"Let me explain!"
Zero chipped in. He wanted to give Adeline a summary of what had happened and also to explain his plan.
First Zero explained to Adeline about the situation at the Cathedral and how she and others had been brainwashed by Cardinal Hildred. Adeline looked very guilty and immediately apologized to the Saintess.
"I-I am so sorry, Saintess! I-I …"
Adeline blamed herself. Even though it was something out of her control, she couldn't believe that she was trying to kill someone she had vowed to protect.
Amelia gently placed her hand on Adeline's shoulder and said, "Adeline, it was not your fault. Even the Rank-S Holy Knights were affected by whatever Cardinal Hildred did. And I am okay, am I not? You should stop thinking about that."
Saintess Amelia reassured Adeline. Adeline felt a little relieved though she was still feeling guilty. Then she turned toward Zero.
'My apologies, Mr. Jester! Even though it was something that I didn't want to do, I did attack you."
Adeline apologized.
"It's okay! I believe that Cardinal Hildred used an artifact called 'Nexus Scepter' to control the people at the Cathedral. It is something that even Rank-S is helpless against."
"Nexus Scepter?"
Saintess Amelia asked confusedly. She didn't know any artifact named as such. With the effect achieved by the artifact, she knew that it was a very powerful artifact. Most powerful artifacts are already well-known. Even if it is something not used often, one would know about the artifact once its name was revealed.
The fact that she didn't know meant that it was a new artifact that was never used before or some secret artifact that was kept hidden.
However, how could Cardinal Hildred get such a powerful artifact? Saintess Amelia thought. It was not an artifact of the Church and it is unlikely that the Cardinal bought it from some shop.
"Yes, 'Nexus Scepter' is a Rank-S + artifact capable of controlling the mind of people in a certain radius. It uses a lot of mana, so many mana stones are needed to operate one. It makes use of Dark Energy, which is why those weak against or have no resistance to Dark Energy are easily mind-controlled."
Zero explained.
"That…"
When Zero said that it uses Dark Energy, Saintess Amelia had already assumed something that was not looking very good. She didn't want to believe it even though all the evidence is pointing towards that.
"Yes, as you are probably thinking, Cardinal Hildred should be connected to Devils in some way. She should be the one who was responsible for revealing your location and having those Devil Contractors ambush you."
Zero said, leaving no doubt that Cardinal Hildred had not only betrayed her and the Church but also humanity.
"Cardinal Hildred! How could she?"
Saintess Amelia angrily said. She still couldn't believe that the Cardinal could do such a thing. She knew that Cardinal Hildred didn't like her but for her to help Devils, Saintess Amelia didn't know how to feel about that.
Adeline was even angrier. She already pretty much wanted to slice Cardinal Hildred for making her attack Saintess. If she could, she would have already gone to beat up the Cardinal.
"Anyway, we can deal with Cardinal Hildred later. First, we have to do something about the artifact. I was thinking about destroying the Nexus Scepter. By destroying the artifact, Holy Knights and other people should regain their minds again."
Zero continued.
"After the Holy Knights regain their minds, it would be easy to deal with her and any of her accomplices."
Saintess Amelia thought for a second. Then she asked,
"Do you know where the artifact is located?"
"For now, no! But I have some ideas of where it could be."
Zero said. If the artifact was used in the war like in the novel, he could have easily found it but it was different for his current situation.
"Anyway, the place that Nexus Scepter should be in needs to be close to the Cathedral for it to be effective."
Zero explained.
While he didn't know the exact location, he knew where to begin his search. However, he knew that there were many enemies in that location, and even with his abilities, it would be tough to search for the artifact safely.
Although he didn't say those things to the Saintess. Zero thought that there was no need for her to know that.
"I need to find the artifact within a day. So, I will leave this place soon. You two should stay hidden here until I get back."
"Huh?"
Saintess Amelia looked surprised by Zero's statement.
"I can't stay here for long. I need to find the artifact and destroy it before it's too late. And also, I need to find out who gave the artifact to Cardinal Hildred and why."
Zero continued.
"No! I mean, wait a minute!"
Saintess Amelia said, waving her hands at Zero who was still talking. Only when Zero stopped talking and looked at her did she stop. Then she immediately asked,
"What do you mean by going alone? Shouldn't I and Adeline accompany you?"
She thought that they were going to do it together. She believes that with their side already being low in numbers, Zero would definitely include her and Adeline.
"I appreciate your offer, but I can handle it alone. It's too risky to bring you both along. And it will be much faster if I go alone."
Zero replied. Certainly having Saintess Amelia and Adeline would be a big boost to his power, however, his objective was not about fighting and killing.
It was fast and stealthy which was better when alone. Moreover, he was afraid that Cardinal Hildred would use some kind of psychological word against Saintess Amelia to surrender if they were found out by the Cardinal.
If that happened, his whole mission would have ended up as a failure. That's why the most logical choice was to go alone. That was also the reason why he wanted to heal Adeline, so that she could be there to protect Saintess.
It would have been not good if he left Saintess alone but now there was Adeline. He believed that Adeline would protect Saintess even if it meant compromising her or others' lives.
"B-But …"
"There is really no need. You should already know how strong I am!"
Zero said. He was referring to him using Dark Energy and being able to defeat Rank-S Devil Contractor. Others might not have seen that but Saintess Amelia certainly saw that.
Saintess Amelia nodded reluctantly. She knew that Zero was skilled and capable, but she couldn't help but worry.
"I understand! But promise me that you will be back safely. If not, Mia will kill me!"
Zero gave her a small smile and a nod before leaving the room. His first destination was going back to the cathedral.
