The Letter (3)

Vivian was already halfway through finishing all the dishes she ordered when two people approached her.

"Sister Inquisitor Monad…?" a male voice asked.

She turned her head and saw two Priests.

One was wearing a White Cloak and had an Inquisitor Full-Mask and appeared to be in his 20s. Meanwhile, the other was wearing a Red Cloak and was in his late 30s.

The Inquisitor saluted.

"I am Brother Inquisitor Wind and I came here to escort you to the Inquisitory Division's headquarters."

Vivian didn't get up and she made a salute.

"I see. I hope you wouldn't mind me finishing my food before we go."

Thanks to her parents and also her hobby as a fitness enthusiast, the idea of not finishing her meal was out of the question.

My mother would say I need it in order to grow up healthy and tall…

My father would beat me for not respecting the efforts of my mother and wasting money…

Both men looked at the half-empty dishes on the two tables.

"You have guests?" Wind asked.

"No, just me."

Their jaws dropped.

Vivian ignored them and began wolfing down the remaining dishes. But she still maintained a level of table manners such as not making noises and spilling food.

The two men looked at each other for a moment before returning their gaze to Vivian.

"Sister Inquisitor Monad, please allow me to introduce myself. I am High Brother Jethro and I'm in charge of this establishment, Airport Building Terminal 7. I couldn't greet you earlier because I was busy with something else."

Thanks to the Holy Kingdom and the Orion Kingdom not practicing traditional monarchy so there weren't any Aristocratic Nobles, they weren't limited to 2 Red Cloaks and 1 Gray Cloak per town and village, especially in the city.

Vivian stopped momentarily and washed her throat with wine before turning to him.

"I see. It's nice to meet you, High Brother."

She then resumed eating.

It was a lie.

Jethro wasn't busy. He just didn't care and was in his office. It wasn't like Vivian was the only Inquisitor in the city. On top of that, despite her mask covering her face, anyone could tell that she was still young and around the same age as Wind.

The real reason why he came out was because of Wind who was stationed here in the Holy City despite only being in his mid-20s with a High Sergeant rank and was well-known in some areas of the city. And as for how was it possible that an Inquisitor of his rank is stationed in the Holy City, that was a topic for another day.

Wind turned to Jethro.

"High Brother Jethro, if you don't mind, I would like to accompany my sister for a moment."

Jethro smiled.

"Yes, yes, yes, of course, Brother Inquisitor. I will go back to my office now. Just call me in case you need anything."

Wind smiled behind his mask and offered a slight bow.

"Thank you, High Brother."

When Jethro finally left, Wind turned to Vivian and grabbed a seat.

"May I join you, sister?"

Vivian simply nodded.

"Thank you," he said and sat down.

Although both of them didn't say anything, Vivian noticed the rank pin pinned on Wind's shirt around his left chest.

High Sergeant…?

So there are Inquisitors who would want to flaunt their rank…?

But it's just High Sergeant though…

Perhaps Inquisitors with ranks are special…?

After all, Inquisitors deal mostly with investigate tasks and have to root out any form of corruption within the Temple…

But then again…

It's not like I have that many interactions with Inquisitors outside of the Inquisitory Division's headquarters to make the proper assessments…

***

10:02 a.m.

Inside a carriage traveling down a busy street.

Vivian was sitting on one side and Wind sat on the opposite side.

Vivian leaned a little closer to the glass window to get a better look.

Wow…

It's finally autumn…

The sky was cloudy and the streets were a bit wet but it wasn't raining.

Hmm…

I don't see any Halloween decorations…

So there's no Halloween tradition in this world…?

How is that even possible…?!

There are literally spirits and monsters…!

This is so unacceptable…!

She shook her head mentally.

Well…

Can't do anything about that…

I'll probably just have to make one just in case…

But am I allowed to do that…?

I mean…

I'm a Priestess and there are Necromancers who are our enemies…

I won't be branded as a heretic, right…?

She let out a sigh.

