Proselytizing (1)
With Ragnarok repaired too, I spent the rest of the weekend training with Lize to get used to it. The transformed Ragnarok was too big for a one-handed axe but a bit short for a two-hander—truly a versatile form that demanded learning all sorts of techniques. Especially how to wield its power.
"You need to use not just your arm strength, but your back muscles too. Let me help you."
Luna started by teaching muscle-building basics, while I showed how to control them precisely. I'd used every muscle surviving in the forest, but fine-tuning them? Not so much. Lize's advice proved a huge help there.
But muscles weren't the point.
"How to use holy power, right?"
"Yeah."
Holy power—that was the key. I asked Lize to teach me how to wield it. I'd heard enough about Chaos holy power to make my ears bleed: mostly that it involved screwing people over. But beyond that, I had zero clue how to actually use it.
I'd only realized this recently.
In Soul World, it just unlocked automatically. Not for me.
In the game, picking Chaos granted holy power access. Not me, though. Thunder from Gulrak was the exception, thanks to my compatibility with it.
Watching Lize split the sky yesterday jogged my memory.
Perfect timing—my Faith just crossed 100. This should work.
My steadily built-up Faith had long surpassed 100. Way past the minimum, as I'd mentioned before. Just been too busy to notice.
Anyway, time to put it to use in daily life and combat. That's why I asked Lize.
Gulrak's Thunder worked as a makeshift because it meshed with my red mana. Chaos holy power was a whole different beast.
"It's simple. Just earnestly pray to Chaos."
"...That's it?"
"Yes."
But Lize's explanation was laughably thin. Earnestly pray and the universe helps? What?
I stared in disbelief, and she scratched her head, looking like she had nothing more to add.
"I know it sounds ridiculous. But as I told you before, Chaos isn't like other gods. Healing requires medicine, power-ups need training. Think of Faith as your potential's limit."
"What about yesterday? You split the damn sky."
She'd cleaved the heavens, with Chaos's will even infusing Ragnarok. Sure, Gulrak chipped in, but Lize had launched Chaos's will skyward.
Did that take Kwonseong or saintess rank? If so, headache city.
"Ah, yesterday? That was possible because I earnestly prayed too."
"......"
"You look skeptical. Let me ask you instead: how do you control Gulrak's Thunder?"
"Hmm......"
Her words started making sense. Thunder manifested at my will, like channeling mana—no spells or chants needed. Same for Gaia, probably. It was as natural as breathing, no explanation required.
Just pray to Chaos.
"How to check?"
"Check what?"
"Your shrunken tits."
I pointed at Lize's deflated chest. It had grown a bit with her holy power recovery overnight, but still tiny compared to full saintess mode. Roughly Luna-sized, give or take.
"You mean confirming holy power visually, like my chest shrinking?"
"Yeah."
"It varies by person. My body bears Chaos's blessing, so it's obvious for me. Everyone's different."
What a vague, chaotic god. But holy power was probably mana in disguise. Soul World had no separate Faith gauge—just HP, MP, stamina. Using it drained MP naturally, so same here?
Lize was a special case; her power drain showed physically.
Mana exhaustion, basically?
Empty your mana, and a day wasn't enough. You'd need days of rest. Even stamina depletion leaves you bedridden for days—mana must be worse. Lize could still walk because she's Lize. Normals would be hospitalized.
Me?...
A good night's sleep refilled everything. My regen outpaced even hers long-term. Whether to call it "regen" was debatable, but good is good.
The priority: figure out Chaos holy power.
"No rush. When the time comes, Chaos will guide you directly."
"...Got it."
"Ah, it's not like there's no method..."
"Really?"
I perked up as she trailed off. What was it? She glanced around, grabbed Ragnarok from the corner, and grinned.
"This weapon holds Chaos's will, so it'll be easier. Something fun's about to happen."
"......"
This felt way too ominous. Unease hit as she smiled, axe in hand, and approached.
"Want to try holding it?"
A bit wary, but I took it as requested. Nothing happened. As a Chaos follower, expected.
I eyed her quizzically.
