The Regressed Sword Demon Is a Catastrophe-Class Inquisitor - Chapter 120

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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 120. Continue.

“I-Interrogator!”

As I entered the Papal See, a young girl greeted me. It was Sena.

“Are you alright?”
“Of course.”
“Hehe… I’m relieved.”

Sena, who had laughed softly, now fixed her gaze intently upon Valentis, who stood beside me. He asked her.

“What is it?”
“I-I’m sorry… I should have prepared in advance….”

It seemed Sena believed the situation had worsened because she hadn’t foreseen it. Valentis shook his head firmly.
Valentis shook his head firmly.

“Then, then the Holy Knight is the same way!”
“Hmm?”
“Huh?”

Valentis, pondering what it meant, let out a small laugh.

“Aha… Thank you.”

It was a small comfort that Sena offered.

“Ah, yes!”
“Oh, yes!”

He had urgent matters to attend to with Sena.
Since Barun already knew all the details, there was no problem with him leaving first.
Anyway, since Barun already knew all the details, there was no problem with him going ahead first.

But I didn’t tell him anything about Valter either.

The same applies to the Papal See.
Valter was declared dead. There was no need to create unnecessary confusion or suspicion.

“We’re both quite busy, aren’t we?”
“I should lighten the burden on the Interrogator in any way I can. Then I’ll take my leave.”
“Yes.”
“See you again!”

Barun and Sena turned to leave. Bella waved her hand at Sena.

“Oh!”

Then, suddenly, Sena glanced back at Valentis with a mischievous grin.

“Sleep well!”

Valentis tilted his head in confusion. The sun was still high in the sky—hardly the time for sleep.
But knowing what she truly meant, I couldn’t help but smile wryly.

‘Only the Saint of Foresight could pull off something like that.’

Still, this proved that my plan would not fail.
Afterward, we entered the Conference Hall of the Papal See. I spoke.

“I, Kael Inquisitor, have defeated Dominion, one of the Five Great Calamities, and returned having saved countless lives.”

The Cardinals gazed at me with satisfied smiles.
Among them were Cardinals of the Anti-Magic Faction, yet even they could not help but genuinely praise me.
Above all, Gregory, who had been the greatest pillar of the Anti-Magic Faction, and his closest associates had vanished, so they could no longer press me as they once had.

“You have labored greatly, Saint Kael. The Theocracy is ever indebted to you.”

The Pope had called me Saint Kael, not Interrogator. It was his way of offering praise.

“I have merely fulfilled my duty as a member of the Clergy of the Theocracy. Please, think nothing of it.”

At that, the Cardinals let out soft exclamations of admiration. ‘How devout a clergyman he is,’ they seemed to say.
The Pope smiled.

“Still, I must offer a reward befitting your accomplishments. After all, there must always be sweet fruit following trials endured. I shall provide the Kael Inquisitor with a sacred elixir consecrated by the Goddess.”

That elixir likely possessed the property of increasing a Holy Knight’s divine power.
It was a reward other Holy Knights often received when they achieved remarkable feats.

‘Of course, the effect isn’t that dramatic.’

If one could become far stronger than others merely by consuming an elixir consecrated to the Goddess, the Theocracy would have already grasped dominion over the entire Continent with only Holy Knights.
Still, it was undoubtedly a precious elixir within the Theocracy, and it would provide meaningful assistance to growth.

“Does anyone object?”
“Not at all, Your Holiness. If anything, it feels insufficient on its own.”
“I concur.”

I wondered if the Cardinals had lost their minds.
But thinking about it, I wasn’t the Sword Demon right now—I was a Holy Knight. And one who had accomplished great deeds at that.
This was precisely the treatment I deserved.

‘Come to think of it, some of Barun’s closest Cardinals are among them.’

So Barun’s influence remained intact even in his absence here.
Still, ultimately it means nothing if the Pope doesn’t accept it. The fortunate part is that no Cardinal has raised an objection.

“Yes, I believe so as well.”

But the Pope readily agreed.

“While the elixir is indeed precious, the Kael Inquisitor’s contributions are far too significant to conclude matters with merely that.”

From his response, it seemed he had never intended to end things here.

“However, I cannot think of anything else at present. Thus, I shall ask the Kael Inquisitor directly. Is there a reward you desire from me?”

