ALTANUS [1]

Regressor's Instructions Manual Episode 964

Altanus (1)

'Altanus?'

"...."

"We've prepared various things. Since many people are gathering here, including those from the surface. Should I guide you to your accommodations first?"

"It seems I arrived a little early."

"It's not that. Some people came a week ago... Of course, it means everyone is eagerly awaiting this congregation. We're just grateful. Ah! This is the room you'll be staying in. Do you have any luggage to leave? Allow me to assist you..."

"I don't have any."

"If you need anything, please don't hesitate to let me know. By the way, have you had a meal?"

'This guy talks way too much. Seriously. Talking eloquently on the side, eloquently in front, eloquently at the back...'

"Or perhaps you have a place you'd like to visit? If I may suggest, though, I would advise you to refrain from wandering alone in the underground temple. The underground temple is quite vast, and newcomers often get lost easily. Even I don't know all the areas... If you do wish to go somewhere, you can simply shake the bell attached by the door. Well then, sir... Would you like me to guide you to the dining hall?"

'Now's not the time to chit-chat, damn it.'

"Many devotees use this communal dining hall. Compared to the surface, it might seem modest, but we have many delicious dishes. I hope you, too, will give them a try, sir. Especially the popular menu items..."

'Just go away. Seriously.'

Even without this chatterbox in front of me, my mind was already in a complex state.

Altanus? Altanus? Did he really mention Altanus Saint earlier?

"Or you might want to explore elsewhere? There's a place with beautiful sculptures. Sir. Would it be appropriate to ask if there are many sculptures like this on the surface?"

If it were under normal circumstances, I would have matched his pace. Considering the situation, it was questionable whether Templar Zen had received the rule of inheriting the elder spirits, or at least that was the suspicion.

No, I was almost certain.

The guy in front of me bore the unmistakable appearance of Zen's younger years. It was difficult to simply brush aside the numerous concerns I had.

The individual before me might very well be one of the last four remaining Templars, given the timing.

It would likely be a time before the Templars and Mole Saint began their fall in earnest... and the timing of the founding of the congregation might be during his childhood.

Jenny might also be an experimental subject, but judging by the situation in the underground temple, the former scenario was more likely. Many Templars still seemed active, and the temple was well maintained.

It was only proper to leave a favorable impression. He was a future notable figure with a bright path open to him.

If it were my usual self, I might have accommodated his ups and downs. Given the circumstances, it was possible that Zen had not been granted the rule of inheriting the elder spirits.

Or rather, it was highly likely.

The young man before me had the same face as Zen in his youth. There were simply too many things that didn't add up to let this slide.

Even if the individual before me wasn't a chatterbox, my thoughts would still be in turmoil.

Was the Mole Saint not Benigore?

With that single question, all my thoughts scattered.

Altanus? Could the Saint trapped underground really be Altanus?

Much must have changed. The doctrines, the books, even the way of praying might have changed.

The current deity was not Altanus. The rod of command was not in the hands of that unheard-of nobody.

What is Benigore doing? What on earth has happened?

I needed time to sort things out, and time to gather information.

"Priest, where have you come from?"

Amidst all this, the person before me was busy satisfying his own curiosity.

Perhaps it was because it had been a while since an outsider arrived. He had the face of a young person filled with curiosity, fitting his age, and seemed like he had no intention of stopping anytime soon.

I would like to say something, but it's a time to be cautious with words.

'Gather information first.'

"Excuse me...?"

"Yes!"

"Could you possibly...?"

"Yes!"

"Could you guide me to the library? After that, I would like to visit the prayer room..."

It wasn't a bad choice.

"That, I see... I apologize for my rudeness, Priest."

"No, it's fine. Templar Jenny."

A slightly embarrassed look, as expected. It was a natural reaction. In fact, it was the kind of reaction I had been wanting from the start.

'This is an adult.'

Still in his early teens, full of energy and curiosity. Even though He's been training here since he was young, he can't hide the excitement.

As someone who lived their whole live down here and trained since young, he was undoubtedly curious about live on the surface.

He ended up talking about various things unknowingly due to his excitement... The pure and clean Priest Lee Ki-young from the surface is only interested in studying theology and offering prayers.

He is composed, quiet, always conscious of his posture, and cautious in every action.

It's not the ideal demeanor of a priest, but rather the embodiment of a role model for a priest.

The appearance of an adult who lives only for God, ready to reprimand even a chattering parrot, was enough to silence him.

"No need to apologize. Instead of apologizing for me, who is not of much significance, I'd like to express my gratitude. I'll count on you from now on, Templar Jenny."

"Yes... Yes!"

'Playing with a little kid like him is not easy.'

"Well, then let me guide you to the library, Priest."

A slightly different attitude than before. Generally, at this age, he would have things to look up to, and it's uncertain what type of people he idolizes. However, I know the type of person he can't help but idolize due to his status.

'He must see me as an adult priest.'

