To The Inner Stanza Border Checkpoint

Septus 13, 3023 A.M., day of Westar, 9:17 a.m.

Light rain fell from the sky and Vivian stood under a roof in an open field as she gazed upon her surroundings.

She wore her Crusader Armor except for the helmet which she substituted with an Inquisitor Half-Mask. It was the same as her Inquisitor Mask with a golden sun symbol on the forehead. The only difference is that it only covers the upper portion of her face. This was a mask that Inquisitors wore when attending meetings or events where they had to eat.

And due to the unique color of her natural hair which was violet with red highlights, she had her hair cut short, the bob hairstyle or what she likes to refer to as the Jill Valentine hairstyle and dyed it brown. She found it too bothersome having long hair and wearing a mask, not to mention she also had to wear makeup and her White Cloak -- basically, there was just too much going on and she got tired of it.

Beside her was her luggage. There were two large suitcases, a backpack and her mithril-grade poleaxe.

As for the leather belt pouch and mithril-grade sword, she had them on her body.

Tch.

She clicked her tongue.

My ride is supposed to come here around 9:00 a.m…

Seriously…

People don't know how to respect time…

She turned to look at the sides.

A couple of feet away, there were two other people -- a male and a female.

The male was wearing a full set of Crusader Armor so his whole body was covered. Meanwhile, the woman was wearing an Inquisitor Full-Mask and a White Cloak.

If that woman is Inquisitor Ice…

Then the other one must be Inquisitor Blade…?

The male who was the nearest to her, noticed her looking at him so he waved before approaching her.

"Sister Inquisitor Heliza, right?" he asked.

Vivian didn't say anything.

"I mean, formerly known as Sister Crusader Trainee Heliza and now Sister Inquisitor Monad, right?"

"And you are?"

"The one and only Brother Inquisitor Blade," he said with a cheerful tone and placed a fist on his chest. "I honestly wasn't sure if it was you because your hair is a bit different from what I remembered. But your voice, tone and the manner you speak, you're definitely Sister Inquisitor Monad."

"I see."

"So… where are you assigned? I'm assigned at the Ninth Outer Stanza Border Checkpoint."

"Third Inner Stanza Border Checkpoint."

"So we're not that far from each other. But I'm surprised that you're being assigned in the inner. I didn't expect you to be an officer."

Vivian didn't say anything.

The only reason why Vivian was being assigned at the Inner Stanza Border Checkpoint despite this being her first time participating in the Holy Crusade was because of the recommendation letter and medal. Had it not been for that, despite her above-average scores, she still would've been assigned to the Outer Stanza Border Checkpoint or near there just like the rest of the new recruits.

"But I guess I should've expected you're an officer when we partnered up together at the Final Practical Exam. That speed you showed when you grabbed that innkeeper was quite fast, definitely not a rookie."

"You're not that bad yourself," said Vivian.

"By the way, what was your score during our Final Practical Exam? I mean, we partnered up so we got the same score, right?"

"I got 80/100."

"So we did have the same score."

Vivian didn't say anything.

"And they said it was because we missed two pieces of evidence, right? Apparently, there was a diary in the victim's room that talked about the growing resentment of the innkeeper towards him. There was also someone from across the street in front of the inn who saw Juiles' being pushed out of his room window by someone," he said and let out a sigh. "It still bugs me. But then again, we only had 2 hours. So I guess it was understandable. But it still bugs me, we could've gotten 100 points."

"At least we've passed."

"You're right. How about your written exams? What were your scores?"

"Excuse me, brother and Sister Inquisitor," a male voice suddenly interrupted.

Blade and Vivian turned to the person who spoke.

The person was wearing a set of Crusader Armor and removed his helmet.

"Sorry to bother the both of you but I'm looking for a person named Brother Inquisitor Blade."

"That's me, brother," said Blade.

The Priest made a salute.

