1:14 p.m.
Temple of Priest Building, Plano Town, Marbleam Kingdom.
"Fuck…!" Vivian cursed behind her Inquisitor Full-Mask.
She took a bath and changed to a fresh set of clothes when she arrived here earlier from the branch Knights Headquarters Office located in the Market District. And at the moment, she was inside her room and was sitting in front of a desk while tapping her right foot.
I wonder what's happening…?
They're not letting me go out…
Should I make a run for it…?
Can I make a run for it…?
If it was in the evening…
Sure…
She got up from her seat and began walking around inside her room.
But I'm not the culprit, right…?
I mean, how was I supposed to act…?
That fucking Alejandro and his group have been hounding all day…!
And then that fucking fat pig eyepatch weirdo deliberately removed my mask…!
Who wouldn't get fucking pissed…?!
On top of that, there was also fucking stupid idiot Caleb…!
Has he ever heard of friendly fire…?!
Fucking idiot…!
She let out a sigh.
"Shit…!"
But at least I didn't kill him…
And his uncle who is supposed to have 4 Magic Arts is coming this afternoon…
A Viscount or Baron-level person...
There was also that VIP named Joseph who I came here to escort who is also coming…
Furthermore, the Priests from the Marbleam Chapter Temple and the Branch Chapter Temples in the Duke Faction are coming…
So I should be safe…
But what if they all decide to sell me out…?
I swear to God…
If I smell even just a whiff that I'm going to be sold out by the Temple of Priests to the Duke Faction, I'm running…
Or if I'm going to be punished, I'm running…
Fuck this shit…
Like hell if I fucking care about the brother or sisterhood of the Temple of Priests…
She returned to sitting in front of the desk and saw her reflection in the mirror, specifically her Inquisitor attire.
There were two mirrors inside her room. One was a full-body mirror to check her overall attire while the other one was part of the desk for when she does her make-up.
But let's see...
Let's see if the Temple of Priests is truly powerful like they say or if it's just a paper tiger…
Let's see if the Temple of Priests would truly protect their members or is it just another corporate bullshit that all companies would say to their employees…
If it turns out to be all bullshit --…
Knock, knock.
"Shit!" Vivian cursed as she jumped from her seat and then she immediately turned to the door.
Who the fuck is that…?!
"Sister Inquisitor Monad?" a female voice asked behind the door.
Vivian let out a sigh and closed her eyes for a moment before opening them.
"Wait!" she said as she checked her reflection in the mirror.
If I'm going to die…
I like to die beautiful…
Or at least presentable…
After she was done adjusting her mask, her gold necklace with a sun pendant and the rest of her clothes, she got up and went to the door.
Ka-cha!
Upon opening the door, a slightly tall and beautiful White Cloak Priestess in her early 30s with long and wavy orange hair and tanned skin stood there. She was one of the Priestesses assigned here in Plano Town.
Vivian's eyes turned to slits behind her mask.
Tch…!
She clicked her tongue mentally.
I don't have time for this…
But this woman is Tuno's sister…
And Gusto's wife…
Not to mention she's one of the people in charge of cooking the meals…
I can't be rude…
Especially now…
"Sister Arianna, how may I help you?"
"Sister Inquisitor Monad, Brother Inquisitor Pen is requesting for you at Meeting Room 2-7."
"Okay, sister."
Vivian closed the door behind her and they both started walking.
Eh…?
She's coming with me…?
She rolled her eyes.
I really don't want this woman walking beside me…
She glanced at a window.
Hmm…
Come to think of it…
Isn't all of this that fucking old guy's fault…?
If he didn't send me here, I never would've met that fucking Alejandro and piglet eyepatch weirdo Ferdino…!
I know I'm perfection…
But my God…!
Why can't people just leave me alone…?!
"Sister," Arianna said.
Vivian turned to her.
"Yes, sister?"
"For what it's worth, as a fellow woman, you have my support no matter what."
"Thank you, sister. You don't know how much that means to me."
Truth be told, Vivian felt nothing.
Given that Vivian spent her first 24 years of life as a man, based on her experience, the only woman she could trust was her own mother. The rest of the women, including her exes, once things get tough, they would abandon you and then some of them would even have the audacity to come back to you as if nothing happened once the tough times passed over. However, despite that, Vivian held no grudge against them because she was a man and she believed that a man should be the rock or provide safety and security -- at least that's what her father taught and showed her.
