Chapter 106 – A Profound Feeling of Relief
Chapter 106
A Profound Feeling of Relief
Date : Day 14 of Grimleaf 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
Elise was the first one who snapped. Her emerald eyes pierced into Sherine—sharp and dangerous. She needed to protect him. If things became worse, she planned to run away from Akela—take Hyoren and flee before the Church could sink its claws into him.
"So, what do you want? What does the Church want?"
Hyoren also recovered from his shock after hearing Elise hissing. The sound jolted him back to reality—pulling him from the spiral of his thoughts.
He touched Elise's arm—trying to calm her down. His hand found hers—squeezing gently.
"Elise, calm down..."
Hyoren then looked at Sherine. His dark eyes were guarded—measuring.
"But Elise's concern was right. What do you want?"
Sherine was not intimidated. She clasped her hands on top of her lap—completely at ease despite the hostility directed at her.
"Please don't be afraid, Hyoren, Elise."
She smiled. The expression was warm—maternal. Completely genuine.
"I won't tell anyone. Goddess Luminara herself told me to not bind you. Not to restrict your freedom. And she also specifically told me to not spread this information about you being Spirited Away and bearer of Her Divine Protection..."
She pointed at the Discourse Sphere. The orb which glowed on the table—its continue fulfilling its purpose.
"That's the reason I used this magic tool."
Elise was still not convinced. Her emerald eyes were still locked onto Sherine—searching for any sign of deception. She was not seeing any, but she was not easy to be convinced.
"I don't believe it."
Hyoren touched Elise's arm again—trying to calm her. His touch was gentle—steadying.
"Elise, calm down. After all, Sherine was the one who saved you."
But Elise was still guarded.
“This and that is a different matter, Hyoren. I was thankful to her. But if she planned to cage you, planning to use you. Then I won’t stay silent.”
Sherine was not bothered by Elise's hostility. Her expression remained patient—unruffled.
"I understand, if my word is not enough. I will prove it with a vow."
She raised one of her hands. A gesture of solemnity—of binding oneself to divine witness.
"I swear under Luminara's name. I won't say any words about the fact Hyoren was Spirited Away and bearer of Luminara's Divine Protection. I won't say a word to anyone. Not even when the Pope herself asked me. If I break my vow, I will receive Divine Judgement."
A glow of suns from the wide glass window intensified—bathing the room with soft and warm light. Indicating the vow was acknowledged by Goddess Luminara herself. The intense light disappeared as quickly as it came—leaving only the memory of its warmth.
Elise was surprised. The weight of a vow under Luminara's name was heavy. Especially if it was said by the Archbishop. Luminara wouldn't stay silent if the vow was broken. Divine Judgement would be given—swift and absolute.
Her shoulder tension relaxed a bit. The rigid posture softened—just slightly.
"I see. You truly mean it."
Hyoren then asked Sherine. His voice was cautious—still guarded.
"So, what do you want with us? If you don’t want to use me?"
Sherine giggled. The sound was light—genuine amusement dancing in her blue eyes.
"Firstly, you two seem to be mistaken about something. We, the Church of Luminara, never restrict any of the Favored. They are free to do whatever they want. We do not dictate them. We do not need to."
Hyoren's eyes widened. The revelation contradicted everything he had assumed.
He had expected the Champion and the Saint to be bound to the Church—to be worked relentlessly. Used as instruments of divine will.
The Champion was forced to fight the Demon Army. Or the Shadowden Collective. Or both. Used as a weapon for the Church's will. Their movements were monitored. Their training was controlled.
No freedom.
Just like the heroes in the fantasy stories he had read.
And the Saint—he had imagined them protected—yet caged. Stripped of freedom. Forced into a Hero's party. Or made to heal the masses, chosen by the Church. But here—Sherine said they were free.
Even Elise was surprised—even if she hid it better than Hyoren. Her pointed ears twitched slightly—the only sign of her shock.
Sherine smiled seeing them. Her expression was knowing—like a teacher watching students learn an unexpected lesson.
