3 In a Nightmare

"[In Wisdom Springs, a community is in shock after a tragic incident resulting in the accidental death of a priest. The incident occurred last night during a recreational activity on the outskirts of the park.]"

"[According to local authorities, Priest Luca, aged forty-five, was participating in the opening of a business when the accident occurred. Despite the immediate efforts of rescue teams and medical personnel on-site, Priest Luca was declared dead after reaching the nearest hospital.] "

The sound of a television echoed throughout a room with an antique appearance; this room was actually an office, and at the moment, an old man was foaming at the mouth while scolding a young man in a priest uniform, which could only be described as high-quality.

"Anton, a priest like you cannot be out there getting drunk late at night without any care. How come you haven't done anything noteworthy to advance within the association? You know perfectly well that you have the talent; you should be able to keep yourself under control and not cause more problems."

"Your father calls me every month asking about your results and the new developments in your work, but each of your exorcisms is absolutely embarrassing. Why did you almost drown an elderly man in holy water who was only being marked by a spirit? If you continue like this, I won't be able to keep hiding your mediocre attitude based on the behavior you've had these last few months since you arrived here."

"Why have you suddenly taken an interest in planting trees in a nursery? You should be in a church to be more attentive to the events happening in the world. You can't go alone to jobs; at least some Purifying Novices should accompany you to learn from you!"

Yes, the Anton being scolded is the same one who died under an enormous ancient tree; after arriving at that hotel, many things happened with his body, and now there was nothing more he could do for the moment than plant small trees while working as an exorcist.

But this was not something Anton was excited about; he had carefully calculated all his qualities and soon knew which was the best path he should take.

"Guardian Bishop, I'll see what I can do." Anton bowed and left the office with his indifferent expression, but when he left, that expression of his changed to one full of coldness, and he muttered, "You know nothing, damn old fool."

...

Country Drakoria, City Wisdom Springs.

In the heart of Wisdom Springs city, in this humid city, Anton had managed to buy a nursery, and it was where he spent all his time while working as an exorcist.

"Have you heard me? I can't get the bishop off my back because of your unethical results in exorcisms. I don't understand the need to completely dunk a man's head in holy water who wasn't possessed."

A young woman, dressed very disorderly, stood in front of Anton, who was taking care of the small trees in the nursery. She was a thirty-year-old exorcist and was in charge of supervising him during the first months, but this had been extended for a long time.

Angeline, who was very tired of following Anton's craziness, wanted to stay out of it, but the bishop kept pressuring her to advise young Anton ShadowBane to behave as a proper exorcist should.

Since Anton arrived in this city, he had worked as an exorcist, but unlike what many expected, he was doing his job in a very different way.

Instead of saving someone who was possessed, he beat them dozens of times before starting the job, just because he knew the person he was exorcising was a scammer.

The exorcists didn't handle a moral code, so there was a scandal in the association when the Research Department reported on Anton's exorcisms after examining the scene.

"Don't you want to take a tree with you? Although they will grow, you could take care of them for a few years before planting them in a suitable place for their growth." Anton took a glass jar and filled the pot of a small tree.

The young trees, which Anton had just planted with his not-so-refined tree-planting skills, were still a bit withered. But he knew perfectly well that with careful attention, these trees would come to life, and he could soon send them to suitable places to be planted.

At the same time, the saplings seemed to change with the care Anton was giving them.

And as if no one else could see what Anton was seeing, a message appeared in front of him.

"[Congratulations on watering a tree; you have gained 100 points of faith strength, and you can use it whenever you want!]"

"[The number of trees planted and in good condition has reached 500; balance has been found in your soul. You have gained an increase in the power of your soul and physique; now, you have more authority as an exorcist!]"

With the appearance of these two notices, Anton immediately felt the presence of a warm light pouring over his back and soon traveled to many parts of his body before disappearing completely.

