Chapter 321: The Initiation Ceremony
Two days later.
Inside a hotel in the Vatican.
Gideon sat beside a table, a black leather-bound book resting in his hands.
A moment later, he took a small wooden box from his pocket and opened it, revealing the Sacred Feather inside.
Carefully, he lifted the feather and brought it close to the black book.
Buzz—
The book immediately flipped open by itself, its pages turning rapidly before stopping on a particular map.
At the center of that map, one glowing point shone with extraordinary brightness.
At the same time, the feather in Gideon's hand was tugged by an invisible force, almost slipping from his grasp and flying toward the book.
Seeing this, he quickly snapped the book shut and returned the Sacred Feather to its box.
"The Book of the World reacts to both that heart and this holy relic..."
Gideon rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
The Will of the World had once explained that in order to close a Source Power Channel, the Book of the World first needed to lock onto an item imbued with the corresponding power.
At the time, Gideon hadn't fully understood what qualified as such an item.
The Church possessed countless relics, after all, and it certainly wasn't as simple as tossing in a random thirty-year holy-water vial.
(He had already tested that theory during the journey here.)
Fortunately, Gideon had a habit of collecting strange things.
It hadn't taken him long to discover a pattern.
If the Sacred Feather represented the Church, then judging by the altar hidden within the mountain men's settlement, the heart likely corresponded to the powers of Hell.
And to satisfy the Book of the World's requirements, only legendary artifacts of that caliber seemed to qualify.
"This is basically asking me to commit suicide..."
Gideon twitched helplessly.
The Will of the World certainly thought highly of him.
Fortunately, it wasn't forcing him down that path.
Whether or not he chose to walk it remained entirely his decision.
"Being a savior really isn't an easy job..."
he sighed inwardly.
Just then, his expression shifted slightly.
Without hesitation, he stored away both the Book of the World and the Sacred Feather.
A few seconds later, footsteps echoed from the staircase outside.
Tap... tap...
"Gideon, are you in there? Time to go!"
Gideon rose and opened the door.
Standing outside were two familiar faces—Sid and Innocent, comrades who had fought alongside him in the Holy War Land.
Sid wore a white robe with a golden lion-cross insignia pinned to her collar.
Gone was the exhausted appearance she'd had during the expedition. Freshly groomed and dressed, she carried an air of natural elegance.
Though, as always, her brows remained slightly furrowed.
"Gideon! You're finally here!"
Innocent suddenly popped out from behind her and grabbed Gideon's arm.
"Ever since Lord Jolan announced those new reforms, there are actually people saying they're a waste of resources! Can you believe that? Everyone should—"
"Heavens..."
Sid took a deep breath, crossed herself, and yanked Innocent backward.
Caught off balance, he windmilled his arms helplessly before tumbling down the stairs.
A series of loud crashes followed.
"Ignore him. He won't die."
Sid calmly headed downstairs.
Gideon shrugged and followed after locking the room.
---
As soon as they reached the lobby, rhythmic music drifted into his ears.
"Tighten your core! Don't sway! One, two, three!"
A heavily built clergyman was performing push-ups in the middle of the room.
Beside him stood another priest dressed in black, a thick iron chain wrapped around his waist.
"You've met them before—Calvin and John."
Sid introduced them casually.
"Young man! Rise and move with me under the Lord's guidance!"
Calvin roared enthusiastically.
Meanwhile, John removed his chain and crouched beside the fallen Innocent.
"Captain, I sense profound suffering within your heart. Shall I examine it for you?"
Without waiting for an answer, he began wrapping the chain around Innocent's neck.
The sight made Gideon's mouth twitch.
What kind of team did I join...?
Why is the nun the only normal person here?
No wonder she's always frowning...
Nearby, Sid clenched her fist and marched over.
Three crisp impacts sounded moments later.
Only then did the group finally set off toward the headquarters of the Holy See Clergy Corps.
---
Holy See Assembly Hall
A massive white cross was embedded in the ceiling.
Elegant stone columns lined both sides of the hall in perfect symmetry.
Creak—
The doors swung open.
Instantly, a flood of voices rushed toward them.
Dozens of white-robed clergy filled the chamber, chatting among themselves.
"Did you hear? They're finally selecting a Deputy Commander after today's initiation ceremony. My bet is on Ambrose."
"Reliable source?"
"That position's been vacant for years. But he definitely has the qualifications."
"Ambrose is one of the few priests who rose from a local parish into the Vatican itself. He's been close to several Holy Families lately too. With that kind of backing, he's practically guaranteed."
"Speaking of local parishes, I heard two of the new recruits came from one. One of them is the priest who witnessed the miracle in the Holy War Land."
"...I'd like that kind of luck."
As Sid's group entered, countless eyes turned toward them.
But gradually those gazes drifted past the others and settled squarely on Gideon.
Curiosity.
Envy.
Disdain.
He sensed every emotion clearly.
This kind of attention...
Trouble's probably coming.