So when it comes to dangerous or crucial situations, although she would rather not rely on anyone as much as possible, if she had to choose a gender whom she would go through a crisis with, it would be a man because a man only has two choices if they want to be respected or valued in society -- be the most useful or most entertaining person in the room.
In fact, if Vivian was a dating guru or a life coach for men and she could only give one advice, that would be the only advice she would give -- be the most useful or most entertaining person in the room.
As a man, no one cares if you're the smartest person in the world if you can't solve people's problems. No one cares if you have the most beautiful singing voice in the world if you're not singing the type of songs people want to hear. And no one cares if you have all the money in the world if people can't benefit from it.
As a man, the only person who could save you is yourself. So don't expect anyone to save you because the probability of someone else coming to save you is very, very low.
However, Vivian was no saint either. For some reason, what she noticed back when she was still a man, the better looking she got, the richer she got and the more status she got, for some reason, people seemed to be kinder or more willing to listen to what she has to say. As a matter of fact, just with dating alone, the more looks, money and status she achieved, the more friendly women became, the more open women became to her advances, and the hotter the women she was able to date. Noticing that, she realized that there was no point in dating any of them seriously at her age -- just catch and release. She would only date them seriously once she reached her peak success.
Well…
At least that's what I would do if I were still a man…
But now that I'm a woman…
I don't know…
Does my value only come from being beautiful or being able to bear children…?
Perhaps being a housewife and raising children…?
However…
This is a world with Physical and Magic Arts…
Can I still apply my original world's logic here…?
Because sometimes I think I can…
However, I have 10 Magic Art Affinities…
How would the world react if they found out that I have 10…?
I like to think it's not going to be pleasant…
She shook her head mentally.
No...
I just don't want to be at the mercy of others...
Especially to beings who are nothing but food...
I just need to stick with my original plan since day one...
Power-up in the shadows and then reveal myself once I'm confident with my strength...
Vivian and Arianna finally arrived in front of the door of Meeting Room 2-7 and Vivian stole a glance at Arianna.
Is this woman also coming with me inside…?
"Sister, I will wait here outside," Arianna said.
Wait outside..?
So I'm still under house arrest…?
I mean…
I guess you can call it room arrest…?
"I see."
Knock, knock.
Vivian knocked twice and then placed her hand on the handle.
Ka-cha!
When she opened the door and stepped inside, she immediately swept her gaze around the room to see if there was anything strange or suspicious, like a false wall or something. However, all she could see was Pen who was seated at one of the single-seat sofas.
"Sister Inquisitor Monad, please take a seat," he said and gestured towards one of the sofas.
Vivian went over to one of the sofas. She saluted first and then sat down.
"Sister, I want to ask you a few questions and I want you to be honest."
"Sure, brother."
"How do you feel about killing Lord Ferdino?"
"Nothing. It's not like he can't be resurrected."
"How do you feel about Lord Alejandro?"
"Annoyed."
"Why?"
"He kept harassing me the whole morning."
"How do you feel about Brother Caleb?"
"A liability."
"A liability? Why?"
"At his age, he still doesn't know how to fight with allies."
"I heard that you were greatly affected by his Lore Magic. Is it true?"
Vivian shook her head.
"Honestly, I don't know. All I know I was blown away by his gold-colored wave and then found myself coughing out blood and my body in pain. However, when I struck him back, I was surprised how weak he was."
"He was weak?"
Fuck…
Did I make a mistake...?
Thanks to her experience of watching Tuno and Nicandro suspects, and knowing that Pen was Chapter Master, she decided that it was better to stick with the truth or with most of the truth.
She shook her head mentally.
Well…
Caleb seemed to be famous and strong based on how the Priests and Priestesses treat him…
And how he handled me and Alejandro's goons also proved his strength…
However…
I can't think of an alibi on how I managed to almost kill him with one normal attack…
But at the same time…
How was he able to hurt me…?
"Brother, I'm confused about something."
"About what?"
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but a person's Magic Force can't be 2 Grades higher than his/her Physical Force, right? Because if that happens, it's death."
Pen nodded.
"That is correct. But that's not the reason why I called you here today."
Vivian's brows knitted together behind her mask.
