Suicide Before Defeating the Final Boss

Suicide Before Defeating the Final Boss – 88

EP.88 The Pope

[You have died.]

[The Trial Chamber is resetting.]

(Deaths: 32)

The individual strength of the heroes was significantly inferior to Jeong-hyeon’s. They weren’t particularly difficult to handle—individually, at least. The real problem was their sheer number.

‘If this were a turn-based game.’

Every single one of them would take their turn, attacking him in waves. Even if each hero only attacked once, he would still be forced to endure hundreds of hits in rapid succession.

And so, the difficulty of the trial escalated exponentially, rendering it nearly impossible for Jeong-hyeon to manage the fight alone.

But he wasn’t exactly alone anymore.

Jeong-hyeon smirked as he watched the corpses rise around him, animating under his command. Whatever this strange ability was, he decided it deserved a name. Something simple, like “Holy Zombies,” seemed fitting enough.

Seeing the animated corpses shuffle with unnatural but effective movement, Jeong-hyeon couldn’t help but feel a surge of satisfaction.

‘This actually worked.’

For so long, he’d fought without backup, enduring countless battles in solitude. The lack of support had been a constant thorn in his side. But now, with these undead creations, he had a solution—a way to alleviate that burden.

‘Of course, there’s still a lot of room for improvement. But that’s what this place is for.’

This trial would be his training ground. He resolved to refine his technique further, pushing himself until he achieved the mastery he desired. Drawing on more divine power, he prepared to animate even more corpses, determined to see just how far this newfound power could take him.

***

Lucia couldn’t help but sweat as she saw Hana looking for Jeong-hyeon as soon as she woke up in the morning.

Jeong-hyeon had gone into the Trial Chamber to level up but hadn’t mentioned anything to Hana before leaving. This meant that all the responsibility for calming the child fell on Lucia’s shoulders.

“Daddy… Daddy’s gone… He left Hana behind…”

Hana sniffled, her face already a teary mess.

“N-no, that’s not it. He just had something important to do for a little while. He’ll be back soon. Don’t cry, okay?”

Lucia stammered, trying to reassure her.

But Hana wasn’t having it.

“Daaad…”

As Lucia frantically wiped away the tears streaming down Hana’s face, she heard a weary sigh from behind her. It was Miria, looking utterly drained.

“Lucia, I’m sorry, but could you please take over? Hana wore me out completely yesterday. I can’t handle her anymore.”

Miria said before collapsing onto the sofa. She closed her eyes almost instantly, as if even talking had sapped the last of her strength.

Lucia let out a quiet groan. With her only ally now down for the count, the situation felt even more daunting. She closed her eyes tightly, trying to steel herself, when suddenly, the sound of the door bursting open drew her attention.

It was Charlotte, the first princess. Her unexpected arrival startled Lucia, who rushed over to greet her.

“Charlotte? What brings you here so suddenly?”

Lucia asked.

Charlotte gave a quick nod in greeting before urgently scanning the room.

“Where’s Jeong-hyeon? Is he here?”

“Jeong-hyeon is currently leveling up.”

Lucia replied.

“What? Again?”

Charlotte muttered, looking flustered.

“Never mind that. When did he leave?”

“Yesterday.”

Lucia answered, turning her attention back to wiping Hana’s face.

“Yesterday? Then he’ll probably be gone for a few days, won’t he?”

“Yes, most likely.”

Hearing that, Charlotte’s usual composed demeanor seemed to falter. She began pacing the room, her frustration clearly mounting. But then, as if struck by inspiration, her eyes lit up, and she turned to Lucia with a mischievous glint.

“Lucia, you’re a Saintess, right?”

“…Yes?”

Lucia replied hesitantly, nodding. By now, it was no secret, so there was no point in denying it.

Charlotte spoke urgently, her expression serious as she turned to Lucia.

“I’ve heard rumors that the Pope himself is planning to visit this place.”

“…The Pope?”

Lucia’s mind went blank at the mention of such an unexpected figure. She’d encountered cardinals a few times, but never had she even been in the same room as the Pope, let alone spoken with him.

Seeing Lucia’s stunned expression, Charlotte’s tone grew more serious as she pressed on.

“That’s why I’m asking. When the Pope arrives… can you meet him instead of Jeong-hyeon?”

“… Instead of Jeong-hyeon?”

“Yes. For some reason, I heard that the Pope specifically requested to meet Jeong-hyeon. He made it clear to the academy staff.”

The Pope wanted to meet Jeong-hyeon?

It made no sense at all. The only plausible reason Lucia could imagine was because Jeong-hyeon was the Hero. Even so, for the Pope to personally seek him out was bizarre.

‘The Pope isn’t the type to visit people; he’s someone people go to. Why would he make an exception?’

Confusion swirled in her mind, but Charlotte continued, unbothered by Lucia’s silence.

“So, again, I’m asking you to stand in for him…”

Lucia blinked, only half-absorbing Charlotte’s words. It seemed everyone was under the impression that her position as Saintess gave her some sway within the Church.

‘But the reality is… I have less authority than a novice nun.’

Ever since her exile, the Church had treated her as an outcast, a persona non grata. If she were to meet the Pope, she would likely be ignored—or worse, dismissed outright.

