episode_0034

The day after the massive display of affection with Im Hyeja.

Me and Myeongi headed to the guild early in the morning, and we were anxiously waiting in front of the counter.

“…Um, just a moment.”

The employee in front of us was not the usual female staff member who usually assisted us.

She wore glasses and had a strict yet intellectual image.

It wasn’t because there was a problem with the previous staff member. Since the applications this time needed to be judged fairly and objectively, someone unrelated to us was reviewing the applications.

“Yes, it has been confirmed.”

The staff member raised her glasses with the back of her hand and looked at Myeongi.

“As part of the procedure, I will confirm once again. Please be aware that this entire process is being recorded. Mr. Mahana, I will ask again. Are you really planning to take the 3★ promotion test?”

“Yes, yes! That’s correct.”

“Actually, Mr. Mahana has a slightly challenging aspect to taking the promotion test. You might already be aware. The performance you have shown in the past few months has been really poor.”

Although her words were sharp, Myeongi, who had been growing rapidly lately, wasn’t discouraged by them.

Instead, she clenched her fists and her eyes sparkled.

“Yes, I understand. But as the teachings of the guild say, not giving up is a virtue… I will not stop!”

“Very well. Fortunately, due to the recent outstanding achievements in ‘The Garden of the Tofu Temple’ that you reported, it seems you are qualified to take the test.”

“Phew… I’m relieved.”

I breathed a sigh of relief at the words of the female staff member.

To be honest, I was a bit nervous.

I wondered if we would be rejected…?

“The class currently recorded is [Guardian]. Is that the absolute truth?”

“Yes!”

“Understood. Your application has been submitted to the guild. A waiting reservation has been made. Once approval comes through shortly, you can proceed immediately.”

“Thank you!”

“Thank you!”

In response to our greetings, the female staff member smiled and said, “I hope for a good outcome…”

Indeed, she seemed to be a good person, following the typical rules of ‘Gosra.’

One hour later.

As soon as we received approval from the guild, we hurriedly took a bus to the designated urban area.

The reason for our haste was simple.

“The later it gets, the more troublesome it becomes.”

If we were unlucky and arrived just as they were closing, we might end up wasting the whole day.

The place we arrived at was a massive temple.

Well, it was called a temple, but in reality, it was more majestic than most high-rise buildings.

The atmosphere didn’t quite match the surrounding scenery filled with 21st-century technology.

But no one dared to speak ill of it.

Because this temple symbolized the dignity of the four major powers known as the [Academy], [Association], [Clan], and the last faction, [Guild].

If anyone dared to blaspheme, they would be punished with the title of ‘sacrilege.’

“Wow, look at the line…”

As Myeongi said, even though it was only 10 a.m., the line at the temple stretched on and on.

Sigh. I couldn’t help but think we should have met up in the early morning, but we stood in line hastily.

“…Fortunately, it seems we’ll be able to get in after about a 4-hour wait. Hang in there.”

“…It takes that long?”

“There’s nothing we can do about it.”

Although messages in ‘Gosra’ did mention that characters found waiting difficult, I didn’t expect it to be this long.

“Well, it’s for Myeongi’s promotion test, so we can’t help it.”

That’s right.

You might have noticed, but what we were doing was Myeongi’s promotion test.

Currently, Myeongi’s rank is 2★.

Based on her past achievements and performance, I was confident she could take the 3★ test, and today, we received confirmation through the staff member.

Actually, originally, Myeongi’s promotion wasn’t part of my plans.

Even if there is still time until enrollment, it’s not like it’s incredibly leisurely.

Furthermore, just because you promote doesn’t mean you’ll see immediate effects.

“It’s a bit unusual.”

In most other games, when a character’s ★ goes up, they noticeably become stronger.

However, “Gonnis Archive Life” is different.

Even if you promote and raise your ★, there won’t be any immediate noticeable changes.

So, what’s good about it?

“…Late-game growth.”

Characters with high potential will have a wider range of growth in strength.

This increased strength can mean several things.

It includes the representative growth correction rate for stats, as well as the proficiency level of traits and skills leveling up.

On the other hand, characters with low potential will reach a point where they can’t progress further after a certain point.

Ultimately, whether you like it or not, promotion is a ritual that must be done.

