Under Vier's magic, the fallen members of the Black Scripture and Kerry were completely revived. The moment they regained consciousness, their gazes instinctively turned toward the crimson-dressed vampire standing blankly in the distance—fear unmistakably etched into their expressions.
As a faith-based magic caster, Vier also acted under Lock's orders to fully restore Raymond's severed arm and heal the God-kin Captain's injuries.
The regeneration was flawless.
Raymond flexed his restored fingers, his eyes darkening with unease.
This maid…
She wasn't just someone capable of teleportation magic.
How strange.
Just where had Baron Lock found so many abnormal individuals?
"Raymond," Kerry said after steadying herself, stepping closer.
"Should we bring this vampire back to the Theocracy now?"
Her keisei keikoku remained connected to the vampire, binding Shalltear's will completely.
"I advise against that."
Lock's calm voice cut in from the side.
Raymond and Kerry both turned toward him.
"For what reason?" Raymond asked.
"Didn't I already warn you?" Lock replied coldly.
"This vampire has companions. Among them is a magic caster capable of tracking her location with precision."
He smiled faintly.
"Does the Theocracy believe it can withstand ten beings no weaker than her?"
Raymond's expression darkened immediately.
They had personally witnessed the vampire's combat power.
If transporting her triggered retaliation—
That would be a catastrophe.
"…Then what do you suggest, Baron Lock?" Raymond asked after a pause.
"Extract the information you need," Lock said casually.
"Then leave her here."
Raymond considered briefly, then nodded.
"Kerry. Do as he says."
"I understand."
Kerry walked toward the motionless Shalltear.
Through keisei keikoku, vast amounts of information flowed into her mind:
The Great Tomb of Nazarick
Personnel structure
Power distribution
Internal command hierarchy
The gathered members of the Theocracy fell into stunned silence.
This wasn't an exaggeration.
Everything Lock had said… was true.
The world was on the brink of upheaval.
After organizing his thoughts, Raymond approached Lock again—this time with genuine gravity.
"Baron Lock. Regarding our cooperation—how exactly do you intend to proceed?"
Lock seemed pleased.
He reached into his storage space and produced a massive blueprint and a thick magic tome, handing both to Raymond.
"This is my plan."
Raymond unrolled the blueprint.
His breath caught.
"…This—this is real?" he asked, staring at the dense annotations and structures.
"You're telling me these functions truly exist?"
"Of course," Lock replied calmly.
"The book contains the foundation. I need the Theocracy to organize at least 120,000 magic casters to learn what's inside."
"Level doesn't matter," he continued.
"Even first-tier apprentices are sufficient. Two months is more than enough."
Raymond slowly exhaled.
"So that's why you chose us," he said quietly.
"Only the Theocracy could mobilize magic casters on this scale."
Then he looked up sharply.
"Have any of these functions already been realized?"
Lock raised an eyebrow.
"You're looking at the proof."
"Vier."
Vier stepped forward and bowed gracefully.
"Greetings, Chief Priest of the Slane Theocracy."
Lock's voice carried weight.
"Six years ago, she was an ordinary person—no magic talent whatsoever.
Now?"
"She is a tenth-tier faith-based magic caster."
Silence.
Raymond stared at Vier, unable to mask his shock.
"…This is absurd," he murmured.
Lock had already lost interest in lingering.
Clementine was approaching from a distance.
"Very well," Lock said.
"You may return to the Theocracy."
"Honor your promise."
"I'll be heading to the Royal Capital soon. Ensure the nobles connected to you seek me out there."
He turned.
"Vier. Brain. Let's go."
Raymond and the Black Scripture watched Lock's departing figure in silence.
After a moment—
"Raymond," someone asked quietly,
"Should we return now?"
Raymond tightened his grip on the blueprint and book.
"Yes. There's too much to consider.
I must convene the priests immediately."
They departed toward the Theocracy.
Only the vampire remained—standing motionless in the wilderness.
The world continued…
as if nothing had changed.
"Heeey~" Brain said lightly, breaking the silence.
"I'm the new guy here, right? Is it really okay for me to know all this?"
"A Kingdom noble colluding with the Theocracy to seize the throne—
If this leaks, you'll be hanged, you know?"
Lock glanced at him and smiled faintly.
"Don't worry."
"You're acting under coercion."
"I'll put a spell on your soul later."
Brain's mouth twitched.
"…How absolutely terrifying."
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