There was only one thing I desired from the Pope.
For the Theocracy to formally recognize magic.
But even if the Pope were to accept this proposal, such a forceful approach would be wrong. People don’t change until they understand for themselves.
In fact, it would likely provoke even greater resistance.
So the best method was to make people naturally accept magic.

‘Still, I have no intention of letting this slide.’

It was impossible to overturn the Theocracy’s perception of magic as easily as flipping one’s palm.
However, there existed a method to make that transformation process considerably smoother.

“Then, would you permit the formal importation of magical artifacts into the Theocracy?”

Currently, we employed several magical artifacts within my Estate, yet no laws governing them existed.
That meant the Theocracy could either permit or prohibit magical artifacts without any legal consequence.
What I was requesting now was the establishment of such legislation.

“….”

The Cardinals stared at the Pope in astonishment. Yet none rose to refute my proposal.
I had made a legitimate demand for compensation, after all.

“Hmm….”

The Pope, stroking his chin, finally responded.

“I’m afraid permitting the importation of magical artifacts into the Theocracy would be impossible.”

Tsk, so it comes to this after all.
Knowing as I did the Theocracy’s stance on magic, I had anticipated this outcome to some degree.

“However, if it were limited to the Luminara Family alone, that might be acceptable.”

Yet the Pope’s next words proved unexpected.

“Only for our Family?”
“Yes. As you know, unlike the Zarkan Empire, our Theocracy remains ignorant of magic and magical artifacts. Should we carelessly permit their importation, nobles and clergy alike could cause considerable problems in their handling.”

The Pope continued.

“The Luminara Family, by contrast, has already adapted to magical artifacts and possesses talented advisors from the Empire to consult. Thus, permitting only the Luminara Family is the safest and most rational approach.”
“….”
“Would that arrangement suffice?”

…This isn’t merely acceptable.
Rather, it’s an even more favorable situation.
Currently, several nobles are sympathetic to magical artifacts, and among the clergy, there are those who wish to adopt communication magical artifacts at the very least.

‘But if things proceed this way, they’ll have no choice but to go through our Family to obtain magical artifacts.’

In other words, our Family holds a “monopoly” disguised as stability and rationality.
Eventually, there’s a strong possibility that it will be permitted broadly, but at least until then, we’ve been granted considerable power that cannot be ignored.

‘Did the Pope aim for this as well?’

Honestly, I’m uncertain. On the surface, it’s an extremely rational decision.
But the Pope isn’t a fool, so he must be aware of these implications.

– Therefore, I too shall contemplate magic more carefully.

Suddenly, the Pope’s earlier words come to mind.
Perhaps there’s a personal conviction of the Pope woven into this.

“Then I shall ask that of you.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”

Of course, I’m the one who should be grateful.
With this, I’ve drawn halfway closer to my goal of changing the perception of magic within the Theocracy. Hope that once seemed impossibly distant now begins to take shape.
The Pope gazed at Valentis beside me.

“Holy Knight Valentis, are you recovering well?”
“Yes…. Thanks to Kael Inquisitor.”

Valentis spoke with his lips pressed tightly together.

“I apologize, Your Holiness. My selfishness has caused trouble for the Theocracy and Kael Inquisitor.”
“Lift your head. Who could fault you for wishing to save another?”
“But….”

Valentis clenched both fists tightly.

“I am a Holy Knight sworn to protect the people of the Theocracy, yet I killed the innocent. Even if it was done under Dominion’s influence, that fact does not change.”
“….”

A heavy silence descended upon the Papal See.
Dominion had been vanquished, but the casualties numbered one hundred twenty-one—all of them victims of the dominated ones slaughtering each other.

“Of course, I have no intention of stopping here. My mission is clear.”

Valentis glanced at me and continued.

“However, might I be permitted a brief period of rest? As things stand, my blade will surely waver before the enemy.”

The Pope observed the haggard look in his eyes and nodded readily.

“Very well.”
“Thank you, Your Holiness. I shall return shortly.”

Valentis bowed deeply. He had not slept a single moment since arriving here.
Observing his state, I interjected.

“Your Holiness, I have something to say regarding this matter.”
“What might that be?”
“Those currently afflicted by Dominion are experiencing the same anxiety symptoms as Holy Knight Valentis. Among them are those who have slain not strangers, but comrades and my own kin.”

