Intis Republic, Trier.
Returning from her travels, Franca put on a cap and stepped outside.
Passing a nearby school, she saw Anthony waiting for Ludwig to finish class while he remained vigilant. She didn't disturb him.
Soon, she arrived at a cathedral that was established in the past few weeks.
Saint Audrey Cathedral, under the Church of The Fool.
Upon entering, Franca saw a large golden retriever in spotless white robes weaving among the believers – chatting, praying, and exchanging greetings harmoniously.
The believers found nothing strange about the dog speaking human language and respectfully addressed it as "Your Grace."
Franca didn't correct them and casually sat down, smiling at the scene.
She had avoided visiting the Saint Franca Cathedral under the Ruler of Calamity Church and came here just to enjoy this heartwarming sight.
After watching for a while, Franca was about to leave when she noticed someone she knew, though that person didn't know her.
It was a woman with black hair and brown eyes, delicate features, and wearing dark pants and a skirt – Melissa Moretti.
"Why are you in Trier?" Franca casually sat beside Melissa.
Melissa turned to look at her, momentarily stunned by her beauty. She quickly composed herself and asked, "Who might you be?"
"I'm Franca Roland. Not sure if you've heard of me?" Franca tried to make her smile friendlier.
Though in her heart, she added: But I know your brother, Klein Moretti.
Fellow countryman!
Roommate!
Melissa paused. "I've heard of you…"
"Drop the formalities." Franca waved it off. "So, why are you here in Trier?"
Melissa considered her words. "I was sent to study at a research institute under the God of Steam and Machinery Church."
"Oh, I see." Franca chuckled, "If you've heard of me, that means you're a Beyonder now, right?"
She had long been aware of this matter. She was raising the question mainly to find a topic to talk about.
Melissa nodded slightly. "Yes, I'm a Sequence 5 Astronomer of the Savant pathway."
"Finished digesting the potion? Got the ingredients for advancing to a demigod?" Franca asked, just as she once cared for Lumian, the brother of a fellow countryman.
"I've finished digesting, I should get the ingredients after this study ends, but… I'm hesitant about the ritual…" Melissa had been troubled by this matter for some time. She couldn't hide her thoughts in front of Franca, who was so beautiful that she couldn't help but let her guard down.
The advancement ritual to Alchemist required drawing all life force from an area, turning soil barren and lakes dry.
Franca smiled brightly. "That's no big deal. Rituals always have alternatives – like choosing an uninhabited planet. Or, you could cultivate the Dao first. Once you succeed, the Celestial Master could grant you a corresponding talisman, allowing you to adapt to the corresponding power ahead of time. When you later consume the potion, the ritual's requirements would drastically reduce…"
Melissa listened carefully at first but grew confused.
Talisman?
Celestial Master? Who's that?
Seeing her confusion, Franca smiled. "Let's find a café for a chit chat. I'll explain everything in detail."
"Okay." Driven by curiosity for knowledge, Melissa stood up.
As they walked out of Saint Audrey's cathedral, Franca casually asked, "Have Benson and the others come into contact with mysticism and also become Beyonders?"
"Yeah." Melissa nodded slightly.
"Good for them." Franca sighed, "Though the mysticism world is dangerous, as long as you don't advance too high, it's fine. Plus, higher Sequences mean longer life and ways to extend it. Definitely a good thing…"
Hearing Franca, Melissa reflected on her journey-her love for machinery leading her to believing in the God of Steam and Machinery and making contact with Beyonder powers.
After becoming a Beyonder, then interacting with the Church of the Evernight Goddess's Nighthawks and her brother Klein's colleagues like Leonard Mitchell, she slowly uncovered the truth of that particular event.
Later on, she learned more and more…
As her thoughts raced, Melissa recalled Mr. Leonard's words to her a few days ago.
"He's not in good shape lately. You can only reach him through rituals. In a few years, he should walk the earth again…"
A few years… Melissa gazed at the golden sunlit streets ahead, a faint smile appearing on her face.
"When you need to advance to Sequence 3, you can come to me." Franca stood at the street corner, took out the Face of the Arcane from her Traveler's Bag, and showed it briefly.
Melissa smiled and nodded, waving goodbye to this enthusiastic older sister before heading towards the research institute under the God of Steam and Machinery Church.
After chatting leisurely for over an hour at the café, Franca had accompanied her all the way here.
Only when Melissa's figure disappeared at the building's entrance did Franca turn around, strolling leisurely under the shadows of Intis parasol trees, blending into the lively streets.