Magnificent, Wondrous, Holy. Those are the words that adventurers and travelers, or anyone, would say when they set their eyes upon the wonder that unfurled before them. The Holy City of Ketu. Calling it a city was rather controversial and debated. It was a City while also being a country of Ketu Theocracy. Though its appearance was more akin to a complex of cathedrals and temples as it was located inside another country. Yet, saying that it was only a complex of cathedrals won't do it justice. Pure white marble of the highest quality covered every wall and pillar and floor of every single building. The wide road that ran through the center of the city, the pathways and even the small alleys between buildings were all cobbled, making every road perfect for carriage use. Statues of heroes, angels, and even God Ketu himself were filling the roof and walls of cathedrals as if standing guard against any invader. All of that was a true testament to the power the Ketu Theocracy held. Priests, priestesses, and the Holy City guards walked the huge road leading to the heart of the city. It seemed excessive, having a huge road that could fit 4 chariot side by side when chariot and wagon rarely, if ever, trotted down that road. However, a huge event that was about to unfold in that marvelous city demanded that Bishops and High Priests from all over the continent to converge in this city, making the road crowded by people and carriage alike. Even some high-ranking adventurers, nobles, and politicians could be seen walking the road. A massive cathedral, exceeding the size of even the Redmound Palace of Amaryn kingdom, stood in the heart of the city. It was the biggest religious building in the continent and maybe the whole world. It was where the Pontiff and the six High Priest and Priestess resided. It was the holiest of holy place for the follower of KT Church. Saint Sieg Cathedral. Named after the Saint that appeared many times in ancient scriptures and scrolls. Famous for slaying the great black dragon that once terrorized the whole continent, Hansel. The cathedral was the center of everyone's attention. For that night was a very special night for everyone, be it for a follower of Ketu Church or not. For that night, the new Chosen One, The Guardian Hero Of The World was going to be blessed by the Pontiff. --------- Since the dawn of mankind and other humanoid races, the world has seen its fair share of dark time and turmoil. A demon invasion, an undead uprising, a reign of a cruel tyrant, or an appearance of a dark lord. Heroic tales began sprouting and appearing like weeds during these dark time. But among countless tales and story from different cultures and civilizations, one stood out from the rest. The Chosen One. A hero blessed by God Ketu himself. Wielding legendary weapon and traveling the world with their legendary companions. Tasked with protecting the world and all its inhabitant from evil and dark forces. One such person existed 100 years before Theo's time, but after her death, no one was there to replace her, no one was blessed, no one was chosen. Not even during the Great War 40 years prior. Until now. ----- Theo strolled the main road with Ed and Vivi beside him. Lyana waited in an inn on the next nearest city. Bringing her to the Holy City where each entrance was warded with detection magic was not an option no matter how good one disguise was. Not only will she be instantly smitten by everyone there, Theo and the rest would also be arrested for conspiring with a demon. Which would result in their death soon after. Even then it was hard to enter the city, especially since a huge event was going to take place soon. If Theo didn't have the letter from his acquaintance, he wouldn't be able to enter the city. A priest with blue vestment greeted them halfway through the city. He seemed to be already waiting for them for quite some time. He was a lizard-kin with reddish green scales that covered his whole body. A huge scar running from above his left eye to his chin. One of the major points of KT church that made it the biggest religion on the continent was because there was no racism or sexism in the Holy Book of Ketu, unlike many other religions. Human, Beast-kin, Lizard-kin, men, women, all were considered equal in the eyes of the Holy Book and thus could attain a high rank in the order of the church. With the only exception being the Demon race, who was considered to be inherently evil and was the enemy of the God. Of course, even if there was no racism or sexism inside the Holy Book, the same couldn't be said for the people who actually controlled the order of the church. Because of this, male human was still most dominant among the high ranking members of the order. Theo looked Ed, who was looking around with his mouth wide open and eyes filled with amazement. The sadness and guilt Ed felt were already gone, washed away by his curious nature. Theo remembered that the first time he saw the Holy City, he also had the same kind of look on his face. "Sir Theo, Lord Edmund, and Lady Vivi." He bowed his head in respect. "High Priestess Sara is waiting for your arrival in her chamber. Please follow me." The lizardman turned his back and started walking slowly with his arm behind his back. Theo noticed that the way he walked