"Okay, sir, I don't mind," Jasper smiled insincerely.
Ole returned shortly after his departure, bringing with him a swarm of gray rats as the living creatures he spoke of. He also presented a form titled "Ability Test - Healing System Classification Exclusive Process."
"This is the most standard testing method now. We just need to follow the instructions and check the boxes," Ole explained.
Jasper realized through this process that people in the other world were not inefficient natives with low IQs. Capitalism was thriving, and the old aristocrats were gradually recognizing the rise of the emerging bourgeoisie. Everything was changing, and it was a time of transformation.
The poor rats suffered next, subjected to various punishments such as cuts, tail docking, poisoning, suffocation, and burns.
The final test result revealed that Jasper's ability could only be activated by touching the opponent's wound. Furthermore, his ability was only effective against physical damage like cuts, burns, and breaks, but proved useless against poisoning, bacterial infections, and curses.
For the curse test, Ole assisted by pointing his finger at a single mouse. The mouse's fur immediately fell off at a visible speed, hinting at possible accelerated aging. Although Ole didn't elaborate, it was evident that this wasn't a humorous ability like simple hair loss, but likely a form of rapid aging.
Although hair loss is frightening, it wasn't the focus of the test.
Under the light of a kerosene lamp, the two meticulously conducted the test following standardized procedures. Despite the form being only three pages long with medium-sized font, it took a full three hours to complete.
Pocket watches were luxurious items in this era, but Ole owned one. He informed Jasper that the monthly subsidy and salary provided by the church were substantial. Though it varied by position, even a newcomer like Jasper would receive a weekly salary of about 4 Flints that is currency in this world.
"This is at the top level among the five churches in Lutetia City: [Mastermind], [Posedion], [Reaper], [The Cosmic Harmonist], and [The Mistress of Shadows]. Among the five righteous gods, the Mastermind is also called the goddess of knowledge. The church has a huge publishing house and education institution, and the priesthood of [Poseidon] includes the ocean. Lutetia City is close to the ocean and is an extremely superior port, so the church also has many fixed assets. The salaries provided by these two to gifters are similar, while the latter three are a bit shabby."
Ole said the above information in a showy tone. At the same time, he also explained that when meeting Gifter from other churches outside, it is best not to ridicule them about this matter, otherwise it will "destroy everyone's great friendship."
"I feel that telling this to a new person like me is to not to do an act of destroying friendship," Jasper cursed.
A weekly salary of 4 Flints is quite impressive, especially considering the current average level in the Kingdom of Aurumia. In the Kingdom 2 flint and 6 cog can let middle class family live properly, calculated before tax. As a benefactor under the church, there's no need for his salary to be taxed.
"I've heard about your father, Old Rhys. Although this income is less than one-tenth of his, I believe he will be very happy that his son finally has a formal job."
The two sat back at the table again, and Ole said jokingly to Jasper. The image of Jasper Rhys as a wild boy was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
"I can't change too much at once," Jasper is already thinking about acting in the future.
The form with the test results was received by Ole in a brown document bag, but he did not seal the mouth of the document bag immediately. Instead, he took out a large stack of information from it.
Very unexpectedly, the carrier used for those materials was white paper. Except that the color is not as white as modern printing paper and the surface is slightly uneven, this is only a step behind the writing paper of the 21st century.
"Very good, papermaking pass," Jasper said in his mind.
"We have just completed the test of your special abilities, and now we need to choose a suitable 'job' for you. But before that, I need to talk about common sense."
As he spoke, he extended his hand, and moments later, a peculiar red flower materialized from his palm. Though only a shadow, the veins on the petals and leaves were distinctly visible.
"The distinctive ability of a gifted individual serves as an effective means of identification, but employing tools for detailed testing, as we did earlier, can be cumbersome. Hence, we have an alternative method. Try activating your unique ability without utilizing it. When successful, a pattern representing your [spirit] will emerge in your palm, known as the soul emblem."
"Is it different for everyone?" Jasper inquired, extending his hand as if prepared to try but was halted.
"Yes, akin to a citizen's identification number, it's unique. Mr. Rhys, you needn't begin learning it here. Unleashing spiritual patterns is quite challenging. Practice privately when you return or seek guidance from the instructor. Now, we have more pressing matters."
Luckily, he proceeded cautiously. If he activates the green ability pattern using last night's method, wouldn't it be exposed?
Jasper trembled inwardly.
While speaking, Ole meticulously separated the stacked papers on the table one by one, facing Jasper.
"The number of gifters has consistently fallen short of our needs. It's already July this year, and you're the only newcomer in the church."
"Sir, are other churches experiencing this too?"
"More or less. Among the five orthodox churches in Lutetia City, the Church of Death and Endings hasn't gained any new members this year, Church of Ocean and Exploration has two, and the others mirror our situation. However, this year is below the average. In previous years, about two new members could be added annually."
'It seems the count of extraordinary individuals in this world is fewer than I anticipated. While Lutetia City may not be the most politically and economically developed in the kingdom, its unique location has bestowed it with the largest permanent population in the Kingdom of Aurumia. Furthermore, the Kingdom of Aurumia ranks second among the three kingdoms... No, the number of unregistered gifters shouldn't be small. After all, only four-fifths of the city's population are civilians who believe in the righteous god. Additionally, there's a significant presence of refugees, criminals, etc.'
Jasper processed the new information about the world, and Ole continued imparting common knowledge.
"Due to its dealings with supernatural phenomena, gifted criminals, peculiar situations, and sporadic monster incidents, the church shoulders crucial security responsibilities in the kingdom. There are matters beyond the control of the police."
