SERA [15]

Regressor's Instruction Manual - Episode 915

Sera (15)

'Come to think of it, this old man was famous for his terrible temper.'

Although he has mellowed a bit over time, when the Pope in his prime, Pope Basel was known for his fiery temperament.

Even during Cardinal Johan's time, he used to carry a mace and strike at the undead with it.

Many believed that people were cautious around Pope Basel even after he took the position.

When I looked of this old man, the scene that comes to mind is him raging, demanding someone to bring his mace, his eyes filled with madness, and shouting with spittle flying everywhere, not falling short of being in a state of frenzy.

"Is that really true!"

'Isn't he pretending to be old? Look at the veins on his hand. He's still energetic, this nobleman. I was worried for no reason.'

"Right now, fetch my mace immediately! Damn it, don't bother with anything else."

"It's not certain yet, Pope Basel. It's just my speculation."

"What did Benigore say? What did she say?"

"Well, I haven't heard her voice in a long time."

This situation has become quite serious. Can you understand?

"Thi... this kind of thing... how can this happen..."

As I observe the trembling lips, I find myself glancing around unnecessarily.

"Of course, I can feel that Benigore is still present, but recently, I've been having strange dreams. Of course, I wish they were just dreams, but given the current situation..."

"Honorary Cardinal, can I ask... what kind of dream it is?"

Obviously, it's obvious. For now, it's better to show hesitation.

But eventually, I open my mouth and say the same things I told Templar Zen.

Of course, I make it feel more real.

I add some description of Benigore trapped in the basement... and I must clarify the background.

I need to stimulate imagination without directly describing how terrible or profane the scene was.

"It was an unimaginably horrifying sight."

When explaining how the demons voraciously consumed the holy goddess's blood, a saint's tears were shed.

"Help me... help me..."

I tried to make the story feel real. When people see Pope Basel shedding tears while helping Benigore, even the followers shed tears.

Even some of them are in terror, wondering how many of the followers can stay calm when the god they worship is subjected to such torment.

"It was like a hellish place. I wish what I saw was just a lie..."

"Even now, if I think that Benigore is suffering..."

"Benigore, ah... Benigore..."

"Huuk... Huuuk..."

"Ah, huuk... Benigore..."

Of course, Pope Basel and the followers distorted my story and did not listen. They probably see those demons as the Templars.

"Immediately... immediately! We must capture those Templars and hand them over to the inquisitors. Even now, Benigore is screaming for help. Those scoundrels who dare... dare..."

'If that could be done as you wish.'

However, what gave me some reassurance was that Pope Basel was not on their side.

From the moment I met Cardinal Johan, I had a rough idea, but seeing this scene gives me even more certainty that he is on our side.

"I believe my recent dreams are related to this abnormal situation. It's about monsters that use divine power. Pope."

"Yeah, I also thought it was strange."

"Even Raphael, who was chosen by the Holy Sword, seems to have the same idea. But it's not certain yet. If I act rashly and Benigore ends up being harmed..."

"That's..."

"I might lose control of myself until I close my eyes."

The investigation should confirm everything here.

"By the way, do you happen to know how the Templars are appointed?"

Pope Basel nods.

"They are an independent organization separate from the Holy See, Honorary Cardinal. I have been trying to integrate them, but..."

"It must not have been easy."

It turned out as I expected.

The fact that the Templars are the most powerful force within the Church probably adds to their legitimacy. This is not a fair society. Whether it's the king, nobles, or politicians, they all die when hit by magic in the head.

Instead of blatantly whipping them, they had no choice but to respect the powerful force by offering some carrots.

This was probably one of Pope Basel's attempts at reform.

The result might not have been favorable, but just gaining relevant information was a significant gain in itself.

"I see."

"If I had known it would turn out like this..."

"It's not Pope Basel's fault."

"...."

"The Templars have always protected the Holy See and guarded the Cardinals. Many feel that denying their legitimacy is like denying the Church. And..."

"....."

"They were also the ones who had been by Benigore's side for a very long time. I don't know what caused them to change..."

"I understand the Honorary Cardinal's good intentions, but the cause doesn't matter. Yes, they might be under the influence of demons. They could have succumbed to temptation in a moment. However, how can I forgive them? If they committed a sin, they should face the punishment..."

But it's not easy to just execute them. We can't be rash in breaking those pots, even though it's tempting.

There's still a lot to learn and hear... Above all, I'm concerned about how they will react when they come out hostilely on this side.

If they had remained just a simple force, we could have turned them around.

But seeing that they joined hands with Cardinal Johan, I have to assume they have some political standing. Maybe Pope Basel might also be susceptible to external pressure.

"In everything, there needs to be a proper order. We must give the believers reasons to sympathize with us. "

The first task is to whittle down their forces.

"Right, that's true."

"It's not long after the end of the great battle. I hope the followers don't lose faith. Gathering information is also important."

We need to know how the underground Resting place of the Mole Saintess is functioning.

