Chapter 33 - SERA [10]

Regressor's Instruction Manual Episode 910.

Is it really true....

I wanted to ask Benigore right away, but it would probably be pointless. Even if I inquire about the dungeon, Benigore won't reveal anything. It's the rule. It's a bit strange that she updated the dungeon on her own at such a peculiar timing... Even if I consider the possibility that Benigore's body is buried underground, it doesn't seem that odd. I'm not sure if she remembers everything from when she was human, but even if she doesn't, it must have been the result of her unconscious actions.

Honestly, it feels like she did it unconsciously.

'It seems like the mole saintess was talking about herself.'

Even though I don't know much about worldly matters, it feels like I know even less now... She must have lived underground like a mole. That's why she used to get hit on the back of her head so often.

It was a sudden thought, but it seems like a reasonably logical deduction, considering the existence of Templars.

Ever since the establishment of the Benigore Church, the three superhumans have been maintained, but there is too little information about them, so my imagination runs wild...

'It's strange from the beginning that there is no information.'

How Templars are created, what they do in their spare time, and the fact that I can't see them moving around the Holy See is also strange.

If you think about it a little, there are more than one or two suspicious points. Even though they are called a secret armed force, the fact that they belong to the Holy See remains unchanged...

No, it's possible that they are not part of the Holy See.

'Let's consider the possibility that they are an independent organization rather than an appendage of the Holy See.'

I found myself nodding.

Basel Pope can't just stand by and watch the crazy act of mass-producing Templars using Benigore's body. After all, Basel Pope was a fervent believer in Benigore.

The two members who are not hiding anything seem to be secretly progressing with their work without me knowing. It feels too simple to assume that the real Basel Pope is a villain, but if that's the case, the future of the continent is at stake.

'The idea of them being an independent organization is more convincing.'

It's a thought I haven't considered until now. Even though Templars are strong, they are at most on the level of a national eighth-grade knight. In the past, they might have had some influence with their strength, but in the current era of power balance, it's difficult to call them a significantly impactful organization.

But the situation might have changed.

The dungeon has appeared.

It may not only affect monsters. If the dungeon called the Mole Saintess's Cozy Sanctuary is influencing its surroundings, there's a high chance that the Templars are affected as well. Considering that they might have used cheat codes for upgrades. Of course, it's just an assumption.

It's not a situation to be considered right now, but if it ever happens, the Templars might not be so enthusiastic about conquering the dungeon. They could perceive the current situation as Benigore's new gift.

'I should check this once.'

"Hyejin."

"Yes, Vice guild master."

"No."

"What do you mean?"

"It's nothing. I'll tell you later."

"Why? You're making me curious."

"Just the thought that things might get bigger than I expected."

"Is there still something that could get bigger?"

"When I'm sure, I'll tell you everything. For now, tell everyone to refrain from accepting any requests, missions, or quests and wait as they are for a while. Especially for those on long expeditions, wrap things up. If there are any members outside, gather them all."

"Do I need to inform the Guild Master in the Republic?"

"No, Hyun Seong is waiting in the Republic. If things escalate, I'll talk to him directly. Oh! And also, suggest the same to all the Three Great Guilds."

"You seem to take this matter very seriously. True, they are strong monsters, but..."

Yes, they are certainly strong monsters.

Looking at Seraphim and Cherubim, who are covered in wounds and being chased, I can get an idea of how much the monster has leveled up.

Even the first monster was at most a troll.

If it's just a simple variant that went berserk after drinking Benigore's blood. But there might be other dangers. If a boss monster somewhere receives such buffs, it could become a real headache.

"I'll speed up. Tell the rangers to join the battle immediately. And Joo Hyeok..."

"I got it."

Raphael's voice came at that moment.

"Hyung."

"Yes, Raphael."

"It seems like Serah and Cherubim are being chased by the third monster."

"Ah!"

A short scream burst from Jeong Hayan.

"Don't worry. I just sent Joo Hyeok to help. We'll do our best to rescue them as quickly as possible."

"What about Sera... Is Sera okay?"

"Yes, Han Sora."

Though they looked exhausted, their life doesn't seem to be in danger. Seraphim is running around the forest like a raccoon with Cherubim, and the monster is roaring and swinging its hands trying to catch them.

"What should we do? Vice guild master? Can you do something about Sera? Please?"

Although her face shows concern, she's watching my reaction.

"Don't worry. Sora."

"Ah..."

Don't look at me with such anxiety. Sera's really okay for now.

"We need to go faster. Please hurry."

