Chapter 96 A Head for a Head

We travel for days and nights.

We kept going, and I am paying attention to the visible color of the medal.

Clop, clop! Rattle, rattle!

A boring atmosphere, a boring background, boring yawns, boring stretches, boring time, and so on.

Just when I started to wonder if everything was a nasty nightmare.

Clop-clop-clop! Whoosh!

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew. Startled, I looked out the window and saw that we had emerged from the underpass, briefly traversed a rough road, and were finally driving on the main road.

Lumina cheered.

"Yahoo! Air, air! Fucking great!"

I let out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness.

"It took days and nights of running to finally get out. The capital must be coming soon, right?"

If we were on the main road, it wouldn’t take long. I glanced back.

That underpass, I really don’t want to go there again.

"Now I can finally breathe."

"Oh ho ho, indeed."

Aki responded to Auntie’s words. I leisurely turned my head to look out the window.

It was already early evening. The sun had just set, and dusk was settling. My back tingled at the thought of finally sleeping in a bed after so long.

"Should I have just slept on the carriage roof? Like a Bohemian gypsy."

Then I shook my head. That would just make me look like a freeloading beggar. For a Debauched Hero, coolness comes first.

We raced along the main road and finally arrived at the capital’s checkpoint.

"Just past here and we’re in the capital!"

Myra, the capital of the Dharma Empire, was, true to its reputation, filled with lines of people from all directions.

They say all roads lead to Myra. That saying was true.

Compared to Ravenscoft territory. Myra seemed a bit more spacious.

The lines too. The lines were similar to waiting in line for a popular restaurant.

Finally, it was our turn. As we went through inspection, a soldier asked an unexpected question.

"Hey, are you Heroes?"

"To be precise, only I am a Hero."

At my answer, the guard stepped back.

"You, the Hero, must stay at the checkpoint for a day and undergo a physical examination before you can pass."

"Huh? What’s with this sudden...?"

What is this nonsense? Is there a pandemic or something? What’s with the stay and examination?

Then another guard opposite him tilted his head, as if asking what he was talking about.

"Hey, what are you talking about? There was no such directive, was there?"

"There was a secret directive."

"What the hell are you talking about? Who? Sergeant Ferguson would have told us if there was something like that."

"Anyway, there was. From someone higher up."

The two guards argued.

"Something’s strange here. One of them seems to be lying. Why would they lie?"

As I pondered, the guard who insisted on the examination pointed at me.

"Hey, aren’t you going to get out right now? You measly Hero."

This was outright tyranny. Why should I receive such unreasonable treatment just for being a Hero?

I was about to say something, but someone stepped forward before me.

"You, what is your name and who is your superior? State it."

It was Auntie. The guard frowned.

"And you are?"

"Sharia Canape, Saintess of the Elite Class of the Dharma Empire, and the Frigid Saintess."

Auntie introduced herself, even presenting her Saintess emblem. In that moment, Auntie exuded coolness, a truly awe-inspiring moment. Her expression, tone, and actions dripped with coolness.

The guard’s face contorted further in shock.

"H-huh... The Frigid Saintess?!"

"I’m just here for a brief tour. Is it right to conduct such an unreasonable inspection? State your superior’s name immediately. I shall question them in the name of the Saintess."

Auntie was getting serious. The guard, on the other hand, was flustered.

"Ah, no! I must have been mistaken. All clear, pass!"

And so, we passed. Leaving behind a slight feeling of unease.

By the way, I, and the other women, were surprised.

"A-Auntie... that was amazing!"

At my words, Auntie smiled alluringly. Haah, so sexy.

"Hehe, it’s nothing."

That smile, brimming with the composure of a strong person. I want to have it. Aki tilted her head.

"But why are they suddenly stopping Heroes?"

"That soldier earlier, I wonder if it’s connected to Those Who Recite Sins Cult."

Auntie affirmed my answer.

"I think so too. It’s suspicious that they’re mentioning a non-existent directive and only inspecting Heroes. It’s strange, this has never happened before."

This was something Auntie could say, having lived in the capital for a long time.

It was certainly strange. To suddenly conduct such an inspection.

"Even in the game, this kind of event only happens when an epidemic breaks out."

I realized anew the viciousness of Those Who Recite Sins Cult.

"I need to remember that Those Who Recite Sins Cult can reach anywhere."

I sighed. Then I called out to Lumina.

"Lumina, to the nearest inn!"

"Got it. Just look for a sign with a bed and a pillow, right?"

"Yep!"

The carriage turned slightly. Watching it, I fell into thought.

"So, James, this is how you’re going to play it? Do you think I don’t want to use my brain either?"

Is this fucking bastard daring to play a battle of wits? Though, it’s funny to even call it a battle of wits.

"You bastard, even if I don’t know your mind, I know the structure of the cults in this world!"

I had planned to rest for a while after arriving in the capital. But this guy is lighting a fire under me.

Even better. Let’s do this, you bastard.

"If you’re truly a Cardinal, there must be other Cardinals besides you. You probably can’t easily lay a hand on them. So... I’ll make the first move!"

I licked my lips and raised my head. Lumina’s voice was heard.

"We’ve arrived at the inn!"

