The Regressed Sword Demon Is a Catastrophe-Class Inquisitor - Chapter 100

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 100. That’s Something to Look Forward To.

– You’re saying… the Holy Sword Barkan?
– That’s right.
– Hmm… Very well. I have no pressing duties to attend to at the moment anyway.

Though Ludian was visibly startled, he accepted my proposal without raising any significant objections.
We boarded the carriage together, and Sriben returned to Haven City.
I turned to Ludian, who sat across from me.

“But how can you follow so easily?”
“What do you mean?”
“The Holy Sword Barkan is a sacred relic that no one has found since the Holy Relic War fifty years ago. Because of this, the Papal See desperately wants to recover it, and the Holy Knights desire to obtain it.”
“…”
“I proposed we search for such an object, yet you accepted my suggestion without significant suspicion. That’s not a typical reaction.”
“You’re right, it isn’t.”

Ludian nodded in agreement.

“Of course, I do wish to obtain the Holy Sword Barkan. It belonged to Saint Eldoras, the greatest Holy Knight of all time.”
“…”
“But I didn’t follow you so carelessly.”
“Then?”
“As I said, I admire the Kael Inquisitor. Despite being a new Heresy Inquisitor, you’ve accomplished numerous achievements.”

Ludian gestured toward my priestly vestments.

“And that cassock and worn sandals. They’re sacred relics, aren’t they?”
“You could tell?”
“Now that I’m looking closely, I can sense it. There’s a sacred aura emanating from them.”

I had roughly anticipated he would notice. An ordinary Holy Knight might not, but Ludian would.

“Perhaps His Holiness, who possesses the Staff of Saint Serabio, also noticed. He simply remained silent because others didn’t mention it first.”

It made sense now that I understood the Pope’s nature.

“And His Holiness once said this: ‘Since the sacred relics will naturally return to their rightful place according to the Goddess’s will, I shall not stake my life on their recovery.'”

Ludian gazed at me.

“At the time, I found it somewhat puzzling, but now I believe I understand its meaning. Surely the Kael Inquisitor has shunned greed and shown charity to someone.”
“….”
“The fact that you possess that sacred relic is proof of it.”

It was a statement I couldn’t easily deny.
I had not merely obtained this sacred relic—I had practiced seven virtues and received sacred power as a result.
But I glared at him before speaking with gravity.

“Don’t praise me.”
“…Pardon?”

Of course, it was true that I felt pleased when receiving sincere compliments.
But why did it feel so unsettling to hear such words from Ludian, who had done nothing but nag me before?
Still, I couldn’t remain bound to my past life, so I exhaled deeply to shake off the nausea.

“Never mind.”
“Yes….”

Ludian cleared his throat softly and continued.

“In any case, the reason my acceptance of your proposal seemed so readily given is because of your achievements, Inquisitor.”
“I see.”

Yes, I could never match the strength of this man’s unwavering conviction—not even until the day he died at the hands of the Demon God.

‘Perhaps this conviction will never waver, no matter what trials befall him.’

I let out a scoff and asked.

“So tell me, Ludian—have you ever killed a person?”
“No. It’s been nearly seven years since I became a Holy Knight, and my blade has only cut down demons and monsters.”
“….”
“Of course, I’ve received orders to deal with people a few times, but in all cases, I escorted them to the Papal See.”

My sword is one that kills the wicked, but Ludian’s sword is one that protects people.
It was the same in my past life, and it remains so in this one.
In fact, it wouldn’t have been strange to call Ludian a Holy Knight of Mercy, just like Arvin.

“Then perhaps you’re prepared to take a life?”

Of course, Ludian does eventually kill the wicked without hesitation. But that comes only after certain events unfold.

“I’ve given it thought. But I intend to make every effort to bring them to the Papal See so they can face judgment for their crimes.”
“And if things don’t go according to your wishes?”
“What do you mean…?”
“For example, if you don’t kill them right now, many innocent people will die instead.”
“Hmm, that’s a difficult question.”

Ludian pondered for a moment before speaking.

“I’m afraid I don’t have a good answer. I’ve never committed murder, so I can’t even imagine it easily. Would it be acceptable to think about this problem more carefully?”
“More carefully….”

I gazed out at the passing scenery beyond the window.

“You’d do well to think about it as soon as possible. By the time you face the problem, it will already be too late.”
“Yes, I’ll keep that in mind.”

Ludian nodded and turned to look at Bella, who sat beside me.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Bella. I look forward to working with you.”
“Yes. I look forward to it as well, Ludian.”
“If you don’t mind, could you tell me about magic?”
“Magic?”
“Yes. Since I may face mages in the future, I’d like to learn about it beforehand. I’ve always been curious about magic.”

Ludian is someone without prejudice. So as long as Bella wasn’t a criminal, whether she was a mage or anything else didn’t matter to him.

“Ah, that’s not difficult. Shall I start by explaining the basics?”
“Yes, please.”
“First, magic is….”

