Episode 34

Divine Light Garam (1)
8 months ago
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The day after Im Hyeja and I launched a massive affection offensive.

Meowi and I headed to the Guild early in the morning and were currently waiting anxiously in front of the counter.

“…Um, just a moment.”

The employee in front of us wasn’t the usual woman who handled our cases.

She was a woman with glasses, looking meticulous yet intellectual.

It wasn’t that there was a problem with the usual staff.
This application we gave needed to be judged fairly and objectively, so someone completely unconnected to us was handling it.

“Yes, it has been confirmed.”

The employee adjusted her glasses with the back of her hand as she looked at Meowi.

“I will confirm this once again procedurally. As a side note, please be aware that this entire process is being recorded. Ms. Ma Hana. I will ask you once more. Are you really intending to take the 3★ promotion exam?”

“Y-yes! That’s correct.”

“In fact, there is a slight issue with Miss Ma Hana taking the promotion exam now. You might already be aware of this situation. The performance you have shown over the past few months has been truly terrible.”

Although it was a sharp remark, our recently grown Meowi wasn’t disheartened by such words.

Instead, she clenched her fists, and her eyes sparkled brightly.

“I know. But as it is written in the order, not giving up is a virtue… I will not stop growing!”

“That’s good, then. Fortunately, the recent achievements reported in ‘The Garden of Pearl the Spitting Tortoise’ have been very high, so it seems you will be eligible to take the test.”

Phew… that’s a relief.’

I breathed a sigh of relief at the employee’s words.
I was actually quite nervous looking at her
Wondering if she might be rejected…?

“The class currently recorded is [Guardian]. Is this a true and honest fact?”
“Yes!”
“Understood. I have now submitted the application to the order. The reservation is in progress. Once the approval comes through, you can depart immediately.”

“Thank you!”
“Thank you!”

At our greetings, the female employee smiled broadly and said, “I hope for a good outcome from this…”

It seemed this person also embodied the typical ‘GAL’ principle of being a good person.

One hour later.

As soon as we received the Guild’s approval, we hurriedly took a bus to the designated urban area.

The reason for our rush was simple.

“The later it gets, the more troublesome it becomes.”

If we’re unlucky, we might just hit closing time and end up wasting the entire day.

The place we arrived at was a massive temple.

Though it was called a temple.
It was indeed more majestic than most high-rise buildings in ‘GAL’.

The atmosphere was completely out of place amidst the surrounding landscape filled with 21st-century cutting-edge technology.

Yet no one dared to utter such irreverent remarks.

Because this temple was the symbol of dignity for what was commonly called the “Big Four”: [Academy], [Association], [Clan], and the last force, [Order].

Carelessly gossiping about such things could earn one the charge of ‘blasphemy,’ so everyone was naturally cautious.

“Wow, look at the line…”

As Meowi said, even though it was just 10 AM, the line at the temple stretched on and on.

Sigh. I thought maybe we should have come here at dawn after all, and so we hurriedly queued up.

“…Fortunately, it looks like we can get in after waiting about four hours, Seha.”
“…Does it really take that long?”
“There’s nothing we can do about it.”

Even in “GAL,” there were messages about how hard it was for the characters to wait, but I didn’t expect it to be this tough.

“…Well, it’s a matter related to promotion, so it can’t be helped.”

That’s right.
You might have guessed, but what we were aiming for was Meowi’s promotion exam.

Currently, Meowi’s rank is 2★.

Based on my experience, the merit (work) she has done seemed sufficient to take the 3★ exam, and today I got confirmation through an employee.

In fact, originally, Meowi’s promotion wasn’t scheduled in my plans.

Even though there was still time left until enrollment, it wasn’t like we had plenty of time to waste.

Moreover, the promotion wouldn’t immediately show its effects once it was done.

‘It’s a bit unusual.’

In most other games, when a character’s ★ increases, they usually become significantly stronger.

However, in “Gonis Archive Life,” things were different.

Even if you’ve upgraded and gained a ★, there’s nothing immediately noticeable about the change.

So, what’s good about it?

‘…Growth in the latter half.’

The higher the character’s rank, the wider the scope for becoming stronger.

The meaning of becoming stronger varied.

It primarily includes growth correction rates for stats, and also encompasses proficiency gained as traits and skills level up.

Conversely, characters with a lower rank might grow only to a certain extent before suddenly hitting a wall and becoming unable to progress.

Ultimately, whether one liked it or not, upgrading was an obligatory ritual that must be performed at any cost.

‘Here, some dungeons require a minimum rank.’

Right now, being in my newbie days, I could enter anywhere.
But later, if you’re not at least 3★, there will be numerous dungeons you can’t even enter.

