If he had not become an Ascetic, he could have had a better life.
The Ascetic ultimately weathered the Devil's temptation.
He couldn't make it through that winter, however, at life's end, this Ascetic, ravaged by hunger and pain, still knelt in the chapel.
His spirit was steadfast and pure, so much so that even his potential rivals had to admit he truly possessed a noble soul.
The Ascetic eventually received recognition from the Deity.
That night, after the Ascetic was buried, Archbishop Dargon Vida heard a Whisper from the upper world.
The Deities took notice of the Ascetic's presence, proclaiming his soul would find rest in the upper world.
Guided by the Whisper, the Archbishop recorded this tale in the Church's scriptures to inspire others and to let future generations know that there once was a devout believer who withstood all trials until his life extinguished, his will unshaken, and thus, he was summoned by the Deities to the upper world.