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The guard on duty at the Inquisition was passing the time by puffing on a cigarette.

Honestly, there wasn’t much to do.

There were more people coming in since the terror incident yesterday. Ironically, though, the work he had to do had decreased.

Isn’t that obvious?

All the incoming individuals were either Inquisition Officers or officials from the Inquisition. If he stopped busy people due to the terror and asked them to show their identification or check their luggage, he could get whacked with a mace and end up in a nearby treatment center.

As for journalists who had identification, they were busy settling down in the duty room and didn’t come out anyway. They didn’t want to risk missing an emergency briefing that could start at any moment.

For that reason, there were no outsiders entering the Inquisition. The place had garnered quite a reputation, so no one wanted to visit. The few outsiders who did frequently drop by were mostly high-ranking officials who used exclusive passages.

So here he was, just killing time while smoking a cigarette.

Isn’t it said in religion that if you work hard, you can take a day off? Even though he wasn’t particularly devout, he figured there was no problem taking a break at a moment like this.

*Knock! Knock!*

But someone interrupted his peaceful time by tapping on the window. The guard irritably snuffed out his cigarette and peered out.

“Ugh. Who is it?”

A soldier stood outside with a grin. He was wearing unfamiliar military attire, and his rank was Colonel. He seemed to be a foreigner.

Startled, the guard quickly adjusted his hat and asked again with a polite demeanor, “Wh-Who are you?”

“Oh! Thank you for your hard work on the weekend! I’m Colonel Frederick Nostrim! I’m from the Kingdom of Abas. Where do I go to get a pass?”

Colonel Frederick Nostrim. That name sounded familiar. The guard pondered a bit and opened his mouth.

“You need to get the pass from the information desk, not here. I’ll guide you, so just hold on for a sec—”

As the guard hurriedly tried to leave, he checked the newspaper lying on the desk. A person in the photo flashed a bright smile—exactly like the Colonel before him. The guard shifted his glance to read the headline.

<Promising Young Soldier and the Hero Who Will Save the World!>

The assessment of the situation was swift. The guard shoved on his shoes, rushed outside, and stood before Colonel Frederick Nostrim. The Colonel was extending his hand, and the guard wiped the sweat off his pants before shaking his hand.

“Y-You’re the comrade of the Hero! What brings you here?”

“I’ve come to report.”

“Excuse me?”

“To report. A report.”

—

**Episode 2 – Heroes of the Continent**

—

The Inquisition.

An investigative organization tasked with identifying and ‘punishing’ heretics appointed by the cult.

In the past, it executed judgments related to heresy and marriage-divorce matters. Nowadays, it focuses on maintaining order and counterintelligence within the cult’s jurisdiction.

It is a super-constitutional giant organization that encompasses police, family courts, and counterintelligence agencies. Yet, because the cult’s controlled territories are not vast, the headquarters is relatively small compared to its actual operations. Typically, heretics operate in other countries, so there’s no reason to build a massive structure in the middle of the cult.

In fact, the size of the Inquisition headquarters is only slightly bigger than the branches within the kingdom.

I came here to relay information about the terror incident. Since the counterintelligence agency and investigative agency are responsible for such matters, it was my duty.

First, I entered the Inquisition, led by a somewhat bewildered guard. Despite his clueless demeanor, he was sharp enough to receive a guest pass and guide me through a secret passage. I certainly didn’t want to leave a trace of record at the Inquisition, especially since I had shaken off a tail on the way.

Honestly, it was surprising to use a secret passage meant for high-ranking officials. Being a comrade of the Hero was indeed impressive, but it seemed that being identified as a partner chosen by the Oracle mattered more than any rank.

Even as we speak, a mere soldier like me was allowed to use the same passage that Cardinals utilized.

The guard led me to a certain room, and I sat there waiting while refreshing myself with a drink. The room was surprisingly cozy and nice.

How long had I been waiting? By the time I had sipped most of my drink, an obviously high-ranking individual entered the room.

“Good to meet you, Colonel Frederick Nostrim! I’m Bernard, the Director of the Inquisition’s Security.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Director Bernard.”

He was a Director, which in police terms means a high-ranking official equivalent to a senior commissioner. I didn’t know what the Inquisition’s Security Department did, but if a high-ranking individual held the position, it must be significant. Perhaps it dealt with counterintelligence investigations.

As I accepted his handshake, I pondered further.

The name Bernard didn’t appear in the game. The only named character in the game related to the Inquisition capable of being recruited was just one Inquisition Officer. To put it accurately, most were treated like fodder or NPCs, so countless Inquisition Officers’ names didn’t make the cut.

Even though he was a character not mentioned in the game, Bernard was someone whose name was worth remembering. He was significant enough.

With a cordial smile, he began the conversation with a few platitudes.

“You must be going through a lot in these times, Director. I worry I’m taking time away from what must be a busy day for you.”

“Oh, not at all! Time spent with a comrade of the Hero chosen by the gods is time well spent.”

He poured me a cold beverage from a pitcher sitting in the corner and asked, “What kind of tea would you like, Colonel?”

