Chapter 847: the book of the law and Its Interpreter
Just last month, Sherry Cromwell, a companion of Stiyl from Necessarius, had acted alone, infiltrating Academy City to launch an attack.
However, she was quickly defeated by Lin Wuming at that time, then extradited back to her country, and is still in solitary confinement reflecting on her actions.
That’s not the point. The key is that, according to Sherry Cromwell’s feedback afterward, during her battle with Lin Wuming, she discovered that Lin Wuming used “the spells from the book of the law.”
Sherry Cromwell is an expert in deciphering codes, and since the entire content of the book of the law is recorded in Index Librorum Prohibitorum’s mind, she had naturally tried to decipher the book of the law’s code. She could be said to have a thorough understanding of this grimoire’s contents.
Therefore, even though Lin Wuming was reciting a Japanese translation at the time, she still recognized it.
“Legend has it that Crowley summoned the guardian angel Aiwass, and through the angel’s teachings, learned ‘angelic spellcasting’ that humans cannot use, and recorded it in the book of the law…” Stiyl murmured, “Could it be…”
“It is precisely that ‘could it be.’” The Archbishop snapped his fingers. “For humans to possess the power of angels can, of course, also be understood as directly summoning angels to descend—doesn’t that sound very similar to the scene mentioned in the intelligence?”
“How is that possible?” Stiyl blurted out. “Such an absurd thing… Just because there was a shape that looked like an angel’s halo, you’re so certain it was an angel? Angels would be too cheap!”
“You make a very good point. To be honest, I thought the same,” the Archbishop nodded in deep agreement. “But we cannot stop others’ suspicions.”
“You mean… the Roman Orthodox Church?” Stiyl felt he had grasped the key point.
Among the three major factions of the Cross Religion, the one that values the image of “angels” the most is the Roman Orthodox Church. If they obtain this intelligence… even the most rational believers would not be able to remain indifferent, right?
And undoubtedly, the Roman Orthodox Church must have also obtained the intelligence.
“Are you worried that the Roman Orthodox Church will take action?” Stiyl asked.
Theoretically, the Christian Church and Academy City are still allies, while their relationship with the Roman Orthodox Church, also a Cross Religion, is more distant.
—If the Roman Orthodox Church is preparing to take action against Academy City, perhaps Our cannot stand idly by?
“Your thinking is very problematic, Stiyl.” The Archbishop shook his head repeatedly. “No matter what, Our are also members of the Cross Religion. If we were to truly divide camps, it should be with the Roman Orthodox Church on one side, and Academy City, which leads the scientific side, on the other—that would be correct.”
“Heh.” Stiyl rolled his eyes, noncommittal. “So this time we’re going to team up with the Orthodox Church and investigate Academy City?”
“No, the problem is not there. The key is the book of the law.” The Archbishop said, “Regardless of how that Esper did it, one thing can be confirmed—he has indeed mastered the content of the book of the law.”
“It’s the translated version of the content.” Stiyl corrected.
“Precisely because of that, doesn’t it indicate that there is someone near him who can interpret the original text of the book of the law?” The Archbishop’s eyes gleamed. “Otherwise, rashly translating the original grimoire into other languages makes it very difficult to retain its magical power.”
“So, you want to find the person who translated the original text?” Stiyl asked again.
“No, that’s not the main point either.” The Archbishop shook his head again. “We have Index Librorum Prohibitorum. The original content of the book of the law holds no attraction for Our. Unless it’s the correct method of interpretation, we don’t need to care about anything else.”
“So…?”
“So the problem is,” the Archbishop finally revealed the mystery, “that now it seems—the method of interpreting the book of the law has appeared.”
“Really?”
“Orsola Aquinas, a nun belonging to the Roman Orthodox Church, an intelligence analysis expert, skilled in deciphering magic-related codes.” The Archbishop said, “It is said that she found the method to interpret the book of the law.”
“Isn’t that very bad?” Stiyl frowned and said, “The original text of the book of the law is collected by the Orthodox Church. Does that mean they can use the true power of that grimoire?”
“Orsola did not have access to the complete book of the law. She obtained the interpretation method through fragmented copies; then, she was abducted.”
“Abducted?” Stiyl looked over in surprise.
“Intelligence shows that the Roman Orthodox Church was reportedly preparing to build a new church in Tokyo, Orsola went to Japan for this purpose, and then she was abducted by a local denomination.” The Archbishop said, “Now, the kidnappers are taking her closer to Academy City.”
“What does this… mean?”
“Academy City has the complete book of the law, Orsola has the interpretation method…” The Archbishop spread his hands. “That’s it.”
“This feels like another troublesome matter.” Stiyl subconsciously picked up a cigarette, “Is there anything else? Just say it all at once, don’t drag it out here.”
“As I just said, the one who abducted Orsola is a local Japanese Cross Religion denomination. You should have guessed it,” the Archbishop said, “Amakusa-style Cross Rosicrucian.”
“I knew it,” Stiyl clicked his tongue forcefully, then immediately asked, “Where is Kanzaki Kaori now?”
“She has been missing for over twenty-four hours.” The Archbishop said, “That’s why when we were discussing Academy City just now, I didn’t call Kanzaki Kaori—because she is no longer here.”
As for where Kanzaki Kaori is now, it’s not hard to guess.
—Before joining Necessarius, Kanzaki Kaori was the Queen of the Church of Amakusa-style Cross Rosicrucian.
“In other words…” Stiyl frowned deeply, “This time Kanzaki might be on the opposite side of Our?”
“Insufficient intelligence. I cannot make an accurate judgment.” The Archbishop said.
“Is it ‘cannot’ make a judgment, or unwilling to make that judgment?” Stiyl muttered, “So, you called me here this time because you want me to deal with a Saint?”
The Archbishop, however, shook his head: “I said, the situation has not deteriorated to that extent yet. Nothing is confirmed at the moment.”
“Don’t be too nervous, Stiyl, your task isn’t that difficult.” The Archbishop reassured him, “At least until Kanzaki Kaori clarifies her stance, you don’t need to consider her presence.”
After a slight pause, the Archbishop continued: “Because this incident will most likely involve Academy City, and that Mr. Lin Wuming, considering Our relatively harmonious relationship with Academy City, the Orthodox Church has sent a request for cooperation.”
