Player-Hunting Inquisitors

Chapter 13

The incident of Cornell's death was concluded with the director and me bowing our heads.

"We feel a great sense of responsibility for this accident and will do our best to ensure such incidents do not occur again. We also extend our apologies to the Monclair family, who suffered from this tragedy, and to other families who were concerned about the safety of their children."

Public opinion heavily criticized the academy's incompetence, but the reputation the academy had built over a long time did not crumble easily.

Other academies have experienced far more severe incidents, so an accident caused by a student's independent actions would likely be overlooked.

No matter what anyone says, the academy is the best educational institution, and it was like an impregnable fortress that wouldn't collapse from simple incidents.

'Moreover, since there were no significant protests from the Monclair family, people would think it wasn't a big deal.'

Of course, this was because the truth had been conveyed to the members of the Cult.

Cornell's parents seemed to have lingering doubts, but they believed our story more easily than expected.

Anyway, the academy entered a break period, and I moved out of the church to a new house I had prepared.

"Is this your house? I like it!"

Riel said with a smile.

"Why does it matter if you like my house?"

Bringing Yuria along under the guise of a housewarming, she seemed to like the place.

"What's the big deal? Dorm life is boring, you know."

"True. There's nothing particularly problematic here, and the atmosphere isn't bad."

"Right? I told you my aesthetic sense is decent!"

The laughter of Riel and Yuria echoed through the empty house, where only a few pieces of furniture stood.

The unique unfamiliar air of a newly moved-in house mingled with the faint scent of fresh wood.

"Yes, yes, the soundproof barrier is well-installed, so feel free to chat as much as you like."

"Oh, you've prepared well."

I pointed to the magic tool located in the middle of the room.

"That's right. From now on, if there's something to discuss, we can do it here."

"Understood. Then, let's talk about the progress of the recent matter."

We had always discussed things at the church.

Until now, we had used soundproof barriers, but we couldn't rely on them indefinitely.

Moreover, there was a risk of our lip movements being read, so we ultimately needed a stable location.

Of course, the church was also a fairly safe place, so we planned to alternate between the two locations.

"Cornell's funeral was held modestly. Kian and I attended and delivered eulogies. Fortunately, no one suspected us."

The Cult also sent me as a gesture of apology.

Yuria, as his team leader, also attended the funeral.

However, considering that we were the ones actually involved in his death, our Cult was truly ruthless.

"You read through the interrogation materials on that guy, right?"

The results of the interrogation were delivered to the Pope by Natasha, and I also heard the contents.

Cornell's quest was merely to adapt to noble society and enroll in the academy; we still couldn't grasp the Goddess's intentions.

"Yeah. Unfortunately, there was no information about other Players. We're back to square one."

Regrettably, Cornell had no knowledge about other Possessed individuals.

We had only dealt with one Player.

Still, the true nature of the Goddess's extending claws had yet to be revealed.

"Then, the next target is Darec, who caused the accident last time."

"Right."

Darec, who caused an accident during the last magic practice class, was the next suspected Player.

Riel would be in charge of the investigation this time.

"Since we're both commoners and in the magic department, it'll be easy to approach him. Leave it to me!"

"Understood. Let me know anytime if you need help."

We finished adjusting the details and concluded the meeting.

**

The short break period ended, and the academy's classes resumed.

"Everyone, it's been a while."

I stood in the Cult and observed the gazes directed at me.

'I thought there might be people holding a grudge against me because of the Cornell incident... but fortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case.'

Relieved of the burden in my heart, I focused on the class.

"Last month, our goal was to sense Divine Power. Now, let's learn how to utilize the Divine Power you've sensed."

Divine Power is a force that originates within the body.

Therefore, the effects of Divine Power also operate within the body.

For example, healing magic and body enhancement magic are among the applications of Divine Power.

"In the past, before Divine Power and magic were distinguished, it was called magic. But strictly speaking, it's based on Divine Power, not magical energy."

I wrote "healing" and "body enhancement" on the blackboard.

"Please present how you want to use Divine Power among these two options and how much you've achieved. This will serve as a substitute for the midterm exam."

How to use Divine Power. This was the most important task.

Wasting the Divine Power you've realized would be a shame.

"Utilizing Divine Power is essential not only for learning magic but also for understanding the essence of divinity.

This will be a crucial task in deciding the path you will take in the future."

Even without exceptional talent in Divine Power, anyone could reach a level helpful for daily life.

Like when physical strength is needed or when treating minor injuries.

There might even be someone with outstanding talent worth bringing into the Cult.

"Your evaluation will also include what you choose to perform, considering the level of Divine Power you've realized."

