Nick wore white and gold martial robes, ready to enter Seraphara’s Cathedral. Once again, Jasmine had provided him with the special, yet durable clothing. It seemed she had upgraded her loom ability further over this past month, as he felt like the quality kept on improving.
His hardened plastic-like armor was worn underneath it, and his Soul Blade was over his shoulder. A spatial pouch was hidden inside the breast pocket of his robes, allowing him to have a much more dignified method of storing his various items that matched his…manliness.
He was to turn in Seraphara’s Quest, and then they were to enter the Ordeal right after. His wives were already inside, only Jasmine following him into the cathedral.
Entering the cathedral, Nick immediately saw dozens of people were inside. He walked past the reception, and saw the numerous people in prayer and teaching activities.
Upon spotting Nick, Marissa called out to the congregation, and they started moving their wheeled chalkboards and pews to arrange for a path for Nick. He walked inside, and it appeared the many people were ready to see something special happen, with many pews pushed to the sides of the room filled.
Rebecca walked over to the dais, and called out to everyone. “The Pilgrimage was an overwhelming success, and we all have Lord Noblefrost to thank. He has completed the Divine Concord Quest, so all shall bear witness to Seraphara’s Grace and Reward.”
On cue, he submitted his Pilgrimage and Charity Quest completion. Golden light descended upon Nick, Seraphara’s stained-glass mural lighting up and casting the light upon him. Ephemeral feathers landed on his shoulders and head, a special dense faith energy descending upon him.
It seeped into his body, and it was similar to when his body was tempered in the Ordeal, but on a bit of a smaller scale, he could tell. He earned a Trait.
[Trait Earned: Divine Concord: Seraphara. +1 Soul.]
[You have been granted special allowance by the Divine Being Seraphara, a Goddess. Your body is now attuned to receive Tithed Faith Essence, allowing you a slight compatibility to her Faithful’s essence as well, to absorb and utilize this to carry out her will and your own. But know that this gift carries responsibility, and it can be rescinded. Respect her values and virtues, and protect her people as your own.]
As he received this trait, it was as if the entire Cathedral of Seraphara was even more welcoming to him. The essence danced and mingled with his own, and gave him a peaceful feeling.
He knew that Tithed Faith Essence wasn’t exactly the same thing as the essence of her clergy and adherents. He did not walk Seraphara’s Path as his own, and while he respected her tenets, they weren’t exactly his creed or way of life.
[Congratulations! You have completed the requirements to become an Ordained Lord of Seraphara.
Your performance in the Pilgrimage went above and beyond your Quest. Your diligence and earnest efforts will be rewarded. Reward: Pendant of Seraphara (Epic).]
[Pendant of Seraphara: This necklace will store the faith essence of yourself or followers of Seraphara, allowing for personal usage.]
It was a faith essence battery, and as it fell around his neck like Seraphara herself was placing it on him, he could feel a special connection to it, like it was bound to him.
This type of item was excessively rare, when it came to those that could accept the essence of others. It was possible to create similar batteries using the same materials that went into a Nexus Core, but it required a connection or binding much like it.
That meant others could not normally charge it.
From his understanding, Nick would really only be able to gather Tithed Faith Essence in his throne room, or perhaps in this very cathedral.
Those with a Faith Core would generate it as they took in any essence, but prior to that, their faith essence was difficult to gather, requiring their mantras and cultivation techniques, their praise and faith within them building.
Since Nick was not technically one of Seraphara’s Faithful and was not walking her Path, he wouldn’t be able to use the mantras at the same level of efficiency. He may be able to draw some from his core with the mantras once faith essence was woven in, but cultivating to level up with this essence would be different for him than one of Seraphara’s clergy.
The necklace was a small, simple statue of Seraphara with her hands clasped in prayer, hanging by a simple silver-colored thread–and it was already around his neck, visible over his robes.
