Inspection

'This village is different from the ones I've raided before…'

Regis complained internally as he looked around the village.

He noticed that there were more guards patrolling and the villagers seemed to have wary expressions on their faces.

'Is it because of the color of our eyes, or because of the notorious group of demonic humans who raided villages?'

'Of maybe, a little bit of both?'

A wry smile appeared on his face, 'Well, if it isn't the consequences of my own actions… Still, this village is still better than the others.''

Of course, he was well aware that he didn't have a choice at that point in time, but it didn't prevent him from feeling responsible.

From his experience, there are many villages that were unwelcoming to outsiders.

Though it was from the time when he was still a demonic human, so they were right and he was indeed dangerous.

But that wasn't the topic here.

He then glanced at Pandora and saw that her eyes were filled with wonder.

This lightened up his heart slightly, easing the nervousness that he was filling from the inspection that was about to happen.

'I'm curious as to how they will test if we are tainted with demonic power…'

Regis thought to himself as they followed the village guard.

They soon arrived in front of a chapel.

It was small and wore down, testament of the long amount of time it had been here.

"Follow me inside.'

The village guard told them as he led the way inside the chapel.

Creak—

The sound of the old doors opening echoed.

A woman could be seen kneeling in front of the statue located at the center of the chapel.

The village guard didn't make another step and just gestured for both Regis and Pandora to stay silent.

They stood for about half an hour before the old woman moved.

She slowly stood up, "What do you need from me, Jerris?"

'Her voice… it's kind.' Regis thought.

The village guard called Jerris bowed, "I greet the Shrine Maiden."

"Hoho, I told you not to call me that. Just Sister Chel is fine." The old woman responded.

"But…" Jerris had a difficult expression on his face.

Seeing this, Sister Chel smiled kindly as he asked, "Now, who are the two children here?"

Remembering the purpose of his visit, Jerris straightened his posture, "Oh, ehem! These two are travellers from outside that are looking to stay in our village for a while."

Sister Chel's face perked up in interest, "Is that so? Then I assume that you're here to ask me to check if they're demonic humans, right?"

Jerris nodded, "Yes, Shrine Maiden."

"Hmmmm, okay. Children, come sit beside me."

Not picking on Jerris's way of calling her, she sat on the front seat as she gestured for both Regis and Pandora to come near her

The two looked at each other before acquiescing to her request.

"Don't you dare try anything…"

Jerris whispered to them with a vigilant expression.

Sensing his subtle hostility, Regis knew that it was only his way of being vigilant around strangers like them.

They walked as they observed the interior of the chapel.

It was just like its exterior; old and worn down.

"You go first." Regis whispered to Pandora as they neared Sister Chel.

"Mhm." she nodded obediently.

Sister Chel beckoned towards her with a kind expression on her face.

"Ohh, you're quite beautiful. Especially those red eyes of yours." Her kind smile and compliments made Pandora giggle.

"Thank you, Sister Chel." She responded in kind as she smiled shyly.

"Can you give me your palm?"

"Mhm!" 

Pandora gaver her palm to Sister Chel.

"Don't worry if you feel hot, okay? It's just my holy miracle at work."

Pandora nodded in response.

[Holy Light]

Sister Chel's soft voice resounded inside the chapel as she emitted a soft golden glow.

"Woah…"

Pandora's eyes shined with wonder.

She felt the warmth spreading from her hand to every part of her body.

It made her feel relaxed and comfortable.

This feeling lasted for a few minutes before it started to subside.

"All done!"

Sister Chel patted Pandora's head, "Don't be too hard on yourself, okay? You're destined for greatness in the future!!"

Hearing her mysterious words, Pandora only nodded her head and giggled in response.

Sister Chel then gestured for Regis to sit down beside her, "Come."

Knowing that he really didn't know of a way out of the situation, Regis gave up and sat beside her.

He knew that this wouldn't be the only time where he would be inspected.

'I really hope that this is enough…'

Regis thought to himself as he sensed the demonic power in his heart that remained hidden among his aura and mana.

Knowing how the process works, he slowly gave his hand over to the shrine maiden.

Sister Chel smiled kindly, "As I have said earlier, don't worry if you ever feel any discomfort."

"If I were to decide, I know that there's no way good children like the two of you are demonic."

Regis smiled at her.

However, she continued speaking, "Tell me, are the two of you siblings?'

He nodded in response.

In the next second, a sharp light shone on Sister Chel's face.

However, it disappeared as fast as it came.

"Is that so?" She glanced at Pandora before holding Regis's hand.

[Holy Light]

Flowing golden light emerged from Sister Chel's hands and entered his hands.

Regis then felt slight prickling pain in his arm that disappeared quickly after a second or two.

His gift of Perfect Adaptation helped him build tolerance and be immune to the holy miracle and divine power that entered his body.

Meanwhile, his golden gift of Tranquility helped him maintain his calm despite the pain.

Regis tried to see Sister Chel's expression, but wasn't able to do so as she had her head lowered.

'Is she staring at my palm?'

His nervousness and anxiety increased as time passed by.

'Did she find out?'

Sweat trickled on his temple as he considered whether to just kill everyone in the vicinity.

'I can't, Pandora's here…'

Regis bit his lip, deciding to wait for any further movement before he took action.