Chapter 317: Holy Judgment and Atonement
Nana Erz seemed to have seen through Ruger's thoughts—or perhaps this was a question many wizards had pondered before.
"Those temperamental Demon-hunting wizards are relatively free," she said slowly. "They do not have the reputation of Holy Judgment Wizards, nor do they possess such great authority. They are only responsible for dealing with those shadowy Demons; they only have the right to handle matters connected to Demons. Most of them are wizards versed in demonic power. The Holy Tribunal needs wizards like them to deal with matters of all sizes involving Demons—precisely what they excel at. And they are divided into two kinds. One kind is the Atoners..."
"These wizards are generally criminals captured by Holy Judgment Wizards. Those who happen to be skilled in demonic power may, depending on the circumstances, be admitted and made members of the Demon-hunting wizards, using merit to cleanse their crimes... Of course, their sins come at a steep price. In theory, once they fulfill their contract with the Holy Tribunal, they can choose to cast off their identity as Demon-hunting wizards. But most cannot manage it. It is a long process... The other kind is people like you, who take that thing and, through their own efforts, become Demon-hunting wizards..."
Nana Erz picked another small black fruit from the plate, held its short stem, and nibbled at it by her lips.
Ruger recognized it. He had eaten one a few days ago, and its sourness had been astonishing.
Watching her eat with such relish made his mouth water sourly. Though she did not continue, the meaning was already obvious. Those captured sinners could all eventually free themselves, so someone like him, who had voluntarily become a demon-hunting wizard, would naturally have more freedom. And those who warranted