"Of course, they often work together with us, with the Church. Especially the Saint—she did a lot of work under the Church. But that was more like we were giving her protection, not a cage. And we even let Saint Sophia do whatever she wants... anything she wants…"
She paused, glancing at the window for a moment before her gaze went back to Hyoren and Elise.
"And now... she got… too much freedom…"
There is a hint of melancholy on her voice when talking about The Saint—Sophia Harvengald. The sadness in her eyes was brief—but profound. There is something off about the Saint.
Hyoren noticed that, but he decided not to pried too much into it. This was not the right time for that.
She continued. Her voice returned to its normal warmth. The glimps of sadness when mentioning the Saint was gone.
"The Church also let the Champion free."
She looked at the window—her wavy golden hair swayed with the motion. She was staring at the Dual Suns outside which started to descend. It seemed like she was reminiscing about a story. About what Champion and Saint usually do.
"Though in the end, they are favored by Luminara—both Champion and Saint's personalities are, Even if not perfectly mirrored, their personalities were similar. So their activities always benefit the masses. Like the Champion often eradicating Demons who hide inside Human cities. She also went to the Blighted Continent once to understand more about the Demons. They were embodiments of Justice. Just like the Goddess who favored them."
She crossed her arms. Her posture was relaxed—confident.
"We didn't need to dictate them. Their goal was never too far from the Church's goal. Their goal was always aligned with ours."
She looked at Hyoren. Her blue eyes held a knowing glint.
"And even the Summoned One. Based on Goddess Luminara's words, their role in this world is as an agent of change. Sheguaranteed their freedom. And they also always bring benefits which elevate humanity, no matter what they do."
She then gestured over the now-shattered Demon Core. The dust still sat on the table—harmless remains of what was once pure malevolence.
"The perfect example is you yourself, Hyoren. Even you, without being dictated by the Church, are actually dealing with the Demon yourself right? Something which benefits humanity."
She smiled at them. She was satisfied—pleased with her explanation.
Understanding dawned over Hyoren. What Sherine said was true. He had picked the Goblin Subjugation quest without thinking he was going to meet a Servant of Gidol and prevent catastrophe.
He had a chance to run away. But in the end, he didn't run away. With his sense of Justice, he decided to dismantle the Goblin Settlement—afraid they might attack villagers. He never give a second thought to help people in need.
What he did was truly matching the aspect of Luminara herself. Justice. Even if Luminara herself didn't say anything, he still did it. It was like fate herself guiding Hyoran.
"I see. I understand your stance. But... is there any chance other clergy or Archbishops have received the same Divine Message as you, Sherine? I'm concerned that more Archbishops might learn that I am Spirited Away... and some of them may not be as understanding as you."
He was hinting about corrupt clergy. They might want to use him. Dictating him.
She laughed. Her soft, bell-like voice echoed within the room—contained by the barrier of silence. The sound was genuine—filled with warmth.
"What do you think a Divine Message is, Hyoren? Something like a casual chat with the Goddess?"
She leaned back—her body sinking into the couch. Her wavy golden hair cascaded on the leather surface—catching the fading light from the window.
The laughter lingered—she had laughed a bit too much and now sought a moment of rest. Her posture was relaxed—completely different from when they had first met. The formal Archbishop had given way to something more genuine.
"I've been a member of the clergy for almost fifty years... and as an Archbishop for five. And last night was the first time I've actually heard Goddess Luminara's voice myself."
The revelation surprised Hyoren. He was expecting her to be in her late thirties. But she had already been a member of the Church for 55 years—which meant she was way older than that. Again, he really needed to stop assuming people's ages by appearance.
Sherine's blue eyes swept over Hyoren and Elise. The gaze was measuring—assessing their reactions.
"Not even the Pope can casually speak with Goddess Luminara, Hyoren... Elise."
She leaned forward. Her blue eyes glinted—with something between reverence and wonder.
