“…But wouldn’t I just be getting in your way…?” (Naya)
“Khahaha! I would never dismiss a student eager to learn. However, be careful. You never know what might happen down here.” (Eldmed)
Eldmed stood in front of the church, taking Naya with him.
When he knocked, the door eventually opened, and a draconid with a gentle expression appeared.
The robe he wore, according to what Arcana had told him, belonged to a bishop.
“You don’t look familiar. How may I help you?” (Bishop)
Eldmed tapped the ground with his cane, and spoke confidently.
“I’ve come from the surface and wish to join your faith. This one is with me.” (Eldmed)
“Whaaa— Mmgh?!” (Naya)
The moment Naya screamed, Eldmed covered her mouth with his hand.
“Nnngh, nn—?!” (Naya)
“Hey now, don’t be so surprised, Bookworm. Didn’t I just tell you to be careful? You never know what might happen underground, right?” (Eldmed)
Though confused, Naya nodded repeatedly.
“Khahaha! Such an obedient student.” (Eldmed)
Removing his hand from Naya, Eldmed turned back to the bishop.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting. There’s no problem at all.” (Eldmed)
“Although you say you wish to join our faith, it’s not such a simple matter. You will face strict discipline and rigorous training.” (Bishop)
Eldmed smiled with confidence.
As if to say he already knew that.
“Let me ask you one question. Before you now, two paths diverge: one th.o.r.n.y and one peaceful. Which path will you choose?” (Bishop)
“Khahaha! The path I choose is the th.o.r.n.y one, where I’ll unleash scorpions and summon wild beasts to drag both the wicked and those who believe in justice along with me. A path of carnage, full of every dangerous possibility.” (Eldmed)
“……” (Bishop)
The bishop had a momentarily dumbfounded expression.
However, he quickly collected himself and asked Naya.
“Then, which path will you choose? The th.o.r.n.y one or the peaceful one?” (Bishop)
“Um, I choose… the peac—” (Naya)
“Khahahahahahahahahaha!!” (Eldmed)
Eldmed burst out laughing, cutting off Naaya as she tried to say the peaceful path.
“…The peaceful—” (Naya)
“KHAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHA!” (Eldmed)
Naya fell silent and glanced at Eldmed for a moment.
“Which will you choose, Boonkworm? The th.o.r.n.y path alongside me, the Conflagration King, or the peaceful path alone?” (Eldmed)
Naya looked down and replied.
“…Th… The th.o.r.n.y one…?” (Naya)
With a solemn expression, the bishop nodded.
“To those who knock on our door, willing to offer their lives to the G.o.ds, we extend a helping hand. Please, come inside. Let us first perform a Pledge Jewel baptism. If your prayers are answered and you receive a divine call, you will be granted a sacred profession.” (Bishop)
The bishop entered the church.
“Khahaha! That worked out pretty well, didn’t it? The quickest way to get a Pledge Jewel is to join their faith and become a priest.” (Eldmed)
“…B-But what are we going to do, sensei? If we really become followers of Jiordal, I feel like there will be some problems down the line…” (Naya)
“Come on, Bookworm. Who do you think I am?” (Eldmed)
“Um, well… You’re the Conflagration King, right…?” (Naya)
“Exactly. If I were afraid of G.o.ds, I would’ve never been able to fight the Demon King. Although I got completely defeated. Khahaha!” (Eldmed)
Without hesitation, he walked into the church.
Naya stared at his back in shock.
“What are you doing, Bookworm? Hurry up and come.” (Eldmed)
Following the cackling Conflagration King, Naya also entered the church.
Hmm. What was he up to?
For now, he hasn’t shown any strange behavior, but I couldn’t let my guard down.
If he wanted to, the Conflagration King might be more troublesome than even the pope, after all.
Of course, knowing him, it could just be mere curiosity, but I thought I should give him a warning, just in case.
“What’s wrong, Anos?” (Sasha)
“Sasha, Misha. Come with me.” (Anos)
Misha nodded.
“Well, okay.” (Sasha) freeweɓnovel.cøm
As we started walking, Eleonore and Zeshia came up to us.
“Where are you all going? Can we come too?” (Eleonore)
“I don’t mind.” (Anos)
I stood in front of the church that Eldmed had entered and knocked on the door.
After a moment, the bishop from before appeared.
“…What can I do for you, travelers?” (Bishop)
“I want to join your faith. The th.o.r.n.y path.” (Anos)