The Regressor Can Make Them All - Chapter 528

Chapter 528

“May God guide your soul…”

Hearing those words, Se-Hoon’s eyes narrowed. Both in the past and now, that phrase had only ever meant one thing.

“Are you saying… the Pilgrim intended to take his own life?”

Of all people, why would a Perfect One make such a choice? It was such an unexpected reveal that Se-Hoon was visibly taken aback.

“As I said earlier, we don’t fully understand the situation ourselves. So I can’t speak recklessly, but…” Kamal’s bitter tone trailed off, recalling the scene from the prayer room four days ago.

Right before him, the Pilgrim’s figure—which had a gaping hole in the chest—had slowly scattered into light. And his face, which was looking at Kamal, had such a faint lonely smile.

“…It looked to me like he had chosen death.”

Se-Hoon’s expression hardened.

Perfect Ones were people who had been perfected after presenting a form of “hope” to the world. They, of all people, would not change unless the fundamental laws themselves were rewritten. Even if they made seemingly impulsive actions, they were almost certainly a result of decisions made long ago.

Does that mean… he’s been contemplating suicide for a long time?

What on earth could have led him to consider such an extreme course of action…? Realizing that something was gravely wrong, Se-Hoon asked Kamal, “Did he ever tell you why he made that decision?”

“We did ask him about it, but he never answered. The only thing he said was: ‘My role here is finished, so I’ll return to the side of God.’”

“His role is finished…”

Was it the end of the war against the Demon Force? No matter how Se-Hoon looked at it, though, Karl killing himself because of that just didn’t make any sense.

Even if Perfect Ones are a little unhinged, there should still be some kind of thread tying things together…

Whatever that connection was, however, Se-Hoon couldn’t see it. In that case, it was more important to talk directly with the person involved than to speculate, so Se-Hoon did just that.

“What happened after that?”

“The Pope tried to leave after saying his final words that day, but we desperately clung to him… speaking about the Church’s future.”

In the first place, the abnormal religious order known as the Pilgrimage Church had only been able to survive because of two things: the divine mana they wielded and Karl Andersen. Thus, if the Perfect One at the center of it all were to suddenly vanish one day, internal chaos would be inevitable.

Appealing with that point, the archbishops managed to convince Karl to delay his death—if only briefly.

“In the end, His Holiness agreed and said he would wait until the internal affairs of the Church were settled… and from that came the election of the second pope that was announced two days ago.”

“So that’s how it happened.”

Understanding the circumstances behind the events in the Pilgrimage Church finally, Se-Hoon looked at the old church building behind the archbishops.

“Then the Pilgrim is currently…”

“He’s asleep within the Sanctuary, to delay the destruction of his body as much as possible. We hoped we could treat him somehow… but it proved impossible with our strength.”

Se-Hoon fell into thought. Most likely, the issue was less about output and more about the hierarchy between Karl and the archbishops—in other words, Karl’s will to die was just too firm for their treatments to take effect.

“I understand the situation somewhat now, but there’s one thing I don’t get.”

“What is it?”

“Why did you try to keep this from me? Especially with matters like this, you should’ve asked for my help.”

Considering that the archbishops’ goal was ultimately to change Karl’s mind and prevent his death, shouldn’t they have told Se-Hoon—the irregular who had the highest potential to overturn a Perfect One’s will—rather than hide it?

“You see… that’s because…”

“…?”

Aside from Kamal, who was struggling to respond, even the other archbishops were averting their gazes or remaining silent. But why? Just as Se-Hoon began becoming suspicious, a rumor he had recently heard abruptly came to mind.

“Don’t tell me… you thought I’d jump at the chance and try to kill the Pilgrim myself?”

“…My apologies.”

Seeing Kamal bow his head without even trying to make an excuse, Se-Hoon looked at him in utter disbelief.

What kind of person do they take me for…?

