episode_0100

100.

The Church.

Since ancient times, the church has been a symbol of power.

Historian Kenneth La Tourette once said, “In terms of influence, there is no single force in human history that has had as great an impact as the church.”

To protect the lost sheep from the presence of evil and malicious intent, the church became a shepherd, nurturing power, wealth, and fame.

Standing on a rock amidst a chaotic world, the church was the guardian of humanity, the blade.

In order to survive various threats, the church established an exorcism organization specialized in driving out evil, with the elite being the execution squad.

And…

“Hello, Lee Jinhyuk. It’s nice to meet you like this.”

“Yes, I’m glad to meet you too.”

“Hehe. My name is Cynthia Gwyn. Feel free to call me Cynthia.”

The woman welcoming me inside the church was none other than Cynthia, a former commander of the execution squad and a hero hailed in England.

A genius who became a high ranker in her late twenties.

Compared to the prime of Hong Daye, who was mentioned as a candidate for the top 10 ranks, there might be a slight difference, but it is clear that she is stronger than the current Hong Daye.

Perhaps Cynthia single-handedly defeated the Black Hand Gibbon and Minotaur that appeared in the academy?

“What if we compare the current Yoo Dahee?”

At this point, Yoo Dahee’s strength, after the end of the first semester exam, would have grown to the level of a high ranker.

Like a growth-type character, Yoo Dahee was growing exponentially day by day.

Comparing Yoo Dahee and Cynthia?

In the setting of the world, Korean high rankers are slightly stronger than high rankers from other countries.

But considering experience, skill, and strength, Cynthia is still likely to be superior.

It would be absurd to compare Yoo Dahee, who has just reached the level of a high ranker, with Cynthia, who has been active as a high ranker for several years.

But that won’t last long.

Based on the game’s content, Yoo Dahee will show insane growth until she becomes a single ranker.

I want to catch her before she grows more…

But for now, it’s a bit difficult.

That’s why I plan to gradually exploit Yoo Dahee’s weaknesses.

“You speak Korean well.”

“Well, it’s basic, you know, basic.”

Cynthia casually flicked her fingers as if it was nothing.

She seemed to have a sociable and lively personality, as I had known.

She was loyal, but subtly stubborn, with a strong determination to do what she wanted.

“Miss Cynthia, you can speak comfortably. You’re older than me, after all.”

“Oh, is that so? Since I’m in Korea, I should follow Korean culture~.”

Nodding as if she had been waiting, Cynthia scratched her chin.

For a moment, she clearly scanned my face.

“I think your personality is fine, and your face, well, it’s not bad.”

“Pardon?”

Why is this woman suddenly saying such things?

“Cynthia.”

“Ah.”

At that moment…

“Did Cynthia say something rude?”

Roxanne appeared from inside.

She was approaching with neat steps, gently brushing her strawberry blonde hair, wearing a clean white priest’s robe instead of the academy uniform, a sight I had only seen in the game’s illustrations.

It was a clean design of a white priest’s robe overall.

It truly reminded me of a scene from the game, making me feel a sense of nostalgia.

“That’s understandable, considering how corrupted Roxanne threatened the protagonist and his party while staining her priestly robes with blood.

“Oh my, why are you staring at me like that?”

“Ah.”

Suddenly, Cynthia’s voice tapped on my ear.

I shook my head slightly to snap out of my reverie.

When I glanced over, Cynthia was smiling mischievously, covering her lips slightly as if she were a playful little girl.

“I get it. Roxanne is pretty, isn’t she?”

“Huh? Uh, well….”

It was a slightly teasing question.

Typically, a teenage boy would have hesitated a bit.

But having awakened memories from my past life, I was not just an ordinary teenage boy. I had the audacity to openly express admiration for beauty.

“Yes, Roxanne is indeed pretty.”

“Hehe.”

“Regardless, it was quite rude of me to keep staring at you.”

I continued, looking at Roxanne this time.

“It was a bit fascinating to see Roxanne in priestly robes for the first time. Sorry, Roxanne.”

“Oh, no, it’s okay.”

“Indeed, it must be intriguing to see Roxanne in priestly robes after always seeing her in academy uniforms.”

Soon, Cynthia started babbling nonsense, slyly smiling as she spoke.

“Boys find fantasy in priestly robes. When they see Roxanne in her pristine white robes, they might feel some reverent emotions….”

“Cynthia Loo Gwin.”

As Roxanne softly uttered Cynthia’s full name, Cynthia’s face twisted in realization.

Calling someone by their full name, regardless of the circumstances, was not a good sign.

“Sorry, Roxanne, don’t be too serious.”

“…We have guests. Please show some manners.”

“Okay, okay. I’ll go check if the food is ready, so you guide them to the dining table.”

With those words, Cynthia disappeared into the distance.

Roxanne glanced in the direction where Cynthia had vanished, letting out a soft sigh.

As a High Ranker and an Executor, she seemed to be troubled by Cynthia’s somewhat lighthearted behavior and speech in various ways.

“I’m sorry. Cynthia can be a bit mischievous….”

“Oh no, she seems nice. Quite entertaining.”

Although Cynthia might seem a bit unreliable due to her usual behavior, she was a woman of action when needed.

If a crisis were to arise, she would be a reliable shield to protect Roxanne.

“Then, this way.”

Roxanne slowly started guiding me.

“The restaurant is currently in use by others… I’ll guide you to the reception room.”

