Chapter 40
During the time when each country was responding to the disaster known as the apocalypse in their own ways, the Balhut Cult of Gyeongju successfully concluded the trial of the self-proclaimed King of Gyeongju, Do Josoon.
Do Josoon desperately appealed against the verdict in the trial, but as it was fundamentally a war crimes tribunal specifically targeting him, there was no chance of the second trial overturning the judgment.
Moreover, it was the stern order from the God Bahamut of the Balhut Cult.
Even if Hwang Seung-man, who was to act as the judge in place of Bahamut, were to show leniency, it would only extend to Do Josoon’s followers, but the main culprit, Do Josoon, would be firmly sentenced to death.
“Now begins the Cult-wide Awakening Project.”
“Indeed. Do Josoon’s protests have ironically provided the perfect justification for launching this project.”
In fact, Do Josoon’s failures had triggered new reforms.
Because Do Josoon had emphasized the bad aspects of the privileges of the Awakened and demonstrated them so clearly, no one could oppose these reforms.
Even some Awakened individuals, who secretly did not want to lose their privileges, couldn’t voice their objections, as there were those who were outraged by Do Josoon’s brutal actions.
Considering how disgracefully he had fallen, no one could speak in his defense, especially when the leader of the reforms was the God of the Balhut Cult.
“Well, if it’s the God’s command, even the Awakened can’t express their dissatisfaction.”
‘Still, isn’t that a bit tyrannical? I at least want to make an effort to persuade them…’
Since Bahamut had already declared the reforms, who would dare to voice opposition?
Yuna remarked that even without Do Josoon’s downfall, the followers of Bahamut would have followed without complaint if it was the God’s command. However, this timid dragon thought it was too much.
He genuinely wanted to make at least a gesture of persuasion for those who followed.
That’s why, despite the project being ready, there was a certain grace period, with the aim of proceeding cautiously while observing public opinion.
“Haha. Even the self-proclaimed King of Gyeongju, who was a nuisance, is proving useful now.”
‘Wow. I thought she had mellowed out, but she’s still the same.’
Of course, Yuna didn’t care much either way.
In fact, she thought it wasn’t so bad that Do Josoon, who had been useless to the Balhut Cult, finally served a purpose in his last moments.
The girl, called the Priestess of the Dragon or the Saintess by the Cult members, laughed wickedly, greatly pleased with Do Josoon’s downfall.
This overly timid dragon shuddered at Yuna’s sinister demeanor, but what could he do?
She was his chosen contractor, after all.
“By the way, I know there’s an artificial method to awaken people, but I don’t know the specifics. How exactly do we increase the number of Awakened individuals, oh..God?”
However, Yuna’s delight over Do Josoon’s downfall was short-lived.
She asked Bahamut about the specific method to increase the number of Awakened individuals.
The project itself was already complete, and many new Awakened individuals had emerged, with some Cult members benefiting from it.
Yet, the details of the awakening method were unknown even to the Cult’s leaders, including Yuna.
Naturally, as the head of the Cult, Yuna was supposed to be well-informed about the method to increase the number of Awakened individuals.
“We use this shrine.”
“This sacred shrine?”
‘Well, it’s not quite that… It’s just my home, after all.’
Bahamut’s answer was to use this shrine.
Yuna was surprised by this and asked again, emphasizing the use of the sacred shrine, to which Bahamut, feeling a bit deflated, thought to himself when his home had become a holy shrine.
“Yes. The air in this shrine is filled with pure magic. If the unawakened train here, they can be awakened.”
“That sounds simple, doesn’t it?”
He explained the method of artificial awakening in a straightforward manner.
The shrine was filled with pure magic, and by utilizing the magic in the air, it was possible to awaken unawakened individuals through training.
Yuna looked at Bahamut with a surprised expression at the simplicity of the method.
However, despite its simplicity, there were clear drawbacks to this method.
“But awakening takes seven weeks. Specifically, there’s a cycle of one week to recharge magic in the shrine and another to use it. The total time required is seven weeks.”
“That’s too long! Can’t we shorten it?”
It took a full seven weeks to awaken someone.
Yuna was shocked at the mention of a time frame that required over a month and a half.
It was far too long.
Considering that the Balhut Cult had only been established for just over two months, the time needed to create a new Awakened individual was over half that period.
“I even tried experimenting with ways to shorten the seven-week period, but shortening the time proved to be impossible. My limited intellect suggests that unawakened individuals use up all the magic charged in their bodies over a week, then recharge themselves with the shrine’s magic. This process helps their bodies naturally adapt to the supernatural power of magic.”
“So, are there any advantages?”
However, Bahamut drew a clear line, stating that this drawback was an unavoidable limitation.
Despite various experiments, this limitation could not be overcome, which disappointed Yuna. However, she still believed there must be advantages to this awakening method, so she asked Bahamut.
“When awakened through this method, all of the Awakened individual’s abilities, except for luck, increase by at least one to five points.”
“Alright! Let’s do it right away!”
Her response was immediate.
As soon as Bahamut finished speaking, Yuna enthusiastically shouted her approval.
It made sense, as the prospect of increasing all abilities, except for luck, by at least one to five points was like a tantalizing offer for any Awakened individual.
Without needing to hear more, she decided that this was a method they had to use.
“Are you sure that’s okay?”
“In a world where every single ability point is worth risking your life for, the chance to gain between one and five points in all abilities except luck is something we must do, no matter the time it takes. It essentially means an initial level boost of two to six points!”
