Chapter 20

"Purple sickness," echoed Sister Helena's voice in the large classroom, capturing the new students' attention with sheer amazement. It wasn't just the class itself that intrigued them, but rather the significance of Sister Helena and what she symbolised for the Holy Kingdom. A Battlesister captain, a Hellfront veteran, the Sunlight Citadel's Saviour, and younger sister of Saint Catherine. Truth be told, she would have preferred not to teach at all if given the choice. Unfortunately, circumstances forced her back into the army of the Holy Kingdom, leaving Sister Helena with little say in where she would be stationed. Thankfully, teaching was a better alternative than the other options available.

"For the past forty years, this devastating plague has swept across this world, ravishing and killing and showing no signs of ending. As future healers, medics, and nuns, it will be your responsibility to use your abilities and resources to combat this illness with unwavering determination and, believe me. Many will lose against this plague and many other illnesses. And you will not be able to stop it, no matter how much you prepare yourself."

Sister Helena stood still, silently observing the group of young students in front of her. She estimated that they couldn't have been more than seventeen years old. As they took deep breaths, she could see the weight of her words sinking in, their understanding of the significance becoming evident. It wasn't her intention to frighten them. Instead, Sister Helena wanted them to comprehend the reality of their future profession. She wanted them to realise that they wouldn't be able to save every patient or victim they encountered. It would be better for them to come to terms with this fact now rather than face it later. "The path all of you have chosen is not an easy one," she added, her voice filled with a mix of caution and encouragement. "But it is a noble one and one that will test your strength and resilience. And believe me, you'll need a lot of it."

Sister Helena stated before clapping loudly, making the students jump from their seats.

"Now, does anyone know what makes the Purple Sickness so dangerous and deadly?" Sister Helena asked, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and expectation. Despite not enjoying her role as a teacher, she found the students whispering amongst themselves quite entertaining. Before long, she noticed a nervous girl raising her hand. "Yes, you there, with the cute ponytail."

The young girl blushed before coughing nervously. "Because it's a vein infection?"

"Are you asking me or telling me?" Sister Helena questioned before the girl began to mumble something under her breath. "Speak louder, my dear. I cannot hear you."

"It's a vein infection, ma'am!" The girl replied quickly before sitting down, embarrassed to look at the other people around her.

"Nice attempt, but not quite," Sister Helena remarked as she made her way to her desk. Resting on top was a peculiar small device resembling a lamp with a stone inside it, adorned with a soft pink crystal around it. With a simple touch of a switch, the lamp illuminated, causing the stone to emit a radiant glow. A hologram was materialised in front of Sister Helena, depicting the intricate human body, complete with its veins, bones, and organs.

"The Purple sickness is not a simple infection. Not truly."

Sister Helena pointed her finger at the hologram, causing all the students to witness the sudden appearance of a strange liquid. Specifically, it materialised within a particular vein—the delicate and crucial vein that housed their Mana. Slowly, the liquid started to travel throughout the body, making its way into the lungs, bones, blood vessels, and beyond. However, it seemed more like a clot wriggling, like a worm within the body. The more time went by, the more it took over the body, infecting everything and, ultimately, killing the person from the inside.

"After many years of study, many of the greatest minds, not only in Equidaeria but also Alberam, have come to the conclusion that this is not an infection or a virus. But a parasite."

Everyone felt a surge of anxiety as they gazed at the hologram, witnessing the horrifying sight of the entity devouring the unfortunate individual from within. The death appeared excruciatingly agonising, a torturous process that seemed to stretch out endlessly. And they were right about it.

"Sister Helena, how can we heal a person suffering from—that?" A student asked.

"You can't," Sister Helena responded, leaving all the students in a state of shock. "There is no cure, and we have exhausted all attempts, from raising the individual's body temperature to casting the most potent healing and cleansing spells known to the world. While it is possible to halt the spread of the parasite temporarily, it will never cease its growth. This entity constantly adapts, becoming stronger and more lethal. Sometimes, it is wiser to let it be; at least then, the person will experience less pain in the long term."

The young students began to mutter to each other as Sister Helena stared at them, knowing what they were all thinking.

"Currently, this parasite can only be transmitted through bodily fluids, such as open wounds, saliva, and various secretions. This limited mode of transmission has enabled some level of control, aided by the fact that it is relatively simple to identify a victim of the Purple Sickness. Their Mana's veins are easily visible to the naked eye, and they regularly secrete a purple liquid from their eyes, nose, or ears. As long as you follow the steps to prevent contagion, you should be fine."

Soon, a student raised his hand. "Sister Helena, what about those without Mana veins?"

"Well, they are extremely fortunate, as it seems they are immune to the Purple Sickness, or at least resistant to contagion," Sister Helena responded, a smile gracing her face. However, some of the students seemed to be frowning deeply upon hearing her statement.

"How is that possible?" Another student exclaimed.

Sister Helena shrugged, not knowing the answer. "Who knows? Many claim that since there is no Mana vein, there is no parasite. It's very simple."

"If it were that simple, how could we not have cured the Purple Sickness?" Another one asked.

"How can this thing, whatever it is, be able to adapt so fast?!"

"Where did it come from?"

"Why does it affect Mana veins exactly?"

Sister Helena welcomed the barrage of questions with a smile, thrilled that the students had overcome their fears and were now exploring different possibilities. It was exactly what she had hoped for—their curiosity ignited, their minds opening up to the wonders and mysteries of life. Ultimately, it would be up to them to shape the future of their world—or so she would say to herself. Deep inside, Sister Helena wasn't so sure if the future would be bright.

