The Healing Solaris Cleric

Chapter 156: Where the Sun Rises (2)

People move in an orderly fashion and their every gesture is filled with reverence.

Since such people gathered in great numbers, the feeling was entirely different from other cities that pursued speed. It was as if everyone acted cautiously and with respect toward Helik.

“This is the Holy Kingdom, Lapis.”

Created in the name of the first high priest, it was a kingdom of priests and paladins. Though its territory was small enough to be comparable to a major city in another country, no power or nation could ignore the Kingdom of Lapis.

The influence of the Solarian Church on the continent is literally at an all-time high.

No power could commit acts of violence within the Kingdom of Lapis since that would mean two empires and three kingdoms would turn against them in turn.

“As expected, the best way to prevent conflict is to have power.”

It couldn’t be just any power. It had to be a power so strong that no one could challenge it. Simply possessing such power helped others control their anger.

Just like when Bach handled Goliath.

Slightly nodding, Kai began walking down the hill. The air was rather chilly in Lapis

The fortress of the Kingdom of Lapis was pure white. On top of that, the Solarian Church\'s emblem was engraved in pure gold at regular intervals, adding to the sense of holiness.

“... Ugh. So all those ant-like people are standing in line, huh?”

The main church of the Solarian Church was the final destination for pilgrims and a place where residents came to pray. Even players had to offer prayers to Helik to complete their transition to Cleric or Paladin.

Naturally, the line to enter the fortress was longer than anything he\'d seen before.

It seems even longer than when I came last time. It looks like it will take at least ten hours to enter the main church now.

Letting out a faint sigh, Kai joined the line and thought about the true power of the apostles.

If I meet the High Priest, I’ll be able to fully wield the power of a Solaris Cleric.

Furthermore, since his half-complete job would become complete, he would also earn a new title.

They’ll probably give me the title of the first Mythic rank player.

Given that this game was notorious for the rich getting richer, its effects would undoubtedly be extraordinary.

And there will also be tons of new skills.

In any case, it meant his combat power would noticeably increase compared to now. However, Kai didn’t feel much excitement about that fact.

I’m already ranked first... it’s not like having more will hurt, but it’s just about at that level.

Kai was currently ranked first despite possessing a half-complete class. The result could seem easy, but looking at the process, it was anything but that.

Anyway, once I finish visiting the main church, I’ll head to the Ebony Tower to receive the equipment from Korona... Oh! After that, the invasion event Director Kang Min-Gu mentioned will open.

Kai stroked his chin.

I originally planned to completely destroy the Black Bees’ reputation during the invasion event...

But their image was already trashed. Not only that but as soon as the Black Bees were knocked out of the top ten guilds, its members quickly left the guild. They weren’t close enough to share the final moments of a sinking ship together.

Things have changed quite a bit now.

His reputation had skyrocketed like the land prices in Gangnam, and the number of forces keeping him in check had also increased. Moreover...

“Uggghh.”

Kai rubbed his tired face with his hands.

These challengers are driving me crazy.

Shuddering, Kai pulled his hood down even further.

Currently ranked second was Yoo Ha-Rin, who had recently been bumped down. There was almost no one who challenged her these days. And that was because Yoo Ha-Rin had been the champion who protected the number one rank for several months. Those who sought to boost their fame by defeating her had already challenged her, lost, and given up.

And the number of people challenging Yoo Ha-Rin wasn’t that high either. She had an overwhelming presence from the start. She easily climbed the ranking ladder like a salmon swimming upstream.

But it was different for Kai. Unknown in the first video seemed clumsy in every aspect.

Well, it\'s no surprise they see me as an easy target compared to Yoo Ha-Rin, but...

Hundreds of challenges from rankers were registered in the community! Of course, not many of them were purely chasing fame.

Most of them must have been paid off by those from the other top ten guilds.

If one of them succeeded, the top ten guilds would benefit greatly since they could make the number one ranked player unable to log in for three days with just a small amount of money.

First, assassins from the Church of Muldine, and now the rankers’ challenges...

Kai regretted having revealed his face.

Now I understand why my parents told me not to expose my face carelessly.

It was a piece of advice from his parents that would never have hurt to follow!

Meanwhile, the line continued to move forward.

I might be able to enter in about seven hours at this rate.

Just as Kai looked ahead with a positive thought, a carriage brushed past the line and approached the entrance of the fortress.

Clop, clop.

“Move aside, move!”

Kai scoffed at the sight.

There are people like that everywhere. But unfortunately, this is the main church of the Solarian Church.

A few months ago, no, it had now been over two years in-game time. But back then, there were people like that too. Those who used their wealth and fame to avoid standing in line.

But they all got cut off at the entrance.

