Chapter 104 – Luminara’s Church
Chapter 104
Luminara's Church
Date : Day 14 of Grimleaf 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
Hyoren and Elise stood outside the guild. The busy Adventurer's District main street greeted them—a symphony of voices, footsteps, and commerce that seemed to pulse with its own rhythm.
Vendors shouted their wares from colorful stalls. Adventurers walked with purpose, their armor clanking with every step. The smell of fresh bread mingled with the scent of leather and metal.
Hyoren looked at Elise. Her silver hair caught the morning light.
"Let's go to the Church?"
Elise nodded. Her emerald eyes were warm.
"Let's go, Hyoren."
They were holding hands—Hyoren still worried about Elise's health. He was being careful, mindful of her recovery. They weaved through the crowds. The press of bodies was thick, but Hyoren navigated with gentle purpose.
"Hey, Elise. Oria mentioned the Church requires 'generous' donations for their healing service... is that true? So the only ones who can get advanced healing magic are nobles or other wealthy?"
Elise chuckled. Her pointed ears twitched slightly.
"Fufu. That pipsqueak, she still hated the Church so much, huh? Well, it was understandable thanks to her trauma..."
Hyoren widened his eyes. He quickly looked at Elise with concern.
"Trauma? What do you mean, Elise?"
Elise's emerald eyes dropped slightly. Her expression became solemn—shadowed by old pain that wasn't hers, but still weighed on her.
"Well, I don't know the true story, as it happened before I met her in Akela. But she mentioned once that her lover couldn't be saved because the church healer prioritized high-ranking noblemen instead of her lover."
She smiled at him, though her eyes still looked sad—empathetic towards her best friend's lingering wound.
"It happened more than 50 years ago though, if I remember correctly. It is just like her, still holding a grudge even after decades. That trauma was also the trigger for her to delve into Alchemy and become a healer."
Hyoren looked at Elise with disbelief.
"Wait, more than 50 years ago?? How old is Oria? I thought she was younger than you!"
Elise giggled. Her pointed ears twitched with every movement. The sound was light—genuine amusement at his surprise.
"Fufu, you don't know? Did I forget to mention it?"
She tapped her chin thoughtfully. Then she looked at Hyoren with a teasing glint in her eyes.
"Well, she was 87 years old."
Hyoren's eyes almost left their sockets. The shock was visible on his face.
"What? That small and child-like elf is almost a century old??"
The information was absurd for him. His mind reeled from the revelation. Before he finally realized that inhabitants of this world aged differently than he expected.
Elise giggled again—her pointed ears twitching with mirth.
"Please stop being surprised by people's age, Hyoren. Everyone will look at you with weird eyes. Fufu."
Hyoren smiled wryly. He really needed to stop thinking like he was still on Earth. All races in this world aged slowly. Their lifespan was 150-200 years. So 87 years old was not even half their lifespan.
"Sorry, Elise..."
He then coughed. Trying to divert the conversation back to safer ground.
"Anyway. About the Church. So, they didn't ask for money for healing service, Elise?"
They continued walking. The crowd thinned slightly as they moved.
"Well, it was true the Church asked for donations. But they never specified the amount. They even often did charity work—taking care of orphans and healing the wounded and the sick for free."
Hyoren nodded slowly. He thought the Church would be corrupt. But it turns out the Church of Luminara was actually not that bad.
"Then why did Oria say they require massive donations? Why is advanced healing magic not for everyone?"
They avoided groups of adventurers who blocked their way.
"Well. Two reasons.”
Elise raised her finger.
“Firstly, nobles and wealthy merchants always flaunt the amount of donations they give. So the image that healing required a huge amount of money became established… even if the Church itself did not require it."
Elise tucked her silver hair behind her ears.
"The Church itself didn't say anything about that, as the donations from those wealthy were needed. But that makes some people think the Church became corrupt."
Her pointed ears dropped slightly. The topic was clearly sensitive.
"Though of course, corrupt clergy still exist. That's what happened with Oria. The clergy prioritized nobles who paid the Church a generous amount of money instead of her. They are rare though, so you don't need to worry."
Hyoren nodded in understanding. The pieces were falling into place.
"I see. That's understandable... Some people can't help being blinded by greed. And even clergy are not safe from sin."
