The Paladin Owns the Relic

15 – The Judge (1)

Things went awry, but it didn’t matter. Who am I? This wasn’t even a crisis.

Even if the sky collapses, there is a hole through which it will rise.

“Release this! Unlock it now!”

“Maw. Bastard.”

After knocking me out, I looked at Meerkant. Meer Kant, who heard the story of last night, couldn’t keep his mouth shut.

“…It’s my negligence.”

“Priest. That’s not what’s important. Even if this bastard claims that he tried to rape you, he’ll definitely try to bury it from above. Rather, he’ll drag me into assaulting the apprentice priest.”

“I will protect you even if I become a shield.”

“You don’t have to.”

I flatly refused. You can’t do that. It looks like the whole church will be stigmatized by beating a senior who was involved with the headquarters of the church, but it will only end with proof of innocence?

As long as the stigma was stamped on, dispatching to the headquarters of the denomination went completely overboard. At least it was clear that he would not be able to go to the dispatch in a legitimate way. No matter what happens, the man called the bishop will use his strength.

So I couldn’t be satisfied with this level. Since this happened, the goal is to somehow get into the church headquarters.

The goal is to at least ‘hear’.

You can’t take most of the holy relics, but you can take one. Because I have ‘it’!

“If it’s like this, let’s raise the plate. Priest.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I’m asking the church to hold a holy trial.”

“What…?”

Meerkant opened his eyes wide. Soon, his shoulders drooped and he shook his head.

“Zahard. I don’t know where you heard about the Holy Inquisition…But do you know what that means?”

“It’s about properly covering up right and wrong.”

“The Holy Trial doesn’t happen for just this. Violence between apprentice priests is a minor matter. The Holy Trial only manages matters that affect the entire church.”

“What if this guy did something that would affect the entire Church?”

“…What?”

“Look at this.”

I handed over his gambling records and window records to him.

“Isn’t this big enough to go to the Holy Inquisition?”

“Where is this…”

“That doesn’t matter, priest. What do you think?”

“……”

Meerkant stroked his beard.

“…Still, this isn’t enough. Bishop Brody, Beverick’s father, is sure to cover it up. This is a scale that the bishop’s line can cover. It’s a personal matter anyway. The bishop doesn’t bother. Even if you don’t, you won’t be able to go to the Holy Trial and it will end with punishment.”

“I guess. This isn’t enough, right?”

“Yes. There was no Holy Trial…”

“Priest. There’s one more.”

“What do you mean?”

“The money Beverick brought after going on a pilgrimage.”

I glanced at Meerkant.

“You didn’t bring any money to the priest, did you?”

“……”

Meerkant is dumbfounded. I glanced at the stunned Beverick.

“Ha, but … I heard that the money he saved for the pilgrimage was so small that he spent all of it on his travel expenses …?”

“The right time.”

I handed over the last document to Meerkant. Testimony from residents of other cities that the approximate amount he collected during the pilgrimage and donated to him.

I spent a lot of time collecting this. But it was worth it.

“He’s pretending he didn’t have it because he spent it all, he must have made donations through the pilgrimage. The proof is clear.”

If you simply gamble with your personal money or go to a brothel, that is a simple sense of punishment.

But what if ‘public money’, which is a donation to go to the church’s branch and headquarters, was used?

It’s like embezzlement!

“What do you think, priest?”

“……”

Meerkant was silent. He put down the papers and pondered briefly.

“…Zahard.”

“Yes. Priest.”

“You’re right. This would certainly be evidence for a Holy Inquisition. Not even Bishop Brody would be able to cover it up easily. But aside from that…Do you know what this means?”

Meerkant murmured.

“This is a whistleblowing. It’s a different realm than just doing justice. Even if the wicked get punished… Those who do justice deserve a different look. The church is one. Whistleblowing is far from that one. Mean that.”

“I know.”

“Your future may be blocked. Traitors will haunt you. Think carefully. The assault on Beverick may not last for several years. If you keep quiet, the criticism will soon subside. But inside Accusations will haunt you for the rest of your life.”