In truth, Valentis’s condition was comparatively mild compared to the others. He had at least cut down those he did not know.
But those who had killed those close to them were now drowning in the abyss of despair.

“Overcoming that suffering will surely be difficult for them. However, we possess a means to aid them. I cannot guarantee we can heal everyone, of course, but it will certainly prove of considerable help.”
“What method might that be…?”
“He should have arrived by now.”

Creak—

Right on cue, the door opened quietly and a man entered. It was Arturo.
As all eyes turned toward him, Arturo composed himself formally.

“It is an honor to meet you, Your Holiness. I am Arturo, a physician of the Luminara Family.”
“Are you the method the Kael Inquisitor spoke of?”

Arturo glanced at me, and I spoke.

“Explain it.”
“Very well.”

Arturo stepped forward and turned his gaze toward the Pope.

“Your Holiness, are you familiar with a crop called ‘Galma’?”
“Ah… yes, it was a narcotic crop that Barsenon was attempting to spread, wasn’t it?”
“Indeed. However, it contains properties that stabilize the mind and body. Those properties are precisely what make it narcotic in nature.”
“I see.”
“At the request of Young Master Kael, I manufactured medicine from Galma. This is the finished product.”

Arturo withdrew a pill no larger than a pinky nail from a leather pouch.

“I have named this ‘Anxiolytic.’ It is, quite literally, a medicine that alleviates symptoms of anxiety.”
“That would certainly prove beneficial to those who suffered harm from Dominion in this incident.”
“Yes. However, symptoms must be properly diagnosed and treatment prescribed accordingly. Since it contains narcotic properties, overdose can cause adverse effects.”
“Has verification been completed?”
“It showed definite efficacy when tested on monsters, but not yet on humans.”
“I see.”

As the Pope contemplated, Valentis spoke.

“Your Holiness, might I undertake that verification?”
“Holy Knight Valentis?”
“Yes. If it works on one of my station as a Holy Knight, there would be no further need for verification.”
“If that is your wish, then proceed.”
“Thank you.”

Valentis turned to face Arturo.

“Then I entrust this to you.”
“Very well.”

Valentis took a seat, and Arturo stood before him, holding the medicine and a cup of water.
The sight struck me as peculiar. In my past life, Arturo had been Greed among the Seven Deadly Sins, addicting others to his substances.
Yet now he stood here to treat a Holy Knight.

“Simply take this first.”
“Understood.”

Valentis drank the medicine and water. For now, there was no immediate change.

“From this point forward, I intend to pursue fundamental treatment as well. It’s a method that typically corresponds to the final stage, but with your willpower, Holy Knight, it might be possible. Of course, it will be extremely painful, so you’re free to refuse here. I cannot guarantee what will happen either.”
“No, I beg you to proceed.”
“…I see. Very well.”

Arturo nodded upon witnessing that desperate gaze.

“Then close your eyes now and recall the circumstances of that time. Memories cannot be erased, but separation is possible. What you must do, Holy Knight, is to separate that memory from the present into ‘merely a past event.'”
“Understood. Let me try.”

Valentis slowly closed his eyes. His face contorted as if recalling that memory.
Tension gripped the Papal See. The Pope and the Cardinals watched him in bated breath.

“…UUUAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!”

Boom!

In that same instant, Valentis let out a tremendous cry, and holy power erupted in a violent torrent.
The tremendous aura pouring from Valentis sent Arturo’s hair flying, and the Cardinals instinctively shrank back.
The holy power that swiftly consumed the Papal See was saturated with anxiety and guilt.
No one could move rashly against that indescribable deluge of emotion.

“I’m… I’m so sorry….”

Within that maelstrom, Valentis grasped his own head with trembling hands.

“I’m truly sorry…. Because of my foolishness, innocent people like you….”

Valentis is a Holy Knight. Because of this, he would have been less affected by Dominion than others.
But that very fact had become his poison. He must have witnessed in fragments the sight of killing them with his own blade.

Crash!

Until now, I had barely held it together through sheer willpower, but the moment I let go, that guilt came crashing over me like waves.
Arturo shielded his eyes with his arm, his brow furrowed.

