Jun-seok was just another job seeker, trying to find his place in society.
He was looking for a job, but things were tough. He had no experience and a resume that was nothing to write home about.
The lack of success in job hunting was taking its toll, extending his period of unemployment.
In situations like this, anyone would experience a dip in self-esteem and end up spending more time cooped up at home.
‘Another rejection.’
Today was the day he would receive a notification about the paperwork he submitted to a company last week, but, as expected, there was no contact at all.
How many rejections had he faced this time? He hadn’t kept count, but it definitely exceeded ten.
Having gotten used to it, he no longer felt disheartened.
However, wanting some comfort for his heart, he decided to take a break for just one day.
‘One day off should be fine.’
Jun-seok picked up his phone, repeating the same thoughts he had yesterday and the day before.
He logged into a streaming platform called ‘Tribe’. It had become a regular part of his routine.
However, he wasn’t particularly interested in popular streamers.
‘Maybe I can find something worth watching this time.’
He had developed a hobby of exploring broadcasts from so-called ‘hako’ (unknown) streamers.
He would check out various low-tier streams, recommend the decent ones on community sites, and swiftly discard the rest.
It was a project he had maintained for a whopping three years.
Despite no one paying him for it, Jun-seok felt a sense of achievement. After all, he had helped someone become a popular streamer.
“Let’s see.”
Jun-seok swiftly scrolled through the live channel list with his fingers.
He soon reached the true abyss of one-digit viewership.
He needed to find a gem here. Of course, he wouldn’t just watch any broadcast.
To pass the preliminary round, a streamer needed to have at least one of four qualifications: gaming skills, voice, appearance, or eloquence.
“Hm?”
However, right as he started exploring, a catchy broadcast title caught his eye.
[The Returnee Pope Appears, Overwhelmingly Gorgeous!!!]
– Pope (elluke1002)
A Returnee? There shouldn’t be any in Korea yet. Could this be one of those impersonators that are becoming more common these days?
But this one seemed overly confident. If it were an impersonator, they wouldn’t be so blatant about it.
Moreover, they were calling themselves a Pope. Regardless of authenticity, curiosity piqued.
Even the preview screen showed a pretty decent appearance. He couldn’t resist; it seemed worth a look.
Once he made up his mind, Jun-seok entered the broadcast and soon widened his eyes.
‘She’s pretty!’
Bright pink hair and eyes, delicate features, and skin as white and smooth as porcelain.
Even with the poor quality of a cheap camera, her beauty shone through unimpeded.
What was even more surprising was the ambiance.
She was just sitting with a proper posture, yet she exuded elegance. He found himself wanting to bow in respect.
– Ah, someone has finally joined! Nice to meet you.
The streamer’s voice rang out like a sweet melody, purifying his ears.
‘…Is she really a Pope?’
Had she become a Pope in another world and returned? Unsure, Jun-seok typed in the chat.
[Are you really a Returnee?]
– 취업하고싶다, you’re curious if I’m a genuine Returnee.
The ‘Pope’ calmly continued speaking.
There was none of the aggressive self-assertiveness typical of scammers; she only wanted to engage in a calm conversation.
Somehow, that instilled a sense of trust in him.
– It’s better to see it for yourself than to hear a hundred explanations.
Then the Pope raised her right hand and opened her eyes wide.
What was she about to do? Just as he watched, something unbelievable unfolded.
– Sssss.
With a small sound that tickled his ears, pink light gathered in her right hand, shimmering like a mirage.
Then it formed into a sphere, rising into the air and spinning around the Pope.
“What the…?”
This was no chroma key trick. A ball of light was genuinely emerging from thin air.
– This is a basic sacred spell called ‘Sunlight Sphere’. It’s a simple technique, but I used to be called the ‘Weakest Saint’ since I couldn’t use it properly before.
As she performed this strange trick, she naturally unfolded the narrative. There was no hint of awkwardness in her eloquence.
Listening to her melodious voice, Jun-seok typed again.
[Sorry for doubting you, Pope!!]
He decided then and there to become the Pope’s first devoted fan.
He had a gut feeling that this broadcast was destined for greatness.
*
– When did you return?
My first viewer, ‘취업하고싶다’, politely asked.
‘Why are you suddenly using polite speech?’
In most streams he had watched for research, viewers tended to use casual language with streamers.
But there were times when formal speech was also used. It seemed to vary with the mood of the stream.
In any case, it didn’t seem like a big deal. It wouldn’t hurt to be polite.
I shook off unimportant thoughts and opened my mouth.
“Last Saturday. I spent twenty years in that other world, but only seven years have passed here.”
I was able to answer quickly since I expected the question. I had also planned how to respond next.
“I’m glad to be back after so long, but I’m short on money. So I hastily turned on the stream.”
I laid everything bare.
