Chapter 64: The possibility of becoming a great saint is not zero.
From analyzing Maso’s fragmented memories, Suna gleaned a few clues, roughly determining her investigation’s direction. She spread her hands.
“Alright, since you’re not stopping me, Pepas, I’d investigate with full effort anyway. But they’re hiding deeper this time. From the memories I parsed, these mimic beasts rarely reveal their current mimicked identities, even during meetings. They only know significant details about their direct predecessors and successors.”
Pepas, pondering the information, confirmed with Suna. “So, to enhance secrecy, they limit information leaks? This opponent will be tough. Are you confident?”
“I’m a veteran. If things go south, I’ll bolt. As long as I don’t face first- or second-generation elders, I’ll be fine.”
Pausing, Suna hesitated before sharing an uncertain guess. “Also, I suspect the Fallen Blood Clan is behind these mimic beasts. It’s just a hunch—Maso showed no heavy ancient god corruption.”
Unimpressed by Suna’s casual attitude, Pepas conjured a paper fan and tapped her forehead. “Suna, watch your safety. Don’t dive headfirst into every dangerous lead. Oh, and let’s get to the ‘main business’—the new task I brought. One sentence.”
“What?” Suna asked, blinking.
“The Demon Lord’s order: maximize your influence without exposing your identity.”
“Huh? I’m a Demon Lord operative—shouldn’t I stay covert?” Suna asked, confused.
Pepas gave her a look reserved for troublemakers. “Covert? You, Miss Gang-Smasher, Demon-Hunter War Instigator, Faceless Saintess? Oh, and now Mimic Beast Hunter?”
Suna, speechless at the teasing titles, muttered, “It wasn’t on purpose. But more fame means more risk of exposure. Why would the Demon Lord order this? It’s a joke, right?”
Knowing the Demon Lord’s direct orders were non-negotiable, Suna made a last-ditch effort to resist.
Pepas, eyeing her struggle, shrugged. “Maybe your track record made her curious about what outrageous thing you’ll pull next. Like becoming a Demon Lord cadre crowned Great Saintess.”
Suna dry-laughed, dismissing the idea. “Don’t joke like that. The Demon Lord isn’t some thrill-seeker. I’m a half-elf saintess—even with merits, I wouldn’t get a title like that.”
“Pfft, you’re forgetting something. The real thrill-seeker isn’t the Demon Lord,” Pepas hinted.
Suna paled. If her blessing from the Golden Branch Goddess was a divine jest, the goddess might whimsically make her Great Saintess. One divine proclamation, and Golden Branch Knights would drag her to the seat.
“That’s unlikely. The goddess isn’t that mischievous, right?” Suna muttered, reassuring herself.
[Maybe I should defy the temple’s rules? No, that’s too risky—if the goddess gets mad, I’m done. Do annoying things? But I don’t even know what she dislikes…]
After pondering, Suna found no clear solution. Since it was a distant concern, she shelved it and focused on the Demon Lord’s task.
“Fine, I’ll stop overthinking. The task is to boost my influence? Should I use my identity for investigations or provide cover for operations?”
Pepas, sipping water, shook her head. “I don’t know. Maybe the Demon Lord sensed internal shifts in the Golden Branch Temple? Or she thinks countering the empire’s war tendencies requires a high-profile figure.”
“Got it. I’ll find ways to amplify the Faceless Saintess’s influence. But if I’m about to become Great Saintess, I’m running,” Suna said.
Shifting topics, she added, “Since you’re here, Pepas, I’ll give you some valuable stuff for action funds. Consider it part of your task.”
Suna poured her accumulated Corona Flower branches onto the table, strengthening the room’s shielding barrier to prevent the sun-like glow from illuminating the street.
Pepas, squinting at the radiant flowers, cautioned, “Suna, you should know your limits. Even divine blessings have side effects if overused. This frequent, intense usage will cause problems.”
“I know. I’m learning more Corona and elemental magic to offset the strength loss from avoiding crimson magic in the empire.”