"Holy Maiden-sama, please convey Kami-sama's will to us!"

The moment the Pope's voice echoed through the grand cathedral, every priest dropped to their knees, eyes fixed with reverence on the podium.

"Holy Maiden-sama, please convey Kami-sama's will to us!"

The ivory curtains behind the Pope began to part, revealing a slender figure crowned in gold. As she stepped forward, the entire hall seemed to hold its breath.

This was no ordinary woman, but the Holy Maiden, a figure so rarely seen that her very presence was mythic. The moment she emerged, the priests were struck with awe. The grandeur of the golden cathedral paled in comparison to the radiance of this young woman.

Her white gown, adorned with intricate gold patterns, seemed to shimmer with an ethereal glow. Her hair, white as a cascade of snow, flowed like a waterfall down to her waist. But it was her eyes, cold and clear, that truly captured the divine. They gleamed with a light that felt almost otherworldly, as if the heavens themselves had imbued her with their grace.

In that moment, the vast hall, with its gleaming golden surfaces, felt smaller, as though the world itself had contracted around this singular figure. Every blossom, every leaf in the grand tapestries seemed to pale, outshone by her mere presence.

"I am Ariana Aldrich, the Holy Maiden of the Aldrich Theocracy," her voice rang out, soft yet imbued with a dignity that echoed through the grand hall. There was a purity in her tone, an innocence untouched by the world, yet it carried the weight of divine authority, like the voice of an angel descending from the heavens. The priests gazed at her in awe, admiration flickering in their eyes.

"The monster calamity grows graver by the day. The power of humanity alone cannot withstand the onslaught of these savage beasts. If this continues, within ten years, our race will face utter devastation!" Her words reverberated through the chamber, stirring the hearts of those gathered. Some priests, unable to contain their emotions, let tears flow freely down their faces.

For the priests of the Aldrich Theocracy, their mission was clear: to save the world. Yet, their long years of service had exposed them to the impurities of the world, tainting their souls. But Ariana, their Holy Maiden, had remained untouched by the world’s corruption. From birth, she had communicated only with the divine, her spirit unsullied by human contact. To them, she was the purest vessel, the only one capable of reaching the Kami.

In this darkest hour of humanity, they had no choice but to call upon her to beseech the Kami for salvation.

"Pray, people of Kami! Pray! Kami-sama, protect us!" Ariana's voice rang out, clear and commanding as she raised her delicate, pale hands towards the heavens. The priests, in unison, clasped their hands before their chests, lifted their faces to the ceiling, and closed their eyes in fervent prayer.

Ariana, too, closed her eyes, maintaining her pose, her hands outstretched towards the sky. In her mind, she could hear the voices of the priests, their prayers blending into a single, resonant plea, echoing through her being.

Suddenly, her eyes snapped open, glowing with a divine light. The radiance in her gaze was blinding, like the sun itself had taken residence within her. "Answer us, Kami-sama!" she cried.

"Bang——!!!"

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A brilliant beam of golden light burst through the ceiling, descending upon Ariana in a blinding column of divine energy. Her body lifted gently off the ground, suspended in the air as if cradled by unseen hands. Her long, snow-white hair and gold-embroidered robes flowed around her, untouched by any earthly wind. The light in her eyes intensified, burning brighter and brighter, until she became the very embodiment of celestial glory, an incandescent beacon of hope.

Several thousand priests stood frozen in place, their gazes locked on the radiant figure of Ariana.

"Astounding! This is a miracle!!"

"Ariana-sama has succeeded!"

"Kami-sama has heard our prayers! He has answered us!"

"The human race is saved!!"

Voices echoed throughout the grand cathedral, their joy overflowing. The Pope, standing to one side of the platform, did not quell their exuberance. Instead, he wept openly, tears of relief and gratitude streaming down his aged face.

Time seemed to stretch, the golden light gradually fading, as Ariana descended gracefully from the heavens. The divine glow in her ethereal eyes dimmed, but not before leaving a mark—a golden sigil, radiant and intricate, appeared on the back of her right hand.

She landed softly on the velvet carpet, her eyes closed, her breath steady. The throng of priests fell silent, anticipation heavy in the air. All eyes were on the Holy Maiden, awaiting the sacred words she would deliver.

At last, Ariana opened her eyes, and her voice rang out, clear and regal, filling the vast hall.

"Kami-sama has spoken ——!

Hero System, Launch!"

A ripple of astonishment swept through the assembly.

"Hero System Launch?!"

"It's the Hero System?!"

"The human race is saved!!"

But amidst the elation, a murmur of confusion began to spread.

"Hero System Launch... What does that truly mean?"

"It’s unclear, but if it’s Kami-sama’s answer, it must carry great purpose!"

"The human race is saved!!"

Yet before uncertainty could take root, Ariana’s voice cut through the murmurs, her words dispelling their doubts.

"Kami has decreed that when humanity faces its gravest peril, he shall summon thousands upon thousands of Heroes to lead the charge against the forces of darkness and defeat the Demon Lord! I, Ariana Aldrich, have been chosen as the first Hero, the Holy Hero. It is my duty to seek out the other Heroes, and together, we shall vanquish the Demon Lord!"

The declaration hung in the air, reverberating through the hearts of all present.

"Heroes...!! Heroes chosen by Kami-sama?!"

"This is Kami-sama’s mercy!! He has granted us the power to overcome the Demon Lord!!"

"The human race is saved!!"

In this moment of divine revelation, Ariana's perception of the world shifted dramatically. Her once ordinary vision now encompassed a realm of unparalleled clarity. Above the heads of the priests, glowing names hovered in mid-air, accompanied by lines of red and blue that pulsed with life. The transformation within her was a divine blessing, a gift from Kami-sama himself.

[Main Quest: Become Holy Hero, mission completed. You have obtained the special ability to [Resurrect a dead person once a month].

(Note: The special ability can be stolen by another Hero, using the method known as [Yell out the exact description of the ability]. So, please exercise caution while protecting any pertinent information regarding your special ability.

The reward for your quest, [Hero Newcomer Gift Package], has been deposited in your inventory. You may check and use it.

Main Quest ——

Travel toward Sunderland village, and attempt to recruit [Sword Hero: Anyi · Carl] to the Hero squad.

Travel to Brana city, and attempt to recruit [Thorn Hero: Miruku · Sinsa] to the Hero Squad.

Travel to Navan town, and attempt to recruit [Shield Hero: Layton · Shiklai] to join the Hero Squad.]

"Anyi Carl...?" Ariana murmured, her thoughts suddenly clouded with confusion. This was only the second time she had ever heard the voice of Kami-sama, from her childhood to this very moment at the age of sixteen.

Her words barely escaped her lips, yet the entire congregation fell silent, all eyes turning towards her in anticipation.

"Ariana, did you say something just now?" The long-bearded Pope stepped forward urgently, his voice filled with concern.

"Kami-sama has given me a quest," Ariana replied, her pure golden eyes gazing ahead, her voice resonating with an otherworldly calm. "In Sunderland village, I have to recruit the Sword Hero. His name is Anyi Carl."

"Sword... Hero!?" The Pope and the gathered priests echoed, their astonishment palpable.