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Chapter 16 – Silvia (Part 1)
At the peak of a towering mountain—where the sky seemed close enough to touch—stood a temple forged from interlocking blue-black stone bricks. Each slab was placed with precision, forming a structure so balanced it seemed capable of resisting the crushing weight of the heavens themselves.
This was the sacred temple of God Leo'roanshy, located in the town of Leo'rashy, within the swarg of the Blue Fountain—Aakinaara.
Before the massive temple gates stood Silvia.
She was draped in white, the cloth flowing from her head down to her neck, shielding her from the restless mountain winds. Beside her stood Vaanan, his sharp blue eyes fixed on the towering doors ahead.
"Hey, Silvia, why are you waiting? Let's go inside."
Vaanan stood just before the grand entrance, his voice carrying a mix of impatience and encouragement.
Silvia, however, remained seated on the final stone step leading to the gates. Her posture was still, almost rooted.
"Do you know why I am here, Vaanan?"
"Of course," he replied without hesitation. "To join the temple. Now that Laryoal is not there… it's your duty, as one of the Moon Priest family."
Silvia slowly rose to her feet, adjusting her drape as the wind tugged at its edges.
"You think that?" she said softly, a faint sigh escaping her lips.
Vaanan stepped closer, concern flickering in his eyes.
"Then isn't Lord Leo the one who said Laryoal is out on some temple mission? Then it should be you next in line, right? Or is there any problem, Silvia? You know I will always be there for you."
Silvia shook her head lightly.
"No… it's nothing. I was just… thinking about these recent events. Everything changed so suddenly."
Vaanan moved forward, lifting his broken arm slightly, his expression turning solemn.
"Well, it's normal. Do you know how I ended up in war?" he began. "My drunk father pretended to be sick and forced me to go in his place. I wasn't even of age. Before that… I used to dream about becoming a town head councillor."
He paused, his gaze drifting for a moment.
"And then suddenly, everything collapsed. Every day in war was new… unexpected… terrifying. But I survived. And now, I can move forward. See… this is what life is."
Silvia looked at him, her old confidence faintly returning to her voice.
"Well, I understand what you're saying, Vaanan."
"Then why worry?" he smiled faintly. "Look, the war is over. My hand is broken, so I might not get any job I dreamed of. I might just join the temple with you. I guess… I need another push too."
Before Silvia could respond, a figure appeared from within the now-open gates.
A man with jet-black hair and gleaming white eyes stepped forward. Fine wrinkles marked the corners of his face, hinting at both age and experience. His presence carried quiet authority.
"Hey, Silvia. You were following us?" he said calmly. "Master is busy right now, but he told me to take care of you. He said you've decided to join the temple. Is that why you came?"
"Yes, Master Evin."
"That's good," Evin nodded. "I knew you would choose to move forward."
Vaanan quickly stepped in.
"Master Evin… can I join too?"
Evin's sharp gaze shifted to the boy, briefly noting his broken arm.
"Ah… who are you, kid?"
"I am Vaanan, Master. Son of Krezhar and Voila."
"Son of Krezhar…" Evin muttered. "I don't know him. But if you want to join the temple, you must go through the MESORN test like everyone else. You know that, right?"
"Yes, but… my hand is broken. I can't take the test. Since it was injured in war, I heard you were recruiting veterans…"
"Yes," Evin replied sharply. "But that also has a separate process. Go down to the Elform Centre and register your application. And you'll need an undertaking form from your battalion commander."
"My commander… died on the last day. What should I—"
Evin cut him off.
"Boy, I'm not the recruiter. Go find what you need at the Elform Centre."
"…Understood, sir. Sorry for the inconvenience."
Silvia stepped in gently.
"Master Evin… can't he join with me?"
"No," Evin answered firmly. "Your place is already destined, Silvia. He must join like everyone else. We cannot allow influence to decide everything—especially now, when the temple stands on the brink of financial strain after losing the war."
"…Okay."
