In a frontier town of the Jiama Empire bordering the Izumo Empire, a newly built church drew the attention of many local residents.
A handsome, white-haired young priest beguiled his newly recruited followers in a gentle, amiable voice. Their souls cleansed, the followers bowed fervently to the young priest before leaving the church.
"Tch. A con artist priest tricking a bunch of idiots. Just how much use do you expect to get out of them?" Accelerator leaned against the doorway to the inner hall, regarding the mild-mannered Amakusa Shirou Tokisada with disdain.
Amakusa Shirou Tokisada paid no mind to Accelerator's mockery and said softly, "Don't underestimate these people. Even an ant has its value. They might pose no threat whatsoever to the strongest esper, but there will always be something they can do for us, such as gathering intelligence. Besides, devout faith can give them limitless motivation."
Accelerator watched coldly and snorted. "That's exactly why I hate people like you. You're rotten inside, yet you insist on acting like some friendly older brother next door. Keep that fake smile out of my sight, or I might not be able to stop myself from tearing that disgusting face of yours apart."
Inside the elegant, Western-style church, Amakusa Shirou Tokisada stood before a stone statue of the merciful Holy Mother, clasping the cross hanging against his chest with one hand as though in prayer. His smile remained just as serene.
"A smile can conceal the emotions in someone's heart and hide their thoughts. I've never considered myself a good person. I'm merely an ordinary seeker walking the path toward my ideal."
Accelerator said nothing. He turned to leave the church, only for Amakusa Shirou Tokisada to call him back.
"Oh, right," Amakusa Shirou Tokisada said cheerfully. "The factions in the Izumo Empire