The more reason why I should get stronger…

However…

I wonder if there's a Halloween tradition in the Southern Continent…

I mean…

It's where --…

"Something wrong, sister?" Wind asked.

Vivian turned to him.

"Huh?"

"Sorry, I thought I heard you sigh so I thought something was bothering you."

She squinted her eyes behind her mask as she stared at him.

"Can I ask you something, brother?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"Do you know anyone who goes by the name Inquisitor Pen?"

"Brother Inquisitor Pen? He's the current Chapter Master."

Vivian's eyes became wide behind her mask.

Chapter Master…?!

"Why do you ask? Was he the one who ordered you to come here?"

Her hands balled into fists.

What does a Chapter Master want from me…?!

What did I do…?!

Did they finally figure it out…?!

Was that why he was so pushy…?!

Wait…!

Hold on…!

If they did really figure out what I've done, why would they even go through all this…?

They could just send someone powerful to arrest or kill me…

Perhaps I'm already powerful…?

I mean, so far I've only heard people in this world having below 6 Magic Arts with the Undead Emperor being so powerful…

She shook her head mentally.

Focus, Vivian…!

Think clearly…!

Of course you're not that powerful…

You haven't even mastered a single Magic Art…

But what is the maximum level of a Magic Art…?

"Sister?" Wind's voice rang in her ears, interrupting her thoughts.

She closed her eyes as she let out a deep breath and relaxed her hands before opeining them.

"Ah… Yes, Brother Inquisitor Pen is the one who ordered me to come here. Do you know anything about it?"

Wind shook his head.

"I haven't heard anything about it. However, Brother Inquisitor Pen isn't at the headquarters at the moment."

Vivian's brows knitted behind her mask.

"What do you mean?"

Wind scratched the side of his head.

"So my assumptions are correct. You're a new Inquisitor. If you weren't, you would've been at least somewhat familiar with me."

Vivian didn't say anything and maintained the knit on her brows.

"I'm the one in charge of meeting anyone who enters, and sometimes, who leaves the headquarters. Usually, I would just be waiting at the front desk the whole day. But at the moment, everyone was busy so I volunteered to come get you. And plus, I was a bit bored."

Vivian continued to remain silent but she now recalled the time when Gars led her, Xander and Turd to the Inquisitory Division's headquarters for the first time and encountered their first Inquisitor.

"Anyhow, it's true that I haven't heard any of the specifics of why you were called here by Brother Inquisitor Pen. However, as someone who's in charge of meeting anyone who enters, and sometimes, who leaves the headquarters, I do know where he is, but I can't tell you that unless I've been given special orders."

"If Brother Inquisitor Pen isn't here, then who am I going to meet?"

"Brother Inquisitor Pen left a special order that you will meet Brother Inquisitor Blanch in case he wasn't available."

Blanch…?

Him again…?

The one who tried to corner me…?

That motherfucker hasn't given up yet…?

My God, get a life, will you…?!

What a fucking stalker…!

She shook her head mentally.

No…

The fact that they decided to go through all of this farce means they haven't figured me out yet…

"I see. By the way, brother, do you know what's the officer rank of Brother Inquisitor Blanch? As far as I can remember, he's a Gold Cloak. But just as you've predicted, I'm still new so I still get confused differentiating Inquisitors from one another unless they introduce themselves to me."

Wind stared at Vivian for a moment before finally answering.

"Brother Inquisitor Blanch's officer rank is High Captain."

So he's just below the Chapter Master rank….

Vivian lips slowly curled up into a smile.

And this confirms it…

The fact that Blanch still couldn't arrest me despite having that much political power means they really have nothing against me…

The fucking stalker can go eat dust and kick rocks…!

She clasped her hands in front of her chest like a star-struck female teen fanning over her male celebrity crush.

"Wow~! So Brother Inquisitor Blanch is such an amazing person~! Had I known about that back when I was still on the Training Course, I would've shown him more respect~! I mean, I've already treated him with so much respect when I first met him because not only was he an Inquisitor but also a Gold Cloak, however…," she said and then shook her head solemnly. "No, if I knew that he was a High Captain, I probably would've fainted by his mere presence…"

Nevertheless…

Just in case…

I still have to watch my back…

Wind smiled behind his mask.