What should I do if the world might end in just a few years?

I quietly put my hands together. I closed my eyes pretending to pray.

“It’s okay, priest. Ra guided me, because the flame of justice is said to die, but not to be quenched.”

“…Ah. How could such a faithful child.”

Meer Kant put his hands together and prayed briefly facing each other. He looked down at me with changed eyes.

“It’s good. But there is a condition. I will post in my name, not your name. I can’t stand in your way when the road ahead is bright.”

“…In the priest’s name?”

“With this evidence, something will work. The manager of a branch that was almost abandoned by the Church anyway.”

Meerkant smiled warmly.

“Adding another notoriety won’t change anything.”

“……”

Why are people here so upset because they can’t sacrifice themselves?

I sighed. Thank you for your heart, but when it ends like that, it’s very embarrassing. Besides, you won’t get what you need to get.

As long as it is directly related to the assault case, it is as if going to the church headquarters is blocked. If you don’t use the Holy Trial as an excuse, you won’t be able to step inside the headquarters of the Church.

I have to go.

Unconditionally, it must be uploaded under my name! Only then can I stop by the headquarters as an accuser!

“Priest.”

“I don’t take objections.”

“If that’s the priest’s will, I won’t stop you… But what about senior Irene?”

Meerkant was taken aback. For some reason, it seemed that someone was surprised even outside the door.

“What does that… Mean?”

“The priest is in a position to teach us. If the priest is directly involved in this matter, not only the priest, but also senior Irene could be adversely affected.”

“That’s… Not really.”

“I don’t like that. There are so many things that seniors have done to me, but I can’t hurt everyone because of me alone.”

I blinked my eyes pretending to be pitiful. I deliberately mixed a tremble in my voice so that you could hear it.

“I did it alone. I will take responsibility alone. So that no one else is harmed.”

“Zahard… You bastard…”

“I won’t forget how Priest Meerkant accepted me and what Senior Irene taught me.”

Let’s wrap it up with this. All they fed and put to sleep!

“Let me repay the favor. Priest.”

“…I am.”

Meerkant’s voice trembled. Got up from the chair He walked over and hugged me.

“In my later years…I brought in a nonsense guy…Laishi…I hope this radiant soul…Is filled with light…”

I let out a sigh at the crying stroking.

For now, did something happen?

Yes. This is the best I’ve ever done. I took only one sacred object from the church, and if I had something to get, I stole it…

Travel to the North as an excuse for a pilgrimage! And after that, let’s jump straight to the academy! Completely say goodbye to this branch while clearing the mess with the Holy Trial!

I smiled at the perfect plan. Well then.

Crisis is opportunity!

. . .

Meerkant called the referee. I did what I had to do while waiting for the judge to come, leaving Irene, who was strangely uneasy.

The training was almost at the end. I raised everything that could be raised, and as a result of training in search of Surt every night, most of the skill grades rose significantly.

A higher level is a bonus.

[Zahard Barton] [Level: 16]

[Race: Human] [Occupation: Apostle of the Sun God]

[Job Unique Skills]

-Love of the Sun God: Skills related to the Sun God grow rapidly.

– The Sun God’s Grace: The possessed holy power is quickly restored.

-Sun God’s Blessing: You can handle the sun god’s relics without risk.

– Prayer of the Sun God: Mental pollution does not work.

[Possessed Skills]

-Stigma (C): Has resistance to all demons. It can impart stigma to others. (5/5)

– Divinity (C): You can bring in the divinity of the sun god.

-Healing (C): Even major injuries can be recovered without difficulty.

– Blessing (C): Increases resistance to abnormal conditions, and does not become easily shaken. Increases physical ability and temporarily increases holy power.

-Ashes (C): Creates ferocious flames.

-Fire prayer (C): When you pray, your body temperature is maintained for a certain period of time. Physical abilities are improved.

