The Regressed Sword Demon Is a Catastrophe-Class Inquisitor - Chapter 60

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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 60. For Some Reason Today….

‘I wonder if he knows I took Yang Gwang-cho from him.’

I had even left him a clue. I hoped he would notice. He needed to understand what happens when someone touches me.

‘Of course, it would have been the same even if I had done nothing….’

Still, there was one regret. I couldn’t witness his reaction with my own eyes.
He was surely grinding his teeth over his failure to present Yang Gwang-cho to the Demon God.

‘But I can’t seek him out directly either.’

I didn’t know where the Grand Inquisitor stayed. His location constantly shifted.

‘But someday we will meet. This time, he will die by my hand.’

In my past life, the Grand Inquisitor of the Theocracy had been eliminated by Ludian.
I recalled the conversation I had shared with Ludian.

– I was able to capture him largely thanks to you, Sword Demon. He was thorough, befitting a Grand Inquisitor, but he was easier to catch than you.
– You don’t look satisfied for someone who says that.
– …You’re uncanny. But what can I do? By the time I caught him, the Theocracy had already fallen.
– We’re in the same predicament then.
– Having nowhere to return to is a sorrowful thing.

Ludian smiled bitterly.

– Sword Demon, when everything is over, where do you intend to go? Will you wander the world aimlessly, as you always have?

I pondered his question. Then I looked up at the sky. Blood-red stars glimmered above.
I answered them.

– Hell.

Now that I thought about it, in this life I hadn’t considered what would come after defeating the Demon God and protecting the Blue Sky and my nest.
What path would I walk beyond that? Would I give the same answer then as I had in my past life?

‘A curiosity without meaning at this moment.’

The future is still distant. There will be much that transpires in the interim, and my own convictions will surely transform.
Therefore, such contemplation can wait until that time arrives.

‘Yet….’

If there is one thing I desire, it is that the ending is not Hell.
No—I shall ensure it is not.

“M-My Lord Inquisitor!”

At that moment, Sena came rushing from the mansion entrance. She had not announced her arrival—had she glimpsed the future?
She looked up at me with questioning eyes.

“Was the plan successful?”
“Indeed. Thanks to the future you revealed, I was able to fall from the cliff without incident.”
“Ah… Is that a good thing?”
“Excellent, in fact.”

I had obtained two Yang Gwang-cho, after all.

“How wonderful!”

I observed her brightened expression before speaking.

“You’ve cut your bangs.”

Her long, unkempt hair had previously obscured her eyes.
Now, with her bangs trimmed above her brows, her delicate features were fully visible.

“Ah, yes… Lillian Luminara cut them for me….”

Sena lowered her head slightly in embarrassment, adjusting her bangs with her fingers.

“A-And the Knights told me that Bishop Litvel will likely face severe punishment….”

That would be the case.
When you think about it, among the five Holy Maidens, Sena’s sacred stigma is the most important to the Theocracy.
Of course, the sacred stigmata of the other Holy Maidens are also precious, but there were aspects that could be imitated to some degree.

‘But the ability to see the future belongs only to Sena.’

I merely predict the future through memories of my past life. However, Sena could literally see the future of the present.
Litvel attempted to murder such a being out of his own greed, so he would face execution.
The Theocracy showed more resolve in such matters than the Empire.

“Your bangs no longer hide your expressions. If you don’t wish to remain merely a child, be mindful of that.”
“Y-yes, that would be wise….”

Sena wiped away the moisture gathering at her eyes with her palm.

“But it’s alright. You’ve shown me that Bishop Litvel isn’t the only one who cares for me.”

I tilted my head in confusion.

“I have no memory of treating you with such kindness.”

If anything, I had cornered her, forcing her to confront her own circumstances.

“Affection doesn’t come from tone or manner of speech. It comes through actions taken for another’s sake.”
“Hmm.”
“Thank you, Interrogator. The fish was delicious.”

Sena bowed respectfully. I chuckled softly as I watched her small head.

“Very well.”

Sena lifted her head and spoke.

