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HELHEIM SCANS
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Chapter 160: Saint Hill (3)
The group decided to retrace their steps exactly to escort Paul out of the temple.
“Huh? Wait a second. Which way did we come from?”
“Are you an idiot? There’s only one path anyway—”
Veronica, who was chastising Fran, trailed off mid-sentence.
A thick fog had settled behind them, making it impossible to tell which direction they had come from.
“What the—? When did all this fog roll in?”
“...Does this mean we’re trapped too?”
Hearing their conversation, Paul realized something was wrong and spoke up.
“This temple is built like a labyrinth, so it’s difficult to find your way even when there’s no fog. There was even a vagrant who tried to explore the temple and had to be rescued after three days.”
“Hmm…”
Deep in thought, Oscar looked at Paul and asked,
“You have two choices. One, you stay here and wait until we finish our business inside. And the other…”
“I-I’ll take the second option! I’d rather die than stay here alone.”
Paul’s desperate voice made Oscar nod.
“So be it. But I can’t guarantee your safety.”
“I’ve already accepted that. No matter what happens, it’s better than being left here alone.”
Understanding his sentiment, Oscar turned to the group.
“Everyone, brace yourselves. This is no longer a simple exploration or investigation. If the master of this temple has trapped us here, they are our enemy.”
“...Got it.”
“Understood.”
With that, they reorganized their formation.
“Fran and I will take the lead. Paul stays in the center. Killian and Veronica will cover the rear.”
“Huh? I’m in the lead?”
Fran blinked in confusion, trying to figure out the reason, then his face turned pale.
Oscar lightly patted his shoulder.
“You hardly die even if you trigger a trap or get ambushed. That makes you the best choice for the front.”
“...Fine.”
Normally, he would have complained, but this time, he simply took his position next to Oscar, his expression full of fear.
He must have realized how serious the situation was.
‘He’s grown.’
Compared to when they first met, not only had his skills improved, but his mindset had also matured.
Feeling pleased, Oscar glanced toward the back.
‘Paul, the journalist, huh?’
Of course, he didn’t trust him completely.
Even though they had no choice but to bring him along, Paul was still someone they encountered inside the temple.
‘The wind confirmed that he was telling the truth, but…’
Unfortunately, that wasn’t a foolproof way to distinguish lies from truth.
In other words, staying cautious wouldn’t hurt.
When Killian exchanged a glance with him and gave a small nod, Oscar nodded back.
‘Good. Killian will keep an eye on Paul.’
Now, time to move.
After walking for a while toward the path where the fog hadn’t settled, they arrived in front of a massive temple.
Oscar observed the grand walls adorned with sacred carvings and asked,
“Paul, do you know what this building is?”
“I can tell just by looking at the entrance. This is the main temple. As far as I know, all members of the Salvation Church reside here.”
That meant the leader of the church was likely inside.
Creak—!
As they pushed open the door and stepped inside, the frustratingly thick fog finally disappeared.
“Wow, I can finally breathe now that I can see properly.”
“Having your vision restricted is more uncomfortable than you think.”
Inside the temple, there were numerous statues and paintings related to the Salvation Church.
However, since the entire temple was dimly lit by scattered candles, the overall atmosphere was dark and eerie.
As they examined the surroundings, they sensed movement ahead.
Soon, a man carrying a lamp emerged.
His face carried an expression of serene kindness.
“Brothers and sisters, welcome to the temple of the Salvation Church.”
“...And you are?”
“I am a priest who guides those who arrive at this temple.”
“Your name?”
The man smiled warmly at the question.
“I do not have a name, as I am not bound by worldly rules. Only by shedding the shackles of the secular world can one attain salvation.”
“...”
This wasn’t going to be easy.
Nodding slightly, Oscar continued.
“Alright. Then tell me, why did you trap us here?”
“Trap you? I don’t understand what you mean.”
“Cut the nonsense.”
Veronica scowled and interjected.
“You let us into the temple on purpose and used the fog to block our way out.”
“Oh dear, there seems to have been a misunderstanding.”
The priest wore a concerned expression as he explained.
“For the past two months, our church has been observing a religious event called ‘Branus.’ During this period, we refrain from using civilized devices, completely cut off communication with the outside world, and only focus on sustenance and purification. It is a time for purging the impurities from our bodies. Since you arrived during this sacred time, our brothers and sisters naturally assumed you were one of us. But I see now that you are outsiders.”
Branus, huh?
So they had been living off nothing but basic sustenance, relying only on candlelight and lamps for months?
Oscar shook his head in disbelief and asked,
“In that case, now that it’s clear we entered by mistake, can you let us out?”
“Of course. However, that is not something I can decide on my own. You will have to wait in the reception room until a high priest arrives. But before that…”
The priest’s gaze turned toward Paul.
“Why are you with them, Paul?”