He looked down at Elise. His dark eyes met her emerald ones.
"So, what is the second reason?"
Elise smiled—a knowing expression that suggested she was about to explain something fundamental.
"That's because the number of people who can use advanced healing magic is rare, Hyoren... not all Archbishops can perform it. And normal healing magic was also limited. Potions are more widely available, even if their potency is lower than healing magic."
She looked at the sky. The dual suns were climbing higher—casting their golden and silver light across the city.
"Training in healing magic requires you to have Attunement to the Light Element, or the effort needed to learn them will become astronomical. Basically, healing magic practitioners were limited by talent. Sure, hard work can defy talent. But not many people would go that path."
Her silver hair fluttered because of the autumn wind. She combed her hair with her hands before continuing—the motion graceful.
"Meanwhile, becoming an Alchemist or Doctor was easier. Everyone can learn it. It depends on their effort. Their hard work. Not based on Attunement to a single element which basically was talent they were born with."
She gestured toward a building which bore a sign reading "Yuri's Clinic." The clinic was bustling with patients—people coming and going through its doors.
"So most people would go to an alchemist, doctor, or clinic when they need treatment. They rely on potions and medical treatment whose availability was more widespread."
She looked at Hyoren with a knowing expression.
"Healing magic practitioners are rare, let alone advanced ones. You notice how many adventurers' parties don't have healers, right?"
Hyoren nodded. Realization dawned on him—the puzzle pieces clicking into place.
"I see. Now that you mention it. The only party I saw with a healer was Jigor's and Ronald's. And they all are veterans."
Hyoren looked up at the sky. Digesting this new information—the complexity of the world becoming clearer.
"So it's actually a complex problem... it's not like the Church itself is corrupt, huh..."
Elise looked forward, focusing on their steps as they weaved through the crowds.
"Yes... I'm not saying all church clergy are clean. But I think most of them are real devotees."
Hyoren went into deep thought. He was expecting the Church to be corrupt based on the novels and stories he read. Many fantasy stories portrayed them as villains.
There were Noctynara heretics too. So worshipers of Gods were not always good people.
So when Oria said generous donations, he assumed Luminara's Church was corrupt. But it turns out, the problem was a more complex one. Oria's trauma was unavoidable. And Healing Magic was rare.
Their talk was long—they already passed the canal bridge which led to the Administrative District, where the Church was located. The water below reflected the suns light—shimmering with silver and gold ripples.
And not long after, they arrived at Luminara's Church.
A majestic building made from pure white marble. Stark contrast with the rest of the city which was mostly made from grey stones and dark ironwood. The structure seemed to glow—even in the shade of surrounding buildings.
The decorations were golden—the window frames, hinges, and ornamental details. And there was Luminara's symbol—two suns balanced on the scale of justice—on the big window panes at the main tower. The symbol caught the light—radiant and imposing.
***
They stood in front of the majestic church building. The white marble seemed to glow under the autumn sky—an ethereal radiance that set it apart from everything around it.
Hyoren looked at Elise. His dark eyes held a hint of apprehension.
"Should I be afraid? And I should keep my secret tight, right?"
Elise nodded. Her silver hair swayed gently with the motion.
"You don't need to be afraid, Hyoren. But yeah, to avoid complications, you should still hide that you got blessed by both Luminara and Noctynara and have unique skills."
They approached the white marble archway. The gate to the Church loomed ahead—ornate and imposing. But as they went closer, they noticed the commotion. Voices overlapped in agitated tones. Robed figures moved in clusters.
"Please, Archbishop, you should wait inside."
Another person spoke—his tone more insistent.
"He was right, Archbishop. Until when are you going to wait here... everyone worries about you. You are already standing here for a few hours. You didn't even say who you were waiting for."
Then a solemn, soft, and calming sound could be heard. It was like a bell—soothing and resonant. The voice seemed to carry a weight of ancient patience.
"Everyone, you can ignore me. I will wait here until 'they' come. And I knew 'they' would come."
Hyoren and Elise exchanged a glance. Wondering what the commotion was about. Elise's pointed ears twitched slightly.
And when they passed the archway, the soft voice spoke again.
"See. It seems my wait is over. 'They' finally came."
