episode_0094

The sun has set.

There was no way to tell whether it was day or night inside the labyrinth, but it was possible to calculate how much time had passed, and thus distinguish between day and night.

And just as Sister Melody had predicted, we decided to spend the night in the warehouse.

Although there were no monsters and the ground was still dusty, there was plenty of space and the ground was flat, making it perfect for pitching a tent.

“I can’t sleep.”

I spent time inside the tent, staring blankly at the ceiling, closing and opening my wide eyes.

Even though the evening prayers were over, I couldn’t fall asleep right away, unlike usual.

Maybe it’s because of the work that happens at dawn.

A holy relic.

It’s amazing that I can see it with my own eyes, but it’s also dizzying to think that it could have been messed with by heretics.

‘When was the last time you saw a holy relic up close?’

There was a procedure for children who entered the temple for the first time as children to undergo a baptism ceremony.

I think that was the first time I saw the holy relic.

When I received the holy relic sprinkled on my head, I could feel a faint divine power, and I was guessing that perhaps the holy relic played a role in connecting the children who wanted to become priests with Him.

‘What if they really find out?’

Finding the lost relic from 300 years ago is good in itself.

But what if a contaminated relic is discovered?

The crazy things that happen at that time make my mind dizzy.

Although he said he would confidently purify it… .

‘Can you do it?’

I jumped up from my seat, sat back down in the prayer room, and clasped my hands together.

‘What if there is a holy relic in front of me and He is urging me to find it?’

It’s strange that the map pieces fit together so well, and it also explains why I naturally figured out where this place was.

If something becomes possible that I couldn’t do, it’s because it’s His will.

‘If that is so, please grant me the knowledge to purify the polluted relics.’

It would be best if only a few people knew about the contaminated relics.

So, as the sister said, as soon as we bring the holy relic, we must succeed in purifying it.

‘If I don’t purify it, my teammates will all know.’

I also wanted to stop that, even if it meant selling it.

It is shameful that heretics have amassed such enormous wealth and lived there.

“Shall we go out?”

Write it down

No.

The way my sister moves and the way I move are different.

My sister was quiet and went around here and there, but I was particularly noticeable, so I would often hear people ask, “Where are you going, priest?” as I was just walking around.

That’s why I, who have a strong presence, came forward and ended up revealing my sister’s traces.

So, for now, staying quiet will be helpful.

After finishing my prayer, I lay back down on the bed and closed my eyes.

“I have to sleep.”

This time I’ll really be able to sleep.

She said that she wanted me to sleep as much as possible because if I stay up all night, people around me will get suspicious, so I decided to be different.

And to be honest.

‘I wish something would come out of my dream.’

* * *

“Priest.”

“!!”

I opened my eyes wide at the sound of someone nearby.

“Sister?”

I wasn’t surprised or anything because I expected it to come.

However, as soon as I opened my eyes, I was shocked and astonished by the sight I saw.

“No, how did that happen… .”

More important than hearing the story of how things turned out was to start with treatment.

I quickly got up and tried to treat my sister’s body first.

“Please, please.”

“Where are you hurt… Ouch!”

When my sister took off the black robe she was wearing, a horrifying sight that had not been seen before came into view.

“Could this horrible thing be a holy relic?”

“… Yes, that’s right.”

Her left arm was possessed by something.

It seemed that the reason this ominous aura was not noticed by others was because the sister suppressed it with her divine power.

“The energy… .”

“Yes, that’s right. As you can see, it’s evil. It seems like they’ve succeeded in corrupting the holy relic.”

“But why is there this on your left arm…?”

Even if you are not interested in material possessions, is it possible that you are not interested in sacred objects?

I thought it could be true since everyone has something they are greedy for, but it was hard to believe that it was Sister Melody who showed such behavior.

“I’m sorry. I was completely fooled.”

Was there something going on?

“I don’t think you acted rashly because of personal greed. Did they do something?”

“… I had to wear it to take out the relic. No, I thought it was made that way. I found out after I put it on. It was a trap. ”

It is said that the dormant corrupted power burst out and tried to consume the sister’s body.

Eventually, my sister felt relieved when she realized that it wasn’t because of greed, but because she had simply fallen into a trap.

At least the person didn’t suddenly change, right?

The personality that was close to being shameless was the same even when standing in front of a sacred object.

