The Regressed Sword Demon Is a Catastrophe-Class Inquisitor - Chapter 119

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 119. So It Shall Be.

“Surely that’s a technique you invented yourself…?”

I couldn’t tell him the truth, so I gave him a vague answer instead.

“Well, let’s say it is.”
“Huh… This is remarkable. I never thought anyone else could master the same technique as me… Perhaps the world truly is vast after all.”

The world may be vast, but there exists no one like you.
Still, I feigned surprise.

“You also use the same technique as I do?”
“Yes. I used it often during my mercenary days, and I taught it to Tom as well.”
“I see.”

Of course, I already knew all of this.

“Tsk, in any case, thank you for handling it in my stead. Had you not, the situation would have become far more troublesome.”
“It is not strange for a master to aid his disciple. The same applies to the disciple as well.”
“Well, I was merely keeping my promise.”
“Still, I am grateful.”

Had Valter not been there, I would have had no choice but to leave Dominion untouched.
Then not only Valentis but far more would have perished.

“Hmm, it was no difficult task.”

Valter cleared his throat awkwardly, as if embarrassed.
Indeed, having spent decades fleeing from someone, his discomfort was understandable.

“Still, it seems you can now properly wield Wrath.”
“Well, it’s an emotion I’ve always harbored. Though I still cannot fully control the deepest layers of Wrath, I can say it’s better than before.”

I had taught Valter the sword of Wrath approximately two months prior.
The fact that he mastered it immediately upon instruction was remarkable enough, but his current ability to wield it with such freedom required no further comment.
Yet he was once the Wrath of the Seven Deadly Sins, so in a sense, it was only natural.

“I still carry that burden as well. It’s hardly unusual for ones like us to harbor such wrath constantly.”
“Tsk tsk, I see.”
“But how does your progress with ‘Ecstasy’ fare?”

I had taught him not only Wrath of the Seven Deadly Sins, but also Ecstasy.
Ordinarily, one should acquire Ecstasy first, but since his physical condition already met the prerequisites, he had skipped that step and obtained Wrath of the Seven Deadly Sins ahead of schedule.

“No, I’ve wandered the world as you suggested, not just confined myself to my estate, but it remains unchanged. If anything, seeing those insufferable faces only amplified my wrath.”

This was severe—truly severe.
Yet I had no grounds to criticize, having been the same way during my time as Sword Demon.

‘Should I give him that?’

I briefly entertained the thought before abandoning it.
Relying on ‘that’ would be unwise. It might even hinder his acquisition of Ecstasy.

“Still….”

Valter gazed at me.

“This wrath of mine eases somewhat when I see you all.”
“….”
“It’s been a while, Kael.”

Bella and I hadn’t seen Valter since we departed back then. We’d only exchanged occasional messages through the disposable communication artifact I’d given him.
We’d been too occupied to visit, and Valter had been traveling from place to place himself.
I let out a soft chuckle and replied.

“It has indeed.”

That was when it happened.

“Interrogator!”

Bella came rushing toward us.
She’d realized the situation had concluded when the barrier surrounding the forest dissolved.

“Are you alright? The energy here was swirling like a typhoon just moments ago.”
“I’m fine aside from expending considerable holy power. I have my Disciple to thank for that.”

When I gestured toward Valter, Bella finally noticed him and jumped in surprise.

“Whoa, you scared me! How long have you been standing there! I thought you were dust!”

Valter’s aura, which had towered like a pillar moments before, had somehow transformed into that of an ordinary old man.

“Ah… it’s a habit, a habit. After decades of pursuit, it’s become second nature.”

I understand that sentiment. Perhaps only I truly know what it feels like.

“Still, you should make your presence known. I can’t very well ignore someone standing right beside me.”
“Tsk tsk, I’ll do better from now on.”
“It’s been a long time, Valter.”
“It has been for you as well.”
“You’ve been eating well, I hope?”
“Well, more or less…”
“What?! Didn’t I tell you there’s joy in eating! When you’re hungry, you get even more irritable!”
“I know, but traveling around makes it such a bother…”
“From now on, eat properly even if it’s bothersome! Understood?”

Bella’s scolding left Valter with a sullen expression. Then he naturally shifted the subject.

“Speaking of which, Bella, you’ve grown a bit taller and your hair is longer now.”
“Oh! You noticed?!”
“I did.”
“Hehe, well, I’m an adult now after all.”

As Bella puffed up with pride, Valter offered a subtle smile.
Just as he had with me, Bella’s bright disposition possessed the power to dispel darkness.

“Bella. Stop chattering now and tend to their wounds. Use all the salve if you must.”

I gestured toward those scattered on the ground. The wounds from their mutual combat were considerable.

“Yes, Interrogator!”

Bella set down a large bag in front of them and began carefully laying them flat.
While she lacked Arturo’s exceptional medical skills, she was capable of basic first aid—knowledge she’d further developed under his tutelage.

