Chapter 635: Idol (1)
The man who introduced himself as both an Archpriest and the Financial Officer of the Saint Hall, Roderick Bor, was impressive in many ways.
With a face as solid as rock that blended authority with an air of cunning, he carried a towering presence, seemingly undeterred by his advancing age. Moreover, his vitality was so robust it seemed to overflow. Though a bit on the hefty side, it was evident he maintained his physique well.
Roderick joked that he had retired as a Holy Knight and now sat at a desk every day, but even now, his physique was formidable enough to pass as still active.
Yet, even more striking than his physicality was his intellect, knowledge, and insight.
Despite being suddenly approached, he swiftly discerned the technology and value of Eve’s Fake Body and even deduced Oliver’s intentions with it in no time.
‘Ah, it seems you’re in the midst of the well-known World Tree Project over in Landa, laying the foundation for the Black Magic Sub-School. My apologies for the intrusion.’
With a deep knowledge of Landa and the Tower of Magic, he demonstrated an impressive level of information-gathering and insight. Without such acumen, such a remark would have been impossible.
Just with that one line, everyone, including Oliver, could easily guess the depth of his scholarly knowledge, intelligence, and insight.
However, what stood out even more was his emotional state.
‘Curious... he’s similar to Armand, but not the same. His faith... seems faint.’
Oliver watched Roderick, seated in the most prominent spot and sipping coffee, pondering this.
“Please, don’t misunderstand. My knowledge of this place’s affairs comes solely from reading reports from the Landa branches of the temples and Holy Knights. Landa is... a very large and wealthy city, is it not? So please, don’t take my knowledge the wrong way,” Roderick explained, suggesting he hadn’t dug too deeply into the Tower’s activities.
It was a blatant lie, transparent even without the need for a Black Magician’s perception, but Burke Post, the Head of Administration at the Tower, went along with him.
“I’m not quite sure what you mean by a misunderstanding, but please, rest assured. Our Tower of Magic does not presume the Archpriest has any ulterior motives.”
It was a poised response, fitting of the Head of Administration, a role well-acquainted with external exchanges.
“Is that so? But this professor’s expression doesn’t seem pleased at all,” Roderick said, pointing at Kevin.
In his usual calm voice, Kevin replied, “You misunderstand. I’ve worn this expression since birth, so I hope you’ll understand. If I’ve offended you, I apologize.”
“Well, that’s a relief. For a moment, I thought that dull expression came from facing discrimination here at the Tower due to your skin color.”
With an expression that didn’t quite match his bulky frame, Roderick casually touched upon Kevin’s sensitive side with his cunning smile and words.
Fortunately, Kevin didn’t respond, and Roderick swiftly changed his tone.
“After all, you’re someone who rose from being a mere experiment in the Archive to becoming a disciple—no, there’s no need for that,” he continued.
A heavy silence began to blanket the atmosphere.
His comment upon seeing the Fake Body and then the remark he’d made toward Kevin just now revealed that, despite coming from across the sea to the Tower of Magic, Roderick had a thorough grasp of the local situation.
Considering his high rank within the Pater Church, his level of knowledge seemed excessive, which heightened Burke and Kevin’s wariness.
[He’s not just an ordinary Archpriest.]
A soft voice emanated from inside the collar of his shirt. It was Eve’s voice, channeled through a communication device attached within the shirt collar, directed solely toward Oliver.
Using her own magic, Oliver replied on the spot to engage in conversation with her.
“You’ve been watching?”
[Yes.]
“Then why didn’t you say something? I was wondering if the gift was to your liking.”
Oliver glanced at the Fake Body on the table, knowing Eve could sense it through the World Tree or her communication device.
She replied, [Thank you for creating a body for me, but the way you brought it over was a bit... well.]
“The way I brought it over?”
[It’s nothing.]
Eve seemed about to criticize something, but at Oliver’s reaction, she immediately dropped the matter.
Realizing once again that Oliver’s sense of normalcy was still different from most people’s, she tactfully moved on, showing a wisdom that could almost be called the “spirit” of the World Tree.
Instead of wasting breath on unnecessary remarks, she returned to the main topic.
[Roderick Bor isn’t just an ordinary Archpriest. Along with Armand, he is one of the most influential leaders among the Archpriests.]
“Are you saying he’s like a chancellor, like Armand?”
[He’s not exactly a chancellor, but he does wield significant influence over most kingdoms outside of the United Kingdom and Gallos. Particularly in the Central Continent, his influence is unparalleled.]
The Central Continent... Oliver felt a certain sense of déjà vu.
