The world is a vast place for life to spread and prosper just like the gods intended, but in a divided world, those intentions hold no value. Just like a coin where one side shined the light of their teachings and grace, while the other drowned in eternal darkness as they held no sort of power over their once beautiful land. Yet hope never ceased, as one day their lost land will return to the respectful owners.

A dream that never changed over the millennia that had passed, a dream that keeps the world and the Varomor Empire together despite the many disasters it faced. An Empire with 5 principal states, Ulsvania, the largest of the five, is where a new journey takes place.

The small town of Marigo is one of the many population centers inside Ulsvania, a small town with a focus on exporting food for its economic growth. But with the harvest season over the town could rest, and it was the time for the citizens to resume their own activities of interest.

Two young friends walked side by side through the principal street of Marigo, which connected to all important districts of the town, but none of them were the destination of the duo as they kept walking forward.

 “Konnor, don’t get overworked about the ceremony, nothing bad will happen.” The young priest placed his hand on his shoulder to provide him with spiritual support as any devoted member of the Trinity Church should do.

However, the youngster lowered his head as his hands hugged the frame of his body, hoping to find comfort with himself. “But it can be a life-changing moment. Would I fail if I mess up my prayers or the wrong position?”

“There is nothing wrong with not being chosen to receive a blessing, but I will be sad that my friend wasn’t chosen.”

"What happens if I receive a blessing?" The boy asked with a curious tone in his voice.

“I’ve already told you, they will take us to the capital to discover the extent and type of your heavenly gift.”

He let out a long sigh of relief, “At least it won’t be public.” 

“They hold public ceremonies only if many candidates are within the same age group, but even then we have to be well dressed for such occasions as a sign of respect.” He extended both arms to show off his clean attire of clothes comprising a long, humble beige alb with a large golden cross sewed on the chest, his alb held together by a brown cincture around his waist, and a pair of leather sandals. And his slick blonde hair combed to perfection, not a single hair out of place.

Compared to his friend Konnor, whose best clothes were a grey slip-on overshirt reaching near his knees with his leather jerkin on top, long brown trousers and a pair of long leather boots, which he zealously cleaned before going to the local church. It couldn’t be said the same for his brown hair as it was still rather messy with no definitive style.

“Sometimes being younger has its own advantages.” Konnor reflected, scratching the back of his neck in slight embarrassment recalling the large ceremonial event years ago, so many eyes on him would have made him faint.

Mars smiled and patted his friend’s back twice.

The pair kept walking through the crowd that over time was becoming less crowded as they neared the church. The busiest districts were behind, and the people wanted to enjoy their free time as much as possible inside taverns or at the street performers. 

With that change of scenery, Konnor paid more attention to his surroundings and the people in it until his eyes caught sight of a beastfolk, specifically the long and wide fluffy grey tail swinging side to side. Said tail looked similar to his neighbor’s and the desire to pet it like he usually does grew exponentially while at the same time, the thought made him wonder if Irina was cooking lunch and if he could get a bite after his appointment was over.

However, that didn’t go unnoticed by his friend, who grabbed his head and turned his gaze back to the street before the female beastfolk could notice him.

“Don’t stare for too long or they might think you are challenging them, and I doubt you can even put up a fight against her.” He reprimanded the naïve Konnor.

"I'm sorry, her tail just reminded me of Irina." He said as he rubbed the back of his head, "Besides, how do you know she isn't a canis? They don't fight whoever looks at them in the wrong way, you know?"

The priest rolled his eyes, "I really should sit you down one day and properly teach you about every beastfolk and their respective culture. Your neighbor Irina taught you a lot of bad things."

Konnor’s face scrunched over his nose.

“I still feel that hit on my chest.” His hand instinctively went to grab his stomach, feeling phantom pain from an unpleasant experience with the beastfolk years ago. He didn’t expect the scirius girl to have such strength in her legs. He was glad his friend was a priest and knew how to use healing magic or he might have been resting on bed for days.

Mars held the bridge of his nose, releasing a tired sigh, "You shouldn't have grabbed that woman's tail in the first place, even less her species group, as they are very jumpy."

“But Irina always lets me.” Konnor grumbled as he recalled the soft and fluffy gray tail of his neighbor and how much he played with her in his younger days.