-Production of Holy Water (C): Contain holy power in water. It activates the body’s healing power and increases resistance to demons.

-Sacred Barrier (C): Creates a barrier. It protects the body and prevents the invasion of external forces.

-Weapon Blessing (C): The sword becomes sharp. Divine energy dwells in it, and durability increases.

-Purification (C): Drives away curses and purifies contaminated objects.

-Song of Fire (C): The basic swordsmanship of the Sun God. A spark rises at the tip of the sword.

-Meat Recipe (C): Grill meat deliciously.

-Crown of Ashes (EX): Offer an offering to raise the level of skills related to the sun god.

“hehehehe.”

After all, people must be consistent! Cancer! I love that it’s full of C ranks!

In order to become a C-rank or higher skill, general training alone was not enough. Most of the combat skills are limited to training alone.

Battle!

That was the only shortcut to rising ranks. Skill proficiency raised alone was almost nonexistent from C rank or higher.

In other words, it is as if I have reached my limit. If it’s practical, I can do it, but…

It didn’t really matter right now. It was better not to. Anyway, if you go to the church headquarters and get ‘the relic’, you will have to sharpen most of the skills you have now.

Fortunately, I also beat the achievements of the Church of Ra.

As expected, knowledge is power! Gorom Gorom!

“Then let’s see…”

What should I do? Suddenly, I thought of Black Steel.

The leader of that place, Martyr, couldn’t stop at just one word I said. Maybe it was because I felt the difference in strength, so I didn’t even think about it.

To be precise, it would be like being afraid of the loyalty that Hector and his crew show to me.

I have been looking for Hectors for the first time in a long time. The guys I saw again were completely different from the ones I had seen before. He noticeably grew in size, and the clothes he wore were quite expensive battle suits.

The atmosphere is like a mercenary.

“…Captain. Are you here?”

Hector looked up from inside the bar. For some reason, I sat down in a chair with a gloomy feeling.

What is leaning? Because it’s a bar… Is it alcohol?! Isn’t this bastard a minor?!

“You drink that…”

“Barley tea.”

A steady youngster in a strange place.

My hands were heavy as I poured alcohol, no, barley tea. I sneakily asked the guy.

“Is something wrong?”

“…Boss. What should I do when I hit a wall?”

“A wall?”

“Something’s different from what I thought. I used to get stronger faster… But now it feels like I’m lost in the same place.”

“Me too.”

“In the past, I had a taste for becoming stronger…But now I feel like I’m stagnant.”

“Huh? What. You guys too?”

“Me too…”

These children.

Are you in a slump?

For some reason, I thought I had no energy, so I never thought it was such a problem. I wanted to sneak a peek at their abilities, but that was impossible. Stealing also requires some skill.

Well, I could understand the general reason. It’s obvious if you don’t look. What if it’s static…

It must be near max level, just before the skill rank rises.

“Hector. Come out.”

“Huh?”

“Uh huh. Are you talking back?”

“I’m leaving.”

I briefly shook hands with Hector, who took me out. After letting them bury the dirt a few times, the approximate level caught my eye.

Around 10. Besides, the holy power…Is around E rank. If you grow a little more, you will reach D rank.

I brushed my hands. Hector, who had been rolling over for the first time in a while, spit out dust from his mouth.

“It’s been a while…”

“Yeah. Long time no see. Sooner or later, I’ll be leaving completely. It might be the last time.”

“…What? What do you mean by that?”

“Everyone line up. Before teaching, this instructor has something to say to you guys.”

It’s been a while since I’ve seen it, but the speed at which it follows orders is the same as before. I looked at the faces of the guys who were gathering in a hurry.

“Hector. Pavel. Linden. Marie. Mitasha.”

“It’s Natasha!”

“Isn’t everyone praying three times a day?”

“That’s what the captain ordered. I’m doing it.”

I leaned against the wall. After hearing Ra’s words, my goal was completely set.

Managing main NPCs that may be corrupted.

For that method, outside help was also unconditionally needed. The guys who will be my hands and feet.

