What does it mean to achieve all achievements in the game?

It's no different from saying that I remember everything about that game. A person obsessed with a single game. Moreover, I'm someone who spent years on it.

I knew all sorts of knowledge. It was almost as if I had everything figured out. While the definition of words and their actual usage changed slightly whenever I started the game, the big picture stayed the same.

Besides, I've also had the experience of completing the priesthood path entirely. That included the elite course priest life that started at the Cult Headquarters.

So what's the conclusion?

Everything I'll learn in the future is information I'm already familiar with! One of those darn achievements was scoring full marks on the Theological Academy test!

"Apprentice Priest Jahad."

A stern-looking teacher adjusted their glasses.

"The subject I'll be teaching is Ancient History. Since it deals with complex language systems and forgotten records, I'm not expecting much."

"So what?"

"I hope you remember at least one-tenth of the content I teach. I don't mind if you divert your attention during class, but please make sure I don’t see it."

Their eyes showed they had no expectations of me at all.

I chuckled quietly. Every teacher I had encountered so far had worn that same look.

"Yeah. Sure. I’ll handle it."

"...How typical of a whistleblower, looking all disheveled. I suppose you've lived your life that way, haven't you? Instead of trying to overcome the parts you don't like, just constantly complaining."

The teacher picked up the chalk.

"I'll start the lesson. If there's something you don't understand, just move on. Explaining it won't make a difference if you can't grasp it."

"Oh. Yeah. Sure."

The class began.

"I’ll manage on my own."

Twelve subjects in total.

Each one was bizarre in its own way.

Just hearing the names of ancient records made me dizzy, and subjects like advanced theology were no different.

Unfortunately, the content on holy spells was something I had already learned, so it wasn't much help. After all, Irene the Apprentice Priest possessed skills enough to become a priest already.

Having drained all the knowledge I could from her, it was odd that I hadn’t reached the level of a priest yet.

I easily conjured the Holy Fire. The holy spells teacher was taken aback.

"What is this! A mere apprentice priest who hasn't even been here for half a year..."

"Shall I show you something else?"

I molded the Holy Fire into a small dragon. The eyes of the holy spells teacher widened in astonishment.

"My goodness! Such genius! Ahhh!! I have nothing to teach you! You are a genius among geniuses!"

"Hehe."

After such rare praise, my confidence soared. I fidgeted with the Holy Fire a bit more, crafting even scales.

"What about this?!"

"Oh my! If Lady Ra were to see you, she would applaud her own creation!"

Yes, this is exactly it!

I shivered with excitement.

Indeed, there can never be enough praise!

The holy spells teacher lowered his voice.

"Uh, Apprentice Priest Jahad... would you be interested in learning other holy spells?"

"Really?"

"Of course, it's not part of the curriculum. But after seeing Apprentice Priest Jahad's talent... I just want to teach you one more thing..."

"What is it?"

"It's a holy spell I am secretly researching. It's a slight improvement on one of the lower holy spells, healing..."

I was a bit impressed by the teacher's results.

"It's good! You're connecting damaged parts with threads and needles made of holy power, right? By connecting this way, the damaged parts will heal faster, won't they? And there's no need for periodic infusion of holy power."

"As expected, I knew Apprentice Priest Jahad would recognize it!"

I looked at the teacher properly for the first time then. A nerdy vibe emanated from this holy spells enthusiast.

"Um, but your name is..."

"Oh? I apologize for the delayed introduction. Once I get absorbed in something, I can only focus on that one thing."

He scratched his shaggy hair.

"I'm Reiya, from the Holy Spell Research Department, focusing on healing."

"Huh?"

Why is someone destined to become the greatest healer of the Cult of Ra here?

"As for me..."

I smiled broadly. Can such a connection really happen? This is like a windfall!

"I'm thrilled! When you see such an extraordinary holy spell, isn't it strange not to get interested? Right, Teacher Reiya?"

"Th-thank you!"

I hid a sly grin and put on a good-natured act.

This will definitely come in handy later!

"But rather than just doing it like this... it's better to structure the spell like this..."

"...My goodness! You really are!"

I enjoy watching overconfident people crumble. Indeed, isn't it truly delightful?

"...Next is the field of the Ancient Kingdom."

"I already know all about it."

