NOVEL NEXT Chapter 21.2 – Is This Finally a Lead?
The Church of Amariel. Worshippers of the Goddess of Healing and Compassion.
Amarial was a modest deity, yet one that carried weight among people — because most healers came from this church. She, while not the most powerful of the Twelve, had a special place in the hearts of many. Ultimately, her priests were life savers.
Her gentle influence spread far and wide, attracting followers who longed for the peace that only her touch could provide. Despite being a smaller goddess, she was adored and had her own church in Romer City.
Romer was a large city. There was a central church here that stood as a sign of unity, where all gods could be prayed to under one grand roof. Smaller cities only had that central church, but large cities often had separate churches too. Romer boasted five separate churches, each one honoring a different deity. Amariel’s church was one of them.
The walk to the church was quiet, the only sounds were the rhythmic tap of our footsteps against the cobblestones and the distant murmur of the city.
Lilian walked beside me, her eyes scanning our surroundings with a mix of curiosity and caution.
The church stood grandly in a part of the city as we slowed down. Our eyes drew up to it, and unlike usual, I also acted like a country bumpkin with Lilian. It was a beautiful church.
When we approached the gates of the church, however, I suddenly came to a halt.
Realization struck.
I… had missed something in the heat of the moment, my head filled with worry.
“What’s wrong?” Lilian’s voice cut through the silence, tinged with concern.
I didn’t answer immediately. My gaze lingered on the church’s entrance, on the soft glow emanating from within, on the symbol of Amariel etched above the doors—a gentle hand cradling a blooming flower.
Shit, I almost stepped into the tiger's den.
All I could think about was what lay beneath the surface of my own skin. The power that surged through me wasn’t pure—it was tainted, corrupted.
I was a demonic cultivator, my Qi a color of red and black. I was basically a demon if one stripped me of my flesh and bones.
“Young master?”
I shifted my gaze, meeting Lilian’s eyes as she furrowed her brows in confusion, clearly uncertain of my thoughts. Gently, I lifted a hand and lightly tapped my forehead. She stared.
That was the spot where cursed horns of pure energy had previously emerged. Recognition flashed in her eyes as the memory returned to her. She recalled the energy horns, the rush of demonic Qi.
“...Let’s return then,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. How annoying.
It bothered me to return from the gate from a possible lead, but it's better than getting executed. Turning away from the church, we began to retreat. It was a foolish idea to begin with. What had I been thinking?
But just as we turned to leave, I collided with someone. The impact was soft but enough to bring me to an abrupt stop. I looked down to find a woman flinging onto the floor, panicking slightly, but her expression was one of mild surprise.
“....”
She wore the simple attire of a nun, her pale robes pristine and modest. Her presence was calming, a natural aura of gentleness that seemed to radiate from her very being.
[Level 77]
Shit.
“Ah, I’m sorry,” the woman pushed herself up with a soft grunt. “Are you alright, young man?” she asked in a tone of genuine concern despite the fact that it was clearly my fault.
I opened my mouth to respond, but the words died on my lips as I watched her eyes widen in sudden shock. Her gaze locked onto mine, and for a moment, the world seemed to freeze. My heart dropped like a stone, cold dread reaching up to my throat.
Why the hell is she so shocked? Has she seen through me?
Had she sensed the demonic energy within me? I wouldn’t be surprised, and she was at the 6th Ascension and the priestess of a Goddess. This was not good.
Lilian tensed beside me, her hand hovering beside her as if ready to take out her claws, her gaze darting between me and the woman. I could only stand there, waiting for what would come next.
Dammit. I should have just returned home.
“Y-young master Romani?!” she shouted. “It’s been a while; what are you doing here?”
Oh.
Ohh, she's just surprised because of my identity.
“....”
Have we met before?
Fuck, that gave me a scare.
