Why Is He Here? (1)
Isaac smiled brightly.
What? You need good grades to become the execution ceremony host? And since it's a team evaluation, you can't be first place just by doing well alone?
Then there's no helping it!
If you eliminate all the competitors, even if you're dead last, you'd still end up first!
'Puhuhuhuh!'
When Isaac smiled as if to say there was no choice, everyone let out a sigh of relief. Honestly, they never imagined this kid would be interested in the execution of the Fourteen Dark Servants.
Of course, the execution ceremony of the Fourteen Dark Servants was fiercely competitive.
Executing one of the Skull King's subordinates?
That was the highest honor and glory any priest could wish for.
"There's no better way to make a name for yourself."
Even the top-tier priests were dying to do it—literally—and yet this year, the opportunity was given to the new trainee priests?
"I heard the competition among this year's trainees is already brutal."
Well, Isaac had the symbolic value of surviving the Skull King's curse, so some in the council had even suggested letting him participate in the execution.
The Eshua family, of course, was going to refuse.
Why?
Why, you ask?! Because if Isaac got any closer to the Skull King, he'd end up going down the damn dark pa—no, a road of no return!
Sure, for now he seemed to be controlling the Skull King's magic admirably, but what if one of the Skull King's subordinates recognized him?
Whether Isaac became corrupted or the Fourteen Dark Servants tried to kill him to devour his power—
For the Eshua family, that was the worst-case scenario!
So the family head had been wondering how to reject the idea when—
"He's the same boy who got a special recommendation for ordination. If we let him participate in the execution too, people will cry foul."
"Agreed. At the very least, he should meet the qualifications."
"By qualifications, you mean the five core virtues of faith, the Pentagon test?"
"Yes. If he passes that, we'll allow it."
The Eshua family cheered inwardly in unison.
The Pentagon was the basic qualification test for priests!
"No way Isaac passes that!"
"Of course not. With that level of faith?"
"He's going to fail. For sure."
They hadn't been able to stop him from fleeing to get ordained, but if he failed this—
"We'll drag him home immediately!"
That was the situation.
So while it was unlikely Isaac would even get to meet the Skull King's subordinates, the fact that he was even thinking about it—how admirable!
"Yeah, good thinking. It's not something you can do alone, so there's no helping it."
"Yes. No helping it."
So I'll just kill every member of the other teams.
"Don't worry. I'll do my best."
I'll tear them apart with everything I've got.
Relai felt immensely relieved at that smile.
"Thank goodness this child is staying on the right path…!"
No way he'd commit sins and become a dark priest now!
Only one problem remained…
"Oh right, I forgot to ask—what god chose you?"
Flinch.
At Shuri's question, the two uncles looked at Isaac in shock. Wait—had Isaac been told which god chose him?
At the same time, Isaac furrowed his brow.
"I didn't catch the name, but the sigil was so disgusting it made me nauseous."
Shit. It is an evil god!
Of course, from Isaac's perspective, all divine sigils were disgusting—especially the Supreme God's. But no one else could know that.
"The notification I got later just said it was some nameless lesser god."
Wait, what kind of horrifying evil god was it that they didn't even tell the kid its name?!
"The Golden Cardinal said he wanted to see me for a moment."
"What? That damn maniac?!"
Why the hell was he summoning a kid personally?!
"Don't tell me he plans to eliminate him right then and there?"
"Ah, Isaac. If that's true then—"
"I'm not going. Why should I go to the papal palace?"
"Isaac…!"
Everyone looked at Isaac, moved nearly to tears, but Isaac just glared with narrowed eyes.
"Who the hell is he to order me around?"
What was more urgent to Isaac now was the evaluation as a trainee priest.
For the execution ceremony, he could just crush the other teams to win. But to get into the central papal order, he'd need good grades.
That's the only way to become a saint and give the gods the middle finger.
"It was called the 'Pentagon', right? I heard the evaluation is really tough."
Given he had no faith to speak of, how he'd even pass it was a mystery, but the real problem was team performance.
Of course, the easiest way to win a game was to overwhelm everyone with your specs.
But this year's class was full of geniuses—not idiots. Where could he find a cheat that broke the scale?
No—what he really needed was someone whose skills completely eclipsed everyone else's...
And then—
"Isaac Eshua!"
"!"
Someone appeared in front of Isaac.
"I have business with you."
And when that person appeared, even the two uncles—and Shuri—were visibly shocked.
Why is he here?!
***
What the hell. Who is this punk?
Isaac's eyebrow twitched at the sight of the person in front of him. The other Eshuas were twitching for an entirely different reason.
And with good reason.
"It's Kina Verit!"
Striking silver hair. Even from a hundred meters away on horseback, he radiated "I have noble blood" from every pore.
His uncles and Shuri were in full-blown panic.
"…Brother! Why the hell is that kid here to see Isaac?! What the hell is going on?!"
"How would I know?!"
"If you don't know, who does?!"
"Agh! Shuri, don't you know anything?!"
