Despite things getting tangled, it didn’t matter.

This wasn't even a crisis to me.

Even if the sky falls, there's always a way to escape. (Korean idiom meaning that there is always a way out)

"Untie this! Let me go right now!"

"Shut up, bastard."

After knocking him out, I turned to look at Mierkant. Having heard last night's story, Mierkant was speechless.

"It was my mistake."

"Priest, that's not the important part. Even if we claim that he tried to assault my Senior, it's clear the higher-ups will try to cover it up. Instead, they'll probably drag me away for assaulting an Apprentice Priest."

"I'll be your shield and protect you."

"There's no need for that."

I firmly refused. That wouldn't do. Having beaten the Senior connected with the Headquarters, being exonerated would just end like that?

Once branded, any prospect of heading to the Headquarters was gone for good. At least, it was clear that going there by legitimate means was impossible. No matter how things played out, that Bishop character would exert his influence.

So, I couldn't be satisfied with just this. Since things had already turned out this way, my goal was to enter the Headquarters somehow.

At the very least, the objective was for it to be 'overheard.'

I might not be able to take most of the holy items, but I can ensure I get one because I've got 'that'!

"Since it’s come to this, let's escalate the situation, Priest."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let’s request the Church to hold a holy trial."

"What?"

Mierkant widened his eyes before slumping his shoulders and shaking his head.

"Jahad, I don’t know where you heard about the holy trial, but do you know what it means?"

"It’s about determining right and wrong, isn’t it?"

"Holy trials aren’t convened for such trivial matters. Assault between Apprentice Priests is considered minor. Holy trials are reserved for cases affecting the entire Church."

"What if this fellow committed an act that could impact the whole Church?"

"...What?"

"Look at this."

I handed him records of the gambling and visits to brothels.

"Isn't this significant enough to warrant a holy trial?"

"Where did you get this..."

"That's not what's important, Priest. What do you think?"

"......"

Mierkant stroked his beard.

"...Still, this isn't enough. Bishop Brody, Beverick's father, will definitely cover it up. This is manageable at a bishop's level. It’s a personal matter anyway. The Bishop doesn't need to concern himself with it. It won't escalate to a holy trial; it will just end with discipline."

"True. This isn't enough, right?"

"Right. Let's consider the holy trial out of the question..."

"Priest, there's still one more thing."

"What do you mean?"

"The money Beverick brought back after his pilgrimage."

I glanced at Mierkant.

"Not a single coin was brought to you, right, Priest?"

"......"

Mierkant was stunned, and he looked over at the unconscious Beverick.

"But still... I heard that the money he collected during the pilgrimage was so little that he spent it all on travel expenses?"

"Little, you say?"

I handed Mierkant the final document. It contained roughly the amount he collected during the pilgrimage and testimonials from other city residents who claimed to have donated to him.

I had pressured Matier to gather these. It was worth it.

"He is lying about having spent it all; he clearly earned donation money through the pilgrimage. There's solid evidence for it."

If it were just personal money used for gambling and brothel visits, it would only warrant a simple disciplinary action.

But if he used 'public funds,' which were meant for the Church Branch and Headquarters?

It's nothing short of embezzlement!

"What do you think, Priest?"

"......"

Mierkant fell silent. He set the documents down and pondered briefly.

"...Jahad."

"Yes, Priest."

"What you say is correct. This indeed provides grounds for a holy trial. Even Bishop Brody won't be able to sweep this under the rug easily. But beyond that... do you know what this means?"

Mierkant murmured.

"This is whistleblowing. It's different from simply carrying out justice. Even if the wicked are punished... the person who acts for justice is viewed differently. The church is one. Whistleblowing means you stand apart from that unity."

"I am aware."

"Your future might become blocked. The label of a traitor will follow you. Think carefully. The violence against Beverick might not linger for years. If you keep quiet, criticism could soon die down. However, this whistleblowing will follow you for life."

In those years, the world itself might end; what to do?