"I'm Brother Lieutenant Marvis of the Air Division assigned at the Ninth Outer Stanza Border Checkpoint. I came here to pick you up, Brother Inquisitor Blade."

Blade made a salute as well.

"I'm Brother Inquisitor Blade. Thank you, brother," he said before turning to Vivian and saluting at her. "Sister Inquisitor Monad, I hope our paths will cross together once again. May the God of Light watch over you. And before I go, may I ask permission to write to you? You know, you could be my eyes and ears at the Inner Stanza Border Checkpoints while I could be yours at the Outer Stanza Border Checkpoints."

Vivian's eyes blinked and saluted back.

"Um… Sure. And may the God of Light watch over you as well."

Blade turned and walked over to his luggage along with Marvis.

Seeing the two men walking away, Vivian checked to see the other Inquisitor. 

Oh…

She's already riding…

Inquisitor Ice was already riding a Draghorn with another person wearing a set of Crusade Armor.

Hmm…

I wonder if she's also going to be assigned at the Outer Stanza Border Checkpoint…

Vivian let out a sigh.

Now where is my ride…?

A few more minutes passed and Vivian saw something from afar flying in the sky. And the closer it got, the more visible it became, at least the shape.

Another Draghorn…

And it's color green…

A Poison or a Wind Draghorn…?

Based on the things she learned in the Training Course, the natural color of a Draghorn was dark gray. But for the special breed Draghorns, specifically the ones who could use Magic Art, the color of their scales was based on the Magic Art Affinity they could use.

And as for what Draghorn looked like, if Vivian were to describe them, they closely resemble the Fell Beasts from the Lord of the Rings. 

Hmm…

The size looks smaller compared to the ones that Blade and Ice ridden…

By my estimate, I guess this monster's Physical and Magic Force is only Mithril-grade…?

The Draghorn finally landed in the middle of the field under the raining sky. The rider, a person wearing a Crusader Armor, got off of the monster and proceeded to head over to Vivian.

The rider offered a salute and Vivian returned the favor.

"Excuse me, are you Sister Inquisitor Monad?" said a female voice.

"Yes."

The woman took off her helmet, revealing herself to be in her mid-20s with tanned skin and short black straight hair.

"I'm Sister High Sergeant Juana of the Air Division assigned at the Third Inner Stanza Border Checkpoint. I came here to pick you up, Sister Inquisitor Monad. I'm really sorry for the delay. There was an incident at the checkpoint."

"I see," Vivian said and nodded.

Juana glanced at the luggage beside Vivian.

There were two large suitcases, a backpack and her mithril-grade poleaxe. She also glanced at everything that Vivian was wearing before finally returning her gaze to Vivian.

"Is that all of your belongings, sister?"

"Yes."

"Please let me help you carry some of them to Pipi."

"Pipi?"

"It's the name of the Draghorn."

"Ah… I see."

As Vivian and Juana carried Vivian's belongings to Pipi, the Draghorn's eyes turned to slits and stared menacingly at Vivian.

Vivian stopped and Juana noticed the unfriendly look that the monster was giving.

Juana stopped and turned to Vivian.

"Don't worry, Pipi is a good girl. I think she's just in a bad mood due to the weather."

"Are you sure there won't be any problems once we're up in the air?" Vivian said and refused to take another step.

In her head, although believes that she was way stronger than the average person in this world, she has no idea if she could survive falling from hundreds or even thousands of feet up in the air. And although she could transform into a giant demon form to lessen the impact of her fall, that was something she wanted to keep hidden. 

Juana left her and headed over to Pipi who was still staring menacingly.

"Pipi, this isn't the time to act spoiled right now. If you don't behave, I won't give you any extra snacks."

The threats fell on deaf ears as Pipi's eyes were locked on Vivian.

"Pipi, are you listening to me?"

Juana continued talking to Pipi to no avail.

This is going nowhere…

Vivian dropped her belongings.

Vooom!