Hyoren then saw what the commotion was.
There were crowds of clergy and templar knights surrounding a single figure which was standing in front of the main door of the Church. The knights wore white armor with golden accents—their helmets obscuring their faces. The clergy wore robes of white and gold, all bearing Luminara's symbol.
The figure was a woman. She seemed to be in her 30s, but as Hyoren already learned, looks could be deceiving, so he wouldn't assume.
She had wavy blonde hair which was almost close to gold. She let it grow until her hips. It cascaded around her white and golden robes—framing her form like a halo. The robes were inscribed with the Luminara symbol. He noticed the design was similar to what Luminara herself wore when he met Her in the white void.
Her face was solemn and graceful. High cheekbones. Gentle eyes that seemed to hold centuries of wisdom. And like Luminara herself, she radiated a mother-like aura—warm and protective.
She stepped forward. The crowd parted like water before a ship's prow—clergy and knights stepping aside with practiced reverence.
She then spoke. Her voice was clear and soothing—carrying the same bell-like quality Hyoren had heard moments before.
"You two are definitely Hyoren and Elise. Let me introduce myself. I'm the Archbishop of Akela's Church of Luminara, Sherine Conti. Pleasure to meet you two."
She smiled at them. It was like her smile was shining—a radiance that seemed to emanate from within rather than simply reflect light.
"I was waiting for you. Now, please follow me."
***
Hyoren and Elise exchanged glances again. The crowd was surrounding the Archbishop—the highest authority figure in the whole Church of Akela. And she knew them. And she knew they would come.
The implication hit them like a physical force. It seemed the Archbishop herself was notified by Luminara herself through divine messages or some kind of prophecy. There was no other explanation.
The Archbishop—Sherine Conti—smiled again. Her wavy golden hair caught the light filtering through the stained glass windows—creating an almost halo-like effect around her form.
"Why are you two unmoving? Is my voice too low? Did the crowd muffle my voice?"
And just like that, the crowds went silent. It was like everyone was holding their breath—not wanting to disturb the Archbishop. The stillness was sudden and complete.
She looked around. Her gaze swept across the gathered clergy and knights—gentle but commanding. And she smiled at the crowds.
"See, you are all disturbing my guests. Please disperse and do your usual routine already."
Her soothing voice washed over the crowds. It was clear and soft—not intimidating in the slightest. But with those words, the crowds actually dispersed. They bowed at the Archbishop with practiced reverence—then scattered to the surroundings—returning to their routine and work. It was like her words were commands—carrying an authority that demanded obedience without raising her voice.
In just a few seconds, the crowds left. Leaving only two Templar Knights who seemed to be the Archbishop's personal guards. Their white armor gleamed in the morning light—golden accents catching the suns' rays.
She then smiled at Hyoren and Elise. The expression was warm—welcoming—like a mother greeting children returning home.
"Now, now. Please follow me… don't stand under the suns too long."
She turned around. She was not waiting. She was expecting them to follow—her steps already carrying her toward the entrance.
The two Templar Knights then opened the heavy wooden door. The wood creaked softly—ancient hinges groaning under the weight. Then the Archbishop entered—her white robes flowing behind her like water.
The door was still open for them. The two figures who held the door were waiting for them to follow the Archbishop—their helmets hiding any expression they might have had.
Hyoren and Elise exchanged a glance for the third time. And they nodded. They couldn't just ignore the Archbishop's words.
With a guarded mind, Hyoren stepped forward—following the Archbishop. Elise fell into step beside him—her hand finding his briefly before letting go. The door was closed behind them—and he heard the two Templar Knights' steps behind him—their armor shifting with quiet precision.
His mind was still full of questions. Each one vying for attention.
Why did the Archbishop know them? What was her intention? What did she want from him and Elise? Was she an ally—or an enemy?
Every question spiraled in his mind—a storm of uncertainty that refused to settle.
Elise was also silent beside him. She seemed to go into deep thought just like Hyoren. Or perhaps she was focusing on every sound in the surrounding area—her Ranger instincts on high alert. Her pointed ears kept twitching in quick motions—picking up sounds Hyoren couldn't perceive.
