Ch.110110. Inquisitor (4)

As the inquisitor approached, the two guards were able to get a clearer look at her appearance.

First, they had been so overwhelmed by her menacing, bloodthirsty aura that they hadn’t noticed, but up close, the inquisitor was surprisingly a woman—and quite a beautiful one at that.

Her long, flowing black hair gleamed like polished obsidian, and even with her lower face concealed by a mask, it was evident she was beautiful.

Add to that her prominent chest and the tight-fitting black leather outfit that clung to her body, and she was indeed attractive enough to tempt even men of strong will… but in reality, these two were so intimidated by her aura that they couldn’t harbor such thoughts.

The numerous “tools” glimpsed inside her coat whenever she moved, the heavy greatsword with dark red bloodstains, and her overall attire were intimidating enough.

But what truly overwhelmed them was the skull censer she carried.

This censer, overlaid with actual human bones, instilled pure terror in the minds of these believers just by looking at it, as if the fear was being directly imprinted into their consciousness.

Even they, trained and enhanced by blessings, were completely frozen with intimidation. An ordinary person would likely faint or lose their mind from fear.

As they stood frozen guarding the temple entrance, the inquisitor who had somehow approached right in front of them spoke.

“Excuse me, gentlemen of the Legion. I am an inquisitor following His will. I’ve come to identify heretics who might be here.”

Her voice sounded more human than they had expected, making them belatedly realize that the being before them was not a monster but a human.

“…Do you have any way to verify your identity?”

The guard on the left finally mustered the courage to ask according to protocol. The inquisitor raised her censer with a satisfied smile.

“Yes, will this suffice?”

As she spoke, red light flashed from the eye sockets of the skull.

“…?!!!!”

They reflexively raised their shields and pointed their spears in defensive postures, but soon realized the light emanated from holy power.

As the light touched them, information flowed into their minds, and they recognized it as a kind of credential left by the God of Vengeance.

“We apologize for our disrespect!”

Having confirmed her legitimate identity, both bowed their heads in apology for pointing their spears at her… but for some reason, the inquisitor seemed pleased, her lips curling upward.

“No need. You were simply doing your duty. But if you truly wish to make amends… perhaps you could tell me a few things?”

Though she was smiling, her aura remained intimidating. Unable to refuse, the two legionnaires could only nod while inwardly holding back tears.

※ ※ ※

A short while later.

“I see, so that’s how it is…”

“Y-yes! That’s correct!”

Seemingly wanting to have a conversation, she had changed into more comfortable attire.

The menacing coat that had contained various tools had somehow transformed into a cloak with an elaborate lining, and the restrictive armor she had worn underneath had disappeared.

She had also adjusted her blindfold to cover only one eye instead of both, finding it uncomfortable to have both covered. This transformation made her appear somewhat more human than before.

“So, regular believers visit here about once a month. The mid-level priest arranges it so it doesn’t interfere with their livelihoods.”

“That’s right. He’s truly worthy of respect.”

Looking at her now, she appeared quite beautiful, which helped the two guards speak more comfortably.

As they continued their conversation, both men were thinking the same thing.

According to rumors, inquisitors were supposed to be human butchers who treated people like insects and slaughtered them, but talking with her like this, she seemed quite pleasant—the complete opposite of her reputation.

Her speech showed consideration and respect for others, and as they conversed, they realized she possessed high education and insight.

She had a natural talent for listening, which eventually made the two feel at ease enough to chat freely.

Since both were quite talkative by nature, their conversation went on for quite some time…

“So then, our colleague—”

“Ah, that’s enough for now.”

“Pardon?”

Suddenly interrupting their conversation, the inquisitor stood up, formed an executioner’s blade in her hand, and… swung it?

Whoosh—slash!

Clatter…

Pssshhhhhhh…!

It happened so suddenly.

In the middle of their conversation, the inquisitor casually stood up, suddenly drew her execution blade, and beheaded one of them.

“…Huh?”

The surviving guard was shocked—unable to comprehend why she had killed someone who had been conversing with them just moments ago. Added to this was the trauma of witnessing his close friend’s death.

Stunned by these factors, he could only stare at the inquisitor in silence.

“Disgusting heretic. This is the price for your actions.”

—Crunch!

After spitting on the severed head, she stomped on it, helmet and all, crushing it. Then she turned to the remaining guard who was staring at her blankly and asked:

“You’re not asking why? I thought you would.”

In her experience, people usually grabbed her and blamed her for killing, asking why she had done it.

Of course, she would “educate” those who were excessively rude through fear, but many didn’t consider the consequences of their actions.

So with an interested expression, the inquisitor asked.

“…If the inquisitor who follows His will considers someone a heretic, then they must undoubtedly be one.”

His response far exceeded her expectations.

He was staring directly at the inquisitor with eyes full of certainty and faith.

What the inquisitor saw in those clear, bright eyes was infinite trust born from firm faith.

Of course, this included his intuition and rationality, but it also encompassed the belief that Ma-Duk was the truth and sincerity.

Before prioritizing his own experience or subjective beliefs, he viewed this unpredictable situation through objective circumstances.

In some ways, it was admirable behavior—transcending human, or even biological instinct—which was several times more difficult than reaching intermediate level.

“Oh, it’s been a while since I’ve met someone like you.”

Because of this, the inquisitor was pleased to meet someone whose essence was similar to her own, and decided to explain to him.

“That man had killed a fellow believer of the order.”

“…What?”

Of course, judgment and reaction were separate matters. Surprised by the revelation about his close colleague, he asked reflexively, which triggered the inquisitor’s talkative nature. Suppressing her twitching lips, she began to explain.

“He knew his actions could be considered heretical, but he continued making Legion of Avengers supremacist statements and killed a civilian who happened to overhear.”

“He did…”

“Yes. Hard to believe, but it’s true.”

While saying this, the inquisitor carefully observed his reaction. In her eyes, he was saddened but still maintained rational doubt.

“T-then… how did you know this, Inquisitor?”

When he directed his question at her, the inquisitor answered with a knowing smile.

“That, I cannot tell you. It’s confidential information known only to inquisitors and their attendants.”

“…I see.”

“Oh, and trying to pry into it is forbidden. There was a fool who was executed for trying, just so you know.”

Though she subtly threatened him, and he was properly intimidated, she could tell he still harbored questions about her methods.

This was exactly what the inquisitor had intended.

“However, I’ll solve this mystery for you and suggest a way for you to serve Him.”

“…?!!”

Though she had simply said this, he seemed to have guessed what this “method” might be.

Confirming his suspicion, the inquisitor opened her mouth with a knowing smile.

“I ask you, Erik Bjornson. Would you consider becoming my disciple and an inquisitor?”

“…What? Of course I would!”

It was a proposal beyond what even he had imagined, having only considered becoming an attendant. Nevertheless, Erik, son of Bjorn, had no reason to refuse.