What If the Scoundrel Pope Becomes Competent

◈ 8. The Price of Summoning a Spirit

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“…….”

The lively and cheerful Rubin from just moments ago had vanished, replaced by a somber silence that felt almost suffocating.

Understanding the likely emotions swirling within him, I continued my suggestion carefully, choosing my words with caution.

“It’s better for you to come with us than to stay here. You and the items too.”

“How… how could you say such a thing…”

“I understand how you feel. You’ve been guarding this place for a long time. But don’t take it too negatively—take your time to think it over—”

Before I could finish, I noticed tears welling up in Rubin’s eyes. 

Was he crying?

Caught off guard, I froze mid-sentence, and in that moment, Rubin’s form suddenly vanished with a faint ‘pop’! 

It seemed he had willingly dismissed himself and gone elsewhere.

“……So, he refused. Not that I’m surprised.”

Thankfully, since he was just a guide-type Polydroid, he hadn’t attacked us. 

I could only imagine what traps or monsters might have sprung to life if I had tried to forcibly take the items.

Luciana, who had been observing quietly, murmured with pity in her voice.

“How unfortunate…”

“It’s sad, sure, but we don’t have a choice. We need those items.”

Though she didn’t voice agreement outright, her silence indicated she shared my sentiment. 

Feeling sorry for Rubin wouldn’t change the fact that we had to take what we needed.

At that moment, Argelio, who had been inspecting the items near the statues, broke the silence.

“More importantly, we have a problem.”

“……?”

“I’ve confirmed it—every single item is cursed.”

Before I could process this, I noticed he had taken out a pendulum-like object at some point. 

The thin chain it dangled from swung gently, and the golden pendulum spun in slow circles.

“With this curse detection device I’m holding, I can’t identify the specific type of curse, but it’s bound to be a powerful ancient god’s curse. This could be a real problem. Even top-grade curse removal items might not be enough to—Your Holiness!?”

Argelio’s voice trembled as he called out to me, panicking as I ignored his warning and stepped closer to the statue. 

Without bothering to explain, I activated the skill [Holy Inviolability Pact (S)].

The Holy Inviolability Pact.

It was the only usable skill out of the many sealed abilities that Nikellus possessed. 

Because of this, I had studied its effects and how to use it thoroughly.

A strange sound, like a gust of wind, filled the air.

Then, like ink spreading in water, a golden circle began to form at my feet. 

[The Domain of Holy Inviolability has been summoned beneath your feet. All entities within the domain are purified and protected by divine power.]

Duration: 20 minutes

A magic circle of overlapping intricate patterns and shapes appeared, forming a perfect round design with a radius of 2 meters. 

The golden circle followed me precisely as I moved.

As I approached the statue, stepping closer to the items within the circle’s range, a faint mechanical noise echoed from the objects.

Then—

[The curse of the ancient god embedded in the items vanishes before the dazzling authority of Lucidmiller!] 

The curse was lifted.

At the same time, the previously grimy, dull items began to glow with a pure golden light.

This skill, the Holy Inviolability Pact, was unique among Nikellus’ abilities. 

It created a 2-meter-radius Domain of Inviolability centered on me, filling the area with the authority of Lucidmiller.

In simpler terms, anything entering the glowing circle at my feet would be purified by Lucidmiller’s divine power.

Even cursed items or sources of sinister energy could not withstand the purification.

‘This skill was meant to be saved for cleansing the final mana source, but… it should be fine. I’m not low on divine energy right now, and I can afford to use it one more time.’

As befitting an S-rank skill, each use consumed a substantial amount of divine energy, so I had been conserving it. 

For users of skills reliant on divine energy, it wasn’t just power—it was essentially life energy. 

Without replenishing it through potions or sufficient rest, overexertion could result in death.

But with these items cursed, there was no other choice. 

Even if it meant wasting some divine energy, it was worth purifying the items and taking them along.

“The curse is gone!!”