“Is there nothing else?”
[Like Armand, he’s a former Holy Knight and a realist. However, his fundamental approach differs. While Armand prioritizes balancing the Pater Church with reality, Roderick is a hardliner who prioritizes the Church above all else, which makes him an even greater threat in the eyes of institutions like the Tower of Magic.]
“Is that verified information?”
[According to the information I just confirmed with the Tower of Magic, yes.]
“With the Tower? Not the Pater Church?”
[Yes. Since the Pater Church doesn’t utilize the World Tree, it’s more efficient to gather such details from external institutions like the Tower.]
So, it was more effective to gather information from outside sources rather than the Pater Church...
Oliver found it understandable.
After all, the Pater Church is a religious organization. Given their role in defending humanity against demons, it was reasonable for them to maintain a high level of security.
But that wasn’t the issue at hand. The critical matter was why Roderick, an Archpriest, had come to the Tower of Magic.
It seemed he was in need of Oliver’s assistance.
Just as Oliver was about to ask about this, Roderick addressed him.
“May I take a look?”
Roderick gestured toward the Fake Body on the table.
“Pardon?”
“I’d like to examine this piece a bit more closely... would you permit it?”
“Oh, of course. Please, go ahead.”
Though momentarily startled, Oliver quickly composed himself and granted permission.
With approval, Roderick rose from his seat and began to closely inspect the Fake Body Oliver had created.
He didn’t merely look over the exterior; he examined the root-like nerve network embedded in the joints, and with Oliver’s help, opened the body to examine the artificial organs inside.
It was a sight that required a high level of expertise.
After thoroughly examining Eve’s Fake Body, Roderick let out a small expression of admiration.
“Oh... this is remarkable. I could tell there was Druidic knowledge embedded, but I hadn’t expected it to be crafted using Life Magic instead of Golem techniques. Is this an adapted version of your work on [Reconstruction and Transplantation of Limbs and Organs] that combines Blood Magic with Life Magic?”
Not only did Roderick identify the techniques within the Fake Body, but he even referenced Oliver’s academic work.
Both Burke and Kevin were visibly startled by his insight, as was Oliver himself. However, he maintained his composure and responded politely.
“Yes, that’s correct, Your Excellency... Have you read my paper?”
“Of course I have. When I come seeking help, it’s only right to do my homework, isn’t it?”
Just as Oliver was about to inquire about what assistance Roderick needed, Roderick spoke up again, preemptively.
“Although, I might have read it regardless. You’re quite a talked-about figure—an Archive disciple, sponsored by Armand, and even being called the ‘New Finger’ in certain circles. It would be hard not to read it.”
“The ‘New Finger’? That’s a misunderstanding.”
“I’m aware. People do like to talk without knowing the full story. It’s a tragic flaw, really.”
Roderick shook his head in apparent displeasure. He seemed genuine.
This reaction surprised Oliver a bit. After Eve’s caution about Roderick’s hardline devotion to the Pater Church, he had expected a much sterner attitude from the Archpriest. But, as he said, he didn’t seem overly concerned with idle gossip.
“However, after seeing this model, I think there might be some truth to what’s being said. Truly remarkable work.”
His words held a subtle undertone.
Oliver responded, “What do you mean by idle gossip?”
“You’re not aware? There are Black Magicians over in the Central Continent who are worshipping idols... specifically, a ‘New Finger.’”
This statement landed like a bombshell, and Burke, Kevin, and Mari froze in response.
Roderick’s gaze then shifted past Oliver to Mari. Oliver resisted the impulse to turn toward her.
Roderick noticed this and smiled.
“Could we perhaps speak privately?”
...
Whether out of respect for the Archpriest’s rank or the implications of Roderick’s statements, Burke, the Head of Administration, willingly ceded the office to Oliver and Roderick.
“Feel free to use this space.”
As Burke left, carrying a complex expression, Kevin turned to Oliver.
“Are you sure about this?”
He was clearly asking if Oliver could manage facing the Archpriest alone. Oliver nodded.
“Yes, I’ll be fine.”
It was a short but confident response, which seemed to ease Kevin’s worry. He left, following Burke out the door.
After Kevin left, it was Mari’s turn. Her voice was small and filled with unease.
“Director...”
The anxiety in her voice mirrored her emotions—worry, guilt, and a tinge of self-reproach.
Oliver knew well why she felt this way. She was, after all, the first to idolize him. Through several events, she had come to her current state of mind, but it wasn’t surprising that she felt troubled by Roderick’s words about idol worship in the Central Continent.
