Chapter 23: Unwavering Perseverance

(Eve Solaris)

“I was able to spot the town from the hill, it shouldn’t be much longer now.” I heard Amelia say as she appeared from behind some trees, the wind making her dark black hair flow elegantly behind her.

‘That artifact really works wonders in disguising one’s true hair color’ I thought, mesmerized by her surreal appearance.

“Eve?”

“Ah, Sorry. I’m just a bit out of it. This trip has really been such a drag.” I said, letting out a sigh.

It had been almost a week since we left the capital to go on this mission, our first mission as official members of the church.

Normally this trip would have only taken about three days, but Amelia seemed to be quite worried I wasn’t fully healed. Even though it had almost been a month since the tournament, and I’d had healing mages working on me around the clock.

“Well the sooner we get there, the sooner we can rest in a real bed.” Amelia said as she walked over to try and help me stand up.

“I can stand on my own. I promise I feel fine.” I said, getting to my feet.

It wasn’t like I didn’t appreciate her thoughtfulness, but I couldn’t be coddled forever. I need to grow stronger and being helped every step of the way won't help me.

“I know, I’m sorry. I just don’t want to see you hurt again.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. Trust me, I appreciate everything you’re doing for me.” I said as I walked up to her and put my arm around her shoulder.

“We are friends, Eve. I’m always going to make sure you’re okay.” She said returning the hug.

“Now, let’s go over our mission again before we get there. You still remember why we are here, right?”

“Of course I do, how could I forget…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I could feel an intense warmth on my skin as I slowly opened my eyes trying to adjust to the bright light relics above me.

‘What happened…?’ I thought to myself as the memories slowly started to flood back into my brain like a nightmare.

I tried to sit up; a failed attempt to say the least. I felt a sharp pain shoot up from my ribs causing me to let out a gasp. I held my hand against my ribs, the pain a stinging reminder of my loss.

‘That’s right, I lost. But still why would a satanist be after me? How did they even get in?’

The more I thought about it, the more questions that I didn’t have the answers to, flooded my head.

After a few moments I just let out a sigh. “Well whatever, dwelling on these questions won’t change anything.”

I was about to lay back down until I suddenly heard the door to the room open.

“Eve, you’re finally awake!” Amelia yelled as she dashed across the room, immediately enveloping me in a tight hug.

“Ow, ow, owww!”

“Oh, right, sorry!” Immediately letting go.

“I guess I got a little too excited. How are you feeling?” Amelia asked after releasing me, taking a seat on the bed.

“Well after that hug, I’m wondering if you’re trying to finish the job for him.” I teased, with a warm smile.

“Well at least you’re feeling good enough to make jokes.” She replied with a soft laugh.

“What happened? How long have I been out?”

“Well, you’ve been asleep for three days now. Kalan sent a team of healers to mend your broken bones, fix your punctured lungs, reset your ribs, and stop your internal bleeding,” she counted off, “ oh, as well as change bandages when needed. Since then, Kalan and Ryla haven’t been seen.”

Upon hearing all my injuries, I looked down at my body, my legs and torso completely covered by bandages, and in my left palm a scar stretching straight across.

‘I guess even the best healers can’t fix everything.’

“I was so worried that you wouldn’t wake up for weeks, you took quite a beating. But thanks to the team of healers, it looks like my worries were for nothing. I can’t explain how happy I am that you’re okay.”

As I finally took a second to look, I noticed how unkempt Amelia’s hair looked, with deep, dark circles under her eyes, with hollow cheeks.

‘She must have been so worried she didn’t even bother to brush her hair these past three days.’

“You look terrible.”

“Well, aren't you one to talk.” She scoffed.

I laughed a bit but was cut off by a searing pain in my lungs, bringing back my final memories before I had blacked out.

“Man, I thought I was a goner. Thankfully my ice princess showed up to save me.” I laughed, a bit restrained this time.

“A princess must protect her subjects, after all.”

“But seriously it's thanks to you that things didn’t get worse. Who knows what would have happened if you weren’t there.“

“I’d rather not think of that scenario.” she said, visibly shivering at the thought.

