Have you had enough, Miss Vampire? It's time to get down to business.

“Then let me tell you a story.

Many years ago, in a remote country, a fierce witch hunt broke out... The people were fervent, capturing many young girls suspected of being witches and inflicting cruel punishments on them. While there were certainly some truly evil super-transcendents among them, the majority of the victims were innocent girls.

"In reality, these fanatical people were merely venting their discontent. Their situation at the time was dire: harvests failed, bandits were rampant, and taxes were suffocating... The so-called 'witch hunt' was simply a way to find someone to blame for the many misfortunes in their lives, thereby achieving a modicum of inner balance.

"Then the question is, Lor, do you think these people are worth saving? If so, how should they be saved?"

Unexpectedly, Lerian asked Lor a question in return.

This was obviously some kind of test.

Lor pondered for a moment and replied:

"To save these people, we must first clarify the concepts of right and wrong in their hearts. While everything has a cause, that doesn't mean those who commit mistakes can go unpunished. All those who persecute the innocent must be punished accordingly... Tolerating them will only lead to greater disaster.

"Also, the reason the people are so fanatical is that there must be instigators trying to divert attention from the real conflict... The dire situations you just described are largely a manifestation of the rulers' incompetence."

"good."

Lerian nodded, and looked at Lor with more approval:

"Indeed, the corruption and incompetence of the rulers are the root cause of these chaos... But we, the Church of Holy Light, as a matter of principle, do not directly interfere in national politics. Moreover, the rulers of that country have the support of the 'Fighter Alliance'... They, like us, are one of the 'Three True Sources', so we must be even more cautious in our handling of them."

"So what did you do in the end?" Lor asked.

"Simple."

Leaning back in his chair, Laillian said in a relaxed tone:

"We assassinated the corrupt ruler and his backer from the 'Fighters' League', and then appointed a more suitable ruler... We did it perfectly, leaving no evidence. As for those who led the persecution of witches, they were all dealt with afterwards."

It turned out to be the case.

Assassinations, coups, and the under-the-table struggle between the "Church of Holy Light" and the "Fighter Alliance" were also involved.

These are indeed some shameful things.

But putting aside the means, in terms of results, it did "redeem and protect" a country.

Lor agrees with this.

"I understand, Lord Lerion," Lor replied solemnly, "Regarding your proposal, I actually..."

"Wait, don't rush to answer me. Before that, I also have something I want to confirm."

Laerian's eyes suddenly became extremely sharp:

"Thinking back on last night's fight, there were a few things that didn't feel natural...

"First, the vampire Lucinda almost immediately ran straight towards me, and she was very impatient at the time, as if she was chasing someone.

"Secondly, near the end of the battle, I briefly sensed a strange spiritual power that did not belong to the vampire race.

"Third, before she died, Lucinda repeatedly tried to open her mouth, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she couldn't utter a single word. It was as if she was under the influence of some supernatural power and became speechless... I'm sure this wasn't me."

At this moment, every word spoken from the mouth of "Defender of the Faith" Laerian made Lor tremble with fear.

The boss is worthy of being a boss, his insight is amazing!

It seems that my plan is far from perfect.

Lor was trying hard to suppress his emotions, but the boss still saw his inner panic.

"Oh, it seems you do know something."

The corners of Lelian's mouth rose slightly, and there was a hint of cunning in his eyes.

73. Want to protect her

"Don't be nervous, and don't explain anything to me."

The guardian of the religion, Laerian, said:

"I now know that you played a greater role in last night's battle than I initially thought, and that's enough...it makes me appreciate you even more.

"As I've said, we Inquisitors all have our own unique qualities, and we often employ unusual methods to achieve our goals. As long as the outcome doesn't violate our creed, there's no need to dwell on the details of the process... At least not yet.

"As for whether you are willing to join us and become an inquisitor, there is no need to rush to answer me."

"...No need for an answer now?" Lor was a little surprised.

"No matter how much I think highly of you, you are still a first-level rookie after all."

Lyrian shook his head and smiled bitterly:

"To become an Inquisitor, there is a minimum threshold. You need to have at least intermediate strength. Therefore, it will not be too late to reply to me after you are promoted to the fourth level.

"Before this, you will be a potential candidate for inquisitor training, and you will receive more money and resources from the church. What you need to do next is to improve your strength as quickly as possible and become a mid-level transcendent as soon as possible.

"As for now... Anyway, let's go upgrade to level two in the next two days."

Lerian said it all in a light-hearted and casual manner.

"In the past two days?" Lor said in embarrassment, "But, the review of last quarter's performance just ended. If I want to submit a promotion application, it will take at least three months..."

"Alas, rules are dead, but people are alive. When I arrive in Palmer City and meet up with Her Excellency the Saint, I'll talk to your diocesan bishop and make an exception for you! Just based on your achievements last night, you're more than qualified to advance to the second or third level!

"However, you still have to take one step at a time. No one can reach two levels in one go. Once you reach the second level, spend some time familiarizing yourself with your new abilities, then improve your spiritual power through actual combat and training. When you feel you're ready, go directly to your parish head to reach the third level!"