"Most of the time, when Luminara was sending Her Divine Message, she sends them to her Favored. The Champion, the Saint, and lastly like you—Summoned One, Hyoren. That's the reason we, the Church, call them the Favored. Because they are really favored by the Goddess herself. They receive multiple Divine Messages. Some said they even can chat casually with Her.”
She smiled with knowing expression.
“Some Archbishops and other devotees might not hear Her voice at all in their lives, Hyoren. Unlike her Favored."
Her words enveloped Hyoren and Elise like a blanket. They kept getting surprised by the revelation—each new piece of information shifting their understanding of the world and Hyoren's place in it.
***
Hyoren heaved a relieved breath. If many people were receiving divine messages like Sherine, then his secret would be spread far and wide. But since that was not the case—his secret would be safe. The tension that had in his shoulder slowly disappear.
He leaned forward. His posture was more relaxed now—the weight on his shoulders lighter.
"I see. So I don't need to worry about the Church restricting my freedom, huh. And my secret will be safe."
He looked at Elise—whose face also showed a relieved expression. Her emerald eyes had lost their sharp wariness—replaced by something softer.
"I think we can rest assured, Elise."
Elise nodded. Her silver hair swayed with the motion—catching the fading light from the window.
"Yeah, Hyoren. I didn't expect this though..."
She then looked at Sherine. Her gaze was still cautious—but no longer hostile.
"So, you really won't do anything?"
Sherine shook her head. Her wavy golden hair swayed with the motion—catching rays of orange and silver from the descending suns.
"I won't. Though if you need my help, you can come here. I will gladly help with anything as long as it's within my power. I will notify my guards to let you in if you ask them."
She smiled at them. The expression was warm—genuine.
"And if you get into trouble in another town, you can always rely on the Church of Luminara. If you reveal yourself to be Her Favored, they will accommodate you. Definitely."
Hyoren nodded. He decided to just accept the Church's goodwill. They seemed to be harmless and wouldn't restrict his actions—even if he needed to remain cautious.
"Thank you, Sherine. I think I would still not be going to announce my real identity to the Church. Maybe the Church won't restrict me. But we never know what nobles and the Kingdom would do if they learned of me..."
Elise looked at Hyoren. Her pointed ears twitched slightly—agreement evident in her posture.
"Yeah, that's right, Hyoren. I agree completely. We still need to be careful."
Sherine smiled at them. Her blue eyes held a knowing glint—understanding their caution even if she found it excessive.
"You are being too careful, Hyoren, Elise. The nobles and king wouldn't dare to touch or force the Favored to do their bidding. The Church won't stay silent if they do. But well, I respect your decision."
She looked at the wide glass window. The dual suns of Kresneger—the now very small golden Sol, and bigger silver Luna—started to descend. Painting the room in the mixed glow of sunsets. Gold mingled with silver—casting long shadows across the floor.
"It seems we already talked for a long time. Are there any questions left, Hyoren, Elise?"
Hyoren looked at Elise. She shook her head—her loose silver hair swayed gently. Her expression was content—she had no more questions.
He then looked at the window. Where the wide glass pane showed the suns would set soon. The sky outside was painted in hues of the two suns. After a while, he looked back at Sherine.
"I think that's all for now, Sherine. We already talked for too long. We need to rest after this. Elise still can't afford to do strenuous activities, and today we already walked and talked a lot."
He bowed slightly. The motion was sincere—gratitude evident in every line of his body.
"Thanks again for the treatment of Elise. I'm so grateful for that. I don't know what I would do if her hand was left paralyzed permanently."
Elise also bowed slightly. Her silver hair fell forward—framing her face.
"Thank you, Sherine. Thank you for healing my wound."
Sherine touched the Discourse Sphere. The runes stopped glowing—the light fading from within the orb. The magic tool became inert. The barrier of silence was gone. The sounds from outside started to flowed into the room again.
Chatter from outside. Footsteps echoing through corridors. Prayer—soft and rhythmic—from distant chambers. The world rushed back in—filling the space that had been held in stillness.
She then stood—followed by Hyoren and Elise. The couch cushions released their weight as they rose. She led them to the door, her whit and golden robe swayed with her every step.