“I’m fine, thank you. I already have some here.”

“Oh, I see.”

He seemed quite comfortable with people. Or rather, he appeared well-practiced in flattery. To a suspicious degree.

What kind of person is he?

“You mentioned coming to report?”

“Yes, well, that’s not the only reason I’m here.”

“Ah, I understand! Please wait just a moment!”

Director Bernard quickly set down the paper cup and exited the room.

As I watched the softly closing door, I felt no particular thoughts arise. Honestly, I was a bit flustered.

How long had it been since I entered for him to already be leaving? Considering his attitude, it seemed like a total waste. If a person had come to visit after being hospitalized by a bomb blast, they should at least be prepared with some excuses. I couldn’t fathom why he was leaving to prepare some significant words.

It seemed that even as a comrade of the Hero, he bowed excessively to a foreigner.

It appeared that the Director’s position might have been gained through political maneuvering or perhaps a game of poker.

Just as I was finishing up my drink, Director Bernard returned to the room.

“Thank you for your patience!”

“It’s nothing, Director Bernard.”

He placed a hefty stack of documents on the desk.

“Now, take a look!”

As I glanced at the document, I froze.

Wait a second. This is an internal document. It even had the security mark ink still wet.

It meant this document had just been produced.

“Um, Director Bernard? This clearly looks like an investigation document related to the terror incident?”

“Yes! You have a keen eye!”

He was showing investigative materials to an outsider? Suddenly, I began missing the bureaucratic systems of the 21st-century advanced society.

I gently pushed the documents away. I was not trying to play hard to get. I hadn’t wanted to leave any traces and didn’t want to risk being caught for leaking internal documents.

Even with the status of a diplomat, this would still count as a significant breach of confidentiality. It meant if I got tangled up in this, my diplomatic status would be revoked and my name would end up on the blacklist of foreign ministries. That would mean the end of my Hero’s journey. I would just become someone quietly waiting for discharge day in the kingdom.

I couldn’t let that happen.

“I’m sorry, but I’m an outsider. No matter how much the Oracle has chosen me as a comrade of the Hero, anyone not affiliated with the Inquisition has no right to view internal documents.”

Director Bernard blinked in surprise.

“Ah, no. You are a direct victim of the terror, and a distinguished guest to the cult.”

Rage bubbled up at Director Bernard’s shameless attitude. The reason was simple. I used to be a high-ranking individual dealing with military secrets in the Information Agency. Nevertheless, he was showing internal documents to an outsider for no reason, and I was left dumbfounded.

If I delivered information to such an organization, it would definitely be leaked.

I jabbed my finger on the desk, rebuking Bernard.

“Does the Inquisition leak documents to guests? The investigation into the terror incident relies heavily on confidentiality!”

“Oh, no, of course, security is important but—”

“What else is more important? If I were a spy, what do you think would happen if you recklessly showed me these documents? Are you planning to throw someone in jail over this? Is that what’s happening?”

Director Bernard clamped his mouth shut. When someone gets hit with facts, they typically shut up.

The atmosphere in the room had already gone sour. Director Bernard silently stared at me while I immediately stood up and walked to the door.

“I will forget the report. Goodbye, Director Bernard.”

He didn’t stop me as I left. Honestly, if he were that cowardly, I would’ve expected him to grab my trousers and plead with me to stay.

Colonel Clevenz cited that the Inquisition was doing well, but I had doubts.

I ignored the secret passage and called the elevator instead. I didn’t want to trip while going down the stairs in a slightly irritated state. Even though there were surveillance cameras inside, I could delete the footage later or ask the Colonel to help me erase it.

*Ding!*

As soon as the door opened, I stepped into the elevator while keeping my head down.

“Welcome!”

“Ugh! You scared me!”

“What is the purpose of your visit?”

A priest was cheerily smiling and greeting me. Was he an elevator attendant? It suddenly reminded me that such jobs existed in this world. I calmed my racing heart and explained that I was on my way back after attempting to report something.

Once the door shut, the priest pressed a button.

Not for the first floor, but for the top floor.

“Um, excuse me, Priest? I was planning to go outside.”

“…”

The priest didn’t respond. Sensing something was off, I started fiddling in my sleeves.

Just then, the priest began to speak.

“Please do not take out the knife hidden in your sleeve.”

“…Who are you?”

There was no need to wait for the priest to answer. The door opened, revealing a massive office. Against the backlight, a figure was looking out the window. The priest stepped out of the elevator and approached the desk, bowing his head.

“Director of the Inquisition. I have brought Colonel Frederick Nostrim.”

“…”

Now everything was becoming clear.

The Inquisition.

An institution appointed by the cult to root out and punish heretics.

Its related functions involve maintaining order and performing counterintelligence activities within the cult’s territory.

Come to think of it, this is a counterintelligence agency.

A place for catching spies.

The old man, bathed in backlight, smiled faintly and spoke.

“What are you doing standing there, Colonel?”

“…”

“Come here.”

 

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