"Okay, thank you!"

I got out of the carriage. Looking forward to tomorrow, I went to the counter.

The innkeeper saw us and immediately showed a troubled expression.

"Haa, well. Lately, with all these Heroes and whatnot flocking in, we only have two rooms left."

"Yes, please give us two rooms."

Without hesitation, I ordered two rooms. I had plenty of money anyway.

Clink!

The innkeeper handed over two keys. I took the keys and checked them.

Rooms on the 3rd floor.

This inn was a fairly medium-sized establishment, with a total of 5 floors.

After going up to the 3rd floor, I looked back. The women had expectant expressions.

What are they expecting?

Lumina asked, her eyes filled with a hint of madness.

"So, who are you going to sleep with?"

I knew this would happen. Unfortunately, I’m a little serious.

"Unfortunately, ladies, please share one room. There are probably three beds anyway."

At my words, Auntie glared at me with a cold face.

"Why is that?"

Aki also couldn’t accept it.

"I don’t understand! Whyyyy!"

"Haa, everyone. No matter how much you like me, please respect my privacy a little. I’m the only man here, you know. I can be sensitive too."

I gave a very fundamental reason. Of course, the real reason was different.

At my answer, the women reluctantly agreed. I handed them the keys and smiled.

"Then I’ll see you tomorrow morning!"

I shouted energetically and went into my room. As soon as I entered, I washed up and lay down on the bed.

That cozy, yet heart-pounding feeling that comes after a tough workout and then resting, came over me.

The darkened ceiling seemed to spin. Outside the window, the sounds of people filled the air.

"Goddess, you can come out now."

"Did you call me?"

"I want to sleep in the same bed as Goddess. You’ll stay by my side, won’t you?"

Goddess’s face turned red when she heard my words. Then she snorted.

"Hmph, if you beg for help like that, there’s no reason not to accept! I understand. The Goddess is with you!"

She lay down beside me.

The empty feeling I had when I was alone was now completely filled. I leaned against her voluptuous body.

"I am truly a happy man. The happiest in this world!"

And so, I drifted off to sleep.

＊＊＊

The next morning.

I woke up early on purpose. I quickly washed up, skipped breakfast, and went outside. Meanwhile, Goddess asked.

"Somewhere interesting!"

I fiddled with the necklace around my neck as I answered. Yes, it’s a damn interesting place.

I recalled the geography of the capital in my mind. The capital, Myra, was structured with a river flowing through its center.

The river’s name was Fate. The city was divided into East and West based on that river.

"Excuse me, can I ask for directions? Are there any chapels around here?"

"Ugh, lately, chapels have been popping up a lot. It’s not even a trend, what the heck. Anyway, if it’s a building with a cross, it’s probably a chapel."

"Thank you!"

The good thing about my appearance is that everyone treats me kindly and answers my questions.

First, I decided to explore the surroundings.

"No matter how much of a cult it is, its outward appearance is still a religious organization. Setting up in a chapel and praying is the basic routine."

I was certain.

I busily moved around for about an hour. Seeing the capital with my own eyes felt fresh.

"Since it’s the capital, there are a lot of people, and a damn lot of buildings."

I’d already seen thirty chapels. I roughly gauged how many people were in each.

"Then my destination is set."

I had to avoid chapels with many people. There was a high possibility that James’s faction would be there.

It’s not a uncommon scenario of two cults starting a war.

The cause of this war was factions forming and taking sides, each wanting to become a bishop.

In other words, this bastard James definitely has a faction. And because of him, other factions must have also emerged.

Why? Because that’s how places where people live are.

Therefore, I needed to meet a Cardinal who opposed James.

I returned to the chapel I had seen earlier that had the fewest people. As I entered, I heard believers praying.

"Recite your sins yourself, and as heaven and earth open..."

『Side Quest - Hero vs. Cult』

◆To Your Boss

-Objective: Use ’Primordial Hatred’ to brainwash one believer and find a Cardinal who is not James.

-Reward: 5000 CP, increased trust with the target Cardinal!

"This necklace, the way to unlock its next effect seems different from Dawn."

Then what could it be? Titles suddenly came to mind.

Upgrading titles required spending points. So, if it’s this?

After pondering, I subtly touched the necklace.

[Would you like to spend points to unlock the next function?]

As expected, it’s this method. It’s convenient, I like it. Very sophisticated!

I chuckled and paid. As much as it takes!

[50000 points paid to ’Primordial Hatred’!]

[Next effect unlocked!]

I examined the unlocked ability.

*Unique Passive ’Brainwash’: Brainwashes up to 1 target upon contact.

How long did that bastard Lao have this thing to brainwash so many people?

I felt a sudden sense of emptiness, yet I smirked. This ability is mine now. I can do whatever I want with it!

I approached the most isolated believer and placed my hand on his shoulder. I cast Brainwash. The necklace glowed brightly.

"I ask you. What is the name of the Cardinal you serve?"

The believer raised his head. He was a man with a sparse beard.

"Manhee..."

"Manhee?!"

"Mani... Cardinal Limani..."

"Good, lead me to him."

The brainwashing seemed to have worked perfectly, as the believer stood up and began to guide me.

Good, operation start!