Ron could feel it clearly—there was something almost magical about the archbishop's voice, as if it subtly influenced his mind, unconsciously making him feel goodwill toward the church. Even more unsettling, he found himself gaining a spontaneous understanding of the church's doctrines, without anyone explaining them to him.
He immediately warned Nina and the others.
"Cover your ears. Don't listen."
Only then did they react.
The archbishop on the high platform had noticed Ron's group, but continued his chanting without pause. Most of the congregation remained deeply affected.
"So this is how the church spreads its beliefs?"
"It feels... almost like a cult."
"But would Begrossé dare use something like this on people from other nations? Surely they're afraid of international trouble?"
Given Begrossé's capabilities, the rest of the V5 couldn't possibly be unaware. Still, Begrossé was half a tourist nation. Its rich religious character had drawn in plenty of visitors, including citizens from other V5 countries.
Not everyone could react in time like Ron did. Even Nina and the others had been slow to realize what was happening.
Eventually, the chanting came to an end.
Some people left the cathedral, and Ron glanced down at the crystal orb in front of him. The progress marker had risen to fifteen percent—about what he had expected.
Just as Ron and the others were preparing to leave, a clergyman approached him.
"Mr. Ron, the archbishop would like to see you."
"The archbishop?"
"Yes, the very same who was delivering the sermon on the high platform."
"May I ask what it's regarding?"
"Please don't worry, Mr. Ron—we bear you no ill will whatsoever."
Ron hesitated, then looked toward Nina and the others.
"You all head back first. I'll catch up shortly."
The archbishop was undoubtedly powerful, but at this point, Ron was not without means to face even S-Class Nen users. With Rosgell's humanoid Nen tool at his disposal, Ron had room to maneuver.
If he returned to Sumas's space, even an S-Class would have no way of laying a hand on him. Nina and the rest all carried Zodiac Cards, which meant that in the event of any danger outside, they could immediately return to the ark's core zone.
"But Captain…"
"Relax, it'll be fine."
Ron didn't believe someone would issue such an open and public invitation if they truly intended harm. If that were the case, they could have used far more covert means.
From beginning to end, the priest never once acknowledged the tour guide, Bai—as if he didn't exist at all.
Ron followed the priest through the cathedral and soon arrived in a large hall—spacious and grand. A massive statue loomed above, and rows of seats stretched across the floor below. Normally, this must have been where followers gathered to pray. But now, with the priest having left, only two people remained.
Ron.
And the archbishop.
The archbishop turned and looked at him.
"Ron Zoldyck?"
"You know me?"
"I don't," the archbishop said, shaking his head. "But our people uncovered your name. And when I looked at you, I sensed an aura similar to Maha's, so I guessed you were a member of the Zoldyck family."
"He's my great-grandfather," Ron replied.
"I thought so." The archbishop smiled.
"You noticed something off when listening to our scriptures, didn't you?"
Ron nodded.
"Our doctrines possess a bewitching effect. That's widely known. It's the foundation of our nation's existence. Outsiders hearing it once or twice won't be significantly affected."
The archbishop continued, "Still, the fact that you noticed it is impressive. Most A-Class Nen users wouldn't have picked up on it. You're unusually perceptive."
He paused briefly.
"Ron, are you interested in taking a job?"
"What kind of job?"
"Killing a few people."
"I'll need information on the targets—and the payment."
"A few traitors within our church. They're not particularly strong—just around A-Class. But their abilities are strange, and they're good at hiding."
The archbishop added, "Our own people aren't suited for that kind of work. But someone like you—a professional killer—should find it far easier."
"As for payment, what would you like?"
Ron didn't hesitate. He stated one of the key reasons he had come to Begrossé in the first place.
"Senior, I'm actually here in search of something…"
"What is it?"
"The Dark Sonata."
"I heard that one copy of the Dark Sonata is in the hands of a cardinal here in Begrossé."
"The Dark Sonata, is it…"
The archbishop shook his head, regret in his eyes.
"Unfortunately, I don't know anything about that. But I can make inquiries for you."
"Thank you. If you can find it, I'll take the job."
"Understood."
Leaving the cathedral, Ron returned to the hotel and immediately called Wendy.
"Ron."
"Wendy, are you free right now?"
"I am. What's going on?"
"Wendy, how much do you know about Begrossé?"
Wendy's expression grew serious.
"It's a strange, unsettling theocratic country. Unless absolutely necessary, no one from the Fiora Kingdom will interact with Begrossé."
"Among the royal family, our fear of Begrossé is even greater than our fear of the Minpo Republic."
"You're in Begrossé now, Ron?"
Ron nodded.
"Yes. Just arrived a few days ago."
"Looking for inspiration for your Nen beast?"
"That's right."
Wendy hesitated, then spoke.
"There's a lot about Begrossé that remains unknown. But there's one thing I do know—every few decades, some massive upheaval occurs there."
"But no one on the outside knows what exactly happens."
"And now that I think about it, it should be about time again."
"Ron, if you're in Begrossé right now, be extremely careful."
Ron nodded.
"Got it. Thanks, Wendy."
"No problem. If you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me."
"Will do."
After hanging up, Ron walked to the large floor-to-ceiling window and gazed out.
"A massive upheaval?"
"What kind of event could it be?"
"Could it be connected to those people the archbishop wants me to eliminate? And for the Fiora royal family to fear Begrossé more than Minpo republic…"