Player-Hunting Inquisitors

Chapter 6

The assistant instructor did not raise their hand.

In swordsmanship or magic classes, being an assistant instructor is considered an honor given to the most outstanding student, but it seems theology is different.

Well, most of the classes are boring scripture interpretations, so it makes sense.

The students here are probably curious about the so-called Saint rather than interested in the content of my class.

'I guess I have no choice but to assign Riel as the assistant instructor.'

Setting aside my regret, I began the class.

"You don't need to bring anything to this lecture. What you need for this class is a healthy body and sharp focus. Just those two things."

The students looked puzzled at my words.

"Sit comfortably in your own way. Relax your eyes and take a deep breath."

I picked up a piece of chalk and wrote a word in the middle of the blackboard.

'Divine Power'

I lightly brushed the board and turned my gaze back to the students.

"There are many interpretations of what Divine Power is. The most popular explanation is that it's a blessing bestowed by God upon humans, but there are various exceptions. The reason is that only a limited number of people can feel it from birth."

Divine Power is not fair. Unlike magical power, which everyone can use without any special trigger, it is different.

Magical power is visible, but Divine Power is not.

Because of that, a relatively high entry barrier has been established.

"By the time this lecture ends, you'll be able to feel what Divine Power is for yourselves."

My class will be one that breaks through that entry barrier.

Most people will be able to realize Divine Power through this class.

Compared to other theology professors, I lack knowledge of the scriptures and cannot compose impressive prayers, so this was the only method I could use to teach theology.

"Since this is the first class, there's no need to overthink it. Think of it as meditation and focus on your inner self."

Fortunately, the students followed my instructions well.

I had been worried about what to do if someone started chatting or failed to focus on the class, but everyone seemed quietly immersed in meditation.

"Inside all of us, within our inner selves, resides the Lord. First, deeply ingrain this fact into your hearts."

The way I realized Divine Power was through a special trial prepared by my Teacher.

However, since the students do not need to draw out Divine Power immediately, I used the basic method of realization through meditation.

Although I planned to use a slightly different method compared to others' meditation.

"Now, while maintaining your focus, try to feel the Divine Power I am going to release."

Normally, it is difficult to release Divine Power externally.

This is because Divine Power is a force that flows within living beings, fundamentally different in nature from magical power drawn from external sources.

Therefore, in most cases, even if someone nearby uses Divine Power, others would not notice it.

However, the story changes with my Blessing.

The Blessing of Guidance. It is the reason I could serve as an Inquisitor from a young age and become a Saint.

My Blessing, which has countless uses, can also allow others to feel Divine Power, as I am doing now.

'Of course, not everyone will be able to sense Divine Power, but I can help even one more person feel it.'

My Blessing serves only as a guide; the students themselves must walk the path.

'Most of the students are focused—this truly is the continent's finest educational institution.'

Among them, a red-haired student blatantly daydreaming caught my eye, so I gave them a look.

'I told you not to sign up.'

'How could I resist attending your lecture?'

'Fine, do whatever you want.'

Exchanging glances with Riel, I realized the time I had planned had passed.

From now on, they must sense Divine Power on their own without my Blessing.

Using other methods would require a very long time, but thanks to my Blessing, it will proceed smoothly.

As I confirmed that most of the students had sensed Divine Power, I continued the lecture.

"What you just felt is Divine Power. Some of you may have felt your own Divine Power, while others may have only sensed the Divine Power I released. Don't worry. By the end of this lecture, everyone will have mastered what Divine Power is."

Since it was the first class, I decided not to overdo it and ended it quickly.

Divine Power is not something one can feel overnight, so this much is enough for today.

"Today's lecture ends here. Please come to the next lecture remembering what you felt today."

By the end of the class, the way the students looked at me had slightly changed.

At first, they seemed merely curious and intrigued, but now they looked at me as a professor.

I hope this feeling is correct. It would be embarrassing for a Saint to fail at teaching properly.

***

After finishing the class, as always, I headed to the Church.

At the Church, a red-haired female student was waiting for me.

"That was more impressive than I thought. I expected you to just end it with some casual meditation, but it seems a few have already realized Divine Power!"

"Being a professor isn't as easy as it looks."

She had spent the time praying instead of meditating, yet she thought I would teach casually—how cheeky.

No matter how much effort I put into preparing, this childhood friend never appreciates it.

"Take care of my grades, okay? Professor♡"

Riel winked playfully at Kian.

Her voice was cheerful, but there was a strangely teasing tone to it.

"Don't worry. If you diligently fulfill your assistant instructor duties, I'll give you good grades."

I replied with a deliberately serious expression.

Then Riel opened her mouth wide and asked in a playful tone.

"Huh? Assistant instructor?"

"You saw it yourself—there are 100 students, and no one raised their hand. You do it. You already know all the content of my lectures anyway."

"That's true. Alright! This big sister will gladly help!"

Riel raised both arms and smiled brightly.

