ALTANUS [15]

Regressor's Instructions Manual Episode 978

Altanus (15)

"Priest... Priest..."

"Are you okay, Priest? Priest."

An expression filled with fear, confusion, and apprehension could conjure up a multitude of thoughts.

Tears flow down as if from a broken tap, and the body shivers as if immersed in icy winter waters.

Pale face and parched lips, the state of panic is evident in Lee Kiyoung's face, leaving Dractarius and Templar Jenny lost for words.

Naturally, it seems like they're worried about my condition.

After meeting Templar Bahamut and coming straight here, my appearance must be fueling their curiosity.

What on earth happened, why is Priest Lee Kiyoung in this state? They probably have their own speculations.

Templar Jenny's behavior, as if something happened to himself, is quite absurd.

The sparkling droplets of light from Lee Kiyoung's eyes might have touched Jenny's adolescent emotions.

Or perhaps it's his empathy for the pain I'm feeling.

His eyes are becoming moist as well.

"Priest... Priest..."

Unlike the emotionally unfiltered adolescent, Dractarius seems to be trying to rationally grasp the situation. However, even he seems fearful of the voice resembling the cunning of a temple priest.

*Inhales and exhales heavily*

As the two continue to breathe roughly, the Archbishop Dractarius starts to dispel those who shouldn't be here.

"Your Eminence."

"Step back. And today's incident must be shared with no one."

"Yes."

"Templar Jenny..."

"I... I..."

Even Jenny is being ordered to step aside. The bewildered lad seems to want to be with me, but he can't yet muster the defiance needed to counter the Archbishop's words.

Even the senior bishops present give glances to Jenny, so he must sense he's not supposed to be here. Of course, it's his decision, and he should hear the story from here.

His hand grasps my sleeve, as if seeking solace, and he nods with determination.

Perhaps his action gave him the courage. To me, it seems like he needs to be by my side, showing an expression that he is the one who should protect this person.

"I'm fine, Priest. It will be alright."

"...."

"I'm here beside you. It's alright. You'll be fine."

'What's so fine? This kid, seriously. Whether you're here or not, it doesn't matter. This person, really. He's so clueless. Must be naturally dense.'

Perhaps because of his comforting words, my troubled mind finds solace. Thanks to the little Templar, who became my place of rest, I can gather my thoughts even if just a little.

"Priest Lee Kiyoung."

"I apologize for showing you such an unsightly state, Archbishop Dractarius, and... to the other bishops as well..."

"You don't have to say it if it's difficult for you. Priest."

'No, I need to say it. I need to distinguish between what to say and what not to say. Jenny.'

Setting the atmosphere is the right approach. I nod my head with determination, as if I'm ready to reveal the secret I've hidden for a short time.

'Be bold and resolute.'

"I'm not sure how to express this... but..."

"...."

"Sometimes... I see strange scenes."

Let's try to gently lift the mood.

"Even though we were looking at the same place, one of my eyes seemed to be looking elsewhere."

Naturally, serious expressions can be seen. It wasn't just a casual story to dismiss.

If a troublemaker had uttered such words, they might have advised him to receive mental treatment, but Lee Kiyoung is no ordinary priest.

'Wasn't he the one who received a divine trust from Lucifer just a few days ago?

Miracles happening through a priest who received the grace directly from Lucifer, conveying the fall of the Saint Altanus, and other miraculous events, these are not stories that can be easily dismissed.

"Could it be... since receiving the prophecy...?"

I gently nod.

"Oh Lucifer... Oh Lucifer..."

"You might think that Lucifer is trying to convey something through me, but... I really don't know. I'm not sure if this is truly a miracle or... if I'm..."

Am I going mad?

"I'm not even sure if what I'm thinking is correct. So, I'm being extra cautious."

"Lee Kiyoung, Priest... It's understandable that he's wary of sudden changes. But... this is... this is undoubtedly a blessing. After all, didn't Lucifer choose you for a reason?"

His expression seems like he's managing it, as if he's trying to conceal a delighted expression.

It might have seemed like he's comforting me since I'm confused, and from the standpoint of the Dractarius family, it's probably not a bad story.

Before determining whether my words are true or false, looking at it from a broader perspective, it was the right thing to be blessed.

However, that expression only lasted for a moment; eventually, his silent, thoughtful state emerged.

Perhaps he realized.

Why a priest of divine trust was so confused.

Why they were so fearful and sought them out.

Templar Jenny is also looking at me.

"You... saw something. Something related to Templar Bahamut and... Lucifer?"

He seems to understand how the storytelling is unfolding over there. Their storytelling skills are truly impressive.

