[York]
[Race: Human]
[Class: Priest, Professor of Pharmacy, Doctor...]
[all-around constitution: 32 (Note: Average for ordinary people is 10)]
[Health: 117/117 (Note: Average for ordinary people is 10)]
[Spirit: 83/83 (Note: Average for ordinary people is 10)]
[Mana: 166/166]
[Item: Basic Clerical Robe, Defense 6, Durability: 6/10]
[Skills: Exorcio (Exorcism), Protego (Shield), Repello (Repulsion)]
[...]
As the points were successfully allocated to the three attributes, a surging feedback followed.
Compared to the Mana value, which only felt like it was swelling, the transformations of the other two—Health and Physique—were the most comfortable.
Even though the food truck was bumping and the noisy sounds rose and fell, York could feel his body changing at a high frequency.
He had grown stronger again... Next to the parked food truck, there was a relatively secluded tent where people were lining up to seek psychological comfort or to feel the presence of God.
As a tearful woman walked out of the tent, the man at the front of the line—tall, sturdy, and in his prime—pursed his lips and walked in.
"Father Yorkes!"
Seeing the gentle-faced priest sitting inside, he greeted him.
"Robert?"
York, who had just comforted a woman who had divorced due to economic problems, looked up and said gently:
"How have you been lately?"
"I'm alright," Robert said hoarsely, shrugging as he sat down.
"Same as usual, it's just Beth..."
"Beth? What's wrong with her?"
York maintained a gentle smile as much as possible. The man before him was indeed working hard; he had four children. If he still had his job, there might not be much pressure, but after losing it due to heart problems, his life had plummeted to rock bottom.
To keep his family fed, this man even ate only one meal a day.
As for why he hit rock bottom so quickly, it was because he still had loans to pay.
"Her?" Robert's tone was indifferent, as if he hadn't been affected.
"I don't know why. Maybe it's because the kids at home are too rowdy and the pressure is a bit much. Lately, her temper has been getting worse, and her shouting is getting louder and louder. I don't like it."
"Is that really it, Robert?" York' expression remained unchanged, his tone calm.
"The Beth I know wouldn't become like this because of the children, Robert. I'm familiar with your family, including your sensible children..."
At these words, Robert pursed his lips and looked at the gentle priest before him, his indifferent expression instantly collapsing.
"Father Yorkes, we can't afford next month's rent. The landlord only gave us seven days, or they'll have the Sheriff forcibly evict us."
"..."
As he spoke, Robert's face was filled with pain. He rubbed his face and looked at the priest, as if he had found a listener he could confide in. Once he started, he couldn't stop, rambling incessantly.
"Father, do you know,"
"I go to interviews every day, but no one hires me. It's like they're just going through the motions, posting job openings but not hiring anyone..."
"I work hard every day, but I can't see any hope..."
"..."
"I hate this damn heart disease. It's made my life a mess, even though it's cured now."
"I also hate this damn world. It's as if God has forgotten me."
"..."
After some time, Robert realized he had finished speaking without knowing it. He felt his state of mind slowly returning to calm and subconsciously looked up.
The gentle-faced priest was still in a listening posture, like a pressure barrel that could hold any amount of stress, bearing the pressure they released.
Robert said somewhat awkwardly, "Sorry, Father Yorkes, I think I talked a bit too much."
"It's alright, Robert."
York shook his head, his expression still unchanged. He had long been accustomed to listening to the troubles and stories of believers, even long-winded confessions. Perhaps all priests have this talent for listening.
Robert nodded. He suddenly remembered there were others behind him and hurriedly stood up to head outside.
"Father Yorkes, thank you for listening. I... I'll be going now."
"Wait, Robert."
Seeing Robert about to leave the tent, York quickly called him to a stop. In fact, hearing Robert's story made him think of his previous idea and his plan to organize the church.
He knew Robert's family quite well. When their finances were good, they would always help others. Even their four children were exceptionally sensible; despite their young age, they already knew to go out and collect things they could sell to help with household expenses.
Thinking of this, York didn't hesitate. It was better to hire someone familiar whose background he knew well than to hire strangers.
"Robert, can you listen to me for a moment?"
Robert blinked and nodded blankly.
"God has not abandoned you. On the contrary, He sees all your hard work. Remember, faith and hope are among our greatest strengths when facing difficulties. You must persevere, or you will only ever know failure."
York first offered some words of encouragement, then continued.
"If possible, I'd like you to come work at my Pluto Church. I'm short a few staff members to help me organize the church."
Robert's eyes widened suddenly, and his whole body stiffened. He stared at the gentle priest before him, confirming again in disbelief.
"Father Yorkes, are you serious? Are you sure you're not just pitying me?"
He knew that Pluto Church had always had only the priest.
Seeing Robert's expression, York understood his thoughts. He wouldn't accept anyone's pity. York shook his head and said with a serious expression,
"No."
Robert's eyes instantly filled with tears. This man, who hadn't cried even while telling his story earlier, burst into tears right then and there.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you so much..."
He kept muttering, and York could feel his gratitude.
He needed someone like this—grateful and faithful.
York smiled and was about to say something when an anxious-looking old man suddenly rushed into the tent.
"Father!! Please save my daughter!!"
[Random Mission Triggered]
[Exorcism]
[Please rescue the girl from the hands of the demon]
[Success Reward: Points +5]
[Accept mission?]
...In front of a detached villa.
Having accepted the mission immediately and followed the old man here, York observed the surroundings.
Before even entering, with his physique increased to 32 points, he could already hear the roaring inside. It was different from the dry roars in that live broadcast.
York silently took out two crucifixes and handed them to the old man and Robert, who was carrying the bag.
"For safety, put these on."