"Thank you, Bishop Vermind! I will live up to your expectations!"
The Bishop simply nodded in response. He then turned his attention back to Inquisitor Marcus.
"Marcus, let us hurry to the meeting room so as not to keep the others waiting," the Bishop suggested, leading the way.
"Brian, let's follow behind Bishop Vermind," the Inquisitor told me.
We followed the Bishop. Shortly after, the three of us reached a large door guarded by two sentries. Noticing our arrival, the guards opened the doors for us. Upon entering the room, I saw many Inquisitors and priests already in attendance. Inquisitor Marcus and I took our seats side by side.
"Since Bishop Vermind is present, let us begin this meeting," announced a Priestess sitting beside the Bishop's podium.
All eyes in the room turned toward the Bishop, who was holding a piece of paper.
"Thank you all for gathering here at the Grand Temple of the Duchy Grenaut," the Bishop said in his opening remarks. "Today, we will discuss the movements of the Heretic groups, the Devil Cult and The Masquerade, who have recently resumed their activities."
I had never encountered a Heretic before. I wondered just how powerful these groups were to cause the Temple Authority such significant trouble.
"Several Devil Cult activities have been detected in the Northeast of the Empire," the Bishop revealed. "We suspect their movements are linked to the appearance of demons in the Margraviate of Cataluna."
A month ago, dozens of citizens had vanished without a trace in the region where Ariel was conducting her field work practice. After an investigation, it was discovered that the culprits were a group of Vampires from another world. Demons are capable of entering our world from their own realm; however, only those of noble rank or lower are able to cross over once every few decades.
"Following a search operation, the Inquisitor unit killed and captured approximately 37 Devil Cult members operating in the Northeast," the Bishop stated. "For now, there are no further reports regarding this Heretic group or the demons they worship."
I had heard that even the lowest-tier demon possesses strength equal to a Knight. I could not imagine how powerful Noble Demons or a Demon King might be. A Knight is an elite soldier of a nation, having undergone extensive training and possessing combat prowess far superior to that of ordinary soldiers.
"The second matter concerns the Heretic group—The Masquerade."
The Bishop stated that he had received reports of a new Cursed Child appearing in a village within the Duchy of Grenaut. However, by the time the Temple dispatched a group of Inquisitors to the village, the child had already vanished. They only managed to detain the father for interrogation.
"Brothers and sisters, in the past, we were unable to control the power of a Cursed Child to serve as a potent weapon for the Temple," the Bishop said, setting aside his notes. "However, things are different now. I have developed my abilities to the point where I can erase the emotions of those cursed children."
Erasing emotions? What do emotions have to do with being a Cursed Child?
"Inquisitor, I don't understand what the Bishop means," I whispered to my mentor.
"A Cursed Child cannot control their power at all, which makes them incredibly unpredictable and dangerous," Inquisitor Marcus replied. "If their emotions become unstable, their magic will leak out without their knowledge."
The Inquisitor also mentioned that he had once participated in a hunt for a Cursed Child. That operation resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians and several of his fellow Inquisitors.
"B-but Inquisitor, isn't there another way to save them? Aren't they just children?" I asked.
At my words, Inquisitor Marcus's expression turned grim.
"Listen, Brian. Evil knows no age, and everyone must be held accountable for their actions," the Inquisitor said sternly. "If those children endanger the lives of the innocent, then we, as the keepers of peace, must eliminate the threat by any means necessary."
I could only lower my head at his words. Will I also have to stain my sword with the blood of innocent children?
The meeting lasted until evening. The Inquisitor and I decided to stay overnight within the complex before returning to our headquarters.
***
[Raul's POV]
A few days after successfully bringing Runa to the orphanage, it was time for the Puppeteer and me to complete the second mission given to us by the Keeper: to assassinate Bishop Vermind—the highest authority in the Duchy of Grenaut.
Tonight, we were within the religious complex where Bishop Vermind was reported to be attending a meeting with other Inquisitors and priests.
"Hey, Puppeteer, is there any other reason why the Keeper wants us to take out this Bishop?" I asked.
To be honest, this event never occurred in the game. That was why I had no idea about the urgency of killing a Bishop in such a heavily guarded location.
"As I recall, he once mentioned that this Bishop possesses the ability to manipulate memories," the Puppeteer replied. "According to the Keeper's analysis, if he manages to further develop his power, he might even be able to erase a human's emotions."
"Does that mean the Bishop intends to control the Cursed Children by stripping away their emotions, making them live like feelingless undead?" I said, feeling a surge of irritation.
"Exactly. That is why we must kill him now."
The Puppeteer then pulled five dolls from his bag and began to mutter an incantation. Shortly after, the five dolls expanded until they reached the size of adult humans. The hands, feet, hair, and entire bodies of these dolls were disturbingly identical to actual human bodies.
"Are these dolls made from real humans?" I asked to confirm.
In the game, I only knew of one doll he used in combat—the one he was currently holding in his right hand.
"Their bodies are indeed derived from real human corpses, but I have modified them to be capable of fighting in various conditions," the Puppeteer answered.
It seemed he wouldn't be using his strongest doll just yet. If I recall correctly... the name of the strongest doll he was holding is Annabel.
"Joker, you will locate the Bishop and eliminate him," the Puppeteer commanded. "Meanwhile, I will use my dolls to distract the Inquisitors and the security forces in the area."
"Understood. I'll find the Bishop and end this mission quickly."