But it was ambiguous whether these guys would follow that far. What if you want to settle for your current life?

I don’t think you need to take it. It’s the same as dragging them into a battlefield that crosses the line of fire.

“You guys. Are you happy?”

“…You set the mood not to go well with the captain?”

“Is there any money stolen from you?”

“I don’t have…?”

“I can hear everything. Don’t whisper. Answer me. Are you satisfied with your current life?”

Hector blinked. After talking with each other, they nodded their heads.

“Of course. I’m much happier than before. Even though my skills have stagnated, I won’t starve anymore.”

“So, then you’re going to stay here?”

“What does that mean?”

“I mean. I’m going away this time?”

“Did you have an accident?”

Hector hit his head. He staggered at the sound of the pot breaking.

“Show respect to the captain.”

“Yes, yes…”

“Anyway, we’re going far this time. We’ll probably go south.”

“…Are you not coming back?”

“I’ll be back. But even if I do, I’ll be leaving soon. Then maybe I won’t be back here at all.”

“Why?”

“I have to do something dangerous.”

I glanced at the guys sitting there.

“So, you guys have two options. This time, unlike before, you guys have to make your own decisions. Okay? I’ll let you know in advance that there is no penalty for that.”

“What are you trying to do…”

“Listen quietly.”

“Yes.”

“First of all, you guys just live here. You guys get good at it… And then you’ll be able to eat most of this city. As you all know, Martier, he’s quite resourceful, isn’t he? Since he was lacking, if I join forces with you guys, I should be able to swallow the back side of this city without too much effort. It probably will take about 3-4 years, right?”

“What’s the second?”

“Second…”

I grinned.

“Seeing a world you have never seen before, sometimes eating mud mixed with rice, and surviving multiple deaths, fighting against the evil that is trying to destroy the world.”

“…What is that?”

“I don’t know what that is. But I do know one thing. The opponent I’m fighting is f*cking strong.”

All of the main NPCs were either monsters or were meant to be monsters. They were like natural disasters. If a guy was corrupted, it was clear that the group he led would also be corrupted.

War will break out. It was clear that he had to be busy to live, and he probably wouldn’t even have a day off properly.

I might die.

The guys in front of me. There may come a moment when you have to be driven to an improbable limb rather than being stabbed to death in the back alleys of the city.

“A revelation has come. See me and save the world.”

“…Really?”

“It’s real. It’s fake. Have I ever lied to you?”

The children exchanged glances. I shrugged.

“It doesn’t matter if you choose the former. I won’t cling to you. It’s me. Well, I just need to raise the other guys.”

“…Why not force it?”

“Well…”

I stared at them blankly. As expected… This is why people can only become perfect creatures if they don’t have affection.

What should I do?

I guess I am human too. I don’t care if the guy I want to kill or the guy I want to beat goes after me on the street, but I do care if the guys who are good to me die.

“Answer me. What can I do? By the way, there is no holding back. Once you make a choice, you have to follow it. Until the end. I have no intention of leaving a guy who has learned too much.”

“……”

Hector opened his mouth.

“Captain. You know what? After the captain came, it was difficult for us, but we gained a lot as much as the hardship. Unlike before, we live ‘like human beings’.”

“So?”

“If it wasn’t for the captain, we would still be living on the streets. As the captain said before… We would have died living a mediocre life in a back alley.”

Hector knelt.

“The captain changed my life. And the captain said. Be a follower of yourself, not a follower of Ra.”

“You can’t separate them if they’re already separated.”

“Who are you trying to send on your own?”

“If I hadn’t had the captain, he would have died dozens of times on the street.”

“…Me too. Without the captain, I would have been a dumb dumb…”

They looked up at me. Hector grinned.

“Who else are you going to go after, Captain? It’s better. If you’re going to go after the guy who will destroy the world, won’t our consciences be stabbed too?”

“…Children.”

I laughed.

“As expected, they are my slaves!”

“…Please change the title.”