She hesitated, struggling to explain, when a familiar voice chimed in.

“Good morning, Princess.”

It was Miria, having woken from her brief rest. Her composed tone cut through the tension, prompting Charlotte to exhale slowly as she calmed herself.

“Good morning, Miria.”

Charlotte replied, regaining some of her usual poise.

Miria, noting Charlotte’s earlier agitation, offered a measured response.

“Regarding the Pope’s visit, it’s not something you need to be overly concerned about. It’s a matter for the academy administration to handle, not the students.”

At that, Charlotte froze, letting out a soft “Ah.” Her expression shifted to one of quiet self-reproach, as though berating herself for not realizing something so obvious.

Lucia, noticing Charlotte’s discomfort, tactfully averted her gaze, pretending to look out the window.

Miria continued, her tone reassuring.

“So, we can just act like nothing’s happening. Of course, the academy might put some pressure on us, but Jeong-hyeon doesn’t seem particularly interested in graduating, and, most importantly, Princess Karina supports him.”

Her words carried an air of finality, as if to say, There’s nothing to worry about.

Charlotte flushed slightly, laughing awkwardly.

“You’re right… It’s such an obvious point, but I was so shocked at the idea of the Pope visiting that I panicked. Thanks, Miria.”

“Of course.”

Watching Charlotte, who was normally so composed, stumble over her thoughts was oddly endearing.

Meanwhile, Lucia turned her attention to Hana, who had finally stopped crying. She gently patted the child’s back, hoping to comfort her further.

Hana sniffled and looked up at Lucia with teary eyes.

“Then… when is daddy coming back? I want to see daddy…”

Faced with the innocent question, Lucia found herself at a loss for words. All she could do was force an awkward smile, unsure of how to respond.

Jeong-hyeon’s return from the Trial Chamber was always unpredictable. It could take days or even weeks, leaving everyone guessing. Unable to give Hana a definitive answer, Lucia simply remained silent, her expression awkward.

Noticing this, Charlotte spoke up again, her voice more measured.

“It’ll probably take him about three days.”

Hana blinked and began wiggling her fingers, seemingly trying to count. Lucia decided to let her be for a moment. Charlotte, watching the child, eventually turned her attention back to the matter at hand.

“Still, considering that the Pope himself is coming here to find Jeong-hyeon… we need to be prepared. If he’s willing to come in person, he won’t take being ignored lightly. He’ll use any means necessary to force our hand.”

“Use any means necessary?”

Lucia echoed, her brow furrowed.

Charlotte’s gaze shifted meaningfully between Lucia, Hana, and Miria, one by one, before she explained.

“And those means will likely involve one of you—Lucia, Hana, or Miria.”

Though she didn’t say it outright, the implication was clear: they could be used as hostages.

Charlotte sighed and continued.

“If not you directly, then your families. While it’s unlikely for you or Hana… Miria, on the other hand…”

Miria interrupted with a carefree wave of her hand and a chuckle.

“Oh, you don’t need to worry about my family. They’re not exactly easy to take hostage.”

Charlotte raised a brow, clearly puzzled by Miria’s relaxed attitude. It seemed odd to her that Miria could be so certain, especially when it came to something as serious as the Pope’s potential actions. However, deciding not to pry, Charlotte moved on.

“…If you’re that confident, I’ll take your word for it. But still, tell Jeong-hyeon everything I’ve said when he returns. In the meantime, be careful.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Lucia replied, her voice earnest.

With a wave, Charlotte turned and left, disappearing through the door.

As the tension eased, Miria stretched out on the sofa again, looking as casual as ever.

“The Pope, huh? It makes sense for Jeong-hyeon, but Lucia, what about you? Are you okay with this?”

“Me? Why wouldn’t I be?”

Lucia asked, tilting her head.

“Well, you’re technically part of the Church. If the Pope calls for you, aren’t you obligated to go?”

“Uh… Normally, yeah.”

The Church’s hierarchy was strict, and disobeying an order from a superior usually came with severe consequences. Defiance was practically unheard of. Still, Lucia responded with a cheerful nonchalance.

“But I’m planning to quit soon anyway, so it doesn’t matter!”

Miria blinked, clearly taken aback.

“Wait… You’re the Saintess. Can you even do that?”

“Sure I can!”

Lucia said with a smile.

“It’s not like the Church has done anything for me anyway, so I don’t see why I should stick around.”

“That’s… not how that works.”

Miria’s exasperation was understandable. Even ordinary people who left the Church were often branded heretics, facing persecution or worse. For someone of Lucia’s rank, the repercussions would undoubtedly be severe.

Lucia, however, was unfazed. She already knew the risks.

‘As the Saintess, leaving the Church would immediately mark me for death. They’d probably send a squad of Holy Knights after me.’

Even so, her decision was firm. She had resolved to share Jeong-hyeon’s burdens, no matter how heavy they might be.

‘Even if this means diverging completely from the path the Church and fate had planned for me…’

If it was for Jeong-hyeon, she would bear the consequences.

With those thoughts, she gently patted Hana’s back, the child’s small sighs filling the quiet room.