Level can be seen as a measure of strength. More precisely, it's a simple number summarizing one's overall combat power.

A level 1 person is just an average citizen. However, a level 10 person is comparable to a skilled soldier. While skills, equipment, and other variables exist, the combat system in Glory Fantasia tends to favor those with higher levels.

Level can also be understood as a measure of physical ability. With a high enough level, even a mage could easily take down a lower-leveled soldier with a mere punch.In the game, this is also referred to as ‘Karma’.

However, that isn’t important to the story just yet.I loosened my hands. My physical abilities, at level 7, were akin to those of a moderately trained soldier. Perhaps not yet skilled, but certainly above average.

Although the kid in front of me was quite large… they were still just a kid. Simply speaking, my physical abilities were far superior.

With the existence of the phenomenon known as ‘Karma’, one would be able to overcome the usual limitations of being shorter or smaller than the opponent.In this instance, my Karma far surpassed that of the one called Hector.

Of course, it meant that I would be able to overpower him in a straightforward brawl!"I'll turn you into a bloody mess!"

Hector shouted fiercely, clenching his thick fist.

Come to think of it, I did get hit by that. I had intended to pay him back twice as much, but I forgot.

Thank you for reminding me, Hector.

"Stop yapping and come at me, you brat."

Hector charged forward. His heavy breathing was accompanied by a large swing, slicing fiercely through the air. Unfortunately for him, I easily dodged it.Even though I hadn't learned martial arts, I could see it. The exposed abdomen and wobbling legs. His upper body was massive, but his lower body couldn't keep up. Everything was visible to me.

Enhanced physical abilities also included the improvement of the five senses.

I can see everything, you brat! Now that I look closely...

You're all chest!

"To hell with chest-heavy people! It's the will of God!"

[Ra sighs, indicating that she never said such a thing.]

I smashed my fist into Hector’s abdomen, his eyes bulging open in shock.He staggered back, but I had no intention of letting him go. I followed up with a flurry of blows, causing him to cough and sputter out in pain. Then, I swept his legs from underneath and knocked him down.

Finally…I raised my foot high into the air.

"How dare you kick my broom!"

"P-Please..."

“Kick it? Sure!”

I slammed down my leg with all my strength.

Right in the groin.

He let out a sound like a squealing pig. His scream was quite amusing. Desperately clutching his legs, I stomped on him several more times for good measure.

"Ra demands it! Break your balls!"

[Ra sighs, saying she never said that.]

"Agh! Agh! Agh! S-Stop it already!!"

"You bastard! Acting like you're a man! It's fine to act tough!! But you dare! To drag me into this?! Because of a woman I don't even care about! Why should I be taking a hit?!"

He trembled all over.

His eyes rolled back completely. Yet unsatisfied, I stomped on him a few more times.

Hector's drool dripped to the floor. His legs stretched out straight, completely motionless.

He passed out… I hadn’t even started the real punishment yet.

Casually lifting my head, I glanced at the other children. The ones who were mocking me earlier now retreated nervously.

"Where do you think you’re going?"

I beamed widely.

"If you run, you’ll get beaten twice as much. Get over here immediately."

Ah.

Isn’t this what being a true cleric is all about?

Waking up these misled kids.

I am truly a talent meant for the cult!

[Ra grinds her teeth, wondering why she brought someone like this.]

My fist soared through the air. The bodies of the boys hit the ground heavily.

The women trembled. I flashed them a grin.

"What are you doing? Why aren't you hurrying up?"

"Huh, what?"

"Teaching knows no gender."

I am someone who treats everyone equally, regardless of gender.

"Even a bystander is guilty."

I knocked down the girls without hesitation too.

"...The atmosphere in the church has changed, hasn't it?"

"It's all thanks to you, Priest."

I smiled broadly and playfully kicked Hector's leg as he was diligently sweeping the floor.

"Can't you see the dirt over there?"

"S-sorry..."

Mierkant frowned at me.

"Did you… hit the kids??"

"Oh, of course not. We just got to know each other better, right?"

"Y-yeah!"

"F-from talking, we found out that we get along well..."

"Jahad is really nice!"

It was worth it to choose a spot where they couldn't be seen. I nodded, patting their shoulders reassuringly.

"You're doing well, 'friends.' Let's keep it that way, understood?"

"Y-yes!"

"Okay, got it!"

"Who would've thought that the church's biggest troublemakers would voluntarily clean the yard..."

Mierkant shed tears of gratitude.

