Chapter 288

Before casting the bait, there was something I had to do first.

To meticulously set the stage for the conflict.

And for that, I needed the Saint’s cooperation.

That’s why I was here, standing before her.

“Thank you for your time.”

You’re speaking out loud now?

The Saint smiled enigmatically.

“Not at all. But please refrain from doing that when others are present.”

“Of course. I’m very meticulous about such things. But…”

“Yes?”

“Why did you pretend to be mute?”

I asked directly.

I was curious.

The Saint smiled faintly.

“Because I’m the Saint.”

“Huh?”

“People expect perfection from the Saint. They want to see someone who transcends humanity.”

“Hmm, I understand what you mean, but how is that…”

“You’ve spoken to me, so you probably know. My voice.”

“Yes.”

“It’s unpleasant, isn’t it?”

The Saint was blunt.

Her voice.

It was indeed a harsh, grating voice, like nails on a chalkboard.

I couldn’t honestly say it was pleasant.

But,

“Well, I don’t really mind. It’s not like you chose your voice.”

“You’re good at social interactions.”

“…It’s not a social interaction.”

“Oh, is that so?”

The Saint chuckled.

“You have a good heart. But not everyone is like that. That’s why. I can’t be a Saint who offends people with her voice, can I?”

“I understand.”

I nodded.

Her voice definitely didn’t fit the typical image of a Saint.

So it was better for her to be a mute Saint.

Being mute might be a flaw for an ordinary person, but for a Saint, it could add to her mystique.

“Let’s put aside this trivial matter and get to the main topic. Why did you want to see me today?”

The Saint asked, her expression turning serious.

I took a sip of my coffee, preparing myself for the main discussion.

And then I began.

“I told you before, right? That I know about dangerous individuals who could bring bloodshed to the Church.”

“Yes, I remember.”

“Their movements have become suspicious. That’s why I came to see you.”

“Who are they?”

“The Dark God Cultists.”

At that moment,

A strange glint appeared in the Saint’s eyes.

“The Dark God Cultists? I thought I had eradicated them completely.”

“How many years ago was that?”

“A thousand years ago.”

“It seems like you haven’t quite grasped the flow of time…”

“No, I know, I know. The Church has become soft and complacent in my absence. That’s why those bastards are still alive, isn’t it?”

I knew a bit about the Saint from historical records.

To heretics, she was the Grim Reaper.

She had been ruthless in her eradication of them.

But a lot of time had passed.

A lot.

The world had changed drastically.

“You’re right. It wouldn’t have been possible if you were here. But unfortunately, the forces of evil have already taken root. That’s why I’m consulting with you.”

“Very well. Tell me.”

I explained my basic plan to ambush the Dark God Cultists at their gathering.

But that wasn’t all.

This was the important part.

“There’s something I need to confirm.”

“What is it?”

“Unfortunately, I’ve heard that the number of people who follow you is still insufficient. Is that true?”

The implication behind my words.

Someone of the Saint’s stature would understand it immediately.

As expected, the Saint smiled faintly and sat up straighter.

“I can’t deny that.”

“Ah, as I thought.”

I nodded repeatedly.

“Then it would be difficult for you to handle such a large and important task on your own.”

“It pains me to say it, but I can’t deny that either.”

“No, no, don’t be sad. Assisting is also a noble act.”

My exaggerated tone made the Saint smile, as if she was thinking, “This kid is good.”

She chuckled and said, “You’re good with words, Max. You’ve calmed me down. Playing a supporting role can also be meaningful.”

“Exactly. The main role should be played by those who are capable.”

I grinned.

“So, there’s something I need to ask of you.”

“Go ahead.”

“You must have some connections within the Church, right?”

By “Church,” I meant the Pope faction, of course.

And by “connections,” I meant the Pope’s informants.

The Saint would understand.

“Yes, I do.”

She smiled.

“Then use those connections to subtly leak this information.”

I whispered the crucial information.

Information that could deal a significant blow to the Dark God Cultists in Holy City.

I would leak it to the Pope’s informants.

They wouldn’t be able to resist taking the bait.

It was that valuable of information.

“I see… So that’s your plan. You’re quite clever, Max.”

“Haha, I study hard, you know.”

“Good. Keep it up.”

“Of course. So, your answer is…”

“Yes. The glorious main role should be left to those who are capable.”

The Saint’s smile was full of meaning.

“Thank you.”

I grinned and stood up.

The first part of the plan was complete.

It was time for the next step.

* * *

Ian, the priest of the Dark God Cult.

To gain his trust, I had been periodically providing him with information about the Church.

