Hell

The disaster area that was just eroded is up ahead. According to the Pope's instructions, the God Eaters' sinners are active in this vicinity.

From Augustine all the way, the sight of starving people everywhere... completely different from the capital.

What are the bishops and lords from various regions doing? I must report these situations to Her Holiness Levia when I return!

But Levia hasn't summoned me for a long time... What is she busy with in the cathedral basement all day?

(Civilians in the disaster area watch you with wary eyes)

Hello, I'm a traveler from the capital. Do you need any assistance?

A traveler? You must be a noble lady to visit such a desolate disaster area.

Thank you for your concern, but we have enough food and don't need any additional help.

Can they maintain enough food? It seems the local authorities are quite responsible.

Hehe, the local bishop has already moved to his residence in the capital...

Our area is mountainous and has never received any substantial assistance from the church.

Never...?

I suggest you leave immediately. The inquisitor from the capital is here arresting people.

Perhaps they'll see your fancy clothes, assume you're not from the disaster area, and take you back for trial.

I understand. Thank you for the reminder.

The civilian's words just now were suspicious. They have plenty of food, which must mean someone is supplying them from behind the scenes.

Since it's neither from the Church nor from the local governor, then it must be...

Hello! Excuse me for a moment!

What's up?

I heard the Inquisitor is hunting heretics here. Can you provide me shelter?

Take you in? We can barely protect ourselves right now...

In fact, I'm a God Eater believer who escaped from the capital... If the judge catches me, I'm done for!

Please, take me in! I might be useful, I can help you chop trees and build houses...

So you're really a member of the God Eaters? No wonder, I was wondering who from the capital would come to a disaster area for no reason.

The God Eaters have done us many favors, so it's rare for us to repay you. Let's go, I'll take you to meet the people of the God Eaters.

Really? Do the God Eaters spread their teachings here?

It's not just preaching; they brought us food, clothing, and hope for survival...

Lord Parvati! A devotee from Augustus City has come here to seek refuge!

Really? We happen to be short on staff for distributing supplies...

You?!

You know Lady Parvati?

Probably no one in the capital doesn't know me... Thank you, please go ahead with your own business, and I'll catch up with Parvati.

So, we've caught the traitor's tail, huh?

Damn, we only knew that the judges were coming here to search, but we didn't expect Levia to send you as well?

Under the authority of the Papal Envoy, I hereby arrest you!

Darn, just missed it...

Ugh, I really can't stand those cat-like ''Cases.'' They're all so tsundere. I held back so you wouldn't get hurt, you know.

A fight broke out! Surround the area quickly!

Drop your weapons! You've already... huh? Cera?

Hello, Lord Baphomet.

It seems you've caught the heretic... As expected of Cera, we were just a step behind.

We are all just carrying out the Pope's decree. Baphomet, you and your team take charge of the interrogation, and I will continue with my mission.

Hehe, that's my specialty...

Waaah, you guys are so mean...

Still not willing to speak? Then I'll have to take you back and enjoy you slowly...

Baphomet, you're still as sleazy as ever.

Chief Inquisitor? Hehe, after all, I am your apprentice.

It seems we have strength in numbers. Are you from the Throwing Net?

Since you're all my apprentices, I alone should be enough to handle you. Have you already forgotten the lesson you learned at the Inquisition, Baphomet?

Darn it, I'm getting stronger too! Don't underestimate me!

Still can't win... Damn it, I've tried my best...

It seems that you are the one who needs to be properly disciplined, Baphomet.

Well done, Nightingale. Many of our followers were once prisoners of the Inquisition.

Baphomet, if you don't want to be targeted by those you once imprisoned, I suggest you consider listening to the God Eaters' preaching.

Hmph, I guess I don't have to listen today...

Lady Guinevere is here too? Not good, everyone hurry up and leave this place!

What's wrong, Parvati? The local villagers have already blocked the news for us, so we're temporarily safe here.

No, there's still a formidable opponent who hasn't shown up yet!