"I think Brother Inquisitor Blanch would be embarrassed if that happened. But I get what you're trying to say. However, sister, please remember that you're now an Inquisitor as well. You may still be a fresh one, but you'll get there someday -- all of us will get there someday."

Vivian blinked her eyes a few times.

Heh~…

Is this how fellow Inquisitors interact with each other…?

Or is this just his personality…?

To be fair, back in the Third Inner Stanza Border Checkpoint, she was the only Inquisitor and her political power was only second to Lennon and Edgar. On top of that, they know about her strength. So there was a distance between her and the rest of the personnel there.

Meanwhile, at Fredo Village, aside from the fact she wasn't stationed there and her revealing her strength to Basilio, and although her political power as an Inquisitor was equal to that of a Red Cloak, everything was just a formality. Moreover, just like at the border checkpoint, there are no other Inquisitors.

I want to ask the Physical and Magic Force of Pen and that Blanch…

And also if they have Lore Magic…

But something tells me that would be too much…

"Thank you, brother, for the kind words~!"

***

10:26 a.m.

Main Office Building, Inquisitory Division Headquarters.

Vivian was walking in a hallway and a small smile appeared on her face.

This takes me back…

Since Pen wasn't present, she had to meet Blanch and she knew where his office was.

She stopped in front of a door.

Knock.

Knock.

Ka-cha!

She knocked a few times first before entering. Despite her many flaws, this was a habit, manner or whatever you want to call it that was instilled in her growing up, especially by her father.

Upon entering, she found herself inside a spacious office room. There were several chairs on the side, there was a woman wearing a mask without a sun symbol on their forehead sitting behind a desk, and there was a small private office room at the corner.

The woman behind the desk got up and bowed.

"Good morning, Honored Priestess Inquisitor. How may I help you?"

How come the Inquisitors here have an assistant while I don't have one back at the border checkpoint…?

Well…

At least I have my own office…

A luxury I didn't have back in my original world…

"I was ordered by Brother Inquisitor Pen to come here from my station. And in case he wasn't present, I was told to talk to Brother Inquisitor Blanch instead."

The woman nodded.

"Honored Priest Inquisitor Blanch is currently inside his office. Please allow me to inform him about your arrival. May I ask your name?"

"Sister Inquisitor Monad."

The woman nodded and then went over to Blanch's office. She knocked first and then entered. And then a moment later, the woman stepped out.

"The Honored Priest Inquisitor would see you now."

"Thanks."

***

Blanch, who was sitting behind his desk, watched Vivian make her way in front of his desk and saluted.

"Brother Inquisitor Blanch! I'm Sister Inquisitor Monad and I came here under the orders of Brother Inquisitor Pen!"

Blanch gave Vivian an up-and-down look before replying.

"I believe you were ordered to come here 2-3 days ago."

"I wrote a letter informing the Brother Inquisitor Pen that I was on my period."

Blanch was caught off guard for a moment. Although he was aware of the letter Vivian sent, he didn't expect her to blurt it out like that because based on his experience, most women find the subject matter a bit too sensitive.

"At ease. And please take a seat."

"Thank you, Brother Inquisitor," Vivian said before relaxing and then taking a seat at one of the chairs in front of the desk.

"Do you know why you've been called?"

"No, except for the part where I was told that I was to participate in some sort of an escort Field Mission."

"Had you been here while Brother Inquisitor Pen was still here, you would've been briefed about it. But he already left yesterday morning. So I will give you a quick rundown of your mission.

"You are to go to the Marbleam Kingdom at Plano Town to protect a very important member of the Temple of Priests who was invited as a special guest in an upcoming festival called Feugo Festival. 

"The Inquisitory Division will provide you with some necessary items and equipment for the mission.

"Do you have any questions?"

"Um… I have a few," Vivian said.

"Go on."