I clasped my hands together slightly, closing my eyes as if in prayer.

"It's alright, Priest. Because the flame of justice dims but never extinguishes, as guided by Ra."

"...Ah, how can such a devout child exist?"

Mierkant clasped his hands together briefly in prayer and looked down at me with eyes that had changed.

"Very well. But there is a condition. I will submit it under my name, not yours. I cannot obstruct the promising future that lies ahead of you."

"Under your name, Priest?"

"With just this evidence, something will happen. The Branch Manager was practically abandoned by the church anyway."

Mierkant smiled warmly.

"Adding another infamous title won't change anything."

"......"

Why are people here so restless because they can’t sacrifice themselves?

I sighed. While I was grateful, letting it end like this felt unsatisfying. Moreover, I wouldn't gain what I needed.

Being directly involved with the assault case practically blocks the path to the Cult Headquarters. Unless I use a holy trial as an excuse, there would be no way to set foot in the Headquarters.

I have to go.

I must submit it under my name! Only then can I enter the Headquarters with the pretext of being a whistleblower!

"Priest."

"I will not accept any objections."

"If that is your wish, I won't stop you, but… What about Senior Irene?"

Mierkant flinched. For some reason, it seemed like someone outside the door was also startled.

"What... do you mean?"

"As a priest, you're in a position to teach us. If you get directly involved in this case, it could have negative consequences for both you and Senior Irene."

"Well... that’s true."

"I don't want that. Senior has done so much for me. I can't bring harm to everyone because of me alone."

I blinked my eyes, feigning helplessness, and deliberately added a tremor to my voice for effect.

"I did it all by myself. I'll take responsibility alone. I can't let others suffer."

"Jahad... you little rascal..."

"I won't forget how Priest Mierkant took me in and how Senior Irene taught me."

Let's call it even for all the meals and shelter they provided!

"Please let me repay this kindness, Priest."

"...I..."

Mierkant's voice shook. He stood up from his chair and walked over to me, embracing me.

"I've taken in an extraordinary fellow in my later years… Oh Ra... may this brilliant soul be filled with only light..."

Mixed with sobs, he stroked my head, and I let out a sigh.

At least things got sorted out somehow.

Yes, considering what's done, this was the best option. I'll just swipe a relic from the church, and if there's anything else to gain in the process, I might as well snag that too...

Use the pilgrimage as an excuse to travel to the north! And then straight to the Academy! Ditch that rascal through a divine trial and say a complete farewell to this branch!

I couldn't help but grin at my perfect plan. Exactly as planned.

A crisis is indeed an opportunity!

Mierkant called for the judge. Leaving Irene, who was acting strangely aloof, I focused on my tasks while waiting for the judge to arrive.

The training was nearing its end. I had improved everything I could, and thanks to the nightly sessions with Surtr, most of my skill levels had significantly increased.

The raised level is a bonus.

[Jahad Balton] [Level: 16]

[Species: Human] [Profession: Apostle of Sun God]

[Unique Skills for Profession]

Love of the Sun God: Skills related to the Sun God grow rapidly.

Grace of the Sun God: Holy power recovers quickly.

Blessing of the Sun God: Can handle the sacred relics of the Sun God without risk.

Prayer of the Sun God: Immune to mental contamination.

[Acquired Skills]

Stigmata (C): Resists all curses. Can bestow stigmata onto others. (5/5)

Divinity (C): Can draw upon the divinity of the Sun God.

Healing (C): Recovers even severe injuries with ease.

Blessing (C): Increases resistance to status ailments and remains composed. Enhances physical abilities and temporarily boosts holy power.

Ember (C): Produces fierce flames.

Prayer of Fire (C): Maintains body temperature for a certain duration through prayer. Enhances physical abilities.

Sacred Water Creation (C): Imbues water with holy power. Activates the body's healing abilities and increases resistance to curses.

Sacred Barrier (C): Constructs a barrier. Protects the body and prevents intrusion of external forces.

