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Chapter 28
Just as I was about to say something to lighten the mood, the door opened.
Whatever I was going to say disappeared.
“Everyone is here!”
A few seconds later, an older professor with chubby cheeks and small glasses walked in.
He was a priest and a theology professor.
Players used to call him “Teacher Ahn” because he looked like a certain cartoon character.
His name was Stein.
“Today is the glorious first test for our proud Pope Candidates!”
The professor crossed himself briefly and recited a short prayer.
‘Oh…’
A faint light spread out.
People deeply devoted to their faith and proficient in holy power could make even short prayers radiate like special effects.
“We’ve prepared the best we could so you can put what you’ve learned into practice!”
…But I haven’t learned anything.
‘He avoided my eyes!’
That professor avoided looking at me as soon as our eyes met! So he had a conscience, but he still treated me like this?!
“Ahem, first, let me tell you about the test you’re all so curious about.”
I relaxed my body.
‘The first test…’
I didn’t even need to check the guide I’d written before. I remembered it clearly.
This was the chapter that mocked players with the line: “Just die once and start over.”
“You are Pope Candidates, and therefore, the enemies of evil gods,” Stein said as he looked around the room.
“During your growth, you will face countless fanatics, the strange monsters of evil gods, and even paranormal phenomena.”
In this game, when someone talked this long…
‘It’s always one of two things.’
Either there was a hidden hint in their words.
Or…
“For the first test, you will resolve a paranormal monster of the evil gods!”
…They were just building up the tension before dropping you straight into hell!
“Simple, isn’t it?”
The children all turned pale.
“Um, excuse me…!”
A plain-looking girl with short hair raised her hand.
“Y-you’re saying we’re going to fight monsters…?”
“Oh, what a good question. That’s correct, Candidate!”
Teacher Ahn looked way too cheerful as he sent kids into danger.
‘Is he a psychopath?’
“Since your role is so important, we believe it’s essential to experience it in advance. Most importantly, your guardians will be with you for safety, won’t they?”
Yeah, as if that solved anything.
The room fell silent.
“I-I’m not doing it!”
It was a boy, one of the younger kids besides me.
His face was filled with fear.
“They didn’t say we’d be fighting monsters! Right, Mom? Right?”
His guardian, a female priest with a gentle face, looked troubled.
She seemed sorry for him.
“Hmm, that’s another good question! Of course, you don’t have to participate.”
“Th-then…”
“But your points will drop. Will you refuse again next time?”
“…”
“Oh, you can still refuse. But if your points keep dropping and eventually reach zero, your candidate qualification will be revoked.”
The professor smiled warmly.
“Once that happens, you’ll no longer be a Pope Candidate. But since we’ve invested our resources and wealth in you, you’ll be used for the benefit of the Church.”
The reflection in his glasses glinted ominously.
“Do you understand?”
Like I always said, just because their goal was righteous didn’t mean their methods were.
“Yes, then I’ll just skip—!”
The innocent boy smiled brightly as he was about to agree.
But his guardian quickly covered his mouth.
“Phew…”
At the same time, I opened my mouth.
“I wanna go to the bathroom…”
Almost everyone turned to me with exhausted expressions. Some even looked at me with pity.
Whatever.
“Oh dear, I’ve kept such important people waiting too long, haven’t I?”
The priest who had just silenced the boy looked at me. The boy was sitting right next to me, so I was in perfect view.
He gave me a thankful glance.
Thankful? I don’t know anything.
“So, no one will skip the test, correct?”
“…”
“Good. Then let’s move quickly for the candidates’ sake.”
I put on a teary face.
“Wh-when are we taking the test?”
“Oh, good question. Right… now!”
“…”
“…I’m joking. We’re not that heartless. Hohoho.”
Professor Stein smiled kindly.
“You’ll have plenty of time to take care of any urgent business. Shall we proceed?”
He raised his hand, and a straight line of light appeared in the sky.
Light flowed down.
Something slowly appeared in front of every child and guardian.
“B-bracelet?”
It was a black leather bracelet.
“This is equipment for your guardians. In the ‘isolation space’ you’ll enter, you must pass the test with your own abilities.”
“…”
“Therefore, we’ll temporarily ‘slightly’ limit your guardians’ powers.”
“‘Slightly,’ my ass.”
Everyone quietly started putting them on. I watched Dad wearing his and whispered softly.
“Dad.”
Before coming here, I’d made a simple signal with Dad.
I tapped my neck three times with my index finger.
“What is it?”
It meant: lower your voice or block it with holy power.
“Put the bracelet’s pin in the fourth hole.”
Doesn’t it seem strange? They’re sending kids to fight monsters…
But they’re limiting the guardians, the ones who are actually strong?
The Church thought this was a simple test.
‘There’s a reason this chapter makes players scream.’
I gestured for Dad to come closer.
Everyone was slightly spread out while they were putting the items on.
Game Category [Post][Guide]
[Item Encyclopedia]
Exploits Edition
“Bracelet of Punishment”
◆ Standard item given for tests
◆ Restricts guardians’ power to less than half
But guys?
If your guardian is your lifeline, do you really want them weakened? LOL
Here’s how to cancel the effect.
Don’t look for justice in this game!
Fanatics must be defeated with bugs, unfairness, tricks, and underhanded tactics!
The Church is busy using kids. Why should we play fair?
After sneaking the bracelet onto Dad’s arm with the little exploit, I met the eyes of the child sitting next to me—the same boy who had been too scared to fight monsters earlier.
“Dad.”
I tapped Dad and got down from the chair. Then I leaned close to the boy and whispered.
“Your mom’s bracelet is navy blue, right? My dad’s is black!”
“Huh? Uh-huh.”
Then I whispered even more softly.
“Tell your mom to put it on like this.”
“Huh?”
“Hurry!”
Even a kid who made it this far had at least a bit of sense or strength.
As expected, the boy clung to his guardian and whined as he told her.
I turned my head away as I saw it working.
“Did it work like you wanted?”
“Yeah, probably…”
I nodded faintly at Dad’s question.
“That’s good.”
Dad glanced around the room.
Then he whispered softly.
“Usher is still watching you. I made sure to block his view when you were talking to that other candidate.”
“Ugh…”
What a crappy piece of news.
I shook my head slowly.
‘This is going to have way too many variables.’
