Became a Tutorial Scarecrow

Chapter: 25

The cure developed through the Tutorial Zone didn’t just stop at breaking the brainwashing; it also created a kind of immune system.

Thus, the saintess who couldn’t even cure a simple cold became a broad-spectrum antibiotic that cured specific brainwashing, healing the entire Gender of the Holy Nation, starting with Maria.

For her, wasn’t this perhaps the first time in her life she exhibited such saintly behavior, both inside and out?

“I, Saint Hera, on behalf of the Trans Cathedral and the Holy Gender, would like to express my apologies and my heartfelt gratitude.”

“Then, shall we first regenerate your arm and finish our conversation afterward?”

Of course, the saintly image she had carefully built was immediately dismantled by the very person herself.

Her relief work was rather extravagant.

“Finally, it’s almost time.”

“Almost time?”

Beep beep beep beep beep

Hera spoke as if she were waiting for something, and when the alarm went off, she smiled brightly and regenerated her arm.

‘Surely it’s not true that the reason it didn’t regenerate was because not enough time had passed since the brainwashing…?’

Even if that weren’t the case, by this point, it was already madness masked as faith.

I’d have to think a bit more about the ranking regarding the Emperor before I could write about it. The Emperor wouldn’t just set a time to toy with the Knight Commanders… Probably.

“Is there any additional information about the incident that has come in?”

I heard right after the incident was resolved that most of the priests, even the Pope, were victims of brainwashing.

At first, I was worried that it was a play to evade suspicion, but the testimony that he caused a ruckus by ripping off his shirt atop the Vatican cleared any doubt.

Even if he is the criminal, it’s only polite to be fooled if he’s shown such sincerity.

‘The saintess is confessing all the Pope’s vices under the premise that truthfulness is a virtue in religion.’

And it’s true that Yuri was spreading news on Izuri’s punishment. In fact, this might be the norm.

“I’m embarrassed to say this, but aside from assuming the culprit is a total third party…”

Anyway, it seems no suspicious individuals or circumstances have been found among the manufacturers or distributors.

That’s not surprising. It’s still early in the investigation, and there’s no way someone who deliberately targeted the Holy Nation would get caught so easily.

“All of this is…”

“Since it’s not the work of an insider, it’s all thanks to the saintess, the Pope, and even Ernest, who care for us with love and affection.”

“Now that you mention it, I don’t know how to respond.”

As she prepared to regenerate her arm, she was already reaching for the dagger, and Pavlov’s Maria, having mastered her lessons, opened her mouth earlier than planned. She employed her wit to defend the universe.

No matter how crazy they were in their self-pitying apologies, or rather, as saints—they’d be unable to dismiss this when they were crucially invoking their god to uplift them.

Maria growing up is welcome, but if we let it go unchecked, we’ll find ourselves having to pull an all-nighter again.

“Next, we at the Trans Cathedral are ready to honor any request regarding the grace bestowed by Brother Ai and his group.”

In this moment, lumping together the “group” that was considerate of Maria, who was melancholic from her solo brainwashing experience, displayed a meticulous and impressive demeanor.

Luckily, I had managed to steer the conversation back to the main topic, so I decided not to dwell too deeply on it.

“I assume everyone is busy cleaning up after the incident and recovering from the damage. Let’s hold off on that talk for now and talk later.”

“A thoughtful gesture; I will embrace it graciously. We shall wait quietly for you to approach us whenever you feel ready.”

If one were to view this crookedly, it might sound like there’s nothing you’re obliged to provide.

But apart from that, I truly don’t need anything right now. At best, maybe a Saint’s Free Pass, though that’s not something I urgently need.

“Well then, Brother Ai. Would you like to ask God a question?”

I had been planning to ask carefully, but Hera seemed to understand my intent and broke the silence first.

Yeah, this is indeed what I came here for.

“Yes, please.”

Understanding that conveyed through her nod made Hera clasp her hands together.

The thought that they might have merely touched wrists disrupted my concentration, but as refreshing divine power rose around her, that thought vanished entirely.

‘With so much divine power overflowing, it doesn’t feel threatening like before. Rather… it feels cozy.’

A cross-shaped halo symbolizing Ernest floated above Hera’s head.

This was the mark of a connection to God. To corroborate this, she wore a benevolent smile.

“God hears every word. What would you like to ask?”

Even though I had carefully organized and reviewed my words countless times, I took a moment to step back for a last check.

The saintess seemed to interpret this behavior as tension and flashed a knowing smile.

“…How and why did I end up here?”

It’s a question that’s puzzling considering I arrived of my own accord, bringing a letter of recommendation.

Indeed, Maria, Astraea, and even Hera appeared shocked.

However, Ernest, you understand what I really want to inquire. Especially since you’re the one responsible for bringing me to this world.

Alright, give me the right answer. You wouldn’t pretend to be clueless or dodge a response while my precious daughter is watching, right?

“Uh, um… ‘I guided you.’…”

“…I see.”

I nearly let out a chuckle.

At first glance, it sounded like a typical Biblical verse, but perhaps it was a response crafted to respect my reluctance to elaborate in front of my companions.

Even while acknowledging that he’d brought me here without permission, he still tried to play the part of a merciful god. Did that bastard just blow away my pleas?

“If you know me, you can easily infer the reason…” he continued.

‘What on earth does that mean?’

There’s really no need to elaborate that much.

Though I can’t disclose the circumstances, I must relay them somehow. Can’t he see his daughter struggling because she’s trying to articulate what she heard?

“Daughter, don’t be too embarrassed… Ah, I mean, that’s directed at me…”

I’ve been pondering why the ratio of sane individuals in this world is so dreadful. The mystery that was almost analogous to traffic congestion has finally unraveled itself.

Considering that the Creator is in this state, it makes sense that the screws of the creations become loose one by one.

“Brother… I’ll offer you a hint, so ease up on the critiques…”

Now he’s even nagging his daughter. Seriously, he does everything.

“Excuse my interruption for a moment…”

Hera, having transformed from a pure madwoman to one with backstory, approached and placed her hand over her heart.

Pat-

The warm divine energy from just moments ago began to spread from my chest throughout my entire body.

I felt a mix of being endowed with newfound power while also widening my interiors for exploration.

And this expression was spot on.

‘Personal characteristics, huh?’

A unique ability characteristic, something that had elevated Super Ego Online and other games to their extremes. Personal traits.

Users were left in awe of the limitless potential from the combinations of numerous branching classes and personal traits.

‘Receiving this before even hitting level 60…’

This was usually an area that could only be tackled after reaching level 100.

He was showing off but still contributed to a valuable gift, even aside from the hint aspect.

‘So, what’s the characteristic?’

…Player?

“Brother, were you a bard…?”

Hera reflected her uncertainty, having glimpsed the title without seeing the specifics.

Maria and Astraea, who had been quietly observing, also asked for explanations with their eyes.

Do I really need to explain this…

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