“Also, some dungeons require a minimum potential.”

Right now, in your newbie days, you can enter any dungeon.

But later on, if you don’t have at least 3★, you won’t be able to enter some dungeons.

In other words, potential is essential to avoid getting blocked at the entrance before even trying something.

I’ve heard that once you become a “Hunter,” it’s mandatory to raise it to 3★.

But what about 4★ and above?

That might be a question you’ll ask.

From here, the story is a bit different.

“…Innate talent, effort, and the domain of birth.”

Potential is divided into two categories: innate “birth” and promotion through tests.

In most cases, even with the same star rating, the “birth” side has a wider growth potential.

During the time when I was in the ranking zone.

“Why do you insist on Mahana? The growth potential is quite low,” is a phrase I heard countless times, which is why.

“Yeah, I overcame it with affection.”

And I will continue to overcome it in the future.

Anyway, going back to when you truly feel the difficulty of the promotion test is from 4★ onwards.

From this point on, you’ll naturally start calling the GM a bastard without joking.

In other words, from 4★ onwards, it forms a wall that is difficult to overcome with effort alone.

It’s the final line that separates those who can make it among the hunters.

Practically speaking, there are few places in dungeons that require 4★ or higher.

And it’s not something that is said to be mandatory.

“…And also, social background, evaluating a hunter’s value based on potential, etc.”

It’s a report card that you should raise no matter what, the blossoming of potential.

That is the potential (★).

This is why so many hunters are working hard early in the morning.

You might think this way.

Is the potential given by the organization?

But that’s not the case.

The “test” is something that the hunter must strive for themselves by going to certain designated dungeons, fields, or special places.

What the organization does is to determine what the test given to the character is.

It’s like providing guidelines and conditions.

In fact, this is not something only the organization can do.

You can also go to the spirits.

Or you can ask someone who has honed their “observation” skill to the limit, like with the recently acquired [Mesto’s Magnifying Glass].

Well, there are also ways like worshiping the “Demon King” and offering sacrifices to find out, but let’s pass on that.

Anyway, in terms of these suspicious methods, it was most convenient and reliable to confirm directly from the organization.

It’s not because the organization receives criticism due to its rejection of sacred culture.

In this aspect, they are so strict that they are honest and faithful.

They claim that the “class” and “★” given to humans are the direct status, value, and “work” given by the gods.

“…It’s too extreme.”

Because of this, the organization was a group that was talked about even among the “guides.”

“…Ah, Sehaya. Over there.”

“Yeah?”

A moment of killing time, thinking about when it would be my turn to come.

Munyang points ahead as if she saw something.

Across the street, a familiar figure with short, pistachio-colored hair and long orange hair down to her waist is visible.

“Huh? Those guys…”

“…Aren’t they the thieves from yesterday?”

No doubt about it.

Wow, even trash like them are taking the exam.

It seemed like they came to receive the same 3★ promotion as Munyang and me.

“Hmm?”

“Huh?”

As if they noticed, the duo turned to look at us.

Seeing Munyang and me, they exclaimed, “Oh! You guys!” with a reaction akin to third-rate villains.

Then they started saying something…

Oh, they’re too far away…

I can’t hear what they’re saying.

“…Mew…? Don’t mess with me, big-nosed cat!”

As expected, Munyang.

She has good hearing, just like a cat.

“Leave it. Not worth the trouble.”

“Yeah.”

30 minutes later.

In the midst of the boredom.

I noticed about ten nuns walking out of the temple entrance.

A faint yet holy feeling emanated from them, something indescribable.

Undoubtedly possessing a sense of sanctity.

And not just mere 1, but at least 10 or more ‘clergy’ like us.

“Munyang, people are coming from the church.”

“Mewat!?”

I warned Munyang, who was dozing off, and stood up straight.

“Ah, can you hear me, everyone?”

One of the nuns walked forward, praying.

Even though it was a soft voice, it sounded clear, making me think it might be due to an ‘amplified voice’ ability.

“Many of you have formed lines too casually, causing discomfort to passing citizens. Please gather in the corners along the temple walls to avoid obstructing the passage. It’s fine to eat snacks, but some people have been seen littering carelessly. We will provide disposal bags for cleaning up the trash. Also, for a mid-check, our sisterhood plans to conduct a thorough inspection. Please show us the items and equipment you are carrying. Some dangerous items and items that violate the rules will be confiscated and returned to you when you leave.”

