Chapter 23: The Saint’s Favor

The ruins within the Holy City were extremely dangerous, filled with deadly magic arrays from ancient times. Even many sages who entered often failed to return.

Song Ze was only a little over level 30. Going in would be suicide. But he knew in his heart that he had the protagonist’s halo, understood many of the ruin’s tricks, and could even reload saves, so he was still quite calm.

If Aliel found out, he would absolutely stop him by force! Or simply go with him to protect him.

Although Song Ze was very grateful for Aliel’s care and for saving his life several times, that wouldn’t do! He didn’t want to be outed in front of the temple people, especially the Saint!

So he repeatedly instructed the clergy around him to never let Aliel know he was going to the ruins.

‘After all, he still needs to heal. How could I let him worry? It wouldn’t be good if it delayed his recovery.’ When Song Ze said this to the Saint, he didn’t forget to show the kind of comradely bond between him and Aliel.

Then his favorability increased by 0.

Song Ze: ‘…’ Whatever! Present hardships only make future success more exciting. Besides, he didn’t believe he couldn’t increase the Saint’s favorability by playing the hero and saving her in the ruins!

In the game, the Pope was naturally a villain boss. On the surface, he was a good person, but in reality, everything he did was to gain power for himself, manipulating the Saint, and later chasing the protagonist relentlessly, leaving him no choice but to flee everywhere.

But at least when the other party was giving him benefits, Song Ze’s attitude was quite friendly. However, he still felt that the Pope and the bishops and priests around him all carried an oppressive aura, making it hard for him to breathe… After all, he was only level 30! Just a weak, pitiful, helpless newbie.

He really felt for the Saint! Used by these people under the pretense of saving the world! He had to take the Saint away from this place!

After the blessing, it was time to drink the holy water.

The holy water blessing provided a buff, such as reducing damage taken or increasing health regeneration. It was quite useful.

‘The time has come. Go on in,’ the Saint said gently. ‘The first holy water blessing of the morning provides the greatest benefit.’ Song Ze, immersed in the goddess’s beautiful voice, thinking that finally it wasn’t a man speaking to him with such a voice, walked into the temple before him with emotion.

After Song Ze left, the bishops and priests who had been cold-faced immediately bowed respectfully in the direction of the Holy Son’s seat, their voices tinged with fear. ‘Son of God, please forgive our impertinence.’ The Pope’s forehead was even covered in cold sweat, for just now, with the Holy Son below, he had been sitting above—an extremely disrespectful act.

‘It’s fine,’ the Holy Son said. ‘From what is vaguely revealed in his dreams, this is the best course of action. You were merely following my orders.’

‘Yes,’ they nodded gratefully, their eyes full of reverence and fervor when looking at the Holy Son. Although publicly announced as the Holy Son, he was in fact the true Son of God, the real ruler of the church, with power far exceeding anyone else in this world.

If not for the special restrictions in the ruins, there would be no need to borrow the power of a mortal. It could be said that with the Holy Son present, the demon clans and the like were nothing to fear.

‘But can we rely on this weak Song Ze?’ someone asked cautiously. ‘Even though he bears the mark of the divine inheritance, the trials in the ruins are extremely dangerous. One misstep and he dies on the spot.’

‘It is the guidance of God,’ the Holy Son said indifferently, his cold, ice-blue eyes seeming to gaze at something. ‘In him, I see a presence different from everything around him.’

…..

After a series of rituals, Song Ze received high-level equipment gifted by the church. In the game, such gear was almost legendary. He had no idea how many dungeon runs it would take to obtain them, but now they were given to him easily. It was earth-shattering.

Soon, he arrived at the teleportation array before the ruins with the Saint and a group of clergy.

The ruins before them looked like a complex of temples no different from the rest of the Holy City. When viewed from above, they exuded a breathtaking, ethereal holiness. Even after millennia, they remained nearly intact, as if one could be transported back thousands of years. Any believer who came here would likely think this was the sacred land they sought.

