The Regressed Sword Demon Is a Catastrophe-Class Inquisitor - Chapter 79

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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 79. Keep Going.

In the Theocracy, Necron was known as follows.
Necron was an evil Mage who exploited the Aholo Tribe, and the Theocracy intervened to bring him down.

‘But the truth was far different.’

I didn’t know all the details yet, but I suspected Necron might have actually been a Mage who helped them instead.
That’s why the map contained such detailed geography of the Eldmire Wetlands.

‘Then it couldn’t be true that Necron created a spirit contract using the Aholo Tribe.’

If that had been the truth, the Aholo Tribe couldn’t have shown such goodwill toward Bella, a Mage like Necron.

‘If I hadn’t spoken with Ludian, I would have been deceived.’

In my previous life, I encountered Ludian not long after the Theocracy fell.
And as I always did, I subdued him and asked this.

– Hey, the Theocracy’s gone too. Now confess the sins those bastards committed.
– …What do you take me for?
– A dog that lost its nest.
– You?
– Hoh, want to test your fangs? This time I’ll end your breath.

Ludian, sprawled on the ground, let out a heavy sigh and responded.

– Do you know of a Mage named Necron who exploited the Aholo Tribe long ago?
– I do. They say the spirit contract he made from the Aholo Tribe was quite remarkable.
– Perhaps none of that was true. Necron might have actually protected the Aholo Tribe instead.
– What’s your evidence?
– The Aholo Tribe was wary of humans, but they didn’t dislike Mages. Of course, I only heard this from a Guard who survived when the Eldmire Wetlands burned.

Back then, I couldn’t be certain, but seeing the Aholo Tribe’s reaction now, I realized it was the truth.

– So the Theocracy killed Necron? To obtain the Aholo Tribe?
– No, if that were the case, the Aholo Tribe would have rejected the Theocracy’s grasp. The Theocracy merely intervened after Necron’s death threw the Eldmire Wetlands into chaos.
– Then why does the public know it differently?
– He’s a Mage. The truth would have distorted on its own even without the Theocracy’s involvement.
– But the Theocracy knew this and still didn’t correct the truth.
– Right. They saw no need to.
– Tsk, they deserved their ruin.

I clicked my tongue and turned away.

– You’re not killing him this time either?
– There’s no need to take the life of someone who’s lost everything.
– Where are you going now?
– Hell.
– Then I’m coming with you.
– How long exactly do you plan to follow me?
– Until you die.
– You’re insane.
– …It feels strange hearing that from you.

From that point on, Ludian and I moved together. Since he was willing to be my shadow, I had no reason to refuse.

“Are you okay?”
“Are you hurt?”
“Want me to carry your bag?”
“I-Inquisitor! What do we do about these creatures?”

Bella floundered, surrounded by the Aholo Tribe.
Around me, too, all I could see were white heads and gleaming eyes.

“It’s a sword.”
“It hurts when it hits.”
“Hurts? What do we do?”
“What do we do.”

I let out a deep sigh and sheathed my blade.

“Everyone, step back. The Mage is uncomfortable.”
“Mage. Uncomfortable.”
“Step back.”
“Step back.”

The Aholo Tribe maintained a reasonable distance. Yet they still surrounded us without change.
The Aholo who had ambushed me asked a question.

“You. What are your names?”
“I am Kael, and that Mage is Bella.”
“Kael, Bella. Pleased to meet you. My name is Pupu.”

Pupu waved his regenerated arm. The others similarly waved their short arms.
I nodded and opened my mouth.

“But didn’t you hate Mages?”
“No. The Mage is our friend.”
“Why? Wasn’t Necron the Mage who used you for research? That’s why you recognized his map and ambushed us.”
“That is false information.”

Pupu crossed both arms to form an X.

“Necron was the Mage who protected us. It’s only misunderstood because the Theocracy hates Mages.”
“That’s right.”
“Necron was our kind friend.”

The other Aholo chimed in agreement. I lifted the map and asked.

“Then is it also false that there’s a special elixir at the location marked on this map?”
“No. That is probably true. Necron observed us and created something. Before he died, he told us to give the map to a friend like him.”

Pupu’s round eyes curved sadly.

“But Pupu lost it. While fleeing from humans. I have no face to show Necron.”

Now I understood why they had rushed at the sight of Necron’s map.
Pupu must have thought those who attacked them had picked it up, so he had become hostile to me, who now held the map.