Granted, he had been involved in the deaths of other Perfect Ones, but never once had such a confrontation been started by himself. Yet… it seemed he was so capable and efficient in the eyes of others that rumors claiming he was simply waiting for opportunities to eliminate Perfect Ones would even spread.

Because of that, the archbishops had seen him as a threat and were desperately trying to protect Karl from him…

Well, I did make contingency plans just in case… still, that’s a completely different matter.

As long as Karl didn’t go berserk like Wurgen or Li Kenxie, Se-Hoon had no intention of killing him and making enemies of others unnecessarily. Sighing in his head, Se-Hoon focused his attention on all of the archbishops.

“I have no intention of killing the Pilgrim. In fact, I sincerely hope he holds on to his life,” Se-Hoon declared firmly.

“…Is that true?”

Given that Se-Hoon barely acted in his role as Grand Archbishop and never once showed true faith, their disbelief was understandable.

“Of course—because the Pilgrim is a ticking time bomb that could destroy the entire Pilgrimage Church right now.”

“!?”

Ignoring the eyes all widening in shock, Se-Hoon elaborated calmly.

“The Pilgrim is the very origin of the Church’s believers, in particular, the users of divine mana. The path you all have walked for your entire lives originates from him.”

“…”

“But the path you all have assumed would stretch infinitely is actually now broken at a certain point. There’s no way to go back, nor any method to forge a new path.”

“…”

As Se-Hoon’s calm voice echoed throughout the underground cavern, the archbishops’ expressions gradually stiffened. Thanks to Se-Hoon, they were finally realizing the danger hidden in the laws that bound Perfect Ones and humanity, pope and believer.

“For now, things may seem fine. It might even last for centuries. But one day, if the entire Pilgrimage Church reaches that breaking point…” Se-Hoon trailed off, looking at the archbishops coldly. “Then, that day, all believers will follow the Pilgrim into death.”

The color drained from the faces of the archbishops, some letting out murmurs of disbelief. After all, billions, if not more, would take their own lives without warning.

“Th-that can’t be. Why would His Holiness—”

“This isn’t about good or evil. It’s just how things are set.”

Just like how Wurgen’s afterlife became the Netherworld and Li Kenxie’s enlightenment became the Sacred Flame, it was likely Karl’s “martyrdom” that had been established as a truth of the world.

“That’s why we can’t let the Pilgrim die. We need to learn the exact reason and convince him he’s wrong.”

“Convince him…” Kamal fell into thought at Se-Hoon’s words, then gasped after a moment—he realized something. “I see. So, the condition for introducing a new Blessing to the world isn’t the death of Perfect Ones, as the rumors say…”

Not their death, but the altering of their completed synesthetic mindscape to create new possibilities. If Se-Hoon had indeed influenced the Blessings that way all along, then it might just be possible to change the Pope’s mind.

And in that case… Kamal immediately dropped to his knees, realizing how foolish they had been.

“Sir… please…!”

“Ah, stop that already. There’s no need for all that.”

Whoosh!

Using Spirit Weaver, Se-Hoon forcibly lifted Kamal back to his feet and turned to the still-shaken Archbishops.

“We’re simply working together because our goals align. We don’t fully trust each other yet, so no need to get all formal—it’ll only make things awkward.”

“Y-yes, understood…”

“More importantly, can I know exactly how long the Pilgrim can last? Judging by the atmosphere, I’m guessing until the election?”

“He said he would leave after completing the transition once the new pope is selected.”

“Then… we only have five days.”

How could he possibly convince Karl in such a short time? Running through some possible approaches in his mind first, Se-Hoon then checked with the archbishops.

“Did you have any plans in the works?”

At the question, Kamal turned and looked at each of the archbishops in turn, and only turned back to Se-Hoon upon receiving their silent approval.

“We were planning to use the prayer before the inauguration…” Kamal cautiously answered.

“Prayer?”