“What?”

“This is ridiculous-!”

There was discontent among the hunters at the church’s words.

Hunters are generally self-centered individuals.

Having to line up here early in the morning was already irritating, and now they have to show their equipment?

Even confiscation?

For them, equipment is a means of livelihood and a partner, so a sharp reaction was inevitable.

Thud!

However, the sound of the mace smashing the ground silenced everyone.

The nun, who showed incredible strength despite her delicate arms, smiled and spoke.

“If you’re not happy, you can leave.”

Wow, is this really a church?

It’s intimidating.

The inspection proceeded quickly.

“This is vampire essence powder. Carrying illicit items results in confiscation.”

“Ouch! That’s a healing potion! It’s expensive, don’t take it without permission!”

“Excuse me. Show us your equipment. And please take out the dagger you’re hiding at your waist.”

“Ugh…”

About ten nuns were kind but displayed a very businesslike attitude as they dealt with the hunters.

Although their faces were full of smiles, their eyes were as cold as eternal snow.

It wasn’t contempt, but a clear rejection was evident in their demeanor.

Many hunters were annoyed by their actions, but they quieted down when the mace at their waist was grabbed.

The duo of thieves in front also protested when something was confiscated. However, they soon lowered their tails and grumbled under the nun’s gaze.

“Mewaa… Sehaya. I’m scared…”

“It’s okay. We don’t have anything weird, right?”

“Um, well… I, I have had experiences too…”

“Oh? Ah, now that I think about it, you must have come here after taking the 2★ test, right?”

“Y-yeah… back then, they had a really cold gaze. That’s why I was a bit scared…”

I gently ruffled Mu-nyang’s head, as if to reassure him not to worry.

There’s no need to be scared when we haven’t done anything suspicious.

Our turn was coming up soon.

“Excuse me. Show me your equipment… Oh my.”

The nun was taken aback when our eyes met.

And then she just stared blankly.

Huh… did something get on her face?

“Excuse me…?”

“Oh! Th-thank you. Thanks to you, my eyes are delighted.”

“…What?”

“Oh, no! That’s not it! C-can you show me your equipment, please?”

“Y-yes…”

The nun hurriedly checked our equipment, inspecting Mu-nyang and my gear.

While examining Jara’s sword and shield.

She seemed to sense something and stopped, staring at us intently.

“…Huh?”

And then she called over a few other nuns who were standing behind her, saying, “Wait a moment.”

Soon, three of them rushed over and examined Mu-nyang and me from head to toe.

It felt like being in a zoo, like monkeys on display.

The nuns looked puzzled at first.

Then surprised.

And finally, they smiled kindly.

“Excuse me, both of you. Do you possess [Sacred]?”

“Yes, we do.”

The other hunters around us looked at us with shocked expressions at the response.

“Sorry, but could you show us just the Sacred value separately?”

Mu-nyang and I opened our status windows, hiding everything else and revealing only [Sacred].

Checking the value of ‘1,’ the nuns brightened up as if reuniting with long-lost family.

“Brother, sister?”

They even changed their way of addressing us.

“Yes?”

“It seems that today you have been guided by the Lord to meet us as siblings.”

“…Uh, okay?”

“Please follow us. We will guide you to the temple.”

It was like a direct VIP pass. Surprised, Mu-nyang opened his mouth.

“Shouldn’t we, uh, wait…?”

“Waiting is a trial given by the Lord for qualification. You two, who already possess holiness, do not need to go through such trials.”

She reached out her hand, and I, puzzled, followed them.

As I turned my head, the hunters who had been waiting ahead looked at us with dejected expressions.

A moment of slight guilt.

I met the bewildered gazes of the duo with wide eyes.

“Insane… Sacred? That furball?”

“…That’s, that’s impossible.”

The duo stared in disbelief.

Ah, forget everything else, this is satisfying.

I stuck my tongue out at the two, teasing them.

“Eek!”

“T-that damn brat!”

Their flustered reactions were quite amusing.

So what can you guys do about it?

‘If you’re jealous, go get some holiness.’