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This chapter 2/3 for the 1st week of January 2026.
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1:12 p.m.
Blauer'nebel Town, Iron Kingdom.
Caleb and Vivian were riding a Red Draghorn flying over a human settlement, and Vivian had her arms wrapped around Caleb's waist.
"Do you know where the Branch Chapter Temple building is?!" Vivian asked. Due to the winds from flying high above the ground, one had to shout in order to hear each other.
"Yes!" Caleb replied.
"Leave the [Halo] to me when we're going to descend!"
"Okay!"
One of the flight rules, in this case, when landing unannounced in an area, is to show identification. Although Caleb was wearing a Crusader armor set while Vivian was wearing her White Cloak and Inquisitor Half-Mask, such attires can still be faked -- if anyone has the guts to do so. But one thing that can't be faked was the Priest's Class Magic spell, [Halo].
[Halo].
A golden ring appeared on Vivian's back as the Draghorn started to descend in a wide and open area within the Branch Chapter Temple's compound. And when they finally landed, she deactivated the spell and quickly climbed down. Meanwhile, Caleb followed suit shortly after.
A White Cloak Priest in his early 40s with green hair and a Guard approached them.
Upon seeing Caleb and Vivian, they were both surprised, wondering what business the Holy Crusade had here in Blauer'nebel Town. However, there was something else that caught their attention.
With Caleb, since he was covered from head to toe with a Crusader Armor set, they didn't find anything peculiar. But with Vivian, there were 2 things:
The first one was her hair color. Although it was purple, something unique to the Count Domain of the Iron Kingdom, it had red highlights.
The second one was her clothes. Although they've never seen her style of clothing before, especially the tie, it was similar to a butler's uniform.
The Priest gave a slight bow, while the Guard saluted.
"Welcome to Blauer'nebel Town, Sister Inquisitor and Brother Crusader. I am Brother Hanno, and may the God of Light always watch over you."
Vivian offered a casual one one, while Caleb did a proper one.
"I am Sister Inquisitor Monad, this is Brother High Lieutenant Caleb, and may the God of Light always watch over you as well, Brother Hanno.
"We're here to conduct an investigation related to a case our Squad is dealing with at Gru'n Town. Assign us lodging, a Meeting Room, and a guide who's familiar with the business establishments in this town."
Hanno nodded.
"Yes, Sister Inquisitor."
Vivian turned to Caleb.
"Have one of the Guards deal with the Draghorn," she said and then returned her attention to Hanno. "And oh, the Draghorn is a bit hard-headed. If it acts up, you have my permission to beat it to a bloody pulp."
A confused expression flashed across Hanno and the Guard's faces for a moment. Meanwhile, the Draghorn lowered its head and let out a low whimper. And as for Caleb, he didn't show any reaction.
Hanno quickly wiped off the expression on his face and nodded.
"Yes, Sister Inquisitor Monad."
"Now lead the way. I need to fix my hair in my room."
"Of course," Hanno said and nodded once more before turning away and walking.
***
2:48 p.m.
Temple of Priest building, Blauer'nebel Town.
Vivian, Caleb and a man in his late 20s dressed in a somewhat expensive nobleman's clothing were in a Meeting Room and gathered around the lounging area. Vivian and Caleb were each seated at the one-person sofas, while the man was seated at one of the three-person sofas.
"...and they only have another branch in the southern part of the town. But that one is only used when the items are less expensive, Honored Priestess Inquisitor," the man said.
Vivian's eyes turned to slits behind her Inquisitor half-mask and played with the small Memory Crystal on her gloved hand as she studied the man's face and recalled everything that she said.
As for the reason why she had a small Memory Crystal on her hand, which was the size of an infant's fist, with so many details she needed to remember, it was inevitable at this point, unless she planned to solely rely on her memory or carry around documents with her. And plus, she now had proper pockets on her business suit attire. Naturally, she also took Pen's advice, where the information she recorded on the crystal had some parts that only she could understand, to prevent anyone from stealing any information in case someone stole the crystal from her or touched the crystal without her permission.
Hmm…
About 80% of what was written in the documents that Craft gave me coincides with what this guy said…
I would say 10% was different…
And the other 10% was outdated…
This guy also provided many other pieces of information that only a local living here could provide…
"Lord Nick, I want to ask you one more question."
"Please do, Honored Priestess Inquisitor."
"What do you think is the percentage of the people in this kingdom who could speak or at least understand Zonian?"
Nick thought about it for a moment.