This seemed appropriate for a midterm exam.

'Compared to other professors, this is a smaller and easier assignment, isn't it?'

As if understanding my intentions, the students' expressions became much more favorable than before.

"Oh, of course, this is an individual assignment. If you need help, feel free to find me. You can find me at the church."

I spent the remaining time walking among the students, reading their chosen topics, and answering their questions.

Fortunately, the students didn't seem to face significant difficulties.

At least, for now.

As always, after class, the students dispersed in small groups.

From their appearance, I felt a sense of incongruity that was different from usual, but I couldn't pinpoint what it was.

"What's with that assignment? Using Divine Power usually takes years to master, doesn't it?"

"Really? I finished that process in just a month... Why are you glaring?"

Riel's concern was natural.

Sensing Divine Power and using it were distinctly different matters.

Having to find a way to utilize Divine Power in such a short time could be a significant burden for students without talent.

"Well, mastering it takes years, but just trying it out doesn't take that long, does it? Besides, the process itself will be evaluated, so it's okay if you can't do it perfectly."

"Got it. I'm a bit worried, but... it's not my class anyway!"

Just when I thought she brought up something useful, she ruined it at the end.

"Welcome, you two."

Upon arriving at the church, as always, Yuria was waiting for us.

And

"Natasha? Meeting you here?"

Something wavering behind Yuria, Riel and I immediately recognized what it was.

"Yoo-hoo. I'm here."

The Dark Elf, Natasha, revealed herself.

As always, she greeted us with her monotonous voice and peculiar tone.

"The report is done, so I've returned. I'll be staying as Yuria's maid from now on."

Riel's eyes widened as she shouted.

"A maid? Really?!"

"Yes. In our family, it's not strange to have an Elf as a maid. Conveniently, one of the existing maids has returned to the main house."

V-, Natasha raised two fingers on her left hand. With her vast experience, being a maid wouldn't be difficult for Natasha.

However,

"Are you sure this is okay? You don't have to go out of your way to do this."

In fact, there's no need for her to infiltrate as a maid. She could take a position at the church or remain hidden in the area without any status.

"I need a status. That's what the Pope said."

"If it is the Pope's will..., understood."

In fact, as a Dark Elf, she usually lived apart from people.

However, through this mission, she likely wanted to gain new experiences in a different environment.

"Excited."

Furthermore, considering the Dark Elf's tendency to seek stimulation, it was even more likely.

"Then from now on, call me Master, Yuria."

"Yes, understood."

"Mm, Master."

'This feels a bit awkward.'

From my estimation, the age difference is about xx times.

"Inappropriate thoughts!"

"No, not at all."

She's still as perceptive as ever.

"Well then, I have my next class, so I'll head off first!"

Riel, who had been sticking close to Yuria, suddenly dashed off.

"Hehe, Riel is something else."

Yuria could have felt displeased, but instead, she looked rather pleased.

Yuria naturally gave orders to the maid behind her.

"Then, could you make me a cup of tea?"

"Leave it to me."

Surprisingly, Natasha's tea was delicious.

The steam rising from the teacup carried a subtle floral fragrance.

The tea that touched the tip of my tongue was smooth and warm, blending the fresh aroma of freshly picked tea leaves with the perfect temperature to create a profound flavor.

"Tea is my specialty!"

"Truly, that's amazing."

And so, we relaxed and returned to our school life.

**

As the night deepened, I returned home and knelt alone before the idol.

As the laughter and conversations of the day faded from my mind, hidden emotions slowly surfaced.

"Please, forgive my sins."

The guilt over Cornell's death must have taken root in all our hearts.

'The deeper you stare into the abyss, the abyss also stares back at you. It seems we are becoming more and more like the Players.'

We are the same in that we commit acts of bloodshed without hesitation to achieve our goals.

The path of the Inquisitor is always a journey wavering between guilt and faith.

'Killing someone and pretending it doesn't affect you is a difficult thing.'

We all had a hand in Cornell's death.

I, who lured him, Riel and Yuria, who directly interrogated him, and even Natasha, who covered up the body.

No matter how much the opponent was a Possessed, the guilt in our hearts doesn't disappear.

No, perhaps only those who carry guilt can walk the path of the Inquisitor.

"What we do is all arranged by the Lord. May He grant us the courage to walk this path to the end."

What we need as we walk this path is courage.

The courage to face our own sins and move forward despite them.

The night deepened, and darkness enveloped me.

However, I continued kneeling, spending time in that position.

Eventually, the darkness of the night embraced my heart.

In the Lord's embrace, I was finally able to fall asleep.

In the dream I had that night, I saw my old village.