Inner Destroyer

　"I defeated Romani Domingo and won my second Silver Coin. As far as I know, there are not many people in history who have won multiple Silver Coins."

　First, Qi Xing spoke about this matter.

　"The demon king holding one silver coin is already terrifying to you, let alone I now have two? Of course, I don't intend to hand over the silver coin, nor do I intend to be driven crazy by the silver coin - so how does the Holy See intend to get along with me?"

　This made Remina and Gwendolyn look at each other in bewilderment. As for Father Amos... well, he probably wasn't the right person to join in on this topic.

　"As a representative of Vlad and the Dragon Knights, I don't think Qi Xing has gone mad or fallen."

　Then Remina spoke first, not to Qi Xing but to the others present.

　"This is my conclusion based on my observations over the past day. Until I believe Qi Xing has fallen, the Dragon Knights will not change their current attitude towards him."

　After she finished speaking, she glanced at the others and continued, "Qi Xing, that kid, no matter what he says, if he truly sees someone suffering, he will definitely still help and fight. Someone with empathy who can't bear to see suffering and not stop it is clearly far from being corrupted."

　Qi Xing lowered his head and expressed his gratitude to this older friend - although he probably couldn't be considered an elder.

　However, Lady Remina could only represent herself and Duke Dracula, representing the dragon believers of the Roman Catholic Church. After all, her family's relationship with the upper echelons of the Church was not that deep.

　Someone who could speak for the Vatican's top brass was supposed to be Father Amos, a close confidant of the Pope. But he had already gotten himself into big trouble, so of course he could only stand aside awkwardly.

　Finally, it was Captain Gwendolyn who spoke up: "The Roman Catholic Church will do nothing to you, Master Rep."

　"do nothing?"

　These words finally made Qi Xing stunned for a moment.

　"I'm afraid the Vice-Pontiff insists on doing so."

　Gwendolen nodded.

　"Since ancient times, the Silver Coin Messenger has been regarded as a natural disaster. Unless the situation is extremely serious, the Church will not be so bored as to reason with a tornado or an earthquake."

　Qi Xing was speechless.

　You guys... Although he can understand that this is a survival strategy that you have to resort to... but this is too... After all, you are the leaders of the righteous side of this world...

　"It's precisely because we are the greatest representatives of righteousness that we can't get hurt by you. Besides, this year has been a very eventful one."

　Gwendolen sighed.

　"Let's not even mention the global pandemic of the past three years. This year, the war in Eastern Europe is becoming increasingly uncertain, conflicts in the Middle East continue, the Congolese civil war is intensifying, riots have broken out in Colombia, and the situation in Haiti is deteriorating... plus, the know-it-all president has returned to the White House... hopefully he's forgotten the Pope's disrespectful remarks during his first term, otherwise there will be a whole host of problems..."

　"Add to that the devastating blow inflicted on Rome by the 'Silver Messenger,' Romani Domingo. The Roman Catholic Church's finances and human resources are now under unprecedented strain. It lacks both the ability and the willingness to intervene in your actions, 'Rep Master.'"

　"If you need it, the church will continue to assist you. But for the sake of our friendship over the past three years, please don't bring too much pain to the world. There are already too many people suffering in this world."

　To be honest, Qi Xing really can’t stand the Vatican’s current attitude.

　He knew what the Knight Commander said was true, especially in recent years, the economic situation of the Roman Catholic Church was indeed more tense than ever before. But...how should I put it...you are the Holy See?

　Isn't the Church usually a mid-to-late-stage boss in urban fantasy works? Why is it now lying down with tears in its eyes and letting me █, and its only condition is that for the sake of the people, please don't █ too hard?

　Qi Xing knew, however, that if the Vatican went haywire and launched a desperate fight against him—even if the Vatican truly had some hidden weapon that could miraculously kill Qi Xing—what would happen then? The result would be that at least most of the Vatican's experts would be killed by Qi Xing, and the righteous forces around the world would be in danger.

　"The Vice-Pope insists on this... so what about the Pope?"

　The Pope and the Holy Father mean the same thing. Qi Xing asked again out of curiosity.

　"The Pope is 88 years old this year. He hasn't undergone the ascetic training that exorcists have. He recently had pneumonia and his health is not optimistic."

