Apostle-in-Training

Chapter 44: Quasi-Priest

The series of surprises Zhao Xu had received recently had accustomed him to controlling his excitement.

He simply glanced at the spell data on his Character Card panel.

[Priest: Zero-level Divine Spell Slot: 3=3 (Class) First-level Divine Spell Slot: 2=1 (Class) +1 (Wisdom)]

This information was similar to the Mage information he had seen before.

The only difference was that this information was all grayed out and inactive. It was frozen, just like it had been when he logged into the game that morning before meditating.

Zhao Xu knew a little about this from his wife, who had received Priest training in her previous life. Priests gained their Divine Spells through meditation and prayer. They did not need to study any spells; by meditating at fixed times, they could receive the day's spells as a gift from the gods. This was possible even without the full 8 hours of rest.

Zhao Xu's current state was such that he could gain the day's Divine Spells by meditating for just one hour. The last one percent of possibility he had been lacking was filled the moment he crossed the church threshold and the Goddess descended.

Zhao Xu was currently equivalent to a quasi-Priest; he only needed to complete some remaining, not difficult, training. This was almost unbelievable to him. In his previous life, Zhao Xu had seen many novice Priests who had spent their lives studying scriptures and understanding divine doctrines. Many had grown old without ever being formally promoted to a Level 1 Priest. Even though the gods were very lenient with players this year, the success rate for promoting to Level 1 Priest was still low. Besides the players' innate self-centeredness, the main reason was that the opportunity for promotion was beyond human control. This was also why his wife had later given up on the path of a Priest.

Although Zhao Xu found himself in this miraculous situation, he knew that silence was the best option at the moment. This opportunity was too delicate. He intended to pursue the Scroll Scholar profession, and being a Level 1 Priest was sufficient. As far as he knew, the abilities granted by a Level 1 Priest would be enough for him to recoup his investment.

At this moment, everyone in the church stood respectfully. Amidst the continuous ringing of bells, they all silently prayed to the Goddess in their hearts.

Zhao Xu didn't know if it was because he had been pulled into the river of time and seen the Goddess before she became a god. At this moment, his reverence for the Goddess was far less intense than before his transmigration. The closer one gets, the less awe-inspiring something becomes. This was also why Mages respected the Goddess without necessarily believing in her.

Zhao Xu dared not assume the Goddess needed something from him; he wasn't that important. He more so realized that the Goddess needed to use him. This urgency was so great that she couldn't wait for him to achieve something first before slowly intervening. His only guess was that his identity as a transmigrator could serve as a variable of fate. He was like a piece that inexplicably appeared in an already formed, stagnant chess game. Although small in power, it was enough to stir things up.

Zhao Xu did not look around ostentatiously; like other believers, he lowered his head humbly. This was the mainstream in Arthur. Even though his wife had not become a Priest in her previous life, she remained a devout believer. In Arthur, after a living being died, its soul would generally float to the outer planes that suited its alignment. That was the outermost ring on the plane wheel diagram Zhao Xu had seen. Believers, however, would receive the protection of the gods and be incorporated into the divine kingdom. Therefore, except for powerful Mages who could achieve immortality, most people honestly sought out gods whose alignments matched their own and believed in them. Everyone feared their souls drifting aimlessly in a foreign world after death, without any reliance, or even falling into the Abyss and Inferno to become prey. So, Zhao Xu did not doubt the sincerity in the buzzing prayer sounds he heard.

Finally, the bell sounds gradually faded, carrying a touch of melancholy.

"The Goddess has left," Rayne's voice echoed in Zhao Xu's mind.

Zhao Xu was no longer unfamiliar with this; he knew Rayne was communicating with him after casting a spell. He glanced at the information panel on his Character Card.

His status feed was topped by a notification: [You are currently in a Mind Link spell with Rayne].

These status messages were reflections of Zhao Xu's consciousness.

If Zhao Xu misunderstood or made a mistake with the spell, this status message would also flash with incorrect information.

This was because the information panel couldn't be used to verify reality.

He couldn't rely on the information panel to determine if he was truly under the effect of this spell, or if the one communicating with him was truly Rayne.

However, as soon as Zhao Xu focused his attention on the words "Mind Link," he immediately connected with Rayne.

He could even refuse this link through this method.

"So fast?" Zhao Xu chose his words carefully, opting for relatively neutral terms.

Deities wouldn't read the thoughts of beings like them, but as soon as a deity's name was mentioned, it would be known to that deity.

"All that is spoken shall be known."

Even the x-th word following it would be heard.

"Big brother, today we're crashing someone else's party, not the other way around. That's why I'm not rushing to reveal myself; I want to urge you to come over quickly. It's also making Antinoa feel awkward about giving you rewards."

Rayne's nonchalant demeanor when calling him "big brother" made Zhao Xu incredibly awkward.

Who knew how old this mage, who looked to be in his thirties, actually was.

It was only when the rewards mentioned later did he somewhat come to his senses.

Zhao Xu had been so immersed in the sadness of Antinoa's departure that he had forgotten about the rewards Antinoa had promised him.

"Do you know what the reward is, Mr. Rayne?" Even though he was communicating mentally, Zhao Xu's curiosity was overflowing.

Antinoa was a top-tier figure who could casually produce a legendary helm that granted +12 Intelligence.

The items she gave away, if not +6 Intelligence, would at least be +2, right?

"How would I know? A lot of the things Antinoa gives away are made by herself, bearing her signature style, and she refuses to let me see them. I guess you'll only receive them when you meet again after completing your Priest training."

"But we still came too late and didn't manage to get into the innermost temple. It's easier to receive the Goddess's attention there, and perhaps you could have directly advanced to become a probationary Priest and gained Divine Spells."

"Temple?" Zhao Xu quickly pressed for details.

"Yes, the temple opened 300 slots today. I used my privilege to reserve the most central core spot for you. I didn't expect you to descend so quickly and not be able to use it. Hurry and go to the temple first; the divine aura there is still very strong, which can increase your chances of obtaining Divine Spells."

Rayne added mentally, "Initially, those who couldn't get into the 300-person list were all waiting for this opportunity. Otherwise, why do you think so many people are crowded here trying to join in the fun?"

Zhao Xu asked in surprise, "Can't they distribute Holy Water?"

"Distribute Holy Water? That junk only inflicts 2D4 (2-8) damage on undead and evil extraplanar creatures. My Fireball spell alone deals 10D6 (10-60), and it can even be empowered with half divine damage. Do you have some peculiar hobby? Using it to discipline legendary Succubus sisters?"

"Forget it, let's not digress. Hurry up and secure a spot." Rayne suddenly thought of something, his old face flushing, and he quickly tried to divert Zhao Xu's attention.

"No need to rush."

"What?"

"I just received a Divine Spell."

"..."

"I said, I just received a Divine Spell."

His voice echoed between the two of them.

PS1: Thanks to "Promise of Vows" for the three rewards, I am immensely grateful.

PS2: During this recommendation period, the author is also very grateful to receive everyone's recommendation votes. Thank you.