Religion.
It's a complicated issue, whether in reality or in games.
But at least here, it is an unavoidable existence.
Because the importance it holds in the world of the game is explicitly large.
First of all, the academy, which is the main stage and starting point of the game, is named after the legendary holy woman, Saint Lepheria Academy.
The name of the city, Saint Lepheria, is also derived from her name.
Then there is the Order, one of the three major powers in the worldview, along with the Empire and the Kingdom.
The god that the Order believes in is Gradus.
Essentially, the only god humans believe in, so the Order's influence is unimaginably widespread and deep.
Any other human religions that are not of different races are considered heretical and have no place in the world.
The most important thing is that this world is one in which divine power exists.
It's because of that tangible power that the Order has been able to establish such a formidable position over the years.
That's a rough summary.
So, what would a hardcore gamer like me do?
"I'm an expert, a real expert."
I could recite the important doctrines of the Order to the point of boredom.
And it wasn't just rote memorization.
I also had a level of understanding that allowed me to explain it to others immediately.
It's not a joke; I could immediately start preaching.
The time to demonstrate that ability had come.
Right now.
"Has God guided you on the right path?"
"Perhaps it's a misconception. But I believe I have clearly heard His words."
Revelation.
A miracle that signifies the will of God in this world.
It's incredibly rare, but in this world, it certainly happens.
Marianna, right in front of my eyes, has an anecdote of returning to the Order after receiving God's revelation.
However, in this place, most cases are either delusions or lies.
That's why there is even a separate organization within the Order, like the Beatification Department, to verify such divine miracles.
But it doesn't concern me.
Because it was just a plausible made-up story.
"What did you say?"
"The reason I came to this cathedral's prayer room was also because of His guidance."
..?
"If you go to the second prayer room of the cathedral, you will be able to touch His sword. And He said it would once again have a proper influence on my life."
"That, that's so."
She tried to hide it, but her eyes were visibly shaking.
I barely managed to hold back my laughter.
His sword.
This was clearly referring to the ten guardian knights known as 'the Sword of the Order.'
The real power of the Order, and the reason that no one can take the Order lightly.
However, their identity is completely veiled.
Even high-ranking clergy do not know their true identity.
Only a very few, including the Pope, know.
Such thoroughly hidden power is even more fearful.
As such, a mere student at the academy like me could never know.
So.
'She has no choice but to be flustered.'
Seeing Marianna breaking out in a cold sweat without even realizing it, I felt like bursting into laughter again.
"Yes."
"Brother, I'll just use the restroom for a moment."
"Oh, sure. Take your time. I'll wait patiently."
Eventually, Marianna chooses to stand up from her seat.
She seems to have judged that she can't manage her expression.
A wise decision.
But it doesn't matter to me.
Whether she manages her expression or not, I already know her identity very clearly.
Gulp.
The tea tasted good.
As I sipped my tea, I glanced at the door Marianna had just left through, my mind swirling with plans.
It was all a game to me, literally and figuratively. She had no idea who I really was—or that I already knew exactly what her role was in this world.
I tapped my fingers lightly against the wooden table, letting the seconds tick by. The cathedral's quiet surroundings, filled with the low hum of whispered prayers and footsteps of clergy, only added to the anticipation.
Marianna was part of the Order's most secretive faction, and no one at the academy would ever guess her true identity. But I wasn't "no one." I knew all the hidden lore, every dark corner of this world's narrative, thanks to countless hours spent playing through every possible storyline. That knowledge was my weapon now.
Of course, if I overplayed my hand, it could all go south. Marianna was bound to report this encounter to someone higher up—she'd have to. The mention of His sword and my precise recounting of the Day of Judgment would have rattled her deeply. And that's exactly what I wanted.
A smirk tugged at my lips. I didn't need to actually perform miracles to stir things up. Just knowing how this world worked gave me the advantage. If I played my cards right, the Order itself might take an interest in me soon. That would be a game-changer.