I Became A Third-Rate Villain In The Hero Academy

'Avoiding someone who has pulled out the Holy Sword for the first time in over 200 years... Someone like that is a high-ranking official of the Order?'

It just didn't make sense.

A normal Order official wouldn't avoid the person who pulled out the Holy Sword.

Whether it was for superstitious reasons like wanting to receive the Baptism of Light, as the people crowding in front of him now did, or for the sake of getting recognized by the Great Warrior of Light...

In this situation, it was normal.

But avoiding him in this context?

Only one thought came to Theo's mind.

'They must fear divine punishment from God, being closely associated with Demon-worshippers.'

True divine punishment doesn't exist, but they have been part of the Order for a long time. And in a world where divine energy is real, it's understandable they might be scared.

Of course, there was a chance Theo was overthinking it, so he didn't rush into anything.

"Alright. Billy and Mike. Let's start by shaking your hands."

Theo simply shook hands with those who approached him for a handshake, discreetly glancing at the Order officials who didn't line up in front of him.

Regardless, Billy and Mike cheered, thrilled that they were the first to shake hands with Theo.

"Yesss~ We're first before the high officials of the Order!"

"We should never wash our hands again."

The lower-ranking members of the Order looked at them with envy.

The higher officials coughed uncomfortably.

"Ahem!"

But they soon calmed down. They weren't first, but they were still near the front of the line.

Anyway, Theo began shaking hands with the Order members in turn.

As soon as they shook hands with Theo, they all exclaimed in admiration.

"Oh, oh... The Great Warrior of Light has such soft palms. It seems like you train with a sword... Do you have any secrets?"

"Not really."

Theo applied hand cream dozens of times a day, but he didn't mention that fact.

The Order member who shook his hand was impressed.

"Yes, of course...! This must also be a blessing from Renimid. Ah, I see it. The bright light that envelops the Great Warrior of Light!"

"The line is long, so we should proceed quickly."

"Oh, my apologies! Seeing the Great Warrior of Light born for the first time in over 200 years, I've been rude! I apologize. Could you... Shake my other hand as well?"

"Alright."

After Theo shook his other hand, the Order member, touched, rubbed his face with his hand and stepped back.

Time passed.

Aside from Billy and Mike bringing Theo orange juice and praising him for supposedly turning water into said orange juice, there were no other significant incidents.

Theo was mentally exhausted but maintained a calm demeanor because the end was in sight.

'It feels like it's been about three hours.'

There were about 300 people in the Cathedral.

It would take 2 hours and 30 minutes if each person took 30 seconds.

Trying to finish quickly without making people feel rushed, he only cut off those who were overly clingy, so it probably didn't take 3 hours.

While mechanically shaking hands with these thoughts, it was finally the last person's turn.

The last person was someone Theo knew well.

"Pleased to meet you, Great Warrior of Light. My name is Archbishop Langkter. I consider it an immense honor to be given the opportunity to receive the Baptism of Light."

Langkter extended his hand to Theo with a warm smile.

Theo smiled faintly.

'Interesting guy. Selling internal information of the Order to [Turning White].'

He also thought Langkter was unusually aware for someone in the Order.

In this era, religious figures are likely to fear superstitions like divine punishment.

As evidence, the three Order officials who did not offer their hands to Theo had left the place.

Theo shook Langkter's hand.

"I may have been chosen by the artifact, but I am just another faithful servant of Renimid."

"Ahaha, you're so humble. You are the Great Warrior of Light born for the first time in over 200 years. If it were me, I would've been roaring with joy and running around the Order."

"You have a way with jokes, Archbishop Langkter. It's an honor to meet you."

"You're taking the words right out of my mouth, ahahaha~"

Although Langkter was laughing on the outside, his mind was racing.

'He's really good at dealing with people. Not some freshman from the Academy but more like a seasoned warrior.'

And he was someone who could control himself.

Chosen by the artifact after more than 200 years? What man could maintain such composure?

Even a man on his deathbed would boast enthusiastically about his greatness.

'He must be the one who took in the dismissed Practitioners. ...How much does he know?'

Fear crept in.

But Langkter was a seasoned man, not easily shaken.

He maintained a warm smile and said to Theo.

"Do you have any other appointments at the headquarters?"

"There weren't any, but it looks like there will be now. As you can see."

Langkter followed Theo's gaze around the area.

The Cathedral was still full of people.

They knelt and prayed, watching Theo as if trying to burn his appearance into their minds.

"Ahaha, it can't be helped. After all, you're the Great Warrior of Light born for the first time in centuries. I want to invite you to dinner if it's alright with you. We have a skilled chef who can satisfy even the most sophisticated palate."

Theo didn't respond immediately.

'Things are working out on their own.'

Langkter is the youngest ever Archbishop.

He's an orphan left to the Order, not someone with a powerful background.

He secured his position as Archbishop through his own exceptional abilities.

It's very likely he knows who has been truly bought by [Turning White] and to what extent they're involved.

'But the most important thing is whether he will play into my hands.'

Even the most talented individuals are useless if they can't be controlled.

So, Theo threw a test question.

"If my companions are also invited, I accept"

Though said indirectly, the meaning was 'Can Langkter accept the Practitioners, his biggest flaw?'

'Clean up your own mess and clearly define your stance.'

That's what it meant.

'If he's an ally, he'd be incredibly valuable.'

Langkter has a strategic alliance with [Turning White], exchanging mutually beneficial information.

If Theo can successfully recruit him, he could use Langkter to feed false information to [Turning White] and disrupt them.

"Ah... That's right, the Great Warrior of Light has companions."

Langkter replied, his eyes widening.

"..."

Theo just looked at Langkter without answering.

Knowing the silent message, Langkter clenched his teeth.

'He must already know about my extremely uncomfortable relationship with the Saint and Practitioners. This is a test.'

Theo is a high-value target for [Turning White], known for killing a key member and disrupting their power.

Trying to gauge what he knows and his future intentions turned out to be a bad move.

'But it's too valuable an opportunity to just kick away.'

Theo is the Great Warrior of Light, born for the first time in centuries.

The highest authorities in the Order, including the Cardinals and the Pope, will undoubtedly keep an eye on him.

There's even a chance of a one-on-one meeting with the Pope tomorrow.

It's obvious that he, merely an Archbishop, will have a hard time getting a one-on-one with such a being in the future.

'Damn, suddenly faced with the choice of a lifetime.'

Langkter bit his lip, pondering unknowingly.

Theo said,

"It looks difficult for you. Then, I'll take my leave now. Have a good evening."

"..."

Langkter quickly stopped Theo.

"I'm sorry. The thought of hosting a dinner for the Great Warrior of Light and his companions, including the Saintess, overwhelmed me so much that I lost my senses."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to host dinner for the Great Warrior of Light and his companions."

Langkter closed his eyes, clasped his hands, and bowed to Theo.

'...Ha, sh*t. Alright, let's go. I, Langkter, since childhood, have lived a life where standing on the wrong line could mean my downfall.'

The dice were already cast.

With that thought, Langkter repeatedly bowed to Theo.

That night,

Theo and his group headed to Langkter's mansion.