As Jim arrived at the church of Damien, he was greeted by church members. Shortly, Jim was escorted to a room with Bishop Carl who proposed the expedition.

As Jim walked in the room, a certain warmth started to enter his soul. Something that could not be mentioned with words but makes a person more calm. As Jim entered the room, he greeted Bishop Carl.

Pleasure to meet you again Bishop Carl as Jim shook his hand.

The Bishop reciprocated and gestured to have a seat. “Thank you for helping our church retrieve the spear. I heard you were monumental in slaying the lessor demon and even donating points to the Church to retrieve the weapon.”

Jim leaned forward, intrigued. "Tell me more about this spear. What makes it so special?"

The Bishop leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Legend speaks of the spear of Luciel, used to fight back the demons in countless battles in our history. He forged this spear from angel’s blessing, imbuing it with the power light. It is said to be capable of resurrecting the dead, of binding souls to eternal torment, and even of shattering the very fabric of reality."

Jim whistled softly, impressed. "That's... quite a list of abilities."

"Indeed," the Bishop agreed. "And it is precisely because of its power that we must recover it. The Spear has been missing for centuries and would propel the church in its fight against demons. Like our church, there are cultists who have opposite beliefs and would try to destroy this weapon to further their goals.

Jim frowned. " I've heard whispers of them. They worship ancient evils."

Jim felt a shiver run down his spine.

"What do you propose, Bishop?" he asked, his voice firm.

The Bishop smiled, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "We would like to give you an honorary title of Priest which is a title below Bishops but you need not follow our beliefs. You can resume your activities like normal"

Jim met the Bishop's gaze, a silent understanding passing between them. This was a good deal for Jim but his actions would now be under scrutiny by the public.

"I'm in," Jim said, a resolute glint in his eyes. "I will help the church when possible ."

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

The Bishop nodded. "I heard your request to visit the Garden of Damien. Since you have the honorary title of Priest, you are allowed access to most gardens owned by the church."

Jim rose to his feet, a sense of purpose filling him. "Can you lead the way Bishop Carl"

Bishop Carl led Jim through a series of intricate corridors, the air thick with the scent of incense and hushed prayers. Finally, they reached a massive oak door, intricately carved with symbols of faith. As Bishop Carl pushed it open, a wave of cool air washed over them, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and something faintly metallic.

The Garden of Damien was unlike anything Jim had ever seen. Towering trees, their leaves shimmering with an unnatural luminescence, cast long, eerie shadows across the manicured paths. Strange, otherworldly plants, some resembling grotesque flowers, others like writhing tentacles, lined the borders. A small, obsidian pool, its surface reflecting the moonlight like shattered glass, lay at the heart of the garden.

"This garden is more than just a place of beauty," Bishop Carl explained, his voice a hushed whisper. "It is a repository of ancient knowledge, a living library of forgotten lore. Many of the plants here possess unique properties, some with healing powers, others with… more potent effects."

Jim cautiously approached the obsidian pool. Its surface was eerily calm, reflecting the stars above like a million tiny diamonds. He felt a strange pull towards it, an inexplicable urge to touch the icy water.

"What lies beneath?" Jim asked, his voice barely a murmur.

Bishop Carl shook his head. "No one knows for sure. Some say it's a gateway to another realm, a portal to the underworld. Others believe it holds the secrets of eternal life."

Bishop, do you mind if I take small soil samples and maybe a couple of plants.

Unfortunately, you cannot take anything from the garden. However, we do sell some potted plants in our gift shop if you are interested. The bishop grinned like a merchant from a past life. Jim felt chills run down his spine. The bishop chuckled softly, you can ask other priests at the church if they will scoop some soil and plants. You may not have the privilege to yet but that does not extend to church members gifting you plants. Just be mindful not to take too much Honorary Priest.

Thank you Bishop Carl. If nothing else, I should get going.

Actually, there is one more thing I would like to talk to you about honorary priest. How would you like to represent the church in the upcoming Christmas Bowl.

Intrigued Jim asked what the Christmas Bowl was.

The Christmas bowl is a friendly competition between members of the Church. There are four main regions that the church is grouped. You have the northern region here where we are, and three other regions, south, west, east. Whoever wins the Christmas bowl, their church receives additional support for one year until the next Christmas bowl. I will be frank with you, our region has historically finished last in the last couple of years. Participants must be from the region of the church they represent and Bishops cannot participate for obvious reasons. If you participate for the northern church region, I can put in a special request to the archbishop of the north to permit you to work and share plants from the garden of Damien. How about it Honorary priest, are you interest in participating for the northern region?