Weapon Blessing (C): Sharpens the blade. Imbued with a holy aura, increasing durability.

Purification (C): Expels curses and purifies the contaminated.

Song of Fire (C): Fundamental swordsmanship of the Sun God Religion. Flames ignite at the tip of the sword.

Meat Cooking Method (C): Grills meat deliciously.

Crown of Ashes (EX): Offers tributes to elevate skills related to the Sun God.

"Hehehe."

Consistency is key! Yes! I really love having so many C-rank skills!

To surpass C-rank skills, ordinary training isn't enough. For most combat skills, there's a limit to how much you can achieve through solo practice.

Combat!

Only through battle can ranks be increased. Essentially, skills refined alone show almost no improvement beyond C-rank.

In other words, it means I've essentially hit a ceiling now. Although, if I had to, I could still engage in live combat…

For now, it wasn’t a pressing issue. It was better to refrain for the time being. Anyway, if I went to the Cult Headquarters and got 'that sacred item', I'd have to replace a lot of my current skills.

Fortunately, I've completed achievements with the Cult of Ra, otherwise, I'd have had to flounder around like a headless chicken to try improving skills I'd eventually discard.

Knowledge is power, indeed! Well, well!

"So, let's see..."

What tasks do I have? Suddenly, I thought of Black Steel.

Matier, the leader there, now cowers at my mere word. Perhaps feeling the difference in power, he didn't even consider opposing me.

To be precise, he's as much afraid of the loyalty Hector's gang shows me as he is of me.

I sought out Hector's group after a long time. When I saw them again, they were completely transformed from how they were the last time. They had noticeably bulked up and were dressed in fairly expensive combat gear.

They had the air of mercenaries.

"...Captain. You're here?"

Hector lifted his head from inside the tavern. For some reason, feeling an odd, sinister vibe, I took a seat.

What's he drinking? It's a tavern, so... is it alcohol?! Isn’t this guy underage?!

"Is that alcohol..."

"It's barley tea."

Strangely diligent in the weirdest ways.

As he poured what was actually barley tea, his hands were heavy. I casually asked him.

"Is there a problem?"

"...Captain. What do you do when you hit a wall?"

"A wall?"

"It's different from what I expected. I used to get stronger quickly, but now it feels like I'm wandering in the same place."

"I feel the same."

"I used to enjoy getting stronger, but now it feels stagnant."

"Huh? Really? You guys too?"

"Y-Yeah, me too..."

These guys.

A slump, huh?

I had a feeling something was off, and this must be the problem. Part of me is tempted to sneak a peek at their stats, but that's impossible. You need a specific skill to do that, after all.

Well, even without looking, I could guess the reason. It's pretty obvious. They must be at the brink of leveling up their skill ranks.

"Hey, Hector. Come with me."

"Huh?"

"Oh? Talking back?"

"N-No, I'm coming."

I took Hector outside and had a quick spar with him. After a few exchanges and letting him roll in the dirt a bit, I roughly gauged his level.

Around level 10. As for holy power... it seems to be around E rank. A little more growth, and you'll reach D rank.

I dusted off my hands. Hector, who had just been rolling on the ground, spat out the dirt from his mouth.

"This kind of thing... it's been a while..."

"Yeah. It's been a while. I'm going to leave for good soon, so it might be the last time."

"...What? What do you mean by that?"

"Everyone, line up. Before I give you my teachings, this instructor has something to say to you."

Even though it had been a while since I last saw them, the speed at which they followed my order was just like the old times. I looked at each of their faces as they quickly gathered.

"Hector. Pavel. Linden. Marie. Mitasha."

"It's Natasha!"

"Are you all praying diligently three times a day?"

"The Captain ordered it. We're doing it."

I leaned against the wall.

Listening to Ra's words, my goal was firmly set.

To manage the Main NPCs who might potentially fall into corruption.

This task absolutely required external help. Those who would become my hands and feet.

