The Divine Hunter Chapter 35: The Dilemma of Chapelle

The Temple Island is directly north of Novigrad.

In the Eternal Fire Hall, bright as day and warm as spring.

Archbishop Cyrus Engelkander Heimfa sat on the armchair inlaid with an orange fire emblem above the stone staircase in front of the hall, looking at the stone with kind eyes on his face covered with age spots. Eight people below the stairs

Wearing black clothes, leather hats, and belts of Peramian whips, the Sheriff and the seven Temple Guards of the Eternal Fire.

The archbishop’s vicissitudes of voice was full of admiration,

"In the past two years, the security of Novigrad has been greatly improved under your management, and the number of petty crimes such as cheating, kidnapping, and theft has been reduced by half. The once rampant human trafficking has also disappeared... The whole city has become It is safer and more prosperous. The church is increasingly recognized and loved by the citizens. The number of believers in the entire city has increased by a full 20% compared to two years ago. This in turn facilitates my promotion of eternity outside. The efficiency of fire."

He looked at the Sheriff with admiration, "You have done a great service to the church."

"Lord Cyrus has oversold you. All of this is due to you. Under your wise guidance, I can follow the path of light, eradicate the darkness in the world, and let the holy flame shine on the earth," Chapelle He bowed and spoke humbly. On his cheeks with mottled red spots, his metallic eyes reflected the color of metal. They no longer had the coldness and indifference of the past. They looked at the archbishop, full of admiration, like a child who admires his elder brother.

The old man nodded.

"You have served me for ten years. Most of my former sheriffs could only serve for two or three years before being eroded by darkness, blinded by prosperity, blinded by greed, and turning their backs on the eternal fire. But you are really rare... ”

There was a complicated look in his cloudy eyes, with a hint of reluctance, and he paused in his tone,

"Shapelle, say your prayer again."

"As you command, my lord!" Shapele, the shape-shifter, raised his head, a holy light glowed on his cold face, looking at the huge portrait of eternal fire on the dark gold wall behind the temple, and said impassionedly Say prayers,

For a moment, he seemed to have returned to that night when he was tortured to the point of death due to the memories rolling through his mind, but was saved by the eternal fire.

"The flame protects the world. Those who stand within the light will never be harmed by evil.

Fire washes away filth. Like a burn wound that turns into a thick sore, so the souls who have committed evil crimes must be purified by fire.

No one can master the fire. Anyone who blocks the path of the flame is playing with fire and burning himself.

If you dare to move a finger in front of the flame, the flame will burn it to ashes.

The flame ignites the darkness, and the evil hidden in the shadow will appear in the light of the flame. Those who hide their evil deeds in the darkness will be burned in the face of the flame.

Brothers and sisters, let’s pray together. The flame protects the world and burns away the dirt!

The flame protects everyone and warms the road!

The flame purifies evil and makes it disappear! ”

The seven guards of the Eternal Fire echoed loudly, and the sound echoed throughout the entire temple hall, which was heart-stirring.

The burning brazier on the high platform was mysteriously inspired, causing sparks to jump and explode.

"Shapelle, you are good at everything, but one thing is disappointing." The archbishop nodded with satisfaction, his face suddenly became solemn, his palms were clasped in front of his chest, he supported his chin, and stared straight at The Sheriff, with a stern look in his eyes, "Why have there been more and more non-human races in Novigrad in the past two years, including dwarves, elves, elf hybrids, mutants, as well as herbalists and dream diviners who use magic tricks? …”

"They occupy almost the entire southeastern city. If you take just five steps on the street, you can see one of them. Their number and proportion have broken the inherent balance of Nuo City! Tell me, this is Why?"

There was an uncomfortable silence suddenly in the hall.

Chapele said calmly without changing his expression.

"My Lord Bishop, the non-human race has been living an honest life under the supervision of the Eternal Fire. They have never harmed anyone and are more law-abiding than the gang members in the city, so I think there is no need to suppress them. Arouse their passion Resistance and rebellious psychology can only be counterproductive."

"And shouldn't the eternal fire shine on the world, guide all living beings, and treat them equally?"