She opened door. The main corridor of the Church greeted them—the white marble floor reflecting the sunset light. The two Templar Knights still stood guarding the door—their white armor gleaming with golden accents.
"Let's meet again if the time is right. Don't be shy to visit the Church, Hyoren, Elise. I think Goddess Luminara would like that too."
Hyoren nodded. His posture was respectful—mindful of the guards watching.
"Will do, Archbishop Sherine."
He decided to use her title in front of the Templar Knights. He didn't want to be labeled as insolent by calling her too casually—not when others were present to witness.
But Sherine pouted. Her expression defied her status and age—like a petulant child rather than a holy leader.
"I said no title!"
Hyoren glanced at the two Templar Knights before looking at her again. The guards remained motionless—but he could feel their attention shift slightly.
"But..."
His words trailed off as Sherine was still pouting. Her lower lip jutted out slightly—her blue eyes wide with mock hurt. Hyoren resigned. He exhaled a deep breath.
"Will do, Sherine."
She then beamed. Her smile widened—genuine pleasure radiating from her features. The smile elevated her beauty to ethereal level. Her wavy golden hair seems to glittering too.
"Good kid."
Hyoren then bowed slightly again. The motion was quick—respectful. Unbothered by Sherine change of attitudes.
"Thanks again, Sherine. I will be back."
He and Elise then left the Archbishop's office. Leaving behind a smiling Sherine and the two still Templar Knights. Their footsteps echoed on the marble floor—as they walked back into the world outside.
***
Hyoren and Elise walked through the main corridor of the church with a lighthearted feeling. Their steps were easy—unburdened by the weight they had carried just hours before. The marble floor reflected the fading sunset light—casting silver and gold across the white stone.
Elise was healed. She could hold a bow again. Her scar was still there—a permanent mark on her skin. A reminder of his failure. But she was alive. She was whole. That was what mattered. The knowledge settled into Hyoren's chest like a warm stone—steady and grounding.
Hyoren's secrets were compromised. An Archbishop actually knew he was a Spirited Away. But she vowed to not say anything about it—bound by divine oath that carried real consequences. And he also learned the Church was not as bad as he thought and could be trusted.
Sure, there were corrupt clergy. But in the end, there were always bad people no matter where. He couldn’t generalize everything based one one or two bad apple. That truth was universal—in this world and the one he came from.
They continued walking—their footsteps echoing softly in the corridor. The sounds of distant prayers filtered through the walls—soft murmurs of devotion. Until they passed the main prayer room of the church. He stopped walking. His feet halted on their own—drawn by something he couldn't name.
Elise tilted her head. Her silver hair cascading over her shoulder.
"What's wrong, Hyoren?"
Hyoren scratched his cheek. The gesture was sheepish—almost embarrassed.
"Nothing, Elise. It's just, seeing the prayer room, it reminds me of what she told me..."
He didn't need to elaborate—who, Elise already understood. She nodded—her emerald eyes soft with understanding.
He looked at the prayer room. The doors were open—inviting. The interior glowed with the soft light of countless candles.
"She told me to pray to her from time to time. I was feeling grateful to her now—she helped heal you through the Archbishop. So it's proper for me to pray to her."
This was definitely unlike Hyoren. He was pragmatic—he never prayed on Earth. He didn't even believe in God before. But those feelings changed slowly but surely in this world. The impossible had become routine. The divine had become real.
Elise smiled. The expression was warm—teasing but kind.
"I see. Sure, go pray, Hyoren. I think Goddess Luminara would be happy if you pray to her. Fufu."
Hyoren smiled wryly. The corner of his lip lifted—acknowledging his own strangeness.
"Thanks for understanding, Elise."
Both of them then entered the main prayer room of the Church of Luminara.
The room was almost identical to other church rooms—the same white marble, the same golden accents. The decorations were practical without being gaudy. It showed Church power without being too luxurious. There were many benches for the masses to sit—arranged in neat rows facing the altar. There was a podium for clergy to do sermons—carved with Luminara’s symbols. And at the altar in the middle, stood a statue of Goddess Luminara—towering and serene.
