As Baro and the priest walked down the long, dimly lit hallway toward the next area, their footsteps echoed softly against the stone floor.
The priest suddenly clapped his hands together. "Congratulations. You are now a Righteous," he announced, his voice even. "But don't get ahead of yourself—you still have a long way to go."
Baro tilted his head. "What were the ranks again? I forgot what comes next."
The priest sighed, rubbing his temple. "After one reaches Righteous, they may attempt the next rank—Sacred. And beyond that, Exalted. But keep this in mind," his gaze hardened, "you may only take the examination once every ten years."
Baro blinked. "Oh, cool. So I can just take it as soon as I get there?"
The priest stopped in his tracks and turned to him, eyes narrowing. "You haven't even settled into your new rank, and you're already thinking about ranking up?" His voice carried an edge of irritation. "Do not bite off more than you can chew, boy. Even I couldn't pass the examination to become Sacred. What makes you think you have a chance?"
Baro shrugged. "What about that fire lady from the second test? She seemed really strong."
The priest's expression darkened for a brief moment. "She is Sacred," he admitted absentmindedly, his voice quieter than before.
They reached the end of the hallway, where a set of ornate wooden doors stood before them. The priest reached into his sleeve, pulling out a folded set of robes, the fabric embroidered with symbols of the Righteous.
"Take these," he said gruffly, shoving them into Baro's arms. "They are proof of your new rank."
Baro barely had time to thank him before the priest turned away, waving him off dismissively.
"Now get out of my sight."
And with that, the doors creaked open, revealing the world beyond.
Baro stepped out into the bustling streets, his eyes widening in surprise.
The scene before him was nothing like what he had imagined.
People moved in every direction, hurrying in and out of buildings, their faces tense with exhaustion. There was no celebration, no welcoming party for newly ascended Righteous—only the weight of duty pressing down on the city.
"They look... stressed." Baro thought, watching a man rush past him, arms full of scrolls.
Curious, he approached a random passerby. "Hey, I just arrived. Could you—"
The person didn't even glance at him, continuing on their way as if he didn't exist.
Baro frowned but didn't give up. He turned to another. "Hello there, do you know how I get a—"
Ignored again.
A slight twitch formed in his brow. So much for the warm welcome.
Undeterred, he scanned the area and spotted the largest building in sight. If answers existed anywhere, it had to be there.
Stepping inside, he was greeted by a grand hall lined with desks and stacks of paperwork. Behind one of the counters sat a woman dressed in sleek white robes, her sharp eyes immediately locking onto him.
"Welcome! Are you here to take your next job?" she asked, her tone businesslike yet oddly cheerful.
"Uh… job?" Baro blinked.
"Yes!" she nodded, gesturing toward a large board filled with postings. "We have several jobs available. For example, blessing the animals, working as a priest, or even selling houses to the Blessed."
Baro scratched his head. "So the Righteous… is basically a working class?"
The receptionist tilted her head slightly. "You're new here, aren't you?"
"Yeah, just got here."
She sighed, as if this wasn't the first time she had to explain. "It's nice to see people ranking up—it gives us hope. But yes, as a Righteous, you need to work for your food. Unlike the Blessed, who rely on daily prayers to sustain themselves, we earn our place through faith and service."
Baro's lips curled into a grin. "Alright then! Are there any jobs I can take?"
The receptionist's smile remained professional, but her eyes held a glint of amusement. "There are… but they're all taken."
Baro raised an eyebrow. "So what, I have to wait for an opening?"
"Not necessarily." She folded her hands neatly. "You can take a job if you have a more powerful prayer than the current holder."
Baro's grin faltered. "Wait… powerful prayers? How does that even work?"
The receptionist chuckled lightly. "Everything in this world revolves around prayers and faith. If you want to take someone's job, you don't need their permission. You just need to have more faith than them."
Baro stared at her for a moment, then let out a slow whistle.
"So that's how it is, huh?"
A competitive spark lit up in his eyes.
This was going to be interesting.
Baro leaned against the counter, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"So… if I wanted, I could take your job?" he asked, his tone light and teasing.
For the first time, the receptionist's professional smile twitched.
"Yes," she said through clenched teeth, still smiling but with a dangerous glint in her eyes. "If you can out-pray me, you can absolutely take my job." She clasped her hands together, tilting her head. "Would you like to try?"
Baro blinked. "Uh—nah, I'm good." He quickly waved her off with a chuckle.
The receptionist let out a slow breath, her smile returning to its usual calm but with a hint of lingering irritation.
"Smart choice," she muttered.
Still grinning, Baro leaned forward again. "Alright then, where do I buy a house?"
The receptionist, back to business mode, pointed toward another tall building across the street. "You'll find the Housing Office there. Since you just arrived, I'd recommend looking in the cheaper districts."
Baro chuckled. "That obvious, huh?"
She simply smiled, and he took that as his cue to leave.
Stepping into the Housing Office, Baro approached the counter, where an older man in plain robes sat flipping through documents.
"I'd like to buy a house," Baro said confidently.
The man barely looked up. "Which district?"
Baro crossed his arms. "I want the biggest house you have."
That finally got the man's attention. He adjusted his glasses and glanced at a ledger. "The biggest house…? It's already taken."
Baro sighed. "Figures." He wasn't really in the mood to prayer fight someone over a house. "Alright, what's available?"
The man pointed to a listing. "There's this one. It's… okay."
Baro glanced at the description.
It was small. Basic. Nothing special.
"Kind of plain," he muttered.
"Do you want it or not?"
Baro shrugged. "Sure, why not?"
The old man stared at him expectantly.
"Oh right I still have to pray." Baro remembered. and looked at Furfur.
And just like that, he became a homeowner.