"Firstly, why was I chosen for this mission? I mean, I don't mean to complain, but I have my own responsibilities at the Third Inner Stanza Border Checkpoint and we're quite busy there due to the number of travelers wanting to participate in the Feugo Festival."

"Why you were chosen is none of your concern. You are an Inquisitor of the Holy Crusade."

Vivian didn't say anything and just stared at Blanch.

"You should count yourself lucky. Many Priests would die to be in your position because you will be in the presence of many important and influential people. And after the mission is done, you will receive rewards."

"What kind of rewards?"

"Officer Promotion and 1 Holy Crusade point."

"So the mission is that dangerous?"

"Hmm?"

"Brother, forgive me for being blunt, but as much as I'm proud to be a member of the Temple of Priests serving in the Holy Crusade, I doubt if the Temple would be that generous. And plus, why an escort mission? I'm an Inquisitor, not the Infantry." 

"Well, I can't blame you for thinking that Inquisitors only do investigative tasks because you're still new. But you have to understand that once you're out on the Field Mission, not everything is black and white."

Vivian nodded.

"Yes, I understand that. But as far as I know, only Inquisitors with the High Sergeant rank can participate in Field Missions near their station while Inquisitors with the Lieutenant rank can participate in Field Mission far away from their station. I, on the other hand, don't even have an officer rank. Furthermore, I have a recommendation letter and medal given to me by my Chapter Temple that says I won't be placed in a dangerous position during the Holy Crusade and only the Light Saint can question it."

"So you want to reject this mission?"

"Not exactly. But according to the rules --"

"It's not that you had any choice to begin with," Blanch cut Vivian off. "Due to your exemplary performance in Basic Training and the Training Course, and also your other achievements, the Inquisitory Division and His Holiness the Light Saint have already considered all of the things you've mentioned and have deemed it unnecessary to let you rot in some unknown god-forsaken place and instead, let you showcase your talents while still following most of the protocols as an Inquisitor."

What…?

That doesn't even make any sense…!

When did I sign up to be a star model for the Inquisitory Division…?!

Am I just that perfect…?!

I mean, sure, I had acceptable scores…

But it's not like I'm the only one who has 4 Magic--…

Wait…!

Her eyes turned to slits.

Did this fucking stalker blabber about my Physical and Magic Force…?!

Is that it…?!

FUUUUCCCCKKKK…!!!

"However, if you're against this idea, you can talk to His Holiness himself."

What…?

Me, talk to the Light Saint…?

Just like that…?

Is this guy lying…?

She shook her head mentally.

But then again…

Pen is supposedly the Chapter Master of the Inquisitory Division…

And this stalker is a High Captain…

So perhaps it's true…

But even if it's true…

What should I do…?

Should I talk to the Light Saint…?

But my goal is to lay low…

Not gain more attention…

While I train and power up…

"So what's your decision, Sister Inquisitor Monad?"

One day…

I'll fucking kill this fucking piece of shit stalker and whoever that Pen is, and everyone that they care about…

I swear…

She placed her fist on her chest.

"In the name of the God of Light and His Holiness, I will wholeheartedly accept this mission and complete it to the best of my abilities!"

***

12:16 p.m.

Vivian was standing in the open field of Airport Building Terminal 7. She had her suitcase beside her and an extra handbag.

So I'm not the one who's going to be escorted…

Instead I'm the one doing the escort…

I'm a victim of my own perfection…

She let out a snort and then turned to the extra handbag given to her by the Inquisitory Division for the Field Mission.

Inside the extra handbag were different kinds of potions, such as Healing Potions, Mana Potions, antidotes, and other items such as Flash-Bombs, Smoke-Bombs, etc.

Although Vivian was a Priestess and had the Light Affinity just like most Priests and Priestesses, that doesn't mean they have unlimited mana, have [Greater Heal] or something similar that could heal any wound, and were powerful.

Vivian's Physical and Magic Force that were beyond Spirit Steel or 210 points for her age was already out of the norm. On top of that, people with 4 Magic Art Affinities are quite rare that it's one of the prerequisites in order for one to become a Viscount or Baron.