“So, did you find the treasure Necron hid? It seems to be concealed somewhere in this place.”
“I’ve searched for a hundred years. But I can’t see it. I suspect it’s hidden by magic.”
“I agree.”
“Necron is a genius, after all.”
“It will be difficult for us to find it with our current abilities.”

I pondered for a moment, then held out Necron’s map to Pupu.

“Then, if I show you this, could you find it?”

At that, the Aholo Tribe members all turned to look at me. Pupu tilted his head curiously.

“Necron’s map. You’re giving it back?”
“Well, if you hand over only what’s hidden in that map, there’s no reason I couldn’t do it.”

Pupu’s eyes sparkled with delight.

“Of course! We only need Necron’s map! Besides, what’s there belongs to our friend anyway!”
“Kael returned Necron’s map! So Kael is our friend!”
“I agree!”
“No objections!”

I let out a soft chuckle and spoke.

“Then come and take it.”
“Thank you!”

Pupu waddled over on his short legs and received the map with both hands.
Pupu scanned the map quickly, then held it up high.

“Necron’s map confirmed! Necron’s handwriting is here!”
“Hurrah!”
“Kael, good human!”

Pupu looked up at me with doll-like eyes.

“I’ll guide you! Follow me!”
“Very well.”

Bella and I followed Pupu, who led the way. The other Aholo tribesmen walked alongside us on their short legs.
Pupu spoke excitedly.

“We’re so lucky! Meeting Kael and the mages!”

…Kael and the mages?
Sensing something odd in Pupu’s words, I furrowed my brow.

“Wait.”

When I stopped abruptly, the others halted as well.
Pupu turned to look at me.

“What is it?”
“Why did you say ‘mages’ plural? I’m not a mage. Don’t tell me there’s another mage in this place besides Bella?”

A heavy silence fell over the group. One of the Aholo tribesmen scolded Pupu.

“Pupu, you fool.”
“Idiot.”
“I-I’m sorry. I got excited.”

Pupu hung his head low. The Aholo tribesmen exchanged opinions rapidly.

“Kael is a Heresy Inquisitor of the Theocracy. What do we do?”
“But his Deacon is a mage.”
“Favorable toward mages?”
“Tell the truth?”
“What do we do.”
“What do we do.”

Seeing they would deliberate for a while, I interjected.

“For now, return the map to me and guide me to the other mage. I promise to return it once the situation is clarified.”
“Ah, understood.”

Pupu approached with a dejected expression and returned the map to me. Pupu stared at me intently and asked.

“Kael. Are you angry? I’m sorry for hiding it.”
“I’m not angry with you. I’ve simply become more cautious.”

About a month from now, the Aholo Tribe would burn away together with the Eldmire Wetlands.
I didn’t know the exact culprit, but I knew it was the work of a Mage.
The traces of magic were scattered everywhere.
Yet now, there was another Mage in this place. Could this truly be coincidence?

‘It’s far too suspicious to call it mere chance.’

So I needed to verify first. Finding Necron’s treasure could wait until after.

“Then guide me. To where that Mage is.”
“Yes. Understood.”

Pupu changed direction and began walking.
Before long, an intense light appeared ahead. It was a vast clearing where sunlight poured down unobstructed by trees.
As Pupu stepped into that place, a woman approached.

“Pupu!”

A woman with crimson hair. Someone I had no memory of.

“You came qui—.”

The woman faltered mid-sentence. Bella and I had revealed ourselves beneath the sunlight.
Like a true Mage, the woman hastily widened the distance and cried out.

“Pupu! Did you betray me?!”
“Oh, it’s a misunderstanding! Cassia!”
“Then why is a Heretic Inquisitor here?!”
“That is….”

Pupu turned to look at me. His eyes seemed to ask how I wanted him to explain.
There was a way to press Cassia here and now.
But that incident might have nothing to do with her, and even if she were wicked, she wouldn’t be the only Mage.
The one who burned this place wasn’t a single Mage.

‘I still lack sufficient information.’

I came to this place not only for Necron’s treasure, but also to protect the Aholo Tribe.
The medicine made from Aholo’s mucus benefits the Theocracy, and indirectly, it benefits me as well.

‘First, let me assess the situation.’

I opened my mouth.

“Calm yourself. I didn’t come here to capture you.”
“How could I trust a Heresy Inquisitor like you!”