What's the supposed to mean…?
"So I'm going to be arrested?"
Pen shook his head.
"No, this is preparation."
"For what?"
"For the other party's visit."
Vivian didn't say anything.
"I will be honest with you, sister. Yes, I believe that Lord Alejandro has been harassing you. Yes, I believe that Lord Ferdino shouldn't have done what he did. And yes, Brother Caleb should've been more mindful. However, to physically assault an Aristocratic Noble, let alone kill one, comes with a lot of complications."
Then what was I supposed to do…?!
Endure it…?!
Beg them to stop…?!
Welcome it…?!
What the hell is this old man talking about...?!
A realization suddenly flashed inside her head.
Yes...
He's an old man...
He's a man...
That's exactly why...!
How else would he know what it feels like to be sexually harassed...?
He would never know what it's like to be perfect woman like me…!
She rolled her eyes behind her mask.
Ugh...
A pointless conversation...
"I see, brother," she said calmly.
"Sister, this is my last question: Do you have anyone to call right now in case something happens to you?"
Vivian raised an eyebrow behind her mask.
In case something happens to me…?
Are they abandoning me…?
Or is the Temple of Priests nothing but a paper tiger after all…?
She secretly glanced around her surroundings once again to see if there were any false walls before returning her gaze to Pen.
Should I use [Greater Origin Blessing] on this guy…?
And use him as a meatshield…?
But how strong is this guy…?
Can I overpower him…?
Well…
I think I can kill him with [Greater Origin Enchant] combined with a Physical Art…
Based on what Vivian knows, Physical Arts like [Power Fist], [Leg Fist], [Explosive Fist], etc. generate an extra 1 grade or 30 points. Meanwhile, the [Lesser Chaos Enchant] amplifies a skill or spell by x2 while [Chaos Enchant] amplifies by x3. But for her [Greater Origin Enchant], it was x4.
So if she were to cast a [Power Fist] buffed with [Greater Origin Enchant], she would generate a force of [30x4 = 120] + [STR 11 (+315) = 326] = 446 points.
It also amplifies the skill's range. So if an [Explosive Fist] has a basic range of a sphere or diameter of 1 meter, with [Greater Origin Enchant], it would increase to 4 meters.
The same logic also applies to her spells and Class Magic spells.
But to keep him alive and force him to accept my [Greater Origin Blessing]…
That I don't know…
Hmm…
From the looks of it, I would say he's around or between 50 to 55 years old…
And given that Inquisitors are uber-nerds or people who prefer to rely on their brains than their muscles…
I'm going to assume they're around or weaker than Red Cloaks…
However…
This guy is a Chapter Master…
Vivian gritted her teeth behind her mask.
Fuck…!
I really can't tell…
I used to think he's between 200 to 300 points…
But after all of my recent experiences…
I really don't know what to expect anymore…
For all I know, he must have a Lore Magic like Caleb…
Fucking hell...
Why didn't that stupid Zhey/Zhem God give me the power to see other people's stats...?
I mean...
Since they gave me the power to see my own Status Panel while others can't even see
their own Status Panel, why not go all the way...?
That's like buying a smartphone but it doesn't have Bluetooth...
Fucking idiot…!
"No."
"I understand," Pen said and nodded. "That will be all, sister. Thank you. You may go back to your room."
"Yes, brother," Vivian said and then got up.
***
When Vivian finally left the room, Pen took off his mask and then massaged his temples.
I volunteered for this Field Mission because I wanted to personally observe this Inquisitor that Brother Blanch told me about…
However, I never expected her to actually kill Aristocratic Noble in broad daylight in front of many witnesses…
And not just some normal Aristocratic Noble, but an important one...
I also didn't expect her to brutally injure a fellow brother…
Either what Brother Blanch said is true…
Or this Sister Inquisitor is the unlucky type…
***
2:00 p.m.
Temple of Priest Building, Plano Town, Marbleam Kingdom.
Ka-cha!
Lozario was walking on a corridor and behind him were Francisco, his personal bodyguard, and Pablo, the Royal Assistant of Estevan who was the Royal Adviser of Plano Town. The three of them were being led by the two Red Cloaks of the Branch Chapter Temple here in Plano Town -- Timoteo and Gusto.