The teachers' rigid expressions faltered, while a smug smile spread across my face.

Ah, it's so damn good.

This is what you call an irresistible pleasure!

"El Primo's cursive is..."

"Like this, right?""

The teacher checked my notebook, comparing it several times with what they had written, as if they couldn't believe it.

"Y-Yes, that's correct."

It took less than a fortnight for the arrogant teachers who had looked down on me to kneel. Later on, they even looked at me with sparkling eyes.

"W-What do you think about this?!"

"There are a few mistakes. Parvis wouldn't have thought of it that way. He would appreciate innate human diligence a bit more..."

"W-What about this art style?!"

"Considering the opinions of other schools... it depicts a somewhat unrealistic dream..."

Swoosh.

Dimona, who had slipped into the classroom, burst out angrily.

"What is going on here?!"

The teacher, who had been glued to my side, jumped in surprise.

"D-Dimona Inquisitor? What brings you here?"

"I just happened to drop by! Purely by coincidence! But what's all this about?! Even if she's an insider, this is..."

Dimona strode into the classroom and snatched the teacher's book.

"The chalkboard is empty! The teacher, who should be instructing, is scribbling away in silence! What is happening here? Even if you don’t want to teach, shouldn't you at least pretend to teach?!"

"It-it's a misunderstanding! Dimona Inquisitor!"

"What misunderstanding? Of course, I don't like the idea of this child getting high scores either! But as a human, you should at least have the decency..."

"I had already learned everything and was just reviewing."

"...Sorry?"

Dimona flinched and quickly rifled through the thick book.

"You mean... you've completed all this? In less than a fortnight?"

"I finished it all in ten days and was on my second review. The teacher was confused about a few parts, so I was just helping a bit..."

Dimona looked genuinely confused and frowned deeply.

"No, even if you're lying, at least make it sound believable. Are you saying the teacher is learning from you? What nonsense is that? Prideful and unable to speak properly... you can just say it. I'll gather the teachers and give them a talking to!"

"I'm telling the truth!"

"What?"

"Apprentice Priest Jahad is a genius! I'm actually learning from him!"

"...You're saying Priest Evian is learning instead? The one said to have no equal in biblical literature theory?"

"He is indeed a genius! He's reinterpreting literature with perspectives I haven't seen before!"

Hmm.

I was merely sharing knowledge that has changed incrementally with each cycle.

"By observing Apprentice Priest Jahad, I've realized something!"

"...Realized what?"

"That I was a frog in a well!"

Dimona clicked her tongue, and her shoulders shook as if genuinely exasperated.

"Oh, I see. This is all a setup to make fun of me, right? Right? Oh. Fine. Go ahead and give it a try, since test scores don't lie anyway!"

Ugh. Look at that prideful girl.

I wonder what expression she'll make in two weeks...

I'm so excited that I can't wait. Hehehe.

"Oh, today's class is canceled."

"What?"

"Well, it's just that..."

Reiya scratched his cheek. The usually enthusiastic Reiya hesitated nervously as he glanced outside the door.

"An invited guest lecturer is here... Apprentice Priest Jahad… I hope nothing happens..."

The door opened and someone entered. He looked down at Reiya naturally and patted him on the shoulder.

"Thank you for your efforts, Priest Reiya. I'll take over from here."

"Ah, understood, Archbishop Dwayne."

Reiya hurriedly left the classroom. The door closed, and silence filled the room.

I leaned back in my chair and looked up at him.

A man possessing a heavy yet solemn aura. His striking white beard and hair made an impression.

Archbishop Dwayne.

"I didn't expect to see you during my studies."

"What subject were you studying?"

"The common holy spells section. Why? Are you going to teach me?"

"It seems you already know everything you should, so there's nothing left for me to teach."

Dwayne stood at the lectern, pushing a book aside. His gaze was heavy as the holy energy he radiated overwhelmed the room.

I clicked my tongue. It's heavy. This pressure. It's tremendous.

Would I be able to win if I drew the Demon Sword, Surtr?

...Impossible.

"Apprentice Priest Jahad, you only have ten days left until all your classes are over."

"And?"

"Once all the classes are finished, Apprentice Priest Jahad will become a priest. You'll rise to a position of power and responsibility."

"At most, wouldn't that power be as insignificant as a mouse's droppings?”