“…It seems the memory separation has failed. I was indeed too hasty.”
“No, continue.”

I pierced through the surging holy power and drew closer to Valentis.
Arturo’s eyes widened in shock.

“…Young Master Kael?”
“He is not someone who falls here so easily.”

Had he been any other patient, I would have ended it here, but I knew how Valentis had fought against Dominion.
That is why I did not prevent him from advancing to the final stage of treatment.

“When will the medicine take effect?”
“It should show results soon.”
“I see.”

I stood before Valentis, who still trembled like a frightened child.

Kuguguguguuu!

The sharp holy power radiating from him was like a great bear weeping mournfully.
I placed my hand upon his head and spoke.

“Endure. You are strong enough to resist the power of Dominion, one of the Five Great Calamities. Will you now surrender to the nightmare that creature has woven?”

When I had pointed my blade at him, he had controlled his movements with such force they seemed ready to shatter, so as not to become a burden to me.
And he had pleaded with me—to sever his neck at once.

“A nightmare is merely a nightmare. Face it willingly and devour it.”

He possessed not only physical strength but also exceptional mental fortitude. Even Dominion’s overwhelming magical power could not completely subjugate him.

“The weight borne by your blade is never light. Therefore, it does not waver so easily.”

His vast holy power thrashed about wildly, pushing against my body.
But I too released my holy power to counteract it. As the two forces collided, my body was no longer driven backward.
Soon my holy power enveloped his entire form like a soothing embrace.

“So cut through this as well.”

Thud───!

In that instant, the holy power that had been raging like a typhoon suddenly ceased, as though severed by an invisible blade.
The wild strands of hair slowly settled, and his holy power—that piercing wail—fell silent.
In that profound stillness, I looked down upon Valentis.
His face had turned rigid as stone.
Yet across his taut muscles, serenity began to descend slowly, like threads being drawn one by one from skin pulled taut.

“I apologize….”

Transparent tears streamed down his bear-like face.
People invariably mistake Holy Knights for beings entirely unlike themselves—after all, they are noble saints chosen by the Goddess.
Yet in the end, even saints are human.
They are merely stronger than others; like anyone else, they grieve, fear, and suffer before great trials.
But precisely because they are humans strong enough to be chosen by the Goddess, because they have already endured countless ordeals to become Holy Knights….

“I will not flee….”

They can press forward once more if even the smallest light flickers beyond.
That is why, even when I as the Sword Demon subdued the noble Holy Knights of the Theocracy, I did not kill them.
Yet when body and spirit threaten to shatter, they can only pray with such desperate fervor.

“Please, grant strength to one so weak as I….”

Simply asking for the courage to rise again. For this power carries a mission that must never be abandoned….
Soon his head drooped gently.
I brought my hand forward to check his breathing. Steady breaths flowed in rhythm.

“He’s asleep.”

Only then did the Cardinals quietly release the breath they had been holding. The Pope, who had been observing the situation, asked.

“Does that medicine also have sleep-inducing properties?”

Arturo replied.

“It does provide some assistance, but that’s likely not the cause. The tension probably released all at once, and exhaustion came crashing down upon him.”
“I see.”

The Pope nodded.

“It seems the verification is complete, then.”

The Pope declared to the others.

“From this moment forward, all authority over ‘Galma’ shall be delegated to the Luminara Family. The medicine created by Councilor Arturo shall be designated as ‘Anxiety Suppressant’, and I will not tolerate the use of ‘Galma’ or ‘Anxiety Suppressant’ without their consent.”
“….”
“Furthermore, the importation of magical artifacts shall be permitted exclusively to the Luminara Family, and all transactions of magical artifacts shall require their consent until such understanding reaches an appropriate level.”

The Pope regarded the Cardinals with an unwavering gaze.

“Does anyone object?”
“No objections, Your Holiness.”

The Cardinals bowed formally to the Pope.
As the situation concluded without incident, Arturo released a sigh of relief. I patted his shoulder.

“Well done.”
“…Without the Young Master, this could have ended badly.”
“When has it ever been otherwise? Why state the obvious?”

Arturo chuckled lightly.

“That’s true enough.”

In any case, today had been a day of remarkable gains.
And this day would surely become a brilliant beacon that would illuminate my path toward achieving my future goals.

(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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