Reborn as a Useless Noble with my SSS-Class Innate Talent-Chapter 106: Ch : A Dangerous Plan - Part 2

Kyle wandered through the village with narrowed eyes, keeping his senses sharp and his expression calm.

He was looking for anything—anything—that might give him more information about the upcoming ritual.

But despite his expectations, all he saw were random acts that seemed to hold no weight.

'Tsk, it feels as if no one knows anything. Did these people not keep the citizens in the loop? Or maybe, it is some kind of spell?'

People burned incense in small bowls near their homes, some lit tiny bundles of herbs and placed them at the corners of their homes, and others chanted quiet prayers while pouring water over stones.

Most people did not seem to care what the people in power were doing or asking them to do something.

As long as the commoner's lives were not affected, they seemed more than happy to follow orders.

Kyle watched carefully and approached a few villagers.

"What's all this for?"

He asked, gesturing at the burning herbs one woman had just set down.

"For luck,"

The old woman said with a smile.

"To keep the sun shining, and the fields healthy."

He nodded slowly.

"And the incense?"

"Ah, same thing. Good fortune. Blessings for the family."

Kyle felt the mana around her. It was calm, untainted. She was telling the truth.

He moved on to others and got the same answers again and again—small rituals meant to bring luck or keep evil at bay.

Every time, Kyle checked their mana flow, and every time, it came back clean.

These people didn't know anything.

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They were just villagers, caught up in traditions that may have once meant something more but now were just empty gestures.

He was getting nowhere.

So he turned his attention to where it really mattered—the center of it all.

The temple.

He followed the winding stone path that led to the highest point in the village, where the temple stood in quiet grandeur.

As he approached, he noticed the changes immediately: fewer people around, heavier mana, and most importantly—guards.

The two guards standing at the gate stepped forward as soon as they saw him.

"Who are you? What's your business here?"

One asked gruffly.

Kyle offered a polite smile and dipped his head slightly.

"Just a traveler. I heard the temple was a sight to see, and I thought I'd take a look."

The guards scrutinized him.

Kyle kept his stance relaxed, his expression just uncertain enough to pass for a curious outsider.

He let the nervous tension creep into his posture and watched as the guards' suspicion slowly faded.

"Fine. Don't touch anything."

One of them muttered.

Kyle nodded and stepped past them.

Inside, the temple felt alive.

Divine energy clung to every surface, every stone tile, every thread of cloth decorating the walls.

Kyle's body felt strangely light in the presence of the divine, but it wasn't a welcome feeling.

He hated it.

The energy pulsed through him, foreign and repelling. It tugged at something deep within him, like two opposing magnets forcing each other away.

Still, he pushed forward, schooling his expression into one of silent awe.

He was just beginning to take in the architecture and feel out the deeper mana flows when he sensed it—

A familiar mana signature.

He tensed immediately, his hand twitching at his side before he forced it to still. The presence grew closer.

A few seconds later, the tall figure of High Inquisitor Charles appeared from a side corridor.

Kyle kept his head slightly bowed, letting his hair obscure part of his face.

Charles's mask was off. His expression, usually unreadable, was now touched with mild concern as he approached.

"Are you alright?"

The High Inquisitor asked, his voice low.

Kyle lowered his voice to match, keeping his tone steady.

"Yes, just... overwhelmed. The divine energy is a little strong."

Charles studied him for a long moment, then gave a small nod.

"It can be. The light of the divine is not something everyone can bear easily."

Kyle forced a small, strained smile.

"I'll get used to it."

The inquisitor didn't press further. He gave Kyle one more long look—searching, but not suspicious—then gestured toward the back of the temple.

"If you're interested in the deeper blessings, there's a viewing hall just beyond. Most don't know it's open to guests."

Kyle inclined his head.

"Thank you."

As the High Inquisitor turned and walked away, Kyle let out a quiet breath.

The High Inquisitor's footsteps echoed softly across the temple floor as he caught up with Kyle once more. His voice, calm and smooth, held a hint of genuine concern.

"If you're feeling faint, why not step inside and rest for a while? Or perhaps allow one of our priests to examine you?"

Kyle, who had already begun turning away, raised a hand and offered a polite smile.

"Thank you for the offer, but I have some business to attend to. I'll have to decline."

"A shame. Still, I hope you'll consider returning tomorrow. A new miracle is set to take place."

Charles replied, his tone almost regretful.

Kyle paused at that. A miracle?

That likely meant the ritual was going to happen soon—possibly tomorrow—and here, in the temple. He glanced over his shoulder, feigning light curiosity.

"A miracle, huh? Let me guess… it's going to be performed by the high priest in the prayer grounds?"

He said, keeping his tone casual.

It was meant as a joke. A small push to see how far Charles would go.

But to his surprise, the High Inquisitor stiffened, and the smile beneath his mask faltered for just a second.

"You're… quite well-informed. Yes, that's correct. The high priest will be guiding the ceremony. It's rare to meet someone so like-minded, someone who understands the significance of these moments."

Charles said slowly.

Kyle offered a mild shrug and forced a sheepish laugh.

"Well, I do try to keep up with important things. This cause of yours… it's compelling. I think I'll donate a fortune to it when I return."

The High Inquisitor looked pleased, nodding in approval.

"We'll welcome your support gladly. May Tirakos bless your steps, brother."

With a final nod, Kyle turned and walked away, keeping his posture calm and composed. But his mind was racing.

So the ritual was taking place tomorrow. And it was happening in the temple's prayer grounds. He had what he needed.

Except… something felt off.

As Kyle descended the stairs and walked into the quieter parts of the village, he became aware of multiple presences behind him.

The hairs on the back of his neck prickled.

He didn't look back. Didn't rush. Didn't slow.

Just a bit farther. Away from the temple. Into the narrow streets where fewer people would be around. There, he could confront them. Silence them if necessary.

But just as he was about to veer into an alley and handle things—

—they were gone.

The presences that had been tailing him vanished as suddenly as they'd appeared. No trace. No lingering mana. Just the gentle rustle of wind and the hum of village life.

Kyle narrowed his eyes, his body still tense.

'They pulled back…or rather, did something happen? Should I check it out?'

He thought.

Either way, it wasn't a good sign.