　At this point, Gwendolen actually glared at Father Amos fiercely, causing Amos to lower his eyes guiltily.

　Qi Xing didn't understand Vatican politics, nor was he interested. So he didn't know that the current Pope had always been Father Amos's biggest supporter. Many archbishops had complained during previous meetings that Amos was just a priest, not even a bishop, yet he was constantly jumping around in Vatican politics, vigorously promoting reforms and, of course, making countless enemies.

　Originally, it was difficult to say who was right or wrong in this matter. After all, reform isn't always right, and conservatism isn't always wrong. But this time, Amos had caused such a mess with the "Silver Messenger" incident that the Pope was so angry that he was hospitalized.

　The sharp eyes of the Knight Commander are like a sword

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　Father Amos was silent for a moment, and finally he sighed slowly.

　"I'm old."

　His voice was low and hoarse, filled with deep fatigue and helplessness.

　"I've fought my entire life, wanting to change the world, to make it a better place." He smiled bitterly, "But I've never succeeded. Darkness still lingers, people still suffer, and evil still grows from the shadows... I've spent my entire life fighting, but in the end..."

　His hands trembled slightly, as if he was finally exhausted after gripping his weapons countless times and fighting against the darkness.

　“So, I made a mistake.”

　The morning light penetrated the stained glass of the lounge and shone on the ground, as if even this light was unwilling to protect Amos's shaken soul.

　"I shouldn't have used you... I shouldn't have used my disciples, I shouldn't have used my friends."

　He closed his eyes and gave a low, bitter laugh.

　"But I finally wavered. I finally thought, since no miracle has happened yet, maybe—maybe, like Spina said, I can try my luck with the power of the devil."

　“However, when darkness came, when I was fighting against the spirits of the stillborn, I seemed to hear the sigh of God…”

　After saying that, Father Amos finally bowed his head slowly and apologized to Qi Xing and Elaine, as if he had finally let go of all his stubbornness, leaving only an old and exhausted man.

　It was like confessing to heaven and also like apologizing to them.

　"My faith has been shaken, my glory days are gone..."

　He spoke again, his voice growing weary.

　"So, it's time for me to step down."

　Raising his head, Amos's gaze lingered on his apprentice Elaine for a moment, and finally revealed a slight smile - it was a smile of resignation, but also with a hint of relief.

　"From now on, Sister Elaine, the position of president of the International Exorcist Association will be handed over to you."

　"Only if humans don't give up hope will God continue to protect us. Don't forget this like I did, Elaine."

　-

　And just like that, Remina, Gwendolen, and Amos all left.

　Qi Xing and Elaine were the only ones left in the lounge.

　"Qi Xing, you must be very tired today. Have a good rest first."

　After saying that, Elaine also prepared to leave the room.

　But Qi Xing reached out and grabbed her.

　"Miss Elaine, before I set out to kill Romani, did you say something very interesting?"

　He asked directly,

　"Do you like me, or do you like me, or do you like me?"

　In an instant, Elaine's face turned red. Her fair cheeks were quietly stained with a layer of crimson, as if the morning light reflected on the first snow in winter, and even the tips of her ears were quietly flushed with a faint glow of heat.

　This was an expression that Elaine had never shown in front of Qi Xing in her normal role as the exorcist's assistant.

　"Yes."

　But Elaine did not avoid the question of Qi Xing.

　"As a woman, as a warrior, and as someone you saved, I like you very much in every way... I really... adore you."

　The more she spoke, the redder her face became. Smoke was almost coming out of her ears. She was extremely shy. It seemed that although she was a pure French person, Elaine's level in this aspect was not quite up to par!

　But Qi Xing still felt extremely happy! Flirting with a woman and making her say naughty words was actually a great sense of accomplishment, a great sense of dominance and sadomasochism!

　So what the Loli Evil God complained about was correct, Qi Xing also had some perverted desires.

　With such a beautiful girl with white hair and blue eyes staying by his side all day, taking care of him and even feeding him, it would be ridiculous to say that Qi Xing never had any desire for her. He's not a sheep's tail!

　Qi Xing would never say something insincere like "I don't want to ██ with her because she's my comrade."

　Now Qi Xing finally faced and mastered his inner fear. So, you like me, and I like you, so why bother with such fuss?

