Chapter 15: Final preparations before leaving
Lucen, who had his head bowed, did not know what to say, but as he steadied his breath, a thought surfaced. Maybe he could pray like the characters he admired in the games and anime he once loved. It was a silly idea, perhaps, but it gave him focus. Slowly, he exhaled, gathering his nerves. Then, with closed eyes, he spoke what he felt was the right thing to say.
"Varkun, God of War and Honor, I, Lucen Thornehart, present myself before you as a warrior. I ask you to please give me your blessing as I march out to my first battle."
After he was done saying his prayer, Lucen waited, but there was no reaction. As he planned to stay still for a few more seconds before trying something, a loud notification sound started ringing in his head.
[WARNING!] [WARNING!] [WARNING!] [WARNING!] [WARNING!] [WARNING!] [WARNING!] [WARNING!] [WARNING!] [WARNING!] [WARNING!] [WARNING!] [WARNING!] [WARNING!]
A sharp, stabbing headache struck him instantly, but Lucen didn’t move. Somehow, his instincts screamed at him, if he broke posture now, something worse would happen.
[A higher being has looked upon you.]
The second Lucen heard that notification, a shiver crawled down his spine, as he held his breath. Lucen did not know how long he had stayed in his praying position, but after some time, the intense presence he felt disappeared.
As he was confused as to what happened, a transparent screen appeared before him, similar to his Status Window.
[Varkun, the God of War and Honor, seeker of endless battle, has heard your prayer.]
[Young Warrior, who has struggled, who holds steel and iron, Varkun has acknowledged you.]
[Varkun has decided to bless you.]