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Chapter 208

Nodding occasionally, Ian made his way to the church in the middle of the city. The church doors were wide open. Inside, lit by candles and lamps, the inside of the chapel was in a better state than when he had last seen it.

Though scorch marks from Ian\'s previous actions still showed on the walls and ceiling, the ash that had covered the floor was gone, replaced by many animal hides and bedding. Many residents were praying or sleeping on these makeshift beds. The church was intentionally housing them here, likely to purify any lingering curses with the power of the divine.

"The gift has been very useful. Thank you." Ian looked up at the statue as he murmured.

Whether his voice reached Della Lu, he couldn\'t tell. The statue, with its missing fingers, emanated a soft yet warm light overlooking the hall. The dim light that filtered through the holes in the church walls formed a large, ethereal circle. This sight evoked religious solemnity for many.

How can that be visible in this overcast weather? There\'s no divine power, so why does it show?

Ian mused, disconnected from any spiritual feelings as he walked. What mattered to him was that the statue would gradually purify the lingering contamination in the territory.

"Sir Ivan... is that you?" A cautious voice interrupted his thoughts. A middle-aged woman, likely a freedwoman, approached. She bowed her head when Ian looked at her.

"I\'m Anna, assisting Priest Luce with the church’s work."

"Did the priest send you?"

"Yes. He asked me to escort you to him once you arrived. The other two are already here. Please, this way."

Anna led the way, guiding Ian to the staircase at the back of the chapel. Unlike the stairway leading to the tower quarters, this one led to another corridor with priests\' offices, a library, and prayer rooms. People were cleaning the corridor, and a woman was organizing books in the library, likely moved from the offices.

"These people have all lost family members in this ordeal, sir. They are volunteering to help restore the church." Anna explained, sensing Ian\'s gaze.

She glanced at him and cautiously continued. "My son died saving me. He was resurrected in that cursed form and harmed others. Even so... do you think his soul reached the heavens?"

"... Why are you asking me?" asked Ian.

Anna quickly bowed her head, replying hurriedly. "It was presumptuous of me. I thought a paladin might know the answer... I\'m sorry, sir."

"...." Instead of correcting her misconception, Ian sighed.

Staring at Anna\'s tense face, he finally spoke in a steady voice. "The Radiant Goddess sacrifices herself to shine brightly. It is her boundless love for the world that makes such a sacrifice possible. The church considers sacrifice and love the highest virtues for this reason."

"...!"

"In that sense, your son made the noblest choice. And what came back in that cursed form was not your son, just an empty shell."

"Do you really think so?"

"Who knows?" Ian smacked his lips briefly.

He had no way of knowing if that was true. Everything he said was a mix of information he had picked up while playing the game and bits of Philip\'s ramblings.

"... But if I can figure that out, I\'m sure the Radiant Goddess can too." Despite his thoughts, Ian spoke with a calm tone.

What this woman needed was comfort, not the truth. Anna\'s face broke into a tearful smile.

"Thank you... sir. Thank you."

"Now lead the way and don\'t slow down."

Despite his curt response, Anna smiled and quickened her pace. However, she soon stopped beside a firmly closed door. From inside, Ian could hear faint whispers and movements, just barely audible.

Why is the church so well soundproofed?

Just as Ian reached for the doorknob, Anna spoke up. "I heard you purified the statue and saved the city."

Ian turned to look at her, and she continued, her hands clasped in front of her chest. "Yet you show no sign of it. You must be the noblest person I\'ve ever seen. Thank you again, sir. May the Radiant Goddess bless your path."

"...." Anna bowed deeply before turning and walking away.

Ian watched her retreating figure for a moment before nonchalantly turning back to the door and opening it.

It seemed like they always thought whatever they wanted, but by now, it was no longer surprising.

The dimly lit room flickered with the light from the lamp. It was an office. Books that appeared to be journals and all kinds of letters were scattered messily on the desk. The heads of the three people gathered there with serious expressions simultaneously turned toward Ian.

... Anyone who saw this would think they were plotting something.

"Seems like you\'ve found something." Ian closed the door and spoke.

Philip nodded immediately. "More than that, my lord."

"We\'ve identified who corrupted the priests here, Ivan." Mev, with a calm gaze, added. "It was Jurdo."

"The one we\'ve been chasing?"

"Yes. He\'s no longer just a priest; he\'s now a bishop. Jurdo once even served as an archbishop in Racliffe. He might have been a bishop all along."

"There were numerous correspondences. We’ve confirmed a lot."

Ian approached the desk, taking in their alternating explanations, and sat on an empty chair.

"Tell me just the key points. Step by step," said Ian.

Receiving Ian\'s gaze, Luce nodded slightly and stepped back. Though he didn\'t seem to know all the details, he was aware of the key facts revealed.

Philip exchanged a glance with Mev and started, "As you suspected, the corrupters in the West were in close communication. There were numerous letters exchanged between the monastery in Tessen and the church in Racliffe. Though they tried to disguise it, they couldn\'t fool me and my lord. We\'ve seen this method before. They hid the main points by—"

"Just the key points, Philip. Just the key points."

"... Jurdo is currently in Tessen, where he also serves as the head of the monastery. Previously, he was the archbishop overseeing the church in the West from Racliffe, but he stepped down and returned to Tessen. It seems there was some trouble in Racliffe."

"He clashed with Duke Kralen. Though the specifics are unclear, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the Duke in his letters."

Mev\'s words made Ian\'s brow furrow slightly. "Jurdo and the Duke?"