“I-I felt I had never properly expressed my gratitude, so I waited for you to arrive.”
“I see.”
“Then I’ll be on my way. Until we meet again.”

Sena turned toward the resplendent carriage. It had been sent by the Papal See.
The Knights standing before the carriage showed me proper respect. I waved to Sena as she grew distant.

“Watch where you’re going.”

At that, Sena pointed to the eye-shaped stigma on the back of her hand and exaggerated a grin.
She seemed to be saying not to worry, as she could see the future.
After watching the carriage depart for a moment, I opened my mouth.

“Let’s go as well.”
“Yes!”

I found the Office right away.
In the Office were Father, as well as Sriben and Arturo. Father spoke.

“You returned faster than expected. Did you accomplish anything?”
“I gave them a taste of humiliation.”
“…I see.”

Father, who had worn a displeased expression, let out a light laugh.

“I’ve been speaking with Sriben, and it seems we should establish our own private forces now.”

Until now, our Family Clan had employed only a handful of Knights, aside from the essential guards.
Even those Knights had to be dismissed after the plague spread, as we could no longer afford them.
Before Baron Scalen, there had been few who dared target our Family Clan, so there was no need to strengthen our defenses.
Above all, my father’s older brother, the previous patriarch, had been formidable as well.

‘I had my head cracked a few times when I was young for talking back to him.’

Literally cracked. We had competed to see whose head was harder.
But I was still young then, so I lost. If I tried now, I was confident I could win.

‘Unfortunately, there’s no way to verify it anymore.’

Still, I had Father. His head was just as hard as my uncle’s.
As I stared intently at Father’s forehead, he spoke with a wary tone.

“What are you scheming now?”
“Ah, I also agree with establishing private forces.”

Now we are a Count’s Family ruling two territories. Moreover, with the Evil Book Society watching me, private soldiers were essential.
Even with Arturo present, he could only protect the Mansion.

“I see. However, the problem is….”
“The budget, sir.”
“Right. The money you’ve earned? Or embezzled?”
“I’ve earned it legitimately.”
“Well, in any case, that money won’t be enough. And I can’t very well impose additional taxes on the territory’s people who are only now stabilizing their finances.”
“There is a way to solve that.”
“What is it?”

I answered.

“The Viper Family is a place that has received my assistance. If there are capable people there, I can simply ask them to send some our way.”

Currently, the Viper Family is being led safely by Ravenna, the eldest daughter whom I had allowed to live.
Since that family was built through force, they would have no shortage of capable fighters.

“But wouldn’t that still require payment?”
“No, sir. We can bring them in exchange for Arturo’s instruction. And once things stabilize, we can provide them with salaries later. For now, that level of manpower should be sufficient.”

At that, Father turned to look at Arturo.

“Arturo, would that be acceptable?”
“Of course. I’ve been continuously training my martial skills anyway. If you wish it, my lord, I shall go there myself.”
“Then I’ll leave it to you.”
“Yes, sir.”

Arturo bowed and left the Office. As he passed by my side, I spoke to him with utmost seriousness.

“I’m not sending you there to fall in love.”
“…I’m telling you it’s not like that.”
“A beautiful woman and a viper… both equally lethal.”
“…I’ll be on my way.”

Thinking our conversation was going nowhere, Arturo sighed deeply and moved toward the door.
After he left, I turned my gaze to Father. Beyond security concerns, there was something important I needed to address for the future.

“Father.”
“What is it?”
“What are your thoughts on magic?”
“All of a sudden?”
“It’s an important matter.”

Father paused thoughtfully before responding.

“To be honest, I hadn’t given it much thought before. Some clergy view magic unfavorably, but it had nothing to do with me.”

Father’s gaze shifted to Bella, standing beside me.

“But now I wish that perception would improve. Bella is a kind and cheerful child. It would be sad to judge such a person poorly simply because she uses magic.”
“Baron…”

Bella’s eyes glistened with tears, and Father offered her a gentle smile.
Father’s response was exactly as I’d anticipated. He was an idealistic and upright man, untainted by hatred and prejudice.

‘Though one could argue he’s hypocritical about it.’

