But the old man's expression was calm, without any gloom.

After being relieved from the long-standing burden, he had more leeway to reflect on himself and think about the future.

For many years, most of his energy had been spent combating deep-sea erosion. Perhaps the world did not undervalue his role as Pope, but he dared not admit it himself.

The rampant Black Gate, the fall of the former Saintess, the rampage of the Divine Knowledge Saintess... As Pope, in many matters, he was actually not competent.

He identified the deep sea as the primary threat, yet turned a blind eye to all other issues. Although there was also pain in his heart, he believed it was unavoidable.

However, if the Divine Knowledge Saintess had long been aware of the existence of the Deep Sea Demon, yet still chose to crouch under the wings of that ancient Angel King, then perhaps in the future she foresaw, the humans "evolved" under the protection of the Angel King would more effectively counter, or even end, the nightmare's erosion.

So in her eyes, his struggle and perseverance were probably all in vain.

"After receiving your treatment, I truly understood that sometimes the choices I consider correct, reasonable, or even optimal are far inferior to actions stemming from some people's heartfelt, pure goodwill.

"The teachings of the Church have likewise instructed—only unyielding faith in oneself leads to the true meaning of redemption.

"As Pope, it is a deep sense of shame that I only now understand the core of this truth."

After a light sigh, the Pope's tone became increasingly sincere.

"So, for the next three days, just do what you wish to do. As for the Siren Princess, I will make other arrangements.

"As long as you can be on time for the selection in three days... No, if you think it's necessary, it's okay to be absent.

"The Saintess's spirit is a guiding star for believers. I believe that as long as it is a choice from your heart, it must have its meaning."

[The Hero's next actions—]

1. Still go see the Siren Princess

2. Heresy Tribunal—Object of Liberation

3. Faith Church

4. Heroic Church

5. Visit friends in the Holy City

6. Try self-transformation, talent transfer

7. Judgement Cathedral

8. Stay in the Cathedral

9. Go kill Goblins!

10. Great Success/Extreme Failure

D10=d10(9)=9

♛: Go kill Goblins!

→☆→☆→☆→✧←★←★←★←

"So, while I was fighting for you in the Judgement Court these seven days, you were just eating and sleeping, waking up and eating again in the Cathedral?"

A black-haired, red-eyed girl raised an eyebrow, the leather armor adorning her slim figure symbolizing the judge, and the Holy Scripture Cloak on her shoulder glimmering softly.

"If you disregard the heavy bias and out-of-context interpretations in your words, that's not completely wrong..."

The girl sitting opposite had ink-black hair and emerald eyes, dressed in a pure white Holy Robe embroidered with golden Holy Marks symbolizing a Saintess Candidate. Her long dark hair fell to her waist, and a trace of helplessness was visible between her brows.

Two girls, one in white and one in black, with contrasting attire but equally exquisite faces.

After having breakfast with the Pope, the Hero did not leave the Cathedral but stayed in the dining room, waiting for another self.

Although after transformation, the two could not synchronize their senses, just as one cannot see one's own back, at a deeper connection they were always one, never truly separated. Thus, the Hero naturally sensed that the other self was on the way back.

And she didn't wait long before the Depraved Hero pushed the door open without a knock.

"Alright, I know you've been trying hard during this time." The Hero said softly, "Look, I even saved some snacks for you."

"Hmph, you still have some conscience."

The Depraved Hero pouted and wolfed down the pastries, enjoying the sensation of stuffing her mouth full rather than slowly savoring, even if the subject was exquisite desserts.

After finishing the snack, the Depraved Hero casually wiped the icing from the corners of her mouth and stood up.

1. Maintain transformation

2. Return to original self♛

D2=d2(2)=2

"Have you finished playing?" The Hero slightly tilted her head, looking at the other self with a gentle smile.

"Don't smile like that, it's disgusting." The Depraved Hero rolled her eyes.

She stepped forward two steps, brushed aside the Hero's bangs, and then lowered her head.