Argelio, who had been watching intently from the side, shouted something I already knew loud enough to make my ears ring.

Luciana approached, muttering in astonishment.

“How…? Your Holiness, did you just purify it? That must have been a powerful curse placed by an ancient god, not something easily dispelled…”

“I borrowed power from someone even stronger.”

“Lucidmiller…?”

“Yeah. It’s a grand ability, but the divine energy cost is so steep it’s not exactly practical.”

According to the lore of the <CRW>, gods who were widely worshipped and revered gained immense strength. 

Conversely, forgotten gods gradually faded into obscurity and eventually ceased to exist.

That’s why removing a curse from an ancient, forgotten god was a trivial task for me. 

After all, I was the emissary of Lucidmiller, the most powerful god in terms of influence and authority in the current age.

Theoretically, this outcome was expected, but Luciana still murmured in disbelief.

“I’m amazed. I didn’t think even this would be possible…”

She must have been deeply impressed. 

After all, the same pope who had been accused of being a fraud and doing nothing but breaking things had now displayed genuinely papal powers.

‘Just how bad was Nikellus’ reputation if even this simple act of purification shocks people…?’

To be precise, it wasn’t me, but the original Nikellus, who had been a complete disgrace.

Still, the situation made me feel a bit self-conscious, so I scratched my cheek absentmindedly.

“Well, I mean, if there’d been situations where I had to step in directly, I would’ve used this skill more often, but that didn’t really happen. Anyway, let’s focus. So far, nothing’s happened, but once we touch those items, the temple will likely recognize us as thieves.”

I tapped the glowing sigil of the Holy Inviolability Pact beneath my feet with the tip of my boot as I continued.

“As soon as we make contact, monsters will probably appear. You two stay inside this circle. The monsters can’t get close to you here, so it’s safe. While you’re protected, I’ll take them down with ranged attacks―”

“No.”

Luciana shook her head firmly, cutting me off. 

At the same time, she drew a sword from her inventory.

A sleek, perfectly honed longsword, devoid of any unnecessary embellishment. 

Its blade gleamed coldly, reflecting a brilliant light, its simplicity matching its wielder.

“As a knight of the Order, I will fulfill my duty. I didn’t come here just to stand idly by.”

“I understand the sentiment, but…”

“Fulfill your duty as a sword. Never forget the purpose of a sword.”

I knew these words were part of the family creed of House Lazar, the distinguished marquess family Luciana hailed from. 

It was something they instilled in their descendants from a young age, almost like indoctrination.

As a family with a long-standing tradition of knighthood, it made sense. 

But every time I heard it, it left a bad taste in my mouth.

“…Fine, step back. We don’t know what might appear.”

“Which is exactly why I must step forward.”

Her voice was resolute as she replied, her tone leaving no room for argument.

“As Commander of the Knights, it is my duty to fight, to get hurt, and, if necessary, to die in your place. You must not forget this.”

“That’s far too…”

“This is the meaning of my existence. Don’t take that away from me.”

“….”

It was a statement so baffling that I didn’t even know where to begin refuting it.

The notion that one’s purpose in life was simply to get hurt or die—it was absurd.

I considered firmly stopping her from stepping forward, but the resolute determination in Luciana’s expression made me relent. 

Instead, I settled for this:

“…Fine. I’ll respect your request and won’t forget that you’re a knight. I won’t stop you from stepping in on my behalf either.”

“Thank you.”

“But there’s something you also mustn’t forget. It’s something so basic, yet you seem to have overlooked it.”

“…What might that be? What have I forgotten?”

Luciana, the perfectionist who couldn’t rest unless everything was in perfect order, looked visibly uneasy.

I told her. Something so obvious, so fundamental, yet something she seemed to have lost sight of despite mastering swordsmanship and knightly virtues.

“That you’re a person. A sword is made to be wielded, but people aren’t.”

“…”

“No one is born to get hurt or die for someone else. People are born to live. To live happily.”