Oliver gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
“It’s okay. Don’t worry.”
As brief as his words to Kevin had been, they were enough to calm Mari. Relieved, she quietly left the room.
Once she closed the door, only Roderick and Oliver remained in the spacious administration office.
Roderick broke the silence first.
“Hm... you’re more considerate than I expected. Or should I say, just as considerate as I expected?”
Once again, his words carried a hint of something more.
After briefly watching the Archpriest, Oliver spoke up.
“How is Bonifa doing?”
Roderick’s eyes widened, then he burst into a loud, booming laugh.
“Hahahahaha! Oh, this is too good! I’d heard you were enjoyable to talk to, but I didn’t expect you to open with a direct hit like that. Quite the surprise.”
“Well, I don’t consider myself particularly clever. I just enjoy conversation. Listening to others’ thoughts is a pleasure.”
“Ah, same for me. It reminds me of a joke... Would you mind if I share it?”
“A joke, out of nowhere?”
“I heard you like humor.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Alright then. Humor is a gift from the gods—a blend of intelligence and positivity.”
The idea of humor as a divine gift, combining wit and optimism... Oliver thought he understood what Roderick meant.
Seeing Oliver’s nod, Roderick began his joke.
“Do you know what priests and prostitutes have in common?”
“Is it that neither can easily marry?” Oliver replied immediately.
Roderick let out a surprised laugh.
“Oh-ho! That’s a good one! But no, you missed the mark. It’s that both need to know how to use their tongues well. That’s why I enjoy conversation, but prefer talking to listening.”
With a wide grin, Roderick stuck out his tongue, pink and thick.
Oliver found the gesture somewhat irreverent, but he kept any judgment in check.
“So, that’s why you wanted to speak in private? Who would believe that an Archpriest made such a lewd joke to a Black Magician? People would think you’re insane.”
“...Another joke?”
“A joke, yes, but also the truth. When a priest and a Black Magician are alone in a room and a crude joke comes up, people would naturally assume the Black Magician started it. It’s a form of dark humor.”
“Interesting. I like it.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“So then...”
“...?”
“How is Bonifa doing?”
“...Now that’s unexpected. Why do you ask?”
“I... I feel I owe him an apology. Back then, I was in such a rush to leave that I didn’t have the presence of mind to apologize.”
Roderick looked intently at Oliver without responding.
Oliver elaborated, “It’s not that I want to probe into anything. I only assumed that a Holy Knight would be able to deduce who I am. I also left my car there.”
He remembered the car that Philip Roar had gifted him—destroyed in a deliberate crash landing to catch the attention of the Holy Knights, left abandoned at the scene.
Any Holy Knight could track him through that vehicle.
“Yet no follow-up action? That’s surprising.”
“At the time, I was disoriented, and after remembering it, I thought I’d just wait and see.”
“Your confidence leaves me speechless. It makes you seem trustworthy... even your curiosity about Bonifa’s wellbeing. But, as with any story, order is essential. How about we address the most important matter first? Talking about everything but the central topic would be rather absurd, wouldn’t it?”
The central topic—the idol worship of the ‘New Finger’ among Black Magicians in the Central Continent.
Oliver agreed. The reason he had brought up Bonifa’s name, after all, was partly to communicate that he was prepared for any discussion and to avoid unnecessary threats.
“That sounds good to me, Your Excellency. So, would you mind explaining the meaning of this idol worship in the Central Continent of a ‘New Finger’? For the record, I assure you, I am in no way involved.”
“I know that. I’m aware that while your influence is extraordinary, you hold no interest in such matters. Intentions show up in the details, and you simply lack those indicators.”
He was sincere.
Oliver felt relieved but quickly found his relief shattered by Roderick’s following words.
“However, separate from that, it’s an undeniable fact that followers have begun to worship the New Finger, specifically the ‘Woodcutter Dave,’ as a savior for Black Magicians.”
At these words, Oliver’s brows furrowed, and he immediately thought of Walter Meyer, the Black Magician who had suddenly appeared, pleading for his life.
Was that the reason Roderick had sought him out?
“I can’t imagine why such a thing would come about.”
“There are likely several reasons, though, in part, because Gallos perceives you as a protector of Black Magicians.”
“That was possible only with the patronage of Armand, Your Excellency.”
“You confronted the Puppet and defeated the Pied Piper.”
“Certain parts of that are exaggerated.”
“Perception is more powerful than reality. What people believe often matters more. The truth is sometimes a trivial detail.”
“...”
“But I’d say the main reason behind such rumors is the current state of chaos in the world... with the end drawing near.”