Strength 99999 but the Holy Sister

……

at the same time--

"Elsa... left?"

The girl was stunned, looking a little at a loss as she stood in front of the monastery.

The old priest nodded.

Since Elsa left, an adventurer named Ruth, the guild's Bremuth, and the daughter of a nearby farmer have all come, and the one in front of them is the mayor's daughter - Charlie Bran.

Charlie Bran has long snow-white hair and her crimson eyes could easily make people mistake her for a vampire.

"Yes, Miss Bran, but Sister Faris asked me to tell you that she would remember the 'promise' between you."

"A 'promise'?"

Charlie Bran pursed her lips, her eyes, as mellow as red wine, flickered slightly. She said nothing more and turned away.

……

------------

10. Anecdotes of the Saint

To the east of Weilin Town is an endless plain.

The carriage was not big, but it was more than enough to seat four people - there were three priests in charge of the escort this time.

Although there were not many people, Elsa learned from the old priest that all three of them were good fighters. If compared horizontally, they could be considered among the top silver medal adventurers.

Elsa sat alone, clutching her spear. Across from her was a seemingly learned priest wearing a scholarly monocle. His name was Marvin, and he always held a thick book. Next to Marvin sat a priest named Buck, who always kept his eyes closed and remained silent except for introducing himself. Another priest, Fred, drove the carriage and seemed a familiar figure traveling frequently between Dammas City and Verin Town.

They simply asked Elsa a few things, such as her name, age, where she came from, the reason she became a nun, how long she had been a religious believer, etc., and then wrote them down one by one with a pen and said no more - just like old Father Angus, the old priest was also a man of few words on weekdays.

None of them spoke. Perhaps the male believers in the Church were rather old-fashioned. After all, they were people who dedicated their entire lives to the gods. Elsa really wanted to know whether the goddess really needed so many people to accompany her, or whether the soul of a person would really return to the goddess after death.

Because she came here from another world. The worlds are different, but the gods are the same?

She had difficulty verifying the veracity of this claim.

All in all, Elsa found these priests to be just as neat but dull as their black clothes, which was consistent with her impression of church monks. Elsa was happy and at ease, but she didn't know what to do. She was extremely bored.

The carriage moved steadily along the riverbank. The scenery of the plain was beautiful, but its monotony was dull.

Elsa didn't have much luggage, just some packed underwear and a change of nun's clothes, a little saved change and a pair of silver chopsticks, which were all personal belongings.

The others were prepared for her by the old priest.

Aisha has opened the space ring and checked it.

Space equipment also has different grades. Elsa heard that some space equipment can easily hold as much stuff as a whole carriage, while some can only hold a few stones. The difference between them is so huge that it is difficult to compare them.

The ring that the old priest gave to Elsa has a content space of about one-third of a cubic meter, which is quite common among space equipment. It is the size of three or four storage boxes, less than half a cubic meter, and it is an irregularly shaped space. It is naturally impossible to put a spear that is almost taller than Elsa in it, but it is enough as a travel bag.

Throwing the luggage into the space ring, Elsa saw that the old priest had put a pile of thick books, a dozen parchment scrolls of ancient style, several dazzling gems, and a total of twenty heavy gold coins, filling up the space ring of less than half a cubic space.

This pile of stuff is worth a lot of money no matter where it is placed. In this world, books are very precious. A bookcase filled with books in a noble's study is itself a reflection of status, and those magic stones and magic scrolls are even more expensive and rare magic props that can allow people who don't know magic to use some magic.

As for the twenty gold coins, it is also a considerable sum of money.

There are many kinds of commonly used currencies in this world. In the human kingdom, the monetary system is roughly based on gold coins, silver coins, and copper coins. The exchange rate of gold coins, silver coins, and copper coins is approximately 1 to 100 to 10000. Of course, this exchange rate is not constant, but most of the time it fluctuates around this ratio.

Generally speaking, one gold coin is enough for ordinary people in Weilin Town to spend for three or four months, and twenty gold coins is the first time Elsa has seen so much money since she traveled through time.

There were too many, so many, so many that they almost diluted the sad thoughts brought about by separation. An indescribable feeling arose in Elsa's heart, and she suddenly felt that she might be a vulgar person.

But who isn't? In her previous life, she had always lived with her grandparents, and Elsa saw their shadows in the old priest.

I must be recognized as a holy nun and not disappoint the priest's expectations. When I become successful, I will bring back more gifts for the nuns. Now that I have decided to do this, I must work hard and give it my all!

Elsa made up her mind, and the fighting spirit in her heart burned brightly.

If only I had a bit more mana... I wonder if those "defilers" from lately will show up again. It would be great if I could hunt a few more and level myself up a few more. That would definitely give me a better chance of winning the election, right? There's bound to be some powerful magicians emerging from this city full of hidden talents. I hope I can stand out among them.

Elsa thought secretly.