Watching her, I chuckled and shook my head.

While Riel and I were chatting, I sensed a familiar presence.

"Yuria! How long has it been!"

Riel rushed to the owner of the presence, Yuria, in an instant.

"Hehe, it's been a while for me too, Riel."

"Oh! I've been dying to pinch those soft cheeks! Take this!"

A scene worthy of blooming white flowers unfolded briefly, and after an intense bout of physical affection, Riel and Yuria sat down.

"Here's some tea. I'm not sure if it's to your taste."

"Thank you, Saint."

After taking a sip of tea, Yuria cleared her throat and brought up the reason for her visit.

"I came to ask Riel for a favor."

"Huh? A favor? Just say the word!"

Riel nodded enthusiastically, as if ready to spring into action.

"I'd like you to attend a tea party with me."

"A tea party?"

"A suspected Player is expected to attend."

A suspected Player—Yuria seemed to have invited Cornell Monclair, whom she was in charge of, to the tea party.

"I'd like you to observe with me. I might have missed something."

Got it!

"Then, for a preview, enjoy a tea party with the ladies under my command. Once you've mastered etiquette, I'll invite you to the tea party where Young Master Cornell will be present."

While the two discussed the tea party, I also pondered the stage to expose the Players.

'Players generally like to stand out. So, I just need to create an opportunity for them to do so....'

I looked at the academic schedule I received on my first day. Since the semester started in April, I'd like to deal with at least one by the end of the month.

'The entrance ceremony has passed. Public sparring? It might be hard for me to intervene, but I can gather information. Next is—'

Suddenly, an event in the last week of April caught my attention.

'Field practice?'

"Riel, Yuria, do you know anything about the field practice?"

Riel... judging by her shifting gaze, she doesn't.

Yuria rested her chin on her hand and thought for a moment before giving me the answer I hoped for.

"I do. It's an event for first-year students. Last year, they went to a dungeon behind the academy, and this year, they're planning to go to the Forest of Beasts far from the academy."

"The Forest of Beasts, for one night and two days—it seems quite fitting, doesn't it?"

If it's Yuria, she'll catch on to my intentions.

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

Riel tilted her head and asked.

Yuria mulled over my words and then, as if realizing something, let out a small exclamation.

"Indeed, that's a good idea. It's a great opportunity to set the stage."

"Oh, that's true! Kian, you're really smart!"

Riel also patted my shoulder and complimented me.

"I'm not sure how the group assignments will be decided, but if the students have to choose themselves, make sure to include him in your group."

The two nodded.

"Got it."

"Okay!"

Once the conversation ended, Riel and Yuria left the church.

From what I heard, Yuria was teaching Riel about the etiquette she needed to follow at the tea party.

Riel had lived a life far removed from cultivating refinement.

If it's Yuria, she'll teach her manners that even a noble would envy.

It might be a bit challenging, though.

'Anyway, I need to gather more information about the field practice.'

I also left the church and moved to a spot inside the academy building.

Yuria left the church and headed to her dormitory with Riel.

After that, she spent the time until the next class cramming the necessary knowledge for the tea party into Riel's head.

Before the tea party to introduce Cornell, they also had to hold a practice tea party for Riel. Because of that, time was tight.

"Good work, Riel."

"No, thank you, Yuria."

However, as befitting a member of the Apostles, Riel's comprehension exceeded all expectations.

She learned etiquette much faster than Yuria had anticipated.

"Yuria! The next class is swordsmanship, right? Do your best!"

"Yes. You too, Miss Riel."

Riel beamed brightly and dashed off to her next class.

Her red hair shimmered in the sunlight, making her look like a vibrant, lively painting.

Yuria secretly sighed as she watched Riel's retreating figure.

'To be so full of energy like that... I envy her.'

Yuria felt a twinge in her heart. That liveliness Riel had was something she had lost long ago.

'Maybe that's why she can do things I can't. She still holds onto something I've lost.'

Rather than resenting her, Yuria found herself wishing she could be like her.

Perhaps that's why, even though Riel was a rival competing for the position of Saintess, Yuria felt a warm admiration for her rather than hatred.

'More importantly, it's time to focus on Cornell Young Master.'

Yuria quickly shook off her stray thoughts and focused on her task.

What mattered most to her right now was observing Cornell.

'This class is swordsmanship. If Cornell Young Master is truly a Player as expected, he won't miss this chance to stand out.'

Swordsmanship classes were popular, so several sessions were prepared to match different levels.

Among them, both Yuria and Cornell were assigned to the advanced class.

The hallmark of the advanced class was none other than one-on-one sparring with the professor.

If Cornell had a straightforward mindset, he would likely take this opportunity to spar.

However, what she observed at the swordsmanship training ground was the professor sparring with Kian.

'What's going on?'

Yuria belatedly searched for Cornell, but like the other students, he was watching the sparring with a surprised expression.

Yuria let out a sigh of relief inwardly.

'Fortunately, nothing unusual seems to have happened.'