Heavenly Inquisition Sword

Episode 1369. Do you believe in Mana Phthras?

Fabian saw the gray robe the opponent was wearing and knew that he was related to the Manaphthras cult.

He could be a priest, but judging from his size, he was most likely a paladin.

If it was like usual, I might have tried to apologize and move on.

However, Fabian, who had been dumped by his lover and his emotions were raging, did not do so.

“Looks like someone from the Manaphthras cult, but a priest? Are you a paladin?”

Paladin Metatron, a paladin among paladins, looked at the young man with dazzled eyes.

How can you say that even though you know that you are affiliated with the Mana Phras Church?

As expected, it is a statement worthy of those who have heretical thoughts.

“I am the paladin Metatron. Who are you to dare to take the name of Mana Phrass in vain? You look like a knight, but if you were knighted, would you have the courage to reveal your name?”

As if mocking, Metatron imitated his opponent’s words.

Paladins have the same status as temple priests, and if you compare them with knights, they are sword experts.

Even in the midst of his excitement, Fabian couldn’t help but be startled.

But now I can’t pull it back and I don’t want to.

“I am Fabian Cloud, a knight of the Escatos Kingdom. But when did I take Mana Phthras’s name in vain?”

“You just said, ‘Did Mana Phrass really exist? Isn’t it cheating?’ Would you deny it?”

“That’s it…”

Fabian tried to make a lame excuse.

Metatron even made a chin gesture as if to try more with a relaxed attitude.

The restaurant became quiet as the two quarreled.

Elio took the place of Fabian, who had become desperate.

“Paladin, my group got excited and made a mistake. I prayed to Mana Phrass, but I complained that he didn’t listen… I’m sorry if I didn’t listen to you. I would appreciate it if you could understand it with the generosity of a clergyman.”

Elio believes in Manaptras.

How can you deny its existence when you come to another world at the request of Mana Phthras and go through hardships?

In addition, the Paladins of Mana Phthras were recognized as on the same side.

For that reason, I humbled myself to put an end to this fruitless controversy.

For a moment, Metatron’s eyes lit up.

I heard Count Elio Lagoa was rough and savage, but such politeness.

“Who are you?”

“Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Count Elio Lagoa.”

“…”

Metatron stared at Count Helio Lagoa with deep eyes.

Elio did not avert his gaze.

After a while, Metatron’s mouth opened.

In any case, it was because he was the one who had to verify Count Helio Lagoa’s heretical ideology.

“Count Lagoa, do you believe in Mana Phrass?”

“I… don’t believe it.”

Metatron was taken aback for a moment by the opponent’s words of denying Mana Phras so easily.

Then, what was the attitude of defending Baron Cloud a moment ago?

“Are you confessing that you are a heretic yourself?”

“Why is it heresy not to believe?”

“That is to deny Mana Phrass-nim…”

“Denial? When did I deny Mana Phthras? I know he exists, but I just do not serve him.”

“What kind of weird logic is that? Knowing that He exists, how can I not serve?”

“Paladin-nim, do you know that the evil god Shaitin exists?”

“You know? Extermination of the followers of evil spirits is the main task of us paladins.”

“I know, but you don’t serve evil spirits, but rather go out to destroy their followers, don’t you? I know Mana Phthras, too, but I just don’t serve him.”

“As expected, you were the master of the evil god, Shaitin!”

Metatron’s tone changed dramatically.

This is because unless you are a follower of the evil god Shaitin, you cannot reject Mana Phrass.

Elio, who became frustrated at the same time, raised his voice.

“When did I say that I served the evil god Shaitin? I do not worship any gods, let alone Manapthras and the evil god Shaytin!”

“…”

For a moment, a heavy silence fell over the restaurant.

Those who knew the name of the paladin Metatron left one by one.

Twelve paladins in gray robes lined up behind Metatron.

The Paladins secretly finished preparing for battle and waited for Metatron’s command.

However, Metatron’s mouth hardly opened.

While the Church of Mana Phras eradicated wicked people and heretics, it was tolerant of unbelievers.

This is because, to them, non-believers are the target of propagation, not the target of slaughter.

“You called yourself an unbeliever. I’ll ask if As an unbeliever, why did you spread heretical claims about Mana Phras and the evil god Shaytin?”

“Am I? What claim did you spread?”

“The Abyss is known as the abode of Ushas Undra. But you said that the Abyss was the hideout of the evil god Shaitin. It was also said that the gods were involved in the war between the Empire and the Southern Kingdom. Admit it?”

“Why is that heresy?”

“Ushas Undra is a faithful servant of Mana Phras. However, you said that the evil god, Shaitin, resides in the abode of that faithful servant. How can good and evil be in one place! The involvement of the gods in the war between the Empire and the Southern Kingdoms is an absurd claim that is not even worth mentioning. You are a self-proclaimed unbeliever, and you have spread heretical claims. Therefore, with the authority given to me by His Holiness, I sentence you to immediate death. Will you humbly accept the church’s decision?”

“You want me to die?”

“If you withdraw your claim in public, it may open up a way for you to live.”

Elio pondered.

“I thought it was because of Fabian, but you’ve been looking for me from the beginning, right?”

