Chapter 162
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 162
A few days later, Hunter Seo Gio paid a visit to the Sun Cult.
“Thank you for coming,” Kang Seo-dam said, coming out to greet him personally. “I trust your journey was comfortable.”
“Ever since that day, the thought of seeing that sun again has filled me with excitement.”
“It must be destiny that the sun’s light has reached you,” Kang Seo-dam replied, guiding Gio with his usual stoic expression. “Please, follow me.”
“Lead the way.”
Gio followed Kang Seo-dam, taking in the sight of the Sun Cult’s temple.
As expected, this is quite different from the order I once belonged to.
The Sun Cult Gio had known was magnificent, though heavily corroded by the mermaids’ schemes. In contrast, Earth’s Sun Cult was far more modest, filled with a gentle, warm atmosphere. The entire space felt as though it were bathed in perpetual sunlight.
They seem to favor pristine white over gold.
As an artist, Gio naturally evaluated things by their aesthetic value rather than their historical significance. The air here was much warmer and lighter than he had imagined.
“It’s quite lively here,” Gio remarked.
“Does that displease you?”
“Not at all. It’s a pleasant sound.”
“Hearing you say so puts this priest’s mind at ease.” Kang Seo-dam continued in his typically flat tone, “One of the greatest strengths of the Sun Cult is that it overflows with vitality.”
“I once visited the Cult of Death. This is completely different.”
“That is because the Cult of Death regards silence as a virtue and values the collective over the individual.” They strolled down a corridor where sunlight streamed through large windows. “The priests of death are also known as the ‘Silent Family.’ Their framework of ‘family’ is exceptionally strong compared to other orders, but beyond that, they emphasize obedience and the natural flow of things… which is why it must have seemed so quiet.”
It was different from the Sun Cult.
“Warmth belongs to the living. The light of our little suns, a gift from the Sun, burns brightly while we live. Only after burning everything to ash does it return to the Sun’s side.”
“That explains the bright atmosphere.”
“Yes. Compared to other orders, we place a particular emphasis on the individual freedom of our priests. Thus, we maintain only the minimum of formalities and encourage comfortable conversation. Because of that…” Kang Seo-dam smiled faintly and glanced at the passing priests. “The Sun Cult generally has a vibrant, bustling atmosphere like this.”
“It’s good to see.”
“I am grateful you think so.”
Soon, they arrived at the Sun Cult’s reception room.
“Please, make yourself comfortable.”
Once the two were seated, attendants waiting nearby brought out refreshments and tea. Gio noticed he couldn’t feel much of the sun’s energy from them, unlike the priests he had seen earlier or Kang Seo-dam himself, which drew his attention.
Realizing that Gio was not human and might lack common knowledge about such matters, Kang Seo-dam explained.
“These are the brothers and sisters who support the priests of our Sun Cult in mind and body. While not priests themselves, they live within the temple and assist with matters both large and small.”
“I see. Thank you for the introduction.”
“Serving a guest of the order is a joy for us all. Thank you for bringing the tea, brothers,” Kang Seo-dam said to the attendants. “I shall now speak with our guest, so please excuse us.”
At his words, the attendants quietly withdrew, leaving only Gio and Kang Seo-dam in the reception room.
“First of all…” Kang Seo-dam bowed deeply. “For the great mercy you showed us in the Deep Sea Kingdom, I thank you once again on behalf of all the humans who were there.”
His attitude was far more formal and respectful than it had been outside. Gio realized from the phrase ‘on behalf of all humans’ that Kang Seo-dam did not consider him human, but he let it slide.
It’s a bit absurd, but…
It was better than having his identity as an ordinary human exposed and being dragged off to some lab as a test subject. With that in mind, Gio adopted the serene demeanor of a sun priest.
“I am glad I could be of help.”
“Did you receive the compensation from our order safely?”
“Yes, I received the payment through the Collector.”
“...Though I felt it was inappropriate to reward you with mere money…”
“You’re too modest,” Gio said, a sacred smile gracing his lips. “I like money.”
“…”
“Most happiness can be bought with money.”
After a brief silence, Kang Seo-dam nodded. “I see. That is a relief.”