"That's exactly right."

Dwayne erased the formulas written on the blackboard and picked up a piece of chalk.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

He wrote a single word neatly.

'Domain.'

"Apprentice Priest Jahad, what do you think of Apprentice Priest Beverick?"

"He's trash."

"Correct. I don't like trash either. However, there was a reason to support him."

"It's because of Bishop Brody, isn't it?"

"Bishop Brody is an exceptionally talented figure. He's quite different from his incompetent son. Moreover, Bishop Brody's reputation among others is quite good."

"That bald guy?"

"Bishop Brody belongs to the Department of Cultural Education, which usually handles the arts. In the realm of art, talent is important, but public esteem holds more significance."

"That sounds like something a merchant would say."

"Everyone sells something—be it passion, love, or the emotions they pour into someone. It's not much different from an exchange of goods. We are all merchants."

"That doesn't sound like something a clergyman should say."

"Times have changed. Rambling on about such outdated sentiments was only possible hundreds of years ago, when people were smaller in number and believed purely in God."

Archbishop Dwayne put down the chalk.

"But now, it is not that time. We are a single organization."

"What are you trying to say?"

"Bishop Brody is my subordinate. And because I am also a superior to someone, there are times when I must be resolute."

Archbishop Dwayne looked down at me.

"Apprentice Priest Jahad. You have trespassed into my 'domain.' And I intend to make an example of you."

"...What did you say?"

"The reason I came here today is merely out of a small sense of pity for you. At the very least, you should know why you are going to die, don't you think?"

Archbishop Dwayne whispered.

"I will put you in the deepest corner. I will give you nothing, letting you starve to death. I will ensure you cannot escape your misery by keeping you under complete surveillance."

"What a vile hobby. Truly."

"With your abilities, you won't be able to escape. Even after you die, I will use your body to make an example of heresy for a while. Your remaining body won't even rest peacefully in the ground."

"Is that so?"

"So, if there's anything you want to say, it's best to say it now. If you wish to repent, kneel. You'd better beg with all you've got. If you want to undo your wayward heart, I am telling you to make an effort here and now."

"......"

He's definitely a psychopath, enjoying making others suffer like this.

It’s clear that even if I beg, nothing will change. Dwayne’s nature is chaotic evil. Even after analyzing his character, the only conclusion is that he’s a madman.

He's the type who would stab someone in the back for his own benefit, even if they had been standing by his side just moments before.

Fine. Well, that's a charming character trait. Perfect for becoming a successful businessman, I suppose.

But it differs from the path I intend to walk. I have no desire to bow to someone who would certainly betray me.

I sighed and casually raised my hand.

And then, without hesitation, I raised my middle finger.

"Screw you."

"......"

Archbishop Dwayne's expression changed. It reverted back to the serene appearance of a devout saint.

"Even if you try to seek refuge at the Inquisition Office, it will be useless. I will assign you the most harrowing task. I will mobilize the Papal Court to crush you."

"Don't you have anything better to do? Why are you so invested in me?"

"There cannot be internal whistleblowers. Especially not those who meddle with my people. If the pillar collapses, the entire building will shake."

"Great. I'll be sure to take out all the pillars."

"...You will."

Archbishop Dwayne whispered.

"You will fall. And Dimona, who helped you, will also fall. All the Inquisitors you belong to will crumble as well."

"Wow, that's intense. So what?"

"Everything will be ruined because of you. Even those who tried to protect you."

"Is that so? Go ahead and try. Well, I have something to say too."

I pinched my nose with my fingers.

"Did you brush your teeth today? You should, it smells."

"...I'm curious how long that confidence will last. Jahad, Apprentice Priest."

Archbishop Dwayne bowed his head politely.

"I'll pray that you spend your remaining time happily."

"Go on. I won't see you off because I'm too lazy to go far."

"......"

He left the room.

The door closed. I rotated my stiff shoulders.

Alright. Let's see who falters.

Let's see who crumbles.

Naga whispered.

[Uh... Jahad…]

"Yes?"

[If it's too difficult... you could really consider joining the Snake Cult...]

"What about Lord Ra?"

[I... I'll somehow... manage…]

"...You're cute. Really."

Honestly, having someone who cares about me feels great. It would be strange if it didn't.

