They talked a bit more after that, only small talk such as how were things as the church’s warrior but at least they weren’t complete strangers anymore to each other.

“So how should I call people in your position? Church warrior? Combat priest and priestess? Battle nun?” Viers asked. Calling Rose, Leon, Angelo, and others as church personnel was a mouthful. Now that she was in front of him, he might as well ask about the official designation about her group.

“We’re the local branch of the church. Each city and town usually has one. Villages were too many and spread out so they don’t have a branch but one or two priests could be assigned there if the leaders deign it necessary.”

Rose happily explained, they sat together side by side under the shade of a tree. They conversed while watching Farley and Paina playing tag with the children.

“I’m just a novice, the lowest position in the organization. After that, there’s the priest and priestess. My group leader, Priest Angelo is one. Ah, but he disliked being called priest so we call him captain instead. In battle, we novices are led by a priest or priestess. Above priest is the head priest. There’s only one of them in every local branch. Head priest Ativan is our leader. He’s a kind person and hates conflict, he’s old but still spry and healthy. He often spar with us using his martial arts.” Rose talked while looking at the distance, she smiled now and then when talking about the church.

“Above the local branch is the central church. The famous Silver Legions is their military force for combating monsters and keeping the peace. To be one of them, you need to have exceptional talent and corresponding character. But, I heard there’s another way in, to be chosen by the angels.”

“Hoh, what’s that mean?” Viers was very interested in the angels.

“I’m not sure, it’s not like I know anyone chosen by them.” Rose smiled apologetically.

“I see, I see. Sooo, novice, priest, head priest. Do they depend on your level in the Path of Power? Novice for level 0, priest for level 1?”

“Part of it… well, the main factor of it.”

“Such is the world we live in. Power speaks with a loud voice. Sad isn’t it?”

No, not really. At least for me. Just gotta make sure my power is stronger than others.

“Yeah… I need to get stronger. I’m close breaking through to level 1. I want to get stronger so I can help other people and lessen the burden on captain and the others. It’s been turbulent lately and we’re pretty beat up,” said Rose sadly again.

“Woah… so it’s true? The rumor that the church was attacked?” Viers put up a shocked face, as if he wasn’t someone who was in the thick of it and hearing this for the first time.

“Yeah, but keep it a secret, yes? Please? We don’t want panic.” Rose clasped her hands together and asked Viers. She shouldn’t be talking about that but she slipped out.

“It’s okay, I won’t tell anyone… were you there? During the battle I mean.”

“No, level 0s were sent doing something else at that time. I think the head priest did so because our strength was too weak to make a difference.”

There was silence for a time between them, but it was not the awkward kind of silence. They talked and the other listened, it was nice to be heard.

“Paina may have told you, but we met a Silver Legionnaire before. Her name is Ciel, she saved us from a goblin ambush.”

“I heard, she also said that she was depressed for a time after that because one of you died. Then it was you who kicked her in the butt and told her to stop moping around, stop wasting time and move forward, wasn’t it?” Rose grinned, showing her white teeth.

“Nothing so dramatic, just a bit of advice.”

“Nice advice though, got one for me?”

“Hm?” Viers was taken aback by the unusual request. “Advice for what?”

“Mmm, for making the world less full of sadness.” Said Rose after some thinking.

“Aaah, so you want to be a hero.” Viers nodded a few times while folding his arms. The look of a professor being asked an elementary level math problem by a child.

“What? No, nothing so dramatic. I just want more people to live happily, that’s all.”

“Tomayto-tomahto, if only half the people in the world could think that way… All right, since you asked. A hero is someone who will do the right thing no matter the cost. Since you want to be a hero, that’s your advice.”

“…And what is the right thing?” Rose looked puzzled.

“That’s even easier. Look into your heart and do what it tells you. A decent person such as you already have what you need to be a hero.”

“…I don’t think I have what it takes.”

“Okay, then stop being a church novice.” Viers nonchalantly spoke.

“Eh?”