To be an exorcist, one needs willpower, but Anton discovered that this willpower is faith energy that gives them the authority to confront evil beings. Although they were not exactly wizards, they could do things that a normal human couldn't and, as priests, obtain the power to face even werewolves.

"I finally believe I have the courage to eliminate dangerous dark entities. I believe I can even come out alive if I encounter a werewolf."

Anton pushed back his delicate hair that covered his forehead and thought as he looked at the trees he had planted: "The next time my soul finds balance, maybe I'll gain some good ability. Shouldn't you reward me since I'll be eliminating evil from this world?"

Feeling the divine energy traveling in his subconscious, Anton's confidence, which used to rely solely on his tools, was now in himself.

Three months ago, if he didn't remember incorrectly, Anton woke up in this world, which was exactly like his past life, but the countries had changed not only in name but also in environment, technology, and evolution. In other words, the city might look old but is actually very advanced. Many cities focused on maintaining their antique appearance and enjoying nature more, but the people were still the same humans Anton knew.

According to what he knew of this world, there was the so-called Association of Light, which was responsible for eliminating evil. Humans were indifferent to the existence of supernatural creatures because, in reality, they were unaware of their existence to a certain extent.

Exorcist priests, often confused with priests of other religions, were considered for many trivial jobs. But everyone knew that if something was wrong, they had to call a priest to check on the affected person. Most of the time, it was something medical, but when it actually dealt with the supernatural, the Association of Light imposed its authority.

Anton, who had the misfortune of becoming an exorcist at the age of twenty, had been sent to an area where he would take care of and ensure the safety of humans just to gain experience. As a ShadowBane, many expected something from him, so he had to work until he was skilled enough to handle any kind of threat on his own.

But after obtaining an attribute panel that gave him faith energy for exorcisms by planting trees, he spent most of his time taking care of the trees and only moved to eliminate threats. Because, for reasons that no one knows, he had to be in this place, he bought this nursery with his family's money, and now everyone knew that a priest could be found in this building most of the day.

At that moment, everyone knew that a handsome priest had been sent to this area of the city, and although everyone knew exactly why he was different because of the old stories, it was taboo to mention something like this, and it was ignored naturally.

And now that many have heard Anton's story, some people think he is a crazy priest.

Now, three months later, people in the city have eventually forgotten Anton's madness, respecting him as a good priest who puts people in their place with a firm hand.

Every now and then, Angeline came to pressure him to return to the church, but Anton said that as long as he did his job, no one should interfere with how he carried out each of his missions.

And in this life, no one would ever take Anton away from planting trees...

As for the reason...

Anton is cursed in this world, his punishment for tormenting nature in his previous life.

"[Name]: Anton ShadowBane

[Occupation]: Exorcist

[Faith Strength]: 7,028

[General Strength]: 22

[Spirit]: 190

[Talent]: Soul Balance

[Effect]:

[1. Bridge of Light]: Each tree he cares for and survives will gain strength to combat dark entities in the future.

[2. Hand of God]: When necessary, pray for others, and a cross will appear in your right hand that will eliminate any evil entity. The damage you cause with this ability depends on the strength of faith, the strength of the enemy, and its resistance. [Remember that the hand of God only takes effect upon direct contact with the entity you want to eliminate.]

The more trees planted and survived, the greater the general strength of your body will continue to increase.

Current progress: 1 tree equals 100 points when registered; each tree gives you 1 point of

Faith eventually.

...]"

This is the new Anton after waking up in this world and knowing that he was cursed. Not only did he need to plant trees to eliminate dark entities, but he personally had to give them special care every day.

Although it's ironic to think that only by planting trees would he become stronger, Anton has made great progress in just these last two months. That's why he took care of the small trees in this nursery; he knew that as long as he did a good job, his life would improve, and he would help people improve as well.

This wasn't a second chance at life; this was a life he had to pay for by doing the work he should do as an exorcist. Even though he was a good exorcist without these things, he knew that his chances of survival would increase, and with this, he would probably find a way to eliminate all evil in this world.