Their foreheads touched, brows aligned, breaths intermingled, and the memories and thoughts of the seven days of separation overlapped, converging back into one.

The black-haired, red-eyed girl vanished as an illusion, with her equipment not yet hitting the ground, swiftly collected by the nearby Gleaming Scale Serpent.

'But... 'free action', huh.' A lazy inner voice echoed in the Hero's mind.

'That old guy sure knows how to give problems. Letting us find a target all by ourselves at this stage, isn't that difficult.'

Listening to the complaints of the other self, the Hero did not refute, with a somewhat bewildered look on her face.

'Yes, the Saintess selection begins in three days, and it feels like there's never enough time to do everything.'

The cult's faith, the path of reincarnation, and many other things that need to be understood...

These are extremely crucial choices that could affect the rest of her life.

Originally, the Hero had a full ten days to prepare, enough to think things through slowly before making a decision, but after healing the Pope, seven days were lost, and suddenly it felt imminent.

Though not regretful, the sudden compression of time made the girl feel somewhat at a loss.

'How about just giving up that opening ceremony, attend the selection after reincarnation? Anyway, the Pope said I could be absent, so why not go back to the inn and have a big nap first?'

'That's not going to work.' Denying the temptation of giving up, the Hero fell into deep thought.

Follow your heart, trust your choices… The Pope's words echoed in her mind, gradually calming the Hero's inner agitation.

As for the crisis of the Great Demon, she had conveyed all the necessary messages and even assisted the Pope in curbing the erosion.

She also met friends in the Holy City, confirming their safety was enough.

The next thing to do is to become stronger.

Although the gate to becoming Legendary has opened wide, it is precisely because of this that she should choose more prudently.

What kind of person does she want to become, what belief does she wish to defend?

Sifting through her tangled thoughts, the Hero's mind gradually cleared, memories floated up, finally freezing on a commissioned letter pinned on the bulletin board.

The girl's thoughts paused, the words on that commission letter suddenly enlightened her heart.

'Speaking of which, were all those commissions from the Evil-breaking Church resolved?'

'Not yet, the one with the furthest journey is still left. After all, that church is short-handed, but three days should be enough, maybe even less than half a day.'

'But is this really the answer you thought about for so long? Though I have no objections.'

The Depraved Hero laughed, evidently eager to restart the long-awaited mission.

And the Hero stood up, the completed snacks filled her with energy.

"——Alright, let's go kill some Goblins first!"

No matter what, it's never wrong to kill Goblins first!

[Where to kill Goblins?]

1. Island

2. Mountain forest

3. Tree Sea

4. Riverbank

5. Cave

6. Mine

7. Canyon

8. Ancient well

9. Deserted Village

10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure

D10=d10(9)=9

♛: Deserted Village

→☆→☆→☆→✧←★←★←★←

[Citizen's Commission]

A few days ago, when I passed by that village ruins, I casually used the Eagle Eye Technique to take a look, and ended up spotting a sneaky Goblin.

Although finding a Goblin anywhere isn't strange, somehow that Goblin gave me a rather uncomfortable feeling.

Haha, but Goblins are disgusting by nature, so that's normal, right?

The problem is, it seemed to have perceived my gaze and quickly disappeared.

Logically, at that distance, a Goblin shouldn't be able to detect it, after all, it's just a Goblin.

Yet something seems off.

I hope the Church can send someone to verify it.

...But such trivial commissions, will there really be a church willing to take it?

[Evil-breaking Church to Recipient]

According to the citizen's report, a strange Goblin was spotted in the deserted village outside the city, with discernible differences in form and behavior from ordinary Goblins, suspected to be a mutant species.

Please go investigate, and if abnormalities are confirmed, collect relevant intel or carry out extermination.

[Goblin]

1-29: Goblin Shaman R3

30-59: Nightmare Goblin R4

60-80: Goblin Hypnotist R5

81-90: Goblin Dreamer R5+

91-95: Goblin Dream Breeding Group R6

96-100: Goblin Dreamer R?

D100=d100(48)=48

♛: Nightmare Goblin

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