Father turned to me with a question.

“Does that answer suffice?”
“More than enough.”
“Then why did you ask?”
“I’ll explain now.”

I nodded.

“What would you think about introducing magical artifacts to the territory?”
“Magical artifacts?”
“Yes. For now, I’m planning to install communication artifacts—starting with one here at the mansion and another in Haven City.”

Had we possessed communication artifacts connecting the mansion directly, we could have warned of the previous attack and prepared in advance.
Messengers on horseback are swift, but they cannot compare to magical communication.

“I see. If we introduce various magical artifacts, the lives of the territory’s residents would become far more convenient.”

Father nodded in agreement.

“But if that happens, the clergy will turn their attention toward us. Though communication artifacts are a different matter.”

There was no law stating that magic or magical artifacts must be used. Such a restriction would be blatant oppression, and the Theocracy, which professed the Goddess’s mercy, would never implement it.
Yet it was undeniable that magic and magical artifacts were tacitly sanctioned within the Theocracy.

“It doesn’t matter. I intend to start here and change the perception of magic throughout the Theocracy.”

Father, who as a former clergyman understood the Theocracy’s stance on magic well, hardened his expression and warned me.

“It will not be an easy path.”
“But it’s a problem I must face eventually.”

Father stared at me intently before letting out a soft chuckle.

“You reckless fool.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“It is one.”

Father, wearing a faint smile, turned to look at Bella.

“Kael holds you in great regard.”

Bella gently wiped away the moisture gathering at her eyes and replied.

“…I am always grateful for that.”
“Good. That’s all that matters. I entrust Kael to your care going forward.”
“Of course.”

Bella nodded with determination. Father turned to me with a question.

“But where do you intend to obtain these magical artifacts? Setting aside the matter of funds, there shouldn’t be any magical artifacts in the Theocracy.”

I had already asked Cardinal Barun if he could procure communication artifacts.
But his answer was this.

– Ah… I obtained that communication artifact with great difficulty, and the one I gave to you, Kael Inquisitor, was my last remaining one.

Barun was a Cardinal. As such, he stood out all the more conspicuously among the other clergy.
Had his position within the Papal See not been substantial from the outset, he would have struggled to use communication artifacts so openly.
But the method was already forming in my mind.

“From this moment forward, we shall journey to the Zarkan Empire.”

The Zarkan Empire, like the Theocracy, revered Ella, yet it prioritized national strength over religious doctrine.
Consequently, the Zarkan Empire acknowledged the existence of Mages and actively employed magical artifacts.

“Indeed… you intend to procure magical artifacts from that place….”

Father, stroking his chin thoughtfully, nodded in acknowledgment.

“We could certainly obtain magical artifacts there. But how shall we smuggle them into the Theocracy? Given the proximity to the Empire, the security checkpoints will be far more stringent.”

There existed no law prohibiting the importation of magical artifacts.
Yet the guards could easily deny entry under the pretext that they were Zarkan goods.

“Do not concern yourself with that, Father. We need only circumvent the checkpoints or claim they are evidence for an inquisition.”

I gazed at Father with penetrating eyes.

“I am a Heresy Inquisitor, Father.”
“…And simultaneously a member of the clergy.”
“All things are done in service to the Goddess Ella….”

Before Father, I clasped my hands together and offered a prayer.
Father, licking his lips with satisfaction, spoke.

“Go then. I shall bear the burden alongside you.”

I opened my eyes and nodded.

“Yes. I, Kael, the reckless Heresy Inquisitor, shall return with smuggled magical artifacts from the Zarkan Empire.”
“….”

Father offered no response. My resolve had clearly impressed him.
Thus I turned and departed from the office.

* * *

It took a week of riding to reach the Zarkan Empire. Since both the Luminara Mainland and the Zarkan Empire lay west of the Holy Capital, the journey was mercifully brief.
The cities of the Zarkan Empire were far more advanced than those of the Theocracy. The widespread use of magical artifacts had made life considerably more comfortable for its citizens.
Yet the national power of the Theocracy and the Empire remained evenly matched. Thus, while relations were not openly hostile, an atmosphere of mutual wariness pervaded everything.
The ease with which we from the Theocracy entered the Empire stemmed from precisely this dynamic.