“Is… is it that significant?”
An Awakened individual’s abilities, except for luck, were composed of strength, stamina, agility, wisdom, and magic—five attributes in total.
The average ability score of a typical Awakened individual started at ten in each category, and some talented individuals received additional abilities or had variations in their attributes upon awakening.
Thus, receiving one to five points in all attributes was a significant advantage.
Considering that an Awakened individual gains five ability points each time they level up, this method of awakening meant that those awakened this way would have a head start compared to those who gained their powers by defeating zombies.
It was also a golden opportunity to greatly enhance the overall quality of the Awakened members within the Balhut Cult.
“We can significantly raise the average abilities of our members. With Gyeongju’s unification providing us with some breathing room, let’s increase the number of Awakened individuals using this method.”
That’s why Yuna was so enthusiastic, eager to adopt this plan.
Since starting at a random level between 2 and 6 means a potential head start, it became a must-do course if it was possible.
This one advantage alone could outweigh all the drawbacks, but…
“The one issue here is that members have to visit this shrine every week.”
“Ah.”
The problem was that to carry out this project, Cult members would need to visit the shrine.
While they may have resumed normal life, finding time to come to the shrine could be a bit challenging for members who were struggling to make ends meet.
The Shrine of Bahamut wasn’t as easily accessible as a church in the city; it was situated deep within Namsan.
“Well, at least there’s a road, so they won’t get lost. Should we consider running a shuttle bus from the Cult?”
“That’s not a bad idea.”
Bahamut had made the path to the shrine easier, and the Balhut Cult continuously maintained the road for the convenience of travel, prioritizing the importance of the shrine. So, reaching the shrine itself wasn’t too difficult.
If the Balhut Cult were to operate a shuttle bus to facilitate transportation for the members, it would be possible to ensure a large turnout.
“Oh, then how long do they need to stay at the shrine?”
“At least one hour, at most two. After that, they can return.”
“Hmm.”
The problem was that they couldn’t leave the shrine immediately upon arrival.
There was another downside—they had to stay at the shrine for at least an hour, up to two hours.
Of course, given that this was a safe way to awaken without fighting zombies, it was hard to complain too much, but the fact that the process took time was still a drawback.
“However, you can awaken multiple people at once.”
“That’s great!”
This method had a significant advantage: it could awaken many unawakened individuals simultaneously.
In times when it was difficult for the expedition teams to even capture a single zombie, thus limiting the creation of new Awakened individuals, the ability to awaken dozens or even hundreds of people without hunting would be a substantial boost to the Cult’s strength.
The challenge was to find a way for the members to follow along without getting bored and to do so safely…
“Oh, I have a great idea!”
“What is it?”
“We never had weekend worship in the Cult, so let’s start one now!”
‘What on earth is she saying!?’
Yuna proposed turning this project into a religious event for the Balhut Cult.
Bahamut was greatly taken aback by Yuna’s sudden counterattack!
“Our Balhut Cult is fundamentally a religious group that worships God Bahamut! But so far, we haven’t officially held any worship services or prayers to God Bahamut! In essence, we’ve been failing as a religion! Even if you call us incompetent, we couldn’t deny it!”
‘I never wanted any of that.’
But she wasn’t wrong!
Although it was now functioning as a legitimate governmental body, the Balhut Cult’s core was still that of a religious organization dedicated to God Bahamut.
It wouldn’t be strange at all to add official religious ceremonies like worship services or prayers, even now.
In fact, Bahamut might be the odd one here!
‘What kind of… No, wait. She has a point?!’
Even Bahamut was surprised by Yuna’s words, but he had to admit that she had a valid point.
Whether they liked it or not, the Balhut Cult was a religious group.
Even now, as it operated as a governmental organization, it maintained its identity and name as the Balhut Cult.
‘I have to think of a rebuttal. Think of a clever counterargument… but nothing comes to mind!’
Thus, unfortunately, Bahamut couldn’t think of any argument to counter Yuna’s logic.
After all, the very foundation of the Balhut Cult had begun with Yuna forcibly taking over a cult in Gyeongju.
It was a group that, by nature, carried the legacy of a cult!
“To my knowledge, you need a qualified priest or pastor to hold a worship service…”
“We have them.”
So, Bahamut tried to avoid any religious activities by pointing out that they needed priests or pastors to lead such services.
But Yuna quickly countered, saying that they already had priests and pastors who could teach the Cult’s doctrine.
“What?”
“We have priests and pastors to deliver the teachings. Oh, and we even have monks.”
‘Darn it! I forgot this place was a cult from the start!’
Given that the Balhut Cult had its roots as a cult, of course, they would have priests and pastors within the organization to preach its doctrines!
Even though it bore the stigma of being a cult, the religious leaders within the Cult had received proper theological education and were legitimate clergy.
In fact, when Yuna mentioned that there were even monks who could teach, it seemed…
“There are priests, pastors, or head monks in the Balhut Cult who used to operate churches in Gyeongju. Haha. We have plenty of people who can deliver the teachings of the Dragon God! How about it? Isn’t that sufficient?”
“Oh, well, yes.”
‘Let’s not test the full might of the Balhut Cult here… Never mind, what’s this? It’s scary.’
The current Balhut Cult wielded an overwhelming power, capable of using everything in Gyeongju at its disposal.
Wasn’t the sheer might of the Balhut Cult intimidating, even to a dragon?
“Yuna”des Beam is equally impartial to all.
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