"The percentage? Forgive me, Honored Priestess Inquisitor, because I've never paid any deep thought about this. But if I had to say a number, it would be 50%."
Vivian didn't say anything as usual.
"Should I elaborate further, Honored Priestess Inquisitor?"
Vivian nodded.
"Naturally, the Royal Family, the Aristocratic Noble families, the Honored Noble Priest families, and the Noble and Scholar families can. They're taught by Scholars since birth because they're most likely to travel outside of the Kingdom and also interact with foreign officials such as your honored selves.
"For the Merchant families, the more profitable their business, the likelihood of them being able to speak Zonian also goes higher, because they would have to travel outside the kingdom and interact with foreign traders.
"The Knights and Guards, when they apply for the Knights Chapter, they are taught during Basic Training.
"The Mercenaries, I would say they can. But for the Adventurers, only the older ones -- I think, starting at Gold Rank, or perhaps even Silver II.
"And for the Commoners, they can't. A lot of them can't read and can barely count, so I doubt they even have the intelligence to learn another language."
"I see," Vivian said and then folded her legs. "That will be all, Lord Nick. Thank you for your time, you may leave."
Nick stood up and then lowered his head in an elegant manner.
"It is a pleasure to be of service, Honored Priestess Inquisitor and Honored Priest Crusader."
Vivian's eyebrow made a slight twitch when she heard "Honored Priest Crusader".
It took me a while to notice it…
So some people outside the Temple of Priests, regardless of their background, would refer to Crusaders as 'Honored Priest Crusader' or 'Honored Priestess Crusader', or just 'Honored Crusader'…
I mean, of course, if the person is an Aristocratic Noble or even Royalty, they wouldn't use 'Honored'…
But still, it's something I noticed…
While Vivian was still thinking, Caleb simply nodded, and then Nick finally left the Meeting Room.
Has anyone referred to me as 'Honored Inquisitor'…?
If not, then why…?
It's not like the Crusader Armor set is gender-neutral…
The female armor set literally has a larger lump on the chest plate for the breasts and a mini skirt…
"What is the next move?" Caleb asked.
Vivian stared at the ceiling and thought about it for a moment.
"I'm going to write a Summons Document and a Search Warrant Document, and then have it signed by one of the Red Cloak Brothers or Sisters in this branch, before we head over to where Lord Ansgar is."
"Why also a Search Warrant?" Caleb asked. Although Vivian couldn't see his face because it was covered by a helmet, she could hear the confused tone in his voice.
Vivian slowly turned to him with an are-you-seriously-asking-me-that expression.
"You're from a Golden Family, you of all people should know how people from powerful families behave."
***
3:16 p.m.
Ka-cha!
A door was opened by a secretary lowering her head as Vivian stepped inside a private office with a folder on her hand and her gaze locked on the blonde-haired Red Cloak Priestess in her late 30s sitting behind a desk.
She went over to the desk and then saluted.
"I am Sister Inquisitor Monad, and may the God of Light watch over with you, High Sister Gerda," she said and then placed the folder in front of the Red Cloak Priestess. "My Squad and I are currently handling a case at Gru'n Town and I'm requesting you to sign these documents for a possible lead here in Blauer'nebel Town."
"May the God of Light watch over you as well, Sister Inquisitor Monad," she said with a smile and then gestured towards one of the seats in front of the desk. "Please take a seat."
As Vivian sat down, Gerda picked up the folder and opened it.
A few moments later, Gerda placed the folder down and looked at Vivian.
"Sister Inquisitor, this Summons Document for Lord Ansgar, I can sign it right away. However, for the Search Warrant involving the property called Tierkunst, which is owned by the Blauer'nebe family and managed by Lord Ansgar, I can't sign it unless I know the exact details of how it is related to the case you're handling and what proof you have that the item you're looking for is in the property mentioned in this document."
"The case my Squad and I are handling is about a lost and forbidden Rune Art that could block Affinity Crystals which was illegally smuggled here in the Iron Kingdom. So far, one of our Brothers was killed and two are still missing. I need the Search Warrant Document in the case the party in question refuses to cooperate properly.
"In a way, you could say that this is an emergency. And every second all of us waste here is another second that our missing Brothers stepping closer to death."
Gerda shook her head.
"I'm very sorry, Sister Inquisitor, but I can only sign the Summons Document, not the Search Warrant Document. If you really want to have it signed, you may try High Brother Jannick."
Vivian's eyes turned to slits behind her half-mask.
"You and I both know that High Brother Jannick is currently at Iron City. Tell me, High Sister, are you that afraid of Aristocratic Nobles that you would abandon our very own Brothers and Sisters?"
