Chapter 39: The Priest and His Parishioners

"Starting from the Burgundy Bar, about ten minutes later, another location experienced a shootout, resulting in seven deaths.

Half an hour later, according to nearby residents, a building also encountered a gun battle, with relentless gunfire and twelve fatalities.

Two hours later, another building saw a fierce bombing, resulting in nine deaths.

Three hours later, in a room of the *** Hotel, a gunfight occurred, killing four..."

In a room, a man in uniform was briefing a group of police officers on the events of the previous day. His pen paused on the only photo on the blackboard, showing a man in a black suit.

Having narrated the events, he pointed to the photo and continued,

"All the deceased were members of the Vance gang. The perpetrator is extremely dangerous and had a clear target. He destroyed all cameras that could have captured him, as well as most of the storage devices and USB drives. He also wore a mask that covered most of his face and a hat that obscured his upper face. Unfortunately, we can only pursue the assailant based on this photo, although he did eliminate some bad elements..."

Pluto Church.

A man, appearing to be in his thirties, was confiding in a priest.

"Father York, I've been troubled and confused by some petty issues recently. I don't know how to deal with these minor matters."

Father York stood before him, his expression calm, his tone gentle.

"I understand. Sometimes we overlook seemingly insignificant things, but they can cause us distress. Please tell me about the specific problems or petty concerns you're facing."

The man took a deep breath.

"Father, I've had some minor disputes with my neighbor. We argued over parking, and it's strained our relationship. I don't know what action to take to resolve this."

Father York's mouth twitched slightly, not quite understanding why such a simple matter needed his counsel. Nevertheless, as a dedicated priest, he replied in a pastoral tone.

"I see. As a spokesman for the Lord, I can offer you sincere advice. Would you like to hear it?"

The man nodded.

"I would, Father."

Hearing this, Father York continued in the same tone,

"Firstly, understanding and tolerance are very important in dealing with petty matters.

Try having a sincere conversation with your neighbor. Explain your perspective and feelings, and try to find a compromise. Establishing and sharing parking rules might be a good starting point.

Also, learn to tolerate and understand others, and try to prevent these minor issues from affecting your daily interactions."

"..."

The man eventually left some bills in the donation box in front of the statue of Jesus, then left contentedly, leaving behind Father York, who regretted the lack of a random mission.

"Finally, some rest."

Father York watched the few remaining parishioners praying with closed eyes on the benches, shook his head, and sat down, summoning his personal panel.

[York]

[Race: Human]

[Profession: Priest, Pharmacology Professor, Doctor…]

[All-Around Physique: 24 (Note: The average person is 10)]

[Life: 109/109 (Note: The average person is 10)]

[Spirit: 83/83 (Note: The average person is 10)]

[Magic Power: 134/134 (Note: Regenerates one point per minute)]

[Items: Basic Priest Robe, Defense 6, Durability: 6/10]

[…]

After some thought, Father York decided to add today's completed daily task bonus of +0.5 and the previously completed random task bonus of +1 to his magic power.

[Point Allocation Successful]

[Magic Power increased to 135.5/135.5]

[…]

Although he could add to his life points, he also needed to increase other stats. His main focus was life points, but overall balanced development was essential for matching the damage output; otherwise, he would be easily overpowered.

Listening to the prompt in his ear, Father York felt a slight increase in his magic power and closed his personal panel, preparing to rest with his eyes closed.

However, before he could rest for long, a female parishioner approached, wanting to confess.

Father York reluctantly became a loving and patient priest again, praying in his heart for a random mission to appear as he spoke to the parishioner.

"Please tell me your inner pain and the sins you need to be forgiven."

Perhaps Father York's prayers had an effect, as he heard a mechanical voice in his ear.

[Random Mission Triggered]

[Please Listen to the Parishioner's Confession]

[Reward: +0.5]

[Accept/Decline]

[…]

Looking at the woman before him, Father York's expression became even more compassionate as he mentally accepted the task.

[Mission Accepted Successfully]

"..."

Seeing Father York's demeanor, the woman's eyes showed deep regret and sorrow as she spoke.

"Father, I have made a grave mistake, straying from God's teachings. I've been arrogant and spoken many hurtful words. I am deeply remorseful and ashamed."

It was another ordinary issue, but with a task at hand, Father York became more patient.

"My child, God is merciful and forgiving.

When we realize our mistakes and feel remorse, He accepts our repentance.

Please first repent sincerely to God, then confess your sins to me."

"..."

This kind of interaction between priest and parishioner continued for Father York until sunset. As the candles were lit and under the watchful gaze of the statue of Jesus, he sat at the front bench tallying the day's achievements.

As mentioned earlier, random missions are elusive, often triggered by various events. Therefore, the interactions between the priest and his parishioners could naturally trigger missions, with a higher probability than usual.

"Being a priest is not easy, more exhausting than exorcism and fighting..."

Father York looked at the +7 points he had earned and rubbed his tired face.

"At least I earned seven points. As long as I have points, it's all worth it..."

With that thought, Father York let out a sigh and decided to use up all his points.

"Let's add two points to life, three to all-around physique, and two to magic power..."

Without hesitation, Father York allocated the points as he planned.

[Point Allocation Successful]

[Life increased to 111/111]

[All-Around Physique increased to 27]

[Magic Power increased to 137.5/137.5]

[…]

In an instant, with the sound of the prompt, Father York's personal panel underwent changes.

[York]

[Race: Human]

[Profession: Priest, Pharmacology Professor, Doctor…]

[All-Around Physique: 27 (Note: The average person is 10)]

[Life: 111/111 (Note: The average person is 10)]

[Spirit: 83/83 (Note: The average person is 10)]

[Magic Power: 137.5/137.5]

[Items: Basic Priest Robe, Defense 6, Durability: 6/10]

[…]

The integration of these three aspects instantly exploded within Father York.

First was the all-around physique, a subtle yet powerful heat surged within him, radiating to his limbs and bones.

Then came the increase in magic power and the refreshing vitality of the life points.

Father York instinctively shivered.

"Ah! This exhilarating feeling..."