was not that of a normal priest. It was the movement of a trained soldier. Precise, controlled, and without any wasted movement. If he was a Paladin or a Combat priest, it would have made sense, but he was not. His vestment suggested that he was only a simple priest. They followed behind him to the Saint Sieg Cathedral. As they walked the main road, they could feel the stare of everyone around them. Unlike in the previous city they visited, those stares were not because of Theo's charm or Vivi's ominuous hair and eye color. Their stares were full of contempt and prejudice. Ed grew restless and uncomfortable as he noticed those stares. Theo, who was the center of attention, didn't mind as much as Ed did. He didn't mind at all actually because he knew why everyone stared at him, it was because of Vivi's slave collar. The KT Church deemed every person no matter the race and gender to be equal. Thus slavery, that placed one person as an object to another, was a grave sin and forbidden within Ketu Theocracy. However, the fact that Theo was allowed to enter the city in the first place, meant that he was given special permission. Those people around him could only stare at him with disgust in their eyes. "Theo Sama, who is this High Priestess Sara?" Vivi asked as they walked. While Theo didn't feel anything, Vivi wanted to averts his attention. "She's an old friend. More like an acquaintance really, she's my father's friend who I know." Vivi touched his shoulder, instructing him to lend her his ears. Theo tilted his body so that his ears were at the same height as Vivi's mouth. "Is she your....woman?" she whispered, careful so that other people couldn't hear. Theo chuckled. "Haha. No, High Priest and High Priestess sworn to celibacy. Though even if she wasn't sworn, I wouldn't take her. She's a fucking devil." He whispered. A great hall in the shape of a massive dome greeted them as they entered the front door of Saint Sieg Cathedral. Ed and Vivi's eyes widened in surprise as they saw what was inside. Thousands of benches were laid in that room. The ceiling was filled with painting and depiction of God, angels, saints, and heroes. It was as bright as a day inside thanks to the thousand of light emitting miracle on the wall and the ceiling. Aside from the entrance, there were many other doors and doorways, but seven of them stood out from the rest. Three massive decorated doors were located each on the left side and right side of the entrance. Each led to a specific wing of the cathedral. Each wing represented one of the six High Priests and Priestesses of the KT Church. The last door was opposite of the entrance. Even from a distance, Theo could still see the door clearly. It led to the inner sanctum of the cathedral, a place where only high-ranking members of The KT Church were permitted to enter. It was also the Pontiff's private chamber. They walked to the second huge door on the left. As he approached it, the once shut tight door opened itself, drawing the amazement of Vivi and Ed. And after they passed the door, it closed on itself. "High Priestess. Sir Theo, Lady Vivi, and Lord Edmund are here." The priest said after he knocked the door to the high priestess personal chamber. "Ah yes, thank you, Arwin, please let them in." A soft voice of a young woman could be heard from inside. Arwin, the lizardmen priest that guided them, opened the door and closed it after they went in. It was a pretty spacious room with a moderate looking furniture. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled with numerous different versions of the Holy Book and other books regarding the matter of Theology. If compared to the room of other High Priests and Priestesses, it was lacking. But considering how most priest and priestess chamber looked like, it was a pretty luxurious room by comparison. In the center of the room was a wooden table with a flower vase on it and four chairs surrounding it. On one of the chair, a brown haired halfling beauty sat with a very dignified manner. Her beauty wasn't all that special, but what made her appearance truly striking was her soft sincere smile that could melt even the coldest of heart. She also has a holy aura that she radiated from her body. The only thing that differentiate her from the depiction of angels in many paintings was her lack of wings. "Welcome. Children of the God." Her voice was alluring like a music to the ears. It was a soft voice that calmed the heart. "I'm High Priestess Sara, High Priestess of the Seraph Rafaela." Ed and Vivi were completely baffled. If she wasn't an angel then they don't know what angel was. Vivi wondered how Theo could think her as a devil. Theo looked at their face and his lips turned to a smile, a devilish smug smile. "Look like you fooled them, bitch." He said to Sara. Sara smiled. "Child. Please refrain your tongue. You are inside the house of God." Theo chuckled. "Bullshit. There's just four of us here. There are no other clergymen and Believe me-" Theo raised a finger and pointed it towards both Ed and Vivi. "They won't tell anyone." Sara sighed. "Well, I guess I don't have to maintain this attitude, Child." She cracked her neck. Her sincere angelic smile turned to a devilish grin not so different than Theo's. She clicked her tongue. "Ahh, you fucking heathen."