I Became the Priest of Blasphemy of the Outer Gods

Chapter 97. Rescue Operation (1)

Many people might have experienced this.

Something stuck in the teeth that just wouldn’t budge, no matter how much one tried.

A tiny pebble in the shoe that somehow seemed to bother one incessantly.

Small indeed, yet persistently irritating.

“Huff… Just a little more should do it.”

For me, the spears lodged in my bones were such irritations.

Sometimes, if a spear wasn’t positioned right, it would scratch the bone, and it was truly bothersome.

“Ah, there we go.”

So, I had to split the bone directly with a knife to set it right.

“…… Lord Ethnos, did you have to do that now?”

Eldritch, who was mimicking, grumbled in dissatisfaction.

“Never mind the shaky carriage, but there are other people here….”

I lifted my gaze to see people desperately trying to keep their distance from me.

Although my castle was fairly comfortable, living holed up continuously wasn’t feasible.

I allowed them to go out to buy necessities about two days a week.

“Hmm, it must not have been a pleasant sight. I apologize. I never can grasp what is considered inappropriate.”

Truthfully, I thought it wouldn’t be a big deal, but Eldritch’s reaction seemed to say otherwise.

“Everyone, as always, I ask you to keep investigating.”

As the carriage stopped in a quiet place, people began to get off.

Allowing them outside wasn’t just for a simple change of mood. They became my ears.

“Our lives have become hard because the priest demanded money…”

“And even asked for our bodies in the end…”

Such ill-tempered priests often harbored grudges and became the talk of rumors.

When these rumors reached my ears, I would take care of them. As a result, quite an amusing rumor spread.

“The Red Saint answers our prayers.”

I was merely building my achievements, yet people secretly praying must have misunderstood splendidly on their own.

“But Lord Ethnos, are you really sure about returning here again?”

“I don’t know… I’m not sure myself.”

We were now heading toward Academia, passing through the Imperial Capital.

“A change has occurred on the wasteland frontline. The monsters that had been rampaging suddenly decreased. Thanks to this, I might be able to return to Academia temporarily, so let’s discuss it there.”

After writing about Lyla on parchment, a reply like this came from Cernun half a day later. The real issue lay in the following content.

“You can continue using the identity of Simon Magus. If you find it suspicious, assume another appearance, but visit me under the name ‘Elroster’.”

That the identity of Simon Magus was intact was perplexing.

‘Could Arian still not be conscious? Or could she have possibly… died?’

Either situation would be convenient for me, but honestly, the possibility seemed slim.

‘Unless Arian is suffering from amnesia, there’d be no reason for her not to report about me.’

Gratitude for saving her?

Loyalty after fighting together?

She wouldn’t care about such things against a Heretic Faith follower.

“Could it be Cernun is laying a trap for us, taking advantage of the constraints?”

“Wait a minute! How can your first thought be to kill the Great Mage?!”

I shrugged my shoulders.

‘It’s a consideration, so why such an overreaction?’

Even if a friendly relationship had persisted until now, Cernun would remain wary of me.

Considering the Wave Reach battle and my current reputation, it wouldn’t be unusual for him to try to eliminate me before things got more dangerous.

“Lord Ethnos, why have you decided to visit amidst such suspicion? Isn’t it a bit reckless?”

“It’s fine. I haven’t revealed the full situation about Lyla to Cernun. Besides, killing me indiscriminately would be difficult for Cernun.”

Eldritch looked puzzled.

“Why is that?”

“Where else would he get information on the Outer Gods’ priests if not through me? I act as a mediator. Killing me would mean losing a precious link.”

Cernun was able to return from the wasteland thanks to me. Beatrice halted her proceedings there as a gesture of cooperation.

“Of course, I can’t let my guard down, so I’ve prepared several insurance measures. If I die, Mary will hand all the information I have on Cernun to those twins priests. It’s a threat.”

“You have that much information on the Great Mage? When did that even happen…”

Naturally, back during my secondary school days in the Orders. I had gathered data on Cernun’s combat tactics, stats, special magic, and even his weaknesses.

If all that information leaked, even a Great Mage would find it critical.

“In any case, I should refrain from bringing out Simon’s visage for now.”

I utilized transformation to assume the appearance of an elderly man.

After several inspections, which had become much stricter than before, I could finally reunite with Cernun.

“It’s been a while, but it doesn’t feel welcoming… more like complex feelings arise.”

“How nice would it have been if you came to support during the Wave Reach battle.”

When I responded in a joking tone, Cernun merely snorted and offered me a seat.

“You must have many questions, about the wasteland situation or why your mage identity remains intact. But first… let me hear about my student.”

