Double Dagger Delinquent

Chapter 78 Cathedral Chapter

In the middle of the night, outside the massive stone walls, a shadow moved—low to the ground and fast.

Fires and bonfires crackled across the open field, casting flickering light over the dark terrain. There was no moon; thick clouds had swallowed the sky, cloaking everything in darkness.

The conditions were perfect for Iryoku.

He had erased his presence almost completely—nothing but a ghost slipping through the gloom. From the shadows, he spotted a knight patrolling a small section of the outer perimeter.

The knight was heavily armored, clad in black and white garments resembling a tabard, with an emblem shaped like a flame. A white hood covered his head beneath a black helmet, and a greatsword rested across his back.

With a blur of movement, Iryoku dashed behind him—silent as death—and reached the platform where the burned bodies lay.

He crouched beneath it, hidden in the dark.

The knight paused, glancing around cautiously, then resumed his patrol.

Above the platform, charred corpses still smoldered. Some were twisted into unnatural shapes, their bones cracked and blackened, faint embers glowing beneath the ash. A foul, acrid stench filled Iryoku’s nose—the sickening smell of cooked flesh and death.

He kept his eyes sharp and his emotions cold.

Then, he turned his attention to the wall. It loomed tall and sheer, smooth near the top. Several stone watchrooms jutted from the edge, each one manned by an alert sentry. There were no ropes, no footholds—nothing to assist a climb.

He didn’t hesitate.

Picking the most isolated section, he dashed forward and jumped with full strength—silent and controlled. His fingers caught the edge of the wall. He gripped it gently but firmly, then pulled himself up in one smooth, noiseless motion.

He landed atop the wall and vanished into its darkness.

He descended the stairs built into the wall, dodging knights as he moved deeper inside.

Finally, he reached the city.

A short distance in, he passed a barracks-like building, keeping low. The streets were mostly empty, save for a couple of knights on patrol. The city stretched out before him—clusters of wooden and stone buildings forming a broad, structured grid.

He kept moving.

Unsure of where to search first, he quickly climbed a four-story building and reached the rooftop. From there, he scanned the dark horizon.

What caught his eye was a massive, imposing structure—something between a fortress and a cathedral. It towered above the rest of the city with sharp, pointed spires and stained-glass windows that glinted faintly even in the dim firelight. At its highest peak stood a large sculpture in the shape of a flame.

That must be their headquarters, he thought. The Church.

Still cautious, Iryoku climbed a taller building near the cathedral for a better vantage point.

But something to the side caught his attention.

A few lots away, surrounded by a high fence, was a caged area that enclosed a large stretch of land. Curious, he changed course and made his way toward it. He landed silently nearby, crouching in the shadows.

At the entrance stood two knights, speaking in low voices.

“Brother, why don’t we just kill those lowly creatures?” one muttered.

“Why should we keep them?”

The other knight chuckled. “The High Priest’s orders must be followed. Perhaps these animals have some purpose to the Order,” he said, then scoffed. “But I agree—they should all burn.”

Iryoku narrowed his eyes and crept closer to the fence.

Inside the caged area, he saw a group of demihumans lying on the dirt, huddled together in sleep. They were ragged and thin, dressed in torn scraps of clothing. Most looked young—barely more than children.

A cold anger stirred in Iryoku’s chest. A sliver of killing aura leaked out from him.

“Who’s there?” a voice barked suddenly.

Shit.

Iryoku’s mind raced. In an instant, he erased his presence and suppressed the leaking aura, melting into the shadows with practiced ease.

He shifted positions silently—just before the two knights stepped into the spot he’d occupied a moment earlier.

“Maybe it was just the wind,” one of them muttered.

“Probably one of these filthy bastards,” the other growled, casting a glare toward the caged demihumans.

They lingered a moment longer, then turned and returned to their post, grumbling under their breath.

Worst-case scenario, I could kill them...

But that would eventually alert the other knights.

Iryoku thought grimly as he retreated, slipping back into the shadows. He moved once more toward the cathedral.

He paused outside, examining the structure.

It was far more elaborate than the other churches he’d seen in this world—adorned with detailed stonework, towering statues, and ornate carvings. The entire building radiated grandeur and power, in sharp contrast to the crude, brutal rituals that had taken place beyond its walls.

Suddenly, a loud sound echoed through the area—deep, resonant, like a massive bell.

Iryoku’s body tensed.

What the hell?

He dashed to the side and took cover in the shadows of a building directly across from the cathedral. He held his breath, heart pounding.

Did they notice me?

But after a moment, he realized the sound had come from inside the church. Bright lights began to appear throughout the streets—lanterns glowing softly in the hands of countless people.

He looked around, still alert.

Are they searching for me?

He drew his twin daggers—but then paused.

People were emerging from their homes. Men, women, even children—all dressed in black and white robes and hooded garments. Each held a small lamp, and without a word, they began walking in the same direction—toward the cathedral.

The sound from the church faded, replaced by a heavy creak. The massive doors at the entrance slowly opened.