As he spoke, a document was slid in front of Jasper.
"This is an employment contract for a covert security company affiliated with the church."
"Security company?"
A modern term suddenly intruded into this fantasy-themed dialogue, prompting Jasper to repeat it.
"Yes, times have changed, Mr. Rhys. In the past, mercenary groups and adventurers had to adapt to find new avenues, and security companies are essentially akin to the rugged individuals in tales paid to perform tasks. By the way, I'd like to remind you that these church-affiliated institutions are clandestine divisions. Under normal circumstances, they'll never reveal their connection to us, so the information you encounter must remain confidential."
"OK."
Jasper nodded, then realized he might be privy to too much.
"But sir, I'm just a new employee. You've shared so much classified information. Is that really permissible?"
"It's not an issue."
Ole waved his hand, saying, "You'll sign a confidentiality agreement later. We're quite confident."
"Then I'm not worried."
Jasper pondered silently.
"This security company contract is merely an example. For a rare healer like you, I don't recommend venturing into such places."
Before Jasper could peruse the contract, it was retracted.
"Newcomers typically won't be assigned to the combat department unless their world gift abilities and soul trait abilities are combat-oriented. Recruits in the combat department usually emerge from gifters who have reached the first level and pursue fighting professions."
'Alright, profession, ability, level, and one more piece of equipment – it's almost like an online game. Wait, aren't Type C [Gifts] essentially equipment?'
Jasper mused to himself and then said:
"In truth, the combat department is too perilous for me. So, sir, do you have any recommendations?"
"I appreciate your attitude."
Ole smiled, nodding at Jasper, then reached out and selected three documents from the numerous ones on the table. It appears he already knows which ones are more suitable for Jasper.
"I need to reiterate this because there is no church dedicated to Church of Nature and Church of Earth and Harvest in Lutetia City, leading to a shortage of corresponding healing abilities. Hence, the rarity of your natural awakening healing ability is highly valued. I heard from Bishop Dawkins that you had a standard secondary education, which is beneficial as it implies more relaxed indoor work."
The documents before him belong to three distinct industries, but perhaps because they all fall under the Church of Books and Knowledge, the contract formats are identical.
The left one pertains to [Lutetia Fifth Public Hospital], the center one is related to [Fortune Steam Pipe Company], and the right one is linked to [Heritage Vintage Shop].
Something peculiar seems to be unfolding.
"We have a presence in the psychiatry department of Lutetia Fifth Public Hospital. The nature of the monster dictates a high probability of insanity for those who use it or are in its vicinity. Hence, having a stronghold in the psychiatric department is crucial for gathering necessary information. However, I hope you don't choose this one. Lutetia Fifth Public Hospital is currently experiencing disturbances. Yes, ghosts do exist. Don't be overly surprised. This matter remains unresolved, and the Gravekeeper Team has made sacrifices. Although the psychiatric waiting room is distant from the children's department where the incident occurred, it's a troubled time..."
"I understand."
Jasper promptly pushed the contract back. In his previous life, he harbored a slight fear of ghosts. Despite no longer being an ordinary person, long-standing habits can't be discarded so swiftly. Moreover, someone at last night's party had cautioned him against going there recently.
"Very well, knowing when to step back is an essential trait of a competent gifter."
Ole remarked, pointing to the second copy:
"Fortune Steam Pipe Company, the second-largest steam pipeline company in Nolan City. We maintain a foothold in the after-sales service department, and your role is to accompany seniors in knocking on doors and reading meters. The significance of this job lies in situations where dispatching combat troops directly isn't suitable, and you can navigate it smoothly."
"I understand. It's akin to providing warmth to the community, reading water meters, some Express's mission of ensuring delivery."
Jasper contemplated with an unchanged expression.
"At Heritage Vintage Shop, Mr. Montfort is recruiting apprentices. You can envision that your responsibility there is to recover the [unusual items], [Supernatural] phenomena, and [Gifts] that have ended up in the market and ordinary people's hands. Our church isn't the sole entity with such sub-departments in Lutetia City; the other four churches also have concealed divisions here. However, I want to remind you that authentic antiques are genuinely sold there, so if you choose Mr. Montfort, you must learn from him about antique appraisal and shop management."
After saying this, Ole took back the rest of the documents, knocked them on the table a few times, stacked them neatly, and placed them on the free left side in front of Jasper.
"Bishop Dawkins asked me to recommend several safe and easy jobs to you, so I specially selected these. If you are not satisfied, you can choose from the rest, but I still don't agree with choosing the combat department."
Bishop Dawkins' kindly smiling face appeared in Jasper's mind again. Unexpectedly, the old man appeared in front of Ole specifically for this matter.
His heart felt warm. Although Bishop Dawkins's kindness was directed at the original owner, Jasper still enjoyed the feeling of being cared for.
"I choose Heritage Vintage Shop."
He only thought for a moment before pushing back the pipeline company's contract. The job in the antique store is a perfect match for the [Eye of Truth]. Jasper intends to make good use of his golden fingers, and the job in the plumbing company requires traveling around, while the antique store apprenticeship is an indoor job. No matter how you compare it, the latter is better.
More importantly, the name "Heritage Vintage Shop" is very familiar to Jasper, so he naturally has a preference in his heart.
"Mr. Rhys, are you sure? It's only four o'clock in the afternoon. We have plenty of time. You can take a look at the remaining options."
Captain Ole seemed surprised by Jasper's decisiveness.
"I thought about it. The job in the antique store is easy; I can contribute to the church, and I can learn new knowledge and skills while working. These are all great."