Chapter 263: Thorough Investigation
Muria stood grim-faced inside the Dawn Temple, watching the red-robed archbishop perform divine magic to heal Leon. Leon's upper body was bare, and his entire right arm and right half of his chest were blackened, occasionally showing runes filled with resentment.
The source of all this was a small wound on his shoulder. It was a superficial wound that would have healed in a few days on an ordinary person, but it nearly cost Leon his life.
"How is it going?" Muria asked sternly. He had underestimated how much some people feared Demon Hunter Knights, a fact even Leon himself hadn't anticipated.
After revealing his identity, Leon was immediately targeted. Muria's first and second releases of Leon were focused on getting him into the Kingdom of Bavaria, so the assailants found no opportunity.
After the third release, since Leon abandoned using the magic-guided warhorse to escape, he wandered around the city and was caught off guard by his attackers. Neither Muria nor Leon expected such intense animosity toward a Demon Hunter Knight.
In less than ten minutes of traveling alone after revealing his identity, Leon was attacked by three Gold-level shadow assassins. Unable to use his Demon Hunter Armor against fellow humans, Leon, having experienced many battles alongside his father, Herman, managed to parry the assassins' ambush due to his sharp battle instincts and danger perception.
However, during the fight, he was inadvertently struck by a dagger coated in deadly poison and a vicious curse, leaving a shallow wound on his shoulder.
The curse and poison, tailored for Gold-level targets, quickly spread, and Leon was affected. Fortunately, Muria, who had left a mark on Leon, sensed his danger and promptly located him. He arrived in a fury, saving Leon and capturing all three shadow assassins alive.
"The poison and curse on him have been suppressed," the red-robed archbishop treating Leon replied. "With a bit more time and study, the curse can be lifted."
"So, his life is no longer in danger." Muria nodded. "In that case, it's time to investigate other matters. Who sent these assassins?"
"This must be thoroughly investigated," another red-robed archbishop said with a face flushed with anger. After learning of the attack on a Demon Hunter Knight, various good-aligned divine orders in the temple district sent archbishops.
"How is the interrogation of those three shadow assassins I handed over?" Muria's golden eyes burned with rage. He was truly furious. Not long ago, a father spent most of his life's savings to entrust him with the protection of his son, and within a day, this happened. It was a slap in his face, and he couldn't contain his anger.
"They refuse to say anything," an archbishop from the Dawn Church replied grimly.
"Interrogating these assassins is crucial, but the outside investigation must continue as well. We must find out who harbors ill intentions towards Demon Hunter Knights and bring them the punishment they deserve."
"I can't wait any longer!" Muria turned to the archbishop of the Dawn Church. "If you can't get anything out of them in half an hour, I'll take over."
Frankly, because he was initially concerned for Leon's safety, Muria had handed the three assassins over to these archbishops for interrogation after reaching the temple district. He hadn't expected them to be so ineffective, still without any results.
However, considering their alignment to good and lawful gods, he shouldn't be surprised at their lack of severe interrogation methods. Moreover, due to the presence of gods in this world, many people didn't fear death, and some devout followers even saw death as eternal life.
"What are you planning to do?" a righteous archbishop asked, noticing Muria's explosive anger, which, understandably, they empathized with.
"I plan to use some unconventional methods that you might not like to interrogate them," Muria said with a smile, remembering the infernal torture servant he had subdued.
"Methods we won't like?" The archbishops exchanged glances. They were centuries-old and could guess what Muria implied by his confident expression.
Methods disliked by them would be from chaotic or evil alignments, especially considering interrogation. The archbishops guessed what Muria's unconventional methods might be.
"You may proceed. If we can't get anything out of them, you can take over." Understanding the need for flexibility and compromise, the archbishops tacitly agreed. They knew most Gold Dragons were mage dragons with various exotic servants.
What mattered most was Muria's actions in the past few days at the fortress gates, opening the way for the Holy Warriors, coupled with his race, assuring them of his alignment.
"Understood." With a firm answer, Muria looked at the Gold Dragon lady accompanying him. "Sister Kaslana, could you summon my chromatic dragons?"
Originally, Kaslana only intended to bring Muria for a visit, so the chromatic dragons he had subjugated were left in her mage tower.
"Certainly."
"Chromatic dragons?" The archbishops looked at each other, realizing only then that Muria, a Gold Dragon who seemed more benevolent than his kind, was quite extraordinary.
...
In a sealed room,
"How exactly did they interrogate them?" Muria looked at the three well-built shadow assassins in tight leather armor, his lips twitching.
The assassins he had captured were not only unharmed but also looked healthy and energetic. Even the injuries he caused when capturing them had been fully healed.
He didn't know what to make of these devotees of the good gods – their kindness was excessive. Even with one beautiful female assassin among them, it seemed over the top!
"This is your last chance. Tell me, who sent you to assassinate the Demon Hunter Knight?"
No one answered. The female assassin even looked at Muria provocatively.
"Well, I didn't really expect you to willingly confess!" Muria shook his head, his face showing a malicious smile. "I hope you won't beg for mercy later."
"Come forth, Maelus." Through their contract, Muria felt a powerful evil presence. Then, with a commanding demeanor, he issued an order, "I require your services!"
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