Cassia slowly drew up her mana. She was certainly no ordinary mage.
I narrowed my eyes and caressed the hilt of my sword.

“Go ahead. I have the option of subduing you first.”
“….”
“This place is still part of the Theocracy. In other words, I still have the authority to educate an insolent brat like you.”

Our gazes met in silence. Cassia exhaled a sigh and suppressed her mana before speaking.

“Then what brings a Heresy Inquisitor all the way here?”
“You have no right to ask that without proving your identity. And your tone is disrespectful. Would you like to be searched?”

Cassia bit the inside of her lip. Aholo fidgeted nervously, watching us both.
Naturally, Cassia was the first to back down.

“…My apologies, Inquisitor.”
“Be grateful that I didn’t draw my sword the moment I saw you.”
“Yes.”

I asked a question.

“What are you doing in this place?”
“I was being pursued by another Heresy Inquisitor and ended up here. As you know, many of the clergy have a strong dislike for mages.”
“Why did you flee to this place specifically?”
“Because this is a place even Heresy Inquisitors cannot enter recklessly. Of course, I didn’t expect the Aholo Tribe to welcome me.”

Do the Aholo Tribe treat all mages favorably?
So it wasn’t for nothing that the wetlands were burned by mages in my previous life.

“What do you intend to do with me now, Inquisitor?”
“Whether you’re a Mage, stubborn as stone, or anything else—as long as you’re not evil, I don’t care. Rest here for a while.”

Cassia’s eyes widened.

“Truly?”
“I am Kael Luminara. Haven’t you heard of me?”
“Ah, are you perhaps from the Luminara Family that uses magical artifacts?”
“That’s right. And my Deacon is a Mage just like you. So I won’t concern myself with it.”

Cassia fell into thought for a moment before speaking carefully.

“May I ask just one thing?”
“Go ahead.”
“If you didn’t come to capture me, then why are you here, Inquisitor?”

In truth, I was nearly certain that Cassia was one of those responsible for burning the Eldmire Wetlands.
The magical power she had just unleashed was far from ordinary, and the timing aligned perfectly.
But there remained that one-in-a-million possibility. Above all, I needed to draw out the other Mage as well.

‘Then there’s only one way.’

I withdrew the scroll I had kept in my pocket and explained kindly.

“This is Necron’s map.”
“…Necron? You mean the Mage who helped the Aholo Tribe? I heard about him from them a few days ago.”
“Yes. But publicly, he’s known as the Mage who created the elixir from the Aholo Tribe. However, since Necron’s map pointed to this location, I came to investigate.”
“I see…”

I looked at her, then handed Necron’s map to Pupu beside me.

“Pupu, take it.”
“Huh? What?”
“I promised to return it once the situation is resolved. She doesn’t seem like she’ll cause any harm.”

Pupu’s troubled expression brightened instantly.

“Right, that’s it! Cassia is a mage who even captures demons!”
“Our cherished friend!”
“And a friend’s friend is also a friend!”
“We are all friends!”

As the tension dissolved, they rejoiced. Pupu extended a short arm, displaying the map as he spoke.

“Kael. Then I shall guide you again!”

I shook my head.

“No, I’d prefer to rest today. The long journey has left me exhausted.”
“Exhausted?”
“Exhausted?”

The Aholo tribe crowded around me. Pupu nodded in understanding.

“Then there’s nothing for it.”
“Nothing for it.”
“Let us eat!”
“A splendid idea!”
“I’ll catch fish!”
“Mumu too! Mumu has good eyes!”

The Aholo conferred among themselves, then dispersed in perfect coordination. I let out a hollow laugh and settled by the base of a tree.

‘Innocent creatures, truly.’

The Aholo Tribe was far superior to many humans I had encountered.

* * *

They gathered together and completed their meal of fish and various plants.
As time passed, night deepened and darkness settled over the wetland. A full moon hung in the hollow of the open tree.
The Aholo tribe members dispersed to comfortable places to sleep, while Kael and Bella claimed a spot near a nearby tree.
Cassia pulled the blanket Bella had given her over herself, lost in thought.

‘Could a Heresy Inquisitor really come to this place?’

If it hadn’t been for Kael’s favorable disposition toward mages, my identity would have been questioned and combat would have erupted.
The Eldmire Wetlands are, after all, strictly off-limits to outsiders.

‘It seems my excuse worked surprisingly well.’

In truth, Cassia hadn’t fled into this place pursued by the Heresy Inquisitor.
She had deliberately approached the Aholo with a specific purpose in mind.