“Hmm… The scenery is certainly quite different from the Theocracy.”

Sriben surveyed the surroundings and adjusted his spectacles. I had deliberately brought him along since he served as the Family Estate’s Treasurer.

“Don’t look so provincial.”
“Have you visited the Empire before, Young Master?”
“I stopped by a few times during my pilgrimage.”
“Ah, I see.”

Of course, the pilgrimage I spoke of was from my past life.

‘It’s been quite some time since I’ve seen it in this state.’

The Zarkan Empire would fall even faster than the Theocracy.
There were many reasons for this, but ultimately, it was Aren—transformed into a Demon—who brought the Empire to ruin.

‘At least now, the Empire won’t fall to Aren.’

We stood before a three-story building. It was the Arcana Workshop, which specialized in crafting magical artifacts.

‘When I first saw it in my past life, it was already a Magic Tower.’

In the Empire, buildings with ten or more floors are typically called Magic Towers. But the Arcana Workshop was still merely three stories tall.
I rapped sharply on the workshop door.

“I’ve come to purchase magical artifacts! Come out for a moment!”

Before long, a tall old man emerged from within.
The old man’s eyes swept across my robes, and his brow furrowed.

“What business does a Heresy Inquisitor from the Theocracy have here?”

This stubborn-looking old man was Arsein, the owner of the Arcana Workshop. Simultaneously, he would later become the proprietor of the Magic Tower, which would command the highest market share of magical artifacts throughout the Empire.

“As I mentioned before, I came to purchase magical artifacts.”

At my words, Arsein let out a derisive snort and replied.

“Do you think I’m unaware of how magic is perceived within the Theocracy? And now a Heresy Inquisitor—a member of the clergy no less—comes to purchase magical artifacts?”

Arsein continued, his words dripping with contempt.

“Leave. I don’t know what possessed you to come here, but I have no intention of selling my magical artifacts to the Theocracy.”

Understanding his reaction came naturally to me, given my knowledge of Arsein’s past.
Arsein had been born in the Theocracy, but his passion for magic had driven him to flee—practically hunted—to the Empire thirty years ago.
I gazed upward at the sky. The brilliant sunlight blazed down, so I shielded my eyes with my hand.

“Do you happen to sell magical artifacts for weather prediction?”
“I do. But I have nothing to offer you.”

Weather prediction artifacts were rare even throughout the Empire. Yet here he was, still crafting them in what amounted to little more than a workshop.

“I see.”

I nodded lightly and regarded Arsein.

“Don’t you have a feeling a rainbow might appear today?”
“What? There’s no rain today—the sun’s been shining all—”

It was the moment Arsein’s brow furrowed.

Whoooosh!

Vast magical power surged forth from Bella. Arsein, mid-sentence, clamped his mouth shut and swiftly assumed a defensive stance. He evidently believed Bella was about to attack him. He was a fugitive who had fled the Theocracy to the Empire, and I was a Heresy Inquisitor of the Theocracy, after all.
But Bella’s magic would never be directed at him.
But Bella’s magic could never be directed at him.

“….”

Bella’s swirling magic power suddenly subsided. Arsein stood there with a bewildered expression, as if nothing had happened.

“Ohhh….”
“W-what on earth is that?”
“It’s beautiful….”

Everyone who had been going about their business stopped in their tracks, their eyes lifting toward the sky. Arsein raised his head along with them.
No rain fell from above. Only the scorching sun continued to blaze relentlessly.
Yet seven luminous sources had appeared from nowhere, weaving a bridge across the heavens. It was a rainbow—vivid and enormous enough to blanket the Blue Sky itself.

“What in the….”

Arsein’s voice emerged hollow, confronted by a phenomenon that was unmistakably impossible.
I gazed at him and let out a quiet laugh.

“Is your magical artifact defective, or have you simply grown old enough to need spectacles?”

At my question, Arsein could only swallow hard, his pupils dilated wide.

(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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