Transforming into Kanna on Terra

"How are you feeling?" Kal'tsit suddenly asked after everyone else had left.

Kanna touched her nose and stood by the bed, looking out at the sea not far away. "A bit strange, and a bit awkward."

Kal'tsit nodded. "It seems the situation in Rock Bay Town is more complicated than we thought. I'll go into town to gather some information later. You are to stay in the convent and not wander off."

"Tsk, are you telling me to keep an eye on Dona or someone else?" When it came to serious matters, Kanna wasn't as carefree as usual, and even sparred verbally with Kal'tsit.

"Keep an eye on Dona. I believe she's a crucial link. Keeping tabs on her will definitely help us understand what's happening in Rock Bay Town." Kal'tsit didn't seem bothered by Kanna's seriousness. In fact, according to the intelligence Kal'tsit had on Kanna, she had never shown any sloppiness when handling official duties in the reports from various Operators. That's precisely why she assigned this task to Kanna.

"Oh! Then remember to bring me some seafood when you get back! I want fish balls, grilled squid, spicy crayfish..." After the serious talk, Kanna began listing the "seafood" from her memory, counting on her fingers.

Kal'tsit looked up and out the window, noticing a figure walking past. "Alright! Then you stay here obediently and don't wander off."

In the darkness

"What's going on? Why are there Inquisitors here? Could there be a traitor among us!"

"Impossible. We've always operated discreetly here. Could it be like before, just a chance encounter!"

"Could it be Dona? Wasn't she with the Inquisitor?"

"Impossible. Even if... Dona wouldn't leak information to the Inquisitors."

"Weren't there also a woman and a child with the Inquisitor? What's their situation?"

"We don't know about that, but according to the child, the woman is named Kal'tsit, a Doctor..."

"A Doctor? Could it be that guy from Lighthouse? As far as I know, that Liberi from Lighthouse hasn't been well lately..."

After a period of silence, someone spoke again.

"If it's a problem with Lighthouse, it's not impossible it attracted the Inquisitors... After all, those scumbags have always used Lighthouse to resist the embrace of the sea."

It was clear that with the emergence of a possibility, the atmosphere in the room eased considerably.

"Cough, cough, cough! Even so, everyone must not underestimate them. These butchers who call themselves Inquisitors have brutally murdered many of our compatriots. They are the hunting dogs of the wasteland; a single whisper will attract countless others. So, everyone, please pause your current activities and resume them after the Inquisitors leave." This person was clearly the leader of the group. After he spoke, everyone quieted down.

"What about Dona? The Inquisitor chose to stay near Dona. I suspect she's already become suspicious. Dona knows a lot. If she reveals anything, it'll all be over. With the noses of those wild dogs, they'll definitely follow the clues and find all of us."

Upon hearing this voice, the atmosphere in the room became tense again. Having opposed the Inquisitors for decades, they knew how bloody and terrifying the Inquisitors were when dealing with "heretics" like them. If their actions were discovered, unless they fled into the sea, they would only die miserably in some prison in Iberia.

"...For the sake of preventing further harm to our compatriots, some insignificant sacrifices are necessary," the leader said after a moment of silence, making the final decision.

On the other side, after leaving, Kal'tsit greeted Ilena and put on a coat before walking out of the convent. Ilena wanted to follow, but she felt something was strange about the convent. This strange feeling made her decide to stay and investigate.

After Kal'tsit left, Kanna waved to Ilena as a greeting and then slipped into Dona and Lucy's room.

Upon entering, she found Dona lying on the bed with her face turned inward, as if refusing something. Lucy, on the other hand, had a flushed face and tears in her eyes. It seemed their previous conversation hadn't gone well.

"Excuse me, may I come in?" Noticing the unusual situation in the room, Kanna walked to the doorway, sticking half her body out and only her head inside. She asked with wide, curious eyes.

"Oh, it's the little one from earlier. Come in!" Lucy wiped away a tear and beckoned Kanna over.

"Hello, my name is Kanna. I'm here with my adoptive mother, Doctor Kal'tsit, for a visit." Before confirming the other party's identity and allegiance, Kanna decided to maintain her persona. After all, she had prepared this persona for days, only to find it useful when entering and exiting countries, which made her sad.

"A visit? Rock Bay Town isn't a fun place," Lucy said, taking a hard candy from a nearby cabinet and offering it to Kanna, then sighing.

"How could that be! This is Kanna's first time seeing the sea. Wow! So this is what the sea looks like! And why is there a high tower on the edge of the city? Are there High Tower Sorcerers here too?"