Seems like the prey has come right to my door. Time for me to surround them all by myself!

Guinevere, you know you can't defeat me without using the Pope's bestowed weapon, right?

As expected of Levia's most trusted loyal dog, your combat prowess is truly extraordinary.

Even the guards have been sent to capture us; it seems Levia really has no one else to rely on.

Tsk, I've heard this countless times at the cathedral entrance every day...

It's useless to anger me, Guinevere.

Cera, we've known each other for many years now. You've seen the current state of the Empire along the way.

Will you continue to serve such a corrupt and incompetent church?

My loyalty lies solely with Her Holiness Levia. As for those corrupt vermin in the church, I'll settle the score with them.

But isn't the biggest issue within the church Levia herself?

How long has it been since she last appeared in public? With the Empire suffering disasters everywhere, how can she continue to turn a blind eye?

Lady Levia can hear the divine guidance, and we have no right to question her judgment.

Do you truly believe that those inhumane and harsh policies are instructions from the Heavenly Voice to Levia?

...

If the divine oracle of the Church is so worldly and ridiculous, then there's no need for the Church to exist.

And the only person among us who could hear the divine sounds has now abandoned them and joined the God Eaters...

I'm late! Cera, your opponent is me!

Rather than listening to lectures, a focused battle suits me better...

Damn it, there are too many of them, we can't stop them...

Why haven't the Crusaders come yet?

The majority of the Crusaders have been deployed to the capital and frontlines to maintain Levia's rule.

In a disaster-stricken area like this where taxes can't be collected, it's impossible to maintain an army. You won't receive any support.

Let's go, Lady Guinevere. It's no longer safe here; we need to relocate our headquarters.

Alright, Cera, I hope you'll seriously consider what I'm saying. Following Levia will only lead you further astray.

Ugh...

Darn it! The duck I almost had just flew away!

Baphomet, it's fortunate that you haven't been captured.

Damn! Thank you for saving the day, Lord Cera.

Hear me, Inquisitors! These civilians are suspected of harboring and conspiring with the God Eaters. Arrest them all and bring them to justice!

Please spare us, we just want to survive...

Hmph, tell us what you know and you might live. Cera, please help me interrogate these traitors.

...

Everyone, stop!

Vivi...? What are you doing here? This place is full of God Eaters' eyes and ears; it's very dangerous!

Since the pope didn't address the disaster, I had no choice but to personally visit the affected area.

It's precisely because of the Church's indifference that the God Eaters were able to take root and flourish here.

But Lady Vivi, accepting the God Eaters' charity is a betrayal of the Church of Augustus.

Both Cera and I owe an explanation to the Pope.

Return and report that the bishop of the disaster-stricken area has been dismissed, and now Vivi will take over the relief efforts.

I am also responsible for investigating the influence of the God Eaters in the disaster area.

...I cannot disobey the sage's command. What do you say, Lord Cera?

I will return and consult with Levia.

It's settled then. Thanks for your cooperation.

Cera, you are the Pope's most trusted subordinate. I hope you can persuade her when you return.

Having power alone is not enough; to keep the people believing in the divine voice, they must first experience the benevolent governance of the Church.

Alright, I'll pass the message along.

(Not seeing Vivi for several days, it's as if she's become a completely different person... more confident and resolute.)

Currently, the Empire is facing food shortages. Where do the God Eaters obtain these disaster relief supplies?

Smuggling of food across the border is rampant; I must investigate thoroughly.

The packaging of these foods has been wiped clean, but the taste seems familiar to me.

I remember now, this is the bread sold at Victoria chain Cafeteria!

Could it be that the Victoria family is also connected to the God Eaters...? Will Guinevere seek their protection?

It seems my investigation needs to go even further.

It seems like you've caught someone's attention, Audrey.

With her intelligence and status, she's likely to be closer to the church's secrets than we are...

However, we still don't know what kind of choice she'll make.

I believe in Cera's character, and I hope Levia hasn't completely brainwashed her.

On this journey into the night, I hope to have more companions by my side.