“Oh, well…”
Seeing Paul hesitate, Oscar answered for him.
“He helped us when we got lost outside.”
“Ah, I see.”
The priest nodded in understanding and then turned around, leading them elsewhere.
Once inside the reception room, the priest bowed politely before leaving.
“Oscar, what do you think?”
Fran asked, staring at the door the priest had disappeared through.
“Do you really think this was all just a misunderstanding, and they’ll let us out?”
“Who knows…”
Trailing off, he glanced at Paul.
"What do you think, Mr. Paul?"
"I have heard of the concept of Branus before. However, I don’t quite understand how that relates to people being taken away… To be honest, it’s hard to believe."
"They said they were purifying corrupt things during this period. Maybe it has something to do with that?"
"Hmm."
After pondering for a moment, Paul slowly nodded.
"In reality, most people, including myself, weren’t particularly interested in the doctrines of the Salvation Church. I came here for coverage, but most people were just looking for a place to stay and food to eat."
"Then maybe they took those people to make them stronger believers? Some kind of indoctrination?"
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HELHEIM SCANS
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Indoctrination... It wasn’t impossible.
After all, cults and brainwashing had always gone hand in hand.
At that moment, with a sudden click, the parlor door opened, and a new figure entered.
Even at a glance, the man was dressed in far more luxurious priestly robes than the priest they had seen earlier.
"Ah, so it’s true. When I received the report, I nearly fainted from shock."
The priest, smiling affably, adjusted his glasses and made eye contact with each of them in turn.
"Oh?"
His eyes landed on Fran, and his smile deepened with satisfaction.
"Such a rare handsome man you are."
"Ah, uh, really? Thank you."
Caught off guard by the unexpected compliment, Fran awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
Then, in an attempt to break the awkward atmosphere, he spoke up.
"Anyway, we can leave, right?"
"Of course. If you wish, I will guide you outside immediately. However, since you’ve come all this way, why not take a tour of our church?"
"……."
At his words, the four of them turned to look at Oscar.
Naturally assuming the role of decision-maker, he hesitated briefly before asking:
"Why are you suddenly making that suggestion?"
"Our church values the teaching of cherishing connections. Since you happened to visit us during the Branus period, you are a precious connection to us. Besides, wouldn’t it be unfortunate to part ways so soon with Mr. Paul, who has been of help to you while you were lost?"
"Hmm?"
Paul, startled by the high priest’s words, responded.
"Part ways? Why? Can’t I leave with them?"
"Ah, I didn’t explain that part. You see, our church's Branus period is also a time when we test the faith of those we have provided for. Unfortunately, Mr. Paul, you cannot leave just yet."
So they wanted payment for the food and shelter they had provided.
Oscar glanced at Paul, who was shifting uneasily like a nervous dog, then asked:
"So once this test of faith is over, he’ll be allowed to leave?"
"Of course. It won’t take long, just a few hours at most."
"…Then let’s get it over with quickly."
As he stood up, the high priest smiled pleasantly.
"Very well, I will take you to the Examiner."
* * *
The examination room was unlike the others—it was bright and completely white.
Paul was led inside alone, while the others watched through a glass window.
The high priest, who had guided them, spoke with pride.
"From the inside, this glass appears to be a normal wall. Only from here can you see inside."
"…Interesting."
"It will take some time, so please enjoy some refreshments while you observe quietly."
Though Oscar nodded, his eyes remained fixed on Paul.
After a while, another priest entered the room and began questioning him.
"If you had to give up everything to be saved, would you even surrender your life?"
"Even if the world condemned your beliefs, would you still follow the word of God?"
"If it was God’s will, would you believe it justifiable to sacrifice innocent lives?"
Paul's answers to all three questions were a firm "No."
As similar questions and answers continued, Fran suddenly frowned.
"Ugh, my stomach... Where’s the restroom?"
"Go outside and head left down the hall."
"I’ll be right back."
As he left the room, Oscar spoke up.
"Killian."
"…Guess I need to go too."
Just in case, he sent Killian along, which gave him a bit more peace of mind.
Watching everything unfold, the high priest smiled warmly.
"Brother, you have excellent leadership."
"I’m just overly cautious. Apologies if that offends you."
"Not at all. I completely understand."
As he casually shrugged, the door suddenly burst open, and several priests rushed in.
"The targets have been secured."
"Oh? Well done."
Slowly rising from his seat, the high priest removed his glasses and carefully placed them into a case before speaking.
"Since there are no other special-type mages among them, dispose of them."
Hearing this, Veronica tensed and spoke up.
"Hey, Oscar. Did I just hear the word dispose?"
"I have ears too. And eyes."
Oscar sighed lightly.
"My bad feelings are never wrong."
In an instant, magic surged through his circuits, forming a blade.
The heads of three charging priests were severed in the blink of an eye, blood decorating the air.
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HELHEIM SCANS
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