"High Tower Sorcerers?" Lucy had never heard the term before.

"My adoptive mother said that in Leithanien, the most powerful sorcerers have their own Sorcerer Towers. They research magic and Originium Arts in the towers. Kanna has never seen a Sorcerer Tower, but it must look like that one outside!" Kanna said deliberately, looking at the tall lighthouse by the sea outside the window.

"No, this isn't a Sorcerer Tower. This is the pride of Iberia, a lighthouse that can illuminate the ocean and guide ships that have lost their way back home," Lucy said, reaching out to ruffle Kanna's hair.

"Speaking of which, Kanna doesn't look like she's from Iberia, does she? After all, no one in Iberia would be unaware of the stories of these lighthouses..." Lucy asked.

"Yes! Kal'tsit and I are from Leithanien. This journey has been so interesting. Let me tell you about Siracusa..." Kanna spoke like a child who had just learned something and was eager to share. She "unreservedly" recounted their interesting journey, making Lucy giggle. Even Dona, lying on the bed, couldn't help but perk up her ears, listening to the description of the outside world.

Outside, Ilena, while chatting with the nuns passing by in the hallway, heard laughter from this direction. She walked over and saw Kanna sitting in Lucy's lap, pointing at the lighthouse outside. Ilena couldn't help but sigh inwardly. The atmosphere here was so strange, yet Kal'tsit dared to leave this little girl here alone.

Chapter 111, Chapter 104: Unreserved Stalking

As the few people were chatting, singing could be heard from behind the church.

Kanna looked over and saw several rows of children and nuns standing on a small hill behind the church. At the front was someone she had seen before, someone who followed Brother Green.

"Brother Malfo is also the conductor of the choir. He is the most knowledgeable person in Rock Bay Town when it comes to music. He has personally organized all the church performances for the past decade. Because he enjoys playing with children, his prestige throughout the church is second only to Dean Green."

Seeing Kanna's gaze, Lucy explained.

"Although Rock Bay Town isn't a major city in Iberia, our convent is always among the top contenders in the national convent choir competition held every three years. Most of the credit for this can be attributed to Brother Malfo. He's likely teaching the children new hymns now."

As Lucy was explaining, a person wearing a hood, whose appearance was unclear, emerged from the convent. He walked up to Brother Malfo and said something. Then, Brother Malfo began gesturing wildly with his hands, appearing extremely agitated. The choir that was practicing was forced to stop.

Brother Malfo became more and more agitated, slamming his baton onto the ground. His heaving body showed that he was extremely angry.

The hooded person was startled by Brother Malfo's reaction and stumbled back into the church.

"Wow! He's angry, isn't he? He must be angry! I've never seen someone get so angry..." Kanna stared at the scene with wide eyes, regretting not having snacks, otherwise she could have been a happy spectator.

The commotion below was so significant that Ilena had to stop her information gathering and walk to the room where Kanna was. Hearing Kanna's words, she felt a headache coming on. From following them for this period, although she usually disguised herself as a good girl and was skilled at using cuteness to gain trust, this little one was actually a professional troublemaker. She always went all out to spectate and watch dramas, and if there was no drama, she would find ways to create some, only to be disciplined by Kal'tsit...

"Alas, it's probably about the selection of the new dean!" With such a major event happening in her own home, anyone would find it hard to remain calm in front of outsiders.

"But Dean Green looks to be under fifty. According to the church's rules, he hasn't reached the age to change deans yet!" Ilena asked, leaning against the doorframe, a puzzled look on her face. As an Inquisitor of Iberia, she knew quite a bit about the Iberian State Church. Official regulations stated that if the abbot of a church or monastery reached seventy years of age and was still alive, they would be taken to the Grand Cathedral to live out their remaining years. The vacated church or monastery would then select a successor based on their recommendation, followed by an assessment by higher authorities.

Hearing Ilena's words, she found it rather strange.

"Don't let Dean Green's youthful appearance fool you; he's actually sixty-eight!" Lucy said, a look of admiration on her face.

"Sixty-eight?" Ilena found it hard to believe. The Brother Green didn't look like someone who exercised regularly, and he appeared quite thin at first glance. However, during their conversation, he was full of spirit and spoke with a strong voice. This physique shouldn't be typical for a sixty-eight-year-old.

"Isn't that right? I've been in the convent since I can remember. Over the years, I've grown from a child into an adult, but Dean Green hasn't changed one bit. I don't know how the Dean manages it; it just makes me so envious!" A passing nun chimed in after overhearing their conversation.