Nick’s wives and the entire room of clergy and adherents clapped and prayed as they thanked Seraphara for her grace, but he heard Fang’s voice in the crowd, off on the pews to his right. “Oh! It’s like he has an Irene necklace!”
Sable was quick to shush the rambunctious girl, and Nick couldn’t help but laugh. It’s true Irene was like a carbon copy of her mother–the goddess.
Rebecca spoke to the congregation of adherents and clergy alike, “And so you all have witnessed, Lord Noblefrost is now the first Ordained Lord of a Divine Being on this shard. He now has access to our libraries, and can learn Seraphara’s mantras just like adherents and clergy alike–despite not taking her vows. He needs only respect Seraphara’s Tenets, and continue to act as a lawful Lord of Orion.”
The wording around respect was merely that he would not publicly go against them, or prove through his actions that he did not care at all for them, or his privileges would be rescinded. In all, this was easy for him to do regarding Seraphara as a Lord of a Lawful Kingdom. He was not about to burn any books or take advantage of any priestesses, robbing them of their chastity.
Well, he was, but not without following the proper steps.
Nick spent some time meeting the many clergy and adherents, many of them new, and their prayers and warm wishes quickly filled the pendant. When comparing it to his personal essence, he was sure it was less than ten percent, but it was at an amount that was difficult to gauge.
However, it was precious faith essence that he’d have difficulty restoring once used on his own. He knew it would aid him in using his Concept for just a little longer when he needed it.
Nick approached Rebecca. “Who’s all coming with us?”
“Marissa, Veronica, and Chastity.” She motioned to her side, and the girls in question looked eager. They all held their staves, and under their habits, they were wearing a drake scale armor made by Lumos.
He had worked together with each of them during the pilgrimage, and known them pretty well. Seeing them prepared and with similar eager expressions on their faces, Nick felt a little weird.
It was truly like Rebecca had three sisters or cousins she was bringing with them. The evil Bishop clearly had a type…just where did he find all these girls? Nick knew that a majority of priestesses had blond hair and blue eyes, just like Irene and Rebecca. But it wasn’t even all that common among the people of Zura–as humans of Orion, they were quite the healthy mix of what appeared to be varied European descent.
Rebecca arched her brow at him. “What is it, Nicholas? You’re looking at us a bit funny.”
“I was just thinking… You girls look a lot alike. Clearly, you’re all talented, but it’s a little strange…”
All of them grimaced at once, but it was Chastity that spoke, “Many of us now understand the depths of Samuel’s depravity. To think he had several of his horrible priests searching for pure maidens following his strange values…he could have run so many more viable pilgrimages, and helped many! But we thank Seraphara that her light of wisdom found us, as many of us were not living safely and happily.”
Veronica nodded. “I lived a life of squalor and hunger, until a man with a crystal tested my affinity. Then, I traveled until I joined this wonderful community where as long as I worked hard and learned much, I had no want. For that, I am grateful, but so many more who suffer that were likely ignored.”
Marissa smiled. “So we have Seraphara to thank for finding us, and you to thank for saving us from the Bishop’s horrible designs. In all, we can be proud to be here as her faithful, to serve her and our savior. For anything our Lord needs, we shall be forever willing.”
The priestesses looked at him with both fervor and gratitude, wide smiles on their faces.
Nick cleared his throat, embarrassed at their…hungry attention. “So, we’re ready to go, right? I take it I will act as your paladin?”
Rebecca nodded. “We will focus on the wisdom and compassion aspects of the challenges, while you aid us with the dangers of the Tests.”
“Sounds good. Let me say goodbye to my wives real quick, and then we’ll enter.”
Nick walked over and said goodbye to his wives, who would use his time away to continue their training and run one more time through the Path of Kings.
Kaya said, “I wish I could come with you, but the danger of their Ordeals are very different. I think only Winny and Jasmine are skilled in that way. Better to let them handle it.”
Jasmine narrowed her eyes on the other girls. “They better work hard and not hold you back, or I will be pissed.”
