The early morning before dawn is one of my favourite times. The morning light gradually seeps in, as if saying "good morning" to the world. That's the kind of imagination that spreads through me. Plus, when I wake up early, I feel like I can do anything in a day!

Now it's the month of Balmybreeze, the fourth month in Almatria. During this time, when the wind blows, it carries the scent of cherry blossoms and greenery. It's the most refreshing period of the year.

I'm so happy to be able to go out with Libel on a day like this. But remember, the purpose is my coming-of-age ritual. I can't get too excited.

Libel and I arrived at the village exit early in the morning. Hester, Clara, and the Master were there to see us off. Clara was at her usual sleeping time, so she looked like she might fall asleep standing up. I'm sure Hester had dragged her here.

"Luminita, are you really okay? Haven't you forgotten anything? Did you bring your lunch, handkerchief, map, and compass? Did you greet Elder Seron?"

Hester was fussing about worriedly.

"I brought everything. And Libel and I went to see Grandfather Seron together on the first day he came to the village."

"Is that so? Well, you say that, but I'm still worried. Are you sure you haven't forgotten anything? Did you pack Elder Seron?"

"Grandfather isn't something you pack..."

Hester still looked worried, but the Master intervened to calm her down.

"It's fine, Hester. In my country, we say 'If you don't travel when you're young, you'll have no stories when you're old.' Let's look forward to hearing their tales when they return."

"Oh my, Master. You're still young yourself, you know. Your time is still to come. Your skin is so smooth, you could pass for a teenager. As for me, when I looked in the mirror the other day..."

The Master had successfully diverted Hester's attention. The Master's face looked a bit exasperated, but finally, we were able to depart.

We walked north from Alderwick for about an hour, I think.

I say "I think" because Libel and I were chatting, and before we knew it, we had arrived at our destination, the ruins. It felt like it might not have even been a full hour.

It had been a while since Libel and I went out together. At home, Hester is always there, and when we go out somewhere, Clara is usually with us too.

So I took this chance to talk about all sorts of things. Like how Clara had drawn on Hester's face with paint while she was sleeping, or about the sheep with rabbit-like ears born at the village farm, or about the new novel I'm writing.

Come to think of it, was I just talking one-sidedly?

But you know! Libel is quiet and doesn't talk much. That's why Clara and I talk to him a lot. Libel usually just nods or asks about things he's curious about, but very occasionally, he smiles a little.

This time, Libel seemed to like the story about a ferocious squirrel appearing in the village. When I told him how Grandma Maura had scolded the squirrel with one shout and sent it back to the forest, he laughed and said, "Grandma's got skills." I did it!

As we were talking like this, the forest of the "Fourfold Grove" that we were heading for came into view.

"Fourfold Grove" is what the people of Alderwick call it. I don't know its official name.

They say it was built long before we were born. Besides ceremonies like this one, it's also used as a place to pray for successful agriculture.

It's a quiet, mystical forest, surrounded by much thinner and taller green trees than in the village. When I touched one of them, it felt cool and pleasant. But from inside, I could feel a presence as if it had been there for thousands of years.

When the wind blows, the leaves of the old trees rustle quietly. In between, birds' chirping echoes cheerfully. It was as if they were playing music with instruments and songs. The primroses and violets blooming at our feet were like decorations livening up the venue.

As we walked through the forest, my heart began to race more and more. With each breath, pure air circulated from inside my body to my fingertips, making me feel clear all over.

As we progressed through the ruins' forest, I remembered my Master's teachings.

In the study of Phasmanicus, there's a theory that places are important. Some scholars even say that the place is more important than one's own talent.

Being here, I feel like I can understand that. From inside my body, a sacred feeling different from other places wells up.

After walking for a while like this, we arrived at a place where the trees opened up.

I gasped at the sight that appeared before me.

It was a huge building, like a temple made of stone. Even though we were in a forest where animals lived quietly, it felt like we had wandered into a different place. But strangely, it also blended in with its surroundings, as if it was natural for it to be here.

As I approached the building and looked closely, I could see many marks that looked like they had been neatly carved with something like a chisel. Could it be that they carved the stone to shape the building? It was many times taller than me, and seemed to have many rooms... How many people, and how much time did it take to build this? I couldn't even imagine.

