"Alright, Priest, let's not talk about that for now. Since the selection has officially started, it means..."

Upon hearing the Hero's words, the priest's expression was shrouded in gloom, his voice heavy and indescribable:

"Yes, I also couldn't believe it before, but it seems now the intelligence is indeed true. Lady Divine Knowledge Saintess, she—"

[Current situation of Divine Knowledge Saintess]

1-3. Resigned

4-6. Dead

7-9. Unknown

10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure

D10=d10(10)=10

D2=d2(2)=2

♛: Extreme Failure~

1-3. Lost Strength

4-6. Resigned due to guilt♛

7-9. Found the corpse of a tragic death

10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure

D10=d10(5)=5

→☆→☆→☆→✧←★←★←★←

A month ago, the kingdom's capital was seized by the Black Gate, the calamity of displacement like an unhealing wound, with its aftermath still lingering.

Although the situation was eventually calmed, the culprits either slain or brought to justice, the subsequent shockwaves deeply affected the entire kingdom.

The foremost consequence was the accountability directed at the contemporary Saintess.

"Why didn't you foresee such a situation unfolding?"

Whether the Divine Knowledge Saintess was truly responsible or not, this questioning undoubtedly rests upon a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood, carrying an undeniable weight.

However, faced with the survivors' anger, the development of events exceeded everyone's expectations.

The long-absent Divine Knowledge Saintess readily admitted her negligence and resigned from her position as Saintess, disappearing without a trace.

This brief sentence in the telegram sparked unimaginable turmoil in both the capital and the Holy City, unimaginable for both the priest and the hero.

Even in a remote village tavern, people fiercely debated the news of the Divine Knowledge Saintess's resignation.

As a result, the Church's reputation suffered unprecedented heavy damage.

Within the Church, factions that once barely united under the Saintess's banner now found themselves in chaos.

Meanwhile, a new faction called "Holy Snake Worship" emerged suddenly, rapidly attracting numerous believers. Their ideology starkly opposed to the existing church factions — this cult seemed inclined to worship magic creatures as gods, a notion that traditional believers found utterly unacceptable.

Subtly, the vast church shows signs of division.

The Mage Guild's numerous traitors have already unnerved the kingdom's citizens, and now, even the spiritual pillar of countless believers within the Church has begun to waver.

Thus, both the Church and the kingdom urgently needed a new banner, a Saintess who could reunite followers.

The rapid initiation of the saintess selection speaks volumes about this urgency.

Even from mere fragments of information received through the Communication Array, the hero can sense that the Holy City, far from its legendary peace and tranquility, has transformed into a whirlpool of tumultuous forces.

"All, all in all, the kingdom's air routes have now returned to normal."

The priest made an effort to stabilize his emotions, adjusted his attire, and smiled anew.

"As long as you go to the airport in a big city, reaching the Holy City..."

[Distance (*5=land route)]

3d10=d10(1)+d10(2)+d10(10)=13

[Direction (north, east, south, west)]

D36=d36(18)=18

"Hmm, it probably takes about thirteen days, given this village is quite inland and the Holy City lies on the southern coast."

Having recalled his geographical knowledge, the priest paused, his gaze gaining a touch of sincerity and reluctance:

"And this month, you've seen, there's really nothing requiring your help in this village. Leave it to me, I've always managed to handle it."

"Although it was wrong for me to decide on my own, I can assure you — you're the most outstanding cleric I've ever seen. You shouldn't be staying in such a rural chapel."

Facing the priest's earnest gaze, the hero solemnly returned the gesture.

"Thank you, Priest, I will do my best."

[Saintess's Precepts]

D972=d972(156)=156

[Hero's Intelligence]

D140=d140(31)=31

→☆→☆→☆→✧←★←★←★←

Night had fallen.

The hero returned to the old house of her grandfather, lying on her small bed, staring at the familiar ceiling in a trance.

Besides her and the Gleaming Scale Serpent, the old house held no others, silent and soundless.

During this month of becoming a nun, she spent almost all her time in the Church, becoming familiar with the duties of a nun, studying the history, institutions, and texts of the Church.

Her dedication and immersion in learning was unprecedented in these past fifteen years.

No wonder the priest had complete trust and affirmation in her; when she recalled her efforts during this time, even she felt a bit surreal.

If she had been this diligent in her studies as a child, she wouldn't have been kicked out of her home and sent back to the countryside to be a nun, right?

But the morning's news brought such a great impact that it was hard for her to stay calm.

Choosing to return to this long-lost but familiar home, she found a little comfort in its peace.

Yet since she decided to journey to the Holy City, she would soon leave here again.

"Saintess... is it?"

The hero murmured softly, turning her head, her emerald green eyes reflecting the moonlight of early spring.

Despite having gained enough understanding of the Saintess's significance through church texts, she never imagined such an opportunity would fall upon her.

Somehow inconceivable.

'Hey, what do you plan to do after becoming a Saintess?'

Another self suddenly interrupted in her heart, filled with eagerness:

'I've heard the Saintess's power is limitless, why not turn the kingdom upside down?'

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