"Yes. But it seems he couldn’t harm the Duke directly. Understandable, given that the Duke is a major noble in the West. Since then, Jurdo has communicated indirectly through this place, likely to avoid the Duke\'s scrutiny. That\'s why we have so many of his letters."

"Hmm..."

"Is there something you\'re thinking about?"

"No, nothing." Ian shook his head lightly. He couldn\'t mention that in the game, the boss of Racliffe, now a city of death, was Duke Kralen, with his mage and guard as sub-bosses.

His dialogues implied they were in cahoots. I thought they were all in it together. So they were actually at odds.

Of course, that didn\'t prove they weren\'t allied. Corrupters often killed each other over disagreements. There might be some underlying reasons behind this.

"Did you find out if Jurdo has someone backing him?"

"Not explicitly. There are hints he might be following someone’s orders, but it seems he makes most decisions independently. He could be the root cause of all this tragedy."

"Hmm..." Ian scratched his chin.

The tragedies probably extended beyond just this place. It was surprising that Jurdo was such a significant figure, but Ian doubted he was the sole mastermind manipulating the corrupters in the West.

We’ll find out more information once we get there.

Ian shrugged, thinking the situation might be simpler than it seemed. Jurdo and Duke Kralen were pieces of a larger puzzle, which would eventually lead them to the core, possibly connected to the hidden members of the Round Table Parliament.

"So, we still don’t know the exact location of the vision I saw."

"Yes, unfortunately."

"Maybe it\'s both places. The corrupters in Racliffe seem less mobile, but that doesn\'t mean they aren\'t doing anything."

Ian nodded thoughtfully and turned to Luce. "Between Tessen and Racliffe, which is closer to here?"

Luce stammered slightly before answering. "Distance-wise, there isn\'t much difference. Tessen is south of Drenorov, but the city and monastery are deep in the southwest. Racliffe is more to the west, but it’s almost a straight path down from here."

"So, what do you think?" Ian asked, looking at Mev.

"It\'s better to start with Tessen. Not just because Jurdo is there, but also because Racliffe has the Duke. Even if corrupters cause trouble, they have the means to defend themselves and can expect support from the Black Islands. Tessen, on the other hand, is likely more vulnerable than here."

"Then, let\'s go with that." Ian nodded and stood up abruptly, causing Philip\'s eyebrows to rise slightly.

"Surely, you don\'t think there\'s nothing more to discuss."

"Unless you\'ve found any information on how to kill them?"

"... No, it\'s not that, but understanding when these individuals took root in the West and their circumstances until recently are important—"

"None of that matters to me."

"... Understood. I guess I\'ll have to tell my lady. She’ll be pleased to listen."

Looks like I\'ll need a separate room tonight.

Ian was about to snort when Luce spoke up. "Now that it seems you’ve finished your discussion..."

"....?"

"This is truly shocking. I\'ve met Bishop Jurdo several times. He was a respectable man. To think that he is the mastermind behind all this..."

His expression and tone were bitter, as if everything he had known had been turned upside down. In reality, it wasn\'t far from the truth.

"Honestly, I don\'t think I can trust anyone in the church anymore."

"Ah, so you\'ve opened your eyes."

Ian shrugged with a slight smirk.

"It\'s not just mages who fall into the madness of the Black Wall, priest."

"Those who serve the gods closely sometimes hear whispers they shouldn’t listen to. I struggled to believe at first, but it\'s true." Philip, looking at Luce with a sympathetic expression, added. He must have seen a bit of his past self in Luce.

"Corrupters often use innocent people as their sacrifices, and the temptations of darkness target the weakest parts of one\'s heart. It might be better for you to leave the church, priest. Distancing yourself from the gods could also distance you from the darkness."

Though it wasn’t something a paladin\'s squire should say, Philip’s eyes and tone were sincere. He likely had his own conflicts in the past. But Luce shook his head.

"No, I will stay. Running from the darkness once is enough. It doesn\'t matter if I can\'t trust anyone. I serve the Radiant Goddess and the Prosperous Goddess, not the church."

So this is what they mean when they say the office changes manners.

Ian, unable to hide his surprise, spoke. "Now that\'s a priestly response."

Luce, looking at him, gave a pale smile. "I\'ve learned from you both. I may not have the courage to face the darkness head-on like you, but I can serve the gods and help people. It may be lonely, not trusting anyone. But, of course..."

Luce glanced around at the group and added. "You guys are the exceptions. You are the only ones I trust."

"That\'s exactly how you end up getting deceived," said Ian.

Ian chuckled softly and added as he turned away. "We’ve deceived you as well."

"...?!" Ignoring Luce\'s bewildered look, Ian walked out.

"May you never forget your current resolve, priest. Glory to the Radiant Light." Mev, following Ian, spoke softly and then walked out.

Philip, watching them leave, patted Luce on the shoulder and whispered.

"Please don\'t inform the main church of what we\'ve uncovered today. At least, not for now. I don\'t fully trust the main church, either."

"...!" Luce\'s eyes widened.

Philip flashed a toothy grin and added as he turned to leave. "I hope we meet again someday. And by then, you’ll be a bishop."

With those parting words, the door closed.

Luce, who had been standing in a daze, finally blinked. He mulled over the words the trio had left behind for a moment.

"Even the main church... can\'t be trusted."

He glanced at the journals and letters piled on the desk, then turned to find a box. He intended to hide the evidence where no one could find it until the darkness that had taken root in the West was fully dispelled. It directly violated the church’s policy, but there was no trace of hesitation in his eyes as he retrieved the box.