The Regressed Sword Demon Is a Catastrophe-Class Inquisitor - Chapter 95

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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 95. Show Me?

‘Without Bella, this wouldn’t have been so simple.’

Of course, the outcome would have remained unchanged.
But Edmond was strong enough that even I required time to overcome him.
Perhaps it wasn’t so much that he’d consumed vast quantities of demon blood saturated with demonic energy, but rather that Edmond’s martial prowess was exceptional from the start.
His consistent optimal decisions were proof of that—movements born from experience itself.
He simply had never encountered my techniques or Bella’s magic.

Whoosh—

I entered the Mist Space as well. Edmond’s demonic energy felt hazy within the veil of mana.
But Edmond couldn’t locate me.
He couldn’t easily distinguish between holy power and demonic energy, and all before his eyes was the swirling violet mist.

“….”

So I took the stance for ‘Point Detonation’.
It had a casting time, making it dangerous against experienced humans, but within the mist where I remained undetected, the circumstances were entirely different.

Shhhhk—

The blade’s flames flowed to the sword’s tip, converging at a single point. Ominous holy power began spreading outward in all directions.
No matter how superior a demon’s regenerative abilities were, they couldn’t survive a ‘Point Detonation’ composed of holy power.
But before the flame sphere could fully form—

Crash!

Edmond rushed forward in an instant, bringing his blade down. He’d detected my position because of the concentrated holy power.
Ordinary opponents would have noticed only when the sphere completed, but he was clearly different.
I withdrew the crude sphere and wrapped flames around my blade instead. But his demonic sword was already swinging toward my throat.

Clang!

In that instant, a translucent barrier blocked Edmond’s attack.
This was Bella’s space. She could perceive all foreign energies within it.

‘And from the start, I never intended to end this with a single point explosion.’

I knew well enough that Edmond would have caught on, but more importantly, his corpse was evidence to send to the Papal See.
Damage would create complications in multiple ways. It wasn’t a matter of method—the evidence itself would disappear.

Screeeech!

Maintaining the ‘single point explosion’ stance, I thrust my blade directly toward his heart.
Bella’s protective barrier vanished at precisely the right moment. Even if she hadn’t reacted, I would have pierced through the barrier itself.

Whoooosh!

The flaming sword tore through Edmond’s chest and erupted from his back.
Edmond coughed up blood violently, but without hesitation, he brought his sword down again.

Crash!

I seized his wrist with my opposite hand, blocking the attack. The demonic blade hung mere inches from my throat.
Edmond pressed harder, attempting to sever my neck, but my strength withstood his force.
Edmond opened his bleeding mouth.

“Insane… If that had gone slightly wrong, you’d be the one dead….”

I knew it wouldn’t connect. My stance was poor, so the force behind it lacked proper weight.
But more than that, it was pure instinct born from experience. An unconscious sense that this attack could never sever my throat.

“Let me correct something.”

Edmond questioned my words.

“What….”
“Whether a man is virtuous or wicked, sin remains sin. Being wicked doesn’t absolve one of guilt.”

Rather, when a repeat offender commits a crime, the likelihood of repentance is judged as low, so sentences are increased.
Conversely, if there is a history of good deeds, sentences can be reduced.

“Of course, I agree with you to some extent. You were speaking of moral standards, not clear-cut guilt.”
“….”
“But what you committed wasn’t a mere mistake, was it? Your intent was as clear as when I pierced your heart.”

Edmond remained silent, saying nothing.
In truth, he knew as well. That this had all come to pass simply because he could not resist his own desires.

“As their father, do you have any final words to leave behind?”
“I—”
“What? You’re saying you lack the qualifications to be a father?”
“I was never—”
“Well, yes. I’m relieved you understand.”

I nodded and gazed upon Edmond, whose spirit had already departed.

“We won’t meet again.”

I twisted the blade. Blood streamed from Edmond’s mouth as his body went limp.
When I withdrew the sword from his chest, Edmond collapsed face-first to the ground.
I immediately offered a prayer.