And her eyes sometimes wandered to the two Templar Knights behind them. Those two were silent and followed them like guardians—their presence a constant weight at their backs. Each step echoed in the corridor—the sound of armored boots rhythmic and measured.
Archbishop Sherine continued walking in front of them. Unbothered by the chaotic minds of the two behind her. She walked through the Church's main corridor with practiced ease—her footsteps light. The decorations inside were solemn—just like the outside. It was not gaudy—but still showed that the Church was powerful. The main theme was still white and gold—Luminara's colors. Tapestries depicting the Two Suns, Golden and Silver, hung from the walls—embroidered with silver and gold thread that seemed to shimmer even in dim light.
They passed a few rooms.
A prayer room—candles flickering in the sconces—the scent of incense heavy in the air.
A waiting room—benches arranged in neat rows—small tables with holy texts placed carefully upon them.
A room which seemed for healing patients—as Hyoren could see a few beds with white sheets—medical supplies arranged on nearby shelves.
An audience room—larger and more formal—clearly meant for receiving important guests. And many other small rooms—each with their own purpose in the Church's daily operations.
They kept walking—deeper inside the Church.
The sounds from outside grew fainter—replaced by the soft echo of footsteps and the occasional murmured prayer from distant chambers. Until they arrived at the end of the corridor. The door was decorated—more ornate than any they had passed—with carvings of Luminara's symbol and what appeared to be scenes from holy texts.
They knew without being told—it was the Archbishop's own office.
***
Archbishop Sherine then opened the room and gestured to the two to enter. The door swung inward—revealing the space beyond. She then looked at the two personal guards. Her expression was gentle but firm.
"You two, don't disturb us. Stay outside."
One of the guards stepped forward. Finally breaking their silence. His voice was deep—muffled slightly by his helmet.
"But Archbishop, we need to ensure you are safe. We can't let you inside the room alone with strangers."
The Archbishop smiled. Her next words were spoken with the same intonation and voice. It was still soft and soothing—like a gentle stream. But somehow, it held authority behind it—an undercurrent of command that could not be ignored.
"Are my instructions not clear?"
The Templar Knights straightened their posture. He couldn't disobey her words—not when she spoke with that tone. The authority in her voice was absolute.
"Yes, Archbishop. Forgive me for my insolence."
Both guards then moved to the left and right of the door. Standing guard—their postures rigid and disciplined. Their hands rested on the hilts of their swords—even in stillness, they remained vigilant.
She smiled at her two guards—warmth returning to her expression—then gestured again to Hyoren and Elise to enter.
"Now you two, Hyoren, Elise. Please enter and just think of it as home."
She entered the room. Hyoren and Elise—who didn't have any other choice—also entered the room. Their footsteps echoed softly on the polished marble floor.
The room was simple. It didn't even have any decorations on the walls—no paintings, no tapestries, nothing to distract from its purpose. A wide glass window made the dual suns' light shine throughout the room—bathing everything in a warm, golden-silver glow.
A heavy and sturdy oak office table decorated one side. There were many documents stacked on top of it—neatly organized into piles. Tall bookshelves lined the wall—filled with texts and records. And there was a comfortable sofa on the other side of the room—upholstered in white fabric with golden embroidery. The table beside the sofa held a few refreshments and snacks—fresh fruits, small pastries, and a steaming kettle.
Archbishop Sherine then sat on the sofa and gestured to them to sit. Her movements were graceful—practiced from decades of receiving guests.
"Now, now, please sit, so we can start our conversation."
Hyoren and Elise sat on the sofa in front of her as instructed. The cushion was soft beneath them—the fabric smooth against their clothes.
She then took the cup and poured liquid from the kettle. From the aroma, it seemed to be some kind of tea—floral notes with a hint of something sweet. The steam rose in gentle curls—carrying the fragrance through the room.
"Now, our conversation will be long, so here, you can calm your thirst with these."
She smiled at them. Her wavy golden hair caught the light from the window—making it seem almost luminous.
Hyoren and Elise exchanged glances again.
Then they took the tea. The cup was warm against Hyoren's palms. He brought it to his lips and drank. It was delicious—a blend of herbs and flowers he couldn't identify. But for Hyoren, in this situation, the tea was almost like water. Bland. He couldn't taste it properly—not with his mind racing with questions and concerns.