I began sharing the details with Cernun, and as he listened, his expression deteriorated.

“I merely sent her out for a brief respite, and in a place with no ties to an Outer God, such things occurred…”

“Great Mage, can the mage named Lyla survive alone in the ocean?”

Eldritch cautiously questioned.

“With all the various enchanted items she has created… survival shouldn’t be an issue. She can resolve her needs for drinking water and food on her own. So, there isn’t much to worry about there.”

Cernun sighed deeply, sinking into his chair.

“If her familiar keeps flying around and providing aid, we might pinpoint her location within two weeks.”

“With that much time, she could be caught or undergo transformation.”

Although the items might temporarily seal away the effects, it was a 5th rank’s remains.

It was hard to assure it was even properly sealed now. As I assessed the situation pragmatically, Eldritch cleared his throat beside me.

“Ahem, considering the deep concerns, perhaps a bit more tactfully…”

“It’s alright. You’re the expert, after all. So, how about disposing of the remains into the sea?”

“I wouldn’t recommend it. It might only increase the chances of being detected by the Dwellers of the Abyss.”

Though Cahon and Johann hadn’t negotiated yet, such deals could be made anytime.

Currently, Cahon was preoccupied being restrained, hence not being able to focus properly, but if the location was determined, they wouldn’t let it go.

“Instead, I have a plan. We enlist the help of the Inquisitors.”

“Those unpleasing fellows?”

I nodded, but Cernun seemed not entirely positive.

“You know, they only ever accept requests related to heresy investigations?”

“Of course. But they can utilize the world’s most persistent and certain pursuit miracle. So, Cernun, your role is simple.”

Cernun’s face twisted significantly as I explained further.

“Report the risk of Lyla’s transformation to the Inquisitors. Given she possesses a 5th rank remains, there’s ample cause for investigation.”

Add a few spells to the fastest ship, and it should cut down the time to within a week. However, involving the Inquisitors seemed a troubling factor for Cernun.

“To me, this method doesn’t sound so positive. Isn’t there a chance my student might end up dead through interrogation disguised as investigation by those madmen?”

“To avoid that, I’ll accompany the mission.”

Cernun looked at me with an expression as if to say “You?”

“The Inquisitors don’t have separate personnel for ships or voyages. I’ll blend in as hired ship staff and then sneak Lyla away.”

“The Inquisitors won’t leave it at that. Are you planning to kill them all?”

I answered with a smile.

“Of course. Isn’t it obvious? They’re the ones torturing others with all sorts of dog treatment for following different beliefs. Why should I spare them? They’d make the perfect offering to Gluttony.”

Cernun shut his eyes tightly.

“They merely fulfill duties to maintain order. To think you’d nonchalantly plan on killing them… Sigh, alright then.”

Though he didn’t like it, it seemed hard to deny it from an efficiency standpoint. Plus, given the urgency to rescue Lyla, he probably knew there was no time to dwell on it.

“I’ll contact the Inquisitors. If things go well, I’ll promise you a reward. And it would be better to avoid unnecessary casualties.”

“Hmm… If that’s how you see it, I’ll try.”

Cernun sighed once more. Already at a slightly distant table, a letter addressed to the Inquisitors was being magically written.

“It’s your turn now. If you have questions, go ahead.”

“Well, the one thing that’s been nagging at me…”

“Is it your identity?”

“What happened to the investigation on the Lilybell and Lia’s families?”

Cernun blinked momentarily before directing his gaze towards me. Eldritch also glanced my way.

“…… That was your biggest concern?”

“Yes, for some reason, it kept bothering me.”

“For some reason…”

Cernun pondered over my words and then waved his hand. With a simple gesture, a bundle of parchment flew to rest before me.

“This is the report I’ve been holding onto. Though the condition of those within the family hasn’t improved, so far there haven’t been any fatalities. And…”

Cernun seemed hesitant. He took out another piece of parchment from his pocket this time.

“Had that not been your utmost concern, I wouldn’t hand this over to you. I still don’t know if this is the right decision…”

What Cernun handed me was none other than a Geass contract. Part of it was already signed, while the space for my signature was left blank.

“…… Non-aggression. You will not attack or intentionally endanger, nor will you disclose any contract-related matters to anyone, except those specified by the contract signer.”

Though it was a lengthy and complex contract, in essence, that’s what it meant. It was, however, quite a one-sided contract.

It only required adherence from the other party, while asking for nothing from me. Yet, what drew my attention even more than its content was the name on the signed line.

“I agree to the above contract. Signatory: Arian Elata.”

TL’s Corner:
The first change Ethnos/Jun Jaehyun made in the world.