"They should have arrived by now. So, don't worry, Han Sora. We are moving as fast as we can."

"Jeong Hayan, please say something too. Vice guild master, you're not thinking of leaving Sera behind like this, right? I mean, you wouldn't do that, would you? Maybe you're trying to... or..."

Although there's room for misunderstanding, she seems to be asking if I might be thinking like that.

The intense grip of the situation is not helping.

Han Sora, why does she treat me like this? No matter what, I wouldn't have sealed Cherubim's powers just to handle Seraphim, would I?

She must still think my feelings for Hayan are a lie. Well, but she knows I care for Hayan. I hope she's happy, this girl.

"Please. He's such a pitiful child. Our Sera. So pitiful. Sniff..."

Han Sora's passionate outburst created a heated atmosphere. Even though the kids are not easy to die, they will soon face Ju Hyeok. However, she hasn't been in such a situation before.

She would probably only be thinking about her precious Sera and what to do if something goes wrong. Naturally, such anxiety is contagious.

The kids from Thronus and Dominions may know the situation to some extent, but they didn't reveal any signs of worry, except maybe for their concern for their siblings, having grown up together.

Of course, Jeong Hayan's face is getting paler too. She must be imagining a situation where Sera is in danger.

"Ah..."

It's often when you're about to lose something that you realize how precious it is. She must be really concerned about Sera, considering she decided to hold him in her arms. She's just trying to act composed.

"Joo Hyeok seems to have arrived. Hyung, don't worry. Jeong Hayan, Han Sora."

When Raphael continued his explanation, a relieved expression came into view.

"That's a relief."

"Yes, the raid will start soon. Go to a safe place."

"No. I want to see it myself. Once you rescue Seraphim and Cherubim, bring them here."

"Okay, I'll convey that."

I thought Han Sora was holding onto Jeong Hayan's hand tightly, but now I see that Jeong Hayan is firmly holding onto Han Sora's hand. Little by little, she's emitting signs of anxiety, which is pitiful, but she hasn't shown any noticeable reactions yet.

"It'll be alright, Jeong Hayan."

"Uh..."

'Yes, it'll be alright.'

At that moment, Ju Hyeok encountered the creature. Though he stood before it with a single sword, it felt as if he was deliberately maintaining a formal stance. But for now, I can feel relieved since he's experienced enough even if his specs are lower.

His calm evasion of the attacks looks quite impressive. Minimal movements, the most efficient way, and dramatic lines.

-Thank you for your efforts, youngsters.

-Uh, what should we do? Cheru? Is... is father coming to save us?

-Yes.

-C-Cheru heard that, right? You heard it, right? Sniff... Is it true? Is father really coming...?

-The Honorary Cardinal said that I should bring you all back right away. Safely, that is. First, we should treat your wounds. Here, have a potion.

-Really... Really?

-Yes.

It might be slightly different from the truth, but we should bring them back for now. There will be a lot to talk about.

-We can... We can fight too, Sera. We can help.

-O... Uh-huh.

- ....

-Please let us fight. We can be helpful.

- ....

-Please...

-Phew...

-Then ask for support. Don't push yourself too hard, kids. The goal is to hold on until the main force arrives. The Rangers will help you. Gather information. Hunting comes afterward. Analyze the patterns and keep everything in your mind. It's important.

Well said.

-Right...

-You can do that.

Lee Joo-hyuk is better than I thought.

-Okay...

-Let's go.

-Yes.

Cherubim is looking at Ju Hyuk with a slightly surprised expression. He must have something to learn.

He's only seen monsters like Cha Heera, so an adventurer with a commoner's body could be intriguing. Decision-making, experience, movements - he has a lot to learn.

Though sometimes he mumbles strange things, he has a significant presence at times like this.

-Uu, uuu!

-I'll take care of the left side.

-Yes!

'Is there anything unusual?'

Watching the process for the second and third phases, compared to the first two, I don't notice anything remarkable.

The gigantic monster that uses divine power, occasionally launching explosions of divine energy, still appears to lack intelligence to anyone's eyes. I feel that the tactics will be smoother than expected.

-Ah... Translated by Sunbaetime_1170

-......

A doll with large wings slices the monster's neck and lands on the ground.

Ju Hyuk's gaze fell on the kids with their mouths agape and the new doll that appeared suddenly. At first, I thought it was Raphael who had arrived first, but... this brat is standing right next to me now.

-Who are you?

-No need to be on guard.

-I asked who you are.

After confirming his appearance, I unconsciously blurted out.

"Templar."

These bastard have wings. They didn't have them before, right?

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