【Lord Arceus is omnipotent.】
【Have you ever seen any Lord? Maybe it’s time to change your faith.】
Similar statements were the most common things she heard on the ship because pirates are mostly pragmatic. The rapid spread of the Arceus Cult within the Beasts Pirates wasn’t due to anything else; it was simply because they saw tangible benefits.
Talking to pirates about what happens after death or the future is unrealistic. They are drawn mostly to the benefits at hand.
Living examples kept appearing one after another, like Mandrell. Initially just an ordinary member among the numerous pirates, the first lottery changed his status from an ordinary pirate.
Whether Blessed Ones or Gifters, the abilities bestowed not only improved skills but also enhanced their constitution.
Splash made Mandrell’s waist and leg muscles more developed, Leaf Blade strengthened Amalee’s arms, Rollout toughened Pierman’s skin—these were all secondary effects of the moves.
Subtle changes in their bodies allowed them to use Pokémon moves with human bodies, and this change also allowed them to withstand more intense training, making them stronger and opening up their path to promotion within the Beasts Pirates.
For an ordinary pirate, gaining strength is the quickest way to climb the ranks.
Otherwise, even Kaido couldn’t help them. For example, Otohime’s fragile physique, which can break at the slightest touch, is simply not able to withstand high-intensity training, gradually forming a vicious cycle.
The relatively fair mechanism has made them more interested in the Arceus Cult. The derived welfare policies, healing medicine and others are also things they need.
They might not fear death, but how many would willingly embrace it when they can live?
“The elusive god. The true savior.”
She used to be devout in her beliefs, but she has no choice but to admit a problem: the god she believed in never appeared, and none of the convent’s children survived.
She has already learned that this ship was a pirate ship. A group of “evil” people turned out to be saviors, and the smiles on their faces were sincere. The last time she saw such smiles was before the Amber Lead Syndrome broke out.
What was happening before her eyes clashed intensely with her deeply ingrained values.
“Mom, do you have time now?”
“Lami? How did you get here?”
“Those uncles have something to tell you, so they sent me to ask you.”
Lying goes against her principles, but she has already told a lie to Lami. Since she has forgotten the past due to Amber Lead poisoning, the nun didn’t want her to remember those things. So, she concealed her surname, kept only the name Lami, and told her that she was her mother.
“Don’t wander around by yourself. Stay away from the ship’s railings, and also don’t cause trouble for others.”
“I understand.”
The nun gave Lami a few instructions, then went outside the cabin. Someone then handed her a newspaper.
“What’s this?”
“Newspaper, a newspaper about Flevance. Lord Arceus instructed us to give it to you once your emotions stabilize a bit.”
【Flevance hit by an unknown disease, the king expresses deep sorrow.】
【Medical rescue teams from neighboring countries have entered Flevance to carry out humanitarian rescue.】
“Li-Liars.”
A weeping king, the healed patients—the photos looked very real, but as an eyewitness to the event, the nun didn’t believe it.
There was never a medical team; only the neighboring country’s army.
As for the grieving king, those people ran faster than anyone else and also took away a large quantity of medicines that can alleviate the symptoms of Amber Lead Syndrome. The later shortage of medicines in the hospital was directly related to the royal family of Flevance.
Although those medicines wouldn’t have cured the disease, they could have provided comfort and prolonged their lifespan.
“This is a newspaper from a month ago and reflects the public’s understanding of Flevance.”
Arceus arrived behind the nun, and under his power, the newspaper flipped to a new page.
“We have a plan. To be honest with you, this plan, if successful, will bring us huge profits. As a survivor of Flevance, are you willing to cooperate with us in this plan?”
“What’s the plan?”
“Reveal the truth of Flevance. Although the profits have nothing to do with you, by doing so, it would provide a sense of closure to the deceased of Flevance. At least they will know that Flevance didn’t perish due to disease but rather man-made disaster.”
For some well-connected people, the matter of Flevance wasn’t a secret. However, many others will remain ignorant unless someone breaks the news.
“Your safety won’t be compromised. They won’t have a chance to assassinate you. However, this probably goes against your beliefs, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, liars go to hell, but it doesn’t matter. I should have gone to hell long ago. Since I’ve been pulled out from hell, it’s a new test. The tragedy of Flevance has already happened, but it shouldn’t be forgotten by the world. What do I have to do?”
“There will be an interview for you at that time. Just speak the truth, but don’t say things you shouldn’t.”
Arceus thought that things were finally over. The upcoming schedule was quite packed; after East Blue, there’s the matter of Fishman Island that has to be handled. The agreed-upon date with Setsuna and Zeraora is also approaching, and the development on Tesoro’s side is on schedule as well.
However, a few days later, people on the ship noticed unusual behavior from the nun.
“You saying…she’s asking about me?”
“No, Dad, she’s not asking about you. She’s asking about the Arceus Cult.”
Arceus Cult wasn’t founded by him; it was a small organization Shayna had created initially, but it gradually grew later on.
Although named Arceus Cult, this organization had nothing in common with religion.
“She is doing what?”
“It seems like she wants to, um… yes, it seems like she wants to establish some kind of doctrine.”
During this time, the nun went through the collapse and reconstruction of her beliefs. Growing up in the convent, those ideas had been deeply ingrained in her, and the symbol of Arceus’ Thousand Arms resembled a mutated cross.
In this situation, she developed a feeling that Arceus was the true spokesperson of the gods, and soon after, the nun’s professional habits kicked in.
Unfortunately, Olga was on board instead of Shayna. Given the nun’s current views, Shayna would probably be very interested in her.
“Olga, take note. When we return, have Shayna take care of that nun. Her name is Misu, right?”
“I understand. I’ll inform Sister Shayna.”
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