Clatius’s speech and his proactive assumption of responsibility seemed to relax the previously tense clergymen significantly. A middle-aged man holding a holy staff, who appeared to be a priest, nodded.

 

“Since the captain of the Knights Templar himself is here, we can be at ease. However, the appearance of a demon in Sacred Star City is no small matter. Captain Clatius, please take this seriously. Although this time it is just an incomplete semi-demonization, it is certainly not a coincidence. No one knows if more demons are lurking under the goddess’s light. The path to purification is long and arduous.”

 

At the mention of “purification,” a barely noticeable shadow flashed across Clatius’s face, but he quickly nodded solemnly.

 

“Of course, the appearance of a demon in Sacred Star City is due to our Knights Templar’ lack of vigilance. I will immediately report this to Archbishop Harewood and conduct a covert investigation in the city. Please rest assured.”

 

“Very well then, praise the goddess. I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave.”

 

“Praise the goddess. I wish you all the best.”

 

With someone leading the way, the other clergymen who had just happened to be passing by also dispersed. In the end, only the girl in the midst of semi-demonization, Clatius, and a young holy knight named Bowen remained on the empty street.

 

Of course, there was also a certain Miss Fox and her companion observing from a distance.

 

Seeing that Violet had no intention of stepping forward and was rather far away, Clatius’s gem-like light blue eyes merely glanced at them from a distance, nodded slightly, and then turned his attention back to the holy knight beside him.

 

“Please bear with it a bit and carry her on your back. Let’s return to the temple immediately.”

 

Upon hearing this, Bowen seemed to hesitate for a moment before scratching his head awkwardly.

 

“Uh… Sir Clatius, I’ve been meaning to ask, why are you taking this demon back to the temple for investigation? According to the church’s mandatory guidelines, shouldn’t any demon or demonic contamination be purified on the spot to avoid being influenced or tempted?”

 

“According to the doctrine, demonization is an irreversible process. She can now be considered a true demon. Wouldn’t it be better to purify her here directly rather than allowing a filthy demon to pollute the temple that worships the goddess?”

 

As if expecting this question, Clatius immediately explained in a gentle tone.

 

“Holy knight Bowen, your understanding of the doctrine and teachings is commendable, and it makes me very proud. However, you must know that rules are rigid, we need to learn to be flexible. You’ve probably heard the various rumors in the city. As the goddess says, there’s no smoke without fire. Judging by today’s events, demons have indeed infiltrated our homeland with malicious intent. Therefore, we must seize any usable clues and prepare in advance. For this reason, we cannot purify this demon just yet.”

 

Bowen suddenly understood and slapped his forehead, looking full of admiration.

 

“I see! As expected of the fearless knight Sir Clatius, your foresight is truly enlightening! Praise the goddess, let’s move out right away!”

 

“Yes, praise… the goddess.”

 

Clatius cast what appeared to be a sealing and suppression faith-based spell on the demonized girl curled up on the ground. With his help, Bowen hoisted the immobile girl onto his back, and they hurriedly left the area before the crowd could gather again.

 

“Uh… Miss Dawn?”

 

“Yes?”

 

Seeing the girl beside her remain motionless, Rene looked somewhat puzzled and cautiously probed.

 

“Um, are we just going to watch them walk away? Shouldn’t we do something?”

 

The girl wearing the white fox mask couldn’t help but laugh.

 

“So, what do you want to do? Be the hero saving the beauty and snatch that girl away, or help the holy and righteous church purify the filthy demon?”

 

“Uh… not really. I just think that just standing here watching and doing nothing doesn’t seem to match your style. Usually, Miss Dawn, you’d be quite interested in things you can’t figure out right away, wouldn’t you?”

 

“Hehe, you silly girl…”

 

Miss White Fox laughed without saying more, only ruffling Rene’s soft white hair before turning to head back the way they came.

 

“Let’s go. It’s about time we met up with Xiao Guang and the others.”

 

…………………………………….

 

In the dark alley of Sacred Star City.

 

“Sir Clatius, why are we taking this narrow path? It feels quite eerie around here…”

 

Bowen, dressed in standard holy knight armor, adjusted the girl sealed by faith-based magic light on his back, expressing his cautious and puzzled inquiry. But the blond youth walking behind him only explained in a deep voice.

 

“Holy knight Bowen, have you forgotten the impact that girl’s demonization had on the street earlier? If we openly head to the temple like this, it will undoubtedly further escalate the negative impact. Therefore, we must be as discreet as possible to avoid causing a commotion.”

 

“Oh! I see… As expected of Sir Clatius! I hadn’t considered that at all. I really am still too immature!”

 

Bowen nodded repeatedly in agreement and stopped questioning. He merely continued to stay vigilant of their surroundings while quickening his pace.

 

At this moment, the captain of the Knights Templar, who was walking slightly behind, suddenly brought up a seemingly unrelated topic.

 

“By the way, Bowen, are you the only child in your Bernard family?”

 

“Huh?”

 

The holy knight, feeling a bit puzzled, turned his head and met Clatius’s calm light blue eyes. He then awkwardly smiled and casually explained.

 

“No, I’m not the only child. Although our Bernard family is small, including myself, there are about a dozen of us. I’m the eldest son, with two younger brothers currently studying at the Holy Academy, and a sister who is not yet ten years old. It’s a bit embarrassing to say, but even though I’m the oldest, it seems my brothers and sister have been found to have much stronger light attributes than I do. Their future prospects will likely far surpass mine, haha…”

 

“Is that so? Then I’m relieved…”

 

“Hm? Sir Clatius, what do you mean by ‘relieved’?”

 

Bowen tilted his head in confusion, but the other holy knight abruptly ended the sudden topic.

 

“It’s nothing, let’s hurry on.”

 

“Oh, alright.”

 

The two walked briskly one after the other. Although this path to the Sacred Star City temple was convenient, it was also exceptionally secluded.

 

Soon, the surroundings became sparsely populated, with tall walls rising on either side of the alley. Even though it was still daylight outside, the light visibly dimmed around them.

 

It felt like a shadowy place under the light, sending a chill down one’s spine.

 

Holy knight Bowen seemed somewhat uncomfortable with the winter chill and the eerie silence, so he paused for a moment.

 

“By the way, Sir Clatius, how much longer until we reach the temple? Isn’t this path a bit too long?”

 

“Ah, not long, we’re almost there.”

 

“Is that so? Haha, that’s good. Carrying a demon around, I just feel a bit…”

 

“Slash.”

 

A longsword gleaming with a cold light sliced through the unguarded neck of the holy knight from behind, sending a spray of crimson.

 

Blood gushed out. The young holy knight, caught in the shadows, collapsed before he could finish his sentence, lifeless.