Rise of the OtherGod Apostle: Not a Cult Leader, but a Serf?!

#026Reader Mode

#026

“Fabio, your mind possesses a peculiar barrier, one that not even the blessings of the Holy Maiden can penetrate. What’s more, your unique constitution renders you unable to detect any divine power.”

…Is that a red flag, or am I just immune?

“We can only speculate, for we cannot foretell what might occur should you speak or even think the name of the entity.”

So, we’re basically guessing in the dark here.

“In my honest opinion, there is wisdom in not jeopardizing your life to uncover these unknowns. There is no need to tempt fate…” 

Good point.

I mean, you wouldn’t eat a mushroom just to find out if it’s poisonous, right?

Adna offered a suggestion: “…I strongly recommend keeping that necklace on at all times. Blessed by the Holy Maiden himself, it will serve as your shield against any potential threats.”

I quickly put on the necklace as Adna suggested, but then a thought hit me.

“Does this necklace appear special to those who can perceive divine power?”

If it looks like a regular necklace to me but radiates some crazy divine energy to others like a +9 unique item, that could be a problem. 

People would definitely raise an eyebrow if they saw a peasant like me wearing such a rare and powerful item.

But Adna put my concerns to rest, “The necklace is designed with subtlety in mind. It only emanates divine energy when far from the Holy Maiden or when you face an attack. Within the Cathedral walls, it remains dormant, emitting no perceptible aura unless activated.”

What the hell?

So, it has an automatic defense system, but it stays undetectable when it’s not in use.

Are you saying this is a really amazing item the Saint gave me?

Saint… Favorability+50.

But if this thing activates when the Saint’s not around…

“Should I return it if the Holy Maiden needs to step out of the Cathedral for a bit?”

Adna shook her head. “Actually, in those cases, it’s even more crucial that you keep it on. When the Holy Maiden’s direct involvement is needed, maintaining secrecy about your identity won’t be the top priority.”

Her words triggered flashbacks of the chaotic Dark Realm from [Heretic Slayer].

Before all hell breaks loose, we need to put a stop to that lunatic who’s still trying to ‘clear’ the game.

What kind of wealth and luxury is he after in this crazy medieval world, leading a pack of fanatics?

Could the riches of this bygone era ever truly satisfy someone from the future?

No matter how fancy the emperor’s furs might be, they can’t hold a candle to my trusty mattress and cozy microfiber blanket back home.

“First, we need to find the right fit for you. I was thinking the Department of Discipline might be a good place to start…”she offered tentatively.

The Department of Discipline?

Just the name alone screamed boredom and suffocating rules.

Isn’t there somewhere with a little more room for comfort?

It’s pretty ironic when you think about it. Not too long ago, I was a guy facing the chopping block, and now here I am, turning my nose up at options. But hey, that’s human nature – always looking for the best deal when there’s a choice.

But I can’t let that show.

Nobody likes a picky charity case, regardless of the time or place.

From a humanist standpoint, you might call it contempt for the less fortunate, but let’s keep it real – most people, high on their own generosity, don’t think they have a judgmental bone in their body. And in this medieval world, prejudice isn’t just swept under the rug; it’s etched into the very foundation.

Those on the receiving end of kindness? They’re expected to overflow with gratitude.

To hesitate, to decline, to request more?

That’s when the chorus of disdain rises, “Who does this person think they are?!”

Give a starving person a sweet potato, and if they have the audacity to whisper, “Could I trouble you for a drink to wash this down?” you might be tempted to snatch it right back.

There’s some truth in the old saying: Beggars can’t be choosers.

And here I am, forced to swallow my pride and sink even lower than a street beggar.

Sure, a beggar might not face the constant threat of execution, but my head could be on the chopping block at any moment.

With a gulp, recognizing the delicate tightrope I’m navigating, I asked, wrapped in a cloak of humility, “Do you believe they would accept someone like me?”

“Departments are generally welcoming. They don’t tend to pry into one’s past or ask many questions. As long as you follow the rules, anyone is welcome. That’s why I believe you could find your place there.”

The thought of an uneducated serf like me waltzing into a place like that seems pretty outlandish, though.

“However, there’s never been a person who couldn’t sense divine power at all…”

Well, shit. Sounds like this bastard serf without divine power is doomed to a life of shame.

“I see. So, given my lack of divine power…” I began, but Adna interrupted me.

“Hm? I think you’re misunderstanding something.”

A misunderstanding?

“It’s important to clarify that there’s a difference between lacking divine power and being completely unable to perceive it.” Adna fixed me with an impassive look, as if she was trying to convey some serious knowledge. “Being unable to sense divine power…it’s like being born without the ability to see.”

