Chapter 54: The Exceptional Captain

Zhou Tian’s words made Ryan’s face change dramatically. Although the accusations didn’t come directly from the Pope but from Zhou Tian, every word struck at the heart. If he were truly saddled with those charges, no matter how high his status was within the Holy Church of Light, he would inevitably invite trouble. Moreover, regardless of how infuriating the words were, when Zhou Tian held that token, he represented the Pope. Whether or not these were the Pope’s true intentions, the things Zhou Tian said today could easily become ammunition for Ryan’s political enemies to use against him. Considering all the complications that might follow, Ryan could hardly restrain his anger toward Zhou Tian.

“What’s the matter? Did I hit the nail on the head, Bishop Ryan?” Zhou Tian’s tone was sarcastic.

“You…” Ryan was so furious he could hardly speak, but Zhou Tian’s words were well-founded and according to the rules, Zhou Tian hadn’t actually done anything wrong. Still, Ryan could not bring himself to bow his head to Zhou Tian.

Fortunately, the Pope wouldn’t mind Zhou Tian causing a little stir outside, but for Ryan, as one of the Holy Church’s cardinals, to suffer a public defeat would be a disgrace to the Church. So, just as Ryan was being backed into a corner by Zhou Tian, the Pope finally sent someone to rescue him from the predicament.

“Your Holiness, Bishop Ryan!” A knight of the church hurried over, saluted both Ryan and Zhou Tian, and then delivered the message to Ryan: “His Holiness requests an audience with Bishop Ryan for an urgent matter. Please come with me to see the Pope.”

For perhaps the first time, Ryan found those church knights—whom he usually looked down on—utterly charming. After nodding with forced composure, he pretended not to see Zhou Tian at all, led his men and Jack along with two warriors around Zhou Tian, and left in haste.

“Tch, that guy’s quick to run.” Not being able to force Ryan to bow was a minor regret for Zhou Tian. Cursing the Pope’s meddling, Zhou Tian did not forget his own purpose. Walking over to the astonished Vivian, he asked, “The Pope has instructed me to form a small squad, directly under his command. As captain, I may select members from among the faithful. Miss Vivian, are you interested in joining my team?”

“It would be an honor!” Vivian agreed at once, but after a moment’s hesitation she added, “However, if I join, I’d like to ask if it’s possible for Father Mike here to come along as well.”

Zhou Tian frowned. While the Pope had bestowed upon him great privileges and benefits, the tasks assigned would undoubtedly be dangerous. Zhou Tian wanted Vivian in his team not only because they were acquainted, but mainly because he’d seen her fall out of favor with Bishop Ryan and wanted to offer her protection. However, to let this Father Mike join as well required careful thought.

It wasn’t a matter of willingness—if Father Mike lacked real ability, who knew what could happen during missions? If his lack of strength caused casualties among the team, that was something Zhou Tian could not accept.

“You’re unwilling?” Seeing Zhou Tian’s hesitation, Vivian was clearly displeased.

“Miss Vivian, the missions we undertake are likely to be extremely perilous. I fear that Father Mike may…” Zhou Tian left the implication hanging.

Zhou Tian’s meaning was clear: he doubted Mike’s ability. Vivian responded, “Mr. Zhou, do you take me for someone who’d joke with my comrades’ lives? Our Eighth Demon-Hunting Squad from the Inquisition’s Holy Legion has fought thousands of battles since its founding. While Father Mike was not in the original roster, he has completed hundreds of missions. If he was not capable, he and I would not be the last survivors of our team.” As she spoke, Vivian’s mood clearly darkened, perhaps recalling painful memories.

After Vivian’s words, Father Mike stepped forward silently, and in the space of a single heartbeat, completed a spell and cast a healing magic with a wave of his hand.

Zhou Tian’s eyes lit up at this display.

Even without much battle experience, Zhou Tian knew the importance of spellcasting speed for a magic user. Regardless of the healing spell’s actual effect, Mike’s casting speed alone was enough to make Zhou Tian’s decision.

“Congratulations. I believe my team does indeed need a powerful priest like you.”

“It’s my honor!”

Just like that, with Zhou Tian’s exceedingly simple interview process, three members of his team were immediately confirmed. According to standard squad composition, Zhou Tian still needed a primary defender, a main attacker, and a mage.

Thinking of the empty places in his team, Zhou Tian felt a headache coming on. Even if he gathered everyone he knew in this world, it was doubtful he could form a suitable squad. What’s more, he hardly knew anyone in the Holy Church of Light as it was. Finding the right teammates would not be easy.

Bringing Vivian and Mike to the residence the Pope had allocated for his squad, Zhou Tian sought out Vivian privately to discuss his difficulties, away from Mike.

“Miss Vivian, you seem to be well connected in this city. Surely you know a lot of people. For the sake of our team’s strength, could you perhaps introduce some suitable candidates?” At this, Zhou Tian couldn’t help but blush, feeling somewhat embarrassed. He’d invited Vivian into his squad with great enthusiasm, and the moment she joined, he was already asking for favors—hardly a competent captain.

“Mr. Zhou, I can help with that, but shouldn’t you at least tell me what kind of organization our team actually is? What are our rights and duties? If I don’t even know the basics, how can I help you select people?” Vivian’s tone was tinged with frustration. Though she had joined Zhou Tian’s squad out of gratitude and under threat from Ryan, she now realized she knew nothing about her new team or its future.

Zhou Tian gave an awkward smile and replied, “Well, I only know that our squad reports directly to the Pope. As for rights, duties, and all that… I don’t think the Pope mentioned any specifics.” He blushed even more at this admission.

An extraordinary specimen indeed—Zhou Tian was a truly formidable captain. Faced with such an irresponsible leader, all Vivian could do was roll her eyes, at a loss for any better way to express her feelings.