Two towering knights stepped out, wearing armor and robes similar to the ones Iryoku had seen before—but more ornate, with golden cloaks flowing from their shoulders. They stood at the top of the stairs, silently observing the approaching crowd.

Then, with strong, echoing voices, they called out:

“For the Dominion of the Light.”

They raised two fingers to their foreheads, then brought them down to their hearts in a solemn gesture.

The people responded in unison, repeating the motion:

“For the Dominion of the Light.”

And one by one, they began entering the cathedral.

Iryoku observed everything.

This is my chance.

His eyes locked onto a nearby house, where a family of five had just stepped outside to join the procession.

He dashed across the rooftops and landed quietly atop their home. In seconds, he slipped inside through a window. A minute later, he emerged into an alley, now dressed in a black and white hooded outfit that matched the others.

He stepped into the crowd, walking calmly among them.

Finally, he reached the grand cathedral doors. The two towering knights stood watch, their hollow visors fixed on him.

They gave the sign.

“For the Dominion of the Light.”

Iryoku returned it without hesitation, his movements clean and precise.

And just like that, he entered.

Both girls had heard the loud, echoing sound. Instinctively, they climbed the tallest tree nearby to get a better view.

“All I see are small lights moving around the city,” Yumi said, squinting into the darkness. “But I can’t make out what’s really going on…”

Reika clutched her chest, her heart pounding.

“Please be okay…”

Yumi grunted, trying to steady her nerves.

“Let’s trust him, Reika. I’m sure he’s okay.”

But deep down, she felt the same tight knot of fear and anxious energy twisting in her gut.

Iryoku stepped into a vast hall—a massive church sanctuary lined with rows upon rows of benches stretching deep into the darkness.

At the far end stood an enormous altar, crowned by a towering stained-glass window shaped like a circular sunburst. Looming over the altar was a majestic statue of a hooded humanoid figure. Its form was cloaked in flowing garments, and many pairs of wings sprouted from its back. The face was obscured beneath the hood, giving it an air of mystery and divine detachment.

Its outstretched hand held a radiant orb of light, and the statue itself rose all the way to the vaulted ceiling.

Iryoku’s eyes moved downward—to the base of the altar.

A group of knights stood in perfect formation to the left, each wearing a golden cloak draped over their shoulders. Some carried greatswords, others held shields and one-handed swords. To the right, mirroring them, stood a row of robed figures—white, black, and gold woven into their garments. Each held an ornate staff, their faces partially obscured beneath deep hoods.

At the center stood an elderly man—tall and stern—cloaked in white and gold. Jewels shimmered on his shoulders and crown-like headdress. He radiated authority, his expression grim and unreadable.

But it was the figure behind him that made Iryoku freeze.

Someone stood there, slightly shorter than the high priest—wrapped head to toe in a fully golden cloak, unmoving and silent. Their head was bowed, face hidden beneath the hood…

…but a few strands of red hair had slipped free.

Red hair.

Iryoku’s heart nearly stopped.

“Alessandra…” he whispered.

Could it be her? Thɪs chapter is updated by novęlfire.net

He hadn’t seen anyone else with red hair in this place—not yet.

He was too far away to be certain, but the possibility ignited something fierce inside him.

Blending in with the crowd, Iryoku moved closer to the front. He slipped into the third row of benches, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings for any sign of her as he sat down.

As the last of the congregation entered the cathedral, the grand doors shut behind them with a heavy echo.

Then, the old high priest stepped forward. His deep voice boomed through the chamber.

“Greetings, children of the Light. Let us begin this night’s mass with a prayer… Oh, dear Creator…”

The crowd bowed their heads and began to pray.

Iryoku followed suit, lowering his head—though his eyes remained locked on the figures at the altar. He carefully studied the knights and priests. They all looked powerful, disciplined, and expertly trained.

When the prayer ended, the high priest raised his arms.

“Now, brothers and sisters, our dear Blessed Child will share the Creator’s blessing.”

All eyes turned to the figure in the full golden cloak.

A voice began to sing—soft and haunting. Androgynous, almost like that of an opera singer. It was unlike any melody Iryoku had ever heard. The words were foreign, otherworldly, and impossible to understand.

But they held power.

The voice rose, echoing through the vast cathedral, reverberating off the high stone walls and vaulted ceiling.

Iryoku’s eyes widened in surprise as a golden light began to emanate from the singer, slowly forming an aura that spread outward—gently enveloping the entire congregation.

Just like Christina’s blessing…

The thought struck him hard.

He also remembered what Reika had told him—about the golden light that had healed both him and Yumi.

Damn it… I should’ve brought the return stone with me.

When the light reached him, a sudden calm washed over his body. He felt peaceful. Content. His thoughts dulled, and for a moment, he nearly lost his resolve.

No…!

He forced himself to snap out of it, shaking his head. Around him, the citizens had half-lidded eyes, their faces blank and dazed, caught in some kind of trance.

Then, the golden figure stopped singing and raised both hands into the air.

“Our Creator commands: give your body and soul—for they already belong to Him. And destroy all His enemies—for they are already DAMNED!”