"Indeed, nothing changes a person like a friend. It's all thanks to you, Jahad."

"Haha, you're too kind. But Priest, it seemed like you had something else to do earlier, so why are you here in the garden?"

"Oh, right. That's true. I almost forgot. Jahad, come over here. There's someone I want to introduce you to."

"Really? Who is it?"

"Your senior. An Apprentice Priest who entered before you did. Although two went out, one has returned after completing their pilgrimage. I'm sure they'll be delighted to see you."

I followed him into the inner part of the church. As the door to the prayer room opened with a click, he suddenly stopped, raising a finger to his lips.

"...They're praying to God, so be quiet. A faithful person. Just perfect as your mentor."

I peeked out from behind him, and there I saw.

A woman as cold as ice.

The shattered sunlight from the stained glass wrapped around her. Her tousled silver hair seemed immeasurably noble, despite the worn-out priest robes she wore.

Hands clasped in prayer. In that simple act, the moment that unfolded around her felt as though time had stopped. The world whispered softly like a painting.

‘...A saint.’

Such an appearance leaves no other words. Her long, lowered eyelashes, slender, delicate fingers—all of it was beautiful. If there was a flaw, perhaps it would be the scar crossing one of her eyes.

Yet her beauty was so profound that even that scar blended in naturally. She was pure and radiant, and surely anyone would find joy just in her presence.

Her appearance was too precious for a mere Apprentice Priest on the outskirts. Had she chosen a path other than that of a priest, she would undoubtedly have become famous for her looks alone.

Moreover, being a priest of the Sun God... perhaps that's why... that part too was impressive...

...But why does she feel so familiar?

"......"

She opened her eyes.

Mierkant whispered softly, "A beautiful yet still unbloomed flower."

He personally introduced me to her, saying she seemed about my age.

"Her name is Irene. Since joining the Order, she has long discarded her family name. Her family relations are quite complicated, so it's best not to ask."

"...Irene?"

Wait…

I quickly turned my head. Refocusing my eyes that were captivated by her beauty, I stared at her properly.

Her familiar appearance. Silver hair and blue eyes. A splendid figure with a cold demeanor.

That's right.

It's her!

Why is the Blue Hawk, who typically makes a name for herself as an Empire's knight towards the end of the scenario, here?!

"Call her 'Senior.' Irene, if your prayer is finished, come here."

"...Yes, Priest."

"This is your junior. He joined recently as an Apprentice Priest. Be kind to him. He's a good kid."

Her voice was lovely, but her gaze as she walked over to me was far from kind.

It felt more like she was staring at a sworn enemy, a look one might give an unnecessary burden.

I quickly lowered my head and greeted her first.

"Ah, hello... Senior?"

"Minus one point."

A cold voice interrupted.

"Don't hesitate when you speak. Stand up straight. A priest must maintain proper posture at all times."

"Oh, yes."

"Answer briefly. Lengthening your speech is a bad habit. It can elicit unwanted reactions in official settings."

She bowed politely, but her gaze remained the same.

"I am Irene."

"I'm Jahad..."

"Another point."

"...I am Jahad." (showing formality.)

She glared at me.

"In place of the busy priest, I have decided to take charge of your training. Before the training, there's something I need to say."

Irene tucked her loose hair behind her ear. She approached and brought her lips close to my ear. I could feel her breath.

She spoke each word deliberately, as if she were biting them off.

"It's not too late even now. Leave the order immediately. Pest."

...Well, I've understood one thing. Even if the scenario is all wrong, her personality remains the same.

The Blue Hawk of the Empire. A thorough rationalist and at the same time...

A woman with misandry. (I don’t think the average person knows what misandry means, should we change it or just add a note.)

She pulled back from my ear. Her expression was calm. Like before, it was emotionless. Just a slight furrow of her eyebrows, nothing more.

Maintaining her poker face, I deliberately smiled at her.

"I look forward to working with you, Senior."

"...Didn't you hear what I just said?"

"I heard you loud and clear, Senior."

This is where I belong. I haven't taken everything I need yet, and as long as there are things left to gain, I can't leave.

The first goal is to improve my skills significantly and to become strong enough not to be beaten up wherever I go.

On top of that...

"I will learn diligently. Please teach me a lot, Se-ni-or."

When provoked so openly like that, how can you not get competitive?

Calling me a pest!

I can tolerate insults to Ra, but I can't stand being insulted myself!

No matter what it takes, I will make her acknowledge me!

[Ra requests that you also don't tolerate insults to her either.]

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