"…I know even less."
They whispered among themselves as they looked nervously at Kina Verit.
But Kina Verit didn't seem to notice them at all—his eyes were locked onto Isaac, almost like he was glaring.
No, not quite a glare—it was more like intense determination…
"Don't tell me he's here to take care of Isaac himself?!"
"He heard something from his father?"
Daring to stand boldly before an 8th-rank Holy Knight was madness, but Kina Verit was already known as the "Little Pope."
He probably thought he could deal with Isaac even under the eyes of an 8th-rank Holy Knight.
"We need to drive him off before he lays a hand on Isaac—"
Just as Relai's eyes turned cold and his hand moved toward his sword—
"I thought you were just a nobody."
…What?
"But now I see—you've been hiding your skills for ten years, staying out of sight on purpose. You didn't want to mix with the others."
…What??
"I saw it at the ordination. You're on a whole different level. You shouldn't be wasting time as a trainee. No—you're too good for that. Come train directly under my grandfather!"
…What???!!
"Let's jump straight into the world of professionals!"
What the hell is he saying?!
The uncles and Shuri were on the verge of screaming. It was already insane enough that Kina Verit had come to find Isaac—
But now what?
He wanted Isaac to drop the trainee program and get private tutoring from the Pope himself?!
"Everyone else I've met was trash. But you're different. You're the only one who can stand as my equal."
"…???"
Goel looked even more bewildered as he grabbed Relai.
"Does Isaac really have the skills to deserve praise like that?"
"…Uh, well, when I tested him, his skills weren't bad, but…"
For a genius like Relai to say someone "wasn't bad" usually meant around 5th or 6th rank. Maybe slightly lower, considering his bias…
That's Why It Made Even Less Sense.
And for good reason—Kina Verit usually looked down on other priest candidates.
Not in the childish, petty way their enemy, Niger Sephet, did. No—it was like breathing to him. He naturally assumed there was a class difference. Like how humans don't consider themselves the same as ants.
And this guy, who even spoke poorly of the Saintess?
'Is this some new kind of bullying from the Papal Family?'
No, if it were, his eyes wouldn't look that serious.
"Eshua. Let's behead the Skull King together and lead the Holy Empire side by side."
And Isaac's eyes, full of pure loathing, made it clear how genuine his feelings were.
'The hell is this bastard saying?'
[He's saying he wants to get executed.]
Yeah, that's how it sounds to me too.
But somehow, Kina Verit seemed to misunderstand Isaac's expression, and with surprise in his voice, said:
"Oh, don't worry. I can get grandfather's approval right away. He always grants my requests. I can even lend you something from the Papal vault. If you want, I'll show you the secret teachings of gold."
...This bastard's really serious??
'What the hell is going on??'
The looks of Isaac's family were priceless.
No, this wasn't just ambition as a priest—this was unreal. Honestly, it was an offer so exceptional any normal priest would kill for it.
"Get lost."
...Oh. He said get lost.
"Not interested. I'm starting from the bottom, as a trainee."
He even looked at Kina like he was filth.
Kina, flustered, hastily tried to explain:
"Oh, if it's about the priest qualifications, don't worry. I'm not just suggesting we train. You can skip the worthless trainee phase and receive qualifications equivalent to someone with ten years of experience. You'd even outrank the upcoming graduates. The bishops would be your subordinates! That'd be better for you—"
"What, are you Papal brats deaf? I said I'm starting from the trainee level."
Because that's how I can save that bastard servant during the Offering Ritual!
"Why are you so set on taking me, anyway? If you want someone, take that guy!"
...That guy??
Shuri flinched at Isaac's rude finger jab.
"At least you could use him as an informant!"
But at those words, Kina looked absolutely offended, and said as if it should be obvious:
"He's not on your level."
"Well, yeah, true."
Shuri's eye twitched with a vein bulging.
These bratty brothers are straight-up disrespecting me now?!
Meanwhile, Isaac tilted his head. He just couldn't get it—why did this Papal brat want to train with him so badly?
Then Kina Verit leaned in and whispered:
"You have the talent to drive out demons with just your eyes."
Ah. That's it. That's the reason.
[He's talking about when you drove out that demon with just your aura, right, Master?]
Yeah. He must've seen that moment.
[But that's a demonic technique. Why would a priest think highly of it?]
The Pope can do it too. It's different in nature, but the effect is similar.
[Hah! So this guy thinks Master's using the Pope's technique?!]
Probably. That's what it seems like.
From the outside, they look the same.
And if Isaac's guess was right, Kina was probably desperate to learn it. It might even be the one secret technique he couldn't get from the Pope.
But even if Isaac wanted to teach him, he couldn't.
No, more like he wouldn't.
Might as well take advantage of this instead.
"Why do you act like you own people? If anyone's desperate, it should be you coming to me."
"…Wh-what?!"
"I mean, if you help me, I'll consider studying with you."
Isaac waved a hand dismissively.