But it was uncertain whether these guys would follow me that far. If they wanted to remain content with their current lives, well...

There'd be no need to force them to come along. It would be like dragging them into a battlefield teetering on the brink of death.

"Are you guys happy?"

"...Trying to set a mood that's unlike the Captain?"

"Have you been secretly stashing away money?"

"I haven't?"

"I can hear you all. Stop whispering and answer the question. Are you satisfied with your current lives?"

Hector blinked. They exchanged glances and then nodded.

"Of course. I'm much happier than before. Even though my skills have stagnated, at least I don't have to worry about going hungry anymore."

"Is that so? Then you're planning to live here permanently?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, you see, I'm going to be leaving far away soon."

"Did you cause trouble?"

I gave Hector a sharp smack on the head. The sound of the blow echoed, and he staggered.

"Show some respect to the Captain."

"Yes, yes..."

"Anyway, I'm going to be leaving for a while this time. Probably heading south."

"...You're not coming back?"

"I will. But even if I do return, I'll probably leave again soon. After that, I might not come back to this place at all."

"Why?"

"Because I have some dangerous things to take care of."

I glanced casually at the guys sitting down.

"So, here's the thing, you have two options. This time, unlike before, you have to decide freely. Got it? Let me clarify that there won't be any disadvantages because of your choice."

"What are you planning to make us do exactly?"

"Listen quietly."

"Yes."

"The first option is for you to just live here. As your skills accumulate... eventually, you could potentially take over most of this city. As you know, Matier is pretty capable, right? He only lacked strength, so if you combine your powers with him, you could easily take over the underbelly of this city. It might take... about 3 to 4 years?"

"What's the second option?"

"The second option is..."

I flashed a wide grin.

"You explore a world you haven't seen yet, eat meals mixed with mud at times, frequently escape death, and fight against the evil that wants to destroy the world."

"...What is that?"

"I don't know what exactly it is either. But I do know one thing. The opponents I'll face are insanely strong."

The Main NPCs were all either monsters or those who were destined to become monsters. They were like natural disasters.

If someone were to fall into corruption, the group under them would surely follow suit.

A war would break out. You'd have to keep moving busily just to survive, and there'd likely be no proper days off.

You might even die.

Not here in the back alleys of the city with a knife in your gut, but there might come a time when you'd have to face a hopeless battlefield.

"A revelation came to me. It told me to save the world."

"...Really?"

"Of course, it's real. Why would I lie to you guys? Have I ever lied before?"

The kids exchanged glances. I shrugged.

"It's fine if you choose the first option. I won't cling on pathetically. I can always train someone else."

"...Why don't you pressure us?"

"Who knows..."

I gazed at them quietly. Indeed, this is why people need to be detached to become perfect beings.

Oh well.

I guess I'm human too.

I don't care if the ones I want to kill or beat up end up dead on the streets, but I do worry about those who've been good to me dying.

"Just give me an answer. What will you do? For the record, there's no going back. Once you choose, you have to stick with it to the end. I have no intention of leaving someone who knows too much alive."

"......"

Hector spoke up.

"Captain, do you know? Since you came, we've struggled, but we've gained so much from that struggle. We've started living 'like humans,' unlike before."

"So what?"

"If you weren't here, we would still be living on the streets. As you mentioned before... we would have lived and died just like that in the back alleys."

Hector knelt down.

"You changed my life. And you told us, not to become followers of Ra, but to become your followers."

"By now, we're inseparable."

"Who do you think you're sending away at your whim?"

"Without you, I probably would have died dozens of times in the streets."

"...It's the same for me. Without you, I'd have been such a fool that I couldn't even speak properly..."

They looked up at me. Hector grinned.

"Captain, who are you off to beat up this time? That's actually for the best. If we're going to take down someone who's going to destroy the world, we don't have to worry about our conscience, right?"

"...You guys."

I chuckled softly.

"As expected of my slaves!"

"...Could you change what you call us though?"

Please support the series on NovelUpdates