Chapter 594 (1/2)

Alumuran sat in the basement, feeling the sweat gather underneath his short shaven hair and trickle downwards, across his nose. This room was far too hot, but Alumuran didn’t have any will to complain; this was his lot in life. Although he was chosen to be given great power, that power was a curse. He had lost his individuality to the power, and become solely a tool.

That was what it meant to be the Heretic of the Unity Church.

But today was a relatively good day because the voices above weren’t the usual dull mumble of prayers and confessions. Alumuran felt some small twinge of guilt when he admitted his strong dislike of those as they were the gracious and correct statements of a pious populace. However, Alumuran had largely given up his free will; he was unable to act on his sinful thoughts. Therefore, he comforted himself that they were relatively harmless.

It was not as good as yesterday, where Alumuran was seen by the other like him. Well, perhaps the other was not like him. Alumuran had developed a small ability to sense the flow of the poisonous energy that the System propagated, and the other was soaked in it. But it was like seeing bloated tuna your whole life and then encountering a shark. It was a being designed for this, for all that it was a fish all the same. It filled Alumuran with a profound fear and wonder.

Unfortunately, the other departed quickly. But this current guest seemed intent on staying. With his Holy Domicile Skill, there was very little that Alumuran could not sense within the cathedral of the Unity Church. As such, listening in on their conversation above was simple.

“It is about fulfilling our implicit promise,” The young woman in front of the Bishop argued. She was shapely and opinionated. Alumuran had no further opinions worth even thinking about her. Her name was Tessa. “As an organization, you have made numerous representations by your outward actions, and from what I understand, you have betrayed these people’s trust on numerous accounts.”

“You certainly are… direct, aren’t you?” The bishop said with pursed lips. “Some would say that what you are doing steps over a line… it isn’t polite to waltz in here, ask for a favor, and then criticize our methods.”

“Then you shouldn’t have murdered hundreds of people. Is it only hundreds?” Tessa countered. “As a public and influential organization, you have a responsibility to behave in accordance with a certain set of moral rules-”

“I would say that we largely do. It is only the actions of… individuals that lead us astray.” The bishop said dryly, but most of her ire had evaporated as she considered Tessa. “I will speak plainly; my main issue with your proposal of Knightly Orders is how it seems to boil down to a popularity contest. If the only way to advance is through the votes of your peers-”

“Isn’t everything a popularity contest? I find it hard to believe that even the most sanctified institution would escape the grasping reach of politics and platitudes. And you are not the most sanctified, I believe.”

“Oh? You seem to be premising much on a single mistake in the history of the Unity Church.” Now the chilliness returned to the bishop’s voice.

“I was, in fact, speaking of the fact you are a powerful religious organization that rose to power in the immediate aftermath of the largest catastrophe in the living memory of humanity. But if you wish to talk about how the loss of life your organization allowed and used to your benefit is simply a ‘single mistake’...”

“Now you are simply being argumentative.” The bishop said, exasperation clear in her voice. “Is winning a single verbal spar worth losing my support for your idea? I get what you are saying; you are recommending we rebrand. This would primarily be a PR move. For all that the tragedy of Father Foster will continue to stain us, word has not trickled out very quickly. I believe the man who knows the most doesn’t think much of public opinion. That means that this might be an unnecessary preventative measure.

“And, the favor you are requesting would undoubtedly spread the word. The rise of the… intelligent monsters will lead to questions that implicate us very directly. It is not something that we will be able to plead ignorance over. So please, describe for me the benefits of what you are suggesting.”

Tessa’s face was incredibly serious as she held the gaze of the bishop. As though waiting for the response she was about to give, the entire cathedral was silent around them. Alumuran watched, his eyes blazing in the dark room. Another trail of sweat wound its way down his nose, across his lips, and gathered at his chin with a few other such drops before it fell and hit the floor.

“I do not think it is as horrible a thing as many others that you encourage your congregation to refuse the benefits the System. True, they are inherently vulnerable to the attacks of monsters. But the power of the System is closely shaped by belief… and not just the beliefs of the individual. Society also has a powerful effect upon the images and Classes and Skills we possess. And if people believe it is nothing to use the power of the System, it is simply nothing. But with the wide base of your congregation, if they believe that possessing the power is a gift and a curse… those dark thoughts will shape those few that are users of the System’s power into something greater than they were. Do you see?”

The bishop considered. “...there is no proof that what you are saying is true.”

“Then consult your faith. Pray. What does your heart tell you?” Tessa said.