In other words, to avoid being blocked right at the entrance before even trying anything, rank was essential.

I’ve heard that once you take on the role of a “Hunter,” it’s mandatory to reach up to 3★.

What about 4★ and beyond?

You might ask me.

From here, the story changes a bit.

“…Innate talent and effort. And the realm of one’s birth.”

There were two types of advancement: ‘Inborn’ which you are born with, and ‘Promotion’ which you achieve through testing.
These were the two categories it was divided into.

In most cases, even if they were of the same star, those with ‘Inborn’ status had a wider range of growth.

Back when I was in the ranking.
“Why do you insist on sticking with Ma Hana? Her growth range is quite limited.” That was also why I heard this so often.

‘Yet I overcame it with affection.’

And I will continue to overcome it in the future.

Anyway, coming back to the point, the real difficulty of the promotion exams would be truly felt starting from 4★.

From this point on, no joke, you would find yourself automatically cursing those “Damn GM bastards.”

Thus, from 4★ onwards, it would essentially forms a wall that would be hard to overcome just by effort.

Among hunters, it was considered the ultimate line that only the destined could cross.

Practically speaking, there were only a few dungeons that required more than 4★.
So, it wasn’t considered essential.

‘…Besides, there are social backgrounds, hastily judging the value of a hunter, and so on…’

Unconditionally raising it would be a good report card and the blossoming of potential.

That is what a star rating (★) is.
This is why so many hunters struggle early in the morning.

Then, one might think.
Is the star rating something given by the order?
But that’s not it either.

The ‘test’ must be undertaken by the hunter themselves, through effort, going to ‘some’ designated dungeons, fields, or special places.

What the Order does is help understand what the ‘character’s’ assigned test is all about.

A set of guidelines and conditions would be provided.

In fact, this wasn’t only possible through the Order.

One could also consult a spirit.

Or, like the recently acquired [Mesto’s Magnifying Glass], one could ask someone who had honed the [Observation] skill to its limit.

Well, there were also other methods, like the villains and minions who worship the ‘Demon King’ and offer sacrifices to find out, but let’s skip that part.

Anyway, rather than using such suspicious methods for our growth, it was easiest and most certain to directly check with the Order.

The Order gets criticized because of its culture of rejecting the sacred.

In this regard, they were strict enough to be honest and faithful.

They assert the first doctrine that the [Class] and ‘★’ given to a person are directly bestowed by the God, representing ‘status,’ ‘value,’ and ‘karma.’

‘…It’s too extreme, though.’

Because of this point, the Order was a group that caused much talk, even among the ‘Supervisors’.

“…Ah, Seha. Over there.”
“Huh?”

While wondering when our turn would come, I was killing time needlessly with thoughts, Meowi pointed ahead, as if she saw something.

Across the line in front of us, I could see the back of a head that looked familiar.

Light pistachio green short hair and long orange hair that reached the waist.

Huh? Those guys again…

‘…Aren’t they the duo of thieves from yesterday?’

It was unmistakable.
Wow, even such trash takes the test.
It seemed like they had come to receive the same 3★ promotion as our Meowi.

“Hmm?”
“What?”

Then, realizing we were looking at them, the duo turned to look at us.
Seeing me and Meowi, they reacted like stereotypical third-rate villains, exclaiming, “Ah! You guys!”

They started saying something, but…
Ah, they were too far to hear…
I couldn’t hear what they’re saying.

“…Meow…? I’ll give you a lot of trouble! Is that what they said?”

As expected of Meowi.
It seemed like the Myoin Tribe had good hearing.

“Leave them be. They are not worth bothering about.”
“Okay.”

30 minutes later.

Just as I was getting tired of waiting.
I noticed a group of slightly less than ten nuns walking out of the temple entrance.

This subtle yet holy sensation felt like an [Unprecedented Sense].

Someone who possessed [Divinity] was definitely coming.

And not just a mere 1 point like us, but a ‘cleric’ who had at least 10 or more.

“Meowi, someone from the Order is coming.”
“Meow?!”

I warned the slightly dozing Meowi beforehand and stood up straight.

“Ah, can you hear me, everyone?”

One of the nuns, praying, stepped forward.
Despite her soft voice, it was clear enough to make me think she might have the [Voice Amplification] trait with her.

“The line you all have formed is too unorganized, causing inconvenience to the passing citizens. Please gather by the corner along the temple wall to minimize obstruction in the pathway. Also, it’s fine to have snacks by waiting in line, but I often see people littering on the streets. We will provide disposal bags to you, so please help clean up the surroundings. Additionally, our Sisterhood plans to conduct a thorough inspection for a mid-check. Please show the belongings and equipment you are carrying. Certain hazardous consumables and items against the rules will be confiscated and returned to you when you leave.”

