Chapter 293

EP.293 The Savior, The One Who Wants to Drop

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Clank!

-Ugh! Ugh! Uuuugh!

A woman named Minji brought a chair and made the criminal sit on it.

She was so strong that she didn’t even grunt.

She could be mistaken for an athlete.

Minji began connecting various mechanical devices to the criminal’s body.

The machine looked ominous at first glance.

With something like a saw blade attached, it seemed like a torture device optimized for inflicting pain.

Adeline, who was extremely tense, said to Jihyuk,

“Mr. Jihyuk… I’m so scared… I don’t want to see this…”

Her voice trembled uncontrollably.

This place was uncomfortable, and the atmosphere was terrifying.

“A serious criminal doesn’t truly repent for their sins. Only by doing this can there be any hope.”

“B-but… they’re not even going to be accepted as a believer… Shouldn’t we just leave it to the law…?”

“The law has given this criminal a suspended sentence. If we just let them go, they’ll harm the people around them again.”

“But still…”

“How long has it been since you steeled your heart? Why are you acting like this?”

Today, Jihyuk’s words felt unusually cold.

I hate it… Jihyuk shouldn’t talk to me like that.

He should always speak to me warmly, with love in his voice.

“Mr. Jihyuk…! Right now…”

Just as Adeline was about to explode in anger, Jihyuk approached her and smiled softly.

“I got too carried away. Reading the criminal’s charges again made me suddenly angry… I’m sorry.”

Ah, I see. He was angry because of that lowly scum.

That trash… who shouldn’t even be allowed to set foot in society!

I almost fought with Jihyuk because of that guy!

But as expected, Jihyuk understands my feelings perfectly.

It feels like our souls are connected. I love it so much.

Adeline, twisting her body shyly, said,

“I’ll forgive you…”

“Thank you, Adeline.”

As the two were having such a sweet conversation,

– The compensation is ready.

Minji said something like that.

-Uuuugh! Ugh!

The criminal, gagged and struggling.

Even though they’re kneeling with their head down, they’re still making noise.

Unforgivable! First, we’ll carry out the compensation, then we can interrogate them or offer prayers of repentance!

Adeline, wide-eyed, looked at Jihyuk.

“Begin.”

Jihyuk nodded silently and spoke into the microphone.

“Ms. Minji, begin the compensation.”

-Yes.

Minji, who had bowed politely, pressed the button in her hand.

Kiiiiing-!

The saw blade near the criminal’s shoulder began spinning with a fierce momentum.

While Adeline was startled, Minji operated the remote control.

The saw blade slowly descended and began grinding the criminal’s shoulder very slowly, bit by bit.

Kakakaak-!

-Huuuuuuuuuuugh!!!

The horrifying sound of bone and flesh being scraped, and the criminal’s scream as if their soul was being torn apart.

The criminal’s blood seeped into the wooden chair, staining it red.

Adeline, horrified by the brutal scene, closed her eyes tightly and shouted,

“Stop! Stop it!!”

“We’re in the middle of a sacred compensation…”

“I said stop! Stop it right now!”

“Understood. Ms. Minji, stop the compensation.”

-Got it.

The torture device stopped immediately. Minji’s pretty face appeared on the TV.

Her expression was blank, even though the criminal’s blood had splattered on her.

Is she really feeling nothing after doing such a cruel thing?

It’s so eerie. She seems like an emotionless being.

Shocked, Adeline stood up and staggered.

Jihyuk rushed over to support her and asked,

“Are you okay?”

“…. I can’t watch anymore.”

“It’s your first compensation, so it must be hard.”

That’s right.

No matter how much I’ve steeled my heart… this is the first time I’ve seen such a sight.

I’d rather face demons than this.

I can’t bear to see a person in such pain.

From now on, do I have to do this myself?

Of course, Minji will carry it out if I give the order, but I don’t think I can ever do that.

“The sound… the sound is so chilling…! I can’t even bear to watch…!”

“Adeline, you must harden your heart.”

“How can I harden my heart after seeing that!? Are you planning to kill that man?”

“Of course not. Let me remind you, this is just compensation for a serious criminal. Think about the crimes this criminal has committed.”

Domestic violence, abuse, and most importantly… fraud.

A scoundrel who embezzled materials from the Rosario Temple for personal gain…!

A heretic who deserves to die…!

Gulp!

Adeline, suddenly feeling itchy eyes, rubbed them and composed her breathing.

Then she nodded.

“Start again… and… turn off the sound.”

“Understood.”

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Even though the TV sound was turned off, the screen remained the same.

A man covered in blood, writhing in pain.

Now, he seemed to have fainted, only twitching intermittently.

His flesh was torn, revealing bones—a severe injury.

It’s too cruel. I can’t even bring myself to look properly.

No matter how much I try to stay composed, I can’t get used to it.

When will this compensation end?

In the end, Adeline couldn’t even look at the TV properly until Minji cleaned up the criminal, trembling all over. Only after hearing Jihyuk’s kind words did she regain her composure.

“The criminal’s compensation is over.”

Finally, it’s over. That criminal has paid the price for their sins.

So that lowly scum… no, that person’s sins are gone.

“Where… where is that person going?”

“We’ll treat them and send them back to society.”

“Good. Take me to where that person is.”

“Right now? But the smell…”

“The smell… I’ll endure it. That person’s sins have been forgiven. So, I should pray for them to live well in society from now on. Repentance should be done like this.”

“Hmm… understood.”

Jihyuk took Adeline to the treatment room set up in the farthest corner of the warehouse.

