Returnee from Another World - Zetro Translation

Chapter 27: The Voice of the Devil

In the dim light, a branch snapped underfoot, its cry echoing softly. No streetlights illuminated the area, only the faint moonlight casting a hazy glow on the ground.

It was 11 p.m.

The small sound announced my presence in the silent expanse.

Halfway up a mountain far from the city, the paved road had given way to a gravel path, barely used, with ruts carved through half-crushed vegetation. The quiet, desolate mountain scenery stretched on, as if only a handful of people ever passed through.

A week ago, Sayaka, now fully convinced I’m a priest of Agufis and sworn to my service, told me about this place. Hidden in this unremarkable mountain, known only to locals, was the headquarters of the Gospel Love Church, where its leaders and a few others lived.

To the believers, this nondescript mountain was a sacred peak, a holy site.

I couldn’t help but scoff.

What mystical power could this mountain possibly hold?

If it were truly a place of spiritual significance, I’d have heard about it, living in the same prefecture. It was likely just a forgotten backwater until the cult declared it sacred.

To me, they were nothing but a sham, but to Sayaka, they were an object of faith.

Given how easily she believed my lies, I wasn’t surprised to hear she’d donated heavily and bought their dubious “holy water.”

Still, I was stunned to learn they had thousands of followers. My eyes lit up at the news.

Religious organizations face far less taxation than regular corporations.

Not entirely tax-free, but their “public benefit” income is exempt. In modern terms, it’s a cash cow for holy men.

They must be raking it in. That’s why I’m here.

Through the trees to my left, I spotted a vast clearing with several buildings.

The largest, straight ahead, was about the size of a small gymnasium—likely the “dojo” Sayaka mentioned, where believers prayed to their false god morning and night. Other facilities, like dorms and a cafeteria, hinted at how much money the cult was siphoning from its followers.

Glancing at the scene, I continued toward the peak. My target was the “Holy Temple,” the residence of the cult’s leader, Nishikuse Eishin, doubling as their sacred hall.

Ordinary believers weren’t allowed there without an invitation, so even Sayaka knew little about it.

After walking along the path, the view opened up, revealing a grand white mansion.

They called it a temple, but it looked more like a lavish vacation home you’d find in a resort town. Still, its opulence gave it an almost temple-like aura.

Its extravagant design, stark against the mountain backdrop, exuded a majestic air.

“What to do…”

I muttered under my breath.

The gate was wide open, but I noticed surveillance cameras everywhere—not just at the entrance.

Even if I circled around, the entire estate was likely rigged with security. I was already wearing the Mirage Coat, so I was invisible, but motion sensors could be trouble.

I decided the front entrance was my best bet and strode forward confidently.

At the entrance, I paused to survey the area.

I’d confirmed in the other world’s ruins that my thief’s master key worked here too. It should be fine, but I ruled out the front door.

It was squarely in the cameras’ view.

If it was being recorded, that was a last resort. Worst case, I’d force my way in, accepting the cameras catching a door opening on its own, but I preferred stealth.

Looking around, I saw impractical marble-like columns encircling the building. Using their protrusions as footholds, I climbed, stepping onto the entrance’s overhang and leaping to the second floor.

On the first-floor roof, I moved cat-like along the narrow ledge to a second-floor balcony.

At the balcony, I approached the door.

Using the thief’s master key, I unlocked the sliding door and slipped into the Holy Temple.

Having done similar things in the other world, breaking in wasn’t too hard.

At night, only Nishikuse Eishin, the cult’s founder, and his confidant, Higashikawa Keibun, should be here, according to Sayaka. Her info might be off, though.

I needed to confirm how many people were inside. Moving stealthily, I checked each room for signs of life.

The second floor was empty. As I descended the stairs, I heard voices for the first time.

Light spilled from a slightly open door down a dark hallway, clearly indicating someone’s presence.

I crept down to the first floor.

The voices grew louder, though I couldn’t make out the words. They sounded like two middle-aged men—likely Nishikuse Eishin and Higashikawa Keibun, if Sayaka’s info was accurate.

To be safe, I decided to check the rest of the building first.

If anyone else was here, it could ruin my plan.

After confirming no other presence, I stealthily entered the room where Nishikuse was likely to be, ready to execute my goal.

◇

“Listen, can’t you be more discreet?”

“Relax, I’ve got it handled. No big issues, right? Besides, your job is to prioritize my wishes as the founder, Keibun.”

Two men sat on luxurious sofas, seemingly in a heated exchange.

One was stout with a shaved head—not fat, but not slim either. His round face gave a mild impression.

This was probably Nishikuse Eishin.

Across from him was a lean man with glasses, his sharp features exuding cunning. Some white streaks mixed in his hair. Both seemed in their late 40s.

“Get a grip, Eishin. Who do you think got you this fancy position? Or what, you think you built this cult single-handedly? If I wanted, I could replace you in a heartbeat.”

“I’m not saying that. I know it’s thanks to you, Keibun. But I’ve contributed too. Messing with a couple of girls shouldn’t be a big deal.”

“Ugh. We’ve let you play around to an extent. Didn’t you beg for cult money to chase that cabaret girl? We hired a PI for over a month, costing 5 million yen. And how much have you spent at her club? Over 10 million total. Have I complained?”

Higashikawa sighed.

“You mean Hojo Sayaka… She’s tougher than expected. Devout, but not dumb. She’s not easy to fool. I’m struggling to get her into bed. Still, she’s donated a lot to the cult, and we can expect more. Doesn’t that offset the costs?”

“Sure, but if it had flopped, we’d be out big time. It only worked because her parents died early, and her daughter’s got a rare disease—perfect leverage. It paid off, so I’m not complaining. But there’s no guarantee it’ll always work. Fooling around with women is bad enough in front of believers, but minors? That’s worse. You can’t hide everything living here.”

“I didn’t touch anyone, just muttered it. But yeah, I’m sick of old hags. I’m still in my prime. Don’t all guys want to pin down a young girl, fill her up, and get her pregnant?”

“That’s why I’m saying stick with Sayaka for now. She’s a catch, right? If rumors spread about you chasing minors, the cult could collapse. We’ve worked hard to get this rich. Don’t screw it up, got it?”

Interestingly, Higashikawa seemed to hold more power than Nishikuse.

Nishikuse grimaced but nodded reluctantly. Their talk of money and women was far from saintly.

This settled it for me.

I’d considered backing off if they were a legitimate group, but these scum didn’t deserve mercy. I could proceed with a clear conscience.

I moved to the wall, locking the window’s auxiliary bolts to prevent escape.

“What’s that clicking?”

Higashikawa’s voice rang out.

Ignoring him, I lifted a 2-meter cabinet fixed to the wall. With a ripping sound, it tore free. I hurled it at the door I’d entered through.

A deafening crash echoed as the cabinet hit the wall.

Glass shattered, contents spilled, and a hole opened in the wall. The cabinet, cracked vertically, showed the impact’s force.

“What the hell, Keibun? Trying to scare me?”

“No way! Did you do something?”