However, Irina was adopted and raised as a human by human parents, completely disregarding anything related to her race and culture. Such taboos didn’t affect her and many, like her, unknowingly caused problems by teaching others the wrong things, which would end up in very problematic social misunderstandings.

The little daydreaming ended with a sharp slap on the back of his head, "Which is the reason you are wrong in a lot of things!" Mars exclaimed with his voice loud enough for other passersby to hear him and turn to look in curiosity, some had their long ears perked up, interested in the development.

Realizing the situation, Mars grabbed his friend's wrist and increased the pace of his steps to leave the place and the people's attention behind, as it was getting embarrassing to be stared at in judgmental silence.

Konnor let his friend lead him away without putting much, if any, resistance as he was being technically dragged forward, but he had to admit to his surprise that Mars had some strength on him despite being shorter than him.

There was a long uncomfortable silence between the two, leaving behind the crowd who resumed their activities once they were far enough and lost interest in them. Only then, Mars released Konnor from his grip. He tried to speak but his mouth stayed open with no words coming out and closing it before trying again and failing, as he couldn’t form a word in his head, much less express them.

“Konnor, my friend, there is always a place to bring up your doubts and I will gladly solve them, but a very crowded street is no place for such discussions.”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

“Would the people actually care?”

Mars sighed, "They most likely would not, but that doesn't stop them from spreading rumors and gossiping, which can be detrimental to your image."

“But rumors aren’t true.”

The priest shook his head, forcing a painful smile on him, "It doesn't matter if they are or not, people will still talk."

"How do you know?" Konnor asked as he tilted his head in confusion. His friend's answers were quick and with confidence, almost as if Mars knew it was a universal fact and not an opinion.

Mars's expression softened as he puffed out his chest, "I take pride in my knowledge, besides the nobility isn't very subtle in their gossiping at parties."

Konnor's eyes widened after hearing the last part and his curiosity grew even further, "You were at a noble party?"

“They were part of my studies abroad, how to act with proper etiquette and basic knowledge of the noble families.”

“Can you tell me more about your studies abroad?”

"Of course! I have so many tales I have yet to tell you, but it would take too long and we do not have time. We have an appointment and I don't want to make Father Arthur wait."

With the last words said, he turned around and took the lead, slowly increasing the distance between him and Konnor who, after realizing the growing gap, increased his pace to catch up with the priest.

Taking a glance, he could see the shape of the local Trinity church become bigger and cleared with every step. The same happened with his nerves as his test was approaching. He instinctively checked his surroundings, searching for anything, but the street was empty.

A drastic change to the previous scene, and whoever left their homes quickly headed down towards the main district.

"We have arrived." Mars declared out loud before proceeding to knock on the large wooden doors. The church was closed. The daily ceremony was over hours ago.

Konnor snapped back to reality thanks to his friend, gulping his nerves as it was time to face the truth. His eyes locked on the simple architecture of the church made of gray bricks together, showing off a cubic form with a spherical roof, the top adorned with the Holy trinity symbol made of silver.

Mars grabbed the bronze ring door and knocked on the door twice before he hastily straightened his clothes and dusted off his shoulders, trying to be more presentable than he already was.

Just in time, the doors opened, revealing a tall bald man wearing big metal goggles that covered most of his face and a long brown robe that reached his heels. The priest broke into a warm smile when he recognized one of his visitors.

“I’m happy to see you again, Mars.”

“Is always a pleasure, Father Arthur.” The young priest cordially bowed.

Father Arthur then turned his gaze to Konnor who forced another awkward smile and weakly waved his right hand.

"Come child, there is nothing to be afraid of." Father Arthur stepped aside to let the two friends walk inside, where they were greeted by the interior's architecture and design. Mars was unfazed by the sight but Konnor was in awe and intrigued by the gods' golden statues first, the sun shone on them reflecting the light onto his eyes instinctively making him look down to appreciate the marble floor covered by a long red carpet with silver lining on its borders.

His eyes wandered to his surroundings and noticed the long rows of benches had vines and roses sculpted into their backs. His vision shifted towards the walls graced by colorful mosaic windows, each one representing a different god or angels triumph over demons.