Her statue was an exact depiction of her—the figure was exactly the same as what Hyoren saw in the White Void. The glittering golden hair. The flowing white and gold robes. The gentle expression. The motherly aura that seemed to emanate from the marble itself.
Surrounding Luminara's statue, there were other Gods and Goddesses' statues—even Noctynara's statue—which was hated in human country—was there. They were small and lined up at the front of the main statue. They were not the Gods or Goddess which worshipped in this church, as this is Church of Luminara, but they were still the Pillars of the Aethell, so it was expected they were there.
He looked at each statue in turn. His eyes moved from one to another—taking in every detail.
Noctynara stood identical to Luminara—only the colors differed. Black and silver. Like a void given form. She looked exactly like what he had seen in the White Void. The same face as Luminara. But where Luminara radiated warmth—Noctynara seemed cold, calculating, and full of ambitions.
His gaze moved to the next statue.
A woman stood there—holding a bow in one hand and a staff crowned with a sparkling blue orb in the other. She wore a dress woven from leaves—intricate and natural. Her ears were pointed—just like Elise's. And her hair was pure white—flowing like moonlight. He recognized her instantly. This was Sylvana—patron Goddess of the Elves. She was preceded over Wind and Water.
His eyes shifted again.
A stout, broad man stood next. His ears were also long—but not as long and as pointed as an elf's. His beard was majestic—braided into two thick strands that reached his hips. In his right hand, he held a massive hammer—poised as if ready to strike. In his left, two orbs orbited—one glowing red like fire, the other shaped like a rough boulder.
This statue definitely depicted Gravok—patron God of Dwarves. The elements of fire and earth.
Then—the last statue.
An androgynous figure. Looked like neither man nor woman. But as Elise told Hyoren before, this God was a man. Long mane-like hair framed a beautiful face—yet the body lacked any clear feminine curve.
His form was a fusion of human and beast. The body was mostly human—but it bore traits of lion, cat, wolf, and other carnivorous beasts—blended into one seamless form. The ears, the mane, the tails, the claws and talons—each were from different kinds of beasts. There were wings of a bird extended from his back—spread wide as if ready to take flight.
And he had four arms. One held a sword. One held a shield. One held a ledger. One held a quill. The tools of war and trade—combined in one divine form.
Hyoren understood—he was Zalkier—patron God of the Beastkin. The one who govern skills and commerce.
He was awed. These were the Pillars of the Aethell—Gods of Kresneger.
And he was almost speechless seeing what they looked like for the first time. He had already seen Luminara and Noctynara—but they looked so normal compared to the other Gods and Goddesses. The others were clearly looked otherworldly.
At his side, Elise seemed to be praying as well. Her eyes were closed—her posture straight. Focused. Her lips moved in silent devotion. Thanking Luminara for healing her hand.
Hyoren shook his head lightly—bringing his attention back to himself. He clasped his hands in front of his chest and closed his eyes. Then he prayed.
Thank you, Luminara, for helping me. For guiding Archbishop Sherine to aid me. Elise is safe now...
I don't have the words to express how grateful I am. But... Thank you.
He slowly opened his eyes. It might have been his imagination—but for a brief moment, Luminara's statue seemed to glow. A soft radiance that faded as quickly as it appeared.
Then he felt it. A warmth—gentle and encompassing—wrapped around him. It wasn't overwhelming. It wasn't blinding. It was subtle—like sunlight through clouds.
It was—quiet. Like a presence. Like a reassurance.
As if Luminara was telling him—without words—that she was there. That she had always been there. Watching. Waiting. Guiding.
Hyoren stood still. Frozen in place—caught between the physical world and something beyond.
The tightness in his chest eased. The lingering fear, the guilt, the sense of helplessness—they didn't disappear. But they softened. They became bearable. Manageable. A peace that settled into his bones—calming the storm that had raged inside him for days.
For the first time since Elise was wounded and nearly died—he felt a profound sense of relief.