Pioneer Lord: Starting From Daily Intelligence

Demster shrugged and said, ”I need to correct your stereotype about us. Most people think Mole priests are serious, solemn, and quiet people. This is because they only see them at funerals. Humor, hobbies, and even selective social circles are not uncommon among priests. Improving burial techniques, good sewing skills, or an interest in melodious music are all encouraged by the sect. Social butterflies, frivolous people, and hedonists don’t tend to worship the God of Death, but Mole priests are likely to surprise those who think they know them.”

”Alright.” Su Li nodded and said, ”You definitely managed to surprise me. Where do you plan to go next?”

Demster sighed and said, ”Without completing the Swamp Lord’s commission, I can’t stay in the Green Moss Swamp. I think I will continue with my expeditions. You know, our Mole followers occasionally go to battlefields, villages destroyed by beastmen, and other similar dangerous places. Since most tasks can’t attract the Night Guard’s service, we are often forced to travel with adventurers. We are known for being able to complete a full funeral service in a minute, while also running away from a group of beastmen.”

Known for being able to complete a full funeral service in a minute, while also escaping from a group of beastmen??!

This is talent, Su Li decisively said, ”If you have nowhere to go, I can provide some guidance. There are a lot of enchantments at Akendunff Castle that need a priest to free them. Also, around my territory, the Gray Rock Tribe’s Dwarf tombs are being polluted by necromancers, and you can undertake the task of purifying the Holy Tomb. All of this will bring you great rewards and an excellent reputation. Also, my territory welcomes your arrival and will provide you with shelter.”

Although Su Li could have blatantly asked for a favor in return, as long as Su Li’s emotional intelligence isn’t that low, he would never be so straightforward. Giving Demster some choices will earn him more goodwill.

As expected, after hearing Su Li’s guidance, Demster’s eyes lit up, and he said, ”How did you know this information? Even Mole hasn’t given me guidance in this regard.”

Su Li smiled and said, ”You know, I have a certain prophetic ability. Perhaps in our territory, you will be able to gain more opportunities.”

Demster thought carefully for a moment before replying, ”I think this is all fine, I will travel to your territory for a while. If you don’t mind, I would also like to establish a Divine Hall of Mole in your territory.”

Su Li immediately stretched out his hand excitedly and said, ”Of course, I will support your missionary work. Our Hesse Territory is a very inclusive and open territory. As for what kind of Divine Hall you want to build, perhaps you can tell me about your church, and I can provide sponsorship through the Bishop’s Council.”

As long as Demster joins the Archbishop Council in Hesse Territory, he won’t be able to run away in the short term. For at least three years, he will have to work for the funds given to him and his church by the Bishop’s Council, and serve Hesse Territory.

Demster is somewhat motivated about promoting the Mole Church; he extended his right hand and firmly shook hands with Su Li, then explained in detail, ”Our Mole churches aren’t that luxurious, they’re almost all made of stone, always with a wide stone gate without a door panel, only a heavy lintel that can open like a portal. The door is formed by a pair of pillars, one black and one white, reflecting the dual nature of God. Mole churches are usually located in the quietest underground places, known for their cool temperatures and good ventilation. The inside of Mole churches is often empty. Any necessary furnishings are stored in warehouses and only brought out when needed—such as during funerals.”

”Other details depend on different sects. The Shroud Sect’s churches are usually rectangular, with several side chambers that can be used to prepare corpses for burial. At the end of the main hall is the main altar, directly facing the door. In front of the altar is a coffin, where the deceased is placed during funerals. Behind the altar is a door leading to the Mole Garden. Large churches have several altars, so more than one funeral can be held simultaneously, each altar with its own door into the garden.”

”Diviner churches are usually circular and domed, with an oculus at the top of the dome. Prophets sit in the center of the dome, surrounded by the smoke of incense. The adjacent rooms and dormitories are part of the main building, directly accessible from the main hall of the church. Diviner churches do not have an adjoining Moor Garden, but it is common for churches of the two main sects to be next to each other. In some places, like Terrabheim, the situation is different. Most people choose to be buried in Tal’s Holy Forest—Talwelt. Their bodies are carried along a pilgrimage route leading to Mole, where they rest for a time in the Mole Garden at the end of this route. Finally, when the body is properly prepared, it is transported through a gateway dedicated to Reya known as the Stone of the End.”

”Oh, by the way, I’m a member of the Shroud Sect. Our church is responsible for burials, so daily activities include receiving the deceased, conducting necessary rituals, burying remains in the Mole Garden, and protecting the dead from grave robbers and necromancers. Basic priests handle most of these issues, though donations accompanying the body can receive services from higher clergy. Naturally, the bodies of local nobles are received directly by the Great Priest. City churches are always busy, while rural churches may have only one funeral a day, depending on the number of villages they serve.”