Unlike before, he closes his mouth and takes every step carefully. He even glances at me occasionally as we walk side by side.

Could it be that his footsteps, which can't even be heard, seem so dignified because they're not even audible? Even the rustling of clothes sounds sacred.

This guy's nervous. He's probably worried that he might disrupt my saintly practices, making him anxious and fearful.

It would be good to relieve some of his tension.

"Templar Jenny."

"Yes!!! Priest!!"

'Damn, he's noisy.'

"I-I'm sorry. Priest, I don't know why...?"

"It's fine. Templar Jenny."

I've killed his enthusiasm with another mistake.

"Uh... I-I..."

"Yes?"

"Um... If, by any chance, you don't like the assigned Templar..."

"Why would you say something like that?"

"...."

"I'm sorry if I'm causing any inconvenience... I just thought that I might be a disturbance to you..."

I smiled briefly and gave him a moment to breathe.

"...."

"...."

"You don't need to think that way. Actually, I still don't know who Templar Jenny is exactly, but... I feel like I'm positively influenced by your energy, Templar Jenny."

"...."

"You don't need to blame yourself or belittle yourself. Just being yourself and treating me the way you do is enough for me to feel grateful to Templar Jenny."

"Ah... Th-That's... I see."

"Templar Jenny seems to be interested in life on the surface."

"Yes... I-I'm embarrassed to say it, but that's true."

"You don't need to be embarrassed. I'm also curious about life underground."

"Ah!"

"The truth is, I have a lot of respect for people like Templar Jenny, people who live here. Thanks to those who have sacrificed themselves and confined themselves in places without light... the surface has become prosperous, a place where laughter never ceases. While those we believe in may be closer to the light, I firmly believe that the people who live in this underground temple have the right to stand by His side."

"...."

"I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of those who are on the surface."

"Um... I... "

"...."

"I also want to extend my gratitude to the people on the surface. Priest. Other devotees from the underground have mentioned that the underground temple is sustained because of the presence of priests on the surface..."

Well, that makes sense. Where else would you get the funds for your expenses?

"It's a mutual support."

"Yes..."

A slight smile at this point is appropriate. The underground and the surface are supporting each other and have a symbiotic relationship. It means that you and I can also become like that.

I can hear stories about the underground temple from you, and you can receive information about the surface from me.

Of course, about 90 percent of what I say would be lies, but what can this kid understand? It might even be better for him to hear something other than the truth.

I'm pretty good at making up interesting stories anyway.

I didn't say it out loud, but I feel like the little guy roughly understands what I'm saying. Even if he accepted it as a gesture to have a good relationship from now on, it doesn't matter.

Originally, as we become closer and get along well, there would be more things to share. Even if I don't speak first, he might ask me various things.

Having a conversation with a similar nuance, a place that looks like a library began to come into view for anyone who sees it.

He's also fixing his gaze on me and opening his mouth. He's probably doing it to gauge my reaction.

"This is the underground library, Priest."

"It's a wonderful place."

It's incredibly vast. I anticipated it, but it's even larger than I expected. The shelves reach a height of about 5 meters, and they're filled with all sorts of books.

The underground temple is flourishing. I had thought that coming here would be like that, but seeing the scale of the library made me even more surprised.

"There are books written in the underground as well..."

"There must be many books brought down from the surface."

"Since you seem pleased, that's a relief."

'Can you really tell if someone is pleased?'

I need to start reading now. I don't have an eidetic memory like Hwang Jung-yeon, but having these resources will help.

"Templar Jenny."

"Yes?"

"I want to spend tonight here."

"Yes?"

I want to be buried in books for a while.

Starting with theology books. Most of them are probably related to theology, but it's better to read enough of them for now.

Distinguishing between books that need to be read in depth and those that can be skimmed quickly is easy.

In most cases, shallow and broad knowledge is not helpful, but in situations like this, it is. It's important to seem knowledgeable unnecessarily.

The church will involve various types of conversations, and I'll have to meet many people.

If I encounter something I don't know, I'll obscure the topic or change the subject, and for the gaps in my knowledge, I'll make up something somehow.

I select a few topics for specialized conversations, and I mentally insert relevant articles.

Perhaps because I'm so focused, at some point, I don't notice my surroundings.

'Where did he go?'

I can't see Templar Jenny either. When I turn my head, I notice that there's coffee and light refreshments set out.

After having a cup of coffee, I focus on reading again. Of course, I could also find some of the information I'm looking for.

'Where did Benigore go?'

There's no mention of Benigore in any of the books.

'Shouldn't there be at least one mention?'

Even if Altanus is called the Mole Saintess, it's strange that the name Benigore isn't mentioned anywhere.

The familiar appearance of the doll appeared right after that.

A woman looking straight at me.

"Oops, sorry."

The voice still sounds dumbfounded. Strangely, her manner of speaking sounds muffled.

"Benigore?"

A maid with brown hair was looking at me.