“…”

“So don’t you dare get hurt or die for me. Absolutely not. Especially throwing yourself in the way of an arrow or something—that’s the one thing I hate the most.”

For a while, Luciana said nothing.

Had my outright rejection of her beliefs offended her? 

She stayed so silent that I began to worry.

However, Luciana didn’t show any sign of rejecting my words. 

Instead, she simply bowed her head with the same composed demeanor as always.

“Rest assured. I am the descendant of Marquess Lazar’s house, which has produced countless masterful knights. Among the purest bloodlines of knights, mine is the purest. I will neither get hurt nor, even less so, die.”

She wasn’t exaggerating. 

Luciana was the eldest daughter of the direct lineage of House Lazar, a family renowned for its knightly traditions.

Among her family, she was the one who had inherited the greatest talent.

Hearing her words, I felt a little reassured. 

Perhaps I could entrust her with the tasks ahead.

“Hmph, with Lady Lazar taking the lead, I suppose I’ll rely on Your Holiness for protection since my offensive skills are lacking.”

“…”

There wasn’t even a moment to feel moved or anything like that—thanks to Argelio, who slipped inside the skill’s radius with a sheepish grin.

I understood why he was hiding behind me—he was only a B-rank fighter with limited combat skills—but seeing him cling to me like his life depended on it was… irritating. 

For someone with such a decent face, his behavior was inexplicably pathetic.

Annoyed, I nudged him aside and reached for the items on the statue.

“I’m grabbing the item now. Be ready, Luciana.”

“Yes, I’m prepared.”

The item I took was a bow.

As I pulled the bow from the statue, leaving its hands empty, an ominous sound echoed.

Crack… crackle… snap…

The statue that had been holding the bow remained still, its movements ceasing completely.

However, the other statues holding a sword, shield, and spear began to awaken with the sound of stone crumbling. 

Their eyes snapped open.

‘So, these are polydroids too, huh? Guess they weren’t purified along with the items.’

If the statues had been magical constructs animated by the power of an ancient god, they would have been cleansed by the Holy Inviolability Pact skill’s radius, turning them back into ordinary statues.

The fact that they remained active indicated that they were closer to mechanical constructs, operating through something like electricity rather than divine or magical energy.

Gr-grrrk…

The statues briefly turned their attention to me, the one who had directly taken the item.

However, due to the Holy Inviolability Pact, it seemed they couldn’t properly detect my presence. 

Instead, their heads swiveled toward Luciana, who was standing outside the skill’s protective radius.

They immediately adopted a combat stance.

‘Cowards. Three against one… At least I made the right choice grabbing the bow.’

Since I’d taken the bow, the statue guarding it remained immobile.

Considering how troublesome it would’ve been to deal with continuous ranged attacks during the fight, securing the bow beforehand turned out to be a fortunate decision.

At that moment, Argelio muttered leisurely.

“How fortunate. To witness Lady Lazar’s combat skills up close like this. Look at that flawless stance.”

“I don’t think this is the time for admiration. And why are you sticking so close to me? The skill’s radius is wide enough. Couldn’t you stand a bit farther away? This is awkward for both of us.”

“If I stand farther away and happen to trip, I might fall outside the skill’s radius. That would be disastrous, wouldn’t it? I’d be exposed to the monsters’ attacks.”

He had a point. 

If the statues drew closer and he accidentally tripped—or if I happened to toss a rock at the back of his head and pushed him out of the skill’s range—he’d be in serious trouble.

Without decent combat skills, he wouldn’t last long against the statues.

Acknowledging this logic, I nodded.

“Oh… That’s quite an efficient assassination method. I could secretly push you out of the radius, claim you tripped on your own, and let the statues finish you off. Luciana would think it was just an accident…”

“W-What!?”

“I’m joking. I’m not going to push you, so could you please step back a little?”

Even after I clarified it was a joke, he didn’t release my arm.