Eirwen chuckled. “Don’t worry, Jasmine. I’m sure they will hold their own and not be nothing but burdens–Rebecca is there, after all.”
Jasmine sniffed, before turning to Nick. “You’re right, Rebecca is great, but the others…well, they’re getting better, lately. I am planning on taking the beetlefolk through, in hopes of beating the boss.”
Nick was a bit shocked at this. “Can the beetlefolk really fight that well?”
Jasmine beamed. “They’re excellent tanks and healers with my stonelight garments, and I am amazing damage. I have confidence in beating that nasty elemental that you told me about, now that I have taken my Bottled Concept. Honestly, it was a little strange that I benefited so much from my previous runs, but I have actually gained a lot.”
Eirwen nodded. “I think normally, being carried through an Ordeal by someone in the second stratum would be extremely detrimental to their progress, and Orion would not much reward those involved. But since the Path of Kings is so challenging, it almost requires it. As long as those that fight through it are Tested, many benefits can still be earned.”
Luna nodded, and she took out what looked like a belt, with a bunch of odd wooden statues–totems, tied to it. “I got a lot of practice with these, and have even grown the spirits within them. Orion is still rewarding us for helping others through, and I can’t help but wonder if this is an intended part of the Path of Kings.”
Fang said, “I’ve gotten a lot of practice at leading a pack! I can’t wait to show off my skills to Boss!”
Nick chuckled. “I can’t wait to see you both in action. What about you, Winny, Kaya?”
Eirwen replied, “We’re taking another run through the Samurai Ordeal. Kaya wants to be at her best for when we go after the 15th Floor in the Path of Kings, and that will definitely help.”
Nick was debating between doing that or going after the next Frostspire Mine, which should have opened for their potential attack. “Alright, have someone scout out that next mine entrance, so we can decide whether we’re ready for that challenge yet or not. I’ll see you girls in a week or two.”
The girls all said their goodbyes, and Nick joined the four Priestesses. With their habits, not much looked different about them, but they all held quarterstaves.
He was given a blackjack, which was a steel rod wrapped in leather. While a concussive blow to the head could easily kill someone, the priestesses were available to heal someone and prevent death. This meant that he could fight and be non-lethal when he needed to be, just like a paladin of Seraphara would.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
***
Entering the Ordeal through the archway in front of Rebecca’s home, Nick was able to select the eleventh floor as up to the nineteenth floor was conquered. It appeared there was a limitation where if a descendant took over or the Ordeal changed hands, progress would be lost, so Nick could only choose up to the fourteenth floor at the moment.
Appearing on the eleventh floor, Nick stood at the front of the group. It was difficult for him to see anything at all because it was filled with a near blinding yellow and orange light, much like the sun. They were standing within a bubble, with a countdown timer on his Menu to exit the entry area. The path they stood on was like a floating white platform.
[Test of Purity: The Path of Light.]
[This environment Tests your Purity by bombarding your spirit with foreign essence, which makes you more susceptible to illusions and temptations. Straying from the path can be deadly. Periodically, beings of light may attack. Defend yourself and make your way to the next floor safely.]
Nick noted, “I can hardly see the floor we’re walking on.”
Rebecca nodded. “This floor is meant to stress your magical sensory and aura capabilities. As long as your essence is pure, it is not all that challenging or dangerous.”
They began their march with Nick at the center of their formation, and Nick felt it a little weird with the four nuns walking with their staves. It was like he was a part of a holy procession, which he wasn’t used to at all.
His work on his Mana Aura the past month showed its worth immediately. The light bombardment fell away before it could penetrate deeply and reach his body, much like the attacks from the dark tome.
The hard light path was winding, his party snaking around while being attacked by the odd invasive sunlight. Nick’s mind wandered to when he cheated on the obstacle course, thinking about how quickly he could skip a large percentage of the course by speeding up and using Double Jump, but he squashed the thought.
