Chapter 32: Two Holy Knights

Kleisius’s statements and his assumption of responsibility seemed to ease the tension among the holy figures, as one middle-aged man holding a holy staff, likely a priest, nodded in response.

“Since the leader of the Temple Knights is personally here, we can rest easy, but the appearance of a demon in Holy Star City is no small matter. Please take this seriously, Captain Kleisius. Although this is just a partial demonization, it’s certainly not a coincidence. We can’t know if there are more demons lurking beneath the goddess’s light. The path of purification is long and arduous.”

The moment he heard the word “purification,” a barely perceptible gloom flashed across Kleisius’s brow, but he quickly nodded solemnly.

“Naturally, the appearance of a demon in Holy Star City indicates our Temple Knights have failed in our oversight. I will immediately report this to Archbishop Halewood and conduct a discreet investigation within the city. You may all rest assured.”

“Well, that’s good to hear. Praise the goddess. I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”

“Praise the goddess, and may everything go smoothly for you.”

With someone leading, the other holy figures, who were merely passing by, gradually dispersed, leaving behind only the half-demonized girl, Kleisius, and a young holy knight named Bowen.

Of course, there was also a certain Miss White Fox and her little companion watching from a distance. But seeing that Vilyric had no intention of approaching, and given their distance, Kleisius merely cast a gem-like glance in their direction, giving a slight nod, before turning his attention back to the holy knight beside him.

“Do us a favor and carry her. We need to head back to the temple immediately.”

Upon hearing this, Bowen seemed momentarily taken aback and then scratched his head in confusion.

“Um… Captain Kleisius, I’ve been wanting to ask, why are we bringing this demon back to the temple for investigation? According to the church’s guidelines, shouldn’t we immediately purify any demon or demonic pollutants upon discovery to avoid being influenced or tempted by them?”

“According to the doctrine, demonization is an irreversible process. She can now be considered a true demon, so wouldn’t it be better to purify her right here? How can we allow this filthy demon to taint the temple dedicated to the goddess?”

It seemed Kleisius had anticipated this question. He immediately explained in a gentle tone.

“Bowen, your understanding of doctrine and teachings is quite profound, and I appreciate that. But do remember, rules are rigid; we need to learn to be flexible. I believe you’ve heard the various rumors in the city. As the goddess said, ‘No smoke without fire.’ Given today’s events, it seems the demon has indeed infiltrated our homeland with malicious intent. Therefore, it’s essential to grasp any useful clues and prepare in advance, so we cannot purify this demon just yet.”

Bowen smacked his forehead in realization, his face suddenly filled with admiration.

“I see! As expected of the fearless knight, Captain Kleisius. Your foresight is incredibly enlightening! Praise the goddess, let’s set off now!”

“Yes, praise… the goddess.”

Kleisius released a spell that seemed to be intended to seal and suppress the demonized girl curled up on the ground. Bowen then helped lift the motionless girl and hurriedly left the area before the crowd converged again.

“Uh… Miss Xī?”

“Mm?”

Seeing the girl beside her remain utterly still, Renée seemed a little perplexed and cautiously probed.

“Um, are we just going to watch them leave? Aren’t we going to do something?”

The girl wearing the white fox mask couldn’t help but laugh.

“What do you want to do? Go up and heroically rescue the girl, or help the righteous church purify the filthy demon?”

“Uh… It’s not that, it’s just that I feel it’s a bit out of character for you to just stand by and do nothing. Shouldn’t you be interested in something that’s not so easily decipherable?”

“Hehe, you little girl…”

Miss White Fox smiled without speaking, gently ruffling Renée’s silky white hair, before turning to head back the way they came.

“Let’s go, it’s about time we rendezvous with Xiao Guang and the others.”

…

In the dark alley of Holy Star City.

“Captain Kleisius, why are we taking this small path? It feels eerie around here…”

Bowen, dressed in standard holy knight armor, adjusted his grip on the girl sealed by the faith magic behind him, asking with a tone of caution and confusion. However, the blonde young man walking ahead replied firmly.

“Bowen, have you forgotten the chaos that erupted when this girl was demonized in the streets? If we were to boldly head to the temple, it would only amplify the negative impact. Thus… we must remain discreet and avoid any commotion.”

“Oh! I see… as expected of Captain Kleisius! I can’t believe I didn’t consider this; I really need to mature!”

Bowen nodded emphatically, no longer questioning, as he kept alert to his surroundings while quickening his pace.

At that moment, the leader of the Temple Knights walking slightly ahead suddenly spoke, bringing up a seemingly off-topic question.

“By the way, Bowen, are you the only son in the Bernal family?”

“Huh?”

Feeling a bit puzzled, the holy knight turned his head to meet Kleisius’s calm, light blue gaze, then awkwardly laughed and explained.

“I’m not the only son. Though our Bernal family is a small clan, counting me, there are about ten members in total. I’m the eldest son, with two younger brothers studying at the Holy Academy and a little sister who isn’t even ten. It’s a bit embarrassing, but even though I’m the oldest, my younger siblings seem to have far better light affinity than I do, and their futures will likely surpass mine, heh…”

“I see, then I’m relieved…”

“Huh? Captain Kleisius, what do you mean by ‘relieved’…?”

Bowen tilted his head in confusion, but another holy knight cut off that abrupt topic.

“Nothing, let’s hurry along.”

“Oh, okay.”

The two walked quickly, and while this path to the Holy Star City temple was convenient, it was also quite lonely. Soon, the area around them became sparse, and tall walls soared on both sides of the alley. Even though it was still daytime outside, the surroundings visibly darkened.

It felt like a shadow beneath the light, sending chills down their spines.

Holy knight Bowen also seemed uneasy amidst the winter’s chill and the eerie quiet. Thus, he finally stopped.

“Speaking of which, Captain Kleisius, how much longer until we reach the temple? Is this path you mentioned really that long?”

“Oh, it’s not far; we’ll be there soon.”

“Really? Hehe, that’s good. Carrying a demon around here feels a bit…”

“Thud.”

A long sword gleaming with cold light suddenly sliced through the unguarded gap in the young knight’s neck armor, splattering a large amount of crimson.

Blood gushed forth, and before the young holy knight in the shadows could finish his sentence, he collapsed, lifeless.

   

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