We travel for days and nights.
We kept going, and I am paying attention to the visible color of the dal.
Clop, clop! Rattle, rattle!
A boring atmosphere, a boring background, boring yawns, boring stretches, boring ti, and so on.
Just when I started to wonder if everything was a nasty nightmare.
Clop-clop-clop! Whoosh!
Suddenly, a gust of wind blew. Startled, I looked out the window and saw that we had erged from the underpass, briefly traversed a rough road, and were finally driving on the main road.
Lumina cheered.
"Yahoo! Air, air! Fucking great!"
I let out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness.
"It took days and nights of running to finally get out. The capital must be coming soon, right?"
If we were on the main road, it wouldn’t take long. I glanced back.
That underpass, I really don’t want to go there again.
"Now I can finally breathe."
"Oh ho ho, indeed."
Aki responded to Auntie’s words. I leisurely turned my head to look out the window.
It was already early evening. The sun had just set, and dusk was settling. My back tingled at the thought of finally sleeping in a bed after so long.
"Should I have just slept on the carriage roof? Like a Bohemian gypsy."
Then I shook my head. That would just make look like a freeloading beggar. For a Debauched Hero, coolness cos first.
We raced along the main road and finally arrived at the capital’s checkpoint.
"Just past here and we’re in the capital!"
Myra, the capital of the Dharma Empire, was, true to its reputation, filled with lines of people from all directions.
They say all roads lead to Myra. That saying was true.
Compared to Ravenscoft territory. Myra seed a bit more spacious.
The lines too. The lines were similar to waiting in line for a popular restaurant.
Finally, it was our turn. As we went through inspection, a soldier asked an unexpected question.
"Hey, are you Heroes?"
"To be precise, only I am a Hero."
At my answer, the guard stepped back.
"You, the Hero, must stay at the checkpoint for a day and undergo a physical examination before you can pass."
"Huh? What’s with this sudden...?"
What is this nonsense? Is there a pandemic or sothing? What’s with the stay and examination?
Then another guard opposite him tilted his head, as if asking what he was talking about.
"Hey, what are you talking about? There was no such directive, was there?"
"There was a secret directive."
"What the hell are you talking about? Who? Sergeant Ferguson would have told us if there was sothing like that."
"Anyway, there was. From soone higher up."
The two guards argued.
"Sothing’s strange here. One of them seems to be lying. Why would they lie?"
As I pondered, the guard who insisted on the examination pointed at .
"Hey, aren’t you going to get out right now? You asly Hero."
This was outright tyranny. Why should I receive such unreasonable treatnt just for being a Hero?
I was about to say sothing, but soone stepped forward before .
"You, what is your na and who is your superior? State it."
It was Auntie. The guard frowned.
"And you are?"
"Sharia Canape, Saintess of the Elite Class of the Dharma Empire, and the Frigid Saintess."
Auntie introduced herself, even presenting her Saintess emblem. In that mont, Auntie exuded coolness, a truly awe-inspiring mont. Her expression, tone, and actions dripped with coolness.
The guard’s face contorted further in shock.
"H-huh... The Frigid Saintess?!"
"I’m just here for a brief tour. Is it right to conduct such an unreasonable inspection? State your superior’s na imdiately. I shall question them in the na of the Saintess."
Auntie was getting serious. The guard, on the other hand, was flustered.
"Ah, no! I must have been mistaken. All clear, pass!"
And so, we passed. Leaving behind a slight feeling of unease.
By the way, I, and the other won, were surprised.
"A-Auntie... that was amazing!"
At my words, Auntie smiled alluringly. Haah, so sexy.
"Hehe, it’s nothing."
That smile, brimming with the composure of a strong person. I want to have it. Aki tilted her head.
"But why are they suddenly stopping Heroes?"
"That soldier earlier, I wonder if it’s connected to Those Who Recite Sins Cult."
Auntie affird my answer.
"I think so too. It’s suspicious that they’re ntioning a non-existent directive and only inspecting Heroes. It’s strange, this has never happened before."
This was sothing Auntie could say, having lived in the capital for a long ti.
It was certainly strange. To suddenly conduct such an inspection.
"Even in the ga, this kind of event only happens when an epidemic breaks out."
I realized anew the viciousness of Those Who Recite Sins Cult.
"I need to rember that Those Who Recite Sins Cult can reach anywhere."
I sighed. Then I called out to Lumina.
"Lumina, to the nearest inn!"
"Got it. Just look for a sign with a bed and a pillow, right?"
"Yep!"
The carriage turned slightly. Watching it, I fell into thought.
"So, Jas, this is how you’re going to play it? Do you think I don’t want to use my brain either?"
Is this fucking bastard daring to play a battle of wits? Though, it’s funny to even call it a battle of wits.
"You bastard, even if I don’t know your mind, I know the structure of the cults in this world!"
I had planned to rest for a while after arriving in the capital. But this guy is lighting a fire under .
Even better. Let’s do this, you bastard.
"If you’re truly a Cardinal, there must be other Cardinals besides you. You probably can’t easily lay a hand on them. So... I’ll make the first move!"
I licked my lips and raised my head. Lumina’s voice was heard.
"We’ve arrived at the inn!"