"Now, think impure thoughts."
"Impure?"
"Yes. Impure ones. Like a con artist's false facade."
"Hmm......"
Only thing was badmouthing Chaos. Too easy, though. I racked my brain—then it hit.
Wanna grope some tits.
No specifics. All above average anyway. Even Luna's would do. Natural male instinct.
Thud—
"...?"
Nothing. Ragnarok stayed inert. Was that not impure?
I panicked internally when—
"One more thing: impure thoughts tie to lies. Pure desire openly shown is pure."
"...Desire too?"
"Yes. Lying to seduce? Chaos hates it. Bluntly saying 'I want to fuck you'? Loves it."
"......"
What kind of lunatic god—
Crackle!
"Ow!!"
The moment I inwardly cursed Chaos, a spark zapped from Ragnarok. Stung even me, Thunder-hardened.
"Looks like you lied. Or badmouthed Chaos."
"...Yeah."
"That's the gist. Chaos's will in the axe makes detection easy. Not foolproof—humans fool even themselves."
Felt like a divine lie detector. How'd a sacred relic end up like this? Hector would rage.
As I grumbled silently, Lize lit up.
"Ah! Perfect chance to spot con artists too. Brother Sivar?"
"?"
"Where's that contractor from last week?"
Jane? A week later, time to check her workshop.
"We can show you the world and purge a con. Two birds."
"......"
Jane wasn't a con. Genius of geniuses. Lize didn't know, just saw scam-bait.
Avoiding their meeting forever? Impossible. Cleared misunderstanding, more investment—win-win.
"She's a civilian."
Jane: no combat skills, no faith. Axe might zap before truth-check.
"If I hold it, fine. I control the will."
Fair enough. I nodded.
"Yeah. Let's go."
"Lead on."
Everything fine, but could we ditch Ragnarok? Saintess form, but intimidating as hell. If Jane were a con, head-splitting time. Unlikely, but uneasy.
The nagging doubt wouldn't fade.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
Nearing Jane's workshop, vigorous hammering echoed down the shabby alley. Source: her forge. Academy's rundown spot—hers alone.
"Here?"
"Yeah."
Screeech—
The unoiled door groaned open, hammering louder, heat blasting my face. I squinted, then adjusted.
Clang!Thud! Thud!
There: Jane in work clothes, hammering away. Unclear what, but her focus was cute. Sweat-sliding glasses annoyed her, though.
"Hoo... Huh?"
Finishing up, she stretched, wiped sweat—and locked eyes with me.
Startled, then beaming: "You're here! Just wrapping final touches! But..."
Her voice boomed confidently for her investor. Then she spotted Lize beside me and faltered. Pushed up slipping glasses, naturally.
"Who's she? Girlfriend?"
"No."
Where'd she get that? Jane shrugged indifferently. Lize eyed her curiously, stepped forward—one step landing nose-to-nose.
"You're the one who contracted Brother Sivar."
"Uh? Ah, y-yes, but..."
Jane stammered, flustered. Lize scanned her, smiled, offered Ragnarok.
"Mind touching it?"
"Uh... Sure."
Jane hesitated, then brushed it. No zap, as expected.
"Well?"
"No ordinary weapon. Can I inspect it?"
"Sorry, no. Others get zapped."
Most would quit. Not Jane. Eyes sparkling: "Really? Curiosity piqued. Just once?"
"...No regrets."
Lize slyly released the handle. Should zap like Luna's time.
"...Feels fine?"
"Pardon?"
"Huh?"
Nothing. Jane gripped it solidly—though two-handed from weak strength.
Two possibilities: Gulrak follower, or...
"Ooh...! Oooo!!"
...Chaos's favorite.
Lize realized instantly, voice pitching high—uncharacteristic excitement.
"Brother!"
"Y-yes?"
Lize clapped Jane's shoulders. Glasses slipped; her dazed face was adorable.
"To meet a chosen here! Unthinkable!"
"Uh... Thanks? Who are you, exactly?"
"......"
This was gonna be big trouble.
Faith has increased!