Around the building... the temple, there were many pillars standing, each with intricate carvings. When I looked closer, I could see fine decorations carved in multiple layers, with motifs like small birds around large circles. The intricacy of the patterns made me feel dizzy.

Peeking into the temple entrance, I could see corridors and rooms. Libel had told me before that this ruin had four rooms and one hidden room.

A hidden room! When you hear something like that, it's exciting, isn't it?

I was scared to go inside, so I called out "Hello!" towards the inside of the temple from the entrance.

When I did, my voice echoed inside the temple, sounding like many people whispering together.

After that, I wandered around the ruins, folded my arms and nodded while looking at the pillars, picked up stones lying around and observed them, muttering "This is...!"

What's the meaning of all this, you ask? To be honest, I'm not sure, but when Clara and I go out to play somewhere, she often does things like this. So I was imitating her. Clara never gets bored of it, so I'm usually the one who has to stop her in the end.

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This time, Libel gently called out, "Shall we start preparing the camp?" Maybe I was getting a bit too carried away. But I'm with Libel, so it's okay to be a little excited, right?

We started preparing our camp a little distance away from the temple.

"I wonder what those writings are?"

When I asked about the pillars of the ruins, Libel explained carefully.

"It seems even the academy doesn't fully understand yet. If it's religious architecture from Plato, the Plains Country, it's most likely related to the Lux-Nocta faith. But there's also a theory that it might have been built before the countries of Almatria took their current form... before the Great Fusion War."

Do you understand? The Lux-Nocta faith is the most important religion in Almatria. It's a story about how the god of light and the god of darkness created the world and gave us humans power to fight against sorcerers who disrupt peace.

According to Libel, faith, along with Phasmanicus, greatly influences our way of thinking and living.

Since we're here, why don't we have Professor Libel explain it to us in an easy-to-understand way?

"Hey Libel, how do they teach about the Lux-Nocta faith at the academy?"

"Sure, let me explain a bit."

Libel looked a bit happy. He's always like this when talking about his area of expertise.

"Let's start by confirming the scripture that is the source of the faith. As you know, Luminita, it's said that the prototype of the Lux-Nocta faith existed from before the Janitorial calendar era. At that time, it was passed down orally rather than in writing, and it seems to have been quite different from the tale we know today. What we know as the "Sacred Story" is considered to be a relatively new form. The scripture started circulating in paper form about 250 years ago, but at this time, the content of the faith was greatly revised by the priestly class of the time. However, there were fierce debates among sects before and after the publication of this scripture, and there were many twists and turns leading up to the later "Latio Harmony Meeting"..."

"W-wait a minute... Libel."

That's right. Libel becomes very talkative when it's his area of expertise.

I'd like to listen to the story slowly, but we also need to perform the ritual this time, so it's better to stick to the main points, right?

"It's a bit complicated, so for now, I'd like to know the flow of the 'Sacred Story'..."

"Oh? I thought knowing the background would make the content more enjoyable..."

Libel looked a bit disappointed, but he quickly recovered.

"Well, okay, let's go over the content briefly then. The "Sacred Story" in the scripture goes like this. ‘On þǣm timan, ǣrþām þe se middangeard wæs gesceapen, wǣron þā godas lēohtes and þēostres. Hīe genēosodon hira mihta tō gefremman mannes cyn, and forġēafon him sǣda gōdes and yfeles. Se god lēohtes forġēaf him þone lēohtfruma…’”

"Wait, Libel..."

What Libel was trying to tell me was probably the content of the Lux-Nocta faith's scripture. But those words were in what's called ancient Almatrian, which was used much earlier than the modern Almatrian language we use.

Ancient Almatrian is hardly used nowadays. We only see it when reading some old documents or stories. So, only scholars and very studious people can read it, and there are very few of them.

Me? Of course, I hardly understand it at all...

"The old language is still a bit difficult for me... I'd like to hear it in modern language."

"Then I'll give you the modern interpretation after the ancient Almatrian. First, the word 'On þǣm timan' has a complex meaning involving both time and space..."

