Faith is the Sword and Shield

Chapter 86 Faith is the Sword and Shield

Viktor, who had mysteriously disappeared for several days, changed into an inconspicuous linen blouse and low-cut leather boots and returned to the beer house, where he brushed past Fielding, who was leaving in a rage.

He stood at the entrance to the living room, watching the human and drow who were in such a harmonious atmosphere, almost like a couple, without the slightest awkwardness of being the center of attention.

The pastor stood with his back to the sunlight, the bright light casting his shadow into the room, making his tall, thin figure appear like a giant.

"I've found a clue. Baron Moraka Visi was cursed by a northern barbarian shaman during the border war twelve years ago. He became mentally unstable and turned into a senile fool—he was a knight of honor."

"And then, I hope you won't say anything else—something I can't understand, sir." Marcus politely invited Victor to sit down. He had a bit of respect for this simple-living pastor; a man who dared to sleep huddled in the woodshed with mosquitoes was a tough guy no matter where he was.

"This is a necessary introduction; otherwise, how can you possibly understand the horror of an evil god!"

Victor reiterated the importance of pure faith, took the ale Marcus offered and took a sip. The cool, refreshing taste was quite pleasant, making him unconsciously smack his lips.

When it comes to drinking, Victor can agree with Marcus and Bardeen that wine is something only women drink.

"During the twelve years that Baron Moraka was insane, the Visi family business was managed by his sister, Eileen. About two months ago, the Visi family business went bankrupt, which seemed unusual. Eileen was a well-known lady in the Silver Mountain City business world, who ran the family's glass factory and silversmith's workshop very well, setting new profit records every year."

"Twenty days ago, Moraz, the second son of the Visi family, who had been working as a mercenary for many years, returned to Silver Mountain City. He successfully seized control of the family from Eileen and secretly colluded with the snake people to create the lie that silver had reappeared in Zilinhe Town!"

Two months, twenty days—Marcus kept these two time points in mind.

Two months ago, it almost coincided with the time when he found Trissy, and twenty days later was exactly the time when Rye Wine left the Bloodline Doomsday.

Could it be that Emma and Seth were in cahoots? No way, now that I think about it, that guy has a very high level of sophistication; he's completely different from the Swamp Serpent, who has a clear objective.

That dark trial might have been a long-running game, throwing a few people into extreme pressure environments for testing, without any form of guidance.

More than a devil demanding souls, he was a comical playwright, forcibly cramming actors onto the stage and composing his own melodies.

Marcus suppressed his thoughts about the devil and asked curiously, "So, sir, your clues don't point to that Eileen who hasn't shown up yet, do they?"

"Yes, I suspect she was kidnapped by the snake people and used as a weapon by Moraz to command the Baron."

At this moment, Trish couldn't help but speak up: "It's more likely that your identity was stolen by the snake people. They're very good at disguising themselves. I suspect that you're also a snake person in disguise, using false information to mislead us."

"You're slandering a priest of Tyr?!" Victor was furious. Even the warrior's most effusive words were far less insulting than the drow's insults, because Trissy was good at being sarcastic, while Marcus preferred to curse directly.

"Alright, alright, calm down, my friends. Trish, Mr. Victor is the owner of the rye wine business, and he's working hard for his business. We should show him respect."

"I hope you and he both understand what you're doing, you short-lived devils." Trish snorted coldly, turned and walked towards the kitchen, then returned to the small courtyard to continue tending to the flowerbed that was beginning to take shape.

Viktor seemed extremely satisfied with the drow's concession. He raised his chin, as if he believed he had won the war against the alien race, and said arrogantly and confidently, "I have located the snake people's stronghold. They are holding a ritual in a corner, and all evil originates from there."

Marcus was extremely confused. "That can't be right, friend. You've only been in Linhe Town for three days. How could you find the snake people's lair in the blink of an eye?"

Do you really believe in Kurogiri Google, a man whose intelligence-gathering abilities rival those of a man who goes straight to the root of the problem?

"Where did you get this information? It wasn't deliberately leaked by the snake people to mislead us, was it?"

Viktor shook his head in disappointment, his eyes filled with pity for Marcus's doubts: "Norfitz, if you are devout to the true God, the God will naturally grant you revelation. You need no sword or shield; faith is the most steadfast weapon and armor."

"Are you serious, friend? I'm surrounded by a bunch of weirdos: a dwarf ranger who charges faster than anyone else, a half-drow who loves gardening and only eats fruit, and a trial priest who gets information through prayer. Damn, I really should find someone who matches your characteristics so I don't end up looking like a Muggle warrior."

"Could it be that Tyr's servants have instilled awe in you, a believer in the spirits of the rainforest? Marcus Norfitz, if you are willing to relinquish your faith in—" Victor uttered two words with great reluctance, as if saying something blasphemous: "The faith in the Water Queen and Kukulkan, I can, on behalf of Tyr, forgive your sins of superstitious heresy."

"No need, sir, thank you," Marcus said, proudly swinging his thick, powerful arm. "Given the current situation, if the Water Queen and Kukulkan can help us, we shouldn't miss any opportunity for assistance."

"Hmph!" Victor was extremely dissatisfied with his perfunctory and sophistical attitude, believing that this land had been polluted by the primitive and wild atmosphere for too long and had forgotten the importance of faith.

The pastor wasn't there to preach; he quickly changed the subject, focusing on the snake people: "I have a feeling that if we sail north for a while, we can find the snake people's lair precisely. Let's move tonight!"

"Tonight?!" Marcus let out an indescribable wail, like a pig being slaughtered. He had arranged to play cards at the tavern with Bardin, Kuran, and Loca as a short rest before the storm.

Of course, they rest like this every day, it's just a matter of how long it takes.

"Don't you have more important things to do?"

Viktor looked puzzled, then suddenly nodded, as if he had guessed what Marcus was planning to do: "Of course you should be paying attention to the situation in town and delegate the lies about the silver to others. You handled this very well, Marcus."

But the pastor abruptly changed the subject, slamming his hand on the coffee table, making the painted pottery clang loudly: "But justice cannot be delayed, much less absent. Prepare your equipment and weapons this afternoon, and after arranging things tonight, set off immediately. We must deal with the snake people as quickly as possible! This is Tyr's order!"

"Fine, you're the employer, you call the shots—"