After a moment's thought, Gideon discreetly shifted behind Calvin's massive frame.
The group found seats near the center and waited.
---
Not long afterward, another team entered.
The hall immediately grew quieter.
Turning his head, Gideon recognized Calvis of the Saul Family, along with his old acquaintance Haggai.
The latter enthusiastically waved as soon as he spotted him.
Soon after came Rolcie of the Zadok Family, followed by another familiar face—
Bettice.
Dressed in her white ceremonial robes, she looked elegant and stunning.
Naturally, she attracted no shortage of attention.
Don't come over... don't come over...
Gideon silently prayed and subtly turned away.
"Hey, Gideon!"
Innocent immediately dragged him back around.
"Why are you acting shy? We're all going to work together from now on. Let everyone get a good look at you!"
Gideon nearly cursed aloud.
Before he could, however, a faint fragrance drifted toward him.
"Gideon."
Bettice had somehow appeared beside him.
"After the commendation ceremony, you left before I could talk to you."
"Ah... I had to get back and look after my shop, so..."
"I see."
She smiled softly.
"Thank you again for everything you did in the Holy War Land. I never properly expressed my gratitude."
"We're friends. No need for that."
"Actually... my father wanted to invite you—"
Her voice lowered.
"When I have time! Definitely when I have time!"
Gideon interrupted immediately.
The number of eyes on him was increasing by the second.
Bettice opened her mouth, then simply smiled.
"Alright. I'll wait to hear from you."
Though disappointed by his obvious reluctance to continue the conversation, she returned to her team.
---
Sid nudged Gideon with her elbow.
"Officially, the Church forbids marriage."
She lowered her voice.
"But quite a few former Clergy Corps members managed to... work around that."
She shot him a meaningful look.
"The way you acted just now won't win any girls over."
Then she pointed behind them.
"Just don't end up like those idiots."
Calvin was currently squatting against a wall in an inexplicably dramatic pose.
Nearby, John stroked his iron chain with a look of pure bliss.
Meanwhile, Innocent was muttering to himself, his expression constantly shifting between concern and delight.
Gideon forced a smile.
"I'll do my best."
---
Tap... tap...
More footsteps sounded at the entrance.
A black-robed clergyman entered the hall.
His hair was immaculately groomed, and a golden cross hung proudly upon his chest.
"Ambrose Rossi," Sid whispered.
"Rank of Bishop. Veteran member of the Clergy Corps. He's participated in countless important missions and commands tremendous respect here."
Gideon nodded.
As Ambrose walked through the hall, he greeted members one by one.
Whether he knew them personally or not, he always listened patiently before responding with a warm smile.
Every gesture radiated confidence and refinement.
A few moments later, he approached Gideon's group.
"Innocent. Sid."
Ambrose crossed himself.
"It's wonderful to see you return safely from the Holy War Land. Truly a blessing from the Lord."
The others returned the gesture.
Then he turned to Gideon.
"You must be Father Gideon—the priest who witnessed the miracle."
His smile was warm and sincere.
"Thank you for everything you did there. Without your efforts, countless innocent lives would undoubtedly have been lost."
Gideon raised an eyebrow.
The man appeared to be a genuinely devout believer, so he exchanged a few polite words in return.
After Ambrose departed, Sid immediately leaned closer.
"Stay away from him if possible."
Gideon looked puzzled.
"He's backed by several Holy Families. Recently, Lord Jolan has been clashing with them over policy reforms."
Understanding dawned instantly.
Politics.
Factional politics.
To be honest, Gideon had no interest in any of it.
But after everything that happened in the Holy War Land, he was already tied to Jolan's side whether he liked it or not.
---
"Silence!"
A commanding voice suddenly echoed through the chamber.
At once, Jolan strode into the hall with several attendants following behind him.
Every conversation ceased immediately.
The man now wore a pure white robe embroidered with intricate golden patterns along the sleeves, lending him an air of authority and nobility.
Jolan marched directly to the head of the assembly.
"First, let me welcome our newest members."
"I hope each of you fulfills your duties under the Lord's guidance."
Then his tone sharpened.
"Most of you already know who I am, so I'll skip the formalities."
His gaze swept across the room.
"I don't care whether you come from a local parish, a minor family, or one of the Holy Families."
"Within these walls, your first identity is that of a member of the Clergy Corps."
"Our mission is to safeguard the Vatican and faithfully carry out every assignment entrusted to us."
His eyes became razor-sharp.
"And if I discover anyone placing personal interests—or the interests of their family—above the welfare of the Vatican..."
A heavy silence fell over the hall.
"I will personally send that person before the Tribunal of Repentance."
The moment the words left his mouth, the assembly hall fell into an uneasy silence.
Everyone could hear the implication behind them.
Jolan's reforms had only just begun to take effect, yet several influential families had already voiced opposition—and many of their descendants happened to be serving within the Clergy Corps.
"The Clergy Corps has never cared about a person's origins," Jolan said with his hands clasped behind his back. "As long as you're capable, you'll be given the opportunity to prove yourself."