‘Exterminate the Aholo Tribe—the very source of the Theocracy’s finest remedies.’

Cassia belonged to the Wol Young Order, gathered to topple the magic-rejecting Theocracy.
Slaughtering the Aholo Tribe wholesale would certainly deal a significant blow to the Theocracy.

‘But that’s not my only objective.’

I needed to obtain the special elixir that Necron had created as an Aholo.
Had that objective not existed, the Aholo Tribe would have burned away with this wetland long ago.

‘And to find that clue, I infiltrated the Aholo Tribe.’

I had known it wouldn’t be easy to break through the Aholo’s guard. They had been hunted by humans since ancient times, after all.
So I had devised multiple plans, but the moment the Aholo learned I was a mage, their demeanor became cordial.
Unlike what was commonly known, Necron had been protecting the Aholo Tribe all along.

‘But the problem was that even the Aholo didn’t know where Necron’s treasure was hidden.’

Yet that fool Kael possessed Necron’s map.
I could only attribute it to extraordinary fortune.

‘I’ll seize the opportunity and take it.’

Fortunately, Necron’s map was held not by Kael, but by Pupu.
Unlike Kael, killing Pupu and stealing the map would be far too easy.

‘I’ll avoid confronting Kael alone as much as possible.’

I couldn’t be certain of victory, and there was even a Deacon mage at his side.
Above all, Kael was favorable toward mages, so I had no desire to kill him if I could help it.

“Hmm… Interrogator, where are you going?”

As Kael, who had been leaning against a damp tree trunk, rose to his feet, Bella, who had just awakened, asked the question.

“The restroom.”
“Ah, please be careful. Yawn….”
“Sleep.”
“Yes.”

Bella closed her eyes once more, and Kael vanished beyond the mist and darkness.
Cassia, seizing the opportunity, quietly rose from her place. Just as she took a few steps forward.

“Cassia, are you also going to the restroom?”

Bella’s voice caught her from behind. Cassia turned around as calmly as possible and responded.

“Yes. It would be awkward to go in the same direction as the Kael Inquisitor.”
“I see. Sleep well.”
“You too, Deacon.”

As Cassia offered a subtle smile, Bella pulled her blanket up and closed her eyes.
Cassia inwardly sighed with relief and turned her steps. After walking for about a minute, she spotted Pupu lying on the damp tree trunk.

“Puu… Puu…”

Pupu was lost in slumber, clutching Necron’s map with his short, stubby arms.

“Necron… my friend…”

His sleep-talking was rather endearing.
But I did not allow myself to be swayed by such personal sentiments. This was merely a step toward achieving the greater cause.

‘If I kill this creature and flee, Kael will quickly notice and pursue me.’

For Cassia, who was essentially a mage, evading Kael would be impossible.
However, her allies were stationed near this wetland. Even Kael would struggle to face them all at once.

‘I would prefer to keep him alive if possible, but if he resists to the end, I’ll have no choice but to burn this entire marsh along with him.’

So I need to escape this place with Necron’s map before Kael notices.
Finding Necron’s treasure can wait until after I’ve subdued Kael.

Whoosh—

Cassia extended one hand toward Pupu. Lethal magical energy rippled from her form.
Even then, Pupu remained soundly asleep.

“At least I’ll grant you a painless end.”

A race that had suffered under human greed their entire existence. Yet despite that, they had come to cherish the Mage for the memories shared with just one person.
Now they faced death at the hands of the Mage once more, driven by human avarice.
This wretchedness was simply the fate of the Aholo Tribe.
The moment her fingertips began to manifest magic—

Crack!

Flames erupted from her arm. But they were not her magic.
A violent inferno descended from the tree above.
Red flesh scattered through the air, and her severed wrist traced an arc through the void.

“Aaaahhhhh!”

Cassia screamed and quickly retreated to create distance.

‘What… what is this? When did…’

There had been no sign of anything moments before, yet now a weighty presence made itself felt directly before her.
And that someone stood firmly in front of Pupu.

“I told you.”

A chilling voice echoed across the area.
Eyes gleaming in the darkness. A subtle fury flowing from the Flame Demon Blade.
The sharp gaze of the man in black priestly robes wrapped around her entire body like a viper.

“I have the authority to educate disrespectful whelps.”

It was Kael, who had vanished into the mist and darkness moments before.

(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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