All of them walked in silence until they finally reached a double door with a plate that read Meeting Room 1-1. And outside the door, there was Nicandro, a Gray Cloak, and Julio, a White Cloak, standing on guard and a couple of empty chairs on the side.
Nicandro and Julio bowed.
"Your Excellency, Lord Knight Major Francisco and Lord Royal Assistant Pablo," they said.
When Lozario nodded, Nicandro and Julio opened the door.
Only Lozario entered while the rest sat on the empty chairs on the side.
The Meeting Room that Lozario entered was one of the larger ones that was enough to house around 30 guests.
There was a section that had a long table for formal meetings, there was a section that looked like a lounging area decorated with several furniture for casual meetings, and there was a section that had a kitchen, bathroom and toilet.
Pen, who was seated at the long table got up from his seat, went over to Lozario and then lowered his head.
"Thank you for coming, Your Excellency," he said and then gestured over to the long table. "May we sit over there?"
Lozario nodded.
When they got to the long table, Pen sat on the side. Lozario, on the other hand, thought about it for a moment before finally sitting on the opposite side as well.
"Your Excellency, once again, I would like to express my gratitude for you coming here. I would also like to express my sincerest apologies for what happened today and I hope that this matter won't affect the friendly relationship between the Holy Kingdom and the Marbleam Kingdom."
"Where is Ferdino?"
"Lord Ferdino is within the building and he's safe."
A small smile appeared on Lozario's lips.
"So this is your move?"
"Your Excellency, you're older than me, more experienced than me, and more powerful than me. So I'm not going to play any mind games, I'm just going to be honest.
"Lord Alejandro and Lord Ferdino attacked first and there are several witnesses who could confirm this.
"So here's what my brothers and sisters want:
"Firstly, Lord Alejandro and Lord Ferdino would stop bothering Sister Inquisitor Monad and also should also compensate her.
"Secondly, the peaceful and friendly relationship between the Holy Kingdom and the Marbleam Kingdom to continue."
Lozario didn't say anything and studied Pen for a moment.
"You're the new Chapter Master, aren't you?"
"I will neither confirm nor deny it. May I ask what is your answer to our demands?"
"What I refuse?"
"Then there's nothing I can do but accept our fate. However, you will also have to accept your and your family's fate."
Lozario raised an eyebrow.
"Accept my and my family's fate?"
"With all due respect, Your Excellency, just with your Physical and Magic Force alone, you can kill everyone here if you want to and no one could do anything about it even if we all teamed up together. However, once the Holy Kingdom retaliates, you and your entire family will also share the same fate. As a matter of fact, I've already sent a message to the Holy Kingdom about what happened here."
The temperature inside the room suddenly started to heat up despite the Magic Panel making the air cool and Pen swore that it looked like there were flames on Lozario's pupils.
"Is that a threat, Priest?"
Pen shook his head.
"No, Your Excellency. But may I share something with you, Your Excellency?"
The heat only increased and Lozario nodded.
"I've been an Inquisitor for more than 3 decades now so I've met a lot of powerful people. And one thing I've noticed about powerful people: All of them need something to keep them grounded -- call it a purpose or a rai·son d'ê·tre if I were to quote Her Holiness Light Saint Jean, the 38th Light Saint. And those who don't have such a thing or loses it would always fall to the path of self-destruction.
"What I'm trying to say, Your Excellency, I believe I know what your rai·son d'ê·tre is and that is making sure your family's legacy continues. And because that that, I trust that you will choose peace."
"Are you that confident, Priest?" Lozario asked.
Pen nodded.
"Yes, Your Excellency."
The temperature inside the room dropped back to slightly normal.
"I was informed that Ferdino was killed."
"Yes, and he has already been resurrected and is being taken care of."
"What is the real name of the Priestess Inquisitor who killed him?"
Pen shook his head.
"I'm sorry, but I can't share any personal information about her."
"You can't or you won't?"
"Both."
"You mentioned that you've been an Inquisitor for a long time and even quoted this rai·son d'ê·tre. So you must also be familiar with how fragile the minds of Aristocratic Nobles are, are you not?"
Pen nodded solemnly.
"Unfortunately, yes."
"If Alejandro and Ferdino end up being mentally scarred for life and then fall to the path of self-destruction because of this experience, who will our families ask to pay for this? Those two are important members of their respective main families."