“I will not deny it. Because your heretical remarks reached the ears of His Holiness the high priest, the priest ordered me to investigate.”

“I’m not a member of that church, so I don’t want you to say heresy?”

“I know very well that you are an unbeliever. Saying something different from the teachings of the church is heresy.”

Metatron looked at Count Lagoa with complicated eyes.

Honestly, if he only talked about the evil god, Shaitin, I’d be willing to just ignore it.

However, the problem is that he touched something related to Mana Phthras.

Elio, who was staring at the paladin, opened his mouth.

“You said how can good and evil be in one place? The church doesn’t know that Ushas Undra has gone over to the side of the evil god Shaytin, don’t they?”

“Unbelievers, do you think you can escape the judgment of the Order just because you are a Grand Master?”

“Answer me. I’m really curious. I heard that you believe in and serve Lord Mana Phthras? Then Manaptras-sama would have taught me. Why don’t you know that important thing? Are you not able to communicate?”

“I thought you were an unbeliever, but you turned out to be crazy.”

Metatron shook his head excitedly.

There have been countless referees so far, but this is the first time someone has said something like that.

Doubt the faith of the clergy of the church?

It’s okay to be suspicious of such a dirty self, but His Holiness the High Priest and the Priests are different.

They were truly impeccable priests, without a speck of blemish.

“Let’s not insult each other as a paladin. You suddenly look vulgar.”

Along with the horse, Elio rose from his seat.

That paladin looked stronger than any humans he had ever fought.

Of course, compared to the demon lord, it’s still lacking.

As he moved, twelve paladins reflexively pulled out their longswords.

However, Metatron did not lift a finger with an indifferent face.

“Paladin uncles, let’s go outside and judge the church. If this store breaks down, you have to pay for it. I don’t know if it’s okay because the church is rich, but I am poor.”

Elio looked at Metatron with eyes seeking consent.

Metatron nodded and led the paladins out.

As Elio took a step, Fabian followed and said.

“Don’t kill me.”

“why?”

“If you kill a paladin, you will suffer assassination for the rest of your life. I will definitely get revenge.”

“Are the clergy behind the scenes so bad?”

“It’s no joke. Even the emperor is afraid of assassination, so he doesn’t touch the church.”

“You can catch them all and execute them according to the law.”

“Cult assassins consider execution a martyrdom. There is no way.”

“They are nasty guys.”

“The clergy are best appeased.”

“okay. I’ll try to soothe you with my fist.”

“Please don’t let only martyrs come out. The moment the martyr comes out, I don’t know Sir Lagoa… but I really die.”

“Why are you suddenly making weak noises? Didn’t you seem to have no regrets in life just a moment ago?”

With the horse, Elio left without looking back.

As Elio and Fabian went outside, a paladin turned and walked as if to follow them.

The place where the paladin stopped was a huge plaza in the northern part.

Paladins drove the citizens in the center of the plaza to the outskirts.

As the sun went down completely, the mana stone lamppost lit up like a system.

When Elio reached the center of the plaza, Metatron raised his voice.

“I, Paladin Metatron and Paladins, with the authority granted by the Church of Mana Phthras, judge Count Elio Lagoa, the source of the heresy!”

Then the twelve paladins shouted in unison.

“It is great! The power of Mana Phrass!”

“He will destroy the wicked and heretics!”

Elio, who had been watching the Paladins with a sullen face, struck back.

“I, Elio Lagoa, lord of the Northern Slash Land and Principality of Latinus, and disciple of Shastra Parakti (Sage of the Nine Heavens), give a stern warning to the Church of Mana Phras! Don’t sell out the name of Mana Phrass! Realize what Mana Phras’s true intentions are!”

Metatron’s face contorted at the words ‘Apostle of Shastra Parakti’.

“this guy! You are the father of lies! How can an unbeliever like you be an apostle of Lord Shastra Parakti! What are you doing! Strike the wicked one!”

When Metatron’s command was given, twelve paladins flew like rays of light toward Count Elio Lagoa.

The longswords of the Paladins imbued with divine power shone white.

Then, Elio also took out the ‘Sword of Void’ from Mahadam.

Before long, Elio and the Paladins confronted each other.

Contrary to everyone’s expectations, the fight ended in vain.

The Paladins were blown away by Elio’s ‘Sword of Void’.

Fortunately, he was struck with a black blade and no blood splattered.

Still, the shock must have been so great that the Paladins could not get up from their places.

As the paladins were overpowered in a single blow, Metatron frowned.

It’s not some kind of great swordsmanship, it’s just like a joke, wielding a sword like that!

He moved along with the promise of ‘I need to make the paladin’s swordsmanship training more severe’.

‘Mana Phrass! Help the poor servant!’

He first bestowed the blessings of protection and focus on his body.

My skin hardened like steel and the passage of time slowed down.

Even the smallest movements of Count Lagoa were clearly visible.

The blessing of concentration is not limited to mental power.

When you become a paladin, you can even control the flow of time.

In front of him, the grand master’s swordsmanship is meaningless.

This is because no matter how great the opponent’s swordsmanship is, they look as slow as slugs.

As if Metatron’s body was wearing Blink, ‘Puck!’ and disappeared

Soon after, the white shining blade pierced Elio’s neck.