"Confused! Chapelle!" The old man slapped the armrest with his left hand with sudden veins, and reprimanded in a hoarse voice, "Inhuman race, inhuman race, they are not of the same mind as humans at all, dwarves They have always worshiped the holy mountain of Mahakam, and the elves secretly always want to regain their long-dead kingdom. People who play with magic and witchcraft also like to play with people's hearts."

"And mutants, not to mention, are a group of cold-blooded butchers who put their interests first, wandering around and connecting all evil together!

The witcher is the worst of all evil!

Their crimes have long been engraved in their genes and bloodline, and they will never truly believe in the eternal fire! The current self-preservation is all disguise. When the number of similar people is large enough, they will reveal their true colors, break the rules, promote their heresies, and extinguish our eternal fire. ”

"Turn the entire Nuo City into their world, and turn their rules into human rules!"

The Sheriff clenched his fists, suddenly took a deep breath, and a sickly blush appeared on his face.

"Shapelle, the eternal fire inspired me in time... You befriended the demon hunter, and became brothers with one of the three giants, the collector who plays with magic, and you have embarked on the shadow path of abandoning the flame."

"What you did in Nuocheng has caused this city with a glamorous appearance to be covered with acne under its skin, but fortunately, it has not damaged the internal organs and made it terminally ill."

"It's not too late to repent... Considering the great contributions you have made to the church in the past, I can let you continue to retain the power in your hands, but you have to make up for your mistakes!"

The Archbishop stood up, holding on to the handrail, and ordered the Sheriff at the foot of the steps,

"Reorganize the territory of collectors and butchers, impose heavy racial taxes and magic taxes on herbalists, dreamers, mixed elves, and dwarves, reduce the number of non-human races in the city, and restore balance to the situation! Of course, this move cannot be done If you are in a hurry, figure it out slowly, I will give you half a year."

"Ahem!" The old man took a deep breath, the age spots on his face were stained red with blood, and he hammered his chest, "But there is no room for sloppiness or delay in another task! You must punish those mutants immediately , lead the temple guards of the Eternal Fire to eradicate their base on the outskirts of Novigrad! Put an end to their evil deeds!"

"Novigrad must not become a disgrace to mankind!"

"In addition, warn the bards of the Nuo City Dance Hall to shut up and stop singing the praises of the witcher!"

"If you can do this beautifully!" The old man turned to him with deep expectations and encouragement, "Then you will continue to serve as the Sheriff of Eternal Fire!"

……

"Lord Cyrus... your attitude in the past was far less extreme than it is today. Didn't you always say that the peaceful coexistence of non-human races and humans allowed this city to accept the trickles of hundreds of rivers like the sea and prosper."

A puzzled smile appeared on the corner of Chapelle's mouth, and his thin cheeks looked complicated.

"That was in the past. The numbers of elves, dwarves, and halflings in the city were under control and did not pose a threat, but now the situation has changed."

"Listen, I don't ask you to get rid of them immediately! Let's focus on those mutants now!"

Cyrus raised his head, some of his white eyes sparkling, and he thought about a conversation with Vilgefortz, or a deal.

As long as you make the demon hunters of Nuo City have no place to stand, then this powerful figure in the Northern Magic Association, a popular mage in the eyes of the kings, will help you to further spread the glory of the eternal fire.

It's not just the North this time.

Vilgefortz and Nilfgaard also developed a friendship.

He is willing to help him pass on the message and let the Eternal Fire go to the southern territories to preach and compete with the Sun Sect!

Spreading the brilliance of the eternal fire is more important than anything else!

Cyrus is old, and the only thing he hopes for is to see the flames shine all over the world before he dies.

The Sheriff moved his lips, murmured a few words in a vague voice, shook his head and sighed, with a despairing expression.

"I'm sorry, Lord Bishop...I can't do what you asked for."

"Is it because I'm too old that my ears don't work?" The old man's eyes widened with an expression of disbelief.

How dare your subordinates who have been loyal to you for ten years dare to question and refute yourself?

"Lord Cyrus," Chapelle looked up at the old man he admired in the past, "What you did is tantamount to pushing the eternal fire to a dead end, which will destroy the vigorous development of the past two years. Great foundation?!"