"Thanks, Silvia," Vaanan said, offering a small smile. "I'll follow what he said. Don't worry."
Evin gave a faint grin.
"Alright then. Kid, you may leave. Silvia, come with me."
As Silvia turned, she spoke quietly,
"Well… it seems your long walk went in vain, Vaanan."
"No," he shook his head. "At least I found what I need to do. I was just here to assist you."
"We'll meet again."
"Hmm… tell me what position you get."
Silvia nodded before stepping through the gates with Evin.
Behind her, Vaanan watched silently.
I should apply for temple service… I want to work with Silvia.
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Inside, the temple revealed its true grandeur.
Light streamed through large glass-covered windows, filling the vast circular corridors that spiraled downward along the mountain's inner structure. Each level was connected by ladders, forming layered rings around the towering stone core at the center.
Priests and workers moved through the corridors—some dressed in white, others marked with blue.
Evin led Silvia down to the second corridor.
She followed quietly, observing everything. The path was unfamiliar; the last time she had come here, it had been through a different route.
They entered a small room—simple and bare. Two chairs. A wooden table. Nothing more.
As they sat, Evin leaned forward.
"Let's see, Silvia… what kind of role suits you at the beginning? How about becoming an assistant under Lady Founza… or Master Zena?"
Silvia was taken aback.
"That's… very direct. Are there no other options?"
"I understand," Evin replied. "But we don't have time. Both of them have already shown interest in you. You need experience, and Lord Leo is concerned about your condition after everything you've lost."
He paused, his tone softening.
"For now, you need stability… a place to stand."
Silvia hesitated.
"I wanted to speak with Lord Leo first."
"He's busy," Evin said. "The war has left us in a difficult position. But he assured me—he will meet you."
Silvia fell into thought.
This is too sudden… I thought I would simply continue as a Moon Priest, handling missions…
But if I stay idle… my mind will collapse again.
"…Then I will work under Lady Founza."
Evin smiled slightly.
"That was our thought as well. Though… Zena personally asked me to offer you to her."
He stood and moved toward the window.
"Lady Founza is in the third lower vault—inside the mountain. You can meet her now."
"Yes, sir."
As Silvia turned to leave, Evin spoke once more.
"Silvia… I know you are carrying deep grief. But you are holding yourself well. You remind me of your father."
She paused.
"You are no less than anyone. Remember that."
"…Yes, Master Evin."
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Descending deeper, Silvia reached the carved interior of the mountain.
Darkness swallowed the entrance.
She hesitated.
Then—two figures in white emerged.
"Hey… you're Master Bossele's daughter, right?" one of them said warmly. "Lady Founza is inside. Don't worry—it's bright within."
"Of course it is," the other laughed. "Lady Founza herself is light. Even the sun is shy before her."
"Oh, and don't forget the envy shadows carved just for her darkness—"
"Shut up, you fools."
A sharp female voice cut through the air from within the shadows.
Both men immediately bowed.
"Yes, ma'am. We were just guiding her."
"Then do your job properly—and leave."
They hurried away.
"And you… Silvia, right? Come inside. Lady Founza has been waiting."
Silvia took a quiet breath and stepped forward.
Darkness lasted only for two steps.
Then—light.
A radiant glow flooded her vision, forcing her eyes to narrow.
And there she was.
Lady Founza.
Her skin seemed to reflect the light itself. Her long black hair flowed down elegantly as she sat upon a carved wooden seat. Her blue robe shimmered faintly, wrapping her form in quiet authority.
Her eyes—bright, deep blue—rested on Silvia.
"Oh… you look wonderful," she said, her voice smooth as flowing water. "You truly carry your mother's face."
Behind her stood another woman in white.
"Remove your drape," she instructed.
Silvia obeyed, lowering her covering calmly.
"Oh, Fiyaana," Founza chuckled softly, "she's just being modest."
Her gaze returned to Silvia.
"So tell me… why did you choose me? I heard Zena was quite interested in you."
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[End of Part 1]
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