Gerda raised an eyebrow and there was a bit of anger radiating off of her.
"Let me remind you, Sister Inquisitor, before you even joined the Holy Crusade, I was already in the Holy Crusade and have fought hundreds of powerful Demons that only know slaughter.
"I will sign the Summons document, but I will not sign the Search Warrant Document. And it isn't because I'm afraid or I'm abandoning our Brothers, but because it violates several laws. Moreover, have you even considered the possibility of what would happen in case you and your Squad are wrong? It could produce unimaginable damage in the entire Town."
Vivian's lips slowly curled into a smile.
"Violates several laws? You want to talk to me about laws? You know, there is a loophole here I can exploit.
"Since the other Red Cloak isn't available, I can just make you UNAVAILABLE as well. And when both Red Cloaks are unavailable? Well, as an emergency, then the remaining High Brother/Sister can just sign it. And if he too isn't available, I will make him unavailable as well."
Gerda chuckled.
"You want to wage a war with your Squad versus the Brothers and Sisters in this Branch Chapter Temple?"
"War?"
[Mana Fist].
[Enchant Poison].
Vooo-chu-pssh-BAM!
In the blink of an eye, Vivian tossed the desk between her and Gerda to the side, rushed over to Gerda, and then grabbed her neck.
Vivian brought Gerda's face close to her face.
"You dare brag about fighting powerful demons in front of me? You have no idea what is powerful, insect."
Gerda's face was pale.
She was from a Mid-Tier Noble Priest Family called Fabius with 3-4 Magic Art Affinities, she had 3 Magic Art Affinities (Light, Lightning and Fire), her current Physical and Magic Force was over Spirit Steel Grade or 225 points, and she was part of the Infantry Division back in her Holy Crusade days. She didn't expect the young Inquisitor in front of her to have such strength.
Ka-cha!
The door of the private office opened and it was the female secretary from earlier.
[Cleanse].
The moment Gerda noticed Vivian shift her attention to the door, she immediately cast a spell.
While watching the world in slow motion, Vivian looked at Gerda and the shimmering green light all over her body with a deadpan expression.
What does this insect expect to happen…?
Did she not see my speed…?
I mean, yes, I didn't use my full speed because I don't want to destroy my shoes…
But still…
All of the powerful people here in the Marquis Faction can come and fight me, and they still won't be able to do anything…
Like, why is everyone so stupid…?!
Well, to be fair, there is one thing they can do…
Destroy my clothes…
She let out a sigh and then looked at the secretary.
Should I kill her to teach this Red Cloak and example…?
An idea popped inside her head.
Oh, I know what to do now…
Vooo-chu-pssh…!
Vivian let go of Gerda, who was still enveloped with a green light, and then appeared behind the secretary with her right hand enclosed with a [Mana Fist] and imbued with [Enchant Poison], holding the back of her neck.
When Gerda finally recovered from the weakening effect of the [Enchant Poison], she stared at Vivian.
"I'll give you one last chance. Sign the 2 documents, or I'll kill this precious secretary of yours," Vivian said.
Gerda's face was still pale as she stared at Vivian.
Even when she used her full slow motion, she still couldn't catch Vivian's speed. To her, a person like Vivian was unbelievable, unless she was a very old person with the appearance of someone in their mid-20s and had 5 Magic Art Affinities.
Chud, riiiip…!
"Aaaa…." the secretary, who was completely limp, due to the [Enchant Poison] effect, could only let out a weak groan as Vivian grabbed her left shoulder, dug her fingers into her flesh and bones, and then tore off her arm.
"Iro-You…!" Gerda said with a shock and angry expression.
Thud.
Vivian dropped the arm as she stared at Gerda with a grin and wiped the blood on her hand on the secretary's clothes.
Gerda greeted her teeth at the pleading and suffering face of the secretary.
"Do you think nothing is going to happen after this?!"
Whooosh!
Thud.
Vivian chopped off the secretary's head with a swift karate chop and the head fell on the floor, leaving Gerda speechless.
Thud!
She dropped the secretary's body and then casually touched her chin while looking at the ceiling.
"Hmm… Now that I think about it, this was a stupid move. Instead of aiming for your underlings, the person or people I should be aiming are ---," she said and then returned her gaze at Gerda. "You look old, so you must at least have a kid or two. And as a memento, I will cut off their fingers and keep them."
Gerda let out a suffocating killing intent.
"IRO-IF IRO-YOU IRO-EVER --"
Vooom!