“What?”

“What kind of nonsense is this?!”

Discontent burst among the hunters at the words of the Order.

Hunters were essentially individuals who thrived on their own arrogance.

From early morning, lining up here was infuriating enough for those who gathered, and now they wanted to inspect our equipment too?

Even confiscate them if needed?

For them, equipment was both a means of livelihood and a partnership, so a negative response was inevitable.

Bang!

However, soon everyone fell silent at the sound of a mace smashing the ground.

The nun, whose slender forearms belied her monstrous strength, continued with a broad smile.

“If you’re that upset, you can just leave.”

Wow, i-is this really the Order?
Scary.


The inspection was conducted swiftly.

“This is a powder made from grinding vampire extract. Carrying something illicit like this is not right, it will be confiscated.”
“Ah! That’s a healing potion! It’s expensive! Don’t just take it away!”
“Excuse me. Please show me your equipment. And take out the dagger you’re trying to hide at your waist.”
“Eek…”

About ten nuns were kind.
But they dealt with the hunters mercilessly, with a very business-like demeanor.

Their faces were full of smiles.
But their eyes were as cold as perpetual snow.

How should I put it…? It wasn’t contempt.
But the rejection was so strong that it was distinctly felt by others.

There were many hunters who bristled at this behavior, but they all quieted down when they gripped the maces at their waists.

The duo of thieves in front also protested when something was confiscated. However, they soon cowered under the nun’s gaze and backed down.

“Meow… Seha, I’m scared…”
“It’s okay. We don’t have anything strange on us, right?”
“Well, that’s true, but… I-I have experience too…”
“Huh? Oh, now that you mention it, you must have been here once since you took the 2★ test.”
“Yes… Their eyes were incredibly cold then, too. That’s why I’m a bit scared…”

I gently stroked Meowi’s head, meaning to reassure her not to worry.

We hadn’t done anything suspicious till now, so there was no need to be scared.

Soon, it was our turn.

“Excuse me. Could you show me your equipment… Oh!”

The nun was startled when our eyes met.
Then she just stared blankly at me.
Uh… Was there something on my face?

“Excuse me…?”
“Ah! Th-thank you. You are a-a feast for the eyes.”
“…Sorry?”
“No, not that! I mean, c-could y-you show me your equipment?”
“Yes, yes…”

The nun hurriedly checked mine and Meowi’s equipment in a fluster.
While inspecting the Turtle’s longsword and shield.
She seemed to sense something odd, stopped, and stared intently at us.

“…Huh?”

Then she said, “Please wait here for a moment,” and called over a few nuns standing behind her.

Soon, three people rushed over and examined Meowi and me from head to toe.

For a moment, I felt like a monkey in a zoo.

At first, the nuns looked puzzled at us.
Then, they looked surprised.
Finally, their expressions turned into kind smiles.

“Excuse me, you two. Do you perhaps possess [Divinity]?”
“Yes, we do have it.”

At that answer, other hunters standing in front and behind us stared at us with astonished eyes.

“I’m sorry, but could you possibly show us just your Divinity value?”

Meowi and I opened our status windows, covering everything else, and only revealed our [Divinity] status.

Upon seeing the number ‘1’.
The nuns’ faces lit up as if they had just reunited with a long-lost family.

“Brother, Sister?”

Even the way they called us had changed.

“Yes?”
“Today, meeting our brother and sister must be the Lord guiding us.”
“…Uh, I think?”
“Please follow us. We will guide you to the temple.”

It was like they were offering us a fast pass from this.

Surprised, Meowi blinked and opened her mouth in shock.

“W-we have to wait… don’t we?”

“Waiting is a kind of trial the Lord gives for qualifications. You two, already possessing sacred divinity, need not undergo such trials.”

Then she extended her hand.
Thinking this must be my lucky day, I followed them.

Turning my head, I saw the hunters who had been waiting ahead, looking dismayed.

Ahem, I felt a bit sorry at all of them for a moment.

Then I made eye contact with the duo, looking utterly dumbfounded.

“C-Crazy…divinity? That furball has divinity?”
“…N-No way. It cannot be!”

The duo stared blankly, as if they couldn’t believe it.

Ah, forget everything else. I want to do this.

I stuck out my tongue at the two of them and teased, “Teehee~.”

“Eek!”
“Th-that damn brat!”

Their trembling figures were extremely satisfying for me to watch.

So, what can you guys do now?

‘If you’re upset, why don’t you go and gain divinity?’

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