Aisha and Airi had just become Heroes, still unfamiliar with a Hero's power.

Or rather, even if they were familiar.

Leaving them alone to face the Radiant Church's cleric enforcers—

this armed force representing the Church's authority—

would only end with them taken away without resistance.

Thus, Roy's deliberate act of bringing adventurers here,

originally meant for his own plan,

unintentionally created another coincidence:

making them the main force protecting Elsa and Airi.

The boy propped his chin on his hand, watching the tense standoff.

His lips curved up slightly, revealing an innocent smile.

"Now, things are getting interesting."

Elsa wanted to stop Uncle Enlil.

As a nun devoted to the Goddess of Light,

her trust in the Church left no room for doubt.

But she didn't know the vast difference

between the outer city's Church and the inner city's.

According to Sophia, owner of Dreamland Village under Roy,

the inner city bishops visited her shop every three days on average.

They often demanded "Succubus boys" be added.

Sadly, Succubi were a unique all-female race among Demonfolk.

When mating with outsiders, boy children were purely outsider race;

girl children were purely Succubus.

So Sophia, overwhelmed, refused the corrupt bishops.

"I'm afraid I cannot comply!"

In short, these Church vermin's corruption and debauchery

far exceeded ordinary imagination.

Innocent Elsa, trusting the Radiant Church,

knew nothing of this.

Roy quickly stopped her.

"Don't go, Elsa."

"They mean no good. No intention of proper talk."

"But—"

"No buts, Elsa."

His gaze was sincere, filled with concern.

"Think: the Radiant Church should sense a Hero's emergence.

Yet they only want to detain you for bishop verification.

Doesn't that feel wrong? Bishops shouldn't restrain Heroes.

As believers, they must help you—blessed by the Goddess—

not control you and Airi like your power's their property.

With such arrogance, what might they do to you... and Airi?"

Elsa turned pale, understanding.

She wasn't blindly loyal.

She believed in the Goddess of Light

because teachings said she showered soft light on the world,

granting happiness. The Radiant Church existed

to continue that work, spreading light to benefit all.

If the Goddess's true actions were dark and cruel,

if the Church grew corrupt and fallen,

she'd no longer be the Goddess's believer.

She'd no longer be a Radiant Church nun!

Airi glared with resistance at the Church's unfriendly enforcers.

"I trust Uncle Enlil and Roy more..."

That was her answer.

Unlike her idealistic sister, Airi sided only with those close to her.

As a world-caring Hero, it seemed inadequate.

But as a friend or lover? Wonderful.

"Wait and see, Elsa," Roy said.

"We'll protect you and Airi, no matter what."

"...I understand, Roy."

Meanwhile, Uncle Enlil approached Pastor Kaela with his battle-axe,

ready to "reason" with him.

Sadly, he'd rushed out without his old companion, the Lionblood Swordshield—

far more formidable than this third-tier axe.

Third-tier weapons used materials from third-tier magical beasts.

Adventurers created a nine-tier system for convenience,

applying to beasts and adventurers alike.

Kingdom-level adventurers needed sixth-tier strength or higher,

plus fame from kingdom battles,

to earn the Adventurer's Guild's medal and title.

A third-tier weapon was mid-to-low grade,

but in former Kingdom-level Enlil's hands, it still exuded might.

He strode to Kaela, locking fierce eyes.

Kaela stood firm, unfazed, cold gaze matching his.

Holding a polearm warhammer, he was a demon-hunting pastor—

the opposite of administrative pastors who guided faith.

Demon-hunters sent enemies to meet the Goddess with warhammers!

As a main temple demon-hunter leading enforcers,

Kaela was formidable. In his prime,

he wielded the Church's exclusive demon magic.

Altogether, he rivaled a Kingdom-level adventurer.

Kaela stared at Enlil's sharp eyes, fearless.

"I know you, Enlil, president of the Adventurer's Guild.

Don't obstruct the bishops' orders.

Or I'll arrest you for defying the Church."

His flat tone oozed arrogant confidence.

Uncle Enlil laughed bitterly.

"Defying the Church? Has all Eoliel

become your Radiant Church's iron-fisted kingdom?"

Adventurers behind him murmured agreement.

They too resented the Church's covert rule.

Eoliel was nominally a king's realm,

but truly a theocracy. Church power surpassed royalty;

even coronations needed the Pope's approval.

Without it, kings were mere usurpers.

Kaela's face darkened instantly.

He preferred defeating foes over debate—

fulfilling orders and his faith's teachings.

Enlil sensed the pastor's aura shift.

Kaela gripped his warhammer with both hands,

slamming it into the fragile ground.

The earth shook violently. Enlil dodged,

then fearlessly swung his axe.

Battle erupted between the former Kingdom-level adventurer

and the active demon-hunting pastor.

At that exact moment,

the disguised Elven Maid arrived.

Seeing the scene, her golden pupils trembled.

—What?! Someone... stole my job!?