“Are you still having a hard time holding on?”

The identity of the fallen relic was the left arm glove.

When it was in its perfect state, it would have radiated a holy aura, but now it was completely corrupted and radiated an ominous and terrifying aura.

What’s more, the veins on her left arm were swollen and looked as if they would burst at any moment, and were invaded by something black.

It’s creepy and gives me goosebumps to see something black coursing through her veins in real time.

‘What happens if that spreads throughout the body?’

I felt like I needed to treat her quickly, so I tried to put my hand on her arm.

“Don’t come too close. You might get a bad influence.”

“Still, there’s no other way to treat it.”

“I will endure it. And I will cancel the request to completely purify it.”

“Why are you telling me not to do it like this?”

It was obvious that he was telling me not to do it because he was worried about me.

“This is not something that the priest can handle alone.”

“I can’t stand it.”

“That’s why I came here. Just let me endure it.”

Should I be grateful that you care about my body, or should I be upset that you think I’m lacking in ability?

“I think we should hold out until we get back and then go straight to the church once we get out. I will take care of the priest’s escort and send someone else who is more suitable.”

“Are you worried about my security right now because of this?”

What will happen if we can’t finally purify it like this?

I already lived with my sister and became close and familiar with her.

And you want me to do that to someone else again?

I still feel dizzy when I think back on what I did to become friendly with her, the Inquisitor, and I couldn’t do it again.

“Please wait.”

“Priest.”

“Shouldn’t I at least try? I have to do that before I give up. I can’t give up like this.”

Not being able to do something and not doing it are two completely different things.

“If you give it your all, how are you going to attack tomorrow?”

“If you heal quickly and sleep, it will be somewhat filled. Now, there is no one who will be seriously injured, so there is not much use. Even today, it didn’t move at all.”

Isn’t this the very purpose for which we wanted to conquer the castle?

There was no reason to leave this place and move to hunt monsters.

Wouldn’t you like to take a break and rest here for a few days?

My persuasion must have worked, for Sister Melody finally reached out to me.

“If it doesn’t work out, I’ll cut off my arm. So… !”

“Why are you cutting off my arm!! Leave it alone!! I’ll fix it.”

I really wish you wouldn’t say such horrible things so casually!

I can see that being raised and educated as an inquisitor made you bold and daring in many ways.

But still, isn’t it a bit much to say that you’re going to cut off your own arm?

“Of course, the former is more important than the holy relic and my arm, Priest.”

“I know the relics are important! But that doesn’t mean your arms aren’t precious! I can’t stand seeing my arms cut off, so don’t think that’s the way to go. Don’t ever say such horrible things in front of me again.”

I spoke with as much seriousness as I could because I felt like he would really cut off my own arm if I just left him alone.

“… Okay. But don’t use too much force. It would be bad if the priest collapses because of me. ”

Since I’m the only healer on the team, it’s true that there’s no answer if I fall.

Still, I couldn’t just leave it like this.

And I also had something to be proud of.

“Did you know that when you enter the labyrinth, you can grow much faster than usual?”

“Yes, I know.”

“That’s why, every time we fight, I think I’m growing to an unbelievable degree.”

When I first entered the labyrinth, I couldn’t even give my teammates proper buffs.

But now it’s different.

Of course, since there were fewer people, they could all walk, but they were proud that they were much more skilled and stronger in many ways than before.

Unfortunately, the prayer I said before taking a short nap had no effect.

I don’t understand why you’ve been meddling in the map puzzle so far, but you don’t have an answer to this important question. But I’m trying to think positively about it.

‘There was no need to interfere, I guess.’

I didn’t have anything to say since I already knew how to do it.

And I also thought that it might not be a good idea to rely on Him too much.

‘If everything works out just by praying, why bother trying? He probably doesn’t like the sight of you whining too much.’

A prankish divine punishment that no trace remains now.

At that time, I wondered why He had punished me, but now I think I understand.

“You never know. I might be able to get rid of this.”

“!!”

Let’s wake up.

You act like you know everything, but if you don’t do it, you’ll be embarrassed and won’t be able to see your sister’s face again.

At least I deserve to hear that I fought well.

‘Even if it doesn’t work out, it has to end with a loss.’

This is a matter of my honor.

He spared no effort in drawing up his divine power to get rid of all the unpleasant things.