Wait, what?

Am I… basically a bug without its feelers in this world?

Come to think of it, halos have been conspicuously absent since I got here.

In the world of ‘Heretic Slayer’, halos are like the beats in a rhythm game. When you’re in the Dark Realm, any display of divine power is marked by a halo appearing behind the person. The more power, the bigger the halo. It’s like a divine flex. Spotting those halo patterns is basic strategy 101.

Veterans could breeze through the game, even with the [Halo OFF] setting. But in [Conclude], while halos might not be the game-changers they are in [Heretic Slayer], they’re still the glowing badges of a unit’s power. Keeping halo mode on was basically Rule Number One.

Imagine stumbling upon a heavyweight like an archbishop-level inquisitor mid-consecration. You’d better get your troops out of there, like, yesterday.

I always thought halos were only visible to high-ranking units like the [Inquisitor] or [Cult Leaders].

So, does this mean everyone can see divine power?

Am I the only one who can’t see them because I’m some sort of unique case?

No other theory makes sense.

In Conclude, even heretics with a contract with an Othergod could see the halos.

But wait, why the blackout on my halo-vision?

Is it because halos mess with your mind?

Divine power is like charisma on steroids. A unit with high divine power can dominate those with low mental power just by revealing their power.

So, if this “mental manipulation” effect of halos is the reason behind my divine power blindness…

Why saddle me with such a lame trait?

Just give me immunity to the mind tricks, not a block on the whole show.

Why not give me some game-style workaround? Display it through different brightness settings.

Or at least show me the numbers, like a combat power meter.

There’s gotta be a dozen ways to do this!

What the hell are you doing system?

It’s like being dropped into a Martial Arts World Novel, but you can’t even sense the flow of Qi. Good luck trying to make it as a waiter in that scenario. Picture a tavern where the air crackles with spiritual energy and epic showdowns are the norm. Everyone else has bolted, but you’re the clueless one left standing there, asking, “Uh, who’s gonna pay for all this?” right before a table comes flying at your face. 

But hey, I’ve gotta stay positive, right? Maybe in the Dark Realm, being spiritually challenged is just how things are.

In the eyes of the Order, the Cathedral is like the holy grail of divinity, and its clergy are the Ivy League scholars of the spiritual world. It’s like getting into Seoul National University with a 2.0 GPA. Sounds crazy, but apparently it’s possible.

A 2.0 GPA means you’re average, at best. Although Adna’s comparison was a bit… harsh. It’s like when people say, “You might as well be blind,” but what they really mean is: “2.0 GPA? Seriously? After all that studying, a monkey throwing darts could’ve scored higher.”

Adna’s poker face is so good, it’s like she’s wearing a mask of stone, and even though she means well, her blunt one-liners cut deeper than a samurai sword. Chalk it up to her non-existent social skills.

Desperate to shake off the gloom, I decided to ask Adna a question: “Is it uncommon for someone to be unable to perceive divine power?”

“Not at all,” Adna replied.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, some good news!

But then Adna continued, “The word ‘uncommon’…implies that it occasionally happens.”

….What?

“I must admit,” Adna said, “I hadn’t considered the possibility of someone being unable to sense divine power until now.”

Can we just take a second here?

“According to our records,” Adna continued, “this could be the first time such a case has occurred since the establishment of the Order.”

No, seriously, hold on for a second…

“You are indeed unique, Fabio. You are a person who cannot perceive divine power.” Adna’s casual tone stomped on my brief moment of joy.

Are you serious…?

“It’s quite strange,” Adna said. “Even individuals who don’t possess divine power can usually sense it. Yet you, Fabio, who has it within you, are completely unaware.”

“So…I really do have divine power?”

“Absolutely.” Adna affirmed with a gentle nod.

Great, so I’ve got divine power but can’t use it or even see it?

At this point, the whole situation is so crazy that I’m beyond feeling upset or embarrassed.

“If I’m the first person like this…won’t it cause problems for everyone else?” I asked.

“The issue isn’t about adjusting ceremonies or creating new rules to accommodate you. What worries me are the rumors that will spread like wildfire once people become aware of someone as extraordinary as yourself.” 

So much for keeping a low profile at the Cathedral.

My original plan was to fit in without anyone suspecting me as a new Order member. But if I’m seen as some kind of anomaly, there goes my chance of staying under the radar.

If Adna’s right, I’m basically doomed to become a freak show, the guy known for being blind to divine power…

And then there’s the Research Director, Ledeia’s very own Apostle, just waiting to pounce.

No matter which way I turn, it feels like I’m on a fast track to becoming that dude’s personal guinea pig.

