NOVEL NEXT Chapter 161: Sisters Of Aegis
I raised an eyebrow. "Elevating how?"
She tapped her fingers thoughtfully against her arm. "You see, the Sisters of Aegis believe that the most sacred gift humanity possesses isn't a weapon or a powerful spell but something far more enduring: language and letters.
"They view language as the most profound creation humanity has gifted the world, the very thing that binds people together and records all thought, knowledge, and memory."
I blinked, slightly surprised. "So they are more of a scholar, then."
"100 points for you, darling~" Kuzunoha nodded. "Teach, protect, and preserve. They're known for traveling to outlying regions, offering education, literacy, and protection to those in need.
"To the Sisters of Aegis, every written word, every story passed down, is a small miracle. Their duty is not only to shield with steel but to protect the language that preserves the past and builds the future."
"Quite different from the Inquisition then," I murmured.
"Oh, very much so," Kuzunoha chuckled. "The Inquisition enforces their will with flames and iron. The Sisters, however… They're more akin to shepherds than warriors, even though they're deadly enough to stand against any dangerous Calamity Objects like the Abyssal Harbinger. Some of those who are in the higher hierarchy can even rival that of Qlipha." Her gaze shifted to Theresa with a newfound respect. "They uphold language and humanity as something sacred, almost untouchable. But they don't do so with aggression or with an iron grip. Their strength lies in protection, not domination."
Theresa's expression softened, and she lowered her head slightly, as she seemed to be able to hear our stealthy conversation above the walls. "It is our duty to spread hope and protection wherever we go. We are tasked with preserving humanity's greatest gifts: language, knowledge, and the strength of our faith."
"So, similar to you, Verina," I said with a slight smile. "A protector and a bit of a warrior saint."
Verina crossed her arms. "Oh, I do enjoy the comparison. But I don't quite have the faith nor does the style."
"How about the strength?"
"Well," Verina recalled the very scene that had transpired before her eyes just a moment ago. "Looks like I'm also lacking in strength."
Theresa chuckled, a gentle sound that held no mockery. "Strength comes in many forms, and they are also shared amongst you who band together with endeavor," she said, her gaze shifting warmly between us. "You have built something incredible here—a beacon in a land so often dark and cruel, with only a mere population below twenty. That alone exudes strength!
"And if it may be courageous to convey the truth, it is almost anomalous to see that such a small bastion like this is still thriving under the unholy brigade of the Calamities, and amidst a world-wide phenomenon, nonetheless."
"We appreciate the words of wisdom." I signaled Verina to the north, in which she aimed and blasted her musket toward an opportunistic pack of Bloodhounds, obliterating them. "And I hope that you can endow us with more knowledge as you grace us with your presence, Dame Theresa."
Even amidst this moment of peace, the Ordeal were still in their peak of activity. Though, it was nothing that Verina couldn't deal with.
We exchanged a few more words, and it wasn't long before I decided that she could join us—her intent and presence radiating a purity I could not deny.
As if summoned by some unspoken signal, another figure appeared, manifesting from a comprehensive cloud of inky shadows.
This one was a slender woman with long, dark hair, a sharp gaze behind black-rimmed glasses, and an alien-looking black crossbow slung over her shoulder. She wore a tailored outfit that was almost like a maid's uniform, though every detail spoke of precise, deliberate functionality.
She sighed, shaking her head at Theresa. "Sister Theresa, once again you've charged into danger without assessing the risks. Must I constantly remind you to practice caution?" Her voice held a mix of exasperation and affection.
Theresa looked slightly sheepish, though she maintained her poise. "Forgive me, Sister Lubaris. I merely sought to provide assistance where it was most needed." She then reached out her hand toward us. "Don't you see the joyful expression and hope that I brought to these people after I secured their safety? This alone should be enough of a reason why I dashed into battle, am I right?"