To cross the sacred Lapis Fortress of the Solarian Church, one had to wait in the long line and show Helik their reverent heart. That was why this tedious and long line was called the ridiculous title of the Path of Proof.

I don’t know who’s riding in that carriage, but it must be their first time visiting the main church. They’ll be pretty embarrassed.

Kai was about to dismiss the scene with a slight laugh when he witnessed something unbelievable. The carriage crossed into Lapis Fortress without any interference!

“W-what?”

Shocked, Kai asked a cleric standing in line with him, “Excuse me, brother. Who are they to cross into Lapis Fortress so easily? As far as I know, those who haven’t walked the Path of Proof can never enter the gates...”

With a bitter smile, the cleric asked back, “How long has it been since you last visited the main church, brother?”

“Almost two years.”

“I thought so... Then I guess you wouldn’t know. During that time... umm, there have been some changes.”

“Changes?”

The cleric glanced around and whispered in a low voice, “Rumors have been spreading quietly among the believers for the past year that High Priest Albert, who leads the Solarian Church, has lost his power.”

“No way. That’s impossible...”

“But tada, it turns out there\'s no such thing as impossible.” Pointing at Lapis Fortress with one hand, the cleric continued, “The influence of the Solarian Church has grown absurdly strong over the past year. Do you know why?”

“Well...”

Kai naturally thought it was because of the players. The players had begun to undertake the missions of the Solarian Church and track down the Church of Muldine.

But are they saying that’s not the reason?

Kai’s brows furrowed even more as the cleric said, “There were always corrupt clerics in the past, but they never brazenly acted out in the open.”

“But they seem to be acting quite openly now, judging by what we just saw.”

“Yes. Two cardinals and several archbishops have taken over the power that High Priest Albert once held.”

“But aren’t cardinals appointed by the newly elected High Priest? They should all be loyal to His Holiness the High Priest...”

“That’s correct. In the past, they were.”

“In the past?”

Kai’s eyebrow twitched as he asked, and the cleric confidently nodded.

“Yes. Back then, they were mere bishops, and they were appointed as cardinals by His Holiness Albert, who miraculously overturned the vote to become the High Priest. That was twelve years ago.”

Twelve years. That was enough time for rivers and mountains to change, and certainly enough time for a person’s heart to change hundreds of times over.

“At first, they acted admirably, befitting their new positions as cardinals. However... it seems they couldn’t resist the sweetness of power.”

“... Who is backing them? Cardinals and archbishops alone couldn’t have pushed High Priest Albert into the shadows, who was supported by millions of believers.”

“I wish I knew.” The cleric showed a hollow smile and shook his head. “Many people say that Helik only gives trials that his lambs can handle.”

“Hmm...” Kai shrugged as he recalled his past. “Well, considering that I’m still alive and well, it does seem like that might be the case.”

“... Hah, you’re lucky. To be honest, I’ve been so exhausted lately. It’s not just me either; everyday believers who truly approach Helik with genuine faith are growing more and more weary by the day. If Helik really thought we could handle this trial... then He is definitely overestimating us.”

“How about gathering the believers and sending a petition?”

At Kai’s question, the cleric laughed.

“Haha, a petition? It’s a nice thought. But even if we write one, who would we send it to? Two empires and two kingdoms claim to be the allies of the Holy Kingdom Lapis. Unless we have the power to oppose them, we can’t overhaul this system.”

The cleric lowered their head after speaking, a wounded expression on his face.

Kai, unable to say anything, tried to clear his disordered thoughts.

Why is Helik allowing this to continue?

He was a god. A god who could generously grant divine power to the clerics and paladins who believe in Him. Naturally, that power must be incredibly strong.

Given Helik’s gentle sensitivity, He can’t possibly be happy with this absurd situation.

He would surely be more saddened than anyone. So why was He simply watching this unfold?

As Kai’s thoughts continued to swirl, the long line finally came to an end.

“It’s a badge proving you’re a regular cleric. Kai, it’s been two years since your last visit to the main church. Please, go ahead.”

Kai received back the badge he had been given when he changed his job class from the paladin guarding the entrance. It was the lowest-ranked badge in Lapis, given to those upon their initial class change. When he met the High Priest, it would surely be exchanged for a higher-ranking badge.

However, despite this, Kai did not head directly to meet the High Priest.

The Holy Kingdom Lapis. The place that had left such a fresh impression on me two years ago.

It was a place where people gathered, not to do good deeds for rewards, but out of pure, heartfelt kindness.

“I need to see it with my own eyes.”

He hoped he wouldn’t be disappointed. He hoped the city he once admired hadn’t become corrupt, and that the cleric who had stood in line with him was simply mistaken.

His gaze, now cold, longed for that reassurance.