"Sister Faris, how much do you know about the selection of the Sisters of Sainthood?"

Perhaps because the atmosphere in the carriage was too depressing, Marvin put down the book in his hand and took the initiative to talk to Aisha for the first time.

"I don't know much about it," Aisha said honestly, looking at the seemingly knowledgeable priest. "This is my first time attending."

"It's normal for everyone else to attend this event as well," Marvin adjusted his glasses, appearing enthusiastic. "A Saint appears approximately every fifty years. Each successive Saint is personally appointed by the Goddess. Sometimes they're nuns within the Church, but more often they're the daughter of a noble, the daughter of a farmer, or even a poor orphan from an orphanage... Oh, and how much do you know about Her Highness the Saint?"

Of course I don’t understand at all.

Elsa had always lived in the monastery in Weilin Town. Although she often took little Alice to play in the town center, she knew very little about the affairs of the church's upper echelons. She didn't care what kind of organization the church in this world was, so she never took the initiative to learn about it. She only occasionally heard some legends and stories - but those stories were sometimes true and sometimes false. Elsa didn't intend to show off these things in front of someone who seemed knowledgeable.

"The Saint is the goddess's favorite and the messenger who brings us hope."

Aisha said ambiguously, no matter what, let me praise you first.

“You really understand.”

Marvin pressed the book with his hand and laughed.

As he spoke, Marvin began to talk about the "secrets" of the saint. In fact, it didn't sound much different from the rumors Elsa had heard. It was nothing more than how pure and noble the saint's character was, how sacred and solemn her magic was, and how breathtaking her beauty was.

Aisha figured it out - this Marvin was just like her.

That's true. Marvin is only about thirty or forty years old. He was not even born when the previous Saint was in office. All his knowledge of the Saint is hearsay.

Aisha wanted to complain, but she held it back.

……

------------

11. The Self-cultivation of the Saint Sister

Elsa finally understood that Marvin was a complete saint worshipper. He would talk endlessly for a long time whenever the topic related to the saint was mentioned.

It might be appropriate to describe him with a word from his previous life: die-hard fan.

Marvin, a die-hard fan of the Saint - it would be fine if the stories he told were some real things related to the Saint, but they are all legends and anecdotes with no basis. Elsa can hear different versions of these stories wherever she goes, which is really boring.

"By the way," Aisha quickly tried to find a way to stop him, "Brother Marvin, can I know how many candidates will be confirmed for the selection of the Holy Sister?"

There can't be only one person accompanying the saint, right?

"One hundred people." Marvin was naturally aware of this information. He suppressed his excitement and said with a firm look, "This is drawn up according to the organization standards of the Knights Templar. All the holy nuns will be selected from our Empire, the Southwestern Federation, the Kingdom of Belmont Ferrea, the Kingdom of Yekasa in the Western Continent, and several other small countries. Each one is an elite, and of course, you too. I believe that if you can be recognized by Father Angus, you will definitely make a big splash."

As he spoke, Marvin turned his gaze to the spear wrapped in black cloth in Aisha's arms, which made Aisha feel strange.

Why does this sound so… So the old priest actually has a glorious past? He actually holds a high position in the Vatican?

I really didn't notice.

"Of course, these one hundred people won't always be by the Saint's side," Marvin continued. "In fact, each Saint Sister will undergo rigorous testing and trials, and then be assigned to a certain point along the Saint's preaching and training journey, responsible for guiding and protecting her. Only one person will stay by the Saint's side from beginning to end, and she will be chosen from the most powerful and loyal Saint Sisters."

"So that's it..."

Elsa nodded.

It seems that there is a big discrepancy between the rumors and the reality. The nuns in the monastery all thought that there were only ten holy nuns, but in fact there were a hundred. Perhaps it was because most of the holy nuns were not famous, and the nuns also thought that becoming a holy nun would definitely make them the ones who served the holy nun. But in fact, even if they passed the selection, they would be more likely to become one of the 99 people.

I was thinking too simply.

But why hadn't the old priest told me about this? Could it be that he knew nothing about this? That was impossible. After all, the old priest was a senior figure in the system and the one who recommended me. His knowledge and experience were far beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Or does the old priest think that he can successfully become the first-ranked holy nun?

Elsa couldn't help but shake her head. Although she considered herself quite skilled in martial arts, this world was dominated by magic. Could a Saint Nun who couldn't use magic really exist? Weilin Town was only a small place, after all. There wasn't anyone more powerful than her there, but that wasn't necessarily the case in a big city.

At this time, a group of shadowy figures appeared in front of the carriage.

"There's a caravan approaching ahead."

Fred turned around and reminded them, and Marvin and Aisha looked forward at the same time.

Elsa saw that it was a convoy of carriages loaded with goods. It seemed to be a team composed of a merchant and his hired mercenaries. The man riding in the front was armed with a rough-made metal sword. The sword was very wide and was carried on his back like a door panel. The hilt protruded from behind his muscular shoulders, making him look particularly fierce.

