I Became the Priest of Blasphemy of the Outer Gods

Chapter 52 Interrogation (3)

I did not know the exact limits of the blessings I had received. It was possible that items related to mental interference could easily block its influence. Therefore, it was possible that Caelo, who had many items, was unaffected.

‘Just like I thought about Lia.’

In reality, it was a very ambiguous matter. Just because someone felt affection did not mean they would express it well, and if other emotions became intense, that affection might not be apparent. But wearing just pajamas without any sign of items, despite my visit being rude, considering her previously cold demeanor…

“You seem to have reached at least the first rank, but you haven’t told anyone.”

“What do you mean… I don’t understand. Can professors see students’ ranks?”

At Lia’s words, I suddenly thought of a status window. … It would have been convenient if there were one.

“Professor?”

“No, of course not. But Tako can do that.”

Eldritch turned to me with a ‘Me?’ expression, and Lia looked at Eldritch.

“Strictly speaking… I can sense a certain level of strength. If it doesn’t work, then the person is at least first rank or higher.”

“…… Tsk.”

“Miss, did you just click your tongue?”

“Yes.”

Displaying an absurdly confident attitude, Lia opened the door.

“Come in. I’ll explain everything.”

As soon as I entered, Lia closed the door and sighed.

“Are you really Luminaries? Or perhaps Stigmata? There are such rumors going around.”

“Of course, I am neither. But I was dispatched due to a series of incidents.”

“So you came because of those murder cases. Do you think I’m the culprit?”

Lia did not hide her displeasure.

“To be clear, I am not the culprit.”

“Do you have any means to prove your innocence?”

“I wish I did. Obviously, I don’t, which is why you came to investigate.”

The sharp responses continued. Every word felt like a prick from a needle, which irritated me as well.

“Then, what will you say about your rank?”

“It’s true I have no rank.”

“Explain, please.”

“To put it simply, it’s just that I obtained equivalent power through a contract.”

The sudden statement felt like a punch to the gut.

“You obtained more than first-rank power through a contract? Does that make sense?”

“Why? Didn’t you know about this method, Professor?”

“I do know about it. But it’s not something an ordinary student would be able to handle.”

Obtaining power that would otherwise not be possible through a contract with a powerful entity. This setting naturally existed in ≪Orders≫, just like in many games.

“It brings more harm than good. It’s also very dangerous. But above all, it’s not something a mere first-year student should be able to accomplish.”

“I am somewhat special. I caught the interest of an entity from beyond.”

Lia then turned around and unexpectedly untied her top and dropped her clothes. I wasn’t surprised, as I had a rough idea of what she intended to show.

“… You made a contract with one of the Demon Kings.”

A tattoo… no, a brand. An intricate golden brand was engraved on her back. Thanks to my knowledge of ≪Orders≫, I could recognize it as a mark signifying a contract with a Demon King.

“You truly know your stuff, just as expected from a summoning magic professor.”

Lia readjusted her attire.

In ≪Orders≫, the Demon King wasn’t an embodiment of absolute evil from traditional fantasy, nor the greatest enemy that a hero must defeat in the present world.

They were beings composed of 72 entities.

Commonly known as ‘Goetia’, or the ’72 Demons of Solomon’.

“Does that mean you received the Demon King’s attention?”

“Well, it’s a self-deprecating expression. Sympathy? Mockery? Even those are forms of attention, I suppose.”

Lia gave a self-mocking smile.

“Believe it or not, before I fell ill, I was considered a promising talent. I have a peculiar constitution that increases the amount of mana over time. Moreover, I instinctively know efficient ways to utilize mana… A talent destined for greatness, they said. At least, that’s how some people saw me.”

‘Is that… a combination of 〈Late Bloomer〉 and 〈Efficiency Expert〉?’

Just by her explanation, it seemed very similar to traits found in ≪Orders≫.

If she indeed had both, she was born with considerable talent.

‘〈Late Bloomer〉 was slow to progress, but eventually, it grants an endless supply of mana. I hadn’t taken it myself because it barely has any tangible effect in the early and mid-stages…’

“Though my rank wasn’t high, my family had considerable wealth. But then, one day, this illness started. Not just me, but my entire family fell ill.”

Lia pressed her chest with a pained expression.

“Breathing itself grew increasingly painful. I tried every miracle to cure it, but nothing worked.”

“And then the Demon King reached out?”

“Strictly speaking, I attempted to make contact first. Since no human knew anything, I thought maybe a demon might. I didn’t expect the Demon King to respond directly.”

It was an extremely rare occurrence. As expected…

“But even then, it wasn’t out of kindness. They said they disliked humans?”

That was it.

For reasons unknown, demons were highly antagonistic towards humans.