“You said Kalan and Ryla haven’t been seen since giving out the orders to take care of me?”

“I overheard some of the generals say Kalan was taking a small leave to clear his head. He looked quite bad after he heard what happened to you. His aura and expression were honestly quite scary, even though it wasn’t aimed at me.”

“As for Ryla, I heard she’s doing her own investigation on the satanist. Probably something to do with the one who attacked you.”

“Do you know what happened to Westin, if that was even his real name?”

“No, I haven’t heard anything. It seems they’re trying to keep it quiet. I guess the church doesn’t want it to be known that a satanist broke in.”

“Yeah that would make sense… I can’t believe how much trouble I’ve caused for everyone.”

“Eve, don’t be so down on yourself. Nobody could have predicted that would happen.” She said, as she placed a hand on my shoulder.

“I should have been stronger, I shouldn’t have gotten beaten. If I weren’t so weak, none of this would be happening.” I said as I made a fist with my scarred hand, the pain a searing reminder of my weakness.

Amelia and I sat in silence for a while, whether it was because she didn’t know what to say, or wanted to give me time to think, I wasn’t sure.

“I’m sorry for lashing out at you” I whispered, raising my head up to look at her.

“It’s okay, Eve. I know you’re frustrated. We’ve still got time to get stronger. We can’t become the strongest in a matter of days, weeks, months, or even years, but one day we can be.” She responded with a reassuring smile.

‘You always know what to say.’ I thought, my mind drifting away to Gabi’s face. ‘I miss you, I really do.’

“Anyway, what all ended up happening with the tournament?”

“I was disqualified after interrupting the match. There was some argument that I shouldn’t be, given the fact that the contestant that beat you was a Satanist, but I decided to take the disqualification anyway.”

“Thank you, again, for helping me… and for being such a great friend.”

“Of course, Eve.”

We sat there for a bit, silence encompassing the entire room.

“That reminds me, who won the tournament?”

“Eh, some kid from one of the nine original noble families named Levent Castor from the Castor noble family. I also heard that Amadar came in second place. He was the one who fought against him. It was a very close fight… or so I heard, I wasn’t actually there.”

“He was holding back against me, huh? I said with a chuckle. “What a punk, if I ever see him again I swear next time it’ll be different.” I added, as I clenched my fist once more, wincing a little.

“I’ll make sure we both get there, Eve, together.” She said as she held out a fist.

“Together.” I responded as I pushed my fist into hers.

“Ow!” I cried out in pain, holding my fist.

Amelia looked horrifiedso guilty, that is until she saw my dumb grin. She flushed with anger and rolled her eyes, "Childish prick. "

I couldn’t help but stick my tongue out at her.

“So, what do we do now?”

“Actually, there’s a man here. Apparently, he’s a high ranking member of the church and was supposed to give us our first official mission once you woke up.”

“Well, I guess he’s been waiting quite a bit then, better not keep him any longer.”

“Are you sure?, Yyou just woke up… Here I’ll help you.” Amelia said, as she put one of my arms around her shoulder and helped me out of bed.

Before we began walking, I noticed Amelia looking me all over, checking on every spot the doctors had worked on.

“Come on, Amelia, I promise I’m at least good enough for us to make it where we need to go.”

She seemed reluctant to agree, but eventually gave in with a huff. “If you say so.”

Amelia and I strode down the stone halls for a few minutes before stopping in front of a door with a golden sign on the side of it with the words “Meeting Room” engraved on it.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, I’m still quite sore in places, but nothing I can’t handle.”

“Well, I guess if you’re sure then we better head in.”

“We can’t keep him waiting forever after all.” I replied as Amelia knocked on the door.

“You may enter.” I heard a rough baritone voice call from behind the door.

As we entered the room, I was able to get a good look at the man the voice belonged to.

He looked like an older man, with grayish, silver hair, but his face and body were very defined. This man was probably like Kalan, old but his mana kept him looking somewhat youthful yet mature. A strained warmth surrounded him, almost urging me closer. While his aged amber eyes studied every detail or movement we made.