Vivian appeared in front of Gerda. And all of Gerda's killing intent earlier was completely overwhelmed by Vivian.
Looking at Vivian's red-colored unblinking eyes behind her half-mask, all of her fighter instincts from her Holy Crusade days awakened. And to her surprise, instead of telling her to fight, it was screaming at her to survive.
"No one can save you and your children from me, you lower lifeform insect. And you won't be the first so-called powerful family I'm going to slaughter."
It was then that Gerda suddenly remembered something. A few days ago, she heard that "someone" or "a group" attacked the Duke's family here in the Iron Kingdom. Due to that incident, not only was the Duke Faction demanding compensation from the Holy Kingdom, but they also postponed a lot of their business transactions with the Holy Kingdom, which caused a disruption in the market and raised several prices.
As for why it was "someone" or "a group", the official channels are saying "group", but the secret channels are saying it was done by a single Priestess Inquisitor.
Gerda forcefully suppressed all of her anger.
"I'll sign them…" she said as she turned away and then searched for the documents, a pen, and a stamp.
Vivian deactivated her [Mana Fist] and [Enchant Poison].
Thud, thud, thud…!
While Gerda was still trying to sign the document, a group of heavy footsteps arrived.
Vivian turned to see who had arrived and saw 5 people.
One was Caleb, the second was a Gray Cloak Priest with blonde hair in his early 40s, the third one was a White Cloak Priest who was also in his early 40s, and the two remaining people were Knights.
Their eyes glanced at the mutilated body of the secretary and the toppled desk first, and then they focused on Gerda and Vivian.
The Gray Cloak Priest stepped forward.
"What happened?"
"Since when did a mere Gray Cloak have the guts to question the investigation protocols of the Inquisitory Division?" Vivian asked.
The Gray Cloak turned to her.
"You did--"
[Mana Fist].
Vooo-chak!
In the blink of an eye, Vivian's punch went right through the Gray Cloak Priest's head.
Pah-bam-thud!
Vivian kicked away the body, slamming it against a wall before landing on the floor, as she pulled her fist away.
Seeing the Gray Cloak Priest's body, everyone's jaw dropped.
Vivian, on the other hand, was staring at her Mana Fist.
Her hand was completely covered by the Mana Fist, so the blood, meat and bones were only on the Mana Weapon. But the sleeve of her coat was stained with some blood and a little bit of meat and bones.
Hmm…
I wasn't expecting that…
Looks like I've grown too powerful…
Now I can only rely on chops or [Power Fist] if I don't want to get dirty…
She turned to the White Cloak.
"You, are you also here to question the Inquisitory Division?"
The White Cloak was still in shock and his brain had yet to process Vivian's question.
Vooo-whooosh!
Thud.
Thud!
Vivian appeared in front of him and delivered a horizontal karate chop through his neck, decapitating him.
She turned to Gerda, who was also still in shock about everything happening in front of her.
"Hey! Are the documents already signed?"
Gerda turned to Vivian and wondered if she was dreaming.
Vooo-pah.
Vivian appeared in front of Gerda and then slapped her across the cheek.
"I asked you if the documents are already signed."
"Ah… I… I-I'll sign them now…" she said and then resumed signing them.
When Gerda finally finished signing the documents, she quickly handed the folder to Vivian.
"Hmm… That's good, I guess."
Once Vivian was done checking the documents, she deactivated her [Mana Fist], folded each of the documents in an envelope, slid them inside her suit, and then turned to Gerda.
"Once I leave, you and the other stupid lower lifeform insects are free to retaliate. However, let me assure you, nothing is going to happen to me because you people are in the wrong here. And if you people do retaliate, I swear to the God of Light that after I'm done with this case, I will come back here and interrogate all of you and your families -- old and young. I will wring out every crime you people ever committed, and then charge you with it."
Tap.
She began tapping Gerda's forehead.
"I will destroy all of you, you worthless,"
Tap.
"...stupid,"
Tap.
"...weak,"
Tap.
"...cowardly,"
Tap.
".…and heretical lower lifeform insects."
She stepped closer towards Gerda, gently placed her hands on her shoulders, and then pressed her lips near her ear to whisper.
"And the thing I said to you about your children? I won't just do it to your children, but also to the others. And if they have grandchildren, much better, I LIKE IT YOUNGER, they make the most satisfying cries. And just to make it really entertaining, I'll let you people watch it while I cut off their fingers one by one from their cute and precious little hands. Do tell them that, HIGH SISTER."
Smooch.
She planted a small kiss on Gerda's cheek and then walked away.
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Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
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