After a time, a burst of light suddenly occurred, the blast of essence piercing their auras. Nick’s Soul Fortress trembled lightly, but outright rejected the odd temptations for the party–as they were all his Followers. A new path appeared, but it did not feel appealing at all. He could feel that if he didn’t have the ability, it would have been a constant siren’s call to walk off the ledge.
Continuing their march, Nick eventually asked, “How would we handle this if… I wasn’t pure?”
Chastity and Veronica giggled at this, but Marissa replied, “If we were with a paladin that had difficulty or someone that was lacking talent, we would have to protect them with our auras. Probably, we would take turns doing it.”
Rebecca added, “The paladins would have more difficulty with the illusions. They have not built up their minds as much as those that spend most of their time in the library.”
It took nearly twenty minutes at their ponderous walk before the first enemy appeared. It was actually easy to spot, despite the light of the path being a nearly blinding yellow and orange light, as it was a blue color, and Nick could feel it in his magic senses as it approached at the speed of a slow underhanded pitch.
Nick rushed forward, and his Soul Blade cut through it in a single swing, dispelling it. He hardly got a good look at what the creature looked like, but it was almost like a slow-moving bird.
“Huh, that’s it?” He was disappointed at the weak challenge.
Rebecca chuckled. “Such as it is. The Path of Light is long, the main danger being the long duration, illusions, and temptations to not take the more difficult choice. Only by having purity, faith in your efforts, or by overwhelming the Test with your talent, can you pass this challenge.”
Nick scratched his cheek, everything else covered by either his robes or armor. “Uh, how long is this particular Test usually?”
Veronica cleared her throat. “This Test usually takes a whole day, a short Safe Zone break at the very end of the floor. Many of the floors and the entire climb are all about perseverance.”
They had previously discussed not to use his Frost Aura, as once again, it’d have trivialized the Tests. He would only use it for combat, not to protect them from having to fight off the invading essence.
They continued their slow journey, and Nick couldn’t help but increase his respect for the hard-working priestesses. Over the course of twelve hours, they did not falter once, and when they got swarmed by the bird creatures, they were ready.
Their spiritual shouts locked up the light monsters, and they actually finished several of them with their staves, while Nick burst forth and cut through the rest rapidly. He activated his Frost Aura, making it easier to take them down. Once the fighting was completed, he turned it off.
When they got to the Safe Zone, a bubble at the end of the floor, Nick let out a sigh of relief. He was happy with his super-human eyes, as he didn’t have a risk of going blind from the environment. Even still, he supposed Rebecca would have been capable of healing him.
The safe zone only allowed for an hour of rest, just barely enough to recover their mana and essence.
They ate snacks and drank, not having much time for much else as they focused on their meditation. Eventually, they stepped to the end arch.
[Floor Complete. Reward: Bonus Essence]
“Bonus essence?”
Rebecca nodded. “Seraphara’s Ordeal is set to grant us Bonus Essence. The reason is that building Faith Essence is the number one priority for clergy. Even the enemies we face don’t have drops.”
Nick had noticed that, and it was even clear the shadows he faced in Zura before also only granted cores and essence. So this would be a common theme.
Marissa added, “It’s also because our communities are set up to be self-sufficient. Wealth and power from the Ordeal is not what climbers are supposed to pursuit.”
Rebecca nodded. “The only exception will be the Boss. It will drop equipment appropriate for our paladins and ourselves.”
Entering the 12th floor, they were dumped into a dilapidated library.
[Test of Wisdom: Ancient Library of Revelation]
[Seek the knowledge of the past that will reveal safe passage. Know that tomes and scrolls harbor dangerous spirits or fruitless knowledge. Solve the riddles and battle through the ancient library.]
While the walls were filled with bookshelves and scroll holders hanging from them, many of the books and scrolls looked in poor condition–impossible to read. There was a thick layer of dust everywhere, and many of the book’s covers looked rotten.
Nick groaned. “This place is like right out of my nightmares. We gotta read to win? You got this, girls. I’ll watch your backs.”