“I hope I’m not taking up a busy person’s time.”

“No, it’s fine. I’ve had fewer tasks lately.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

Judging by the faint dark circles under her eyes, she seemed to stay up late often.

“Oh, by the way, have you heard about the incident with Sung Yura?”

“….Yes.”

Roxanne hesitated for a moment.

“She was attacked during the escort.”

Sung Yura’s murder case.

Not only her, but everyone in the escort vehicle met their demise.

The bold act of attacking and killing everyone in the transport vehicle caused a stir in the Republic of Korea.

However, the culprit had not been found yet.

“As you sow, so shall you reap, right…?”

Roxanne’s emotions seemed complicated.

Having tormented Roxanne for so long and harmed many people, Sung Yura did not deserve sympathy. But having known her for a long time, Roxanne’s heart might be conflicted.

“After death, it’s the jurisdiction of the afterlife, but Sung Yura should have faced the consequences in this world.”

Roxanne looked somewhat conflicted.

Bringing up Sung Yura’s death was not just to disturb Roxanne’s peace of mind.

A kind of buildup for the future, shall we say?

A buildup to mention the villainous organization that Seong Yura created.

“Well, no need to mention it already, but once we finish eating, I should talk about it.”

“Ah, we’ve arrived. Here we are.”

Suddenly, we arrived at the reception room.

The reception room was spacious enough to accommodate several people and had a neat interior.

There were plush chairs along with a table in the center.

Roxanne led me towards the chairs.

“Please have a seat and wait for the meal to be served….”

– Knock, knock.

The sound of someone knocking on the door was heard immediately.

I could sense someone outside.

“Room service is here~. Can I come in?”

“Yes, Cynthia.”

Without waiting for a response, Cynthia opened the door wide and brought in various dishes on a tray.

…But Cynthia delivering food herself?

Considering her power, authority, social status, and reputation, it seemed absurd.

Cynthia was never in a position to do such menial tasks.

Even if Cynthia wasn’t authoritative, she still personally served the food.

“It’s traditional British cuisine, to make the meal enjoyable for both of us.”

“British cuisine?”

“Oh, did you think British food would be tasteless just because it’s British?”

Cynthia suddenly got worked up by herself.

“That’s all prejudice, prejudice. Stop hating on British food!”

“Oh, yes….”

No, I just found British cuisine interesting.

“Anyway, I’ll enjoy it. Thank you for the invitation, Cynthia, and Roxanne.”

“Yes.”

I glanced over the table.

Steak and kidney pie, roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, bangers and mash, beef Wellington, fish and chips, and more.

Did they just bring everything they had?

Anyway, we had a light meal together.

The food was delicious, and the seasoning seemed just right.

We chatted about trivial things and light topics, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

How much time had passed?

As the atmosphere began to fade, I subtly observed Roxanne’s reaction. Should I try my luck now?

“Hey, Roxanne.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Um. Well….”

I extended my words while glancing at Cynthia, who was standing awkwardly as a bodyguard.

I had planned to reveal some personal matters, but I couldn’t speak properly with Cynthia around.

“I have something to say to you alone.”

“To me alone?”

“Yes. It’s something important.”

Roxanne raised an eyebrow slightly.

Then, she suddenly glanced behind and seemed to have an idea, as she twitched her shoulders and looked at Cynthia, who was making noises like ‘oh my, oh my’ behind us.

Roxanne lowered her gaze with a slightly embarrassed look.

“Is it difficult to talk in front of Cynthia…?”

“It seems a bit so.”

“I see.”

Roxanne looked a bit awkward and uncomfortable.

After all, she had come as a guest, and demanding to speak privately with just the two of us might make her feel a bit uneasy.

It was a bit awkward for Roxanne, who seemed a bit flustered.

“I didn’t realize that. I’ll leave then… hehe.”

“Ah, C-Cynthia?”

Ignoring Roxanne’s slightly flustered call, Cynthia chuckled and quickly left the room.

Roxanne looked at me with a side glance, unsure of what to do.

“Um, I…”

“Did I ask for too much? Well, you are a candidate for the saintess. Being in such an important position, you should be careful of various security measures and controversies.”

After the downfall of Seong Yura, the factions began to gather again, so the rumor of being a saintess candidate had to spread to the academy.

Although only a few months had passed, a considerable number of people were already under the control of Roksanu.

Not only influential figures like Shin Sia, but also people from politics, business, and heroes were captivated by Roksanu.

In line with the setting of being the future fallen saintess, she was rapidly building her power with all kinds of people.

She didn’t seem like a character who just appeared as a late-game boss.

It was almost like a charm close to supernatural abilities, wouldn’t you say?

Thinking about the fanatics who followed Roksanu when she fell in the game, it was somewhat understandable.

“No, it’s fine to have just the two of us…”

“Yeah.”

“From my perspective… I mean… it’s difficult to accept Jinhuk’s feelings…”

“Yeah?”

Looking at Roksanu with a sorry expression, I couldn’t help but feel puzzled.

Wait, what is she talking about?

“Of course, Jinhuk is a very charming man, but I…”

“Wait, what are you saying, Roksanu?”

I expressed my confusion towards Roksanu.

“No, I was just trying to talk about the organization that made Seong Yura die, why all of a sudden?”

“…What?”

“Do you really think I was going to confess to you?”

“Uh, well, I mean, that’s… um…”

Suddenly, Roksanu’s face turned as red as a ripe persimmon.