Fanatical crowds always spread like a plague. While out, Maria easily observed this so-called force of compulsion. The citizens of Torrent City couldn't possibly all be believers of the Radiant Church, yet under this abnormal fervor, this atmosphere of sacrificing for the gods, very few could truly remain calm.
The church indulged, while the secular authorities maintained control.
Maria could see clearly that the guards and city watch under the secular government were holding back, keeping order among the worshipers gathered for prayer. It seemed that the frenzy existed only among the common folk.
As for the upper ranks and beyond, they tacitly preserved their rationality and composure. But in truth, the church's upper level was only held in check by the extremely moderate faction currently in power. With the radicals wielding the divine oracle, it was only a matter of time before they seized full control. When that day came, this fragile balance would surely shatter.
When the 1.0 official release of Cinders of the First Flame opened a week later, the clash between church and state would formally erupt.
The fall of the Radiant Church would begin.
Maria had already noted the key gatekeeping bosses of Southwind Province and the elite NPCs of its major areas, as well as the advantages of the terrain. If one wished to form a top-tier raiding guild, no doubt the official release would be the best opportunity. Yet such step-by-step calculations left Maria uneasy, she disliked schemes and manipulations.
The uproar outside stood in stark contrast to the black-robed nun hidden beneath her hood.
She was like a theatergoer, watching as a grand and absurd drama slowly unfolded before her eyes. The play was about to begin, the actors were already in position, and Maria herself was standing in her place, waiting for the rush of yet more performers to enter the stage.
The churches of the God of Justice were quite different from those of the Radiant Church. Maria soon found the church where Arthur carried out his daily duties.
Gold, silver, and white were the Radiant Church's favored colors. In contrast, the God of Justice, famed for impartial judgment, used cold steel as the main motif, with the holy emblem of a balanced scale cast prominently at the center. Many assumed the scale was His symbol, but in fact, it was the blindfold in His doctrine, the meaning being that the eyes must not be swayed by outside influence.
That said, when it came to settling disputes, the priests of the God of Justice often had their own ways…
This was a typical garrison chapel, small in area, its doors wide open yet the place eerily quiet. Understandably so, people rarely came unless they had no choice, for no one liked facing the direct inquisition of a justice priest.
Knock, knock, knock!
Maria politely rapped at the door. The dull sound stirred the figure inside. In the solemn, steel-built hall, a particular figure slowly rose.
He was "particular" because his movements were rigid and forceful, as though his body had been forged from steel itself. A priest of the God of Justice, the man named Arthur turned his head toward the nun at the door. His gray eyes were cold and unruffled.
So he really is a mute…
Sensing the aura of "keep away" radiating from Arthur, Maria muttered inwardly that his behavior suited his nickname. To stare silently at someone without a word, surely that counted as impolite.
Arthur gazed at her for a full minute before giving the faintest nod in greeting. The motion was so subtle that, had Maria not been paying attention, she might have missed it.
Not exactly the friendliest of openings.
So Maria judged, as she lifted her skirts slightly and stepped gracefully into the austere chapel. The moment she crossed the threshold, her willow-shaped brows trembled, an intangible pressure descended upon her, as though an unseen gaze from on high weighed on her every word and deed.
This was the passive domain buff of the God of Justice's churches.
Any who harbored malice or ill intent would feel the oppression; only those with clear consciences could move freely in this sanctuary. In plain terms: a little test. With strong enough mental fortitude, one could ignore it entirely.
"Good day, Sir Arthur. I am Maria, from Seth Town." She traced a cross on her forehead, speaking with a calm face and steady breath, using the liturgy of the Radiant Lord. Since the massacre at Seth, Maria's heart had harbored more than a little doubt and anger toward the so-called Lord.
"…"
Arthur still gave no reply, but he did return the standard clerical salute.
How exactly am I supposed to communicate with this man…?
As Maria wondered, a second figure rose from a quiet corner of the chapel. A graceful woman, her beautiful face adorned with a gentle smile. She wore a long gown of white gauze, slit to reveal long legs sheathed in a thin layer of black silk. Her chest was so generous Maria nearly choked. In all her experience, only the noble standard of Cainhurst seen in dreams could compare; as for herself… haha… hahahahaha…
Duang~~! Duang~~! Duang~~!
Her steps made oddly exaggerated, almost indecent sounds, as though some special effects had been added.
This was another cleric of a true god, the Lady of the Lake. Her clergy stressed purity and self-respect, yet also the pursuit of love. Beloved across the continent, they were famed for their beauty.
"Good day, Sister Maria. I am Liline. It's a pleasure to meet you." Her clear, lilting voice was like a lark's song. With her mature, luscious charm, Liline exuded a dignified allure even in casual speech.
Enchanting to the bone, that was Liline.
Yet one flaw marred her beauty: one eye was closed, leaving only a single peach-tinted eye to gaze warmly and kindly at Maria.
"Lord Arthur does not enjoy speaking. He means no slight, oh~~"
Her voice alone was enough to test one's self-control. Maria couldn't help but think: no wonder the Lady of the Lake's clergy would later clash so fiercely with Slaanesh, Lord of Pleasure among the Chaos Gods.
"Sister Maria is the last. That means our main team members are all present now, isn't that right?" Liline turned to the silent, stone-faced Arthur.
Even in the company of two radiant women, Arthur's expression did not change, he looked as if he saw no allure at all, reluctantly nodding his agreement.
I fear for the future of this team.
A taciturn pseudo-mute, a dazzlingly seductive lady, and herself. Maria suddenly felt pessimistic about the prospects of their group.
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