"With all due respect, Your Excellency, Lord Alejandro and Lord Ferdino aren't the only gifted people."
"Oh? You're saying that that Priestess Inquisitor is on the level of Alejandro and Ferdino?"
"Her talents lie in other fields."
Lozario's eyes turned to slits and the temperature inside the room began to rise up once again.
"Didn't you say you're not going to play mind games and would be honest, Priest?"
Pen adjusted the collar of his shirt.
"I did, Your Excellency."
"Then what is this?"
"Sister Inquisitor Monad might be strong for her age, but that was because she over-trained. She could never reach the heights that Lord Alejandro and Lord Ferdino could reach. As a matter of fact, this is why she's part of the Inquisitory Division, not the Infantry Division."
Lozario increased the temperature inside the room to the point that an aura made out of transparent flames began to manifest around him and the things around him started to slowly melt as well but nothing was caught on fire.
Meanwhile, Pen, who was sitting in front of Lozario, didn't flinch despite being covered in sweat.
The temperature inside the room then returned to normal.
"What about Duke Freca?"
Pen took out a piece of paper and passed it to Lozario.
"I've prepared some special favors for Your Excellency's family and His Excellency's family."
Lozario read the paper and then returned his gaze to Pen.
"You think you can bribe an Aristocratic Noble, let alone two?"
Pen shook his head.
"Of course not, Your Excellency. Which is why I didn't present that right away."
One corner of Lozario's lips curled up into a smile.
"I'll change #3 and #5. But I'll still have to talk to Duke Freca before I can give you an answer on what we will replace it with."
Pen lowered his head.
"Thank you for choosing to continue the peaceful and friendly relationship between the Holy Kingdom and the Marbleam Kingdom, Your Excellency."
***
3:00 p.m.
Caleb let out a sigh as he stood in a corridor and in front of a door.
He wasn't wearing his Crusader Armor set because one of the gauntlets was destroyed and the breastplate was bent out of shape. So he was wearing a White Cloak and civilian clothing underneath it.
He let out another sigh.
You got to do this right away…
If you prolong it…
It will only get more awkward…
He raised his fist and placed it near the door.
Knock, knock.
"Sister Inquisitor Monad? It's me, Brother Caleb. I wish to apologize to you."
Better to be direct than indirect to avoid any further complications…
Ka-cha!
A few seconds later, the door opened, revealing Vivian with her Inquisitor Full-Mask on.
And before she could speak, Caleb lowered his head.
"Sister! Please forgive me for what happened earlier!"
"You're forgiven. I apologize as well."
A surprised look appeared on Caleb's face and he slowly raised his head.
"Huh…?"
If he were to be honest, he wasn't expecting Vivian to accept his apology just like that. He thought he had to go through some trials or experience a couple of pushbacks before she would forgive him.
"Are you not on room arrest?" Vivian asked.
Caleb straightened his back and cleared his throat.
"Thank you for accepting my apology, sister. But I don't think you should apologize to me because I was the one who attacked you first even though I was assigned to be your bodyguard."
Vivian didn't say anything.
Caleb cleared his throat once again.
"About your question, yes, I was, in a way. As a matter of fact, aside from apologizing to you, I also came here to inform you that we're no longer under room arrest. I asked Brother Inquisitor Pen and the others to let me say this to you so that I can talk and apologize to you."
"I see."
Caleb scratched the back of his head.
"So… that's it, I guess," he said. "By the way, High Brother Joseph and High Brother Zacharias would arrive around 4:00 p.m. The representatives from the Marbleam Chapter Temple and the Branch Chapter Temples under the Marbleam Kingdom's Duke Faction would also be arriving later. It's going to be a full-house tonight."
"The issue with Lord Alejandro and Lord Ferdino has already been solved?"
Caleb nodded.
"Yes, Brother Inquisitor Pen met with Viscount Lozario and it's already been settled. In fact, we will resume attending the Feugo Tournament tomorrow."
Vivian folded her arms around her chest.
"Tell me, brother, since you've seen my face and attacked me, you at least owe something, right?"
Caleb's eyes blinked a few times.
"Sure, of course, anything."
"Come inside and close the door," Vivian said before turning around and entering her room.
Caleb blinked his eyes a few times once more before entering.
