As I flew across the sky, I marveled at the beauty of the world below. The greens of the forests, the blues of the rivers, and the browns of the mountains all came together in a stunning tapestry that I had come to appreciate more and more with each passing day. The scenery changed as I flew across the kingdoms without a stop.

By the time I reached the church, the royals, along with the various guests and nobles that came to attend the tournament and ascension ceremony had already left. A few people remained, however, deciding to stay for whatever reason.

It wasn't long before the familiar church came into view. I gracefully landed on the platform connected to the arena where the tournament had taken place, my ears perked as I could hear the sounds of excitement and anticipation coming from the church members. I knew that the people there had come to revere me and view me as a protector, of sorts. I wasn't quite sure what the church's doctrine was exactly, but I didn't care much for their worship.

The bald head priest, who had apparently been instrumental in establishing the church and spreading the word of my deeds, was the first to greet me. He approached me with reverence, and as he bowed before me, I could hear the other members of the church doing the same.

"Welcome, my lord, Aether," the priest said, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and gratitude. "It is an honor to have you with us once again."

I nodded my head in acknowledgment before I glanced at the various people around me. It seemed like the church had grown again. I could feel the eyes of the worshippers following me. Some were in awe of my size and power, while others seemed to be seeking something deeper from me, power perhaps. Maybe something else? They whispered prayers and praises, and I could sense their hope that I would protect them from harm. Quite ironic considering we were standing over the ruins of a kingdom I destroyed.

"Where is Lana?" I asked, silencing the crowd.

"She is on her way, my lord," the priest hurriedly replied.

"I see, then you all may leave," I answered with a nod.

The priest didn't hesitate after hearing my command, he gave me another deep bow, turned, and clapped his hands. The worshipers quickly followed suit with another bow, before tapping their hearts with their thumbs and kissing them.

I watched with a confused stare as the bald priest did the same before leaving. 'What was that?'

Just as I was contemplating over what happened, Lana arrived.

"My lord! It's great to see you again."

"En, I did promise I would grant you your wish."

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Her expression hardened for a second before she gave a resolute nod.

"Yes, thank you!"

"Speaking of which, what is it with tapping the heart and kissing the thumb?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Ah, that-" an embarrassed expression overtook her face as she awkwardly scratched the side of her cheek before speaking, "That's the church's official prayer sign."

"Huh..."

"I know..." As if realizing who she was talking with, Lana hurriedly corrected herself, "Ah, my apologies my lord!"

"No matter, but do explain to me, where did they come up with that?"

"Well, after the ascension ceremony, and after you explained the process of the ascension itself, the church decided on the sign. Tapping the heart where the mana core would be situated, and kissing the thumb as a way to ask for a blessing. Something like that."

"Is that so... But they do realize that only humans have their mana core around their hearts, right?"

"Ah, yes of course. The elves and demons tap their forehead instead..."

'That sounds stupid.' That is what I wanted to say, but instead, I settled with just nodding my head blankly.

"So be it. Are you ready to start?"

"Yes!"

Just as she replied, four figures flew from the peaks surrounding the church. They all hurriedly dropped to their knees and greeted me loudly.

"Your disciples greet you, master!"

"Hmm, I see you have not been slacking off with your training," I said as I scanned my apprentices. Their attunement to the elements had increased yet again, and I could clearly sense their harmony with their respective elements. Their auras stabilized as well and were no longer as chaotic as before.

Jon, the first of the apprentices spoke, "Thank you for your praise, master." The others followed his lead.

I was surprised to see that Halbor was still here, however, but I did not ask him about it. I could sense the presence of his people in the mountain he inhabited. It looked like they decided to settle here, at least for now.

"Well, since you are all here already, and you know Lana. You can stay and watch over her ascension ceremony," I said, to which the group suppressed their surprised expressions.

"Does that mean you will conduct the ceremony yourself, my lord?" asked Morena.

"Indeed, Lana will be my fifth apprentice."

Lana's eyes lit up with determination as she heard my words. Morena nodded and glanced at her before speaking, "Well, in that case, I wish you good luck."

"Thank you," Lana answered with a soft bow. The others remained silent as they watched on.

"Shall we proceed, then?" I asked.

"Please do, my lord! I'm ready!"

I watched with keen interest as Lana knelt before me, ready to undergo the ascension ceremony. I could feel the anticipation and nervousness emanating from her, like a faint hum of energy. The process would not be easy, I knew that, but somehow, I was still confident that Lana had the strength to endure it.

And so I summoned a small wisp of mana and willed it inside her body. The elements buzzed and darted around Lana's body, searching for the perfect spot to create a mana core. I watched as her face contorted in pain, her muscles tensed and her breath came in short gasps. I knew that the process was excruciating, but it was a necessary one.

The mana continued to circle inside Lana's body, four circles in total, before finally settling around her heart. I could feel the surge of energy as the mana core was created, a powerful vortex of magical power that would forever change Lana's destiny.

But as the process continued, I quickly realized that something was amiss. She was not yet connected to the stream, instead, mana was subconsciously being drawn inside her body and continued the previous process, even when the core was already created.

'What is going on?' I quickly stood up with a frown.