It was worth mentioning that after Simu's analysis of those natural energy potions, he could basically confirm that the substance was likely snake saliva.
To put it in simpler terms, it was snake spit.
This discovery caused dark lines to appear on Simu's forehead, but he remained helpless. After all, it truly did help humans perceive and absorb natural energy much faster.
Once he pushed aside the feeling of disgust, all Simu felt was intense interest.
If mere saliva had the effect of aiding natural energy absorption, what would the true form of that snake look like? Was it already a Sage capable of successfully mastering natural energy?
Thinking of this, Simu grew increasingly excited. Before him now was an even more perfect subject: a human who could automatically absorb natural energy and perfectly endure its violent riots.
Just as Simu prepared to entice this young man into becoming his experimental subject, Jugo spoke first.
"My Lord, I beg of you, please let me stay by your side!"
Jugo knelt directly before Simu, pleading with the utmost respect.
Simu raised an eyebrow. Connecting Jugo's inherent kindness with the houses collapsed during his rampage, he understood the boy's intent.
You're afraid you'll go berserk again and hurt others?
A trace of bitterness appeared on Jugo's face.
"Yes. Even though I've locked myself away, my body still enters that violent state involuntarily."
"Therefore, I wish to follow you, Lord. I beg you to stop me whenever I lose control!"
After saying this, Jugo seemed to feel apologetic and hurriedly added, "I know this must be a great burden for you, Lord. So, as long as you are willing to accept me, I am willing to do anything for you!"
"Is that so..."
Simu pushed up his glasses and said calmly:
"You may follow me. However, I will conduct research on your body to find a way to control it. Can you accept that?"
Hearing this, Jugo agreed without the slightest hesitation.
"I can! As long as it stops me from hurting ordinary people."
Hidan, clutching his Three-bladed blood scythe off to the side, rolled his eyes frantically at Simu.
Haven't I heard this dialogue just a few days ago? You're not even going to change the script, are you?
Now that the contract was settled, Simu brought Jugo back into the church.
"Quite a harvest," Simu noted with a faint smile.
Hidan squinted at him. "I say, you didn't go through all this trouble just for this brat, did you?"
Simu picked up his cold coffee and took a sip. "Of course not. Don't worry, you are about to witness a very interesting..."
"Ritual!"
"A ritual, huh..."
Hidan muttered to himself but didn't ask further. After all, that guy was always acting mysterious, talking about rituals, truths, or "giving up humanity." He couldn't understand any of it.
However, speaking of rituals, Hidan remembered the last time Simu called something a ritual—it was back with the Sakamoto Company. He peeked at Simu secretly but couldn't spot any clues.
Inside the church, the steam from the coffee gradually rose. Outside, the endless drizzle continued to fall.
After the two outsiders had easily subdued the monster Jugo and demonstrated their power, the townspeople began to look at the church with awe and fear. Some clever individuals were already considering whether they should bring some money to make an offering at the church.
Through the rain, a pair of eyes fell upon the holy church. It was a middle-aged woman wearing tattered clothes and straw sandals. In her arms, she held a feverish child.
She looked at the pattern of a triangle inside a circle at the church entrance. Recalling how easily Simu had handled Jugo a few hours prior, she finally hardened her heart and walked toward the building.
As she entered the church, a warm and gentle aura immediately enveloped her.
Her eyes were met with pure white and rows of neat seats. On the long altar in the center sat fresh, juicy fruits and a jar of honey, adding rich colors to this pristine world. Even the faceless statue in the center seemed to offer a compassionate smile.
This place was an entirely different world from the outside.
Feeling the beauty before her, the woman was suddenly struck by regret. She looked at her ragged clothes and mud-stained footprints; it felt as though her presence had defiled this perfection. She stood frozen in place, lost.
She remained there until the young man in the black trench coat and black-framed glasses offered a gentle smile. "Hello. I am the priest here. Is there anything you need help with?"
Simu's words broke the silence. The woman finally woke from her stupor and knelt directly before him.
"Lord Priest, I beg you to save my son! He is sick, please save him!"
Having said that, she didn't care if Simu could actually do it; she began kowtowing repeatedly. Simu walked quickly to her and reached out to help her up.
"Please stand up. Rest assured, there is nothing in this world that Lord Jashin cannot accomplish."
His voice seemed to carry a special magic, instantly soothing the woman's anxiety. She didn't even care about the peculiar name "Lord Jashin."
"Really? Can it truly be done?" Hope flared in her eyes.
"Of course," Simu replied with a perfect smile. "Lord Jashin will not refuse any loyal believer."
"However, to receive the Lord's blessing, you must first be a loyal follower."
Upon hearing this, the woman immediately knelt toward the statue and prayed with her hands pressed together. Simu smiled slightly, ignoring her improper prayer posture. After all, he didn't know what kind of gestures Lord Jashin preferred either.
"Lord Jashin has felt your sincerity. Next, what are you willing to offer the Lord? To save your son."
Simu's voice was calm, yet it sounded like a demon's whisper.
"What can I offer the Lord?"
The middle-aged woman's face was full of hesitation. What could she give? She had nothing left! All that remained was her son... and her own life.
She looked at the son in her arms and steeled her heart. "As long as you can save my son, I am willing to give my life!"
Simu nodded in satisfaction. "Merely treating your son does not require your life. Your arm will be enough."
"Are you willing?"