How could I dislike someone who willingly steps up to help, even when there's nothing to gain?

[Ha... Ha-eut?! You think I'm... cute...?!]

"It's just talking to myself. Well, it can't be helped. It's okay. I made a promise, so I should keep it."

Leaving the Sun God Religion would be like trampling on Ra's pride.

Since I made a promise, it's proper to save the world while staying here.

Besides, they declared war first, so I just need to pay them back in kind.

The Cult Headquarters has very few relics to begin with. Most of them, like Brunach that Beatrice had, are hidden in dangerous places all over the world.

I know all of their locations. I practically know every hidden treasure in the world!

I’ll bring them all back and shake up the Cult! I'll level up my skills and turn everything upside down!

I can just wander around the continent while taking on the Inquisitor's tasks!

You're done for, Dwayne!

Dimona bit her nails nervously. Radatok lowered his voice.

"Inquisitor, you seem quite anxious..."

"It's the day of Jahad's Apprentice Priest exam, isn't it?! What if he actually passes?! What if he comes back with straight A+'s?!"

"To be honest, even though Brother is talented, that's almost impossible. The conditions you set were too extreme from the start."

"But there's no choice! If we're going to invest, he needs to prove he's worth it. We don't need promising talent; we need someone fully capable from the beginning. You also know how tough our situation is, right? Our funding this month is even less than before."

Dimona slid off her chair in frustration.

"Ahhh... But, do you really think he'll pass? Just as planned, I'll use my influence to send him to a deserted Punishment Execution Center. It's better than working under Archbishop Dwayne."

"Was that your intention from the beginning?"

"He's far too self-confident. He needs to understand his limits. A little discipline and humility will let him know his place. What's the use of having skills when there's nobody below you?"

"Inquisitor..."

Radatok chuckled softly.

"It's nothing."

"What do you mean it's nothing, huh?"

"Please sit up straight. I'm concerned someone might see."

"Seriously. It's already tough enough without you nagging..."

Dimona begrudgingly straightened up. The door burst open.

Jahad, who was once an Apprentice Priest.

No, now a Priest, a boy, walked in.

He has arrived.

Dimona gritted her teeth.

She quickly assessed the boy's condition.

Drooped shoulders. Lacking energy in his back. His steps seemed almost half-collapsed.

He failed!

Dimona smiled broadly.

"I told you, didn’t I? Things don’t always go as you want. Seriously, huh? You should have at least spoken with some humility."

"......"

"Well, anyway, considering the effort you’ve put in and saving our people, I’ll make sure you avoid the worst. I know someone at the Punishment Execution Center.

It's a place completely separate from here, and even Archbishop Dwayne's influence doesn't reach there much. There's a way to survive, right? You’re grateful, aren’t you? Now do you recognize my greatness?"

"......"

"Don’t be too discouraged. As you live, you experience bitterness sometimes. Just think of this as a humiliation you would have faced eventually. Everyone is bound to fail, right?

Unlike me, Inquisitor Dimona, most people are terribly incompetent, you know. Oh, I didn't mean you. Understand? Ahaha! I was just saying! Don't be too downhearted, okay?"

Jahad handed over some documents. Dimona couldn't hide her laughter as she accepted them with a smirk.

She rummaged through the papers.

Dimona's expression suddenly stiffened as she unfolded the documents. Jahad slowly straightened his posture.

His shoulders spread, his back regained strength, and he stood upright.

Jahad scratched his ear.

"Pardon? What did you say?"

Dimona dropped the documents from her hands. The grades revealed by the light streaming through the window were filled with A+'s.

"Is there a dog barking somewhere? Hmmm? Ah, right. Inquisitor Dimona, didn't we have, like, a little bet going on? My head's been all over the place lately... I'm a bit hazy on the details... What was it about again... about joining the Inquisition Office?"

"This is... this is..."

"Oh, strange. It wasn't the Punishment Execution Center, right? I must have misheard? Ah, could you show me your expression first? I can't see it well from here. Are you upset?"

Jahad chuckled.

"In just one month, I managed to get all A+'s. Aren't I something, the oh-so-capable and great Dimona, In.qui.si.tor how great am I?"

Crack.

Dimona angrily grabbed the items on her desk and threw them.

"Does this even make sense?!!!!!!"

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