Just as the nun spoke, Kanna subtly turned her body, positioning herself to see the situation between the two inside. As expected, her suspicions were confirmed.

Dona's body visibly trembled upon hearing the nun's words, and for a moment, a murderous glint flashed in Lucy's eyes before she quickly suppressed it.

Kanna's mind began to churn with ideas. When she turned her head, she saw Ilena looking at her.

"Oh! Sister Ilena, I forgot something in the car. Will you come with me to get it?" Kanna winked at Ilena, her back to Lucy.

Upon seeing Kanna's expression, Ilena subtly nodded. "Of course. Miss Dona needs to rest, and your boisterousness might disturb her."

"I'll arrange for someone to go with you to get it!" Lucy said, stepping forward as she saw them preparing to leave.

Ilena pointed to the vehicles not far below. "No need. It's such a short distance. It would be too much trouble for Miss Lucy to arrange someone. We Inquisitors aren't afraid of a little physical exertion."

Realizing that the vehicles were indeed close by and it would be awkward to send someone along, Lucy's eyes darted. "Since Dona needs to rest, I might disturb her inside. I'll come down with you. I can check if Brother Malfo needs any help."

By then, the choir had dispersed, leaving only Brother Malfo sitting alone on the small hill, lost in thought.

"Then we'll trouble you!" Ilena moved aside, clearing the path to the door.

The group descended, with Kanna pulling Lucy along, bombarding her with questions. Ilena, however, remained silent.

Upon reaching the car, Kanna, like a gecko, climbed onto the roof in surprise to Lucy. With a few swift movements, she untied the ropes securing the top and then jumped down, carrying a wooden box larger than herself.

This box was a sword case that Kal'tsit had commissioned for Kanna in Siracusa. It was made on an expedited basis because strapping such a long weapon to the roof would prevent them from crossing the borders of Laterano and Iberia.

After hopping off the car with the wooden box, Kanna nodded in satisfaction. "I've got it!"

Ilena calmly took a lantern from the car, held it, and closed the door.

"I've always heard that Vayvans are incredibly strong. I thought it was just a rumor from Sargon, but it seems to be true!"

Kanna had never taken the box down from the vehicle during their journey. Ilena had assumed it was either a part of the vehicle or something belonging to Kal'tsit. She hadn't realized until now that this large box was Kanna's personal possession.

"Little Kanna, what's inside this box?" Lucy asked, feigning curiosity as she squatted down.

"Hehe, it's Kanna's treasure!" Kanna had no intention of opening the box. She hoisted it onto her shoulder and trotted upstairs.

"Hey! Wait for me! I'm sorry, children can be so thoughtless!" Ilena apologized to Lucy while chasing after Kanna.

Chapter 112: Chapter 105: The Wind Rises Before the Storm

She had initially planned to make an excuse about forgetting something upstairs when they were about to leave, but these two had given her no opportunity to speak.

Since Lucy had mentioned checking on Brother Malfo earlier, she couldn't simply turn back now without appearing too deliberate.

She had no choice but to rush back to the convent to arrange for others to follow Ilena.

Upon entering the building, Ilena saw Kanna standing at the corner of the stairwell, carrying the box. Seeing Ilena, Kanna glanced behind her.

"Don't worry, they didn't follow. But others will likely arrive soon. Did you find anything?" Ilena's expression turned extremely serious.

"Initially, I suspected Dona was acting strangely, but upon closer inspection, that wasn't the case. Among the others, Lucy is definitely suspicious. Dean Green also seems to have significant issues. It's hard to say about the others with so little interaction. Brother Malfo appears to have disagreements with these people on certain matters; we can try to communicate with him," Kanna said softly as they walked upstairs.

"But be careful. The enemies we face are more insidious and cunning than we imagine. Malfo might also be putting on an act, a lure for us," she added, recalling the crazy methods of the "Abyssal Church" she had encountered before. Although she didn't know the situation in Rock Bay Town yet, she had a strong premonition that it was connected to the "Abyssal Church."

"Also, based on the current situation, it seems only some people in this convent are abnormal. But speaking of which, the convent's dean hasn't changed in twenty years, and none of you Inquisitors noticed anything?" Kanna's voice grew bolder, sensing no eavesdroppers around the stairwell.

Ilena could only sigh helplessly. "Compared to the vastness of Iberia, Inquisitors are like tiny grains of sand in the ocean. Few Inquisitors stay in one city for extended periods. Therefore, most anomalies are reported by the local churches and convents after they detect them. The church then decides whether to send an Inquisitor or the Punishment Army to investigate based on these reports."

