Chapter 25: Enmity
The massive confessional inside the Aria Church was shrouded in darkness. Saintess Seraphina stood in the centre of the room, her white robes illuminated only by a dim light emanating from an ancient-looking chandelier overhead. Waiting for her superiors to speak.
"The number of summoned heroes has dropped below 30," one voice murmured from the shadows.
"We'll need to summon new heroes to replenish our forces for the war with the Nether," added another; however, she wasn't as unemotional as the owner of the previous voice.
"I understand your concerns," The saintess nodded politely, her expression calm and kind. "I will take care of the summoning immediately."
Since their meetings usually lasted a minute or two, Seraphina expected it to be the end. However, as she turned to leave, a third voice interrupted, stopping her in the tracks.
"What about the boy? The one who wanted to unite every faction?"
Serphina's kind and calm demeanour shifted as sadness clouded her eyes. She slowly turned back, facing the unknown faces in the shadows. Despite trying to remain calm and unaffected, she couldn't help but shed a tear.
"As reported earlier, the hero Adrian hasn't reported back from his last known mission," Seraphina mumbled, wiping away the tear with the back of her hand. "It is unfortunate, but we have to move on and declare him dead."
"So, he's gone? No sign of him anywhere?"