“Their words were harsh, saying things like, ‘Weaklings like you shouldn’t meddle in forbidden matters,’ or, ‘If you were exceptionally talented, it might have been worth helping, but you’re too mediocre…'”

It clearly bothered her, as anger dripped from Lia’s voice.

“What could I do? I begged like a dog, pleading for my life and for my family’s cure. But they told me neither my family nor I held enough value. Instead, they offered me a chance to struggle and prove my worth.”

“What kind of contract did you make?”

“They said I would’ve lived roughly 80 years if I weren’t ill. But since I was fated to die before turning even 25, they asked if I’d offer up my lifespan.”

Lifespan…?

Could such a contract even exist?

“40 years of the life I should’ve had. And my soul to be bound after death.”

“Is that all?”

“As part of the contract, I cannot speak further about it. And I cannot tell you who the contract is with.”

Lia gestured, zipping her mouth as if indicating she was magically forbidden from revealing more.

“As a result, you gained a power equivalent to at least Rank 1. And with that power, you pursued research to alleviate the illness?”

“Yes. I’ve been diligently researching potion production.”

In ≪Orders≫, where healing magic didn’t exist, recovery skills like treatment and detoxification fell under miracles. But potions were different.

Potions were made using herbs imbued with mana.

Using mana to enhance their effects or combining them with other herbs fell into the domain of magic.

“I heard you also received a special sedative.”

“Oh, that odd thing?”

Lia rummaged through her drawer before taking out a small bottle.

“This… I have no idea what it’s made of. It might be my lack of skill, but none of the usual herbal ingredients for a sedative were in it.”

“Really? To that extent?”

“Yes. I tried to stop Lilybell from taking it, but she wouldn’t listen. She said it works, but who knows about the side effects.”

Lia handed me the bottle.

“Is our business concluded?”

“Why did you keep your contract with the Demon King a secret?”

“It’s part of the contract. In the case of someone like you who has directly grasped the clues, it’s alright, but if I just go around telling everyone, I’d start bleeding from every hole in my body on the spot.”

“What if I were to speak about it?”

“That wouldn’t matter. It’s a somewhat loose contract in certain aspects.”

Lia responded, showing signs of irritation.

“I understand. I’ll report this information to only a small group. But… may I ask why your reaction is so sharp?”

It’s not like it was expected to be greeted warmly.

“You woke me up after not having two weeks of sleep.”

Lia pulled out and shook a gleaming herb from her pocket.

“… I’m sorry about that. Please, go back to sleep.”

“I can’t sleep now.”

… The sense of guilt only grew larger.

I apologized once more to Lia, who was exuding displeasure from being disturbed, and then stepped outside.

Although it posed issues for me to consume, the special sedative I acquired this time would greatly aid in interrogating Caelo.

“So, Caelo is really Sharl…”

I immediately reported the matter to Luminaries and stressed the need to quickly interrogate Caelo.

Arian, who had the power of the “White Light of Truth,” was here, but I was informed that we couldn’t use it yet as the permission hadn’t been granted. According to Luminaries, even if the investigation involved heretical actions, it took some time to obtain permission when the target was a noble.

“As a result, even the military officers are not in a good mood. They’re not showing it, though.”

‘Damned caste system.’

In the end, I decided to take a break to prepare for the interrogation scheduled for the next morning and returned to my room. Or so I intended.

“Excuse me! Are you Professor Simon Magus?!”

Turning around to a voice loud enough to make my ears ring, I saw Arian standing there, striking a gallant pose.

Naturally, the nearby students’ attention focused on us.

‘Although Luminaries always draw gazes just by passing through…’

“I’ve come to express my gratitude on behalf of Luminaries! Thanks to you, the investigation has progressed!”

The students whispered among themselves.

“Isn’t that the new professor?”

“They’re thanking him on behalf of Luminaries? What did he do?”

Did it really have to be this public?

The attention was overwhelming.

‘… No, wait. It’s Arian. She must have a reason for doing this.’

Settling the various thoughts swirling in my mind, I put on a smile.

“I’m glad I could be of help. It’s a bit embarrassing to receive such public thanks.”

“There’s no need to feel that way! You’ve been incredibly helpful! Your contributions have been immense!”

While the students’ curiosity grew, Arian suddenly drew an ornate sword. Her precise, ceremonial actions with the sword drew my gaze despite myself.

‘Why is she being so dramatic…’

“I, Arian Elata! Not just as a military officer of Luminaries, but also as a knight, received special orders from the higher-ups!”

… No way?

As I guessed what was happening, I felt myself freeze in place.

“From this moment, I, Arian Elata, have been tasked with personally guarding the professor! Under Hayat’s light, I am honored to undertake this mission! I’ll wield this sword right beside you to ensure no danger harms you!”

With a flourish, Arian placed her hand holding the sword against her chest and bowed.

‘Ah… I really hate this.’

*Clap clap clap!*

Unaware of my true feelings, the students applauded.