Rebecca laughed. “Oh, come on, Nicholas. I’ve seen you read plenty of books in your study.”
“That’s different–I only do that begrudgingly. I’m much better at beating the enemies back with my blade. That’s the fight I seek.” Nick looked to the decrepit shelves. “How does this work, anyway?”
Marissa answered, “We need to search the library for any viable tomes and scrolls, while defending against potential ambushes, which will become hints for the question ahead. If we answer the question wrong, the battle will be even more challenging.”
“You mean we gotta fight either way?”
Rebecca smiled. “That’s right. But we all have confidence in your ability to protect us.”
Chastity and Veronica both nodded with a blush, but Marissa had a more confident smile. “Let us get working. Our hero will watch us while we focus on our task.”
The girls scoured the library, and Nick protected them as planned as they collected any viable books or scrolls. While most were in horrible condition, there were some in much better shape.
The passages between sections of the library were narrow, and often small demons leaped out and assaulted them. One girl kept their aura of pacification going at all times, limiting the effects of the surprise attacks.
It was slow-going, each scroll or book having clues as to what kind of question they would have. The girls read through the books rapidly, using some kind of skill that allowed them to skim it much faster than Nick could possibly comprehend anything.
“What are the books and scrolls about so far?” Nick was genuinely curious. Was this some kind of fake knowledge, or was it real?
Veronica replied, “Most of the scrolls are on general sorcery, and they are a wonderful find. But the main topic appears to be historical references of Erilas the Sage. A court-magician, he fought against a horde of inter planar demons.”
Nick arched his brow. “Did this guy actually exist though, and is the information on sorcery here actually real?”
Rebecca said, “We believe knowledge contained in these types of challenges is real, but not all knowledge is applicable here on Orion. It gives us insight into the essence of all things. This is likely from a world before it was integrated into Orion.”
“Integrated?”
“Orion creates shards, but it also seeks and brings worlds into it. Nobody on our shard is sure how this happens exactly, but we know about Outlanders–people who live outside of Orion’s Territory, as well.”
Eventually, they reached the first gate–an ornately carved door, that barred the way into the next area of the library. It had a face of a treant, its eyes watching them as they neared.
The girls made sure they had all the documents and scrolls before the door’s mouth animated and asked a question with a deep, reverberating voice.
“When Erilas the Sage failed to defeat the demons and died, it was due to treachery. Identify the traitor and motive correctly, and you may pass.”
“Treachery? But this said he fell to demons.” Chastity frowned, looking through the small pile of books in her hands.
Rebecca looked thoughtful. “His final ritual had failed, and the kingdom slowly crumbled after his failure. We don’t know what happened next, as this was the accounting of his kingdom. I think we must examine who had the most to gain from this, and who had the capability to influence the ritual.”
The girls spent some time cross-referencing the tomes and scrolls, discussing among themselves. They laid out all the information, and Nick was quite impressed at how many details they had collected. They even made notes on the research, detailing information about the sorcery of that world that they would keep for their records, even when the books disappeared.
“You think that knowledge about sorcery will really be useful? Can you girls really learn something like sorcery, even if it worked?”
Chastity fidgeted with her habit, embarrassed. “Even if we cannot use it, to learn more about the essence of everything is wisdom. If it’s possible elsewhere, it’s likely possible on Orion somehow. Seraphara and Orion provided us the opportunity to learn this knowledge, and we have faith that it isn’t a waste.”
“So you have more knowledge like this stored somewhere in your Cathedral? I take it this library has different things each time?”
Rebecca nodded. “That’s right. We have much knowledge about many Paths and focuses for essence control. This is why it is wonderful that you are expanding your Kingdom, to give us others to share this knowledge with. If you need research done, our clergy will be happy to help.”
Nick would have to keep that in mind. Perhaps some knowledge on Soul Magic or Spirit Magic could be found, as well as some things for his Wolfen girls.
After a bit more time and some debate among the girls, they reached a consensus and Rebecca approached the gate and recited their answer.