"Okay, thank you!"
I got out of the carriage. Looking forward to tomorrow, I went to the counter.
The innkeeper saw us and imdiately showed a troubled expression.
"Haa, well. Lately, with all these Heroes and whatnot flocking in, we only have two rooms left."
"Yes, please give us two rooms."
Without hesitation, I ordered two rooms. I had plenty of money anyway.
Clink!
The innkeeper handed over two keys. I took the keys and checked them.
Rooms on the 3rd floor.
This inn was a fairly dium-sized establishnt, with a total of 5 floors.
After going up to the 3rd floor, I looked back. The won had expectant expressions.
What are they expecting?
Lumina asked, her eyes filled with a hint of madness.
"So, who are you going to sleep with?"
I knew this would happen. Unfortunately, I’m a little serious.
"Unfortunately, ladies, please share one room. There are probably three beds anyway."
At my words, Auntie glared at with a cold face.
"Why is that?"
Aki also couldn’t accept it.
"I don’t understand! Whyyyy!"
"Haa, everyone. No matter how much you like , please respect my privacy a little. I’m the only man here, you know. I can be sensitive too."
I gave a very fundantal reason. Of course, the real reason was different.
At my answer, the won reluctantly agreed. I handed them the keys and smiled.
"Then I’ll see you tomorrow morning!"
I shouted energetically and went into my room. As soon as I entered, I washed up and lay down on the bed.
That cozy, yet heart-pounding feeling that cos after a tough workout and then resting, ca over .
The darkened ceiling seed to spin. Outside the window, the sounds of people filled the air.
"Goddess, you can co out now."
"Did you call ?"
"I want to sleep in the sa bed as Goddess. You’ll stay by my side, won’t you?"
Goddess’s face turned red when she heard my words. Then she snorted.
"Hmph, if you beg for help like that, there’s no reason not to accept! I understand. The Goddess is with you!"
She lay down beside .
The empty feeling I had when I was alone was now completely filled. I leaned against her voluptuous body.
"I am truly a happy man. The happiest in this world!"
And so, I drifted off to sleep.
＊＊＊
The next morning.
I woke up early on purpose. I quickly washed up, skipped breakfast, and went outside. anwhile, Goddess asked.
"Sowhere interesting!"
I fiddled with the necklace around my neck as I answered. Yes, it’s a damn interesting place.
I recalled the geography of the capital in my mind. The capital, Myra, was structured with a river flowing through its center.
The river’s na was Fate. The city was divided into East and West based on that river.
"Excuse , can I ask for directions? Are there any chapels around here?"
"Ugh, lately, chapels have been popping up a lot. It’s not even a trend, what the heck. Anyway, if it’s a building with a cross, it’s probably a chapel."
"Thank you!"
The good thing about my appearance is that everyone treats kindly and answers my questions.
First, I decided to explore the surroundings.
"No matter how much of a cult it is, its outward appearance is still a religious organization. Setting up in a chapel and praying is the basic routine."
I was certain.
I busily moved around for about an hour. Seeing the capital with my own eyes felt fresh.
"Since it’s the capital, there are a lot of people, and a damn lot of buildings."
I’d already seen thirty chapels. I roughly gauged how many people were in each.
"Then my destination is set."
I had to avoid chapels with many people. There was a high possibility that Jas’s faction would be there.
It’s not a uncommon scenario of two cults starting a war.
The cause of this war was factions forming and taking sides, each wanting to beco a bishop.
In other words, this bastard Jas definitely has a faction. And because of him, other factions must have also erged.
Why? Because that’s how places where people live are.
Therefore, I needed to et a Cardinal who opposed Jas.
I returned to the chapel I had seen earlier that had the fewest people. As I entered, I heard believers praying.
"Recite your sins yourself, and as heaven and earth open..."
『Side Quest - Hero vs. Cult』
◆To Your Boss
-Objective: Use ’Primordial Hatred’ to brainwash one believer and find a Cardinal who is not Jas.
-Reward: 5000 CP, increased trust with the target Cardinal!
"This necklace, the way to unlock its next effect seems different from Dawn."
Then what could it be? Titles suddenly ca to mind.
Upgrading titles required spending points. So, if it’s this?
After pondering, I subtly touched the necklace.
[Would you like to spend points to unlock the next function?]
As expected, it’s this thod. It’s convenient, I like it. Very sophisticated!
I chuckled and paid. As much as it takes!
[50000 points paid to ’Primordial Hatred’!]
[Next effect unlocked!]
I examined the unlocked ability.
*Unique Passive ’Brainwash’: Brainwashes up to 1 target upon contact.
How long did that bastard Lao have this thing to brainwash so many people?
I felt a sudden sense of emptiness, yet I smirked. This ability is mine now. I can do whatever I want with it!
I approached the most isolated believer and placed my hand on his shoulder. I cast Brainwash. The necklace glowed brightly.
"I ask you. What is the na of the Cardinal you serve?"
The believer raised his head. He was a man with a sparse beard.
"Manhee..."
"Manhee?!"
"Mani... Cardinal Limani..."
"Good, lead to him."
The brainwashing seed to have worked perfectly, as the believer stood up and began to guide .
Good, operation start!
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