The Great Demon Sherlock Holmes

Chapter 21: Contractors

Contractors…a type of human capable of connecting with the Abyss.

Because the Empire's research into this connection is still incomplete, there isn't a very detailed classification.

They are simply divided into four stages based on the strength of their abilities.

The first stage is the most common type of contractor. Most people who have just undergone the initiation ceremony are at this level, accounting for 80% of all contractors. Their ability is… to open small rifts connecting to Hell and summon their contracted demon.

The second stage comprises 15% of all contractors. At this stage, contractors have established a symbiotic relationship with their demons, one that is difficult to define.

This is roughly manifested in the contractor possessing some of the demon's abilities.

For example, the old priest could slightly control people's minds through his gaze, while Deacon Baldr possessed extremely strong physical strength. Furthermore, if either a person or a demon is injured, it will affect both.

Most second-stage contractors can become clergy members of the Holy See, as their combat power already surpasses that of humans.

As for the third-stage contractors, only 5% remain.

These contractors are actually quite similar in ability to second-stage contractors; they can summon demons and possess abilities originating from the abyss.

The only difference is… they can summon 'large demons,' and their symbiotic abilities are far stronger than those of second-stage contractors.

Take the deceased Deacon Baldr as an example; if he had reached the third stage, his contracted demons could probably have evolved to over ten meters tall, easily destroying half a street with a single charge. His own physical strength would likely have allowed him to stand and be attacked by the Guardian Knights for hours without retaliating.

Fortunately, due to the Holy Light's influence, large void rifts cannot open within the Empire, and the demons controlled by third-stage contractors are all under the Holy See's control.

Otherwise, a few large demons together could probably demolish a city.

These three stages already constitute the entirety of the contractor population.

As for the fourth stage… it was actually only established about 35 years ago.

That was the chaotic era of the Second Demon Invasion, a time when war and s*******r became the dominant themes of the world, and humanity's survival teetered on the brink of collapse.

Then… a man like a god of death descended upon the world appeared…

Lord Dante Alighieri…

A poor man from the lower city, with an extremely rare surname, an unusual name, and an aura of brilliance, countless glories, he stood alone before the gates of Hell, slaughtering tens of thousands of demons, stepping into another world, and returning to the mortal realm after one year and seven months. With the willpower of a mortal, he confronted the most terrifying abyssal god and slew it, ending the five-year demon invasion war. A hero of the empire, a general revered as a god by humanity.

His deeds have been recorded in textbooks in all schools for decades. Although he has long since shed his heavy power armor and returned to his hometown to live out his days, he still enjoys the highest reverence in the entire empire.

He is the only contractor to have evolved to the fourth stage.

However, precisely because he was so dazzling, no organization dared to investigate the nature of his power, not even the Holy See, and he himself seemed uninterested in explaining it.

This resulted in no one knowing the true extent of a fourth-stage contractor's power.

…Sherlock had actually heard somewhat about these four stages, having read many books.

Upon hearing the old priest's suggestion, he was first taken aback, then surprised, and finally hesitated slightly.

Becoming a contractor… As a member of this world, even if Sherlock was unconventional, he certainly wouldn't resist becoming a contractor… but his yearning for it wasn't due to a pursuit of power, power, or social status.

It was because of his curiosity… and thirst for knowledge.

Sherlock was a detective, so exploring the unknown held immense appeal for him; at the same time, he was also a mortal, naturally curious about what it was like to be a Contractor.

He knew, of course, that the Holy See already possessed a method to make a mortal a Contractor, but that was a gift reserved only for the most devout believers. Was he, a 'good-for-nothing' whose faith was a mixture of deception and deception, perhaps...unworthy...? The old priest seemed to sense Sherlock's thoughts and smiled: "You don't need to worry too much. You saved the lives of two Holy See officials and dozens of valiant soldiers of the Guardian Knights. Most importantly, the abilities you demonstrated have earned my praise and recognition...You deserve this gift."

He spoke sincerely, but Sherlock still looked suspicious.

After another ten seconds or so, the old priest seemed a little embarrassed. He glanced at the tent entrance, making sure no guards were passing by, and finally whispered:

"You saved Catherine, and her family's status in the Holy See... is very high."

"Very high?"

"Yes, much higher than you imagine, but I can't go into details. In short, it's just a contractor initiation ceremony, really nothing special. If you were a member of the Holy See, you might be promoted several ranks directly."

"Uh..." This was truly unexpected for Sherlock. He hadn't realized he'd offended not only a Sister of Judgment, but someone with an even higher status behind her. For a moment, he didn't know if this was good news or not.

And the old priest... seeing that Sherlock still hadn't agreed, he was getting a little anxious. Who wouldn't be grateful and kneel down to thank the Holy See upon receiving such a reward?

Why was this guy still hesitant? Did he have to beg him?

Without waiting for a response, he forcefully interrupted, asking, "So, have you ever had those strange dreams?"

"Dreams?? Wh...what dreams?!" At this point, after a whole day, the detective finally showed a hint of surprise, like an ordinary citizen!