Despite Pipi's eyes locked on Vivian, the next thing the monster knew, Vivian was hand was already in front of her.

As for Juana, the moment she turned her head to face Vivian, Vivian was already standing in front of the monster and had her hand touching the monster.

Psssh!

Thud.

A green mist exploded and Pipi fell completely to the ground.

Chud!

Vivian grabbed Pipi by the jaw and pulled her head closer. She wasn't afraid of her fingers getting bitten off by the monster because not only was it completely immobile but it wasn't even enough to penetrate her skin if it decided to with its Mithril-grade Physical Force.

"Listen here, you stupid animal. You will behave or I will fucking roast and eat you right now."

Although Draghorns couldn't speak, they were one of the most intelligent monsters. Back in ancient times, these monsters used to be feared and even worshiped by living beings because they used to grow as large as a castle and the Physical and Magic Force way above Spirit Steel-grade. Unfortunately, due to humanity's greed for power, these monsters were almost hunted into extinction.

As a matter of fact, there have been many ancient monsters that have long gone extinct due to being hunted by humans and the like.

Bam.

Pah.

She shoved Pipi's head to the ground and kicked it.

"Do you understand me, you stupid animal?"

Chud.

She grabbed the monster's jaw once again and pulled it up violently that it almost got dislocated.

[Heal].

A faint yellow light enveloped Pipi's body and its physical wounds were healed. However, the poison from [Poison Strike] was still in effect that it continued lying on the ground.

Thud.

Vivian released Pipi's jaw and turned to Juana who was completely speechless and had her mouth left open.

Aside from the violence that Vivian showed, Pipi was a Poison Draghorn and had a Physical and Magic of Force Mithril-grade. With that, when it came to poison attacks, it must be two grades or at least Adamantite-grade in order for it to affect Pipi. Moreover, not only did Vivian's [Poison Strike] affect Pipi, but it also made Pipi the supposedly Poison Draghorn completely immobile, meaning that Vivian was way more than Adamantite-grade which was something that caught her in a surprise because although Vivian was wearing an Inquisitor Half-Mask, it was obvious that Vivian was still in her 20s or around her age.

She tried to recall if she had heard any rumor or news about a powerful Inquisitor named Monad.

Nothing.

She tried to recall if she had heard any rumor or news of any powerful Sister who recently joined the Inquisitory Division.

Nothing.

And lastly, she tried to recall if she had heard any rumor or news of any powerful Sister that matched Vivian's appearance.

A few came to mind but she wasn't sure.

"Sister High Sergeant, you, this animal and I are part of the Holy Crusade. If one of us refuses to perform their Holy Duties, then they must be met with punishment. Nothing more, nothing less.

"Also, Sister High Sergeant, keep this incident between us."

In Vivian's head, since the Inquisitory Division or at least someone from the Division already knows that her Physical and Magic Force is or is at least Spirit Steel-grade, she didn't really mind showing her strength when necessary, hence why she even showed her real speed at the farm when trying to unlock [Finger Mastery].

"Do you agree with me, Sister High Sergeant Juana?" 

Juana gulped.

"Y-Y-Yes… S-Sister Inquisitor Monad…"

"Excellent, Sister High Sergeant," Vivian said and flashed a very warm and friendly smile.

The poison effect on Pipi finally wore off and the monster began getting up. But Vivian's gaze quickly turned to it, causing it to stop and resume lying down.

Vivian continued staring at Pipi in silence before finally speaking.

"Looks like this one is finally ready to perform its Holy Duties."

"Y-Yes… Sister Inquisitor Monad…" said Juana.

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Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

By the way, I posted some Chapter Drafts at P-a-t-r-e-o-n. And to view them, you can read them at…

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Please note that the chapters posted there are only drafts. So when those said Chapter Drafts will be published here, there will be some edits. They also involve a few secret outline notes/details that I won't publish here because they contain spoilers or dispel some of the mysteries. And at the moment, Chapter Drafts 273-277 are posted there.

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