Since he was a child he was always a mercenary, thief and swindler, it was not the life he wanted, however it is the one he had to live. The metallic tang of blood and gunpowder had been his constant companions, the cold steel of his blade a more faithful friend than any comrade.

His good streak of criminal acts came to an end many years later when the Holy Inquisition raided the mercenary group, the clash of steel against armor echoing through the night air. Most of his group died in vain before the Holy Inquisition's superior forces, their cries mingling with the crackle of holy fire. He had no options but to die fighting or surrender, the acrid smell of smoke stinging his nostrils as he finally dropped his weapon and was captured, rough hands binding his wrists before he was taken to the church to be judged.

To the surprise of him, the Holy Inquisition took good care of him during his captivity, providing clean food and water rather than torture. When he was finally taken to the imposing cathedral, its stone walls towering above him like silent judges, he learned this was where sinners paid according to the number of sins committed to date. The air inside smelled of incense and old stone, the hushed whispers of supplicants echoing in the vast space.

Once in the church he was taken to a separate room where a high-ranking nun would be in charge of judging his sins and atoning for them. The chamber was surprisingly sparse, containing only a wooden table, two chairs, and a single candle that cast flickering shadows on the stone walls.

Saint Helen: "Welcome, do not fear the house of the Lord and I promise to atone for all your sins as long as you confess them all, my name is Helen"

Even to his skepticism, the voice of this nun was angelic and had an aura completely full of peace and tranquility, though there was something intense in her gaze that made him uneasy. Her presence was magnetic, drawing his attention despite his better judgment.

Saint Helen: "Well then if it seems okay to you let's begin, first of all be 100% honest how many sins have you committed in your life? You don't have to tell me which ones, just a number"

This was a strange way to make someone pay for their sins, since he could easily lie and say that he had only committed one sin. What was the purpose of knowing an exact number of sins? The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken consequences.

Meanwhile Helen maintained a calm and serene look waiting for his response, her fingers steepled before her as if already knowing the answer before he spoke.