The Great Arpheos Empire.

It was one of five great human empires of this world with a total population of several million if one includes kingdoms that surrendered to their overwhelming power.

One of those territories the Generous Heart is governed by duke Reynold Simkin. Quite many nobles that lived within the territory of Generous Heart were retainers to duke Reynold, who all dedicated the same amount of loyalty to him as they did to His Majesty the King.

Within that territory, almost 70% of the citizens were followers of Lynne, a blind goddess of justice and redemption. Because of number difference, there is always a small or big conflict arise between Lynne's followers and other cults or nobles. To prevent unnecessary bloodshed, duke Reynold planted his spies in every religion and church in his territory, collecting valuable information at almost instant speed.

Just like every day, duke Reynold he rose together with the morning sun and offered a prayer to the gods. Afterward, he would do his morning workout, only once he finished, his exercise he takes breakfast.

Giving instructions to his followers while drinking tea after his meal, he finally finishing the first part of his day. Reynold solemnly stood up from his chair as he rubbed his shoulders with a tired face. But his rest didn't last long as his room's doom slams open by one of his subordinates blowing all of his arranged documents. 

"Sir Reynold, we received important news from one of our spies in the church of Lynne telling archbishop Victor preparing grand sacrifice."

"By the elven queen socks, what did you just say?"

Completly waken up by the news, Reynold couldn't help but yell in shock. In this age, gods and goddesses, it was no surprise sacrificial ceremony happen somewhere.

To prove their devotion, to ask forgiveness, ask a boon for all kinds of reason sacrificial ceremony held but, what Reynold surprised was it came from the goddess Lynne that never asked any kind form of sacrifice.

*Something is suspicious.*

Thought Reynold as he knows well former archbishop Maximus. He was an honest man who lived his whole life following the teaching of Lynne. He didn't receive any bribe or done crime and helped to clean the kingdom from corruption.

One day, Maximus visited his home about his birthmark. Telling him, it was a mark of redemption proof of Lynne gave him a second chance. May he didn't fully trust him since from other gods and goddess Lynne said most mysterious one since not even once she appeared. Some say even she didn't exist but, there are her church and her mark.

It is better to be safe than sorry with that kind of thought, Reynold received some scrolls and a book from Maximus.

"That Victor is up to something to investigate into further."

Immediately Reynold gave his command to investigate and find a reason for the grand sacrifice.

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In the following month, Reynold received news that following the order of archbishop Victor, devout followers of Lynne began to sacrifice their lives in front of public eyes.

People began to fear and began to call Lynne's followers a mad or heretics that serve an evil goddess. Meanwhile, others began to fan the flame killing and kidnapping people blaming on Lynne's church. Things became more chaotic.

Reynold still had no clue about sacrifice, making him harder to decide since if it was Victor's who using the goddess's name, then he can publicly execute him. But if it is really goddess Lynne her self commanded it, then he going against the goddess that means he need help from other god or powerful being can rival the god.

"But which one!"

Reynold pulled his hair in frustration while holding a report he received from the messenger. The report stated that unknown demons suddenly appeared on the northern border and moving straight towards Generous Heart.

Those demons had an appearance that quite distinct from other demons he knows. They came in all kinds of variety in size and appearance, but all of them shared two things. First, they had pure white porcelain-like armor with a red flesh sticking out between the gaps. Second, they had no eyes.

"No eyes and no skin ?"

After reading the report, something clicked inside Reynold's head as he remembered from a scroll he received from Maximus. In writing stated goddess Lynne had the appearance of a tall and beautiful young woman with a slender frame yet remarkably curvaceous-figure clad in pure white armor who is missing its skin and eyes.

"Quickly call mage who specialized in the wind element!"

Using the power of wind element that mage possesses, Reynold gave a command to his soldiers to not engage the unknown demons and pull back into the capital.

*It is a gamble but, I have no choice time is not on my side.*

If it is really a thing, he assumes it is. Then he can calm this chaos in one single swipe if it is not then, his city still had defenses that enough to withstand high-level angel.

Then a week later, from the top of his wall, Reynold saw unknown demons he read from the report. Seeing giant even taller than wall armed with spear and shield, standing in front of the gate along with otherworldly creatures, one captain couldn't help but say.

"Facing demon far better than this."

Reynold silently agreed with since at least they know what demons do.

"They are sending a messenger."

One soldier pointed towards a single four-armed figure moving towards the gate.

After adjusting his heart, Reynold decided to receive the messenger by himself. Opening the gate, he took a close look at the four-armed humanoid figure. It is body shape looked similar to a hunch back old man is dressed in a simple long gown and holding a long curved staff in his left hand.

"It is a pleasure to meet you I am the duke Reynold Simkin the governor of this city, may I know who you are?"

"Heh, Reynold, still stiff as ever like usual."

When messenger opened his bony mouth and talked with a rough but gentle voice, Reynold knew that he succeeded in his bet.

"Maximus?"

"Yes, my old friend looks like fate work in a wondrous way. Should duke invite this old man ?"

"Oh, go in, Maximus."

Feeling as if heavy stone disappeared from his back, Reynold happily invited the old man to his room and began their talk with a nice cup of tea.

"Maximus, why are you here ?"

Putting an empty cup on the holder, Reynold asked.

"Oh, due to taste tea and cookie made by your maid, I almost forget my mission."

Maximus took a long sigh and spoke while scratching his white head.

"To think, Victor failed me this much."

"As expected, he has done something."

Maximus raised one of his hands and showed a small space between his fingers to Reynold.

"This close you see that idiot was this close to becoming something even higher than any one of us. But what this idiot do?  Not only he missed the chance but also smeared mud on great one's face stating he is the church! "

Reynold calmly sat there and listened to an old man, and when finally old fellow finished his rant, he gave the old man a gentle pat on the shoulder.

"Sorry Reynold, for a listening rant of this idiot."

"It is okay, archbishop Maximus every one makes a mistake."

"Thanks, Reynold, that is why I am here to fix my mistake. "