Becoming an apostate under such circumstances was indeed quite unusual.
Hearing Alka’s words, Simon showed little reaction. As if listening to an ordinary question, he simply nodded and responded, "Yes, there are many apostates in the Holy Machine Church. According to so scholars, it’s likely because the Church’s philosophy is too open. This leads many believers and Priests to inevitably venture into forbidden areas during their research. The Wise One wants them to remain curious about the unknown but also to maintain reverence. However, as their research progresses, they are often left only with curiosity, having lost their reverence.
"Those who are relatively normal still believe in the Wise One, but they no longer act according to doctrine. They have developed a unique... um, understanding of the doctrine. The more extre ones consider the Wise One’s philosophy too archaic, perhaps even believing the Wise One to be an Evil God. They then go on to create new Sects with their own sets of beliefs.
"These apostates form the main contingent heading to the Endless Sea. They will find ways to slip out when the gates open, as the allure of that place is simply too strong for them. In fact, the Endless Sea is also incredibly tempting for people like us."
Can such things actually be researched? That’s certainly open-minded, Alka grumbled inwardly.
Hearing Simon’s words, Julia frowned and then asked curiously, "Then for your Church, this should be considered a good thing, right? After all, these apostates are practically a source of chaos. Their continued presence in the sea regions would disrupt local order. It’s better to let them leave entirely for chaotic places like the Endless Sea—out of sight, out of mind."
A very reasonable deduction, Alka mused.
Simon nodded and said, "Ordinarily, yes. But the problem is that these apostates, capable enough to establish their own Sects, often hold important positions within the Church. They are powerful and control Treasures. If they only possess common Treasures and wish to leave for the Endless Sea, the Church generally acquiesces. The issue is with those in high positions. Many of these individuals, often Wise Ones themselves, control Treasures crucial to the Church—so are even Holy Artifacts.
"Therefore, we frantically pursue apostates who control Treasures important to the Church, intending to recover them." As he spoke, he raised his right hand. His right arm had been replaced by the Hand of Precision, including that special index finger. "For instance, this index finger, ’Divine Enlightennt,’ is a very important Treasure."
The Treasure in his hand was actually nad Divine Enlightennt? How inappropriate. He recalled asking about it before; this Treasure was what caused the strange phenonon on the island, an effect deliberately amplified for a specific purpose. And this thing is called ’Divine Enlightennt’? Replacing body parts with chanical organs—what’s sacred about that?
However, Simon’s words sparked a curious thought in Alka, and he asked, "What qualifies as an ’important Treasure’?"
To this question, Simon readily responded, "Treasures that aid the Church in education. For example, those that make it easier for people to learn forging or engraving, things like that. Also, those that enlighten wisdom and accelerate learning. Anything related to the creation of wisdom and learning can be considered an important Treasure for the Church."
Simply put, these are Treasures intrinsically linked to the Holy Machine Church’s developnt, educational philosophy, and combat style. For instance, the Hand of Precision can quickly teach object creation and enhance ticulous crafting. ’Divine Enlightennt’ directly strengthens the creation of constructs. Both are typical examples.
Alka pondered for a mont and then asked, "So, for the Holy Machine Church, as long as Treasures don’t fall into this category, they are relatively indifferent and don’t value them as much, correct?"
Simon nodded. "To my knowledge, yes."
Hearing this, Alka rubbed his chin, pondering.
"What is it? Did you think of sothing?" Chadite asked from nearby.
Alka nodded. "I was thinking about the Holy Mother Church. It’s because the Holy Mother Church seems to have a similar attitude towards Treasures. For example, with ’inappropriate’ Treasures like the Bloody Team Banner, they are very generous. They essentially give them away if they can, or are at least willing to. Take the Mirror Surface, for example. They were willing to trade it, and when Alka obtained that Treasure, only a few of its usage slots had been filled. It gives the impression that this Treasure was neglected. For a major church like the Holy Mother Church, that seems sowhat off.
"Previously, he even chatted casually with the Archbishop. At that ti, the ship had specifically carried two Treasures, with the hope that Alka, who was performing the ’touching ceremony’ then, would choose the Wheat Ears Headband. That’s because the Wheat Ears Headband is the equipnt internal personnel use for enlightennt. Alka was considered a naturally internal mber. Moreover, Jason, who had touched this Treasure, possessed Magic Power that also leaned towards Holy Light, aligning closely with the Holy Mother’s domain of power. Based on Alka’s understanding from the Holand Sea, Treasures related to the Holy Mother’s doctrine are almost never seen in the outside world. They are all held by relevant Church personnel."
BURP!
A burp sounded from nearby. Everyone turned to look. It turned out to be Pororo, who had eaten and drunk his fill.
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