“Ah, you’re awake already? How are you feeling?”

“I’m feeling better now thanks to everyone, sir.”

“That’s great to hear. Please take a seat, both of you.” He motioned to twin leather chairs set opposite his waist height, ornate wooden desk.

I decided to get a quick look at the layout of the room and realized it looked a lot like Kalan’s office. Except it was somewhat empty save for the massive window along the side that overlooked the entire capital, if it wasn’t for the movement within, it could have easily been a painting.

“Allow me to introduce myself, I am Angel Edwards.”

“It’s nice to meet you sir, may I ask what position you’re in the church?”

“A most reasonable question indeed. I’m sure you don’t know yet, as you haven’t been a part of the church long.” He paused as he got up to walk over to the window before continuing.

“There are five parts of the Church’s Hierarchy. First is the High Priest, who presides over all regions of Eden. Second are the Seven Sins, who serve under the high priest and control all seven of the major districts of Eden and are also the direct leader of each Paladin.”

“Then the main three divisions that make up the heart of the church.”

“First is the Hands of Heaven. This is the division where the Paladins reside and all of the main military forces. The ranking goes from higher to lower as follows: Paladins, Generals, Knights, Lieutenants, and then the foot soldiers.”

“Second is the Mouth of Heaven, the division I’m a part of. The ranks go from Cardinal, Archbishop, Bishop, then Priest or Priestess. I am an archbishop.”

“Archbishops serve under the Cardinals and control a single region. They also have four bishops that serve under each of them.”

“Third is the Eyes and Ears of Heaven, although that division is one not even I know the details of, so forgive me for being unable to elaborate.”

“So we would rank as normal foot soldiers currently?” I asked, my head spinning from all the information.

“Well, not entirely. Due to being the direct trainees of a paladin, the first paladin no less. You’re granted a slightly higher non-official rank and given some special privileges.” He said as he returned to his desk.

“I see, what are some of these special privileges granted?”

“First is an increased starting salary. Speaking of, here is your first month's payment.”

I watched as he reached into his desk and tossed both of us a small cloth pouch. Inside was one gold Daric, and five silver Denaris. Quite a shocking starting pay for someone who grew up in the backwoods, where a single gold Daric was enough for my entire family to live for months.

“As for the rest of your privileges, that information will have to wait. It’s time we discuss your first mission.”

“Of course, Sir, apologies.”

“No apologies necessary, questions are always good. Asking questions will come in handy for your mission in fact.”

His smile widened as he took in our expectant expressions.

“Your first mission will be to head to a town called Cartoria to investigate some reports of Satanist movement in the area. It’s on the edge of the Church’s territory to the west and should take no more than three days to travel to. ”

“You will lay low and gather any information you can then report back to the church with your findings. Do either of you have any questions?”

“How long are we going to be on this mission?” Amelia asked.

“Two weeks.”

“When are we going to start?” I asked.

“After you are healed up and able to move freely again. Any more questions?”

“I can’t think of any at this moment, sir.”

“Neither can I.”

“Then it’s settled. Once you’re healed, Eve, your mission will begin. I wish both of you good luck, you’re dismissed.”

“Yes, sir.” We both stood up and bowed to the Archbishop, Amelia, of course, helping me on my way out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Amelia)

Footfalls resounded down the stone laden hallway I was stalking.

“Man, after this shift, I’m so getting something to eat. I am starving.”

“I’m with you on that. I don’t even understand why we were assigned these extra shifts in the first place. It’s not like anyone is going to visit such a secluded, distant town out on the edges of nowhere.”

“I bet you the cap just wanted to punish us for always staying out so late.”

“You think he found out that we snuck some of his booze out from his office?”

“Hmmm… maybe. Worth every hour though. That was some good brew maybe. Would make sense, although I feel like our punishment would’ve been a bit more defined if that was the case.”

The footfalls continued to get closer and closer until they werey were almost just basically in front of me.

