Lord of Caldera - Chapter 296

Chapter 296: Chapter 296

“It’s the power of a dragon’s lineage,” Sylas explained. “As you know, my family descends from the founder of Corleone, who carried the blood of dragons.”

Matthias frowned. “I’d heard that before, but I assumed it was just an exaggerated claim, like many noble lineages.”

“It’s not just my family,” Sylas continued. “There are others in the world who carry the blood of ancient beings—giants, spirits, even sacred beasts.”

“You’re saying his strength could come from such a lineage?”

“Exactly. And if that’s the case, doesn’t that mean he exists by the goddess’s will?”

Matthias fell silent, contemplating Sylas’s words. It was true that such beings, while rare, were considered part of the natural order and not inherently evil.

“If this man is one of those beings, then the church has no cause to intervene,” Matthias finally admitted.

Matthias felt an inexplicable sense of unease despite Sylas’s calm explanation. Something wasn’t adding up. Could it really be that Isaac was accused of being a demon’s offspring based solely on his unusual strength? Matthias’s instincts, honed from years of unearthing heresy, whispered that there was more to the story.

“I’m sorry, but I need to confirm this for myself,” Matthias said firmly.

“Confirm? How do you mean?” Sylas asked, though his tone remained unbothered.

“There’s always a possibility, however slim, that he truly is a demon’s offspring. Testing him with holy water and sacred relics will settle the matter. I know this might seem unnecessary since the Saint’s powers didn’t react, but…” Matthias trailed off, his voice softening to show he wasn’t trying to undermine their judgment.

Isaac’s trembling intensified as Matthias’s eyes settled on him. Sylas, however, maintained his composed demeanor. “As you wish. Certainty is always best.”

“Thank you for understanding,” Matthias replied before retrieving a vial of holy water and a sacred relic from his belongings. He approached Isaac cautiously.

Isaac clenched his eyes shut, bracing himself as Matthias drew near.

Outside the prison, Christoph was growing impatient. He cast a bored glance toward the entrance.

‘How long does it take to confirm a demon’s lineage?’ he thought, frustrated. They should have returned by now. The silence suggested nothing catastrophic had happened, so what was causing the delay?

“When are they planning to come out?” Christoph muttered irritably, just as two silhouettes appeared from the depths of the prison.

Snapping to attention, Christoph straightened his posture and fixed a pleasant smile on his face. “Welcome back! I was starting to worry, but I’m relieved to see you’re unharmed.”

The pair said nothing, their cold gazes locked on Christoph. Matthias’s eyes, in particular, radiated an intensity that sent a chill down Christoph’s spine. There was even a glimmer of menace—an unmistakable murderous intent.

“W-what’s the matter?” Christoph stammered.

“You’ve committed three grievous sins,” Matthias said, his voice low and sharp.

“Three sins?” Christoph repeated, his eyes widening in alarm. “What are you talking about? I’ve done nothing wrong!”

Matthias ignored him, his tone gaining strength. “First, you sought power and land, framing the rightful lord and attempting to take his life.”

“W-what nonsense is this?” Christoph stammered.

“Second, you lied for your own greed, manipulating and deceiving the entire church,” Matthias continued, unyielding.

“That’s an outrageous accusation! Even the church cannot insult me like this!” Christoph shouted, though his voice wavered.

“And third!” Matthias roared, his voice like a lion’s, causing Christoph to stagger backward. Before he could recover, Matthias delivered his final judgment.

“You falsely accused an innocent man of being a demon’s offspring, exploiting him for your gain before discarding him like refuse!”

“W-what?” Christoph’s face went pale. His eyes darted between Matthias and Lydia, his mind racing. “He’s not innocent! That butcher reacted to the holy water—I’ve tested it myself!”

“And yet he shows no reaction now,” Matthias said icily.

“Come and see for yourself if you doubt us,” Lydia added, her voice cold.

Fuming, Christoph stormed into the prison, driven by equal parts rage and desperation. The possibility of an ambush didn’t even cross his mind. Rounding the corner, he spotted Isaac and immediately hurled the vial of holy water at him.

“Take this, you monster!” Christoph bellowed.

Isaac raised his arm instinctively, shattering the vial against it. The holy water splashed over him, soaking his entire body. Christoph smirked triumphantly, expecting Isaac to flinch or convulse.

But nothing happened.

“Why would you throw that? It’s bad enough being falsely accused, now I’m drenched,” Isaac grumbled, shaking the water from his arms.

Christoph’s smirk froze. His mind raced. ‘No, this can’t be right. He should’ve reacted—at least a small twitch!’

“It’s clear now,” Matthias said, his voice cutting through Christoph’s confusion.

“T-this must be a mistake! There’s no way—” Christoph began, but Matthias silenced him with a glare.

“You framed an innocent man, deceived the church, and invoked the name of demons for your selfish schemes. For these crimes, I pronounce you a heretic.”

“A heretic?” Christoph whispered, his voice barely audible as the word hit him like a blow. Being labeled a heretic wasn’t a minor insult—it was a death sentence, a designation reserved for cultists and demon worshippers.

“Why?” Christoph croaked, his voice rising. “Why am I being branded a heretic?”

“You dared to speak the name of demons, manipulated the church, and sought to spill innocent blood with our blades,” Matthias replied. “These actions insult the church more than any cultist ever could. How could I not declare you a heretic?”

Christoph’s lips moved wordlessly. He could think of no defense, realizing with a sinking heart that no words could save him now.

Matthias’s voice softened, though it carried the weight of finality. “If any trace of devotion to the goddess remains in your heart…”

“R-remains?” Christoph asked, hope flickering in his eyes.

“…then submit your neck here and now. A swift, painless death is the only mercy I can grant.”

At those words, Christoph’s legs gave out beneath him, and he collapsed to the ground, trembling.

…

Note: I am starting to experience some difficulties at work, which may lead to fewer updates.