Capítulo 671: Chapter 244: Back View (Part 3)
The selection of the Saintess gathered candidates from across the Kingdom, all coming together in the Holy City. Naturally, not everyone would be chosen.
If they failed, the candidates had two choices:
Either return home directly, or stay in the Holy City for further studies, accumulating experience.
Although there are two options, historically, almost all candidates choose the latter. Even if they can’t become the Saintess, such experiences are enough to support them in becoming an urban bishop in the future.
The so-called “candidate of the candidates” are actually those who know they have no hope.
They choose the person most likely to become the Saintess and become her followers, forming a small group with her.
The selection of the Saintess is not a contest to determine the strongest individual; there are many stages that test teamwork.
Based on past selections, the true Saintess often emerges from these team leaders.
Although that urban bishop still doesn’t know the entirety of the Hero’s strength, the aftermath of yesterday’s battle was enough for her to place her bets.
When the Hero finished speaking, her brother’s expression was hard to read.
“It’s only natural for the weak to follow the strong. If that candidate is wise, she’d probably just feel disappointed now.”
Hearing this, the Hero smiled lightly.
“Thank you for your recognition, dear brother. However, I’ve decided to set off alone first.”
“Suit yourself,” the young man waved his hand, rose, and left the table.
Having grown accustomed to her family’s indifferent demeanor, the Hero said no more and quietly finished the remaining food before returning to her room.
If she truly aimed to become the Saintess and head to the Holy City or if she planned to go through the motions without thinking much, she wouldn’t have refused the urban bishop’s invitation.
In the former scenario, she indeed needs help; in the latter, it’s merely companionship, with no surprises expected.
But now, an indistinct premonition made the Hero gently clench her fist.
She raised her head, looked out at the blue sky, and her thoughts drifted to unknown distant lands.
“…I wonder if there will be Goblins in the Holy City?”
[Hero’s Luck (5+Safe Departure)]
D10=d10(6)=6
→☆→☆→☆→✧←★←★←★←
“Well then, dear brother, I’m setting off.”
The following morning, the Hero bid farewell to her brother and was about to turn away.
But before she turned, she noticed out of the corner of her eye that the young man, whom she thought would have no reaction to her travel plans, seemed hesitant to speak.
“Brother, do you have something you wish to tell me?” The Hero paused, standing gracefully in her original spot.
“…Indeed I do, consider it advice,” the young man paused for a moment, then cautiously began to speak in his usual calm tone.
“At this moment, I cannot predict your future, nor can I delve into your spiritual world. This might cause the delicate balance we’ve managed to maintain to collapse.”
The power of the Forbidden Curse was still exerting its effects on the Hero.
Despite gaining temporary immunity through yesterday’s victory, if he were to interact too frequently or proactively with her, this immunity barrier might still be breached.
If such a situation did occur, he couldn’t predict the consequences.
It’s possible that his perception of his sister would be completely distorted, or he might simply forget he even had this blood relative.
“Ultimately, it’s my lack of strength, and this is the most I can do,” he shook his head slightly.
Ignoring what she couldn’t understand, the Hero stared unblinkingly, quietly waiting for her brother’s next words.
“So the advice that follows is based only on my personal understanding of you and the present circumstances.”
Two pairs of Emerald Eyes met.
“Until now, aside from Goblins, most of your battles have been victories over the strong by being the weak.
“Your Magician talent grants you a special qualification, allowing you to wield immense power, many times stronger than yourself.”
The world’s gifts, Heroic Spirit’s blessings, ancient lineage, Magic-Origin’s secret concoction…
All these opportunities are enough to incite envy, even hatred.
But if it were an ordinary person—no, even someone like him, deemed a genius—if these things were placed before them, would they be able to command and integrate them?
“Frankly speaking, I couldn’t.
“Everything has limits; it’s a restriction of objective conditions. No matter how much preparation time I’m given, I couldn’t reach your level—when preparation time is needed, it’s already indicating incapability.”
The brother’s expression was uncharged; he was simply stating facts calmly.
Dragons can own mountains of gold; mortals would only drown in them.
“As an intruder, when no one is paying attention, you can throw yourself into the chaos, mobilize tenfold power with a flurry of attacks, and kill the unsuspecting mastermind, thus resolving the crisis—a very impressive approach.”
Listening to his seemingly praising words, the Hero, now realizing her brother’s sharp gaze, instinctively straightened her already upright posture.
“But, victory over strong opponents only extends to this—”
The brother’s tone was absolutely cold.
“No matter how many classes you surpass defeating enemies, it doesn’t change the fact that you yourself are still a weakling.
“Because you are a weakling, the enemies will ignore you, not investigate, not prepare, not target… thus they are caught off guard by you.
“—But the Saintess cannot be a weakling.”
The brother said word by word.
“The Saintess is the banner of the Church, and even the Kingdom.
“Even candidates will attract countless gazes.
“No one will underestimate them, those with goodwill seek to learn more about them, those with malintent will try every means to target them.”
The Hero involuntarily held her breath.
“Transforming ten into a hundred is indeed an outstanding ability.
“But once your enemies know this fact, they’ll view you as a hundred-level threat even at conflict stage, and your usual ten-level existence will be crushed easily.
“Do you understand what I mean?”
The brother asked in a deep voice.
“If you understand, answer me in the simplest words.”
The Hero didn’t answer immediately, instead taking a deep breath, clenching her fist, and slowly nodding.
“—I will become stronger.”
Enhancing tenfold is indeed astonishing, but that’s only because the base is weak.
Is ten times ten larger, or is one hundred plus ten larger? It’s a simple question.
It’s not through leveraging external strength, but by making oneself possess such power.
Further, let this hundred-level power mobilize tenfold strength—
Upon hearing the Hero’s response, her brother nodded with restrained satisfaction.
“…Seems you’re not that stupid after all.”
His voice reverted to its usual detachment, but his gaze carried a hint of barely visible peace.
“That’s enough, you may leave now.”
After finishing speaking, the young man, without hesitation, turned and directly walked away, leaving behind only a bland remark.
“If you don’t become the Saintess, you can always come back to me for this Noble Title—provided you can win against me again.”
Upon hearing this, the Hero’s mouth curled upwards, she watched her brother’s departing figure, and responded brightly:
“Yes, dear brother! I’m looking forward to our next duel!”
The girl waved farewell to her brother’s silhouette.
The young man’s steps did not falter, merely raising his hand with a minimal gesture, then disappearing into the mansion.
[Hero’s Journey]
D40+60=d40(26)+60=86
Note: /Arrives at Holy City after 6 days, luck criteria met, deciding if there are other insights on the journey, below 70 suggests none.