There wasn’t any particular reason; I just felt comfortable doing so. Hiding my troubles was not my style.
– You’re quite honest.
My sole viewer, 취업하고싶다, showed a vague reaction.
Was it positive for being honest? Or the opposite?
– But are you really a Pope?
It seemed it was the former. I felt relieved and straightened my posture.
“Yes, indeed. Before returning, I led the Order as a spiritual leader, spreading the goddess’s warm sunlight to all.”
– Oh…
Seeing the amazed responses in the chat made my lips curl into a slight smile.
It must be fascinating. After all, one rarely encounters a Pope’s face in this world.
– Wait, really a Returnee?
– What’s that?
– ??
Even during my one-on-one conversation with 취업하고싶다, viewers were gradually increasing.
There was no need to prove my Returnee status one by one. The ‘Sunlight Sphere’ was doing a perfect job of it.
‘Wait, viewers… 10?’
While focused on the conversation, I didn’t realize the count had reached double digits.
Though it wasn’t rapid growth, I was satisfied. Unlike the initial crickets, the chat was picking up pace, and I felt content.
With a smile on my face, I clasped my hands together.
“Welcome everyone! Please come in.”
I had only greeted them, yet suddenly the chat started speeding up a bit more.
– Wow
– You really are a Pope.
– The title was humble, LOL.
– Wow.
Why was everyone so excited? When I scrolled through the chat, it became clear.
“Is my appearance that nice, everyone? I understand; I feel the same way.”
Indeed, I was beautiful.
Anyone with a sense of aesthetics would think so.
Even during the early hours of becoming a girl, I had appreciated this beauty.
It had become such a routine that I had lost my sense of wonder, but witnessing the enthusiastic reactions from the viewers brought a new sense of pride.
“Please keep chatting like that. Normally, one should have humility in their heart, but today, I will indulge in vanity.”
As I spoke confidently, the viewers seemed to enjoy it more than before.
– LOL.
– Can’t argue with that.
– LOL.
– Won’t the goddess get mad if you act arrogant?
One viewer asked, and upon checking their nickname, it was, unsurprisingly, 취업하고싶다 once again. They were quite curious.
I didn’t mind that at all—in fact, I was grateful. They were naturally providing new topics of discussion.
“My goddess is quite a broad-minded person. She’ll forgive minor deviations from the norm; I know that from experience.”
As long as I didn’t become an evil servant of the demon while slandering the goddess, she would always stick by my side. We were close like that.
– What’s your goddess like? I feel inclined to believe you.
At that moment, one viewer asked about the goddess.
It wasn’t an unexpected question. I took a moment to choose my words carefully.
“My goddess is like the sun. No matter where you are or what situation you’re in, she’s always by your side.”
It seemed the moment to make use of Seo-yoon’s idea.
“I’ll convey the goddess’s words to anyone who sponsors my broadcast.”
Just as intended, the chat immediately erupted with intense reactions.
– ???
– ?
– Is this a cult?
– Things just got weird.
I quietly watched the chat filled with question marks as I summoned my sacred power. The holy energy sparkling in pink was, in my eyes, exceptionally divine.
“To the very first sponsor, I will give a special remote blessing. You might regret missing this opportunity. It’s only available once!”
As I subtly prodded, the long-awaited sponsorship finally came through.
[취업하고싶다 has sponsored 10,000 won]
– Please grant me the blessing to find a job!
The first sponsor was, of course, our very first viewer.
But what kind of blessing for finding a job could I offer? Should I just give something similar?
As I pondered for a moment.
‘…Huh?’
Suddenly, an explosive sacred power erupted from behind me. It sent tingles down my spine, along with an intense presence.
Startled, I turned around, and there stood a girl in the empty room.
She was no ordinary person.
With a halo glowing above her head and pure-white wings sprouting from her back. A dazzling aura enveloped her, showcasing an extraordinarily pure spirit.
A servant of the goddess, an angel.
“Um, ah.”
Soon the angel looked at me and began to speak.
“I came here by the goddess’s order to relay a message. I’ll tell you exactly what I heard.”
“……”
I subtly shifted to the side. I knew exactly what was coming.
“취업하고싶다, thank you for your 10,000 won sponsorship!”
It was a somewhat intense assistance from our goddess.
“Oh, and also, Eluke. I’m cheering for you, so hit it big!”
After finishing her words, the angel vanished in a burst of light, leaving as spectacularly as she had arrived.
Once the angel left, a deep silence enveloped the room.
‘…That was too much.’
I looked at the feather that had fallen to the floor and chuckled.
I had only hoped for a light miracle, like writing words in the air; not a divine visitation from an angel. That was a bit over the top.
What now?
I closed my eyes, contemplating before eventually smiling lightly.
“Thank you, goddess, for listening to my extravagant request.”
The ability to maintain calmness was my greatest pride.
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