"Religious Tribunal?" Merlin mentally noted this institution. That formidable man in the white robe came from the Holy Church's Religious Tribunal. Merlin became even more cautious; if he ever encountered anyone from the Tribunal again, he'd have to tread very carefully.
The carriage gradually came to a stop. With the guidance of the Knight Protector, Merlin stepped down and looked up to find himself at Blackwater City's church. Many other people had been brought in just as he was, though most did not receive Merlin's treatment. These were ordinary citizens escorted into the church by the city guards.
"Go on in and explain everything. As long as you've had no dealings with the wicked heretic, you'll be free to go soon," the Knight Protector said to Merlin with a friendly smile, his demeanor softened by the mention of Cardoran.
Merlin nodded and followed the Knight Protector into the church.
Inside the church, over a hundred people had been assembled, organized into three lines. Several individuals conducted the questioning while scribes recorded everything.
Merlin had a keen sense of hearing. By listening closely, he could make out the questioning of a middle-aged man in front of him.
"When did you first know the heretic?"
"I've known Mr. Aita for many years. I'm a tailor, and he'd come to my shop for clothes every season."
"Did you see him outside of these visits?"
"No, I only saw Mr. Aita when he needed clothes. He was a mysterious man who stayed in his little cottage all the time, rarely going out. I had no idea he was a wicked heretic."
"Alright, next."
That was the extent of the questioning. Once finished, the guards took those who had been questioned aside for further inquiry.
"If that's all, there's nothing to worry about," Merlin thought, gradually calming himself.
Merlin's turn soon came. A clean-shaven scribe stood before him, ready to record, while a Knight Protector asked the questions.
The Knight Protector gave Merlin a cursory glance before asking, "What is your name?"
"Wilson Merlin."
The Knight Protector's expression shifted slightly at the name, and he studied Merlin more closely, his demeanor turning serious.
"What was your relationship with the heretic?"
Without hesitation, Merlin replied, "I didn't know Aita's true identity before. I was simply learning some antique appraisal from him."
As he answered, Merlin paid close attention to the Knight Protector's expression. Seeing no change, he understood that they likely already knew about his relationship with Aita.
The Knight Protector asked Merlin several more questions, which he answered truthfully, withholding only the matter of the ring. He knew concealing things would only arouse suspicion.
After a while, the Knight Protector seemed satisfied, then looked at another Knight Protector and said, "Take him to see Sir Jason for the final examination."
A second Knight Protector escorted Merlin to a small room within the church.
"Go on in," the Knight Protector said coolly at the door.
Merlin took a deep breath, pushed the door open, and entered the dim, damp room, feeling multiple eyes on him as he walked in.
"Miss Kallis?" Merlin's eyes adjusted, and he recognized someone inside: Kallis, who had also been brought in. She nodded at him politely, her composure much steadier than it had been the day before.
Apart from Kallis, there were other people he didn't know: a bald elderly man, a plump woman, and the tailor he had seen during the questioning. They stood nervously, casting fearful glances toward the white-robed man seated in front of them—none other than the Tribunal sorcerer who had killed Aita, the mysterious Jason.
Merlin joined the others in standing silently in the room as Jason remained wordless, his gaze fixed on each of them.
After a while, a few more people entered the room, bringing the total to eight. All of them looked apprehensive, some even terrified, as they wondered what sort of interrogation lay ahead.
Behind Jason was a large religious mural depicting the God of Light punishing a group of vile demons. This foreboding scene, combined with Jason's cold demeanor, struck fear into the hearts of those present.
Finally, Jason stood up, casting his sharp gaze over everyone before slowly speaking. "You've all had some contact with the heretic over the years. Heretics are cunning and skilled in the art of deception, so I must personally ensure that none of you have been influenced by his wickedness."
At these words, the bald man and the plump woman began to tremble. They would have fainted if not for others supporting them.
In the Holy Church, anyone suspected of associating with a heretic faced the most severe punishment, which could even mean being burned alive. The mere suspicion of a heretic connection filled these people with terror.
A faint smile appeared on Jason's face as he pressed his hands together and said, "There's no need to be afraid. As long as you haven't been corrupted, the God of Light will forgive you."
He began to chant softly, and a faint white glow emanated from his body, projecting an aura of purity and grace.
The holy light gradually enveloped the room. As it grew brighter, the silver cross symbol on Jason's white robe became even more pronounced. Enshrouded in the holy light, Merlin felt as if he was being thoroughly scrutinized, leaving no secrets concealed. He glanced at Kallis and noticed her face flushed with embarrassment.
The holy light seemed to strip away even their clothing in a way, making them feel exposed. It was no wonder Kallis looked so uncomfortable.
"Is this the power of magic?" Merlin thought, relieved he had not worn the ring. Otherwise, it would have surely been detected.
Others in the room were deeply unsettled by Jason's holy light, but Merlin remained calm, even using the opportunity to study the sorcerer. He noticed the prominent silver cross on Jason's robe, a symbol he had seen nowhere else, not even on the Knight Protectors from Gran City. Merlin wondered if it was the emblem of the Religious Tribunal.
After a while, the holy light faded, and Jason's face softened into a gentle smile as he announced, "You're all loyal believers and have not been corrupted by heretical influence."
Relieved, everyone visibly relaxed, with some quietly offering prayers of thanks.
The door to the room creaked open, and Jason waved a hand dismissively. "You may all leave."
One by one, the group offered Jason respectful bows before quickly exiting the room, all eager to put as much distance as possible between themselves and the terrifying sorcerer.
Just then, the Knight Protector Bog stepped in, his face a mask of puzzlement. "Anything unusual, Sir Jason?" he asked.
Jason shook his head. "Nothing. I used the Aura Scan, and none of them possess any trace of mana, nor any heretical aura. It seems the heretic operated alone here in Blackwater City."
Bog nodded, then asked, "What about the heretic's belongings?"
"Pack everything up and transport it to Gran City. The bishop will handle it there—maybe we'll uncover clues about other heretics."
Jason issued his instructions, and Bog bowed and departed.
***
Outside, Merlin was met by a cold wind, prompting him to hunch his shoulders. But inside, he felt a warmth, knowing he had passed the Church's scrutiny. Now, he could study Aita's spellbook in peace.
"Miss Kallis, are you alright?" Merlin asked politely, noticing she looked pale.
"I'm fine…" she replied with a forced smile, though she seemed visibly shaken.
"Take a few days to rest, Miss Kallis," he said kindly. She nodded in thanks, then hurried to her carriage and left.
As her carriage disappeared from sight, Merlin looked toward the church gates, knowing his family would have sent someone to wait for him.
Indeed, Merlin spotted the familiar figure of Mos, but standing next to him in the biting wind was another figure he knew all too well.