"Rick Rolland," he said.
"And these are my bonded partners. Natasha Ravenscar and Carmilla Crimsonford."
Liora said the name again, "Rick Rolland," tasting it.
"I am Liora Sunweaver, the High Priestess of the Divine Temple."
"You have helped me and the goddess a lot today. This corruption could have spread and affected the whole area if it had not been stopped."
She motioned for them to leave the holy place with her. "Please, let me show you good hospitality."
"You all must be tired, and I insist on taking care of your wounds myself."
They followed her to a private room in the temple complex, where she showed them where to sit comfortably and brought them healing potions and fresh water. Her followers watched with wide eyes, clearly shocked to see their High Priestess serve others so directly.
Liora gave Rick a cup of healing tea and said, "Those eyes of yours... I can sense that you have some questions."
"Don't be afraid to ask right away. I will answer if necessary."
Rick looked at Carmilla and Natasha, then decided that being honest was the best thing to do. "We're going to the capital because I got a letter from the king."
"The Grand Magister wants to talk to me about a prophecy."
Liora's amber eyes got sharper. "The Hero of Mature Hearts... so it was true that was a prophecy."
"You know about it?"
"All the important religious leaders in the kingdom know about it."
"Three weeks ago, we found the prophecy in our temple archives, just before this shrine became corrupt." She leaned forward, and her face was serious. "Tell me the truth, Rick Rolland. Do you think you could be the hero that was foretold?"
Rick thought about it for a moment before nodding. "My system administrator, Sebastian, seems to think so. And everything that's happened lately makes it seem like he might be right."
"Administrator of the system?" Liora's eyebrows went up. "You have a spirit that looks like a person? That's even less common than Spirit Bonds."
At that moment, Sebastian appeared, and everyone could see him. "Someone called me?"
Liora's eyes got big, and she quickly bowed her head in respect. "A real system spirit. I never thought I would see one in my lifetime."
Sebastian said in a dry voice, "I'm sure you're charmed."
"And yes, Rick is the prophesied hero, as you may have guessed. Even though he's still a work in progress."
"Hey," Rick said in a weak voice.
Liora looked at Sebastian for a long time before turning her attention back to Rick. Her face went from curious to something like respect. "If you really are the Hero of Mature Hearts, then our meeting today was not a coincidence."
"The goddess herself must have led you to this shrine."
Standing up, she walked to a nearby altar and picked up a small crystal pendant that shone with a soft golden light. "This is a charm for Divine Blessing. It will keep you safe from dark magic and make your holy resistance stronger."
"Think of it as a sign of my thanks and faith in your future."
Rick took the pendant carefully. He felt warmth spread through his chest as soon as it touched his skin, and he felt his Holy Resistance skill grow.
[RECEIVED A DIVINE BLESSING]
[HOLY RESISTANCE: LV. 1 → LV. 3]
[DARK MAGIC PROTECTION: ON]
Liora put her hand over Rick's again, this time with a clear purpose. "I want to get to know you, Rick Rolland."
"Not the Spirit Bond yet, but a spiritual link that will let me know when you need help."
"If the prophecy is true, you'll have to deal with much worse dangers than broken shrines."
"Please let me help in any way I can."
Rick could tell that she meant what she said because he was empathetic. She wasn't trying to trick or use him, and she really wanted to help because she believed in what he stood for.
But most importantly...
"Help me in any way I can, huh...?" Rick said in his mind.
"Remove that fucking nasty perverted mind, asshole. You're standing in front of one of the purest, holiest, and most mature women in this world." Sebastian could hear it.
"I know, I know, I'm taking this slowly so that her character development can be seen. You know what I meant, right?"
"Whatever."
Rick said honestly to answer Liora, "I'd be honored."
Liora established the spiritual link, and a golden light flickered between them. Rick sensed a new presence at the periphery of his mind, though it didn't reach the depths of the Spirit Bonds he shared with Carmilla and Natasha. It felt kind, warm, and patient.
[SPIRITUAL LINK MADE: HIGH PRIESTESS LIORA SUNWEAVER]
[AFFECTION: 5 → 7]
[TYPE: VARIANT OF GUARDIAN ANGEL]
[RESULT: CAN ASK FOR HELP FROM GOD ONCE A DAY]
[NOTE: SHE WILL BE WATCHING YOU FROM A DISTANCE]
When Liora smiled, her whole face changed. In a flash, she went from being a strict religious leader to being warm and welcoming. "There you go."
"Now I can tell if you're really in danger. Rick, don't be afraid to ask me for help."
"May the goddess's blessing be with you."
She led them to the entrance of the temple as the sun finally broke through the clouds. Their carriage was still there, and the driver looked pleased to see them get out safely.
"Before you go," Liora said, pulling Rick aside for a private word. "Be careful in the capital."
"The Grand Magister is smart, but he wants to be in charge of politics. He'll try to use your fate to help the kingdom, which isn't always detrimental, but don't let politics use you."
"Your power comes from real connection, not manipulation."
Rick said, "Thanks for the warning."
Liora's face took on a slightly naughty look. "Also, just between you and me?"
"For months, the Divine Temple has been looking for signs of the hero who was foretold. When I get back and tell everyone that I met you, there will be a lot of excitement. Expect more attention from religious leaders."
"Great," Rick said in a weak voice. "Exactly what I needed."
"You'll be fine with it."
"You have good people behind you." She looked at Carmilla and Natasha, who were standing by the carriage. "Hold on to those ties, Rick. They will be your biggest strength in the future, and maybe soon I'll be one of them as well."
"But right now... I'm still currently busy."
"It's okay. Take your time."
...
Rick felt the weight of what had just happened settle over him as they got back into the carriage and continued their journey. He had met one of the major powers Sebastian had talked about, made a connection with her, and gotten new powers that made it look like he really was becoming the hero everyone thought he would be.
He felt Carmilla's steady support and Natasha's quiet pride in how he had acted through the Spirit Bond. Sebastian showed up for a moment to give him a nod of approval before disappearing again.
Now, the capital was only half a day away. Rick knew he wouldn't have to face whatever was waiting for them there alone.
He smiled a little as he touched the Divine Blessing pendant around his neck. It was possible that he could really be a hero after all.