“Retire, live as an ordinary person does. No need to battle monsters or bad people anymore, no need to bleed or get hurt anymore. You’re a level 0 almost at level 1, you can do any work for a living. Find a nice guy and get married, have kids, take care of your family, live happily until you become old and grey. What’s wrong with that?”

Rose thought long and hard, Viers patiently waited. “Nothing’s wrong with that, but…”

“But?” Viers parroted.

“I don’t think I can live with myself if I just leave.” Rose looked upward to the sky.

“There, do the right thing as your heart tells you. Easy-peasy.”

“I don’t know, seems like simple advice with deep meaning. Thank you,” Rose looked at the person next to her with a brighter face than before.

“It’s just an advice. Nothing great, don’t mention it.”

“Won’t you make a better hero than me?” Rose teased playfully.

“Goodness no. A hero’s life is not for me. I’m just a coward you know. I don’t like fighting people stronger and scarier than me. Certainly no hero material.”

“Hmmm, I believe you will do the right thing when the time comes. Ehehe,” Rose chucked seeing Viers’ silly denial face.

“If only,” Viers smiled with a thousand deeper meaning.

Before the conversation went any further, ten or so boys came to Viers with a determined face and fire in their eyes despite most of them were at six years old.

“Big Bad Viers, We challenge you to a one on one combat!” Said one of the boys.

“Oh? What’s this about?”

“Big sis Farley said, if we could get one hit from you, she’ll grant us a wish! Ready yourself, enemy of man!”

***

Paina had never seen Farley sulking before but she was now. Somehow, Viers and Rose seemed to hit it off. Both Farley and Rose were her friends so she was in a difficult position.

“Look at that guy, he has already forgotten who brought him here! Hmph!” Farley pouted.

“Ahaha, I’m sure it was nothing. They just met today,” Paina awkwardly tried to pacify her friend.

“I specifically asked him for a date today, but I have to threaten him before he agreed. Can you believe it?”

“Kyah! Is it true? He’s big sis Farley’s boyfriend?” One of the girls asked with bright eyes.

“Nooo! Big sis Farley, don’t be fooled by that guy. I’m sure he lied to you!”

“Yeah, I bet he won’t protect big sis from monsters!”

“See? He’s unfaithful already! He isn’t fit to be your boyfriend.”

The children adored Farley greatly, Paina could see that. Some of the boys even courted her openly. They were so adorable in Paina’s eyes.

“No, he’s not my boyfriend, Amy. And Emer, he actually saved me from goblins before. Paina too, you can ask her.” Farley spoke.

The boy named Emer, turned his head to Paina with a questioning eye.

“It’s true, he brought us on his shoulders then escape from a hobgoblin and a goblin shaman.”

“Muuu, I still won’t accept him as your boyfriend. I’m more suited to be yours!”

“Aw, how sweet. Thank you, little guy. Ask me again in a few years, yeah?” Farley patted his head.

“Big sis, don’t treat me as a kid… if only I was born a few years earlier…” Emer was dejected but he seemed glad Farley patted his head.

“Farley, are you really going for him?” Paina asked delicately.

“It’s complicated… how about you? I’m half sure he was into you.” Farley followed with a question of her own.

“What? No, we are just friends.” Paina’s flustered face was cute so Farley teased her more.

“Reeaally? Is his naked body already erased from your mind?”

The children gasped. “Farley! Don’t tease.” Farley turned beet red.

“Is big sis Paina his girlfriend too? And now he’s lovey-dovey with big sis Rose that he just met today! Unforgivable! Enemy of man!” Emer was shocked and angered.

“Ahaha. Well, whatever the case. I should break them up before any seed of love is planted. Kids, I have a proposal. Spar with Viers and if you manage to land a hit on him, I will grant you a wish.”

“Really? No take-backs.” Another boy called Lucas asked.

“Yep, big sis Farley promised. One-on-one spar with Big Bad Viers. If any of you land a hit, you win. Come on, chop-chop. Stop Big Bad Viers from deceiving big sis Rose.”

“Farley…” Paina felt complicated as she looked the kids swarmed Viers and Rose.

“What? What did I do? That just happened on its own.” Farley maneuvered away from the blame.