I can feel the anger rising in my chest, threatening to boil over.

It’s messed up that someone like him gets to roam free in the heart of the Order.

In all the stories, the mad scientist is usually kept on a tight leash, even if they’re brilliant. People keep a close eye on them.

But somehow, their crazy experiments always end up causing massive disasters anyway.

Ledeia’s Apostle might have some pull, but it’s nothing compared to the power Roklem’s Apostle wields.

Why isn’t the Saint putting a muzzle on this nutjob Research Director?

Instead of me tiptoeing around all the time, wouldn’t it be way simpler for the Saint to just lay down the law with the director?

If ‘Fabio’, a lowly serf, ends up in the Cathedral without Roklem’s blessing, anyone who gets too close to him might scare him because of his immunity to divine influence. So, logically, the smart move would be to tell people to back off and give ‘Fabio’ some space, right?

…But what about me? What’s the plan for yours truly?

The more I think about it, the only thing that makes sense is to keep my head down and stay under the radar.

If Ledeia’s Apostle starts poking around, he’ll probably want to ‘fix’ my divine blindness with some medieval brain surgery involving maggots or something equally horrifying…

“Given the circumstances,” Adna continued, “perhaps seeking protection under the Saint’s watchful eye is our best option.” 

I raised an eyebrow. “Pardon? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Should you fail to find acceptance elsewhere, it is better to be under the direct protection of those who can guide and shield you from the start,” Adna explained, like it was obvious.

So, what, I’m some delicate little flower that needs babysitting? Is that it?

I questioned, “Is it really such a big deal that I’m blind to divine power? I mean, it was never an issue back when I was just a serf…”

“You’re not in some remote frontier anymore. You’re at the very heart of it all—the Cathedral.”

“Okay, so… if I don’t fit in here, can’t I just go serve at a nearby temple and work as a serf again?”

“Absolutely not,” Adna said firmly. 

And why the hell not?

“Placing a high-ranking priest to go with you in a temple like that would only draw unwanted attention. It would be irresponsible to leave you there without the guidance and support of a senior priest to aid you during times of crisis.” 

For a second, there was something kinda nice about the thought of having someone like that in my corner. But I pushed that feeling aside real quick. 

So basically, you’re telling me I’m a ticking time bomb that needs a 24/7 watchdog, right?

“What if I helped out with laundry and stuff around the Cathedral?” I suggested. “No one looks twice at the people doing the grunt work.”

Adna tilted her head, considering it. “Hmm. That’s not the worst idea. But you realize you’d just be another simple worker here. Are you content with that?” 

I grinned. “Trust me, that’s totally fine by me. I’ve been a serf my whole life – you wouldn’t believe the back-breaking labor I’m used to. Ain’t no chore too tough for me to handle.”

“But still, you’re…” Adna started to protest.

But I’m what, exactly?

Seriously, is it that hard to believe someone from a small village could handle basic stuff at the Cathedral? What, is there some secret etiquette that says even the janitors need divine powers…?

“…Didn’t you seek refuge here with the hope of receiving an education?” Adna asked.

Not really.

What would I even do with a bunch of medieval knowledge crammed in my head? 

“If you waste time on menial chores, you won’t have as much time for the books you love.”

“But those tasks need to get done by someone, don’t they?”

“Yes, but that someone doesn’t have to be you.”

Hold on, what’s that supposed to mean?

I blinked, trying to process it. Is she implying I’m too good for a broom? But…

Fabio’s family were peasants going way back, right? And in ye olde caste system, it’s the peasants who are supposed to do all the backbreaking work, aren’t they?

“So you’re saying manual labor is their lifelong destiny?” I questioned skeptically. 

“Some people are simply meant for bigger and greater things,” Adna replied.

Her lofty words only made me more doubtful. That’s the kind of talk you’d expect about some ‘chosen one’ like Athanas, not a regular person like me. I mean sure, if you’re born poor but have some rare amazing talent, it’d be a waste not to use your gifts. 

But at the end of the day, I’m just an ordinary person…right?

T/N: Just a heads up: Our MC is a huge nerd if you haven’t noticed already, and he’s got this quirky way of talking about himself like he’s some kind of adorable robot lol. So, whenever he mentions something like his ‘happiness circuit’ or hitting his ‘happiness switch,’ he’s actually talking about making a big effort to stay positive or be happy. This metaphor originates from the idea that individuals have a ‘circuit’ or path in their brains which controls happiness. So, when you come across these terms, remember it’s just his way of framing his efforts to stay cheerful. Keep this in mind to avoid any mix-ups down the road!