Chapter 162: Chapter 162
A few days later, ’Seo Jio Hunter’ visited the Solar Cult.
"We thank you for your visit."
Kang Seo-dam came out personally to greet him.
"Was your journey here uncomfortable in any way?"
"I was just filled with anticipation at the thought of facing the sun I beheld that day."
"That the sun’s light reached you must also be fate."
He guided Jio with his characteristic expressionless face.
"Please follow me."
"I’ll be in your care."
Jio followed behind Kang Seo-dam, observing the true appearance of the Solar Cult temple.
’It’s certainly different from the religious order I was part of.’
Compared to Jio’s Solar Cult, which had been extremely opulent despite being severely corroded by the mermaids’ schemes, Earth’s Solar Cult was far more frugal and filled with a gentle atmosphere.
It felt as if it were filled with sunlight.
’They used clean white colors more than gold, I see.’
As someone who often painted, Jio couldn’t help but assess its aesthetic value over its historical value.
This place had a much warmer and more cheerful air than he had imagined.
"It’s bustling."
"Are you perhaps displeased?"
"No, it sounded nice, so I asked."
"I am glad to hear that, as a priest."
Kang Seo-dam continued in his characteristic calm tone.
"One of the greatest strengths of the Solar Cult is that it’s full of vitality."
"I visited the Cult of Death before, and it’s completely different from that place."
"That is because the Cult of Death considers silence a virtue and is a religious order that values the group over the individual."
They walked down a hallway where sunlight streamed brightly through large windows.
"In other words, the priests of Death are also called the Silent Family. Compared to other religious orders, the framework of ’family’ is unusually firm, but separate from that, they prioritize obedience and flow... so it must have been very quiet."
It was different from the Solar Cult.
"Warmth belongs to the living. The light of the small suns bestowed upon us by the Sun burns while alive, and after incinerating everything, it returns to the Sun’s side."
"That must be why the atmosphere is so bright."
"Yes, compared to other cults, we particularly aim for the free action of individual priests. So even within the religious order, we converse comfortably with minimal formality. As a result...."
Kang Seo-dam smiled lightly and glanced at the passing priests.
"The Solar Cult generally has this kind of boisterous atmosphere."
"It’s nice to see."
"It is fortunate that you see it that way."
They soon headed to the Solar Cult’s reception room.
"Please, sit comfortably."
As the two sat down, people who had been waiting nearby brought out some snacks and tea.
Unlike the priests he saw earlier or Kang Seo-dam, Jio didn’t feel much of the sun’s energy from them, so he looked at them.
At that, Kang Seo-dam, remembering that Jio was not human and lacked common knowledge about such things, explained.
"...These are the brothers and sisters who help our Solar Cult’s priests in every way possible. They are not priests, but they stay within the cult’s interior and provide help, big and small."
"I see, thank you for the introduction."
"Serving the cult’s guests is a priest’s joy. Thank you for bringing the tea, brothers. I will now converse with our guest, so I would appreciate it if you would step back."
At that, the attendants quietly withdrew, and only Jio and Kang Seo-dam remained in the reception room.
"...First of all...."
Kang Seo-dam bowed his head deeply.
"Regarding the great mercy you bestowed upon us in the ’Kingdom of the Deep Sea’ before, I thank you once again on behalf of all the humans who were there at that time."
Kang Seo-dam’s attitude was far more polite and respectful than it had been outside the reception room.
Jio realized from the phrase ’on behalf of all the humans’ that he wasn’t being treated as a human, but he let it be.
’It’s a little baffling, but....’
It’s probably better than being found out as an ordinary human and dragged off somewhere as a test subject.
While thinking this, Jio adopted the attitude befitting a priest of the Sun.
"I am happy that I was of help."
"Did you safely receive the religious order’s reward?"
"Yes, I received the compensation money through The Collectors."
"...I thought it was not right to offer you compensation with mere money, but...."
"What modest words."
Giovanni gave a sacred smile characteristic of a priest.
"I like money."
"..."
"Most happiness can be bought with money."
Kang Seo-dam, who was silent for a moment, nodded.
"I see, that is a relief."