"As much as I appreciate it, maybe just the modern language for now..."

After going back and forth like this a few times, he finally gave me an explanation I could understand. Libel looked a bit, no, quite disappointed towards the end. I think it's because I couldn't keep up with the conversation, even though it was a chance for him to show off what he had studied...

I'm sorry, I'll study more before next time, okay?

Let me explain the "Sacred Story" of the Lux-Nocta faith that I heard from Libel, in my own words.

***

The "Sacred Story" in the Lux-Nocta Faith

Long, long ago, before the world was created, the god of light, Lux, and the god of darkness, Nocta, existed together. These two gods joined forces to create humans and gave them the power to do both good and evil. Lux gave light and hope, while Nocta gave shadow and challenge, maintaining balance in the world.

However, this balance was eventually disrupted. This was because sorcerers appeared who tried to throw the world into chaos using a power called "Magianicus", borrowing the power of the dark god Nocta. Centred around six particularly powerful sorcerers, they brought chaos to the world.

To protect those without Magianicus, the light god Lux chose 12 warriors from among humans and named them the Apostles.

Led by the first apostle, the warrior Harpex, people formed a group centred around the Apostle of Oboedientia, the Apostle of Fidelitas, Sacrificium, Conformitas, Humilitas, Pietas.

And the apostles fought against the sorcerers using the "Holly regalia" and "Phasmanicus" bestowed by Lux.

After days of battle, the apostles finally defeated the sorcerers. Lux and Nocta blessed the people and gave the apostles the mission to protect peace on earth. Harpex became the first king on earth as the hero king leading the apostles.

Lux and Nocta told the people to pass down the great deeds of the apostles and inherit the Holly regalia. They promised that if they did so, the blood of the apostles' descendants would be consecrated, granting eternal prosperity to their kingdoms.

The kings divided the Holly regalia, became kings in their respective homelands, and established five kingdoms.

However, the world of humans faced many trials.

At times, descendants of sorcerers rose up to take revenge on the people.

At times, a traveller brought invisible creatures to disrupt the world.

At times, monsters in the form of children attacked humans.

At times, creatures with black blood came to steal treasures from all over the country.

At times...

Each time the people were enveloped in fear and about to lose hope, the words of Lux and Nocta rained down on the descendants of the apostles.

"The time of trial has come. Take up the Holly regalia, rise again, and face the powers of darkness."

The descendants of the apostles rose up, believing in the teachings of their ancestors and the power of the Holly regalia. They united to face all difficulties in order to confront the powers of darkness.

Peace returned to the world once again, and people regained hope.

As long as Lux's light guides them and Nocta's shadow protects them from trials, the 12 apostles will continue to bring peace and prosperity to the world, carrying the Holly regalia. Their courage and dedication will be passed down forever.

***

This is the "Sacred Story" in the Lux-Nocta faith.

The scripture also contains stories about events during the apostles' rule of the countries, and about sorcerers and Holly regalia, but we'll save those for another time.

In Plato, the Plains Country, the Lux-Nocta faith is especially cherished, and it's studied more earnestly the closer you get to urban areas. I wonder how it's incorporated into daily life. Do you think they get scolded with things like, "If you don't listen to your mother properly, you won't become like the Apostle of Loyalty!"?

Many people in Alderwick village like the stories from this scripture. But... to be honest, I'm not very fond of it. I can't explain it well, but something about it bothers me.

I really like old things like the decorations and architecture of the Fourfold Grove, so why is it, I wonder, that this scripture feels a bit off to me.

What kind of impression did you get?

I think this unease is also why I can't remember the contents of the scripture properly. It's not an excuse, I promise...

As I was lost in thought, Libel took out a pocket watch and spoke.

"Lumi, today I'm just your companion."

Libel was reminding me that he's here as an escort, and that I should conduct the ritual on my own.

"Right! I'll start preparing."

I stopped my thoughts and answered with a bounce.

"Now, I'm sure..."

I'm sure I can see the spirits.

I didn't say that out loud. My heart was a mix of expectation and anxiety, and for some reason, I was a bit scared to voice it.

And as expected, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't sense any spirits.