Konnor wanted to keep looking at the interiors of the church but a hand lightly patted his back which caught his attention to turn around and see the older priest looking at him with a warm smile.

“Just pray on the altar.” The same hand slowly pushed him towards the mentioned altar to encourage him to walk alone.

Konnor turned to look at his friend, who nodded with a long smile, reassuring him and easing his worries.

He slowly made his way towards the marble altar, which, unlike the rest of the church, was rather humble. A single block of marble with two pillars at its sides which held lit, thick candles.

“Here goes nothing…”

The youngster gulped his nerves, the growing anxiety becoming a heavy burden on his body with every passing second, as he was right in front of a very important test for his life and future. He closed his eyes and dropped to his knees, his trembling hands connecting as he started his prayers.

“Celestial ones, please hear my voice and show me the light in my time of need. Grant me your blessing to vanquish the darkness that threatens our light and spread your infinite love and kindness to the starving world.”

There was silence, but he remained on his knees, waiting and not daring to open his eyes as his nerves kept crawling back at him. He did not know what to do next or expect after finishing his prayers.

Unbeknownst to him, sunlight passed through each of the large mosaic windows yet all conglomerated onto a single point, the young man named Konnor. The sunlight caressed his hair for a short but agonizing second as the Father and Mars watched in awe with their breath taken away from them in response to the shock of witnessing the rare sacred event.

The shining light suddenly ceased to exist along with the candle's light, leaving a miniscule trail of rising smoke which unnaturally moved and went towards Konnor's face, smoke that he involuntarily inhaled, causing him to break his concentration into a coughing fit. 

Konnor, in an attempt to control himself, hit his chest multiple times to regulate his breathing for a short while until he completely calmed down and could breathe normally once again.

Both members of the Trinity church rushed to his side to support him.

"You did it!" However, Mars didn't wait any longer and pulled Konnor into a vice grip hug, trying to convey his excitement to him..

Father Arthur, on the other hand, conveyed his happiness and emotions differently, carefully placing his hand above Konnor, "The heavens shine upon you my son, may you spread the light to our lands and further beyond."

“I’ve been chosen?” Konnor looked at both sides as he tilted his head trying to figure out the priest's sudden happiness.

“Yes!”

Instinctively, he looked at his hands and body, trying to find anything showing his fortune, yet he saw nothing out of the ordinary, causing slight confusion within him as he looked over his body. “I...I don’t feel any different.”

The older priest let out a hearty laugh as he extended his hand to pat his back, "Of course you won't feel it. The only way to discover your gift is through our exams and tests at the capital."

The young gifted turned to his friend for advice or anything, watching his rapidly shifting expression before grabbing his hand once again.

“We must go to the capital at once!” He proclaimed as he led him towards the big doors of the church.

However, Konnor pulled back his hand, staying in place. “I need to gather my things first...and tell my family.”

The older priest walked up to his side. “You have until evening. While this is an opportunity for celebration, I think it is better to keep things quiet as it would be a shame if you get spoiled rotten, and time is of the essence.” 

"This is just...crazy." Konnor's body couldn't handle the weight anymore and naturally found a place to rest on the large benches, his friend following close, "What am I supposed to say?"

Mars’ expression softened, allowing a humble smile to take place. “There is nothing to be sad or ashamed about, this is the biggest honor in the Empire.”

The gifted boy let out a sigh and rested the back of his head on the back crest of the bench, "I know, but what is going to happen to my family?"

“As per law, we will pay them a generous sum of money and will be exempted from taxes.” He answered.

"That's great!" Konnor said, smiling to himself. With such generous gifts his parents wouldn't have to exert themselves with the yearly harvest and could finally pursue their pastime activities with more frequency. They weren't getting any younger, he worried for their health.

Mars pulled his collar, his eyes looking anywhere but meeting his friend's face, "At the same time, we encourage them to...give you a brother or sister hoping to get another blessed child."

He slowly straightened his posture and slowly turned to face his friend, wearing a horrified expression with his mouth hanging open, “I didn’t need to hear that!”

Mars looked away with hand above his mouth holding back his amusement.

However, it couldn’t be said the same with Father Arthur whose laugh echoed across the building.