It was a large convent. Stretching for about 2 kilometers, it was not an exaggeration to call this place a fortress instead.
On its high walls that are 500 meters in height, a figure of a shield with curves wings on its sides were engraved. The crest of the shield was a halo with a golden heart surrounded by it.
This was the symbol of Laito, the Great God of Light and the patron deity of the Holy Light Orthodoxy, the prime religion of the Ariyanian Continent.
Beneath an engraved symbol was a large gate as high as 200 meters. It has a figure of a knight with wings as it pressed its sword on his chest.
Galloping towards the gate was a carriage adorned with red and gold jewels and silk. The horse was dressed with gold cloth while the couchman was dressed as if he was a courtesan.
Sureounding the carriage were Seven Knights forming a hexagonal formation while a single knight leading from outside.
As they reached the gate, the leading knight unsheathed his sword and exclaimed, "For the light! For the His Holliness!"
The gate suddenly began to slowly open.
Its screeching sound revealed its old age but beyond that iron barrier was a place devoid of rust.
Towers as high as 150 meters and keeps that spread 300 meters wide were built abundantly.
Orchards and mini forests were seen near the structures. A garden filled with several kind of flowers that took at least 2 hectares were made at the center.
From the center of the garden, a large towering golden pillar, representing the Light of Laito, was built.
As the carriage and the knights made its way into the convent, a group of 5 elderly men dressed in white robes soom went to greet them.
Behind these elderly men, was a mansion. Contrary to the fortress like structures, this mansion seemed out of place.
Seeing the presence of the elders, the carriage and its knights halted. The knights quickly left the saddle of their horses and knelt before the elders.
Then, from the carriage, a young man whose age was no older than 16 exited.
His hair was ashen brown. His face held the gentleness of a youth while wearing a pleasant smile.
Stolen story; please report.
Dressed on a red robe, the young man elegantly walked towards the elders.
The young man delivered a full bow, contrary to his status, and greeted in return.
"Greetings to the Elders of the Light."
Seeing this, the Elders nodded in appreciation.
"Greetings to the Young Prince. Bless the Crown."
The Elders gave a half bow towards the Prince.
"Bless the Mighty Light."
The Prince answered in return.
"Raise your head, Prince Nicolas."
The leader at the center gestured his hand.
"We are delighted by your visit."
"I thank the First Elder."
Prince Nicolas smiled. If not for this old man here, his status in the Royal Palace wouldn't be significant enough to vie for the throne.
After all, the Elders of the Light's status were comparable to the King.
"Have they been prepared?"
Cutting to the chase, the prince asked about his objective of coming here.
"Come. See for yourself."
The First Elder grinned before turning around alongside the other Elders towards the mansion.
"Stay here."
The Prince gestured to his knights before following the Elders.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
----------------------------------------
"Young Prince, do you know why they exist?"
The First Elder asked the Prince as they entered a large hall of the manion.
"According to my mother, they exist as bearers of light. Those who will shoulder the responsibility of being the limbs of Laito."
The Prince answered but within his eyes, a shard of ponder and suspicion arose.
"Hahaha, your mother taught you well. As expected of a candidate. Unfortunately, her knowledge is half-baked."
This time it was the Elder to the left of the Prince who replied.
"What do you mean, Second Elder?"
The Prince shot him a glance.
"You expect that we will divulge everything to her?"
The Second Elder shook his head.
"The goal of the Holy Light Orthodoxy has always been to worship the light."
The Elder to the Prince's right explained as he glanced to the Prince.
"To gain the Light's favor, To be blessed by the Light. Even so, a mere mortal is not worthy."
The Elder behind the Prince followed.
"And to make the impossible possible, it was all for the Light."
The First Elder interjected as he halted his steps on a wooden door.
"So they make the impossible possible?"
The Prince asked as he eyed the First Elder.
Not answering his question, the First Elder instead opened the door.
"Behold! The Marias of Light!"
As the door opened, the Prince slowly saw.
Girls wearing a white tunic.
Age not being older than 5 or 6.
Their hair amber in color which were styled in different ways.
The Prince eyes opened in shock. They bear resemblance to one person he knew. The person who have him life and love.
These girls all had these things in common.
"First Elder...are you even human?"
The First Elder shook his head.
"For the sake of the light, they will be the offerring to the Light."