Chapter 341: Nobody Jumps into a Pit Voluntarily
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 341: Nobody Jumps into a Pit Voluntarily
Under the Pope’s calm gaze, Muen’s breath hitched.
That uncomfortable sensation of being completely seen through sprouted in his heart once again, just as it had when he faced Teacher Mela or that Calamity.
The difference was that his body was currently packed with secrets—whether it was the Divine Blessing of the Withered King or the Holy Sword that had been thoroughly molded into his own "shape" thanks to Teacher Mela’s habit of throwing her disciple under the bus. None of these were things that could be comfortably displayed before the Church of Human Life.
It would be fine if the Pope decided to give Mela some face. But what if he was the type who hated evil with a passion? What if he believed that for the sake of the world’s purification, for the peace the Goddess brought, for the beautiful future of the children...
...Anyone associated with an Evil God had to die?
Muen was already beginning to hallucinate a tragic scene where he was tied to a stake and burned alive. Then, his Senior Sister, the Princess, An, and Teacher Mela would set out to avenge him—one hand clutching his funeral urn, the other gripping a sword as they charged into the wicked Church to begin a tragic, soul-stirring epic of revenge...
Wait, isn't this getting a bit off track?
Why is the premise that I have to die?
Wouldn't a sweet, happy romantic comedy be better?
"You have decent courage, kid."
Just as Muen was struggling to pull his thoughts back onto the right track, the Pope suddenly gave a faint smile. To Muen’s ears, however, that smile sounded increasingly meaningful.
Muen immediately straightened his back and lowered his head, cold sweat beading on his forehead. "I wouldn't dare."
"No, I am truly praising you."
The Pope suddenly raised his hand.
But what descended was not a thunderbolt, but a gentle dew.
That broad, calloused hand—not a single drop of water clinging to it—patted Muen’s shoulder. His voice, carrying a tone of genuine praise, felt like a refreshing breeze.
"I have seen many so-called geniuses who are all style and no substance. But a young man like you, who can maintain a heart of courage even in my presence, is a rare sight indeed."
You might as well just say my talent for seeking death is extraordinary.
Muen’s lip twitched.
Still, does this mean I’ve passed?
Muen wiped his sweat and peeked upward, stealing a glance at the Pope.
On that gentle face, there wasn't a trace of so-called loathing or hatred. There was only the sincere appreciation of an elder looking at an outstanding junior.
Teacher Mela didn't lie to me. This trip to the Church isn't as dangerous as I imagined!
"Your Holiness overpraises me. I am merely a coward who is afraid of death," Muen said, suppressing his inner joy and quickly adopting a humble tone. "On the contrary, Your Holiness is somewhat different from what I imagined."
"What kind of person did you think I would be?" the Pope asked curiously.
"Well..."
Muen thought for a moment and gestured with his hands. "I thought that as His Holiness the Pope, you would be... more majestic. Yes, majestic. I didn't expect you to be so kind—so kind that I'm a bit... overwhelmed."
"Oh?"
The Pope suddenly raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on his lips. "In your eyes, am I the kind of stiff, decaying old man who should already be buried in the dirt?"
"No, no, no, I didn't mean—"
"—I certainly am."
"..."
The sudden turn nearly gave Muen whiplash.
The Pope didn't seem to mind and continued, "For an old man like me who has shamelessly clung to life for hundreds of years, I should have been buried long ago. It is only for the sake of a certain obsession—clinging to a hope that might not even exist—that I refuse to let go. 'Stiff and decaying' is indeed the most fitting description for me."
"Not at all, not at all! Compared to a certain old loli, Your Holiness is practically a youth!"
Without hesitation, Muen threw his unscrupulous teacher under the bus to serve as a backdrop.
"True."
The Pope nodded, smiling. "After all, that Mela Domir was already, as far back as a thousand years ago..."
Seeing Muen’s eyes suddenly light up with the fire of gossip, the Pope abruptly cut himself off. He reached out and finally took the letter from Muen’s hand.
However, he didn't open it. Instead, he set it aside casually.
"Um... isn't Your Holiness going to open it?" Muen asked, blinking.
"There is no need. I already know why you have come."
"Your Holiness possesses the power of foresight?"
"It is not foresight, but rather that our paths are similar, even if our goals differ," the Pope said calmly. "Therefore, one only needs to glance toward the horizon to know how far the other has walked."
Our paths are similar?
Muen chewed on those words.
Does that mean the Life Church is also...
"It is a small matter, do not dwell on it. However..."
The Pope looked Muen up and down once more, as if peering directly through his surface to observe the complex patterns and the Core within his body. He praised him from the bottom of his heart. "To be able to push that to such a level in such a short time... you have indeed exceeded my expectations, Muen Campbell. No wonder that dead... that esteemed Grand Magister chose you as her disciple."
"You flatter me, you flatter me."
Muen scratched his head. Being praised repeatedly by the most prestigious person in the world made even him feel a bit light-headed.
"So..."