“The betrayer was Serenas, his research aid. He had history with and was working with the Kingdom of Nox, which supplied defective wind crystals, bringing Erilas’s sorcery out of balance. Serenas was close enough to Erilas to reproduce the ritual, and confident he could defeat the demons after Erilas failed.”
“Correct. Clear the next room and proceed with the next challenge.”
The door opened, and Nick rushed a bit ahead of the girls with his Soul Blade drawn. A medium-sized red demon a bit larger than Nick was holding a large mace. It wore a few black armor pieces scattered across its body, such as manacles and a chest piece with shoulder guards, and some armored greaves.
It only wore a loincloth as its only clothes outside of its armor, and it had a tail, much like the other demons he’d faced.
Having plenty of rest between battles, Nick went ahead and made use of his Heroic Concept to get used to it.
The white and black light filled him, and he blazed forward in a near blur. The demon’s mace swung down at him, but it was like the demon was moving in slow motion. Even without the Concept, he was sure that this enemy was on the level he could manage.
He dodged out of the way of its attack, and his slash targeted the demon’s arms just past the bracer-like manacles. Its hands and weapon went careening away as it screamed in pain, and Nick took its head off its shoulders with his next swing. The monster puffed into smoke, a demon’s core falling to the ground.
The girls beamed at him, but Veronica spoke with awe. “Wow! I knew our Lord was strong, but to think that such an enemy wasn’t even a challenge for him!”
Nick gave a small smile to the girls, but he was crestfallen. “That was…too easy. Can we get them wrong on purpose? It’s probably much faster.”
Rebecca laughed. “I’m sorry, Nicholas. Even if the enemy challenge is harder, the reward would be even less. This is a chance for us to increase our knowledge and wisdom–to Test ourselves and become more. The fourteenth and fifteenth floor will be more your speed. Just bear with us, please?”
All four gave him a pleading look, the girls still having books and scrolls in their hands like prized treasures.
Nick felt a little sheepish. “Aw, if you ask me all nice and cute like that, how can I say no? Take your time, I’m just getting a bit restless waiting around and all that. I don’t have a magic reading skill to help me.”
The girls all brightened and blushed, but Chastity spoke excitedly, “I can teach it to you when we get back if you like?”
Rebecca side-eyed Chastity, her eyes narrowing.
“W-What? I just want to help our lord.” Chastity blushed and cleared her throat, and began fidgeting with her habit.
Nick’s Soul Sense tingled. It was a half-truth. She did want to help him, but she had an ulterior motive as well. He supposed he didn’t need his soul sense to understand that she was interested in him and just wanted to spend more time with him.
Rebecca must have noticed too because she took her aside and whispered something to her, and Nick didn’t catch any of it.
They whispered back or forth for nearly a minute. When they came back, they were both blushing, but Chastity had a happy smile on her pale lips.
“Anything you girls wanna share?”
Rebecca hid her blushing face with her sleeve. “N-No, but you would benefit from learning the Light of Wisdom technique. Chastity was…kind enough to want to spend the time teaching it to you.”
Nick realized something, and asked, “Why didn’t I see you using it in our study?”
Rebecca smiled. “Because, while the Light of Wisdom spell works well for situations like this, it is not meant to help you understand everything. It’s better than a normal person skimming, but important details can still be missed, and it takes time to digest the knowledge you’ve gained from it. Besides, reading the normal way is much more enjoyable. Even Mother, with amazing mastery over the spell, often reads the normal way. She only uses the spell when trying to research a topic rapidly, finding details to focus on more in-depth.”
“Makes sense. Let’s move? I guess I’ll have to keep relying on your girls to solve these challenges, and I’ll keep protecting you.”
Veronica blushed. “Thank you, Lord Noblefrost. You have our gratitude for helping us Test ourselves properly.”
Stepping into the next section of the library, which was even larger, Nick groaned internally. Still, he supposed it wasn’t that bad. It was worth suffering through the boredom for his cute priestesses.