Jio instinctively sensed that this meant, ’I don’t really understand, but since you say so, I’ll move on.’
It was a reaction he was familiar with, one that Yu Seong-un or Ju-hyeon often showed.
Kang Seo-dam still maintained an uncomfortably respectful attitude.
"Thanks to your help that day, the number of casualties was greatly reduced. It was something I, as the one in charge of the initiation ceremony, should have resolved, but you extended a hand, allowing the young prospective priests to avoid a vain death."
"I believe it was something we accomplished together."
"Thank you again for looking upon us favorably. The reason we invited you, Seo Jio Hunter-nim, today is because the cult pushed for this meeting. My opinion was not reflected at all, and I will do my best to ensure nothing unpleasant occurs."
"I wasn’t displeased, though?"
Could he have possibly thought Jio would say, ’How dare you summon me here and there’?
Jio expressed mild confusion at Kang Seo-dam, who was acting extremely apologetic and cautious for some reason, but Kang Seo-dam’s reaction remained the same.
"Yes, thank you for believing me."
Jio’s interpretation was correct.
To him, the fact that a mere human had dared to summon a god felt disrespectful.
No, it wasn’t just a feeling; it was, in fact, disrespectful.
’I’m afraid I’ll forget a human’s place at this rate.’
The divinity before him was showing an unusual amount of goodwill towards humans, but separate from that, there was a limit.
Not that Kang Seo-dam could go around shouting, ’Seo Jio Hunter actually harbors divinity,’ so it was an unavoidable situation.
’The elder priests are still rambling on about whether to recruit him or not....’
They didn’t know that they were daring to spout such nonsense about a divinity.
It was truly a sin born of ignorance.
Kang Seo-dam, who had been tasked with this matter, felt truly terrible.
"This isn’t the only time humans have sinned out of foolishness. I will reflect on it."
"I’m not sure what you mean, but I think it’s an excellent thing to reflect on oneself."
Like a wonderful adult, Jio pretended not to notice Kang Seo-dam’s confusion and anger.
"Is there something I must do?"
"..."
Kang Seo-dam barely suppressed a cough.
"...Khm, no. How could I possibly ask anything of you?"
"I would prefer it if you didn’t treat me with such difficulty. Do you feel fear towards me?"
"To be honest, it’s more discomfort than that. It’s burdensome."
"I really like such honesty."
Influenced by Argio, Giovanni’s face brightened.
"It seems you have a lot of pent-up anger. Do you require a sparring match?"
"Even if I were to die right this instant, I would not wish for a sparring match with you."
"What a truly honest soul. You are splendid, Brother Kang Seo-dam."
"I can only be grateful that you affirm my soul."
Kang Seo-dam felt like he wanted to go hide somewhere.
"As I mentioned earlier, inviting you, Seo Jio Hunter-nim, today was for simple fellowship, so I have not prepared any sort of control. It seems you can just chat comfortably with me and then return home."
"To chat comfortably, you look very tired, Priest Kang Seo-dam."
"I know this sounds rather irreverent, but in the end, a priest is no different from an office worker. There are just far more relational things to worry about than in a typical workplace. My fatigue accompanies the existence of my soul, so you need not worry about it."
"In that case, shall we try to have a comfortable conversation as you suggested?"
Giovanni thought of the young priests here.
"How is Brother Cha Isold doing?"
"Ah, that child...."
Thinking of his student, Kang Seo-dam’s expression softened slightly.
"Are you perhaps seeking to embrace him?"
It was a question of whether he would take him as a follower, but Jio merely smiled.
"That doesn’t seem to be for me to decide."
"On the day of the initiation ceremony, I thought your visit was to find a new follower."
"I have the intention of making many friends and family, but I have no thought of forcing it."
"I see."
Kang Seo-dam nodded.
"I asked because it seemed Brother Cha Isold recently wishes to become your priest."
"That would not be my opinion."
"I thought as much. If you had wanted it, it would have been decided on the day of the initiation ceremony...."
Unlike what Kang Seo-dam had misunderstood that day, the great mystery known as ’Jio’s Portrait’ was not a divinity that greedily sought to make its own followers.