The Pope’s tone suddenly shifted. "Will you be participating in this Pay Homage to the Sage Ceremony?"
"The Pay Homage to the Sage Ceremony? Of course I'll partic—"
The words almost tumbled out of Muen’s mouth by reflex.
But his eyes darted around, and he suddenly felt a certain instinct—one forged through being victimized too many times—screaming at him.
He swallowed the rest of his sentence.
Something's wrong.
Something's very wrong.
Even if he had worked hard and could be considered "slightly" outstanding, was there any need for this old man, the literal Pope, to praise him over and over again?
Because he was Mela’s disciple?
But this Pope didn't seem like the type who would go out of his way to praise a child just to give an adult face. He had no reason to do that.
This felt more like...
Muen shuddered. Even though the Pope still looked kind and gentle, Muen could almost see the man throwing a friendly arm around his shoulder, a wicked smile curling his lips as he pointed forward.
Look.
There's a pit right here.
Hurry up and jump in.
"Um... may I ask a question?"
"Ask."
"If I don't participate, does that mean I can't receive the Holy Light Baptism?"
"Under normal circumstances, yes."
The Pope glanced at the letter and smiled. "But in consideration of that person's face, as well as the chips she has put on the table, I can arrange an extra baptism just for you."
"Is... is that so?"
Muen’s eyes grew moist.
Teacher Mela!
Even though she insisted I come to the ceremony, she actually paved another path for me in secret?
A domineering, tsundere, sharp-tongued but soft-hearted white-haired old loli... I love her so much!
I'll definitely show her some proper filial piety when I get back!
"Then I think I'll pass," Muen said, wiping away his cold sweat and summoning his courage. "My purpose in coming to the Holy City wasn't to attend this ceremony anyway. There's no need for me to join the commotion."
"Really?"
The Pope didn't seem surprised at all. He smiled kindly. "Though it is called a ceremony, the 'ceremony' itself is only the moment the final result lands. It is more accurate to describe it as a trial. For young people like you, it is a rare opportunity. Otherwise, so many people wouldn't be flocking to it."
"No, no, no. Forget it, really. I'm not lacking in opportunities for trials."
What trial could be more effective than being hunted by an Evil God?
Anyway, his task of meeting the Pope and delivering the letter was done. Wouldn't it be better to just watch the ceremony as a guest, slack off, and buy some local souvenirs?
Why did he have to participate in such a dangerous trial and fight to the death?
Those qualified to participate in this ceremony were the elite of the elite from every nation and faction!
Even if the rewards were generous, they didn't hold much attraction for a salted fish like him, whose entire philosophy was based on staying alive.
And...
Just traveling with him had caused such a massive upheaval for Liya. God knows how much the original plot would deviate if he actually participated in that Pay Homage to the Sage Ceremony.
Even if he wasn't on her team, he couldn't take that risk.
That girl’s lifelong pursuit couldn't be allowed to suffer some unpredictable change just because he, an outsider to fate, had barged in.
He would just wait for Ariel.
It shouldn't take her long to escape from the forest.
This was the stage suited for her.
As for the Academy, he would just provide more investment in the name of the Campbell family later. Professor Prang and the Academy Head would surely forgive him then.
His thoughts spinning rapidly, Muen quickly settled on his plan of action.
In short, for this Pay Homage to the Sage Ceremony, even if he, Muen Campbell, starved to death or jumped off a cliff, he would absolutely not participate!
"It seems you have made up your mind."
The Pope looked away and pulled a bag of fish food from his robes. He scattered it into the pond, and countless ink-colored fish swarmed forward, looking like a bold splash of ink in a painting.
"In that case, I won't try to persuade you. I trust you have your own plans."
"Thank you, Your Holiness."
Muen breathed a sigh of relief.
But he couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled. He's really letting me off that easily?
Did I overthink it? Did I develop PTSD because I've been set up too many times?
Maybe the Pope didn't have those intentions at all?
"You may leave. I will have someone begin preparations for the Holy Light Baptism you require. During this time, you will stay at the cathedral," the Pope said, waving his hand. His calm face showed no extra emotion.
"Yes. Then I shall trouble Your Holiness."
Muen stopped dwelling on these meaningless thoughts. He bowed once more and respectfully took his leave.
As Muen gently closed the ordinary door, the room returned to silence, save for the happy splashing of the fish.
The Pope stared at the small fish following the bait. Reflected in the rippling water, his face remained kind and benevolent.
Except, the corners of his mouth curled slightly.
"Heh. Wanting to stay out of it? Since you've already stepped halfway in, how could the words 'karma' be so easily shaken off?"
With a casual wave of his hand, the school of fish instantly scattered, much like that unpredictable thing called fate.
"Besides."
The Pope looked up, his gaze seemingly piercing through layers of walls to see the back of the youth walking away with a light step. His aged eyes narrowed with amusement as he let out a cold laugh.
"Shearing the wool once is one thing, but coming back for a second time? The things of my Church aren't that easy to take."