Just to stress how rare a person with 4 Magic Arts are, to the general public, a person with 3 Magic Arts is 1 in 1,000, while a person with 4 Magic Arts is 1 in 10,000.

And this not even considering if the person has True Magic Arts or False Magic Arts. If one were to only consider the True Magic Arts, then it would be 1 in 10,000 for a person with 3 True Magic Arts and 1 in 100,000 for a person with 4 Magic Arts.

However, this is just the best-case scenario for the general public because there's another demographic -- the upper class. 

To the Light Saint or Cardinal Families, the Royal Families and the Aristocratic Noble Families, their numbers fair better because they tend to "keep it among each other" to ensure their legacy.

However, for both the general public and the upper class, there's still another factor that needs to be considered: If the person with 3, 4 or more True Magic Arts has the patience to train, let alone survive to become someone who has mastered their Magic Art Affinities. 

So the numbers get even way lower.

Basically, the people in this world were no different from the people back in Vivian's world. They both have people who despite being born with gifts or talents, some of them would still choose to waste it or not cultivate it because of whatever reason.

Vivian held the pendant of her necklace.

They just gave me that many coins…?

What cheapskates…!

Aside from the potions and bombs given to her for the Field Mission, she was also given "some" coins.

She was given 500 Holy platinum coins inside her Class Crystal, 250 Holy platinum coins on her hand and another 250 Marbleam platinum coins on her hand.

And if those were exchanged for gold coins, it would be:

• 5,000 Holy gold coins in her Class Crystal

• 2,500 Holy gold coins on her hand

• 2,500 Marbleam gold coins on her hand

Well…

At least I'll have some coins to shop for things, like makeup, perfume and bathing products…

And also pay for the training of those Guards back in the border checkpoint…

I wonder if there's a spa in Plano Town…

But can they even massage me…?

Although the existence of the Physical and Magic Force allows people to reach unfathomable heights, they also come with a few or some drawbacks, depending on how people see it, such as exercising to drop weight or build muscle and getting massages.

I would need someone equal to my strength to massage me…

Or else I wouldn't even be able to feel it…

Krooo!

Vivian heard the sound of a bird crowing and she raised her head.

A helmet-less Janis and his Rhonea bird named "Bru" were descending from the sky, and a small smile appeared on her face behind her mask as she stared at them.

They actually came, huh…

When Bru finally landed, Janis immediately dismounted and rushed over to Vivian as if his life depended on it.

He saluted.

"Sister Inquisitor Monad…! I have…--!"

She waved her hand.

"Drop it. We're all friends here, aren't we? That's why I personally requested for you."

"Yes… Of course… I… I consider it as an honor to be trusted by someone such as yourself…" he said and then retreated to a relaxed stance but that was only on the surface.

Vivian's smile only grew wider behind her mask.

"Thank you for the kind words, brother. Anyhow, I'm in need of your services again. I want you to take me to Plano Town at the Marbleam Kingdom."

"Yes, Sister Inquisitor…"

Vivian turned to Bru who had its head down as if it were adopting a submissive position and not daring to look at her with its giant owl eyes that were as large as a 10-year-old kid's head.

Too bad I wasn't able to use the bombs that were given to me…

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Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

By the way, I posted the drafts of Chapters 278-313 which is up to the end of Volume II for free at my Patreon account.

https://www.patreon.com/Immortal_Shades 

Please note that those are just drafts and I didn't even edit them so there will still be changes once I post them here.

Although I won't be posting any new Chapter Drafts because I'm currently busy rewriting tons of chapter drafts of Volume II, if you feel like it, you can still join my Patreon group for $2 a month.

With that, I would like to give my special thanks for this month's Patrons:

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I also created social media accounts for Vivian:

Instagram: vivian_lightstorm

Facebook: Vivian Vivian

TikTok: vivian.lightstorm

On these socials, I will be posting extra details about Vivian and the world she inhabits that I couldn't post here in WebNovel because it would break the story's immersion and other reasons such as the limitations of the WebNovel site.

Thank you once again and I will see you in the next chapter :)