We may have to enhance Pope Basel's power so that he can accept even somewhat forced arguments. Translated by Sunbaetime_1170.

"Honorary Cardinal..."

"...."

A sad face, one shot loaded. He wipes away the tears streaming down.

"Honorary Cardinal... "

But the tears won't stop. It keeps coming out as if someone turned on a tap. Tear after tear, like holy water, keeps falling.

Yes, Damn it. What I'm shedding is holy water, nothing else.

Has all the emotions I've held back finally erupted? Or maybe I needed someone to listen to the story I've kept to myself all this time.

The sight of the followers, who had silently observed the seemingly strong Saint of Light now revealing their fragile side, was visible in my view.

Even Pope Basel, with a sad expression, looked at me with eyes filled with sympathy. This was a gaze I wouldn't have received on a normal day...

"Honorary Cardinal... Is today's prayer gathering..."

"I appreciate your concern, but it's alright. All I can do now is pray for her safety."

"Forgive me for bringing up an off-topic, but maybe delaying the prayer gathering for a bit..."

Why does it seem like I can't control my emotions right now? Or... is my face a mess from crying too much?

Maybe they are trying to hold me back because they are worried that the criticism directed at the Honorary Cardinal, who appeared with such a desolate look and without any jewelry, will reflect on them.

Of course, since they are religious people, it's unlikely they would do such a thing...

'I still don't know anything.'

This is how it works. These people... If I go out calmly, it won't work.

With my weakness, desolation, and the feeling that I might break with even a little force, the light that shines from within me will surely resonate with people's hearts.

Even a continent in crisis had that. I must appear more humane than anyone else.

Of course, the light that emanates from within should not be human, but that gap is what works. It's called identity; it's alright.

"I'm fine."

Eventually, it seems like these guys might try to stop me, so I'll call Pope Basel.

"Pope..."

"Let the Honorary Cardinal do as he wishes. Who can stop the Honorary Cardinal? Let us pray together and pray for the safety of Benigore."

As if I can't be stopped, Pope Basel nods his head, indicating that they can't prevent the Honorary Cardinal from holding the prayer gathering.

'I'm fine. Why are they like this? Really. And we can't delay it anymore, can we?'

Look, already, the sound of the grand pipe organ is resonating. It feels as if the entire Holy See is vibrating.

Since it's an official prayer gathering, the scale is indeed different. Soon, the voices of the sacred choir singing their songs reach my ears.

At this time, those who have come to participate in the prayer gathering are probably entering.

Even though the followers who held the light of the almost collapsing Saint's body were worried and had concerned expressions, they still nod their heads as if saying it's alright.

The tears keep flowing, but I don't bother to wipe them away.

'That kid, Kim Hyun-seong, won't be here, right? I told him not to come.'

If he has a conscience, he should be hiding in the Republic. I told him to be held by Jin Cheong [Jin Qing], so they might be spending some tough time together. Heera said she would come, and all the members of the Blue Guild must have attended.

I start moving, my mind filled with pointless thoughts.

Through the stained glass, light pours into the grand cathedral, and even in the midst of a deliberately prepared battlefield, holy light continues to shine.

"Honorary Cardinal..."

"Ah... The Son of Light..."

The followers standing in the passage to proceed with the prayer gathering were surprised to see my face and hesitated to speak, but upon seeing my wings gently spread, they were at a loss for words and bowed their heads.

"Benigore's blessing will be with you."

"Thank you, Son of Light..."

Raphael, who had joined the ceremony, also catches my eye.

"Hyung, are you okay?"

He seems to be trying to comfort me, hesitating to reach out his hand, but...

Tak!

'This brat. Where are you going?'

"Hyung?"

"I'll go up first. Raphael'

You need to face the consequences of the accident.

Finally, as soon as I took my place, the first thing that caught my eye was the followers who were unknowingly humming.

'I knew this wouldn't be well-received.'

Without even wiping away the tears, they stared blankly in this direction. When I spread my wings wide, some gasped or turned their heads.

Perhaps they even consider it disrespectful to look directly at me with their own eyes.

'The wings look well-attached. Look at the light particles continuously falling. Really,'

Even I find it beautiful. [[T/N: Gosh, he loves this wings of his too much 😂]]

'Should I spread them out again?'

It's insane. Seriously.

I shed tears uncontrollably. Those tears were genuine and beautiful, as if they held all the pain and purity of the world.

----

Two chapters today too.

Erm, so I was reading a forum and was just discovering that ORV has a side story!!!! How I'm I only hearing this??!!!

Honestly, I'm tired of writing the name SERA over and over again, hope the Sera arc will be over in the next chapter. [[Spoiler, it ended ON SERA [21] ]]

Also the side stories have already reached 700 chapters and we're just on 38 chapters lol. We need to catch up really, can't wait until we get to chapter 1000.

SPOILER ALERT ⚠

By the chapter 1200+ is the chapter that Kiyoung obtains a new form.