It simply existed, without greed.
’Though that’s what’s even scarier.’
To be so massive on its own without any worshiping followers was truly a rare case.
"If not for that, there would have been no major incidents with Brother Cha Isold. That child is extremely friendly and optimistic, so he has a destiny where friends who want to help him gather around."
Cha Isold was quite a popular child among the prospective priests.
"He is continuing an equally unremarkable life. It’s hard to see him as a student with a strong passion for learning, but he doesn’t have the personality to avoid his given tasks either."
"I am truly happy to hear that. Brother Cha Isold’s family must also be happy. Surely, that student will become a splendid priest and help many people."
Is that a prophecy?
"..."
It must be a prophecy.
’I must remember this.’
Divinities often foretell the future nonchalantly.
This was especially true for evil gods who enjoyed amusement; seeking amusement free from providence, they carelessly spread miracles and disasters.
Kang Seo-dam didn’t at all think Jio’s words were simple pleasantries stemming from finding him commendable.
He gauged student Cha Isold’s future and continued speaking.
"I don’t know if you are aware, but Brother Cha Isold’s partner is a sister named Iruda. In this priest’s foolish eyes, both of them possess the qualities of splendid priests... so they are receiving high expectations."
However.
"If there is a point of concern, it’s that Sister Iruda is receiving envy and jealousy from the other students. She herself doesn’t pay it any mind at all."
"Oh dear... as a teacher leading prospective priests, how burdensome that must be for you."
"...Thank you for comforting this insignificant priest. I believe the situation won’t become serious as long as I am here, but I mentioned it as it is a matter that you might potentially be concerned about."
After exchanging light conversation on the topic of the prospective priests, Kang Seo-dam got to the main point.
"There will soon be a conquest organized by the Solar Cult. It is an A-Class Dungeon with the Appraisal name ’Underground Four-legged Rainforest,’ and we have already arranged to collaborate with several Guilds."
"Do you wish for me to participate there?"
"If I were to make a pathetic excuse, this is really not my opinion at all. However, the Solar Cult is curious about ’Seo Jio Hunter’s’ exact abilities, and furthermore, about the person himself."
"It is interesting that I seem to have received more attention than I deserve."
"Please feel free to state your opinion. The Solar Cult will not dare to try and handle you with authority, and even if they did, the place you are staying is The Collectors. There is no problem."
The Collectors was the third most influential and the number one wealthiest Guild in South Korea.
Nobody wanted to poke the hornet’s nest that was The Collectors, who were more obsessed with their collection than anyone.
"It is a simple proposal that you are free to refuse."
"What kind of dungeon is this ’Underground Four-legged Rainforest’?"
"It is a Villa Dungeon created beneath a limestone cave, a dungeon filled with poisonous and sharply honed plants. Because of that, we are prioritizing the recruitment of Healers and Tamers."
"Healers and Tamers, you say."
Jio’s eyes curved distinctly.
"That’s me, exactly."
"...I am merely sorry."
Kang Seo-dam continued as respectfully as possible.
"This is an event intended to test you, and at the same time, it is our religious order’s homework that should have originally been carried out. This dungeon, originally discovered by the Solar Cult, showed various uses, so the cult attempted to clear it but failed."
"So that is why you are collaborating with other Guilds."
"Unlike our public image, the Solar Cult surprisingly does not have that many Healers. The hot fire of the sun is focused more on destruction than on meticulously saving lives. That is the reason."
"I understand that it is not a power anyone can wield delicately."
"There isn’t much time left. The conquest is scheduled to begin in 15 days, and although time is short, it was deemed that no one is as well-suited for this event as Seo Jio Hunter..."
He swallowed the sigh that had almost escaped and then spoke.
"Thus, I have come to make this presumptuous proposal."
"There’s no need to call it presumptuous, is there?"
"My apologies, where there are eyes, I will treat you as a Hunter."
"You are also a very stubborn person, Priest Kang Seo-dam."
Jio looked down at the proposal Kang Seo-dam had offered with his characteristic blue eyes, in which a light shimmered.
"...A rainforest, hm...."
A golden light seeped into his curving eyes.
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