“Yes. The idea is to gather the congregation’s heartfelt thoughts for the Pope through the prayer script and use the power of the Sanctuary to deliver all of that directly to him.”

Since Karl said he would die for the Church, the only way to convince him otherwise was to show him that the Church did not want him to die.

Hmmm… This could actually work. Se-Hoon made an intrigued expression.

Although relaying the congregation’s emotions directly was risky, if managed properly, it could be just what they needed to sway Karl.

If I use the others’ powers to guard against the backlash…

Drafting a rough plan in his head, Se-Hoon spoke up. “Sounds good. Let’s proceed with that plan.”

“Then, Your Eminence…”

“I’ll work on minimizing potential variables during the operation. The Pilgrim’s mind won’t change easily.”

“Understood.”

And with that, the tension began easing since the conversation had roughly concluded.

“Alright, let’s finalize the plan before regrouping. I’ll contact you once I’m done.”

With many preparations to make, Se-Hoon left the underground cavern without another word and let out a deep sigh near the prayer room where he’d first entered.

“What a mess this is…”

He’d expected the current events to happen eventually, but not under such urgent circumstances.

I don’t even know when the butterfly effect started anymore.

He still didn’t know the reason behind Karl’s choice, but for the sake of not only the Pilgrimage Church but all of humanity, he had to resolve it no matter what. Organizing his thoughts, Se-Hoon drew on his mana to teleport away from the cathedral—

“W-wait!”

A familiar voice called from behind. Dissipating his mana, Se-Hoon turned to see Jane emerging from the underground passage.

“Is something wrong?”

“No. I just… wanted to ask you a personal question.”

“…?”

Sensing the unusual tone, Se-Hoon activated the power of Boundaries to isolate their surroundings.

“Do you…” Jane began after checking their surroundings herself. “Do you truly intend to persuade the Pope?”

“Of course. Why would I lie…” Se-Hoon stopped mid-sentence after seeing the look in her eyes. He knew with just one look that wasn’t the question she meant to ask.

“Do you… believe the Pilgrim must not be allowed to die?”

Jane’s eyes trembled; she bit her lip.

“Personally… I’d love for His Holiness to remain with us forever. But…” Jane paused, hesitating. Her next words had to be forced out. “…If he made such a decision, then surely he had a reason for it.”

“A reason…”

That was something Se-Hoon hadn’t even thought to consider—or rather, had chosen not to.

“Kamal has known His Holiness longer than anyone. That’s why, yes, he probably understands him best. Still, I just think… he’s too bound by the past.”

“…”

“S-rank hero Karl Andersen and the Pilgrim Karl Andersen. People treat them like the same person… but are they, really?”

If even the smallest realization could completely change a person… just what kind of realization—what kind of transformation—had the final trial before Karl’s ascension brought?

“I… don’t think the Pilgrim’s decision is a remnant of the past.”

“You think there may be a reason he must die. Is that it?”

“…Yes.”

Se-Hoon studied Jane for a moment. What she had just told him was definitely something she couldn’t bring up in front of the other archbishops.

“I see. Understood. I’ll prepare for that possibility as well.”

“…Thank you,” Jane said with a bow before leaving.

And again, Se-Hoon was left alone.

Kamal, who knows his past, thinks it’s rooted in old regrets. Jane, who only knows his present, believes it’s a design for the future… Se-Hoon frowned.

Neither view was clearly wrong. Slightly lost, Se-Hoon looked up at the statue of the Golden Ring at the top of the cathedral’s spire.

…There probably isn’t a truly right answer.

It would all depend on the choice he made. Feeling the weight of the upcoming task, Se-Hoon left the cathedral.

Now with nobody inside, a heavy stillness settled over the now-empty prayer room that wasn’t broken until a few hours later when the believers in charge of cleaning entered the room.

“Someone who looked just like His Holiness?”

“I’m telling you, I only saw them briefly, but I’m sure…”

A strange rumor quietly echoed through one corner of the great cathedral.