Most of these mercenaries had tanned skin, their eagle-like eyes exceptionally bright. Some dressed like hunters, with hooks, daggers, and crossbows slung from their waists. Others wielded staffs, including the warrior with a broadsword, forming a warrior-mage-hunter team, a common combination for adventurers and mercenaries. Some wealthy teams would even recruit a priest to assist in combat. These priests were under the jurisdiction of the Holy See, contributing a significant income to the church.

The flat terrain always allows you to see things from a long distance. It is obvious that the other party also saw Elsa and the others. The group came towards them and stopped to make way to the side at a distance. At the same time, they saluted slightly towards the carriage where Elsa was, and secretly glanced at Elsa and several priests.

The influence of the church extends to almost all human countries. It spreads the blessings of the goddess, manages priests, has dealings with some pharmacists, and is also responsible for fighting against evil spirits. Therefore, the monks of the Church are respected in every human country - at least, on the surface.

"Respected priests, are you going to Dammas City?"

the businessman stammered to Fred, forcing a cautious smile.

"No, we went north and did some business in Villin. Are you going to Villin?"

"Yes, I'm going to sell some spices. It seems more people want them lately," the merchant wiped the sweat from his forehead and licked his dry lips. "There have been some black monsters appearing on the roads recently. Please be careful, Priest..."

"Well, we are investigating this very matter. There have been evil spirits causing trouble recently. You'd better not go near the forest. May the goddess bless you."

"Thank you, thank you..."

Elsa returned the greeting while holding the cross on her chest. A breeze blew over, and Elsa smelled the scent of fennel and nutmeg in the air, as well as a stinky smell and the fishy smell of blood. She raised her eyes curiously.

"Are any of you injured?"

She suddenly asked, and saw the mercenaries looking at her with eyes full of surprise and a hint of amazement, while the businessman following behind them had a nervous look on his face.

"I just encountered a robber and was slightly injured."

The leading warrior spoke in a deep voice. He raised his arm and shook it. Elsa noticed that there was indeed a bloody wound on his arm, which was not very deep. He continued, "But it's nothing serious. We chased those little guys away. Fortunately, the goods and the employer are fine."

The businessman next to him also seemed to be in shock and nodded repeatedly.

"This is the first time I've seen a nun outside. She looks so young," the man continued.

Generally speaking, nuns would not leave the town, and in some places they had never even left the monastery, but it was obvious that these people had never been to the town of Weilin, and Weilin Town did not have so many rules and regulations.

"She is our alchemist. We have to rely on her for some things."

Fred lied.

"That's it..."

After a brief exchange, the carriage and the caravan passed each other.

After driving for a while, Marvin, who was sitting opposite Elsa, suddenly said, "Sister Faris, is this your first time traveling far away?"

"What's wrong……?"

Elsa looked up.

"Nothing, it's just... I think you should put aside your curiosity," Marvin explained, noting that Aisha seemed a little confused. "It's best to remain vigilant when meeting other people. If someone wants to treat you badly, they will try hard to pretend to be friendly and appear in front of you. When you let your guard down, danger will come uninvited. You... you may not realize it yourself, but your beauty is enough to make some villains take risks, especially in a wild area like this, where there are no laws or rules, so..."

"Marvin, you talk too much," interrupted the priest named Buck. He glanced at Aisha coldly. Unlike the gentle Marvin, Buck seemed unceremonious. "Our mission is to escort Sister Faris to Dammas City, not to be a chattering nanny."

……

------------

12. Dangers lurking everywhere

"Buck," Marvin glanced at Buck unhappily, "You can't always be like this. We are companions now, and you should explain these things to her."

"Is she going to be a holy nun or are you going to be one? Why don't you go and talk to Her Highness the Saint about this?"

Buck choked Marvin and went back to reading his scriptures.

Marvin shook his head, looking helpless. He turned around and smiled at Aisha, "I'm sorry, Sister Faris... Buck is quite straightforward, I hope you don't mind."

Elsa didn't mind.

Actually, what Buck said makes sense.

Moreover, Aisha felt that there seemed to be a very subtle tacit understanding between the three priests. It was not the kind of friction that appeared on the surface, but a kind of harmony that was just right.

Perhaps, they were escorting me on the surface, but in fact they were also half interview examiners.

——From the moment of leaving the monastery, the selection and assessment of the holy nun has generally begun.

The Holy Nun is the one who serves and protects the Holy Lady. She should be strong, smart, courageous, knowledgeable, and able to give the best solution to any situation. She should be able to avoid risks and prevent crises based on her own judgment, and not lack even the most basic common sense.

If the group of people just now really had bad intentions, if the person sitting opposite Elsa was the Saint instead of Marvin and Buck, then Elsa's actions just now might have caused trouble, one, two, ten, a hundred... The accumulation of troubles might develop into a disaster - and all this could have been avoided.