Chapter 156: Where the Sun Rises (2)

Chapter 156: Where the Sun Rises (2)

Those who visited Jerusalem or the Vatican, often called the holy sites of Christianity, all said one thing. They said that time seemed to flow slowly there.

Kai realized the reason while standing on a hill overlooking the main church of the Solarian Church.

People move in an orderly fashion and their every gesture is filled with reverence.

Since such people gathered in great numbers, the feeling was entirely different from other cities that pursued speed. It was as if everyone acted cautiously and with respect toward Helik.

“This is the Holy Kingdom, Lapis.”

Created in the name of the first high priest, it was a kingdom of priests and paladins. Though its territory was small enough to be comparable to a major city in another country, no power or nation could ignore the Kingdom of Lapis.

The influence of the Solarian Church on the continent is literally at an all-time high.

No power could commit acts of violence within the Kingdom of Lapis since that would mean two empires and three kingdoms would turn against them in turn.

“As expected, the best way to prevent conflict is to have power.”

It couldn’t be just any power. It had to be a power so strong that no one could challenge it. Simply possessing such power helped others control their anger.

Just like when Bach handled Goliath.

Slightly nodding, Kai began walking down the hill. The air was rather chilly in Lapis

The fortress of the Kingdom of Lapis was pure white. On top of that, the Solarian Church's emblem was engraved in pure gold at regular intervals, adding to the sense of holiness.

“... Ugh. So all those ant-like people are standing in line, huh?”

The main church of the Solarian Church was the final destination for pilgrims and a place where residents came to pray. Even players had to offer prayers to Helik to complete their transition to Cleric or Paladin.

Naturally, the line to enter the fortress was longer than anything he'd seen before.

It seems even longer than when I came last time. It looks like it will take at least ten hours to enter the main church now.

Letting out a faint sigh, Kai joined the line and thought about the true power of the apostles.

If I meet the High Priest, I’ll be able to fully wield the power of a Solaris Cleric.

Furthermore, since his half-complete job would become complete, he would also earn a new title.

They’ll probably give me the title of the first Mythic rank player.

Given that this game was notorious for the rich getting richer, its effects would undoubtedly be extraordinary.

And there will also be tons of new skills.

In any case, it meant his combat power would noticeably increase compared to now. However, Kai didn’t feel much excitement about that fact.

I’m already ranked first... it’s not like having more will hurt, but it’s just about at that level.

Kai was currently ranked first despite possessing a half-complete class. The result could seem easy, but looking at the process, it was anything but that.

Anyway, once I finish visiting the main church, I’ll head to the Ebony Tower to receive the equipment from Korona... Oh! After that, the invasion event Director Kang Min-Gu mentioned will open.

Kai stroked his chin.

I originally planned to completely destroy the Black Bees’ reputation during the invasion event...

But their image was already trashed. Not only that but as soon as the Black Bees were knocked out of the top ten guilds, its members quickly left the guild. They weren’t close enough to share the final moments of a sinking ship together.

Things have changed quite a bit now.

His reputation had skyrocketed like the land prices in Gangnam, and the number of forces keeping him in check had also increased. Moreover...

“Uggghh.”

Kai rubbed his tired face with his hands.

Kai naturally thought it was because of the players. The players had begun to undertake the missions of the Solarian Church and track down the Church of Muldine.

But are they saying that’s not the reason?

Kai’s brows furrowed even more as the cleric said, “There were always corrupt clerics in the past, but they never brazenly acted out in the open.”

“But they seem to be acting quite openly now, judging by what we just saw.”

“Yes. Two cardinals and several archbishops have taken over the power that High Priest Albert once held.”

“But aren’t cardinals appointed by the newly elected High Priest? They should all be loyal to His Holiness the High Priest...”

“That’s correct. In the past, they were.”

“In the past?”

Kai’s eyebrow twitched as he asked, and the cleric confidently nodded.

“Yes. Back then, they were mere bishops, and they were appointed as cardinals by His Holiness Albert, who miraculously overturned the vote to become the High Priest. That was twelve years ago.”

Twelve years. That was enough time for rivers and mountains to change, and certainly enough time for a person’s heart to change hundreds of times over.

“At first, they acted admirably, befitting their new positions as cardinals. However... it seems they couldn’t resist the sweetness of power.”

“... Who is backing them? Cardinals and archbishops alone couldn’t have pushed High Priest Albert into the shadows, who was supported by millions of believers.”

“I wish I knew.” The cleric showed a hollow smile and shook his head. “Many people say that Helik only gives trials that his lambs can handle.”

“Hmm...” Kai shrugged as he recalled his past. “Well, considering that I’m still alive and well, it does seem like that might be the case.”

“... Hah, you’re lucky. To be honest, I’ve been so exhausted lately. It’s not just me either; everyday believers who truly approach Helik with genuine faith are growing more and more weary by the day. If Helik really thought we could handle this trial... then He is definitely overestimating us.”

“How about gathering the believers and sending a petition?”

At Kai’s question, the cleric laughed.

“Haha, a petition? It’s a nice thought. But even if we write one, who would we send it to? Two empires and two kingdoms claim to be the allies of the Holy Kingdom Lapis. Unless we have the power to oppose them, we can’t overhaul this system.”

The cleric lowered their head after speaking, a wounded expression on his face.

Kai, unable to say anything, tried to clear his disordered thoughts.

Why is Helik allowing this to continue?

He was a god. A god who could generously grant divine power to the clerics and paladins who believe in Him. Naturally, that power must be incredibly strong.

Given Helik’s gentle sensitivity, He can’t possibly be happy with this absurd situation.

He would surely be more saddened than anyone. So why was He simply watching this unfold?

As Kai’s thoughts continued to swirl, the long line finally came to an end.

“It’s a badge proving you’re a regular cleric. Kai, it’s been two years since your last visit to the main church. Please, go ahead.”

Kai received back the badge he had been given when he changed his job class from the paladin guarding the entrance. It was the lowest-ranked badge in Lapis, given to those upon their initial class change. When he met the High Priest, it would surely be exchanged for a higher-ranking badge.

However, despite this, Kai did not head directly to meet the High Priest.

The Holy Kingdom Lapis. The place that had left such a fresh impression on me two years ago.

It was a place where people gathered, not to do good deeds for rewards, but out of pure, heartfelt kindness.

“I need to see it with my own eyes.”

He hoped he wouldn’t be disappointed. He hoped the city he once admired hadn’t become corrupt, and that the cleric who had stood in line with him was simply mistaken.

His gaze, now cold, longed for that reassurance.