Chapter 81

Day two of autumn.

Like dawn, I rose early and headed straight for the church. Worried there might be no one around, but a priest of the Sun God appeared in pristine white robes, hands clasped in quiet prayer.

“To the brother may the blessings of the sun descend. What brings you here…? Please, come inside. You carry the church’s brooch.”

“Yes.”

“Do you know what the brooch signifies?”

“I understand it’s given to those who aid the church.”

“Correct. Is there something you seek from the church?”

“I’d like to check my condition.”

“Are you ill or cursed?”

“Not exactly, but I have a minor issue. I thought perhaps it could be detected.”

“Understood. Please come inside.”

Guided by the priest, I entered the bustling interior of the temple. Even at dawn, children moved about busily—some cleaning, others praying in the garden. Each carried on with their daily routines as we made our way deeper into the sanctuary.

Even slight movements echoed through the vast space, small noises magnifying to fill the tranquil temple with warmth.

“May I inquire about how you’ve assisted the church?”

“We helped villagers during a flood. Provided them with one meal.”

“A great deed. Such kindness makes the world a brighter, more positive place.”

The priest smiled kindly, enhancing my already favorable impression of this church. Were all its members like this?

“Have you ever undergone a divine inspection?”

“This is my first time.”

“You’ll get good results.”

“I hope so.”

Good results… For me, that meant discovering the problem and finding a solution. I followed the priest hopefully.

Passing through several rooms and corridors, we arrived at an elegant chamber—a place clearly holding significance.

“Please take a seat. A high priest will arrive shortly.”

“Will they conduct the inspection?”

“Yes. Normally it’s done by appointment, but exceptions are made for benefactors of the church—those who carry the brooch.”

Appointments… It reminded me of a doctor’s office. Was this how the church earned money? But serving others isn’t merely a means of livelihood for them.

Sitting quietly, I sensed a peculiar energy—different from mana, tingling and strange. Could this be divine power?

Though unable to move, I could feel it. Warm and gentle, contrasting sharply with the cold rationality of mana. This warmth explained why those wielding divine power seemed kind-hearted.

Thinking of Gilbert, brimming with mana, made me realize how accurate that notion was.

Creak— The door opened, revealing a wrinkled priest with a benevolent face. Around his neck hung a wooden necklace bearing a cross with a sun embedded in it. He raised it slightly while making a sign, completing some sort of ritual by placing his lips upon it.

A cross. Perhaps influenced by Earth? Though the game itself was created there.

“Welcome.”

“Yes. Welcome. I heard you requested a divine inspection. Is there anything specific you’d like us to focus on?”

“Can human emotions be examined closely?”

“Checking for feelings like sadness or despair?”

“Yes. To see if there’s any underlying issue.”

“Typically, it depends on individual capacity. We can offer encouragement and spiritual support, but cannot interfere directly with personal mental realms.”

“Hmm.”

Disappointed, I frowned slightly. Seeing this, the priest smiled gently and continued.

“If such were possible, it would fall under mind control—a practice we do not engage in. Nonetheless, shall we proceed with the inspection?”

“Yes, please.”

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If this doesn’t work, I’ll try again later. Until then, onward.

“It’ll take about ten minutes.”

The priest extended his hand, warm energy gathering within it.

Slowly, it swept over my head and down my body. The energy seeped inward, gently exploring every corner.

Like a medieval MRI, it felt strange yet intriguing.

Ten minutes passed, and the priest withdrew his hand.

“Is it finished?”

“Yes, it’s done.”

“And?”

“How should I put this…”

The tension mounted as the priest paused.

“There’s nothing physically or mentally amiss. You possess one of the healthiest bodies I’ve inspected recently.”

My hopes deflated. Truly, there was nothing wrong?

Still unsure, I lightly bit my lower lip—an instinctive reaction.

“That’s all?”

“Though, about that brooch…”

“Yes?”

“Was it ever placed near something harmful? There’s a dark, ominous aura clinging to it.”

“Ah.”

At this, a forgotten memory resurfaced—Shadow Relic.

Could I bring it out here?

After hesitating briefly, I retrieved it from my bag.

“What is this?”

“Do you know what it is?”

The priest fell silent for a moment, collecting his thoughts before slowly explaining.

“It’s a form of will written using magic. A will containing preserved memories.”

“A will?”

“Yes. Commonly used by nobles and mages. When they wish to pass on unaltered information to successors or intended recipients. Since storing personal memories often causes critical injuries, it’s frequently employed as a last testament.”

So that’s why he left the relic behind when he died. The mysterious shadow we encountered on the 40th floor came to mind.

“The memory residue suggests something dark and sinister. Be cautious. Negative memories can consume one’s emotions and sanity.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

“Your tone implies you intend to read it.”

“It seems necessary.”

“If anything goes wrong, come back. Since the inspection revealed nothing, this much courtesy I can offer.”

