Endless Debt Chapter 1175 - 25: Goodness (2)

The priest spoke as he slipped back into the darkness. Bologue heard the sound of water, and he assumed that the priest was cleaning his wounds. There was also the sound of clothes rustling against his body.

"Is this asceticism?" Aimou sighed, "You’re really cruel to yourself."

Bologue remained silent. After waiting a few minutes, the priest walked out again, this time in his distinctive attire. A slightly pale smile hung on his face, and the pain in his back made his movements somewhat slow.

"Do you always whip yourself like this?" Bologue spoke first, his voice stern and aggressive.

"Whenever my desires rise, I do so."

The priest wasn’t angered by Bologue’s rudeness.

"What kind of desire?" Bologue remained assertive, "Are you influenced by worldly desires despite your asceticism?"

"Before, it wasn’t a problem. I could control myself well, but recently..."

The priest smiled helplessly and shifted the subject, "The best way to control desire is to completely eliminate certain influencing factors. That’s why many monasteries are established in desolate and inaccessible places. The more you get involved in the world, the more susceptible you are to influence.

Gray Stone Town used to be a small place with few outsiders. Everyone’s attention was drawn to Oubos, making this place quiet. But recently, more strangers have appeared, bringing with them many colorful things. I inevitably get affected."

The priest laid bare his heart without any cover, "This suffering is beautiful; rather, I feel gratified."

Bologue continued his strong stance, "Why? Finding joy in suffering? That’s against human nature."

"Bologue, what’s wrong with you?"

Aimou interrupted in Bologue’s mind. From the beginning, Bologue’s tone was extremely harsh, as though he were interrogating the priest, ready to draw his sword at any unsatisfactory answer.

While this was in line with Bologue’s style, Aimou felt that Bologue should be more rational. For some reason, though, Bologue seemed impulsive now.

"Asceticism itself defies human nature, and it’s precisely because it does that we can find liberation from desire."

The priest remained composed and calm, "As for why I find happiness, it’s simple. After the disaster, Gray Stone Town is experiencing new growth. The townspeople will have better lives. Although this will spawn various desires to influence me, my suffering is insignificant compared to their happiness."

"I’m moved by your devotion," Bologue replied politely after Aimou’s reminder.

"I remember you, the outsider from the time of the sermon. Do you have any business with me?" The priest finally inquired about Bologue’s intentions.

"I’m an investigator from Oubos. Somebody should have informed you of my arrival."

Bologue did not produce identification but instead raised the briefcase in his hand. The case, made of nickel-steel, concealed Resentful Bite and the Vengeful Saw Axe. Yet, under Bologue’s performance, it looked like an ordinary toolbox filled with work tools.

"I wanted to ask, why put up the iron netting?" Bologue asked.

"Are you referring to the Gray Stone Rift leading to the Great Rift?" the priest said. "When that rift appeared, many young people, driven by curiosity, wanted to explore the bottom of the Great Rift. It was too dangerous, so I had it fenced off."

The priest’s words were all for the townspeople. He was almost too perfect, a perfection that seemed fake.

"But I heard from the guards that the townspeople have been having nightmares, dreaming of evil forces from within the Great Rift."

Bologue’s pupils shrank, observing the priest’s facial expressions closely.

"What do you think about that?"

"Evil forces?"

The priest looked slightly surprised, but he quickly regained his calm, maintaining a gentle smile on his face.

"I’m aware of this. The rumors previously caused quite a stir in the old town..."

"But your sermon allowed the power of faith to conquer fear?" Bologue interrupted the priest’s words.

The priest’s perfection, combined with his instincts, made Bologue feel something was off about him. Moreover, his past work experience told Bologue that in such a closed-off town, ignorant evil beliefs could easily breed.

"No," the priest shook his head and chuckled twice, "It’s not like faith is that effective."

Bologue was taken aback, surprised by the priest’s unexpected answer.

"I called in a doctor for a series of diagnostics. The doctor said it might be that the disaster left too deep an impression in people’s minds, leading to a collective psychological fear."

Bologue paused, "I thought you’d say faith saved the townspeople."

"If faith was that effective, there wouldn’t be so much suffering in this world," the priest said meaningfully.

"You’re different from many other priests I’ve met."

"In what way?"

"You’re much more enlightened than I expected. Usually, people as devout as you tend to become extreme... so extreme that it’s foolish. They’d rather believe holy water can cure disease than inject potions," Bologue praised, "You’re rational, devout, and perfect."

"Don’t overpraise me, outsider. I’m just doing what I ought to. As for your evaluation..."

The priest thought for a moment, "I differ from traditional clergy. To be precise, I do believe in the divine, but I won’t let that faith overbind me."

Bologue grew interested, "Could you tell me more about it?"

More than the lurking evil, Bologue was now curious about the priest’s existence. In the world today, such complex individuals are rare. On one hand, he is deeply devout. On the other hand, he claims not to be fettered by his faith.

Bologue wanted to know what the priest was really thinking.

"It’s simple. Suppose there is a person in front of you who is about to commit evil acts like murder or robbery—he’s on the path to corruption.

But now, knowing what he’s about to do, what would you do?"

Bologue replied, "Kill him, eliminating the potential for evil acts."

"But your act of killing is evil in itself. You’re triggering one evil to stop another. Do you think that’s right?"

"Then I won’t kill him; I’ll just knock him out."

"You’re merely postponing the problem. Once he wakes up, he’ll still head towards corruption."

Bologue said, "I’m not clergy."

"But I am. I’m bound by faith. Actions like these might be easy for you, but it’s different for me... I’ve taken a vow," said the priest.

"Then what do you think should be done?" Bologue asked.

"Reform him, let him feel God’s grace, and turn towards goodness."

"Do you think changing someone is that easy?" Bologue shook his head, "That’s too unrealistic, and it sounds... very stubborn and rigid, likely to backfire."

Bologue’s words brought back memories for the priest, who couldn’t help but agree with Bologue and nodded slightly.

"So, if I were faced with such a choice, I would agree with your approach."

"What?"

Bologue doubted what he heard. Such a devout and kind priest, actually agreeing with his opinion.

"Kill him, kill him before the crime occurs, snuff out the evil in its cradle,"

The priest said firmly, "No mercy, and no kindness."

Bologue said, "But as you said, if you kill, you bear the sin; you become a monster like him."

"Is there a problem with that?"

The priest shook his head in confusion, "If sacrificing myself can save countless potential innocents, isn’t that the greatest good?"

Bologue’s pupils froze for a moment, showing a look of disbelief. Then he genuinely started to laugh.

Bologue began to like the priest.