Chapter 1166: The Exorcist of Lutanlencia
"In contrast, while you don't carry a cross, that armor—if I'm not mistaken—should be the European Church's enhanced demonic combat suit, correct?"
Sayaka maintained extreme vigilance internally while retorting defiantly.
Though fragmented, European churches fundamentally shared unified beliefs and combat systems, with the training of Exorcists and development of demonic technology being top priorities.
Essentially, all high-ranking European Church Exorcists possessed incredibly powerful enhanced combat suits.
After receiving special blessings through faith, their magical power would carry sacred attributes, capable of easily suppressing demons' regenerative abilities!
The reason the outdated demon on the ground couldn't heal itself was likely his doing!
"Correct! I am Rudolf Astarte, Exorcist of Lutanlencia!"
The man's resonant voice carried immense conviction.
He slammed his axe handle against the ground, instantly cracking the concrete surface with several fractures.
"State your name, Lion King Organization agent!"
Despite being a criminal, he unexpectedly displayed a straightforward demeanor.
Openly declaring his name showed he operated with upright principles.
Sayaka viewed this Exorcist with slightly higher regard.
"My name is Kousaka Sayaka, formally recognized Dance Master of the Lion King Organization."
Out of courtesy, she provided her name.
"Did you injure the vampire beside you?"
"What if I did?"
The man sneered, his face full of disdain.
"A demon brazenly walking under sunlight—shameless and lawless! As God's believer, how could I tolerate such blasphemy? Moreover, do you think this demon is some righteous figure?"
"Whether he's righteous or not isn't for an outsider like you to decide. Even if he committed crimes, it should be dealt with under Itogami Island's laws."
Sayaka remained completely unmoved, instead sighing as if exasperated.
"Besides, what era do you think this is? Still clinging to outdated traditions—why don't you go complain to the Lost Warlord about it?"
This was exactly what made the Church most irritating!
Having undertaken numerous covert missions, Sayaka knew from experience that regular criminals could be handled through defeat alone. But religious fanatics? Nothing in the world was more stubborn than their minds—no amount of communication or combat could sway them.
Compared to ordinary criminals, such individuals often gave agents far greater headaches.
"The Lost Warlord will also face purification eventually."
Rudolf's unshakable composure was truly astounding.
That was the Lost Warlord they were talking about!
Among the True Ancestors, he was the most ruthless, having claimed the most lives!
"Quite bold for a believer, I'll give you that!"
Sayaka readily abandoned any attempt at reasoning with him.
"Is hatred toward demons your reason for causing trouble on Itogami Island?"
A European Exorcist visiting this demon district they considered utterly filthy wouldn't be here for tourism.
He must have some specific objective!
"Trying to extract information from me?"
Rudolf curled his lips, his square face lifting into a fearless smile.
"It wouldn't hurt to tell you—I'm only here to reclaim what originally belonged to our church!"
What was he talking about?
Sayaka's face was full of confusion.
"It doesn't matter if you don't understand. All you need to know is that we are righteous!"
"I truly don't understand, but I do know you're here to steal something!"
Sayaka tensed every nerve in her body.
How could stealing ever be considered righteous?
Her eyes conveyed this meaning as fighting spirit gathered on her face.
"Hmph, I suppose a little girl like you just can't comprehend it."
Rudolf paid it no mind.
"Fine. To achieve my goal, I'll have to face you anyway. No more talk—let's go!"
As soon as the words fell,
Rudolf flung off the cloak draped over his shoulders and charged toward Sayaka with large strides!
His movements were exceptionally powerful; each step shattered the concrete ground. The astonishing force, accompanied by a fierce gust of wind, carried the oppressive pressure of a heavy truck crashing forward!
"The power of that armored suit is terrifying!"
Sayaka was inwardly shocked, and the pressure on her intensified.
Close-quarters combat was not her forte.
As a Maihime, an expert in curses and assassination, her primary fighting style should involve using curses to outmaneuver enemies from a distance.
But Rudolf had seized the initiative, forcibly dragging her into close combat, making it hard not to suspect he had done so intentionally.
Sayaka's expression sharpened.
In the next moment, she rushed forward, meeting Rudolf's descending greataxe with a sweeping slash of her own sword!
Her speed was far inferior to Rudolf's, and the distance was too close for evasion.
Moreover,
"Don't think engaging me in close combat is a wise move!"
Sayaka had this confidence.
No matter how strong the armored suit or how sharp the greataxe, they would never surpass her sword!
Spiritual energy poured into the blade, and the spell formula on the sword activated instantly.
In the air, wherever her sword passed, faint blue trails were left behind!
In an instant, it was as if space itself had been severed, creating a spatial rift between here and there!
Her cursed tool was named Kōkarin.
In its greatsword form, its blade could sever the connection between matter and space, cutting objects out of existence!
Simply put, it simulated the act of cutting through space!
Not only could it form a blade capable of slicing through all matter, but it could also create an absolute defensive barrier that completely isolated one side from the other!
Both its offense and defense were exceptionally sharp!
This Kōkarin, just like Seiken, was an ultra-powerful cursed tool that the Lion King Organization could produce only one of. In the entire world, only she could wield it—it could not be mass-produced or imitated, making it truly unique!
The greataxe would be severed by the spatial rift the moment it descended.
Due to the formation of the spatial rift, she wouldn't even be harmed by the naturally falling axe blade!
"Your techniques are far too famous—they've long been exposed!"
Rudolf laughed heartily.
His downward swing halted abruptly. Pivoting on his feet, he used the momentum from his charge to nimbly circle behind her!
Then, he swung his axe toward her back!
"What?!"
Sayaka's expression changed, and she hastily turned to block.
Kōkarin's spatial severing was extremely powerful, but since it manifested as spatial fractures extending from her blade, it could only protect one side of her body, leaving the other vulnerable!
This guy, despite wearing such heavy armor, was still so agile!
The giant axe descended in the blink of an eye.
There was no time to execute a slashing motion. Sayaka could only block with her sword's flat side.
"Kyaa!"
Instantly, tremendous force transmitted through both arms. With a sharp cry, Sayaka was sent flying helplessly, crashing hard into a shipping container.
A metallic sweetness rose in her throat as the taste of blood spread through her mouth.
All strength seemed to drain from her body in that moment.
Damn it, he had outmaneuvered her strategically!
If she had known the enemy was this strong in close combat, she should have stayed hidden and attacked with curses!
"But it's not too late yet. I'll use this opening to hide!"
Even before she could get off the container, Sayaka's mind was racing.
First use illusion magic, then—
"Astarte!"
However.
Rudolf gave her no opportunity.
At his sharp command, another enemy emerged from the side.
Sayaka's eyes widened instantly.