Chapter 30: Why does this sound familiar?
Though Suna found Pepas’s abrupt topic shift a bit odd, she went along with it, raising the question on her mind.
“Since we’re having a meeting, does that mean I’m joining the Special Investigations Division? What’s my role?”
Pepas spread her hands at Suna’s question.
“Suna, don’t be so eager. The division’s newly formed, and you just arrived. Let me introduce the team first, and you can get to know everyone.”
After a brief pause, Pepas continued seriously.
“Though the division is based at the eastern intelligence outpost, it answers directly to the Demon Lord’s intelligence headquarters in the human empire, [Web Beneath the Grove]. Our work involves completing special missions from headquarters and gathering info on events that could impact the situation.”
Suna frowned slightly.
“Special missions” sounded vague, with no clear direction, but they were undoubtedly critical, potentially altering events or even the broader situation.
Collecting info on special events felt even stranger, like searching for pivotal moments to influence the future.
“Why does this division feel so suspicious? The goals and tasks are unclear, and the team is small and… weird.”
Before Suna could finish her doubts, Pepas coughed and shot her a meaningful look.
“Cough, cough.”
Knowing Pepas was reminding her of the Demon Lord’s help, Suna pivoted with a forced smile.
“…Such challenging work? Of course I’m in!”
“Great. Now, introductions.”
Catching Pepas’s expectant glance, Suna sighed subtly and addressed the three others watching her.
“I’m Suni Deadwood, currently Suna Florist. As a mimic beast, I excel at transformation, infiltration, and intelligence gathering. Due to certain reasons, I can’t maintain a fixed human form long-term, and I bear a goddess’s blessings. My cover is a low-tier saintess of the Golden Branch Temple.”
After her brief introduction, Suna quipped at Pepas.
“By the way, Pepas, didn’t you share my profile with them?”
Pepas smiled faintly, explaining her reasoning.
“I think face-to-face interaction beats cold paperwork for truly understanding someone.”
“You just wanted me to spill my weird traits, didn’t you? A mimic beast saintess is practically one-of-a-kind.”
After Suna’s self-deprecating remark, the red-haired mermaid picked up the conversation, introducing herself.
“Well, including Chief Pepas, this division is full of oddballs. Like me—I’m Kerol, an Ice Sea mermaid ranger on land, codename [Flame Coral]. I specialize in archery, related magic, and makeup. Big guy, knight lady, who’s next?”
As the topic moved forward, the towering barbarian mage scratched his shiny bald head and began.
“I’m Stone, codename [Unyielding Rock]. I love studying magic, especially long-range precision strike spells. Though I’m a barbarian, I’m not great at close combat.”
After Stone, the dark elf greatsword warrior spoke with a serious tone.
“My turn? I’m Darkness, a greatsword warrior for frontal assaults and breakthroughs. Codename [Steel Knight]. And though I’m a dark elf, I don’t like their flashy clothing style.”
After their introductions, Suna looked at Inkos, who stood silently without speaking.
“Miss Inkos, what about you?”
“I’m Inkos, Chief Pepas’s deputy and secretary, handling paperwork and sometimes cleaning up her whimsical or prank-induced messes. I like bonuses and vacations.”
Inkos’s unexpected words slightly cracked her calm demeanor, painting her as an overworked employee.
“…Wow, Pepas, your deputy’s personality is pretty unique.”
“Well, her paperwork skills and other abilities are top-notch, so a bit of sharp wit is just a side effect.”
Shrugging, Pepas moved to the meeting’s main agenda.
“Now that we’re acquainted, let’s start the intelligence-gathering reports.”
Stone, the barbarian mage, spoke first.
“The most concerning intel I’ve gathered is about an unidentified saintess active in the northern and eastern human empire. Her purpose is unclear; she seems to wander, casually resolving incidents along the way. The key point is her strength—she’s powerful and appeared out of nowhere.”
Kerol, the mermaid ranger, raised her hand, joining in.
“I’ve got related info. After her activity in the far north, the Decay Omen Cult clashed heavily with the Demon Hunter Guild. Her timing of appearing and leaving is suspiciously convenient.”
Suna tilted her head.
[Hm, why does this sound familiar?]
“You’ve got info on that saintess too? I learned her nickname is [Faceless Saintess]. She wears low-tier priestly robes, a veil hiding her face, and uses blessings to create miracles multiple times. I suspect she has the potential to become a high-tier saintess, maybe even a grand saintess in the future.”
After Darkness’s report, Suna’s face turned utterly exasperated.
“Wait, hold on, what’s this nonsense? The more I hear, the worse it gets. The saintess you’re talking about is me!”