"Moreover, neither the inhuman races in the city nor the master demon hunters outside the city have ever violated the law, and have even assisted the church in perfectly handling security issues! They have made merit rather than fault, and should not be subjected to unwarranted punishment. Blame and slander!"

"I know that you may have been deceived by someone with bad intentions, which led to the wrong perception. I will take you outside the city to confirm it with your own eyes right away, how about it?!"

He groveled and looked at the old man imploringly.

He understood that he could temporarily succumb to the archbishop and inform the witcher, and escape his life.

But it's no use, the witchers will never leave.

The day he transformed into a sheriff, he made up his mind that he would never hide like a lost dog again XZ!

The eternal fire is his final destination!

"Shut up, you still call them master? Have you been brainwashed by the witcher?"

"Lord Cyrus, I am just stating the facts."

"You are hopeless!" The old man closed his eyes, his facial features were twisted, and his expression was painful. He turned his gaze to the temple guard, "Take off his black robe of eternal fire, take off his Lamia whip, and take it away. His holy silver... I declare, Chapelle, that from now on you are no longer the Sheriff of the Eternal Fire!"

"You are not qualified to continue to believe in the eternal fire! No," the old man held his chest and breathed heavily, feeling more and more heartbroken. "There is no place for you in Novigrad anymore. I will force you to leave the city today! Never again. Come back!"

Chapelle stared at the eternal flame, spread his hands without any resistance, and still let his former subordinate unarm him!

Is the confused archbishop still worthy of my trust and following?

Will the Eternal Fire still be the beacon that once saved me from confusion and pain?

"Mr. Bishop..." A young guard who was searching the body of the Sheriff suddenly changed his expression, "Mr. Chapelle...he...he..."

"Don't call him sir! What's wrong with him?"

"He did not carry the holy silverware!"

"Okay, Chapelle, are you practicing the rules of the eternal fire like this? Are you taking the lead in violating the iron law of three centuries?!" The old man staggered down the steps, walked up to him, and grabbed him Holding the lapel of his chest, fire was about to burst out of his eyes!

Every finger on his hand could not be straightened, and it was covered with calluses inside and outside. It looked like a small rake made of branches, pinning the Sheriff in place.

"Have you got your holy silverware?"

"In the bedroom." Chapelle frowned and said calmly,

"You, go get his things!" The old man gave an order, but then changed his words suddenly. His cataract-like eyes shot out as sharp as an eagle, and he looked at the Sheriff repeatedly, who looked at him calmly. , but cold sweat oozed from the palms placed on the back of the waist,

"Wait a minute, you seven, have you ever seen this guy wearing holy silverware on weekdays?"

"Your Majesty, if you say so..." The seven people looked at each other, with strange expressions on their faces, and shook their heads, "In the past two years, I have never seen..."

"He has also recently started to make friends with non-human races?!"

"Yes." The young guard who had been following Chapelle had a complicated expression.

The Archbishop suddenly thought of a possibility!

The pupils shrank even more, and he was breathing heavily. His trembling hands reached into the burqa at his neck and took out a necklace in the shape of a torch that shone with silver light.

"Get him!"

A flash of blood suddenly appeared on Chapelle's sickly and thin cheeks, his expression froze, and he involuntarily took a step back.

The fear in the metallic eyes flashed away!

However, the three guards of the Eternal Flame realized the problem and grabbed his arms, controlling his waist and legs, making him unable to move at all.

The bishop held the silver torch with his right thumb and index finger and pressed it on the sheriff's forehead.

"Zizzizi—"

In an instant, strong white smoke and colorful lights erupted from Chapelle's body, and his skin and bones expanded and contracted like boiling water.

The normal human facial features on the face strangely disappeared, like mud and flour that had been repeatedly rubbed and squirming.

"Zizi"

Two seconds later, in full view of everyone.

The middle-aged man with a thin body and a majestic face was missing and was replaced by a strange humanoid creature.

Wearing baggy suspenders, he is similar in size to a dwarf, but has an unusually large head, with a bunch of facial features, yellow eyes the size of rice grains, a round nose, and thick lips. , with pointed ears that are thicker and shorter than those of elves.

