For nearly a whole day, Viga and the Security Department worked to successfully repel the mysterious invasion from the local ecclesia. The entire day unfolds with the two members who were initially unconscious recovering within the first two hours of the battle, promptly rejoining the ongoing conflict.
They noticed Viga as they rejoin the fight and warmly greeted him after they had received a brief explanation of who and why he was there, and acknowledging his presence in the team that held back the encroaching floating fog. In less than half a day, an additional three members from the security department joined the ongoing conflict, offering essential reinforcement to the initial team of five. This additional support came as a welcome relief for Viga, eliminating the need for him to divide his attention between combat and the rescue and protection of those in distress.
In the following hours, Viga witnessed numerous instances of floating grayish fog, each with distinct visages, invading the local ecclesia. The reasons behind this phenomenon remained unknown to Viga. All he could discern was the urgency conveyed by the entire Security Department team. Some of the grayish fog assumed animal-like appearances commonly found in a city, resembling household pets or pests. However, these manifestations differed significantly from what Viga typically encountered in his solo adventures, notably distinct from the first rat he battled.
Initially, the floating fog entered sporadically, sometimes appearing individually, and occasionally a couple would manifest simultaneously. There were instances where the appearance of the second fog disrupted the coordination of dealing with the first. Overall, the process went relatively smoothly, with a notable hiccup occurring when three floating fogs materialized simultaneously. Viga handled one on his own, while the security team split to address the other two. However, unexpectedly, a fourth fog silently emerged behind one of the team members, nearly jeopardizing their seamless teamwork. Fortunately, Viga swiftly dispatched the fog he was dealing with, rescuing the team from the surprise attack.
After a prolonged period of inactivity spanning five years, the security team had grown complacent. This complacency was evident in the initial battle before Viga joined them, which resulted in a disaster. However, as they gradually regained familiarity with combat and tapped into their years of flawless teamwork, coupled with Viga's significant assistance during challenging moments, they successfully averted a major disaster.
After an extensive day of combat, Viga found himself back in his initial seat, seemingly untouched by the battle. It felt as if he had just emerged from a long dream. If he didn't have any prior experience in the bizarre world, he might genuinely have considered it a dream. After all, anything that could be deemed boring had that enchantment capable of lulling anyone to sleep.
Viga pondered whether to act as if nothing had happened or to address the situation directly. However, before he could make a decision, he was ambushed by Deacon as he exited the ecclesia. Deacon's eyes conveyed a silent understanding, and without exchanging any words, they both knew what needed to be done. This resolved Viga's dilemma about how to proceed.
Deciding to address the matter directly, Viga informed his family not to wait for him, and approached Deacon. This action of Viga made his family members a puzzled face, as Viga was always the one that wants to go back home first. Viga and deacon formally introduce each other personally. When the remaining individuals in the ecclesia were mostly members of various departments, each with distinct duties related to caring for the ecclesia and its members.
Deacon deemed it an opportune moment to escort Viga to the minister's office for an introduction and an elucidation of the recent events. He guided Viga through the inner sanctum of the local ecclesia, traversing a line of elongated wooden chairs where congregants typically sat during lectures. They proceeded to the end of the hall, where a discreet side door seamlessly blended into the wall. Deacon opened the door, revealing a staircase that ascended to the second floor of the ecclesia.
Few individuals actually utilized these stairs; primarily, those with specific duties frequented this route, as it also housed the offices of members with secretarial responsibilities. After ascending the stairs, they found themselves in a corridor featuring windows on one side and a row of doors on the other. Among these doors was the secretarial office, where members carried out their designated tasks. Deacon guided Viga to the door farthest away, where he halted and knocked. The minister's voice emanated from the other side, instructing them to enter.
Once inside, Deacon promptly closed the door after Viga entered. The minister didn't even get the chance to invite them to sit down before Deacon preemptively began speaking.
Deacon urgently revealed, "We had a pestilence, and we just came back from the land of faith."
The minister, visibly shocked, responded, "This is alarming news. We haven't had a pestilence in the last five years. How long did it take you and your team to clean up the pestilence? Did it take you five days or more?"
To the minister's surprise, Deacon replied, "Surprisingly, no. It only took us less than a day."
"One day?!" the minister asked incredulously.
"Yes, we got some unexpected help." Deacon explained.
Assuming Viga was the unexpected help, the minister turned to him, "You must be Viga, right?"
"Yes, sir. Do you know me?" Viga asked.
"I wouldn't claim to know you personally, but I'm acquainted with your name and have heard some details about you from your parents. In a small ecclesia like ours, it's quite straightforward to be familiar with most of the members, especially when family members, like your parents, dutifully serve. It's challenging not to know the people they are connected to," the minister responded.
"I understand you must have numerous questions about your experience in the Land of Faith where you were involuntarily taken. Let me elucidate it for you, though I must caution you that my knowledge about the Land of Faith is limited. The more intricate details can only be provided by the higher-ups and the pilgrims safeguarding our own Land of Faith. Regrettably, I am not part of that group and can only offer you a basic explanation." the minister continued.
Viga was perplexed by the term "Land of Faith" that they given in what he call as the bizarre world. The minister clarified that this place, where they had been transported not long ago, was referred to by many, not just within their congregation but also by those who adhere to different forms of belief. However, such occurrences predominantly transpire within faith institutions, as they possess a stronger belief system, making them susceptible to attacks.