Gio instinctively recognized that look. It was the face of someone thinking, ‘I don’t really understand, but since you say so, I’ll just let it go.’ It was a reaction he had seen often from Yoo Seong-un and Ju-hyeon, so he was well-acquainted with it.
Kang Seo-dam maintained his overwhelmingly respectful attitude.
“Thanks to your help that day, the number of casualties was greatly reduced. It was a matter that I, as the one in charge of the initiation ceremony, should have resolved. Because you reached out, the young novice priests were spared a senseless death.”
“I believe it was something we all accomplished together.”
“Thank you again for your kindness. The reason I have called you here today, Hunter Seo Gio, is because the order insisted on this meeting. My own opinion had no bearing on the decision, but I will do my utmost to ensure nothing unpleasant occurs.”
“Was I supposed to be displeased?”
Did he think Gio would say, ‘How dare you summon me?’ Gio gave Kang Seo-dam a mildly confused look. The priest was acting incredibly apologetic and cautious for some reason, but his expression remained unchanged.
“Yes… thank you for your understanding.”
Gio’s interpretation was correct. To Kang Seo-dam, the fact that mere humans had summoned a god felt utterly disrespectful. No, it wasn’t just a feeling; it was disrespectful.
At this rate, I’m afraid I might forget my place as a human.
The divinity before him showed exceptionally rare goodwill toward humans, but there was a limit to everything. Still, it wasn’t as if Kang Seo-dam could shout, “Hunter Seo Gio actually possesses divinity!” so the situation was unavoidable.
Even now, the elder priests are babbling about whether to recruit him…
They had no idea they were daring to utter such nonsense about a divine being. It was a sin born of pure ignorance. Having been saddled with this task, Kang Seo-dam felt absolutely miserable.
“It is not the first time humans have sinned out of foolishness. I will reflect on this,” he muttered.
“I’m not entirely sure what you mean, but I believe self-reflection is an admirable thing.” Like a mature adult, Gio pretended not to notice Kang Seo-dam’s agitation. “Is there something I need to do?”
“…”
Kang Seo-dam barely choked back a cough.
“...Ahem. No. How could I possibly ask anything of you?”
“I wish you wouldn’t be so tense around me. Do you fear me?”
“To be honest, it is more discomfort than fear. It is… overwhelming.”
“I truly love that kind of honesty.” Influenced by Arjio, Gio’s face brightened radiantly. “You seem to have a lot of pent-up frustration. Do you require a spar?”
“Even if I were to die this very instant, I would never ask to spar with you.”
“What a remarkably sincere soul. You are wonderful, Brother Kang Seo-dam.”
“I am merely grateful for your validation.”
Kang Seo-dam felt like crawling into a hole.
“As I mentioned, calling you here today, Hunter Seo Gio, was purely for socializing. There are no restraints or surveillance prepared. You may simply converse comfortably with me and then return home.”
“For someone who wants to converse comfortably, Priest Kang Seo-dam, you look exceedingly tired.”
“I know this may sound irreverent, but in the end, a priest is no different from an office worker. In fact, we have far more interpersonal relationships to worry about than a normal workplace. My fatigue is a constant companion, so please pay it no mind.”
“Then, shall we have that comfortable conversation you suggested?” Gio recalled the young priests of this sect. “How is Brother Cha Yi-sol doing?”
“Ah, that child…” Recalling his student, Kang Seo-dam’s expression softened slightly. “Do you perhaps wish to take him in?”
It was a question asking if Gio intended to make him a believer, but Gio merely smiled.
“That does not seem to be for me to decide.”
“On the day of the initiation ceremony, I thought your visit was to seek a new believer.”
“I have every intention of making many friends and family, but I have no desire to force anyone.”
“I see,” Kang Seo-dam nodded. “I asked because Brother Cha Yi-sol recently expressed a wish to become your priest.”
“That would not be my doing.”
“I thought as much. If you had wished it, it would have been decided on the day of the initiation ceremony…”
Unlike Kang Seo-dam’s misunderstanding on that day, the great mystery known as ‘Gio’s Portrait’ was not a divinity greedy for believers. It simply existed, devoid of avarice.
