The breeze of the wind carried a heavy atmosphere inside the massive hall of the church.
The brown marble floor shone faintly under the flickering torches that lined every massive stone beam.
The hall stretched endlessly, its countless curved arches forming long pathways that echoed with silence.
Two figures could be seen walking, their footsteps soft but resonant in the stillness of it.
They wore the same attire a white and gold robe designed like a long cloak. On the back of each robe was a golden emblem of a blazing sun.
As the two men walked side by side, the librarian spoke in a low, thoughtful voice.
"Are you sure about that young boy you wanted me to make my assistant? What was his name again… hmmm, is it…?"
"Evan… It's Evan," Nathaniel replied firmly.
"And yes, I'm indeed sure about making him your assistant. My instincts tell me he is a very interesting lad." A faint smile crossed Nathaniel's lips.
The librarian chuckled at Nathaniel's confident reply.
The two men turned right into a hallway decorated with stained glass, each window vibrant with color. The ancient designs of the walls and ceiling gave the place an aura of timeless sanctity.
As they walked, Nathaniel asked calmly, "Why did Bishop Theron send us to the City of silan and the village of it?"
The librarian replied, "As far as I know, Bishop Theron only said there was some urgent problem in Silan. Now that I remember, we need to speak with the priest here to know the details of it. I think his name is Arion… yes, Priest Arion."
Nathaniel walked behind him, listening carefully.
Librarian Loran is very old now, his memory failing at times, yet he still recalls an important matters, Nathaniel thought.
They soon entered another vast chamber filled with rows of brown wooden chairs stretching to the left and right.
At the center stood a small staircase, upon which rose a massive white marble statue of a woman. She was covered by a translucent robe that veiled her entire body, even her head and face, revealing only her figure a woman. And a four hands folded protectively across her form of his bodies, and a great six wings draped around her like a shield.
The statue's design was bizarre and unsettling, yet it clearly represented the 'Divine Goddess' authority and prowess and one of his 'Angels.'
For Old Loran and Nathaniel, the sight was nothing more extraordinary. They had seen this statue many times before, and their expressions remained calm and untouched by awe.
The sound of their footsteps echoed as they approached. In the center of the hall, a man stood silently before the statue, waiting for them perhaps.
When the three of them met, they bowed and greeted each other, "May the Goddess bless us."
Arion spoke first, his voice steady with authority.
"So, you are the very men Bishop Theron named in his letter, the ones entrusted with the duty of aiding the City of Silan in its hour of need."
Old Loran answered firmly, "Yes. We are indeed those men, sent from the City of Nalion."
"I see." Arion lowered his silk hood, brushing his hair back.
Nalion… one of the dozens of cities within the Empire, and one of the closest to its capital, 'Ilarion' the holiest city in the Holy Empire.
The Empire itself had four capitals, the Great Carcalla City in the western peninsula Govern by the Great Agustine Family. And Valdoria City in the south Govern by the Great Tudor Family, and also the Great Velen City in the southeast Govern by the Vellenzuela Family, and above them all, the holy city of Ilarion the heart of the 'Holy Empire.'
Arion smirked inwardly, realizing he had once again praised the greatness of the Empire in his thoughts, something he did far too often.
Returning to the present, Arion listened as Old Loran spoke again.
"We've heard from Bishop Theron that Silan is facing a grave predicament. We are here to aid the city."
Before Loran could continue, Nathaniel stepped in, his calm voice echoing through the chamber.
"We've also heard you have executed dozens of heretics, traitors, and practitioners of dark magic. From my studies of past history, events like these are often signs of a growing rebellion or worse, a coming of chaos that could consume Silan and its nearby villages and maybe affecting the Northeast border of the Empire.
Nathaniel raised his gaze to the statue and added, "I have a solution. Do you want to hear it, Sir Arion?"
Nathaniel then slowly descended the staircase and seated himself in one of the long rows of wooden chairs. Crossing his legs in his usual manner, he looked at Arion and declared, "I know someone we can recruit for the Holy Empire."
Arion approached slowly, his white silk robe trailing across the floor. He stopped before Nathaniel and asked, "Who is this person you are talking about? Now I'm curious."
Nathaniel smiled faintly, taking his time before answering. Finally, he said, "His name is Evan Hanns Secarus. He is seventeen years old, the same age as me."
Arion sat beside him, lowering his voice.
"What's so special about this young lad, Evan? Does he have any ability that could aid us?"
Nathaniel shook his head. "Not exactly. He has no remarkable abilities, but there's something about him something my instincts cannot ignore. Besides, we need numbers more than quality right... Am I right, Old Loran?"
Loran nodded. "Of course." A faint smile crossed his lips as he thought of Nathaniel's cleverness. As expected from one of the great bloodline of the Great Agustine Family, he mused.
Arion pressed further. "Then tell me plainly, what do you really want me to do?"
Nathaniel smiled again. "If you're eager to know then… bless him, Sir Arion. Bestow Evan the power of the Divine Goddess. Make him a newly anointed 'Seeker' a 'Tier 1 Seeker' to aid us in the coming chaos."
Arion stood silently, deep in thoughts of what Nathaniel words. After a long pause, he finally replied that he would need time to speak with the Divine Goddess, Guidance and blessed before making his decision itself.
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When their discussion ended, Nathaniel gave his farewell to Sir Arion. And then slowly leaving.
Old Loran, however, remained behind to discuss something privately with Arion.
With a measured pace, Nathaniel began to slowly climbing the staircase toward the second floor, the weight of the day pressing upon his shoulders.
Each step creaked faintly beneath his boots, the vast silence of the church amplifying the sound of it.
The long corridor above awaited him, dimly lit by stained glass light, guiding him toward his prepared chamber for him.
He collapsed onto his bed with its plain white sheets and pillow.
Though his room was modest compared to many, it still carried a modest similar to Evan's but more beautiful.
"What a tiring day…" he muttered, before drifting into the deep slumber.