A Core Ship From The Start-Chapter 1584 - 1064 Punishment

The midnight church was deathly silent, with only the sound of cold footsteps echoing within.

Duanmu Huai walked ahead, with Isia following behind, head lowered in silence.

"What do you think punishment is?"

At that moment, Duanmu Huai suddenly spoke, causing Isia to pause in surprise.

"In many religions, people often like to use punishment as a way to punish themselves. So, what is the meaning of this? To prove their devout faith through pain? Or to punish themselves for their wavering belief?"

Speaking up to this point, Duanmu Huai couldn’t help but sneer.

"But in the end, these are just superficial actions."

".........?"

"To put it simply, punishment is just an equal exchange, a way to alleviate inner guilt through physical pain. So although many times those believers seem to love punishing their own weakness and hesitation in this way, ultimately it’s just a transaction. They endure physical pain to quell their guilt..."

Saying this, Duanmu Huai coldly glanced at Isia.

"Isn’t it?"

"I......"

Isia lowered her head and dared not speak.

Seeing Isia’s guilty expression, Duanmu Huai withdrew his gaze. As for how to punish, the Tribunal and the players have their unique views. Ordinarily, people think punishment is about whips and tiger benches, beating someone to a pulp as punishment.

This is an ordinary person’s view, but for the Judge, are you serious?

Do you seriously think that?

Are you joking?

Why?

The reason is simple, as Duanmu Huai said, for the punished, it’s like an equal exchange. They endure physical pain and gain peace of mind.

But is this truly equal exchange?

Players have joked that in many Western serial killer movies, those killers murder one moment and go to church for confession the next, acting all deeply sinful and beyond redemption, but once they confess, they’re refreshed and ready to find their next victim.

Because in such faith cultures, only God can judge me. As long as I confess and God forgives me, the rest are trivial.

The law?

What do laws have to do with me? I’m a believer!

Duanmu Huai remembered reading a post discussing the relationship between high crime rates in the West and religious belief, questioning why Western criminals lack guilt. This stems from this mindset, from Medieval indulgences to modern charity actions, all essentially the same: I did bad things, then I confessed to God in various ways, and that’s a wrap. Even if I murder and burn your whole family, as long as the Deity forgives me, I’m at peace to continue living.

Think about it, an indulgence can offset the guilt of murder and arson; how cheap is that?

Of course, in games, the Tribunal’s lack of focus on punishment has simpler reasons.

Because, according to this logic, the criminals find physical pain but their souls are liberated. The more you beat someone to a pulp and incapacitate their life, the more they find joy deep in their soul, and then—ah, Obsessive Sin welcomes you, little buddy! We love the unconventional path you’re taking! Congratulations on finally experiencing the true essence of happiness!

Exactly, after enough beating, they might become Cultists.

So the Tribunal prefers direct execution—simple, convenient, and without the hassle, right?

This is also why the Judge often draws weapons directly—want to confess, huh? I’ll send you to meet The Emperor; confess directly to him.

We’re busy in the Tribunal, too occupied to bother with your spiritual issues.

However, this time Duanmu Huai wanted to try something—simply because he possessed the "Quality Assessment" Divine Skill.

Usually, "Quality Assessment" involves observing the other person’s sensitive areas, allowing them to feel comfortable. But this time Duanmu Huai intended to do the opposite—true punishment is making one feel pain from both body and soul.

So, what about Isia’s situation?

Initially, she persisted in her kindness, saving that Demon, only to later discover she was being manipulated. Naturally, she was tormented, because Isia defied teachings to uphold her kindness and was expelled from the Church. Her sole support was her insistence on her kindness.

Ultimately, Diadola shattered this last bit of persistence, revealing her kindness was merely a tool for manipulation. Thus, Isia completely lost her faith and spirit, dwelling daily in torment and pain, and finally sought Duanmu Huai for punishment, unable to bear it anymore.

But in essence, it’s because she cannot endure her inner agony, seeking to escape the pain.

Of course, Duanmu Huai would never let her have her wish. As mentioned earlier, what’s the use of beating her to a pulp? Making Isia incapacitated only becomes nourishment for comforting her spirit. Is this punishment? It’s obviously a reward!