Scepter

Part 2

When you unfortunately become a member of a universally despised cult, what do you do?

Option one: Find an opportunity to quickly leave the organization and disassociate yourself.

Unfortunately, this route is not viable.

Every individual initiated into the priesthood bears a mark of the cult upon their baptism. Yannick's mark is on his right wrist, a prominent silver emblem of light.

No matter what method is employed, this mark cannot be erased. The mages have even developed spells specifically to detect this emblem. Regardless of disguises, one can be swiftly identified by the mages, much like a dreaded natural enemy.

Option two: Establish good relations with the organization's leadership.

Again, this route is futile.

Had Yannick's foster father and godfather, the bishop, still been alive, he wouldn't have descended into such dire straits. Although many countries are increasingly distancing themselves from the cult, the Santos Principality, where the bishop resided, remains a staunch supporter of the cult and conservatism. Thus, safety would have been relatively assured within the principality.

However, the unfortunate turn came when the bishop passed away recently, the cause of death unclear.

As the designated successor and already reported to the cult by his foster father, Yannick had been approved by a cardinal to become the next bishop of the Santos Principality.

Yet, as an "official second generation" lacking deep connections and the power of a cardinal, Yannick's chances of climbing the ranks abruptly vanished.

Even worse, he became the target of numerous assassination attempts, forced to relinquish the coveted position and eventually flee the principality to embark on a life of fugitive.

During his flight, Yannick succumbed to severe injuries, his breath fading away. When he awoke in the wilderness, his soul had transmigrated into another individual.

Option three: Overthrow the cult's leader, namely the Pope, and seize power.

...This is even more absurd. Rumor has it that the Pope's strength rivals that of a Saint of Law. Being relentlessly pursued by several mid-level priests worldwide, he still aspires to overthrow the Pope?

Better off hitting the hay.

So, being a villain is really not easy!

Since his pursuers lost interest after entering the Meklen Principality, Yannick dared not let down his guard, relocating several times. Thus far, the town of Jed has appeared to be the safest bet. If nothing unexpected occurs, he hopes to settle here temporarily. After all, despite its remoteness, the town offers safety and the people are decent.

Most importantly, he is weary of the constant upheaval and the struggles to make ends meet. Yannick still vividly remembers his past hardships, a far cry from his current well-groomed appearance.

Lost in thought, he absentmindedly gazes at the water jug and cup before him, ultimately abandoning the idea of using magic to pour water automatically. Resignedly, he lifts the jug to pour the water himself.

The jug is made of clay, quite unsightly. In this place, exquisite porcelain is a luxury few can afford, reserved for the elite. Even this earthen jug was "sponsored" by the townsfolk. When he first arrived here, he was practically penniless, and now...

He remains quite poor.

Upon initially crossing over, amidst the shock and annoyance, there was a small glimmer of delight. After all, being a priest with magical abilities meant, in his mind, the possibility of performing feats akin to those depicted in many Western fantasy tales—turning an elephant into a chair, wielding a staff to summon storms, and so forth. Well, perhaps summoning storms is more aligned with Eastern magic, but Western magic can't be that different, right?