“Thank you.”

“You’ve worked hard. You may leave now.”

“Yes.”

Stepping out of the warm room, a slight chill greeted me. Was it the autumn weather or the ominous shadow relic in my hand?

Memories…

Could this reveal something?

Slim chances, but I held onto hope. Not intending to use it immediately, I planned to prepare thoroughly at home before proceeding.

After leaving the temple, I dropped some coins into the donation box. Although the brooch allowed me free inspections, it was only polite to acknowledge their efforts. After all, this shadow relic might provide some leads.

Warping home, Evangelin was preparing breakfast.

“You’re here?”

Her refined voice calmed my complex emotions. This feeling, this mood—it was warm and peaceful.

It fueled a harmonious start to the day.

“Thank you.”

Perhaps because I rarely express gratitude, when I hugged her tightly, her ears turned bright red. Flustered, her hands flailed momentarily before softly settling on my back.

“Yes… Yes…”

“Shall we eat breakfast?”

“Yes…”

Her usually calm voice softened further, nearly fading away. My heightened senses picked up even her faint whispers, fully capturing her bashfulness.

After breakfast, Evangelin went outside to care for Jack while I sat pondering, eventually pulling out the shadow relic to decipher its contents.

[Shadow Relic]

[A remnant left behind by an ancient shadow upon death.

Partially preserves the shadow’s memories and experiences.

Ingesting it allows you to acquire part of the shadow.]

Same as before. No further details were provided beyond this description.

Taking a deep breath, I exhaled slowly. Carefully placing the relic in my mouth, I swallowed.

The last thing I remembered was how disgustingly tasteless it was, like chewing food waste.

*

…

A dream.

The sensation, the consciousness—like being in the system shop. Vague yet familiar impressions blurred together. It was unmistakably the realm of dreams.

Having frequented the system shop, this feeling had become second nature.

So viewing someone’s memories works like this. A stark white room gradually colored itself, allowing me to glimpse someone else’s recollections. Strangely fascinating, I opened my mouth wide, focusing intently on the unfolding scene.

“…!”

No!

Bang!

Someone slammed their fist against a table. Their identity was unclear; just a stranger.

“Why? Why won’t it work? Why?”

Confused mutterings escaped their lips as they repeated themselves, lost in thought.

“I love you. I can love you. Love… Dating too. Marriage…”

“!”

Those words struck me like lightning. His struggles mirrored my own.

Though focused, my attention sharpened further.

“Can I… Hm. No.”

Creaking back in his chair, the man slumped forward, his hollow laughter echoing through the painted room.

“Again. Again until I succeed. Even if I fail.”

His murmurs hinted at madness. Obsessive repetition and relentless persistence bordering on insanity.

The scene shifted, like film reels changing.

“I don’t feel it.”

“What don’t you feel?”

“Your emotions…”

“I’m trying. Evolving…”

“Nonsense. Can emotions really develop through effort? They should ignite naturally. Passionate devotion, warmth in friendship—should these require deliberate effort?”

“No. That’s not right.”

“I thought you loved me. Thought I could be loved.”

“It’s possible.”

“It was all a misunderstanding.”

Chilling dialogue unfolded. Despite never meeting these two people, their conversation rang painfully true.

The scene changed again. Time flowed, presenting the man confronting some unknown entity.

“Isn’t there a reason you’ve made me insane?”

“It wasn’t me.”

“Then why am I here? Why has it come to this!”

“You want to go back, don’t you.”

“Huh?”

“If you return, sacrifices must be made.”

“Wait. What did you say?”

“To stay here, another sacrifice would be required.”

“So tell me. What must I give up?”

“You’re straddling both worlds. Indecisive. Let go of lingering attachments. Whether staying here or returning.”

“…My parents. Everything I’ve left behind?”

“If you wish to return, you forfeit your right to remain here. Naturally, you can’t coexist with those here. Simple logic.”

“You can’t have both sides. Make your choice, and the path will open.”

“Is there a way to choose both?”

“See the ending. It’s written in the letter. For a fulfilling life, watch the ending.”

“I already did. Completed everything!”

“That was fake. The real ending. The world’s genuine conclusion.”

“Does the world even have an ending? Where’s the resolution?”

“Somewhere out there, surely.”

The scene shifted once more, flowing like ripples.

Shaken by what I’d seen, my mind struggled to process it all. Like an improperly oiled machine, it ground to a halt.

So…

The person who came to this world before me concluded this after conversing with some enigmatic being?

Watch the ending, and you can have it all.

Otherwise, choose one side—and sacrifice the other…

“What…”

What does my face look like right now?

Am I laughing at the absurdity?

Or frowning, sensing the truth in those words?

Perhaps it’s a mix of both—an indescribable expression.

I don’t know.

Indeed, it’s unknowable.

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