The face is still full of wrinkles like an old man in his seventies or eighties.

Downward, there is no obvious neck, and the chest and abdomen are connected together.

His limbs are as long as a spider

The two arms are like chimpanzees, hanging down past the knees, and the palms are half larger than ordinary people, and the backs of the hands are covered with black hair.

A pair of feet that are twice as big as ordinary people, and the insteps are also covered with black hair.

"Metamorphosis! Heretic! A blasphemous creation! How brave!" The bishop's eyes, covered with white shadows, like jade with a worn surface, projected a look of extreme hatred.

"Bang!" He kicked hard in the soft abdomen, knocking the shapeshifter to the ground.

The latter let out a miserable wail!

The guards, whose faces were extremely shocked, immediately picked him up again.

Take out the holy silverware from their clothes and cover his skin completely!

"Take him to the Temple Square!" The archbishop sat on the stone stairs, breathing heavily like a broken bellows. He supported the stone stairs with one hand to barely maintain his body. He issued orders continuously, his eyes full of disgust, and he wished he could Eat its flesh and blood!

The anger had burned away his sanity, and he gave the order without thinking,

"Calling all citizens and believers!"

"Pile up firewood and set up a stake!"

"I want to burn this evil bug to death in front of the whole city, and avenge the real Sheriff, my innocent sacrificed Chapelle!"

"Yes, Lord Bishop!"

……

On the other side, two knights with outstanding appearance and temperament as bright as the sun left the Nuo City Dance Hall with regrets on their faces.

Looking at the streets with people coming and going and the flowers blooming in vases outside the store, I fell into a daze.

"Master Dandelion, the owner of the cabaret, has gone away... This is too unlucky. What should we do now? Geralt's clues have been interrupted," the black-haired knight looked at the blond knight beside him inquiringly,

"Man, we've arrived in Nuo City anyway, so why not wait a little longer?" Grimm smiled openly, "If you don't visit this bustling metropolis, wouldn't it be a waste of time!"

“I’ll teach you another truth. The more glamorous a city looks on the outside, the more heinous the crimes are secretly. Just like our peaceful and paradise-like Toussaint, there are also female night demons who secretly seduce men. Committing a crime." Grim touched the sword on his waist, his pupils gleaming with excitement as he prepared for a big fight, "Novigrad's crimes will only increase."

"It's our turn to appear!"

He patted Cassirer's shoulder hard~IndoMTL.com~Purify evil and practice the great spirit of chivalry! ”

"It's exciting to think about it. All the criminals in a city will become our whetstones!"

"Grim, you always claim chivalry, but along the way, you have done countless good things and good things." Cassirer followed him and walked onto the street, "When will it end? ”

"Have you heard of the legend of the Lady of the Lake? When the Lady of the Lake appears and gives us the honorary title of Knight of Five Virtues, our merits will be complete!"

"But we have to at least go to a place with a lake, right? Isn't Nuo City a seaport?"

"Don't worry, the time has come. What's the difference between oceans and lakes?"

The two walked away while chatting, then suddenly stopped walking.

The two of them suddenly saw a crowd of people gathering at the bridge leading to Temple Island in the north of the city. The old, weak, women, children, merchants and hawkers all rushed over.

At the entrance of the bridge, a group of men wearing black coats with fire emblems on their chests walked through the street, shouting loudly and greeting everyone.

"Everyone from Nuocheng, come to Temple Island quickly!"

"The guards captured an evil shapeshifter!"

"He's disguised as Sheriff Chapelle!"

"The Bishop will preside over the burning ceremony!"

"Everyone goes to watch the ceremony!"

Grim and Cassirer looked at each other.

The meteors rushed over in stride.

……

At the same time.

At the entrance of a dark alley in Geldof District, Riens and the sorceress wearing an illusion mask headed towards the villa of collector Gawain Samsa, and disappeared in a flash.

……

The young demon hunter noticed the crowd quickly gathering towards the Temple Island. His expression changed drastically after hearing the shouts of the temple guards. He quickly found a secluded alleyway and contacted Gawain's house through the telescope crystal. companion.