Rainshower of 1405 N.F.

Dante stood at the bow of the magnificent Rhiqualonian Ship, awe-struck by its glorious design that seemed unmatched in the world. This vessel was a testament to the power of the nations of the Eastern Continents, renowned for their formidable navies that struck fear into the hearts of the world, much like the dreaded demonic plagues.

Throughout his journey, Dante had been accompanied by his fellow adventurers, including Ravka Grimshaw, the enigmatic Holy Archivist, Lil Rig, the Original OG Jagged Alpha, and the shadowy companion, Toad, who always stayed hidden in the shadows, ever watchful and helpful.

Their destination was the Capital City of Raquille in the nation of Rhiqualon, situated in the continent of Western Ravenna, bringing Dante closer to the elusive King of Fontaire. However, his mind was troubled by the guilt of abandoning Trela, Marvia, and Conrad, as well as shirking his responsibilities as the heir to the Celestrian Imperial Dynasty's throne.

As the ship sailed, Dante observed Toad, who had been silent throughout the journey, diligently assisting the group from the shadows. Toad's invaluable contributions included scouting, tracking, and cleaning up after their tasks for the Teih Rangers to earn money during their travels.

Approaching Toad, who was still concealed under a cloak and gazing at the dawn, Dante finally broke the silence. "All this time, you've never talked to me, Toad?" he inquired. "Before we reach Raquille and part ways, I wanted to express my gratitude for your constant help."

Toad's face is hidden under the cloak and avoiding eye contact. But Toad could not help it. Toad suddenly gave the 5-year-old Dante a tight hug and whispered to him.

"It's alright, my light. You were always free to follow your heart."

Dante was shocked and couldn't believe what he just heard. He grabbed Toad by the shoulders to take a good look at Toad's face. But then a white vapor escaped from Toad's mouth and escaped into the sky. Toad's body fell lifeless in Dante's arms. Dante looked at Toad's face and it was a wooden human puppet. Dante had realized that Toad was a homunculus all this time. And someone had been controlling Toad.

Dante ran to Ravka who was playing with Lil Rig in their cabin.

"Lord Dante, what's up?" Ravka teased.

Dante was carrying Toad's homunculus body and looked at Ravka with immense confusion.

"Oh. So you found out, huh?"

"Why didn't you tell me?" Dante asked.

"It's part of the conditions of Bi-Location. You will understand once we land in Raquille. She will tell you everything."

Dante put Toad's homunculi on the bed and rubbed his forehead in frustration.

"All these fucking secrets are driving me crazy!" Dante murmured.

Ravka laughed at Lil Rig who was struggling hard while playing the game of Booby.

"Oh don't worry, Lil Rig. You'll get the hang of it. And checkmate!"

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Lil Rig out of anger threw the board's pieces onto the floor. And then ran out of the cabin to kill some seagulls.

Dante saw the board game and asked, "Where'd you get that?"

"Oh, this?" Ravka said as she picked up the pieces. "It's a game that's been selling on the West Jagged Ports. So we bought one too. They say all of Western Ravenna is going crazy over it. They said it was bought from Danivio the Merchant-dwarf."

Dante smiled and thought, "Trela, huh? I'm glad she's back on her feet."

Then a sudden sadness passed through Dante's face, and Ravka annoyed by his gloominess punched him on the right arm.

"Owww! What was that for?"

"So aren't you proud of your progress! I have been training you for nothing, right? So you agreed to a covenant with me, where I train you in the Holy System, and you give me anything you have?"

"Yeah. Why not? You can take my life, for all I care. Though, I don't think that's part of the covenant, since that kind of stuff is forbidden."

Ravka smirked and headed for the cabin door for some fresh air.

Dante then retorted, "We all knew you just want me to transfer the ownership of Zylthar's Radiant Blade!"

He shouted this but when he looked Ravka was long gone.

Left alone in the cabin and frustrated with Ravka's secrets. Dante checks his Scriptures.

"Scriptures!" he thought hard. And the text appears on his screen.

[Scriptures of the Classless ]

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Name: Dante de Monfort

Descendancy: Jeddic Marialian of the Celestrian Imperial Dynasty

Class: -

Piety: Wanderer

Esteem: Middling

Tithing: Contributor

Thaumaturgy: Church of the Holy System

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[Charism: Gift of Discernment ]

[Blessings: Divine Mindlink, Silent Prayer ]

[Invocations: Healing Light, Banishment, Holy Smite, Divine Vigor, Guiding Light, Celestial Protection]

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[Reliquary: Zylthar's Radiant Blade ]

[Authority: - ]

[Affiliations: Celestrian Empire of Jeddah]

[Covenant: Covenant of Sacred Relic Transfer, Covenant of Birthright Transfer, Covenant of Charism Transfer]

[Trials: Trial of the Illumination, Duel of Might ]

"A lot has changed. But all of it is because I've worked hard for them. Ravka was able to teach me three new Classless Invocations. They are not as strong as the invocations of those with Holy Classes but I've been managing with them so far."

Dante sits down and thinks about them.

"Divine Vigor enhances my physical strength and speed. Useful for swordfights. Celestial Protection can form a shield for defense, and Guiding Light can lighten up the path in the darkness. Useful for dungeons and night missions."

But then Dante was concerned because once he arrives at Raquille, Ravka Grimshaw will by then have taken Zylthar's Radiant Blade and leave for the continent of Jeddah, and back to the Archives of Truth.

"At least, Lil Rig will stay with me. I'm sure he'll stick with me. Though, my stats aren't looking that good. I'm still a Wanderer, Middling, and a Contributor. After 5 years, I'm still at rock bottom. At least my Esteem isn't wretched or dishonorable."

"Dante, we're here!" Ravka shouts. The Rhiqualonian ship which is as large as a building docks on Raquillion Ports.

They all rush to onboard the ship. And from the side of the ship, there was another door but for the bottom part of the ship. And Dante sees Beastmen, both Jagged and Philissian in chains and being cruelly handled by the Rhiqualonians.

Ravka whispers, "Slaves. The Rhiqualonian slaves are powered by the sweat of slaves, rowing the oars day and night. This is why the West Jagged Ports and the East Jagged Ports are fundamentally different."

Dante bites his lip in anger but decides to cool off and leave it to the Holy System to judge them.

Lil Rig followed Dante and Ravka closely, and they made sure that no one would try and harm him for being a Beastmen, especially a Jagged Beastmen.

They arrived at the edge of the port and Ravka told Dante to wait at the corner where it was safer away from other people.

As Ravka walks away, Dante asks, "Ravka! Why did you want me to come to Rhiqualon anyway?"

Ravka goes into a store and approaches a figure. Then talks to the unknown figure. Dante grips his sword, preparing for another betrayal.

"Fucking Ravka! I should never have trusted her! She's giving me to the Celestrian Dynasty's enemies!"

The unknown figure turns around and walks toward Dante. And Dante lets the sword fall to the ground as tears fall down his eyes.

The cloaked figure smiles at Dante and removes the hood covering her face.

"Mom!"