“Valter, would you assist Bella here? I’ll move the others in different locations and contact the Papal See.”
“Understood.”

Just as I turned to leave.

“Ah, Kael.”

Valter called out to stop me.

“Is there something you wish to say?”
“If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, might I accompany you to the Luminara Family Estate? I’m curious where you and Bella reside.”

Valter was treating us favorably at present, but he remained the former Wrath of the Seven Deadly Sins—the greatest of villains.
It would be entirely unsurprising if the Theocracy’s Holy Knights rushed at him on sight.

‘Though admittedly, no Holy Knight capable of subduing him exists now.’

Regardless, bringing Valter into the Theocracy was akin to inviting a disaster waiting to detonate.

“I know this is an unreasonable request. Setting aside the trouble the Papal See might cause if word leaked, my presence in your sanctuary would surely be—”
“Come as you wish.”
“…What?”
“Stay as comfortably as you can.”

Valter’s pupils dilated as if he couldn’t believe what he’d heard.

“Truly? Even though I am Wrath of the Seven Deadly Sins?”
“You are merely my disciple now.”

Besides, Wrath, Envy, and Avarice already frequented my estate—one more of the Seven Deadly Sins made no difference.
There was no risk of discovery.
If he chose to conceal himself, only I from my Sword Demon days could find him, and few knew his face.
Who would recognize the visage of an old man?

“Even so….”

Yet as Valter continued to hesitate, I tilted my head in confusion.

“That’s unlike you. If you’re going, then go. If you’re killing, then kill. What’s the problem?”
“You’re right. I’ve lived that way all along. But….”

He gazed at me.

“Strangely enough, I don’t want to do that with you all. Do you know why?”
“Seems you’ve grown old.”
“Tsk tsk, that might be it.”
“Anyway, do as you wish. Just remember we can’t travel together outside the Estate, so keep up properly.”
“That’s no problem.”
“Then I’ll see you in a bit.”
“Understood.”

I headed toward the dense trees, while Valter approached Bella.
Then I suddenly stopped and turned back to look at them.

“Bella. What should I do?”
“Ah, just lay them down comfortably like I did. I’ll handle the rest.”
“Got it.”

Valter nodded and picked up the person like garbage, then hurled them down.
Despite his rough handling, the person landed neatly on the ground, but Bella was indignant at the sight.

“What, what are you doing!”
“I’m a Knight, so this much is fine.”
“It’s not fine with me?! If you’re going to do it like that, step aside!”
“Ugh…. I’ll correct myself.”
“Really, do I have to teach you this too?”
“Sorry. I’m not used to this sort of thing.”
“…Then I have nothing to say.”
“That’s what I was aiming for.”
“…I don’t want to talk to you anymore, Valter.”
“Tsk tsk, my apologies. This time I mean it.”
“Hmph, I’m not falling for it!”

I watched them bicker for a moment, let out a soft chuckle, and turned to leave.

* * *

The Papal See.
The Cardinals stared intently at a single point, their expressions grave. Their gaze was fixed upon something surprising—a communication artifact placed before Barun.

“It’s been nearly an hour since Kael Inquisitor entered the forest, and we still haven’t heard anything….”
“Indeed, it is troubling….”

Kael Inquisitor was a figure worthy of being recorded in the Primordial Scripture itself, standing at the epicenter of tumultuous events.
He had proven this by accumulating countless achievements, and now no one could deny that his martial prowess was one of the pillars supporting the Theocracy.
Yet he had ventured forth to vanquish Dominion, one of the Five Great Calamities, a creature deemed impossible to overcome.

‘If this should fail….’

Not only would the Theocracy lose a powerful Holy Knight in Kael Inquisitor, but they would also lose Valentis, who had already suffered at Dominion’s hands. The blow to the Theocracy would be catastrophic.
Barun, observing the atmosphere, spoke.

“According to the Inquisitor’s words, communication is impossible due to Dominion’s domain. Moreover, since Blewillo Forest is vast, it is only natural that such an endeavor takes time.”
“That may be true, but….”

Even so, the Cardinals’ anxiety did not dissipate. And Barun felt the same.

‘I pray he returns safely….’

When Barun first met Kael Inquisitor, he had regarded him merely as a great missing piece he had long sought.
But as days passed and achievements accumulated, he realized that such thinking was arrogance.
He was no mere piece of a puzzle. He was a formidable blade forged to protect humanity from all evil.

‘Since he was confident in his success, I cannot bring myself to doubt him….’

Yet worry was inevitable when the opponent was one of the Five Great Calamities.
Just as sighs continued to echo through the Papal See, a moment arrived.

“Hah!”

A young girl standing beside Barun suddenly gasped.
It was Sena, the Saint of Foresight.

“Ugh!”

Sena grasped the communication artifact in both hands and rushed off somewhere with Odo in tow.

“W-Holy Maiden…?”