　Seeing her redder cheeks and pale pink lips, Qi Xing couldn't help but move closer. Realizing what he was about to do, Elaine's eyes widened. Although she was so nervous that she froze in place, she didn't move away.

　The moment their lips touched, she froze for a moment, then closed her eyes, her fingertips unconsciously clenching Qi Xing's clothes.

　But then, as Qi Xing put his arm around her waist and tried to carry her to the bed, Elaine finally reacted and quickly jumped back, her cheeks as red as ripe cherries: "No, no!"

　"No pornography!"

　060: I'm on top! And you're on the bottom!

　Can't be sexy?

　what?

　What has happened? Miss Elaine, you are kidding, right?

　But Qi Xing still stopped: "Why?"

　He has understood the principle of "responsibility" and the boundary between love and desire is clear, so he no longer nags - but no matter what, if the girl doesn't want to, Qi Xing will definitely not force it.

　"Why... no matter what, I'm still a nun..."

　Although Elaine complained immediately, her cheeks were still burning red and her breathing was still disordered. She didn't have the energy to complain or resist at all.

　If Qi Xing was a little more sadistic, he might have pushed Elaine down with some reluctance... But this kind of thing is still not a good thing after all.

　And

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　...Nun... Well, I did say before that nuns have taken a vow of chastity and cannot engage in adultery...

　"Oh, that's how it is."

　Although he said it calmly, Qi Xing's expression showed that he was actually a little frustrated.

　We're clearly in love, you like me, I like you, and yet we can't even do anything! If this is in the notebook...why not just do it now... As soon as this thought came to mind, the new silver coin in Qi Xing's pocket began to stir and heat, practically emitting the power to fulfill his desire! Startled, Qi Xing immediately calmed down and composed himself!

　He could almost hear the Loli Evil God chuckling in his ear: "—Puff puff puff, silly boy, you don't think that taming the desire to "dominate" is equivalent to taming all desires, right?"

　噫

　"You want to control yourself, but you also want desire. If you want both, be careful. One day you'll end up with a split personality like Romani—"

　The desire to "dominate" is essentially the desire for control; however, isn't the fear of awakening the same fear also the fear of "change"?

　Qi Xing quickly patted his face to calm himself down.

　In many stories, the temptations of demons and evil forces are just as funny as they are funny, and in fact have no side effects at all.

　But silver coins themselves were something you couldn't take lightly. They wouldn't even speak to tempt you like the devils in stories, but would simply sense your desires and begin spinning like crazy.

　Although Elaine couldn't hear the devil's private chat, she knew Qi Xing very well. When she saw Qi Xing's expression suddenly change, she immediately understood about 40% of what was going on and guessed that the devil was probably up to something again.

　So, even though she was so shy that her ears were about to burst into flames, Elaine immediately said, "Actually, I won't be a nun forever."

　This is so embarrassing! It's like I'm declaring "I actually want to be horny too!"

　"what?"

　Qi Xing was a little surprised.

　"Can a nun be inappropriate in the middle of life?"

　"Of course. And the Privy Council asked me to take over the position of president of the Association. It would be impossible for me to take over as an ordinary nun."

　Elaine quickly changed back to her businesslike tone and said seriously,

　“I will renounce my vows as a nun and transfer to the ECC (Eastern Rite Catholic Church) to become a deaconess.”

　Butler. At first glance, the word might remind you of the housekeeper in anime. The idea of ​​a housekeeper seems pretty good, similar to what Elaine does every day, and it's also pretty cheesy—but the "butler" here doesn't have that meaning.

　In Christianity, deacons are a type of clergyman, below the priest class. They are called "assistant priests," much like "assistant professors."

　"Although, in most places in the Roman Catholic Church, the position of Deacon (Diakonissa) no longer exists..."

　Elaine's voice became smaller and smaller, and the blush on her cheeks almost burned to her ears. It seemed that she mustered up a lot of courage before continuing to speak.

　"But, but according to ECC tradition...low-ranking clergy...are allowed to marry..."

　In churches that use the Eastern Rite, priests (priests) and deacons (assistant priests) can be married, and there are also female deacons. However, there are no female deacons in the Roman Catholic Church.

　The more she talked about this, the redder Elaine's face became. She subconsciously raised her hand to cover half of her face, as if this could hide her embarrassment.

　"B-then...if you're willing...wait until after we get married..."