"So, if the local church is corrupted, it's equivalent to your eyes in Rock Bay Town disappearing," Kanna said speechlessly.

Ilena also recognized the severe loophole. As Kanna said, if the local church were compromised, unless the Inquisitors happened to pass by and notice something amiss, this place would become a haven for enemies.

She decided that after this incident, she would report this matter as a top priority to His Excellency the "Saint." The thought of remnants of the "Abyssal Church" potentially hiding and operating freely right under their noses sent a chill down her spine.

Upon reaching the upper floor, Ilena looked dazed. Kanna shook her head. The affairs of Iberia could only be resolved by the Iberians themselves. The most she could do was turn any "seafood" that dared to show its face into grilled dishes during this incident. Other matters would have to be handled by the Inquisitors themselves.

Meanwhile, after leaving the convent, Kal'tsit realized she was being followed. Her pursuers were alert and numerous; she felt dozens of different gazes on her along one road.

She let out a soft sigh and walked through the town with a calm expression, but her heart was in turmoil. The number of "Abyssal Church" followers in this town was far greater than she had anticipated.

As someone who had experienced many things, she understood the monsters of the deep and their circumstances better than even the Iberian Inquisitors, let alone the Abyssal Hunters of Sargon. Because of this, she was even more curious about what was different here that would attract so many "Abyssal Church" followers.

Soon, she arrived at her destination: beneath the lighthouse of Rock Bay Town.

Looking up at the lighthouse, its bright light still shining, Kal'tsit stretched her shoulders, hoping inwardly that things had not yet reached the worst possible stage.

She entered through the open door and surveyed her surroundings. Apart from the absence of people, there was nothing unusual. She continued up the stairs to the top, where she saw an elderly Liberi standing before the lighthouse's transmitter.

"Hello, are you the keeper of this lighthouse?"

"Lighthouse keeper... It's been a long time since I've heard that term. People call me the lighthouse administrator now..." Under the bright light of the lighthouse, the elderly Liberi's eyes shimmered with a captivating glow, as if recalling something.

Seeing the keeper turn around, Kal'tsit performed an ancient Iberian salute.

"Fifty years ago, everyone was proud to be Iberian. We had an invincible fleet, a powerful military. Both Polivar and Leithanien bowed before Iberian technology. But after a disaster, Iberia was no longer the same. Don't laugh, but this is the first time I've seen this salute since that disaster. I thought the ancient Iberian salute had been buried at sea along with that catastrophe."

The old man trembled as he returned Kal'tsit's salute.

Kal'tsit then asked the old man about the situation in Rock Bay Town. The elder answered her questions as if he knew them by heart.

"Do you know if there are any cultists from the 'Abyssal Church' in the town?" Kal'tsit suddenly asked.

After hearing Kal'tsit's words, the old man fell silent for a long moment.

"Rock Bay Town is dangerous, you should leave quickly!"

Although he didn't directly answer Kal'tsit's question, he made his stance clear.

"I came with an Inquisitor this time. She's currently waiting for news at the abbey. You should know what it means for an Inquisitor to come here. 'Saint Carmen' has already noticed this place, and not a single cultist in the town will escape."

Kal'tsit did not get angry at his words. Instead, she calmly replied, Upon hearing Kal'tsit's words, the old man was not displeased but instead startled.

"The abbey! How can you go to the abbey! That's their main base. Your companion is in danger, hurry and leave! If you delay any longer, you won't be able to leave either!"

He saw the old man's face turn somewhat pale, and his tone became very agitated.

"Don't worry, old sir. My companion is much stronger than you imagine. If there really is a problem, it's uncertain who will be the last one standing!"

Standing by the edge of the high tower, feeling the sea breeze blowing against her, Rock Bay Town lay spread out below her. Even the abbey in the distance was clearly visible.

Kal'tsit looked at the gloomy weather outside. This dark weather was like the ominous presence flowing through Rock Bay Town. Suddenly, Kal'tsit remembered a line of poetry from Yan:

"The wind fills the tower before the mountain rain arrives."

This line could perfectly describe the current situation in Rock Bay Town.

Chapter 113: The Inquisitor's Might

As Kanna and Ilena reached the third floor, they suddenly heard a scream. The two exchanged a look and quickly rushed to Dona's room, finding her sitting up in bed. It seemed she had also been alerted by the scream outside.