The first thing Adeline did upon entering was grimace.

The musty smell of dust mixed with the stench of blood irritated her nose.

Looking around, Adeline noticed a man lying on a worn-out bed and asked,

“Is there no nurse?”

“Minji will treat them.”

“Is she skilled in medicine?”

“She’s good at everything. Didn’t she do the compensation excellently just now?”

“She does both the compensation and the treatment?”

“Yes.”

This is too haphazard!

Even if preparations were lacking… this is too harsh.

Adeline, with a serious expression, said,

“A criminal who has undergone compensation is no longer a criminal. They’re just a lost sheep. Please arrange for a few nurses by tomorrow. We need to establish a system.”

“Understood. What’s your evaluation of Minji?”

Minji? Judging by how she carried out the compensation without batting an eye, she has the qualities of a heresy inquisitor.

But one thing bothers me.

“I’ll talk to her separately. She seems to lack emotions, so she’ll need education.”

“Understood. Should I call her now?”

“First, I need to pray. Please be quiet for a moment.”

As Jihyuk stepped back, Adeline approached the man and sighed.

Seeing the mutilated body in person made her want to vomit.

But I’ll endure it. Let’s pray solemnly.

Adeline, steeling her heart, began reciting the prayer of repentance.

“Beloved Rosario… You who have defied the laws of the world, betrayed humanity, and hindered the righteousness of the church, please heal this pitiful soul…”

Ooooh-!

A thick, murky energy began to rise from Adeline’s body.

It wasn’t the radiant golden light she usually emitted.

It was a dull yellow, almost black.

The room was already dark, and Adeline, with her eyes closed, didn’t notice the murky energy entering the man’s body.

After a long time, Adeline finished her prayer and opened her eyes.

The energy had long disappeared.

With a refreshed expression, she looked down at the man and nodded in satisfaction.

“It’s done. His face looks very peaceful. He won’t commit any more sins.”

“Is that so? That’s a relief.”

Why does it feel like Jihyuk is smiling sinisterly?

No, he must just be happy.

The compensation and repentance are over, and I’ve shown a composed demeanor.

“Will you judge the next criminal?”

“No. Let’s stop here for today. Give each criminal a piece of bread and a sip of water, then lock them up.”

“What about the compensation…”

“We’ll do it tomorrow. I know I need to harden my heart, but… this is my first compensation. I need time to adjust. Also, from now on, I plan to start with minor criminals. What do you think?”

“I prioritize your opinion, Adeline. We’ll do it that way.”

It was a satisfying answer.

Adeline, as if pleased, gently patted Jihyuk’s side and said,

“Now, let’s get out of this filthy place. I feel like my soul is getting dirty.”

“Of course. Will you meet Minji now?”

“Of course. With proper education, she can become an excellent believer and heresy inquisitor.”

“She’s only been a believer for a short time, and you’re making her a heresy inquisitor? Isn’t that too much?”

“Mr. Jihyuk…! I said with proper education. Why are you so slow to understand?”

“Ah, right…”

Sigh… I’m worried if we can even do proper missionary work with him being so dense.

How did he even recruit Minji?

Wait… did she accept the job because she has feelings for Jihyuk?

If so, Minji is also a target for compensation.

Jihyuk is mine alone, and no one can take him.

Come to think of it, Silvia still seems to have feelings for Jihyuk…

Grind!

Adeline, without realizing it, clenched her teeth.

Jihyuk asked with a puzzled look,

“What’s wrong?”

“N-nothing… Where is Minji?”

“She’ll be here soon.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Minji entered the treatment room carrying surgical equipment.

Upon seeing Adeline, she immediately knelt on the hard floor and bowed her head.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Saint.”

Her action, almost like prostration, made Adeline’s face brighten.

She seems highly loyal, willing to follow any order… and the warm aura she exudes feels nice.

Most importantly, she knows her place.

After staring at Minji for a moment, Adeline spoke.

“Please rise.”

Minji slowly stood up, her hands respectfully clasped in front of her.

“Your name is Kim Minji, right?”

“Yes, Adeline. Thank you for remembering my name.”

Tsk. Everything’s good, but she’s too robotic.

It feels like she’s lost her mind.

“What emotions did you feel while carrying out the compensation on the criminal?”

“It was the command of the Cult Leader and the Saint, so I did it with joy.”

“I’m not pleased. Even if it’s a judgment against heresy, didn’t you feel even a hint of guilt for causing pain to another person?”

“….”

Seeing Minji hesitate, Adeline’s eyes softened.

Seeing her like this, it seems she does have emotions… That’s a relief.

“It’s okay, speak your mind.”

“I humbly report that I didn’t want to treat someone who harmed the Cult Leader and the Saint, whom I revere, as a human.”

Minji’s tone conveyed sincerity.

She seems like she’ll become a valuable subordinate.

Adeline, smiling brightly, said,

“That’s a valid point, but Minji, you still have much to learn. So, I’ll educate you myself.”

“Y-you’ll personally… teach me?”

“Yes, I’ll personally teach you. So, study hard. And become an excellent believer and heresy inquisitor, assisting both the Cult Leader, Jihyuk, and me, the Saint.”

Minji, trembling with emotion, bowed her head to the ground again.

“Thank you…! Thank you!”

Adeline let out a soft laugh upon seeing Minji.

“Good. Let’s leave now. The smell is unbearable. Come up after finishing the treatment.”

Adeline, unaware that she had fallen into the abyss.

Completely entangled in Jihyuk’s schemes, she became more and more engrossed in this religious play.

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