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Friday, XX/XX/XXXX | 12:05 |

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Andre could not contain his awe.

The grandeur exterior of Humirr Dövul could not rival its interior design. Its tall arches seemed to reach the sky in a mesmerizing combination of stained glasses, towering pillars, and chandeliers.

The towering walls intimidated him, making him felt small and insignificant. Never before he had seen such scenery, not even once in Earth. He had never set one foot inside a church, even more so a cathedral. And this experience... he could not even put it to words.

Before the majestic and extremely grand designs, who would be able to?

"We apologize for the inconvenience earlier," the Attending Sister murmured. "The guards take their duty very seriously during the Egrery. I wouldn't blame him since the horrible incident happened several years ago."

"Uh, that's okay really."

"And we would also like to apologize regarding your status, sir >. You have yet to be... presented publicly and I am afraid common soldieries will not recognize you."

"Uh... can we drop the title, please?" Andre scratched the nape of his neck, "hearing that makes me feel uncomfortable, you know?"

"I'm afraid I cannot do that. The job > you have received is sacred to us and to utter your name casually means disrespect to the Mashiach. I beg of you to understand, sir >, and familiarize yourself with your title."

"Oh, uh..." he didn't know how to answer to that question, so he hummed in agreement. The situation would become more awkward if he didn't stop.

The deeper they went, the number of priests decreased and the more abundant the guards were. They were not the same guards as the two gatekeepers, instead they were more well-equipped both in skills and armaments--the no-nonsense type of guards in the presidential palace.

They stopped before ornate double doors with several guards around. Their posture was straight but their eyes followed his movement like a hawk to its prey.

Andre breathed a sigh of relief when the Sister opened the door.

"Please..."

He said his thanks and entered alone, his companions waiting outside.

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Friday, XX/XX/XXXX | 12:41 |

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The High Priestess was standing before an indoor balcony overlooking an area to the cathedral, her delicate back was all Andre could see as he stepped into the room.

"I have been waiting for you," her gentle voice healed his anxiety.

Slowly she turned, her silvery hair moved gently as if dancing in the air. And her eyes... oh, her eyes... they were beautiful and sparkling like snowflakes, her expression was so serene and calming... it was as if it could melt his anger the moment he laid his eyes on her.

...she was divine...

"Welcome to our cathedral. I wish I could arrange a better welcome, but sadly it is not possible due to circumstances. Welcome aside, my attendants informed me of everything. You wish to see the procession, yes?"

"Y-Yeah, if that's possible," he stuttered, a bit nervous being in the same room with one of the most important person in the kingdom, "but I... sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt this big event... I heard it from the servants and I find it interesting to see uh, free healthcare--I mean healing service and suddenly they dragged me here. Sorry, I'm not good with words..."

"I understand what you mean. Still, we have imposed strict rules against spectators. Interrupting healing session is a crime itself and I could have you punished for that, but seeing that you really know nothing..." she paused to study him.

Her mouth slowly formed a smile, "Very well, I will see what I can do to remedy that."

Andre beamed with gratitude. "Thanks a lot! I mean... thank you for the help."

"Adaptation is what we need for you right now, Sir >. No need to force yourself to adhere to strict social rules. Come closer."

She beckoned and he meekly approached her. First his eyes only saw her, but the focus slowly changed as he got closer, to the masses behind her--or more appropriately, underneath her.

A legion of men formed queues to get healing. Instead of the High Priestess, the healing was performed by her attendants. The inconsistent timing of shining light from healing spells appeared and disappeared akin to turning on and off a LED flashlight, and people murmuring and cried out their gratitude to their god like a perpetual symphony.

The colossal scene before him overwhelmed his sense, making his legs waver. He would fall to his butt if not to the help of the High Priestess' hand on his back, calming him.

"These poor citizens, we give them the most important thing in their live in exchange of nothing. We understand their sorrow and hardship, and we offer helping hands to help them stand firm against the world or to obtain the happiness they had lost."

Slowly she made her way beside him, staring at the masses with indescribable look.

Grieving families, injured people, dying children, it was all too much for his mind.

Her silvery eyes moved to the direction he was looking at: fatally injured man died while holding his wife's hand. His daughter's eyes were blank, no inch of happiness left. They were probably had no money to receive healthcare and had to depend on this service, that meant waiting for so long and it worsened whatever disease he had.

"We are strong, yet weak at the same time. Healing is not miracle and it does not heal such grave injuries," her voice was laced with grieve, but the weird light in her eyes spoke otherwise.

They went silent for a while. The chorus of people moaning and wailing accompanied them as they observe the heart-wrenching scene.

"Do you know what caused them so much suffering?"

"...no."

That was all he could say.

"It was the monsters and the Demon Lord's army. Monsters run rampant, injuring people and robbing them of someone they hold dear while the Demon Lord's army battering their mental health."

Monsters! Andre frowned, clenching his fists as anger bubbling inside him.

So monsters injured these innocent people!

"This is why we need your help, sir >. Leaving my station to subdue the monsters mean leaving my backdoor open to other type of monsters. And helping you defeat the Demon Lord also causes the city to be defenseless. My duty forces me to be close to the citizens."

She sighed heavily and continued, "it's funny, isn't it? I am the second highest authority after the Pope, yet I am powerless."

"...no, you're not now."

"Sir >...?"

Slowly Andre turned to face her, his face no longer meek and nervous. The boy before her shone with determination, evident in his eyes.

"You're not powerless. I'll be your sword and help you get rid of all monsters so that I can protect them, protect these vulnerable people! And I swear that I'll do whatever I can to help you kill the Demon Lord!"

She bowed, the veil perfectly hid her wicked smile, "I am honored to have you help me, Sir >. Once again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Andre nodded silently as he continued to observe the healing process below.

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XX, XX/XX/XXXX | 06:12 |

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"Da heck is this...?" Ivan gingerly touched one of the little bumps on his temple. He angled his phone camera to get a better view.

"Did I hit my head or something...?"

He was busy examining himself he didn't notice a window popped up below, read:

Two-horned Wolf Assimilation 12,5%

Progressing...

Obtained Head Bumps

"You have a pair of bumps on your head."