‘I hope this works’ I thought as I channeledchanneled pushed mana into the artifact we were given.

The shadows around me began to encompass my body before blending me into the darkness of the corridor.

‘Please don’t see me, please don’t see me, please don’t see me,’ was all I could think of as the two men passed right in front of me.

“We still have some of that booze left. Why don’t we treat ourselves to it tonight?”

“Y’know what? That sounds like a great idea.”

“It’s a deal then, we’re going to get wasted tonight!”

Some time passed after they were gone. I had stayed still in that position long enough that my leg threatened to fall asleep.

I slowly withdrew my mana from the artifact, deactivating it, and began making my way down the hallway that the two others had come down until I made it to the end.

I was met with a wooden door, much less worn down then the rest of the town, clearly a new addition or at least well taken care of.

‘This must be it.’

I pushed it open slightly and peeked inside, scouting for any sign of sound or movement.

After a couple of seconds, I swiftly opened the door and snuck inside, closing it softly behind me.

The room was dark and mostly barren, filled with only the bare necessities it seemed like. A desk, some empty shelves, a couple of chairs, and a lighting artifact on the wall.

I walked over and activated the light then made my way to the other side of the desk.

I was met with four drawers, two with key holes and two without. I tried the first two without, but was met with nothing but liquor bottles and booze.

‘Seems like I’m in the right place.’

I then tried the first locked drawer and to my surprise, it was left unlocked. What was inside, however, did not match my surprise as it was just more booze.

‘I guess there’s not really much to do out here other than that. Hopefully the other is more exciting than this one,’ I thought as I reached for the other drawer.

However, I wasn’t as lucky as I was with the first one as this one was locked.

‘Figures.’

I reached into the bag I had on my shoulders and grabbed a small twig I had found. I pressed it against the keyhole and began imbuing the twig with my mana. I felt as the twig began to take the shape of the key hole and pushed it in until it was all the way in.

I then channeled some more mana from my heart and summoned forth some water around the twig. Once it had fully coated the twig, I froze the water, strengthening the twig enough to gently turn the keyhole open.

I pulled the drawer open and revealed the contents inside, however all that was inside was a leatherbound book and a letter.

I picked up the book and began skimming through it, reading the brief entries and trying to make sense of any of it.

There were a few weird diagrams that looked almost like maps, but only sketches and small notes with a list of jumbled words scattered around different sections.

‘Wait, this shape… is it the Capital?’

“What if the Captain comes back?” I heard from outside.

“He won't, we'll be fast. In and out, just like that.”

‘Shit!’ I quickly packed everything into my bag and closed the drawer.

I grabbed the twig and pulled it out before stuffing it in my bag.

The door began to open as I activated the artifact, hiding under the desk.

“Huh, guess he left his light on.”

“Whatever, hurry up and get the booze.” I heard the man say in a hurried voice.

“I’m going, I’m going.”

I saw the man’s shadow round the desk before I saw his hand reach for the first locked drawer.

“Perfect!” he said, opening the unlocked drawer.

“It looks like you were right, he does keep his booze drawers unlocked.”

The man whistled as he read the label of the bottle he had picked up.

“You got it?”

“Hell yeah, I got it.”

“Great, then hurry up.”

“Yes, your majesty.”

The man closed the drawer and began making his way out before stopping.

“Is that… water?”

‘Shit!’ I looked over to the other drawer and saw that water was dripping from the keyhole.

‘I’m so screwed!’My heartbeat thundering in my chest.

‘Should I just take them out now? But my cover is going to get blown…. What do I do?!?’

He began to walk over and examine the drawer.

‘If he looks under here, I’m so screwed.’

“Dude, what are you doing?! Let’s go!”

“Tch, whatever. Yeah yeah, let’s get out of here.”

The man stood up and made his way back around the desk, turning off the light as he made his way out.

I finally released my breath, only now realizing that I had been holding it.

I deactivated the artifact and got out from under the desk.

‘That was way too close for comfort’ was the last thing I could think of before making my way out the door.