Host, Please Be Honest! What Exactly Are You? Chapter 3 Butler Sheng

~4 minute read · 1,090 words
Previously on Host, Please Be Honest! What Exactly Are You?...
Dorian learns from System 0001 that he has been chosen to be an exorcist tasked with cleansing this world of demons. The system is surprised by Dorian's unpredictable nature and his lack of desire to be a hero. Dorian, realizing the system is stuck with him and he has the upper hand, agrees to become an exorcist. He learns about the cosmic balance between the Heavenly Plane, the Underworld, and Mortal Planes, and how demons are infiltrating worlds that have been neglected by the heavens. After hearing the full story, Dorian accepts the role and a cosmic bond is formed, officially making him a heavenly exorcist.

[Congratulations, host.

You are officially a Heavenly Exorcist.]

'Hmmmm.'

A subtle smile graced Dorian's lips before he rose and proceeded to the showers, leaving behind the stale, alcohol-scented water in the tub.

He moved to the side and pressed a button, initiating the tub's self-drainage and a few bursts of water to rinse it clean.

Ah, the luxuries of the affluent.

Now, it was time for a proper cleansing.

[Host, a multitude of missions await you.

However, before commencing, the heavens have bestowed a novice package upon you.

Congratulations, host. You have received:

• A B-grade tome detailing various Heavenly Talismans and Formations, a significant upgrade from the C-grade knowledge of your previous world.

• A Heart Jade cleansing pill.

• And a secluded room within your chambers, furnished with Sanctified Candles.

Does the host wish to absorb this knowledge now?]

'Yes.'

[Excellent, host.

Please prepare yourself. In 3... 2... 1... ]

Boom!

A surge of intense pain forcefully penetrated his brain.

Yet, Dorian maintained an expressionless facade. Apart from the veins throbbing on his forehead and his ragged breaths, one might assume the agony held no sway over him.

Dorian closed his eyes, allowing the shower's spray to quietly cascade onto his face.

Time seemed to halt, suspended in an eternal moment.

After a mere fifteen seconds, the pain subsided.

Dorian tilted his head down and opened his eyes.

Indeed.

The assimilated knowledge was of a superior grade compared to what was commonly understood in his former world.

But why did it feel as though he had encountered this information previously?

Perhaps he was merely overthinking it.

Regardless, based on his estimation, he should be capable of enhancing this knowledge through the system as well.

As for the secret room adorned with sacred candles, he sensed it would greatly facilitate his endeavors moving forward.

Now, what mission did the system have prepared for him?

.

[Mission: Secure a location and establish an organization or School of Exorcism. It is imperative that the host initiate the dissemination of Exorcism practices within this world.

Task Deadline: 2 months.

Penalty for Failure: To be determined at a later juncture, should failure occur.

Rewards: Organizational frameworks and a Cosmic Shield encompassing the perimeters]

Oh?

'System, why are there no personal missions related to my strength?'

[Responding to the host, this system functions akin to a marketplace.

Thus, all such requisites can be procured by the host.

For instance, should the host require novel spells, tomes, magical artifacts, or any other item, sufficient points must be accumulated to facilitate the acquisition.]

'And obtaining points is solely through the exorcism of underworld entities, correct?'

[That is accurate, host.

Currently, the host holds the rank of a no-rank Heavenly Exorcist.

Ascending from no-rank, one encounters H-rank exorcists.

Subsequently, in an upward progression, the ranks traverse from H to A, followed by S, Double-S, Triple-S, Divine, and finally Celestial Class.

The host must vanquish the requisite quantity of demons, Ghosts, ghouls, or any other entities from the underworld to advance in rank.

'But this is not the entirety of it, is it?'

[Correct, host.

Achieving the minimum kill count is merely one component.

The repertoire of spells, incantations, and information known by the host, or any exorcist, also contributes to their advancement... alongside their overall potency.]

Dorian offered a nod of comprehension.

These were precisely the criteria from his past existence.

After all, institutions dedicated to exorcism did exist.

Therefore, it was natural that successfully passing examinations and demonstrating acquired knowledge would lead to ranking up.

Similarly, if he were to inaugurate an academy, individuals would need to undergo evaluations and rise to meet the challenges.

Occasionally, intelligence regarding the adversary could prove life-saving.

Not to mention the spells and sacred implements available that could banish these beings.

.

Having gained a clear understanding of his purpose in this world, Dorian emerged from the shower, dressed himself meticulously, and consulted his watch with anticipation.

Precisely as expected, a gentle knock sounded at the door.

~Pmm. Pmm. Pmm.

"Young master?"

"Yes. Enter, Butler Sheng."

"Yes."

A fleeting expression of astonishment crossed the butler's countenance as he stepped into the room.

The young master was awake?

Under ordinary circumstances, this would not have elicited such surprise.

However, ever since a succession of misfortunes befell them, the young master had been ensnared in a profound despair that had completely shattered him.

Even the faintest echo of his former brilliance was nowhere to be seen on the young man.

Day after day, Sheng had observed the young master devolve into a state worse than that of a vagrant.

Periodically, he offered brief words of encouragement, hoping the young man might find some cheer... if only for his parents' sake.

He had nearly relinquished all hope for the young master.

Yet now, it appeared the young master had finally resolved to rouse himself.

But why did he suddenly perceive the young master's aura as more potent than before?

Perhaps he was imbued with an unprecedented level of determination?

Whatever the reason, Butler Sheng was genuinely relieved.

After all, he had made a solemn vow to the master and mistress that he would always protect the young master.

Therefore, he was determined not to let them down.

The master, who was currently in a vegetative state, had rescued him decades ago when his newlywed wife had cruelly betrayed him.

Not only had she been unfaithful, but she had also sold him to traffickers and absconded with the sole inheritance his late father had bequeathed him.

At that time, the 19-year-old orphan had been plunged into absolute despair.

He endured a year of immense suffering and came perilously close to starving to death before being saved by his master.

From that moment on, unwavering loyalty became his creed, and he resolved to forsake marriage forever.

In his heart, the master's family was unequivocally his own.

Gazing at the young master before him, the middle-aged butler, Sheng, quivered with profound emotion.

He couldn't explain why, but a powerful intuition told him that their fortunes were about to change, that they would ascend to unparalleled heights from which they would never again fall.

Furthermore, those who had wronged them would undoubtedly face retribution!

.

A smile gracing his features, butler Sheng executed a deep, respectful bow, placing one hand over his chest.

"Young master. Your breakfast has been prepared.

"Hmm. After breakfast, make arrangements for the carriage.

We shall be departing."

"Your wish is my command, young master."