Ah, this...

Lor couldn't help but be a little stunned.

In other words, I won’t have to worry about “merits” for some time to come?

No formal procedures are required?

The boss is indeed a boss. With just a few words, he opened a huge back door for me!

"Oh, right."

Lyrian reminded again:

"Captain Luo Nina, please don't tell your colleagues about what I just said. Also... from what I understand, Vivian on your team has already met the promotion requirements, right? Why not let her advance with you? Get ready and leave in two days!"

……

After coming out of the church, Lor was completely confused.

Moreover, I feel mixed emotions.

He was happy because he was appreciated by a real strong man, an eighth-level boss. Not only did he receive an invitation to become a judge, but he also had the opportunity to be promoted to the second level immediately.

The reason for worry is that this boss is too sensitive.

Although Lerian had no intention of investigating further, whether it was Isabella's existence, Lor's current status as a "vampire family member," or anything related to the Dark Moon Society...

Each one of them is a secret that would be fatal if told.

Even though Lerion, as an Inquisitor, was very flexible in his attitude towards many things, Lor did not dare to take the risk of letting him know these things.

I even want to avoid having any contact with him in the future.

But then again, becoming an "Inquisitor" is indeed a way to quickly improve one's strength... Moreover, Lor actually agrees with the Inquisitor's practices and ideas to a certain extent.

Oh, it’s so confusing.

At present, we can only take one step at a time.

Anyway, I can't really make a decision until I reach the fourth level of strength.

"Redemption and protection..."

Lor muttered to himself and set out on the road home.

He didn't know what the "Defender" Lerian would think of Isabella, but at least in Lor's own opinion, the girl was indeed a target that needed to be redeemed and protected.

She is indeed a vampire, that's for sure.

But becoming a vampire was not her own choice.

It can even be said that this was an extremely painful thing for her, so much so that for a long time, she was only thinking about how to "kill herself".

It's really heartbreaking.

Moreover, over the years, Isabella, as a vampire, has never really done anything evil.

"Just because she carries the blood of the True Ancestor, does that mean she must be utterly exterminated?" Lor shook his head, thinking, "Is the distinction between the so-called 'source of truth' and the 'source of evil' really that important?"

There are still many things I don’t understand about this world or the supernatural power itself.

Also, the fact that my flaws could be easily discovered by the "Defender of the Faith" Laerian also shows that I am far from mature enough.

Moreover, their own strength is not enough.

"If I want to truly protect her, I'm still a long way off..."

Lor couldn't help but sigh.

……

back home.

Not surprisingly, Isabella was still lying in bed.

Well, I won’t urge her to get up... She was busy all night yesterday, she must be tired.

Thinking of this, Lor took off his coat and shoes, lifted the quilt and crawled in, lying next to Isabella.

This caused the young lady to exclaim:

"Luo, Lor, it's still daytime! Who allowed you to get into my bed?"

"This is obviously my bed." Lor closed his eyes and said.

"You are the servant and I am the master! All your things belong to me, so your bed is my bed!"

"Then we can share the bed, okay?"

"Bah, you can even say such things, aren't you ashamed..." Isabella pinched Lor in the quilt, but he grabbed her hand instead.

The girl's pretty face turned red, but she didn't pull her hand back.

"I was disturbed... I didn't get much sleep last night, and I've been busy all morning. I'm exhausted." Lor said sleepily, "By the way, you've had enough sleep, right? Then give up your bed..."

"No, I want to squeeze in with you." Isabella said in a low voice, with a hint of shyness in her words.

"Why are you crowding here? Are you trying to watch me sleep?"

"I want to see it, can't I?"

"...Just watch?" A smile appeared on Lor's lips.

"What do you mean, you're having inappropriate thoughts about me again, aren't you?" Isabella curled her lips. "Hmph, I'll punish you by buying dessert... But since you're so tired today, I'll let you off this time!"

"Thank you for your understanding, Master." Lor replied jokingly.

"Alright, alright, go ahead and sleep as you please. I won't do anything to you!"

...This is actually a lie.

Isabella lay on her side, looking at Lor with tenderness in her eyes. Only when she was sure that he was asleep did she sneak up and kiss him on the forehead.

The force is very light.

Afraid of waking him up.

Volume 2: Dragon Cemetery and Fleeting Dreams

1. Dragon Cemetery

Deep in the damp and dark underground.

A solitary torch emitted a faint flame.

The man holding the torch was a middle-aged man who looked a bit old and tired. Behind him was a girl with freckles on her face, no more than thirteen or fourteen years old. Their facial features were quite similar, and they were obviously a father and daughter.

Both of them were wearing mountaineering clothes and carrying thick backpacks.

Tents, blankets, cooking utensils, food and fuel were all available. The man even brought a storybook to put his daughter to sleep.

They had to travel deeper and deeper into the darkness and lightless underground, and it would take three days to reach their destination; then, it would take even longer to return because most of the time was uphill.