‘Goddess, a demon who could be neither father nor human ascends before you. I beseech you to cast him into Hell.’

Demonic essence flowed from Edmond’s body, purified by holy power and seeping into me.
A modest amount compared to Edmond’s strength—his power had not originated from demonic essence, but from what he had accumulated through his own efforts over time.
Yet even so, the quantity was considerable.

‘At this rate, I’ve nearly acquired the physical capabilities and holy power necessary for the realm of Sorrow.’

But truthfully, I had never once worried about that aspect.
In my past life, this would have been a time when I hadn’t even reached the realm of Wrath, yet my growth had accelerated remarkably thanks to holy power.

‘Obtaining the Weaponless Blade in this lifetime is no longer a mere fantasy.’

I called out toward the heavens.

“Bella! It’s finished!”

A powerful wind suddenly swept through, scattering the thick mist in all directions.
Once my vision cleared completely, Bella came rushing to my side.

“You’ve done well, Kael Inquisitor!”
“Good. Your magical prowess has improved.”
“Hehe, thank you.”

Moments later, Sriben and Rayner, who had noticed the battle’s end, approached on horseback.
Their gazes fell upon Edmond, sprawled across the ground.

“Father….”

Rayner squeezed his eyes shut, then dismounted. He composed himself before speaking in a grave tone.

“…Kael Inquisitor. Did Father leave any final words?”

I looked at my half-brother and answered thus.

“He said he was sorry to both of you.”

It wasn’t exactly a lie.
Had I not interrupted him, wouldn’t Edmond have said, “Tell those two I’m sorry”?
Perhaps not.

“Ah, Father truly said that?”

Rayner’s pupils dilated. Sriben’s expression was little different.

“I don’t know. If you don’t believe me, go to Hell later and ask him yourself.”
“I’d rather not go to Hell….”
“Live like that and you’ll end up there anyway, so don’t worry.”

At that, Sriben nodded.

“Right, little brother. When you meet him, curse him out for me.”

I watched Sriben pat Rayner’s shoulder.

“What makes you think you’re any different? Come along and ask with us.”
“Young Master, I wish to go to the borderlands between Hell and Heaven.”
“I hope you get caught between them and die.”
“Ha! But I’m already dead—how could I die again?”
“Want me to show you?”
“…No, that’s quite alright.”

I waved my hand dismissively and moved forward.

“Now, you all go get the corruption-prevention cloth from Bella and handle the cleanup. Once you’re done, we’ll take it to the Papal See.”

For an incident of this magnitude, reporting directly to the Papal See was far more convenient.
When I defeated Envy of the Seven Deadly Sins, Sebastian had filed the report in my stead, and when I subjugated Gluttony, Arvin had done the same. But now, there was only me.

‘Once they learn of this, the Papal See will be in an uproar. A missing Archbishop found as a corpse.’

I walked forward, imagining the chaos that would surely follow.

“Yes, Young Master.”
“….”
“Hey, aren’t you going to answer? The Young Master is speaking.”
“…My apologies, brother.”
“Not to me.”
“Understood, Kael Inquisitor.”
“Speaking informally to the Young Master…?”
“…I understand, Kael Inquisitor.”
“That’s right. Well done.”

But what was this?
The family lineage seemed thoroughly tangled.

‘Well, let them sort it out themselves.’

I glanced at the brothers huddled together and let out a quiet laugh.

* * *

After the cleanup was complete, I spoke.

“Rayner, are you planning to inherit the position of head of the Bartelo Family?”
“The position of family head, you say?”
“Yes. Of course, unlike a title, the Cardinal’s position cannot be inherited, so you’ll become a mere Marquis. Though depending on how this matter unfolds, you might even be promoted from Marquis to Count.”

Rayner was the sole legitimate heir of the Bartelo Family. Ordinarily, with the family head dead, the title would naturally pass to him.

