Ark always dreamed of traveling the world, training his body and willpower far beyond what anyone thought a boy could endure. His childhood motto- "A strong will can gain strong muscles"-became his entire way of life. But one day, a wandering priest uncovered something strange within his small village: a power said to belong to the gods themselves... and that power resided in Ark.

With the ability to revive the dead, Ark becomes both a blessing and a curse. For while people celebrate his miracle, whispers grow louder: Where does the life he restores truly come from? The doubt gnaws at Ark's heart.

Alongside his foul-mouthed childhood friend Narsh (whose "demon tongue" terrifies even her parents) and Malrik, the sharp-eyed priest who guides them, Ark sets off on a journey that's equal parts dangerous and ridiculous. From absurd daily training routines to demon-tongued bickering, the group stumbles through comedic chaos on the road-while slowly uncovering the truth about factions like the mysterious Hound and Ark's divine burden.

In a world where laughter mixes with peril, Ark must face the weight of his strange gift, the meaning of his resolve, and the question that started it all:

"Sage, the life you gave... where did you take it from?"

That was the first thing Malrik muttered when he found us sitting on a bench just outside the church gates.


Narsh and I were hunched forward, arms crossed, cheeks puffed like angry squirrels. A chicken sat between us, clucking happily, completely unaware that it had become a silent mediator.


Malrik rubbed his forehead, staff tucked under his arm.


"I leave you two alone for a single morning. A single morning. And now you've both vanished from the church like children sneaking out of class."


"Well maybe if the church wasn't so boring, I wouldn't have to go start fights in the market."


I waved my hands quickly. "Not fights! More like… heated discussions! With merchants. Who may or may not be crying right now."


The priest finally sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.


"Won it fair and square in a shouting contest. The merchant practically begged me to take it."


I muttered, "He begged you to shut up."


Malrik groaned, clearly regretting every choice that led him to this day.


"Listen carefully, both of you. The High Priests have summoned Ark. They wish to see this so-called miracle with their own eyes."


The weight of his words crushed the air around us.


I felt my stomach twist. "…They want me? Just like that?"


"Yes." Malrik's voice was firm. "They debated long into the night after my report. Today, they will judge whether your gift is divine… or something else."


Narsh leaned forward, her smirk fading into a scowl.


"And what if they decide Ark's gift is 'bad'? What then?"


Malrik didn't answer right away. His silence was heavy enough.


"You must both be on your best behavior. The Church is not a marketplace. If you curse in front of the priests—"


I raised my hand timidly. "Uh, should I do push-ups to look impressive?"


The three of us stood in tense silence.


Then Narsh suddenly grabbed my sleeve and whispered, "Don't worry, Ark. If they try to screw with you, I'll unleash such a string of profanity their gods will retire early."


I chuckled weakly. "I think that might be worse than death."


Malrik groaned again. "Why do I even try?"


And with that, he led us back inside the church, where the judgment of the High Priests awaited.


Chapter 23 - Chapter 23: The Priest's Summons