In truth, the temple complex was fraught with danger. This main storyline dungeon was extremely troublesome in the game. They had to face the spirits of priests, and when killed, white vines growing in the ruins had effects even worse than black ones, including illusions. It was utterly disgusting. But that was secondary. The most protective magic arrays would instantly kill even level 99 players who forced their way in. The power left behind was beyond all existence.

Only those with the inheritance mark like Song Ze could pass through these arrays directly, even bringing teammates to the deepest part. To obtain the inheritance of this ruin, there was only one way…

The activation of the teleportation array interrupted Song Ze’s thoughts.

As the teleport ended, they suddenly appeared in a temple. In the light filtering through colorful glass, several transparent, holy spirit priests appeared, emanating a startling aura, and attacked them.

The clergy immediately engaged the priests. They had been here many times before, well-experienced. With a few spells, they tore through the spirits’ bodies.

Song Ze felt he could just hide in the back and gain experience. He figured he could level up several times just by mooching off the experience before obtaining the inheritance.

Then he noticed the Saint quietly watching him. When she met his gaze, she gave a sweet smile. No way! If he just stood in the back, how could he play the hero, show off his fine qualities, and increase her favorability?

‘How is this? We’ve never seen such beasts before!’ ‘It seems the situation in the ruins has changed… Everyone be careful!’ The clergy engaged the beasts, but due to the sheer numbers, they were overwhelmed. A few beasts slipped past and charged at the Saint and Song Ze.

Song Ze knew this was his chance to shine. He stepped in front of the Saint. ‘Lady Saint, don’t be afraid! I will protect you!’ he declared confidently, but when the ferocious beast rushed at him, he was so scared he almost cried. However, he knew he absolutely could not retreat. If he did, the delicate Saint would surely be hurt!

Although the space ring Aliel gave him had a protective shield, it was ineffective against these spirit creatures due to differing energy. He had to rely on himself.

The beast attacked them directly. Song Ze’s body trembled as he stood before the Saint, but he steeled himself, closed his eyes, and chanted a spell.

The Saint, standing behind him, saw this and her eyes darkened. The next moment, the beast’s body seemed to suffer a heavy blow and burst into countless specks of light, disappearing.

Song Ze opened his eyes and saw the beast had vanished. He sighed in relief—seems his levels weren’t wasted. He quickly turned to the Saint. ‘Lady Saint, the problem is solved. Are you alright?’

In the midst of the dispersing light, the golden-haired boy looked over, his blue eyes filled with undisguised concern. There were a few blood scratches on his face from the spell impact. After confirming she was safe, he beamed a bright smile, happier than if he himself had avoided danger.

The Saint’s gaze toward Song Ze unconsciously softened a few degrees, even she didn’t notice.

[Target’s favorability +5. Current favorability: 5.]

Song Ze: ‘!!’ As expected, playing the hero adds favorability! Although there’s still a long way to go, as long as he works hard, he can do it!

‘Your wound needs treatment,’ the Saint said, reaching out to touch Song Ze’s cheek, her light blue eyes focused on him.

‘S-Saint!’ Song Ze’s face instantly reddened, his eyes not knowing where to look.

But now the Saint was healing him from so close… wuwuwu QAQ

Seeing this, the Saint gently pressed her hand on his fair, soft cheek. The beautiful young man’s face blushed deeply. He glanced at her timidly, his eyes full of admiration, afraid to even move, as if not to disturb her.

[Target’s favorability +2. Current favorability: 7.]

Song Ze: ‘!’ The Saint is so gentle! She even increases favorability just by treating his wounds. Wuuu, she really is his goddess!

Then a warmth spread across his face. Under the healing magic, Song Ze felt refreshed and clear-headed, but he couldn’t help feeling a bit reluctant as he watched the Saint withdraw her hand.

At this point, he almost wished he had been more seriously injured!

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