Bella began her explanation, and Ludian listened intently, sitting with perfect posture.
I glanced at the sight before me.
In my past life, they were the Witch of Envy and the mightiest Holy Knight. Bella had even been slain by Ludian.
Yet now, the two of them conversed as though nothing had ever transpired between them.

‘Truly, what a peculiar scene.’

I let out a soft laugh and gazed out the window.
Unlike my past life, the trials awaiting Ludian were not far distant.

* * *

We arrived at Lebenheim Village after a week of travel.
Originally, we had descended from the carriage around sunset, but following my instructions, we waited nearby and only entered the village once the night had grown deep.

“Is this where the Holy Sword Barkan is located?”

Ludian surveyed his surroundings.
The village was dark due to the late hour, and no one could be seen moving about.

“It should be nearby. But before that, there’s a matter we need to resolve here first.”
“A matter?”
“Yes. You’ll understand soon enough.”

Just then, a woman approached Ludian.

“Excuse me… are you perhaps a Holy Knight?”

It was not difficult to deduce that Ludian was a Holy Knight. He wore silver armor that gleamed in the moonlight.
Since there was no need to conceal his identity, I said nothing about his attire.

“I am. What seems to be the matter?”
“Ah, I see…!”

The woman’s face brightened at once, and she asked hesitantly.

“I’m terribly sorry, but if you don’t mind, could you possibly help me?”
“Of course. I would be honored to be of service.”
“Oh, thank you so much! Then, if you would follow me this way….”

The woman led the way, and Ludian followed naturally. Then, as if remembering something he’d forgotten, he turned back to me.

“Ah… would that be alright?”

I deliberated for a moment before speaking.

“First, let me make one thing clear. Until this matter is resolved, my orders take precedence over whatever opinions you hold. It’s to prevent unnecessary discord. Do you agree?”
“Yes. You clearly know far more than I do, so I’ll follow your lead as long as the orders aren’t unreasonable.”

Had he been an ordinary Heresy Inquisitor, Ludian might have offered some resistance, but since he was a fellow Holy Knight, he acquiesced surprisingly easily.
Or perhaps it was simply his nature.

“Good. But this time, I’ll share my thoughts. I can’t make a definitive judgment right now either.”
“Then…?”
“If it were me, I wouldn’t follow.”
“Why not?”
“I can’t tell you that now. Besides, it’s strange to follow a stranger so readily. So what about you?”

Ludian fell silent in contemplation before responding.

“I am a Holy Knight of the Theocracy. So I cannot simply ignore a fellow citizen of the Theocracy in need of help.”
“In other words, you’re going to follow her.”
“Yes. Grant me permission.”

It was truly amusing.
Both the fact that he sought permission from a fellow Holy Knight, and the way he stated it so decisively, as if rejection were out of the question.

“Do as you wish. This time, I’ll defer to your judgment.”

I had known this would happen anyway. That Ludian would never coldly turn away those in need of help.

“Thank you. Shall we go?”
“Yes, Holy Knight.”

Ludian followed the woman, while Bella and I proceeded at a slight distance behind them.
The woman spoke.

“But Holy Knight, what brings you to this place?”
“I had some personal business to attend to.”
“How curious.”
“What do you mean?”
“Lebenheim is situated on the outer edges of the Theocracy, so the Theocracy’s influence barely reaches here. One could almost say it’s a different nation entirely.”
“I must admit, I’ve never heard of it before.”
“About a hundred years ago, this place was the site of a battle against demons. There are even rumors that the renowned Saint Eldoras participated in that very conflict.”
“How intriguing.”
“And that cottage over there is my home.”

The woman pointed toward a small cottage.
Before they entered, I had examined it with my Gentle Breeze ability, but detected no suspicious traces or people within.
They stepped inside, and we waited outside.
Ludian deliberately left the door open, so the interior was clearly visible.

“So, how may I be of service to you?”
“Ah, well, I was hoping you might join me in prayer.”
“Prayer?”
“Yes.”

The woman nodded, then suddenly removed her upper garment. White cloth was wound tightly around her torso, so she wasn’t completely bare.

“W-what on earth!”

Yet even this proved too much for Ludian, and he covered both eyes with one hand in bewilderment.
I narrowed my gaze and whispered to Bella.

“Bella, stay focused. Don’t miss a single movement.”
“Yes, Interrogator.”

We each reacted differently, but the woman simply clasped her hands together and began to speak, utterly unfazed.

“I pray that my prayers will reach the Goddess. They never have, not even once.”

Ludian awkwardly lowered his hand and looked at the woman.

“I… I see…”
“That’s why I’m so grateful you’ve come today. You are closest to the Goddess and the Theocracy, after all.”

The woman opened her eyes and looked up at Ludian.

“So please, report this to the Papal See. Tell them what happened today.”
“What…?”

That was when it happened.

Uuuuuuuuuuung!

Magical power surged abruptly from the woman’s body. Simultaneously, her insides blazed with an eerie blue light.

“Ludian!! Sever her neck!!!”

At my cry, Ludian reflexively gripped his sword hilt.
Ludian is a formidable warrior even now, comparable to me in strength. He’s been a Holy Knight for nearly seven years.
So he should easily be able to cut off her neck before anything catastrophic unfolds.