"But private tutoring? Get bent. Studying under the Pope? Ugh! Just saying it makes me want to puke."
Kina Verit stared like he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
He looked like someone who had never once imagined this scenario in his life.
"…Don't tell me—you hate Grandfather?"
"Of course I do! I'd cut his damn hea—mmph!"
Just then, a black blur snatched Isaac away in a flash.
"Mmmph, mmph (You goddamn bastards!)!"
Isaac's mouth was silenced. The old man who had snatched him up looked at the stunned Kina Verit and said,
"My grandson is busy."
It was the Eshua family head.
"And don't associate with our kid ever again."
"...!"
Kina Verit trembled with fury.
These Eshua bastards. Are they… rejecting the Papal family?
"Don't get cocky. Even if you're the head of House Cheong, cross the line and—"
"This trash's idiocy might rub off on you."
"…?"
…What?
While Kina Verit was left dumbfounded, the Eshua family fled with Isaac like they were making a prison break.
"Mmph! (Eshua, you goddamn traitors! I'll wipe you out!)"
Isaac's muffled curses echoed behind them, but they didn't look back.
After all, saying "I'll cut the Pope's head off" was literally high treason. It was an execution-worthy offense.
And after they disappeared, Kina Verit was left standing alone, clicking his tongue in humiliation.
'Honestly… I didn't think he'd reject me.'
And who would? A chance to study under the Pope was a dream for everyone in the Holy Empire.
People lined up just to get a single cup of tea with Kina Verit!
But to be rejected?!
'Wait. Is he afraid his skills will be exposed?'
Was he just overrated?
Maybe so. If he were really that capable, the Eshua family head would've already made him a Saint.
Kina let out a bitter laugh. It had all been a misunderstanding. That aura he saw must've just been a fluke.
Thinking that made him mad.
'How dare that filthy brat insult the Papal family.'
He could be arrested immediately if he reported this to the Inquisition.
'Forget it. He wasn't even worth my time from the start—'
Just as he was about to dismiss it entirely—
"That's our Eshua! I knew that kid would shine!"
"Really?"
"Yeah! Even when he was a toddler, he scared off a magic beast at the academy cafeteria! Just glared at it and it ran off!"
Kina Verit's head snapped around.
What? What did they just say?
Scared off?
Some passing academy students laughed as they chatted.
"C'mon, like a magic beast would be scared of someone's eyes?"
"Yeah, I probably imagined it!"
Kina Verit's pupils trembled.
'Damn it. He really wasn't normal!'
***
"Those damn Eshua bastards! Once I get my strength back, I'll burn them to the ground!"
Isaac stormed toward the trainee priests' dorm.
He had almost unleashed the Skull King's power in his rage after being kidnapped, but the family head had shoved a gold nugget into his hand.
Of course, that wasn't going to be enough.
Mmph (Damn it, I'll skin all your heads!)!
Then the family head said:
A 304-carat diamond came in with the last shipment. I'm wondering what to do with it. Maybe I'll give it to whoever controls their power best during the training period.
Yeah. A 304-carat diamond? That's worth holding it in for.
Damn bastards. I'll forgive the gold nugget just this once.
'Anyway, I guess the group assignments are out?'
Of course, each group wasn't a small cluster of people.
About 30 per team. The groups weren't randomized—they grouped kids from close families or with similar beliefs together.
It was basically a faction war.
The Saint candidates had already formed their own factions back in the academy.
Well, they were heirs to noble houses vying for the top of the Holy Empire. Connections were a given.
But it didn't matter.
Most importantly, he was in the same group as Shuri, and apparently, everyone in the group was Shuri's close friends.
You're the youngest ever admitted… but they're still priests. They won't bully a kid outright. Don't worry—they're my friends, they'll treat you well.
Truly a fine older brother—he repaid kindness with kindness.
Sending him to school early was worth it.
Sure, the idea of getting along with priests made Isaac's skin crawl, but they were all six years older than him and this was a team activity—he'd have to cooperate.
Most of all, he had to get along with them to pass the test and rescue that subordinate.
'No need to stir up bad blood unnecessarily.'
Isaac smiled sweetly, like a good little boy.
The youngest always got to be the cute one. If he just acted a little friendly, they'd adore hi—
"Hey, tie him up."
…Huh?
Isaac couldn't believe his ears as he stepped into the dorm. But all of Shuri's "close friends" were looking at him and snickering.
"So you're the little brat who bullied Shuri? Some rude little punk, huh?"
"Can't have you acting out with us too. We'll teach you what respect for seniors means."
"Oh right—no family backing here, remember?"
"Don't tell Shuri, okay? Just say you had fun playing with your older brothers."
They're my close friends. Don't worry, I told them to be nice since you're my brother.
…Hah. Kim Shuri, you bastard.
You lying little piece of shit.
Isaac quietly pulled out his rattle.
[T/L: Read extra chapters on my ko-fi page "Pokemon1920" : https://ko-fi.com/pokemon1920 ]