According to the minister, this phenomenon has been occurring since the establishment of the very first faith institution, a time when knowledge was restricted to those of noble origin. Some even speculate that it predates these institutions, with hints found in ancient scriptures. Initially referred to as the "devil's way," the term evolved over time, eventually settling on the name "Land of Faith" during the Middle Ages. Despite the passage of time and the establishment of numerous faith institutions, including the oldest ones, they all share a commonality: a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the Land of Faith. Instead, they possess only speculations and fragmentary truths concerning why they are targeted and the nature of these inexplicable transports.
For institutions or groups with a strong belief system, safeguarding the Land of Faith is of utmost significance. The consequences of failing to do so involve having their faith stolen or absorbed by the invading entities, resulting in noticeable effects on their members. A minor consequence is that members may stop attending activities, while a major consequence is that they may ultimately leave the institution altogether.
The major consequence has a profound impact on any form of organization. Losing one or two members might not have a substantial impact, but when the invasion occurs and absorbs the belief that congregates in the Land of Faith, it not only takes away faith but also introduces negative traits to fill the void, such as doubt. The smallest form of doubt can be likened to a small crack in a dam, which has the potential to lead to significant problems if left unaddressed.
This is where the guardians play a crucial role; their task is to defend the Land of Faith. Guardians are predominantly chosen from among common members, and individuals from all walks of life are eligible to become a guardian. However, becoming a guardian depends on whether the Land of Faith selects them, or at least this is what they believe, as there is no systematic way for anyone to access the Land of Faith.
The ability to traverse the Land of Faith are exceptionally rare, occurring at a one-in-a-million chance. Only five percent of the serving ministers in the entire congregation, among tens of millions of adherents, possess this ability. Unfortunately, the minister in this local ecclesia, whom Viga was conversing with, did not have that capability.
As a minister who lacks the ability to travel to the Land of Faith, he could only provide Viga with a basic explanation since he lacks the in-depth knowledge about it. The Land of Faith is considered highly confidential matter for any faith institution. However, as a minister, he is required to have a fundamental understanding of the Land of Faith so that he can provide an explanation to those who may be chosen.
"Viga, we are extending an invitation for you to undertake a duty within the congregation," the minister stated. "It is a responsibility that falls upon everyone who truly believes in the teachings of the scripture to safeguard its beliefs, especially for those who have been bestowed with the ability to do so."
Following a concise overview from the minister about the Land of Faith and its significance for the congregation, the minister extended an invitation to Viga to join the ranks of those members engaged in various duties for the congregation. While this duty may appear as a front to common members and those who already have their specific roles in the congregation, for those possessing the ability to traverse the Land of Faith and the ministers overseeing the local ecclesia, Viga would be classified as a member of the group known as pilgrims or guardians of faith, if he decided to join.
From the words spoken by the minister, it seemed as though they were not leaving Viga with any choice but to accept.
Back to the present - That day marked the beginning of everything, from Viga's inability to embark on his solo adventures in the bizarre world and the disappearance of the dream, to the commencement of his new journey in another part of the bizarre world known by other as the Land of Faith.
Throughout the day, as he went about his work, fragments of forgotten memories continued to resurface. He had assumed that the flashback of his childhood adventure would be the end of it, but to his surprise, another memory persisted. Among these memories, one that stood out prominently was the memory of the cringe-worthy sales pitch from the minister that convinced him to embrace a duty within the congregation. Even now, he found himself pondering why he allowed himself to be ensnared so easily. He attributed it to his youthful naivety, coupled with his upbringing and the fact that his parents had their own responsibilities to the congregation. Additionally, the prospect of protecting something of significance felt like assuming the role of a hero.
As Viga matured amidst the teachings of the congregation's faith thru his family and surroundings, he often pondered whether it was truly his own belief or if it was a faith imposed upon him by others. Even now, he remained perplexed by this question, contemplating why humans place such unwavering faith in something they cannot fully comprehend. Perhaps, he mused, this is the essence of faith – willingly placing oneself in a vulnerable position, entrusting one's fate to a higher power, and fervently hoping that the object of their prayers possesses the ability to transform their lives.
According to the scripture, the dynamics of faith don't operate in a questioning manner. It's akin to the structure of a company where obedience to the directives of the higher authority is expected. Much like how employees are required to follow the orders of their superiors, there's an expectation to adhere to the teachings without questioning. The consequences for non-compliance might be analogous to the corporate world—a minimum consequence could be a kind of spiritual setback (such as a pay cut), while the worst might involve a significant disconnect from the faith(like losing one's job).
The comparison suggests that even if a command or teaching seems illogical or difficult to understand, there may be underlying reasons or wisdom behind it that are not immediately apparent to those in lower positions of authority or understanding. This perspective reinforces the idea of faith as submission and trust in a higher authority, even in the face of uncertainty or doubt.
Viga wonders if he's merely rationalizing or deceiving himself, a common human experience—self-doubt. This introspection indicates a certain level of skepticism or questioning about the authenticity of his faith. According to the scripture, genuine faith is characterized by endurance and resilience, akin to gold that has been tested in fire. The metaphor suggests that true faith is not easily swayed or compromised; it stands firm even in the face of challenges and uncertainties. Viga's internal conflict, may be interpreted as a sign that his faith is undergoing a test—one that the scripture encourages, where endurance becomes a testament to the authenticity and strength of one's beliefs.