The Order of Fatality had always sought to summon Evil Entities. Still, if they had managed to awaken or attract one of the Seven Deadly Sins, then the situation was far worse than he had imagined. No, perhaps the Seven Deadly Sins were actually behind the Order of Fatalities to begin with.

It wouldn't be surprising if that were actually the case.

So, after some considerations, he decided to share his thoughts with these psychics…

"This is not just mind corruption. This reeks of Lust. One of the Seven Deadly Sins…"

The psychics stiffened at his words.

Even the oldest Arcanist paled. "Demon Lust…? That would explain why our defenses failed. No barrier of the mind can resist such temptation. It is not simply psychic power..."

Vale frowned since he knew what they were capable of if they weren't immediately dealt with.

He was lucky before since he found these Deadly Sins during their weakened state. However, if they were able to get stronger, it wouldn't be easy to say.

'Still… Faith or maybe Constance, or even the Dragons, should be more than enough to deal with this.' Vale mused as he knew that Lust might not be something he could deal with easily.

Although he had various Spells and Artifacts that could protect his mind, he felt that the others would probably have a better defense than he could muster.

This should be true, especially for Dragons with high resistance to Mind Corruption. Well, the only reason he managed to put a Slave Mark on both Ryzoir and Orden was due to the Will of the Realm's suppression and Magnus' special summoning circle that drained their energy the moment they entered this realm.

It was different now if they had to deal with one of the Seven Sins.

'But this isn't really our problem… We have to get proper payment for this job…' Vale thought to himself. Furthermore, he didn't have to take all the risk.

If they have to deal with Sins, they have to look for experts…

'Right… This should be fine.'

The Order of Fatality had been crippled, unable to summon openly. But if they had turned to Lust, then they had found a way to spread chaos without armies or monsters. A single Deadly Sin could harm nations from within.

Vale made up his mind.

"If Lust is involved, then this is no longer just your faction's problem. It threatens the entire Pallham Empire."

The Oracle Hivemind remained silent, waiting for his decision.

Vale stood and explained his plan.

"We will not confront this alone. We could be dealing with one of the strong Seven Deadly Sins, and its influence spreads faster than any curse. We need allies who can counter temptation aside from my own people…"

The group was confused, but Vale just smiled and continued.

"We will go to the Church of the Fortune Goddess. Their priests and oracles can shield minds from Lust's corruption… However, I'm sure you're not thinking that this will be free."

Hearing that, the group immediately showed their chest of gold bars. Since Zen couldn't be used in all nations, they have brought gold bars instead, since they could be traded for anything in any nation.

However, Vale shook his head as he didn't really need money.

The Oracle Hivemind members shifted uneasily when Vale dismissed their chest of gold.

Vale glanced at the chest and asked… "You already tried the Church of the Fortune Goddess, didn't you?"

The oldest Arcanist lowered his head. "Yes. We went to them first. But they did not take us seriously. The Church has only a small number of followers in the Pallham Empire compared to other nations. Although they didn't say it, we believed that they could not act without proper offerings or influence. They turned us away."

Vale scoffed. "Of course they did. The Church doesn't move without tribute. Fortune is their creed, and they won't risk themselves unless properly paid. You didn't fail because they lacked power, you failed because you lacked something they wanted.

The psychics exchanged bitter looks. They knew he was right. Their faction was small, and their resources were already thin. They had knowledge, but little wealth.

Vale waved his hand dismissively. "I don't want your money. It's useless to me. What I need is manpower."

The group looked up, startled.

"I want you to work in my Academy… You will not be official professors," Vale continued… "But you will serve as instructors within the Academy. Handle the tasks that require your knowledge, arrays, illusion tests, and examinations in Psychic Arts. That is worth more than your money..."

The Oracle Hivemind fell silent, considering his words.

It wasn't really a bad offer. Their only concern was the fact that the things they learned in Farrel Academy shouldn't be taught to other people or students without the Faction's approval.

However, since they were also desperate, it shouldn't be a problem accepting this deal. After all, forming a closer relationship with the Shadow Domain wasn't a bad thing at all.

They should have no issue convincing the higher-ups to agree.

Finally, the oldest Arcanist spoke. "We can agree to that. Fifteen of our most talented and young psychics will work in the Academy. They ask for no payment, only food and necessities to survive."

Vale felt satisfied after hearing this... "Good. That is a fair arrangement. You are poor, and you have nothing I want in wealth or artifacts. But your skills… those I can use…"

It was quite straightforward, but it must be something Immortals tend to do.

The psychics then bowed deeply. They also knew that this was a chance to be part of something greater.

Vale then looked at the time and nodded... "Then it's settled. Fifteen of your decent talents will serve in the Academy. In return, we'll deal with the Mind Corruption. I'll talk to the Church first…"

The group of psychics was then instructed to stay in Clovis City, and he'll look for them later on.

***

In the meantime, Vale traveled to the Ruri Kingdom, choosing it over the Millton Kingdom, where the Church of the Fortune Goddess had its main temple.

Well, Ruri's temple was closer, and he also knew someone here…

As soon as he entered the city, he retracted his Divinity.

In just a few moments, his aura faded, and he appeared no different from a normal arcanist.

To the eyes of the people, he was just another traveler.

The temple itself was open, though there was no mass being held.

Still, the great doors were wide open, allowing anyone to enter freely. Vale stepped inside, and he immediately scanned the surroundings…

The concentration of the Holy Energy of this place was indeed very impressive.

'Just like what I thought… Farah's here…' Vale mused as he turned to the altar.

But before he could approach it, several white cloaked figures moved.

These people emerged from the side aisles, surrounding him in silence.

It happened so swiftly.

They seemed to be wary of him, but they were also unsure how to treat him… Still, Vale could tell that they weren't here to greet him as a guest. Instead, they formed a circle, cutting off his path.

Of course, although he wasn't recognized, he realized their identities immediately.

The Order of the Untainted Sentinels.

They were guardians not only by the Holy Arts Faction, but also by the Church…

They had a very special connection after all.

Nonetheless, they were not priests, but warriors of the Church, so there shouldn't be that many of them inside the church.

Then, one of them stepped forward… "Who are you?"

The others tightened their circle, ready to act if his answer displeased them.

'We can't tell what Arcane Path he's practicing, but we can tell it's not Holy Art.'

'Is he another spy sent by the Chaos Immortals?'

'This guy… He's obviously a strong Arcanist since we can't see through him with our Spells. But he's acting weak.'

Apparently, Vale's impenetrable defense against Detection brought more attention to these people.

Vale sighed as he also realized what had happened. For a moment, he did not move. He studied their posture and gently nodded.

They did not recognize the Immortal standing before them.

He showed a faint smile on his lips. "You already know who I am… or at least, you should."

The cloaked figures stiffened, uncertain with this answer... Still, their leader continued.

"I don't know what you're talking about… We guard this temple. Outsiders are not welcome without purpose. Speak your intent. If you're another spy of the Chaos Immortals, it will not end well for you."

Vale finally sighed, and as he turned to the statue behind them… He didn't expect they were wary of spies from the Chaos Immortals' Faction.

"I came to meet with you, Farah… It's been a while." He said.

These words stunned the Untainted Sentinels.

Only the Sentinels, a few Bishops, Archbishops, and the Pontiff should be aware of Farah's existence.

The fact that this young man knew her and they couldn't pierce through his disguise, they could only guess that the man was likely a Half-Immortal or perhaps, even an Immortal protected by Divinity!

Then, as soon as Vale spoke her name, his surroundings suddenly changed and he was transported to a different space!

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