I need to tremble again. But I gained courage earlier. I realized I can overcome this with those who cherish me and will be with me.

You can do this, Kiyoung. The people here will give you strength.

"Priest."

Yes, thank you for giving me courage.

Thanks to you, I can take another step forward.

"Lee Kiyoung, Priest..."

Dractarius, you too.

"Templar Bahamut..."

"...."

"He... was in a posture of worship towards a demon."

"...."

"In my eyes, he was bowing his head towards something trapped in the Iron Maiden as an offering to the demon. Under his feet, there were countless corpses forming a river of blood... Those still alive were crying out, pleading for salvation. Many called the name of Lucifer as they perished. The scene was so gruesome... I couldn't... I just couldn't face it head-on."

"Ah..."

"The exact timing... I'm not sure why such an event occurred. I couldn't even be certain that what I saw was something that would happen far in the future. However, I felt a sense as if I received some sort of revelation, like Dractarius said."

"...."

"I... I..."

"The fall of Saint Altanus... and... Templar Bahamut."

"...."

Unconnected pieces, but they seem plausible.

"The first prophecy was undoubtedly Altanus losing her divine power."

"...."

"And the second...?"

But it might seem too forced to continue. It's better to deny it once.

"I don't think Templar Bahamut will betray Lucifer. The Templar Bahamut I saw respected Lucifer and Saint Altanus more than anyone else. Surely there might be a reason... Something unseen yet..."

For now, I've clearly seen it, but there are many gaps in between. You can think of it as missing a supporting narrative in the middle.

"If he had intended to betray Lucifer from the beginning..."

Dractarius seems to want to believe that.

"It won't be easy."

Yeah, it won't be easy.

Before I knew it, this side was forgotten. Anxious Dractarius and the bunch around him started having serious discussions among themselves.

"How should we handle this?"

"There are many factions within the underground temple following him. We need to gather those who share Dractarius's intentions and monitor them, planning for the future."

"The situation might be urgent. To think about the future... This is a crisis for the underground temple, no, for the whole continent."

"What if we call in the inquisitors? If what the priest of the prophecy said is true, there should be evidence."

"If we find nothing, won't our side also be in a difficult position? It's Bahamut we're talking about. If we show any movement, he might try to unite other factions. No, even before that, if Templar Bahamut reveals his true intentions..."

"Sigh... Demon... Demon... Lucifer..."

"Assassins and mercenaries on the surface..."

"We can't bring such individuals down into the underground temple."

"I cautiously suggest that... Maybe what the priest saw isn't just Lucifer's prophecy, but something we should consider."

"Watch your tone! Do you think you're talking to just anyone here!"

"We need to be sure. Dractarius. If we start moving, it might become irreversible. The wind of blood might blow in the underground temple. From beginning to end, nothing should be done carelessly."

These bastards lack some spirit.

If it were Pope Basel, he would have probably yelled "Grab your maces and charge!" and rushed headlong. But I can also understand why they are being cautious.

'From my standpoint, it would be difficult if a bloody conflict breaks out.'

Those present here and those who intend to join them need to continue to monitor the Templars. Calling in inquisitors or causing a ruckus might result in backlash, even the loss of heads.

Of course, apart from that, I don't like the idea that there are people suspecting me.

After all, there must be a few who wouldn't accept the priest of prophecy and his prophecies.

"Priest."

Seeing me react as if my head hurts, Templar Jennie inquires about my well-being. Her expression seems even more anxious than before.

"Priest?"

His question draws the attention of those who were discussing matters on the table as if nothing had happened.

"Priest, right now..."

"Ugh..."

"This is..."

The Dractarius family and Templar Jenny are fixated on the shining eye.

Priests who felt the divine radiance emanating from the eye that blazed with a brilliant light kneel one after another.

"Priest of Prophecy..."

"Prophet..."

"Lucifer is..."

"Ah..."

"Ah..."

I blankly stare into the distance. The priests kneeling down don't seem to notice anything, gazing into emptiness as if they're not seeing them.

I didn't say anything.

I'm talking about the scene I just witnessed.

However, after all those present left, I muttered to Templar Jennie.

"Templar Jenny."

"Yes, Priest."

"I'm just a worthless person."

"No, that's not true, Priest. You are someone special."

"No, I'm not a special person. Templar Jenny... So, please... Please, if by any chance... You don't need to sacrifice yourself for me. Remember that. Templar Jenny, you don't need to throw yourself away for me."

"...."

"Please remember."

"...."

"Please don't die for me."

A sincere statement born out of genuine concern for him.

However it's done, that guy will die for me.

"Please don't try to save me."