His thoughts were too chaotic to appreciate the flavor.
He put the cup back onto its saucer. The ceramic clicked softly. Then he looked at the Archbishop.
She already knew their names—but he still thought it was proper to introduce himself and Elise first. They had an official reason to meet the Archbishop. At first, they thought they would have a hard time looking for an audience with her—but the reality was the opposite. She had been waiting for them.
He looked at Elise. She nodded—leaving the talk to him as leader of their party. Her emerald eyes met his briefly—a silent reassurance.
"Let me formally introduce ourselves to you, Archbishop Sherine Conti. We are from Freedom Party. I'm Hyoren Enjo, and this is Elise of the Silentwood. We actually came here because of errands from the Adventurer's Guild."
The Archbishop smiled at them. Her expression was warm—almost motherly in its affection.
"Now, now, don't be like strangers… just call me Sherine."
Hyoren widened his eyes. The suggestion was unexpected—the Archbishop was one of the highest religious authorities in the city. And she just said he can call her casually by her name.
"Archbishop, we can't just do that."
She smiled again—now wider. Her blue eyes twinkled with amusement.
"Sherine."
Hyoren sighed. He gave up—there was no arguing with that expression. It reminded him of a parent insisting on informality.
"Okay, Archbishop... I mean, Sherine."
He corrected himself in the middle as he felt a cold on his spine—a sudden chill that lasted only a moment. Sherine didn't say anything or move. But her aura definitely flared for a split second—a reminder to him.
She smiled at them. Her voice was warm—pleased.
"Good kid. Good..."
She then stood and went over to the cabinet behind her desk. She opened it with practiced ease—retrieving something from within.
She came back—holding a kind of magic tool. An orb with a square base. The orb was inscribed with runes that seemed to shift and shimmer when viewed from different angles. She put the magic tool on the table between them.
"Okay, before we start, I know our conversation will contain a lot of sensitive information. So let me use this magic tools first."
She then touched the magic tool, activating it. The orb glowed—then shimmering light washed over them. The light was soft—white tinged with gold—passing through their bodies without warmth or cold. And Hyoren suddenly felt the world suddenly muffled.
He could still hear Elise breathing beside him—or Sherine's robes rustling as she moved.
But the sounds from outside the room suddenly disappeared. No more murmur of prayers from distant chambers. No more bustling crowds in the church garden. No more echoes of footsteps from the corridor.
It was like they were inside a pocket dimension—separated from the outside world—isolated and private.
Elise seemed to understand what happened. Her emerald eyes locked onto the magic tools. Recognition flickered across her face. She murmured the name—her voice barely above a whisper.
"Discourse Sphere..."
Sherine smiled and nodded. Her expression was knowing—like a teacher pleased with a student's answer.
"Yes, you are right, Elise. This is a Discourse Sphere. Now no one can eavesdrop or hear anything from inside this room. Your secrets will be safe."
Hyoren widened his eyes. His heart rate quickened.
"What secret, Sherine?"
He still wanted to act ignorant—to try to keep his secrets. He held too many secrets which he can’t tell to the church. Divine Protection from Luminara and Noctynara. Unique skill. The fact he was Spirited Away.
But Sherine's expression was full of understanding—she saw through the facade immediately.
"Don't be too guarded. I'm on your side, Hyoren."
She straightened her posture. Her presence seemed to grow more focused—more serious. The gentle mother aura faded—replaced by something more authoritative. More divine.
"Last night, I received a Divine Message from Goddess Luminara..."
She dropped her bomb. The words hung in the air—heavy with implication.
"She told me to take care of her Favored—you, Hyoren Enjo. And she also told me to help you..."
She looked at Elise—her expression knowing—filled with compassion.
"...to heal your partner, Elise of the Silentwood."
She smiled widely while dropping a bomb of revelation over them. Her wavy golden hair seemed to glow brighter—the light from the window catching it just so.
Hyoren and Elise just sat there. Agape. Shocked. Their mouths were parted—eyes wide with disbelief.
The Divine Message. The Favored.
The Archbishop knowing who they were before they even arrived. Everything was laid bare before they could even formulate their first question.
They didn't expect this kind of development—nothing they had imagined on the walk here had prepared them for this.