“It seems I have no choice but to accept it. I’ve lived recklessly until now, but if possible, I intend to take responsibility as a legitimate heir from this moment forward.”
“I see. However, it won’t be easy. Your past conduct is a concern, and since your father became a Demon, the Papal See will certainly conduct an investigation.”
“An investigation….”
“Given the gravity of the matter, the Saint of Truth will likely step in. Still, if you’re merely a fool drowning in desire rather than an irredeemable wretch, there shouldn’t be any major problems.”

I knew only that Rayner was dissolute; I had no knowledge of what specific misdeeds he’d committed.

“So you must lay everything bare. Forgiveness doesn’t come from you—it comes from others.”
“…Understood.”
“It matters not if you become head of the Bartelo Family. If you cling to your past and mistreat women, I will come for you.”

I fixed Rayner with a cold stare.

“Don’t forget who killed the Archbishop wielding such formidable power. My blade doesn’t concern itself with fleeting bonds. With you, it’s a karmic enmity.”

Rayner swallowed hard, his throat dry, and nodded.

“I will be careful, Kael Inquisitor.”
“Good. And in official settings, don’t use formal speech with me or Sriben. It might invite suspicion of collusion.”

Rayner was legitimately the heir of a Marquis house.
While I, a Heretic Inquisitor, might escape scrutiny, if he showed such deference to Sriben, a commoner, it would certainly draw unwanted attention.
Of course, technically Sriben was Rayner’s older brother, but as a bastard, not a legitimate heir.

“Understood.”

I narrowed my eyes.

“Is this an official setting?”
“I-I apologize.”
“I’m joking. Don’t be so tense.”
“Ah, y-yes. Understood.”

Observing the cognitive dissonance wash over Rayner, I nodded with satisfaction.

“Then let us depart for the Papal See.”

* * *

As I journeyed toward the Papal See, I explained the situation to Cardinal Barun beforehand.
Barun’s voice emanated from the communication artifact.

– I have already informed His Holiness of the matter through my aide stationed at the Papal See.
“What did he say?”
– Given the gravity of the situation, His Holiness has requested that not only the Cardinals, but you yourself come to the Papal See to explain it directly.
“I anticipated as much. I am already en route. It should take roughly three days.”
– As swift as ever, I see.

Barun hesitated briefly before speaking.

– If it would not be too much trouble, could you delay your arrival by two days?
“Why would that be?”
– As I mentioned, I am currently on a mission with the Saint of Foresight and cannot return to the Papal See immediately. The Cardinals who view you unfavorably will seize that opportunity to harass you.

It was a scenario I had already anticipated.

– Truth holds little meaning for them. They need only the faintest pretext to gnaw away at you relentlessly.

I paused to consider, then spoke.

“No, I shall proceed as planned. This is an opportune moment to see the faces of those who despise me.”
– I am well aware that you are no ordinary Heretic Inquisitor, but they are Cardinals. A misstep could prove costly.
“Do not worry. Surely you don’t think I would strike a Cardinal before His Holiness?”
– Hmm….

As Barun deliberated, I let out a soft chuckle.

“The key is simply not to face them as a Heretic Inquisitor, is it not?”
– Do you have some particular method in mind?
“I cannot say whether I will employ it, but I have given it thought. If all goes well, I might even turn the tables on them.”
– Very well then. I shall refrain from saying more.

At that moment, a girl’s voice—not Barun’s—came through the communication artifact.

– K-Kael Inquisitor, sir? Could you… could you switch to me as well…?

Seeing Barun’s discomfort, I spoke up.

“Of course.”
– Ah, thank you. Here you are, Sena.

Sena asked carefully.

– Kael Inquisitor, sir…?
“It’s me.”
– Oh, it’s been so long…!
“Is there something you wanted to say?”
– No, not at all… I’m just happy to hear from you…
“I see. Then while we’re at it, divine my future for me. What will become of me now that I’ve entered the Papal See?”
– Hmm, hmm…

Sena pondered seriously. Since we weren’t meeting in person, she couldn’t even use the stigmata.
Sena greeted me cheerfully.

– See you again, Inquisitor!

I chuckled softly.

“Indeed.”

True to her nature as the Saint of Foresight, she had predicted my future with perfect accuracy.

(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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