[York]
[Race: Human]
[Occupation: Priest, Professor of Pharmacology, Doctor…] [All-around Physique: 32 (Note: The average for ordinary people is 10)] [Life: 117/117 (Note: The average for ordinary people is 10)] [Spirit: 83/83 (Note: The average for ordinary people is 10)] [Magic: 164/164]
[Items: Basic Holy Robe, Defense 6, Durability: 6/10]
[Skills: Exorcio (Exorcism), Protego (Shield), Repello (Expulsion)]
[...] As the three attributes were successfully enhanced, an overwhelming feedback ensued.
Compared to the merely swollen sensation of his magic value, the other two aspects of life value and physique were the most comfortable transformations.
Even with the dining car jostling and the noisy sounds fluctuating, York could feel his body changing at a high-frequency speed.
He had grown stronger.
......…
Beside the stationary dining car, there was a rather hidden tent, where some people were queuing to seek psychological comfort or to feel the presence of God.
When a woman with tears on her face walked out of the tent, a tall and sturdy middle-aged man pursed his lips and walked into the tent.
"Father York!"
Seeing the gentle-faced priest sitting inside, he greeted him.
"Robert?"
York, who had just comforted a lady who divorced due to financial issues, looked up and kindly asked, "Are you doing well recently?"
"Alright," Robert sat down, shrugging and speaking hoarsely.
"It's the same old, but it's about Beth…"
"Beth? What happened to her?"
York maintained a gentle smile. The man before him was indeed having a hard time, having four kids. Life would have been less stressful if his job was still intact, but after losing his job due to heart problems, his life had plummeted.
To ensure his family could eat, this man was even eating only one meal a day.
As to why his situation deteriorated so rapidly, it was because of his debts.
"Her?" Robert spoke indifferently, as if unaffected.
"I don't know why, maybe it's because the kids at home are too noisy, she's under a lot of stress, her temper has been getting worse, and her yelling louder. I don't like it."
"Is that really the case, Robert?" York's expression didn't change, and his tone remained calm.
"The Beth I know wouldn't change like this because of the kids, Robert, I know your family, including your sensible children…"
Upon hearing this, Robert pursed his lips, looked at the gentle priest before him, and his indifferent expression collapsed.
"Father York, we can't afford next month's rent, and the landlord has given us only seven days, or else they'll have the security police forcibly evict us."
"..."
Speaking, Robert's face was filled with pain. He rubbed his face and looked at the priest as if he found someone to confide in, speaking nonstop.
"Father, you know, I go to interviews every day, but no one hires me. It's like they're just completing a task, posting interview openings but not actually hiring…"
"I'm trying every day, but I can't see any hope…"
"..."
"I hate this damn heart disease, it has ruined my life, even though it's cured now."
"I also hate this damn world, it feels like God has forgotten me."
"..."
After a while, as Robert talked, he realized he had finished speaking without noticing, and he felt his mood gradually return to calm, subconsciously looking up.
The gentle-faced priest was still quietly listening, like a pressure container that could bear any burden, carrying the pressure they released.
Robert said embarrassingly, "Sorry, Father York, I think I said too much."
"It's okay, Robert."
York shook his head, his expression still unchanged. He was accustomed to listening to the troubles and confessions of the faithful, including long-winded repentance. Perhaps it's a talent of being a priest.
Robert nodded. Suddenly remembering there were others waiting, he quickly stood up and walked outside.
"Father York, thank you for listening, I… I should go now."
"Wait, Robert."
Just as Robert was about to leave the tent, York hastily stopped him. After listening to Robert's story, he thought of the idea that had come to him earlier and his plan to organize the church.
He knew Robert's family well. When they were financially stable, they always helped others, and their four children were extremely sensible. Now, they were young but already understood to pick things to sell to support the family.
Thinking of this, York did not hesitate. Rather than hiring strangers, it was better to hire someone familiar and trustworthy.
"Robert, can you listen to a few words from me?"
Robert blinked, nodding in a daze.
"God has not abandoned you. On the contrary, He sees all your efforts. Remember, faith and hope are among the strongest powers we have when facing difficulties. You must persist, or you will always fail."
York started with some motivational words, then continued.
"If possible, I would like you to work at my Pluto Church. I need a few staff to help me organize the church."
Robert's eyes widened, his body stiffening as he stared at the gentle-faced priest, incredulously confirming.
"Father York, are you serious? Are you sure you're not just pitying me?"
He knew that Pluto Church had always been staffed only by the priest.
Seeing Robert's expression, York understood his thoughts. He didn't accept pity. York shook his head, seriously saying,
"No."
Robert's eyes welled up with tears. The man, who hadn't cried even during his confession, broke down on the spot.
"Thank you, thank you so much…"
He repeated his thanks, and York could feel his gratitude.
He needed such a person, one who was grateful and had faith.
York smiled, about to say something, when an anxious old man suddenly rushed into the tent.
"Father!! Please save my daughter!!"
[Random Task Triggered] [Exorcism] [Rescue the girl from the devil's grasp]
[Success Reward: +5 Points]
[Accept the task?] .........…
In front of a standalone villa.
Having decisively accepted the task and followed the old man in a hurry, York surveyed the surroundings.
Even before entering, with his physique enhanced to 32 points, he could already hear the howling inside, different from the broadcasted shrieks.
York silently took out two crosses and handed them to the old man and Robert, who was carrying the bag.
"For safety, put these on."