Barun was startled by her sudden action, but Sena didn’t stop—she came to a confident halt before the Pope.
Yet facing the Pope directly, she found herself shrinking back despite her resolve.

“Y-Your Holiness.”
“Speak. Saint of Foresight.”
“A call will come soon.”

She handed over the communication artifact. The Cardinals watching her grew bewildered.
They had come to rely on the communication artifact, but handing it to the Pope carried a different significance entirely.
If Sena had intended this, it was a masterful stratagem; even if she hadn’t, it would strengthen Kael’s position.

“….”

The Pope gazed at it quietly.
A communication artifact given by the Saint of Foresight. There had to be meaning in this.

“Thank you.”

The moment the Pope accepted the communication artifact.

Hummmmm—

The communication artifact chimed. It was Kael.
All eyes fixed upon the Pope and the artifact. An incoming call meant he was alive—proof of his survival.
But whether he had succeeded or failed, no one could yet know.
The Pope answered the call.

“Speak. Kael Inquisitor.”
– …Your Holiness?
“I recognize your voice. But are you unharmed?”

At that question, everyone held their breath and strained to listen. Then his calm voice flowed through the artifact.

– Yes. I defeated Dominion, and I also rescued Valentis and the captured people.
“Ohhh…!”
“So it really was Kael Inquisitor!”

Exclamations and joy erupted from all corners. Though the solemn Papal See didn’t produce thunderous cheers, to the Pope, it burned like wildfire.
At this moment, what beliefs Kael held mattered little to the Cardinals.
Kael and Valentis were alive, and Dominion—which they had deemed unconquerable—had fallen. That alone was cause for celebration.

‘Quiet, yet immense.’

The Pope smiled.

“You have labored well, Kael Inquisitor. When you return, I shall prepare a fitting reward for you.”
– Thank you. And please send personnel and carriages here to transport the people.
“Yes. I shall do so.”
– I’ll explain the details when I arrive. I’m busy, so I’ll take my leave now.

The communication cut off abruptly without the Pope’s response.
Even at such rudeness, the Cardinals dared not object. In truth, they were too busy feeling relieved and joyful.
The Pope turned his gaze toward Sena.

“Saint of Foresight. Is this the future you desired?”

Sena broke into a bright smile.

“Yes!”
“I see.”

The Pope could only nod in response.

* * *

The carriages and personnel arrived at our location quickly. They had been prepared nearby in advance.
For now, to assess their condition, we decided the survivors would head to the Papal See.
Valter didn’t board a carriage. By now, he would be following along on his own.

“Kael Inquisitor, I truly owe you my gratitude for this. Without you, I would still be at Dominion’s mercy, toyed with in his grasp.”

It was Valentis speaking from the seat across from me. I nodded in acknowledgment.

“Still, you held out well. Perhaps because of your size.”

Had Valentis resisted Dominion’s control, I would have needed to expend far more power to subdue him.

“No, I only held out for a moment. Until just before, I was cutting down others with these hands.”

Valentis stared down at his large hands, which trembled violently. His complexion was haggard.
They said that even under control, fragments of memory remained. Fortunately, it seemed he hadn’t witnessed Valter.

‘But the fact that they remember at all is the problem.’

Dominion had commanded people to fight one another for its amusement. In that process, some died, and others became killers.
Valentis was no exception. His greatsword was stained with crimson blood.

“As for taking lives, I have done so countless times. But those were always demons or humans like them—never the innocent.”
“….”
“Yet this time, I cut down those who had committed no crime….”

Post-traumatic stress disorder.
This afflicted not only Valentis, but most of those who had been under Dominion’s control.
Though it was not of their own will, the memory remained like a scar, tormenting them and filling them with self-reproach.
Neither I nor Arturo could cure this illness. It was something they had to overcome themselves.
But I could offer them a small measure of help.

“The past cannot be changed, no matter what.”
“…?”

At my words, Valentis lifted his pallid face.

“Whatever happens, we must ultimately grasp the sword. That is the mission of us Holy Knights.”

Of course, excluding myself.
My mission was for myself alone, not for the Goddess.

“Hah…. I see.”

Valentis, who had been standing dazed, clenched his trembling hands into tight fists.

“Thank you. Truly.”

He smiled faintly, but the guilt lingering in his eyes remained unwiped.
If it could be cured so easily, so many wouldn’t have to suffer.

‘Should I use it?’

But I decided to observe the situation for now.
He might overcome it on his own, and I didn’t know exactly how much he should take.
I was carrying ‘that medicine’ only for when there was no other choice.
Still, I had no intention of simply standing by and watching.

“Bella.”
“Yes, Interrogator.”
“Contact the estate and summon Arturo. Tell him to bring the medicine made by Galmar to the Papal See.”
“Understood.”

Bella pulled out a communication artifact from her bag and relayed my intentions to Father.

‘Finally, I can use it.’

That medicine would become a small salvation for those burdened by trauma.

(To be continued in the next chapter)

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