"My standard for selecting people is simple."
He swept his gaze across the hall.
"I value those who can get things done."
"As you command, Your Excellency."
Ambrose immediately bowed slightly.
The others quickly followed suit.
Soon, pledges of loyalty echoed throughout the chamber.
How much of it was sincere, however, was something only the Lord could know.
"One more matter."
Jolan raised a hand for silence.
"The position of Deputy Commander of the Clergy Corps has remained vacant for quite some time."
"This role requires not only overseeing Vatican security arrangements, but also extensive experience dealing with supernatural threats."
His eyes scanned the crowd below.
"The candidate must possess unwavering faith, sufficient prestige, and, above all else—strength."
At those words, many people instinctively glanced toward Ambrose.
The bishop quietly took a deep breath.
His expression remained calm, but beneath his sleeves his fists tightened slightly.
"So..."
Jolan pointed toward the audience.
"Father Gideon will assume the position."
The announcement landed like a boulder crashing into still water.
Gideon: ???
For a brief moment, he genuinely wondered whether Jolan had lost his mind.
By every conceivable metric, he should not have been the chosen candidate.
Especially after everything that had happened in the Holy War Land, he might very well have been the worst possible choice.
The reactions around him confirmed he wasn't alone in thinking so.
"Lord Jolan, isn't this somewhat... inappropriate? Father Gideon has only just joined the Clergy Corps. He's unfamiliar with many of its responsibilities."
"He's a newcomer. What qualifies him for the position? Isn't Ambrose clearly the better choice?"
"Has this appointment even been approved by the Holy See?"
"..."
"..."
Even Sid and the others looked visibly shocked.
Clearly, they weren't convinced by the decision either.
Calvis and Rolcie exchanged thoughtful looks but remained silent.
Bettice, meanwhile, cast Gideon a worried glance.
As for Bishop Ambrose, he was one of the few who said nothing.
He stared at the floor in silence, as though the uproar around him belonged to an entirely different world.
"Silence!"
One of the clergymen standing beside Jolan barked sharply.
The crowd turned toward the voice and met Jolan's calm, unwavering gaze.
Gradually, the hall quieted once more.
"The matter is decided."
His tone allowed no room for argument.
"If anyone objects, you are free to submit a formal complaint to the Vatican."
"Now then, this meeting is adjourned."
"You should proceed to receive your assignments."
"Starting today, the Clergy Corps' jurisdiction will extend across the entire world."
"Any commission rated Dangerous or higher will be handled by us. Your duties will include collecting evil materials from these incidents..."
After finishing his instructions, Jolan stepped down from the platform and departed through a side door with several attendants.
---
"Come on."
Sid patted Gideon on the shoulder.
"Once that man makes up his mind, it's nearly impossible to change it."
Gideon frowned.
This decision had thrust him directly into the center of attention.
And Jolan's blunt, heavy-handed approach left him thoroughly dissatisfied.
He had originally planned to speak with the man afterward.
Now it seemed he'd have to wait for another opportunity.
Before long, only a single person remained inside the hall.
Ambrose slowly lifted his head and looked toward the direction Jolan had departed.
His eyes were utterly cold.
---
Holy See Lounge
"Your Excellency, some of them had a point. What exactly are you planning?"
A clergyman bowed respectfully.
Jolan snorted.
"Of course I know Gideon isn't the ideal choice."
"But the new reforms have barely begun, and those parasites among the Holy Families are already jumping out to oppose them."
He slammed a hand against the table.
"Hmph! If we continue accommodating their wishes, the Church will eventually rot away under their influence."
"This is the perfect opportunity to force them into the open."
His eyes narrowed.
"I want to see who protests the loudest—and who harbors other intentions."
In Jolan's view, those aristocratic Holy Families had always been a burden.
Now, thanks to the events in the Holy War Land, several Cardinals within the Vatican openly supported him.
Naturally, he had no intention of letting that advantage go to waste.
Furthermore, reports from lower dioceses had recently arrived from across the globe.
Paranormal activity was increasing everywhere.
The implication was obvious.
The forces of darkness were becoming restless once again.
Faced with pressure from all directions, Jolan no longer had the luxury of time.
After a moment's thought, he issued another order.
"Make a list of everyone causing trouble."
"Understood."
The attendant nodded.
"Though... Father Gideon may suffer because of this."
"That fellow is always hiding his capabilities."
Jolan's eyes narrowed slightly.
"But Church affairs will only become more demanding from here on."
"I need him capable of standing on his own as quickly as possible."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"This is the perfect chance to force him to grow."
---
Clergy Corps Commission Office
"Everyone."
A staff member handed over a stack of files.
"This is your next assignment."
"The destination is the western Pacific region—Sakura District."
"Sakura District?"
Gideon frowned as he accepted the documents.
"Hey... supernatural cases over there are rarely harmless."
He opened the file.
Written across the cover page were the words:
Tokyo Nerima Ward Residential Murder Case.
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