Though that is precisely what makes him more terrifying.
To be this colossal on his own, without even a following of worshipers, was a truly rare case.
“Aside from that, nothing major has happened with Brother Cha Yi-sol. That child is incredibly sociable and optimistic, and he has a knack for drawing in friends who want to help him.” Cha Yi-sol was quite popular among the novice priests. “He is leading a peaceful life. It’s hard to say he is a student with a strong passion for learning, but he isn’t the type to shirk his assigned duties either.”
“I am truly glad to hear that. Brother Cha Yi-sol’s family must be pleased. Surely, he will become an excellent priest and help many people.”
Was that a prophecy?
“…”
It had to be a prophecy.
I must remember this.
Divine beings often foretold the future as if it were nothing. This was especially true of Evil Gods who sought amusement; pursuing interests free from Providence, they carelessly scattered miracles and catastrophes alike.
It never crossed Kang Seo-dam’s mind that Gio’s words might simply be a warm, encouraging remark born of fondness. Taking it as a divine prophecy about Cha Yi-sol’s future, he continued.
“I don’t know if you are aware, but Brother Cha Yi-sol’s partner is a sister named Iruda. In this priest’s humble opinion, both possess the qualities of an excellent priest… they are highly anticipated.”
However.
“If there is one cause for concern, it is that Sister Iruda is the target of envy and jealousy from the other students. She herself pays it no mind, though.”
“Oh dear… As the teacher guiding the novice priests, your burden must be heavy.”
“...Thank you for comforting this insignificant priest. I do not believe the situation will grow severe as long as I am here, but I mentioned it in case it might weigh on your mind.”
After sharing some light conversation about the novice priests, Kang Seo-dam finally got to the main point.
“Soon, the Sun Cult will be hosting a raid. It is an A-Rank Dungeon appraised under the name ‘Subterranean Quadruped Rainforest,’ and we have already agreed to collaborate with several guilds.”
“Do you wish for me to participate?”
“To offer a paltry excuse, this is not my opinion at all. However, the Sun Cult is curious about Hunter Seo Gio’s exact abilities, and furthermore, about you as a person.”
“It is intriguing to receive such undeserved attention.”
“Please, feel free to give your honest opinion. The Sun Cult would never dare try to control you with authority, and even if they did, you reside with the Collector. There will be no issues.”
The Collector Guild was the third most influential and the wealthiest guild in South Korea. No one wanted to poke the hornet’s nest that was the Collector, whose obsession with his collection was second to none.
“It is a simple proposal that you are entirely free to reject.”
“What kind of dungeon is this ‘Subterranean Quadruped Rainforest’?”
“It is a Villa Dungeon formed beneath a limestone cave, filled with sharp, venomous plants. Because of that, we are prioritizing the recruitment of Healers and Tamers.”
“A Healer and a Tamer.” Gio’s eyes curved with amusement. “That is exactly me.”
“...I can only offer my apologies,” Kang Seo-dam said, continuing as politely as possible. “This is an event intended to test you, but it is also a task our order was originally supposed to complete. This dungeon was initially discovered by the Sun Cult, and seeing its various uses, the order attempted to clear it but failed.”
“So that is why you are collaborating with other guilds.”
“Contrary to our public image, the Sun Cult does not actually have many Healers. The scorching fire of the sun is focused more on destruction than on meticulously restoring life. That is the reason.”
“I understand. It is not a power anyone can handle delicately.”
“There is not much time left. The raid is scheduled to begin in fifteen days. Despite the tight schedule, we believed no one was better suited for this than Hunter Seo Gio…” Swallowing the sigh that almost escaped him, he finished, “Thus, I have come to make this presumptuous proposal.”
“Surely, there is no need to call it presumptuous.”
“My apologies. In public, I shall treat you as a fellow Hunter.”
“Priest Kang Seo-dam, you are a very stubborn person indeed.”
Gio looked down at the proposal Kang Seo-dam had handed him, his blue eyes shimmering with their usual light.
“...A rainforest…”
A golden light seeped into his curving eyes.