“Ah…”

But Ludian’s body froze like a statue. Their eyes had met before he could draw his blade.

‘Tsk, I knew he’d do that.’

I lunged forward, grabbed Ludian by the nape of his neck, and pulled him out of the cottage.

KWAAAAAAAAAANG!

In that instant, magical power detonated from within the woman’s body, and a deafening roar erupted.
The cottage shattered into fragments, debris scattering in all directions, and a thick cloud of dust billowed upward.
I looked down at Ludian, who lay sprawled on the ground. He was unharmed, merely dazed.
Bella had erected a protective barrier before the explosion occurred.

“What in the world…?”

I explained it to him.

“Do you know Abelk, the Detonation Declarer?”
“…You mean the criminal who massacred a thousand people and leads the Despair Cult?”
“Yes. That woman was likely one of his cult members.”

Abelk, the Detonation Declarer.
A notorious criminal within the Theocracy who embeds detonation magic into human bodies and detonates their mana—a name whispered throughout the Religious Kingdom.
However, for the detonation to occur, it must be the person bearing the inscribed magic, not Abelk himself, who triggers it.
In other words, detonation is impossible without the bearer’s own will.
The Despair Cult was a gathering of people who possessed such will.

‘Perhaps they hoped that Ludian, being a Holy Knight, would witness this and report it to the Papal See.’

The Despair Cult was a congregation of those who yearned to voice their grievances against the world, yet lacked the power to do so.
That’s why they sought Abelk’s aid, using ‘detonation’ as their means of expressing their will.

“Did you know about this, Interrogator…?”
“I wasn’t certain. They could have been people who genuinely needed help.”

In my past life, I arrived here several months from now.
By that time, not only this village but the surrounding settlements had already been consumed by flames from the Despair Cult’s actions.
But since I didn’t know the exact timing of when events would unfold, I came this early.

“Then you could have explained beforehand when you arrived….”
“Even if I had, you would have made the same choice. You wouldn’t have been able to sever her neck either, naturally.”

I brought him here from the start to make him confront reality.
But there’s no way I’d tell him that.

“That, that is… ugh!”

Ludian covered his mouth and retched.
In truth, severing a human neck in one swift motion is an extraordinarily difficult feat.
Ludian had likely beheaded countless demons and monsters, but humans were an entirely different matter.
As for me, well—my character was rotten from the start anyway.

….

Hearing the commotion from moments before, the villagers began emerging from their homes one by one.
Of course, it wasn’t only them.

“A Holy Knight….”
“And a Heretic Inquisitor too.”
“Ah… may our despair reach everyone.”

They rushed at us with bare hands, unarmed.
Members of the Despair Cult. Some were even approaching the villagers.
I signaled to Bella, and with a nod, she unleashed flames that consumed them.
As their screams echoed, I spoke to Ludian.

“I cannot protect everyone. But from what you just witnessed, you should be able to discern the flow of the magic circle and distinguish those marked with ‘Detonation.'”

Yet Ludian continued to retch.
The shock of witnessing the depths of Hell for the first time had overwhelmed him.
Had the enemy been demons or monsters, he would have drawn his blade without hesitation, but now he faced humans like himself.

‘For Ludian, who had never committed murder, this would not be easy.’

But this was a trial he would have to face eventually.
I crouched down and grabbed his hair, pulling his face upward.

“If you do not sever their necks, countless innocents will perish. Does that not concern you?”

Ludian’s unfocused blue eyes trembled violently.
I met that gaze and spoke with unwavering resolve.

“From this moment forward, it is an order, Ludian Cardos.”
“….”
“Draw your blade. Kill the wicked and protect the innocent. So that you do not regret today’s choice in the future.”

Ludian swallowed hard and gazed at me in silence.

“Or remain cowering there.”

I let out a scornful laugh and dropped his silver hair with a flick. His head naturally fell.

“….”

But he does not break when he falls. He staggers, yet rises again on his own two feet.
A man as unyielding as a holy blade. That was Ludian, who fought alongside me against the Demon God until the very end.
A man as strong as a single holy sword. That was Ludian, who fought against the Demon God alongside me until the very end.

“Damn it…!”

Ludian ground his teeth together. Then he rose from his seat and drew his sword.
The pristine blade gleamed through the darkness.

“I will protect everyone.”

Whoooosh—

Flames bloomed from his sword, a heat that drove back the bitter cold of December.
This was the swordsmanship of the Cardos Duchy.
If there was a difference between his blade and my ‘Wrath’, it was that his flames were gentle and warm, while mine were flames that would incinerate everything.

“I’ve always done it this way.”

Seeing his eyes harden with resolve, a faint smile escaped me. The disconnect with my past life had finally dwindled to nothing.

“That’s something to look forward to.”

I drew my own sword and wrapped flames around the blade.
Seemingly identical to Ludian’s yet utterly opposite, my inferno blazed savagely through the darkness.

Slash!

And as if by agreement, we scattered in opposite directions.

(To be continued in the next chapter)

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————