Most of it was trivial, but the important thing was that there were a few valuable pieces of information mixed in.

That had actually increased his trust in me.

If I had only given him useful information, he would have become suspicious.

This was how a veteran player operated.

Anyway, Ian must have benefited from the few pieces of valuable information I had given him.

Having experienced that, he would be more inclined to believe me than to doubt me.

“What’s so important that you wanted to meet in person?”

*Creak.*

The old door opened, and Ian entered.

The floor creaked with every step he took.

It was understandable.

This was an abandoned house on the outskirts of Holy City.

It was a dusty and dilapidated building, but it was the perfect place for a secret meeting.

“It’s an important matter, of course. That’s why I wanted to meet in person.”

I turned away from the broken window.

Ian still looked like a blond delinquent.

But there was an air of authority about him, befitting a priest of the Dark God Cult.

He was not someone to be underestimated.

But even he would fall for my trap this time.

Why?

Because I was the one setting it.

“Important matter? How important?”

Ian frowned slightly, tilting his head.

He seemed displeased about having to attend a risky meeting.

“Let’s confirm something first. You didn’t bring any rats with you, did you?”

“Who do you think I am?”

“As expected of our priest. Trustworthy.”

I grinned and continued, “Then let me tell you. It’s a big deal.”

“What kind of big deal…”

“A matter of life and death.”

“What?”

Ian’s face hardened.

I stared at him and said, “The Church is planning an ambush. On your next gathering.”

“Ambush? Gathering? That’s absurd. How would they even know about our gathering?”

Ian looked incredulous.

Information about the gathering was top secret.

It was information that couldn’t be leaked to outsiders.

Even I, a devout believer, didn’t know about it.

But,

I knew from my past playthroughs.

I had even infiltrated the gathering and been caught and killed.

I sat down on the dusty desk.

“Believe it or not, it’s up to you. But it’s a fact that the Church is planning an ambush five days from now.”

At that moment,

Ian’s eyes gleamed with a dangerous light.

I knew why.

Because I had mentioned the exact date.

It was impossible for me, a mere layman, to know the date of the gathering.

It meant that I wasn’t making it up.

And it also meant that someone within the Church had access to the real information.

*Crack.*

Ian cracked his neck, his face contorted in a frown.

“Information that shouldn’t have been leaked… How?”

“Well, maybe there’s a spy? Even the tightest security has its flaws.”

“We need to find them immediately…”

“Hold on, hold on.”

I raised my hand, stopping him.

“What is it?”

Ian narrowed his eyes.

“Do you think it’ll be that easy? Or do you think it’s possible to find them in five days? It would be better to use this to our advantage.”

I said casually.

“Use it to our advantage?”

“Yes. We know they’re planning an ambush. So why don’t we use that to our advantage and set a trap? We could inflict heavy damage on the Church.”

“That’s absurd. If that spy leaks the information again, we’ll be the ones who get ambushed.”

Ian dismissed my suggestion.

As expected of someone with a side job as an investigator, he was quite sharp.

But,

I had anticipated his reaction and was prepared.

“Why are you thinking so linearly? Of course, it would be dangerous if we told them beforehand. But what if we revealed it on the day of the gathering, after everyone has assembled? How would the spy be able to inform the Church? They wouldn’t be able to, because they would be exposed immediately. Don’t you think?”

I said smoothly, a confident smile on my lips.

Ian’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Reveal it on the day of the gathering…?”

“Yes. We’ll set a trap on the spot.”

“But what about weapons…?”

“You and the bishop can prepare them beforehand and hide them at the gathering location. Surely you’re not saying that you or the bishop are the spy.”

“Hmm…”

Ian pondered my words.

He seemed tempted.

But there was still something bothering him.

“If this gets out of hand, our base in Holy City could be compromised…”

“You’re too optimistic. They’ve already made up their minds. If we do nothing, we’re finished anyway. It’s better to strike while we have the chance and then retreat.”

I clicked my tongue, as if disappointed in him.

Ian’s face flushed slightly, perhaps out of embarrassment.

“…I apologize. I made a misjudgment.”

“It’s fine. So, have you made up your mind?”

“Hmm, I think you’re right. A crisis is also an opportunity. We should counterattack the Church.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

I stood up from the desk and walked towards the door.

“But you’ll be in danger too.”

Ian said.

“I’ll get out of there once things are settled. Don’t worry, I’m good at taking care of myself.”

“If you say so…”

“Just pray to the Father of Darkness.”

*Creak.*

I left the house.

The groundwork was complete.

Now all I had to do was wait for the day of the gathering.

A sinister smile appeared on my lips.