As he stepped inside Vivian's room, his nose was immediately assaulted with so much feminine scent which felt like a juxtaposition inside his head because he knew that Vivian was still in her mid-20s and an Inquisitor yet already so powerful, even more powerful than him who was in his late 20s and part of the Infantry Division.
Who is this woman…?
I believe I'm familiar with all of the powerful people around my age…
Her accent is that of someone from the Luxen Kingdom…
Is she related to High Brother Lucius, High Sister Grana or Brother Samuel…?
I doubt she's related to Brother Captain Isaac…
She's white and he's black…
Or perhaps she's a secret heir of an Aristocratic Noble family who switched Temples…?
If she is…
What's her Lore Magic…?
Vivian turned around and sat down on a chair.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but a person's Magic Force can't be more than 2 Grades of his/her Physical Force, right? So if that's the case, how come I was able to land a heavy blow on you?"
An awkward and pained expression appeared on Caleb's face.
"It's my family's Lore Magic, [Holy Wrath]. I thought you were the career-driven or political type so I didn't think that you were going to be affected by it."
Vivian knitted her brows behind her mask.
"What do you mean? Describe to me the effects."
"Okay…" Caleb said and nodded.
His [Holy Wrath] Lore Magic spell is described as…
'...releases a golden light shock-wave that knocks back enemies. It's more potent against targets with evil souls and less potent against targets with good souls…'
With this, it comes with a huge "flaw" from the perspective of the Temple of Priests.
Although it's common sense to assume that there are morally good humans, morally bad humans and humans who are in the middle, unfortunately for the Temple of Priests, the same can be said with demon-kins. In fact, from the perspective of the demon-kins, the Temple of Priests is an evil organization and the Holy Kingdom is an evil kingdom because one of its core missions is to eradicate all demon-kins from this world. So for the Priests and Priestesses who have a very strong sense of eradicating all demon-kins, regardless of their age and gender, they can be greatly affected by [Holy Wrath].
As for why Caleb assumed that Vivian was career-driven or the political type, that is because of the Temple of Priests' complete mockery of recruiting members.
With the Temple's actions to monopolize the Light Affinity, as a result, not all members are actually fit to become Priests or Priestesses. As a matter of fact, the Temple of Priests has the highest number of members who struggle to learn all of their Class Magic spells because some members don't have the personality or interest that aligns with the core of learning the Priest's Class Magic. So when Caleb saw how Vivian chopped off the head of the thief yesterday without even flinching, he thought she was one of those members who were not truly meant to be a Priest or Priestess. In fact, he had family members who were like her despite having the [Holy Wrath].
And as for why Caleb is extra forgiving to Vivian, it's because of internal politics or the backlash that his family has faced throughout generations within the Temple of Priests.
Should the Temple of Priest use [Holy Wrath] as one of the basis to determine who is a heretic and who isn't, that would give the Wrath family unimaginable influence not just within the Holy Kingdom but also to the Chapter Temples outside the Holy Kingdom. In addition to that, it will also invalidate one of the core missions of the Temple to eradicate all demon-kins. Because of these reasons, although the Wrath family is related to previous Light Saints and Cardinals, there are families and factions within the Temple of Priests who would never allow that to happen.
Basically, it was a complicated issue that everyone from the Wrath family with [Holy Wrath] had to live with.
********************
********************
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
I would like to thank these Top 5 Immortal Power Voters:
• First Seat: DaoistL27fr7
• Second Seat: DaoistowxxrO
• Third Seat: Higime142
• Fourth Seat: Leitor_Morto
• Fifth Seat: Immortal_Shades (I don't even know why I'm #5 when I don't even vote and it doesn't even add-up on the daily tally)
And in case you really like what I do and want to support me even further, do consider joining my Patreon group for $1 a month because this novel would never have a chance to get a contract.
https://www.patreon.com/Immortal_Shades
With that being said, I would like to give my special thanks for this month's Immortal Patron(s):
•
I also created social media accounts for Vivian:
• Instagram: vivian_lightstorm
• Facebook: Vivian Vivian
• TikTok: vivian.lightstorm
On these socials, I will be posting extra details about Vivian and the world she inhabits that I couldn't post here in WebNovel because it would break the story's immersion and other reasons such as the limitations of the WebNovel site.
Thank you once again and I will see you in the next chapter :)