Instead, he clung to me even more desperately, latching onto my arm with an iron grip.

Resigned, I turned my attention back to Luciana and the statues that had surrounded her.

[Gr-grkk… Theft of sacred items…]

[Upon discovery of item theft…]

[The penalty may include execution… or permanent curse… Kiyaaah!!]

Apparently, warnings weren’t enough for the statues—they were ready to enforce the death penalty themselves.

Weapons crashed down toward Luciana with bone-crushing force.

Boom!

The impact was so strong it cracked the stone floor. 

If she’d been hit directly, she’d have been obliterated.

But Luciana wasn’t there.

Where she had been standing, a whirlwind of thousands of blue petals suddenly filled the air, obscuring the statues’ view.

‘Ah, so that’s it. The A-rank skill, North Wind Raging Through the Garden.’

A skill that scatters petals imbued with divine energy to obscure vision while dealing widespread damage.

I had read about its effects through the information window, but this was my first time seeing it in action.

Swish—

Blue petals elegantly sliced through the air like a silken wave rippling in the breeze.

From a distance, it looked stunning—almost mesmerizing, like a tapestry of fluttering silk in the sky.

But no one caught in its range would have the luxury to admire it.

Each of those petals carried the cutting force of a blade. 

If you entered the attack radius unarmed, you’d be shredded like sausage in a blender in less than a minute.

Even the sturdy-looking statues were beginning to crumble under the fragrant, cerulean gusts.

[…Profane!]

[Blasphe…mous!]

[Irrev…erent!]

Luciana skillfully maneuvered the petals, swirling them to mask her movements.

She slipped behind one of the statues, and her sword swept horizontally with precision.

Crack!

The sound of stone shattering filled the air.

Moments later, the head of the sword-wielding statue rolled to the ground.

Headless, the statue ceased moving entirely.

‘She’s already taken down one.’

If it continued like this, the fight might end quicker than I thought—or so I hoped.

That’s when the remaining statues raised their shields, hunching down defensively.

“…?”

The moment I felt a pang of confusion, light began streaming through the intricate engravings on their shields.

In the blink of an eye, a translucent barrier formed around the statues.

‘So, they had this kind of feature.’

A perfect hemispherical shield now encased them, protecting them from all sides.

Thanks to the barrier, the petals could no longer damage the statues.

Luciana immediately withdrew her skill and instead infused divine power directly into her sword.

She swung it with all her might at the shield.

Bang!

The sword, brimming with holy energy, was sturdy enough to smash through stone.

But against the barrier created by the shields, all it managed to do was leave a faint crack.

Though the crack was a start, breaking through the barrier this way would require relentless strikes—a grueling task that would exhaust her arms.

Not to mention, it would take a significant amount of time.

‘Maybe I should help out. This is a good chance to test its function anyway.’

I inspected the bow I had taken from the statue earlier.

During the purification process to remove the ancient god’s curse, it had been imbued with Lucidmiller’s authority. 

Its destructive power should now be superior to what it once was.

As I channeled divine energy into it, the bow’s ends unfurled with a pop! transforming into a longbow.

A glowing arrow made of pure divine energy automatically loaded itself onto the bowstring.

Then, a set of notifications appeared before me.

[Your proficiency with bows is low.]

[Accuracy is below 15%.]

[Would you like to summon the Spirit of Wind for assistance?]

—Yes
—No

Spirit summoning, huh? 

The idea intrigued me, but I hesitated to press the button.

There was no information on what I’d need to offer in exchange for the spirit’s help.

‘Could it be the kind of spirit I’m imagining? Whatever it is, I doubt it’ll assist for free once it appears.’

Still, it was a spirit. 

Surely, it wouldn’t demand something outrageous like a loan shark tearing out kidneys or eyeballs.

…Right?

With that thought in mind, I finally moved my finger and pressed the option.

—Yes

The moment I requested the summoning, the price for calling upon them was exacted.

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