Lubaris turned her attention to us, bowing with impeccable grace. "My apologies for any alarm we may have caused. I am Dame Lubaris, also a Sister of Aegis and companion to Dame Theresa." She sighed with a mixture of anxiety and relief. "We are bound by the same vow of protection, and I pray that her existence isn't overwhelming to all of you."
Seeing how she deemed herself as part of the Sisters of Aegis, it seemed like that specific branch of Anthropocentric Order didn't withhold any attire code and the likes.
Another interesting detail I noticed: They refer to one another as Sisters while introducing themselves to us with their title of Knighthood.
"Well, you both arrives precisely when we needed you," I said, extending my hand. "We welcome you to our bastion."
Without making it conspicuous, I opened her detail screen before I turned around.
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[
Lubaris
]
[Human, Female, Age 29 (478), Sisters of Aegis]
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Your next read awaits at M-V-L
Abilities
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[
Umbral Manifestation
: This individual can seamlessly dematerialize into a cloud of living darkness, allowing her to blend into shadows or bypass physical barriers. In this form, she becomes intangible and nearly undetectable, able to move swiftly and reappear wherever shadows exist. This ability makes her a master of evasion, ambush, and infiltration, striking from the darkness when least expected. Additionally, she can use this power to obscure allies or confuse enemies by manipulating the shadows around her]
[
Veil of Lies
: This individual is an enigmatic deceiver, capable of weaving intricate illusions and adopting false identities with ease. Her ability to lie is practically supernatural, allowing her to fabricate false realities that are nearly impossible to detect. This skill makes her a master manipulator, enabling her to sow discord among enemies, gather intelligence without detection, or even convince others of her false loyalties. In combat, she uses this to create phantom versions of herself or cloak allies in deception, making it difficult for foes to discern truth from trickery]
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Highlighted Traits
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[
Cunning Deceiver
: This individual is sly and quick-witted, with a sharp mind that excels at reading others and exploiting their weaknesses. Her ability to manipulate situations to her advantage makes her a dangerous adversary, though it can also lead to distrust, even among her allies. Her constant scheming and tendency to withhold information can make it difficult for others to fully trust her, even if she has their best interests at heart]
[
Shadow of Temperance
: Despite her dark and deceptive nature, this individual possesses an unshakable belief in the inherent good of humanity. She views her acts of deception as necessary evils, done to protect and preserve the greater good. Her faith in humanity keeps her grounded, preventing her from falling into the corruption she so closely dances with. This inner conviction gives her remarkable temperance, allowing her to resist temptations or manipulations that might sway others. However, her dual nature often leads to inner conflict, as she balances her morally ambiguous actions with her righteous intentions]
[
Master of Disguise
: This individual has an unparalleled ability to slip into various personas, adopting not just the appearance but also the mannerisms, speech patterns, and even subtle emotional cues of her targets. This makes her an invaluable asset in espionage missions, but it also means she sometimes struggles with her own identity, as the lines between her true self and her fabricated personalities blur over time]
[
Faith in the Shadows
: This individual believes that even in darkness, there is light. Her faith in her belief and in the cause of humanity is unwavering, and she uses her unique skills to serve the greater good, even when her methods seem questionable. This conviction grants her a deep sense of purpose and allows her to endure the moral complexities of her role. However, her belief in the necessity of her actions can sometimes isolate her from others who do not understand or agree with her approach]
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Biography
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And just like that, she managed to be at the top of the list of people that I need to be cautious with.
Lubaris nodded with a deceptively kind smile. "Thank you. It is an honor to serve alongside those who share a commitment to resilience and order." Unlike Theresa, Lubaris' voice was soothing and whispery, akin to that of a devout preacher from heaven. It was unknown whether this was part of her trickery. "I must admit, I am relieved to see a bastion thriving in these lands amidst this puzzling world-wide event."
Regardless, the bastioneers opened the gate as they welcomed the new warmth of their newfound allies. Though, I was unsure on whether I had opened my gates to a pair of holy protectors of justice.
Or a pair of rats that were sniffing my den with a dangerous intent.