"It's a good thing all of you have so many questions. For tomorrow, I want a four-page essay about the history of the Purple Sickness," Sister Helena said, and soon, loud groans and moans echoed throughout the room. "Where did all that previous energy go?"

Sister Helena playfully joked with the students but then gave them a serious look. "Let me make this clear. Knowledge is the key to wielding magic. Do you understand why we taught you manual skills? To stitch wounds? To handle a simple cold? To study medicine and treat patients without relying solely on spells? It is all to equip you with the knowledge that will enhance your use of magic. Remember, the power of magic depends on the user. It is a reflection of our own minds and bodies."

As Sister Helena turned off the hologram, she said, "Dismiss." The students started gathering their books and slowly left the large room. Taking a deep breath, Sister Helena made her way towards her desk. There, she retrieved a box where she had hidden her cigarettes. Yet, before she could satisfy her addiction to nicotine, she was interrupted by a loud cough.

"Sister Helena, what did I tell you about smoking?"

Sister Helena paused for a moment, then let out a tired groan. "Not in front of the students," she replied, her tone laced with annoyance.

"And not do it inside the classroom," the other woman replied, causing Sister Helena to scoff loudly.

"Sister Cellina, I don't remember being your daughter," Sister Helena answered, which caused Sister Cellina to chuckle softly.

"No, you're too old for that," Sister Cellina responded, her steps deliberate as she approached Sister Helena. Like many Battlesisters, Sister Cellina possessed a striking beauty. Her complexion was a stunning shade of deep copper, complemented by her eyes that resembled the colour of grey clouds. Despite always donning her habit and concealing her short, brown hair, it could not hide her exquisite and enchanting face, which possessed true elegance. Combined with her formidable proficiency in Holy Magic, she embodied the essence of a Battlesister. Yet, like many of her sisters of battle, Sister Cellina bore the scars of her battles, her robes concealing her metallic arm and leg. Both had been lost during her service at the Hellfront years ago.

"But there are moments when you act childish," Sister Cellina murmured quietly, gently confiscating Sister Helena's cigarette for her own. She placed it between her lips and lit it before taking a long drag. Then Sister Cellina gazed into Sister Helena's eyes before leaning in and sharing a deep and passionate kiss. Sister Helena didn't resist; instead, she embraced Cellina, wrapping her arms around her neck and savouring the moment.

One might assume that witnessing Battlesisters kissing each other would create a major scandal, but surprisingly, that was not the case. Similar to nuns, Battlesisters take a vow of celibacy, which means they never engage in intimate relationships with men, have their own children, or get married. However, there were no restrictions preventing them from engaging in intimate relationships with other women, and this occurred frequently. It was commonplace to witness romantic connections between Battlesisters and other Battlesisters, and even nuns. This was not even a hidden truth. Everyone was aware of it, and it was not considered a significant issue. In fact, the majority of people were indifferent to it.

However, unlike nuns, battlesisters had the freedom to leave the clergy at any time they desired, and sometimes, they were even encouraged to do so. This was because Battlesisters possessed incredible skills in Holy Magic, and the clergy desired to have more offspring from them. In certain instances, Battlesisters were even rewarded with personal wealth and land if they had a few children.

Therefore, it was not uncommon to observe Battlesisters reaching a stage where they could no longer cope with the immense pressure of their role and the constant readiness to endure years at the Hellfront. Seizing the chance, they choose to abandon the chaos and begin new lives, establishing families in unfamiliar surroundings far from everything they have ever known.

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Sister Cellina and Sister Helena have witnessed the rare occurrence of some Battlesisters doing that, although it was indeed uncommon. The majority of Battlesisters who continue their service do so simply because they are unaware of any other path. Some may have had romantic relationships with fellow nuns or other Battlesisters and leaving them was out of the question. Others may have experienced the devastating loss of their loved ones right before their eyes, leading them to lose all sense of purpose and wait to die at the Hellfront so that they could be near the bones of the one they love. Alternatively, some Battlesisters may have lost faith in everything, leading them to continue the fight like husks without a soul or to hang themselves in the loneliness of their rooms.

That was the reality of being a Battlesister, and both Cellina and Helena knew it.

"I'm still mad at you," Sister Cellina whispered, her hand firmly wrapped around her lover's waist. Sister Helena smiled and reclaimed the cigarette. She inhaled deeply, then exhaled, releasing a cloud of smoke.

"I know, but I already made it up to you last night, remember? Wasn't that enough?" She replied, which earned a huff from Sister Cellina.

"You know what I am talking about. You left me—leaving only a bloody letter left behind."

Sister Helena sighed, nodding at her with shame in her eyes. "Forgive me. I could not handle it. Everything was wrong."

"Is this because of your sister?" Sister Cellina asked.

"Yes, and what happened at the Lonely Crest Mountain."

"Helena, you've been blaming yourself for what happened there. It wasn't your fault. You did everything you could," Sister Cellina replied softly.

"I was the one who led those men to their deaths! An entire company lost because of my actions!" Sister Helena's voice choked as tears welled up in her eyes. "It was all my fault. I was the one who led our sisters to their demise. Yaren, Madeline, Ambre, Luana, Riel. Every single one of them is dead because of me."

Sister Helena, with her cigars falling to the floor, tearfully confessed in Cellina's embrace, "You lost your arm and leg because of me."

Sister Cellina did not say anything. She simply hugged her tightly. "We follow you because we believe in Saint Catherine. Because, like you, we loved her. We wanted to find her, to search for her. It wasn't your fault."

Sister Helena remained quiet, allowing herself to smell Cellinas's perfume, which she loved so much. "Their families didn't think so."

"They were all soldiers, like us. We all understood what could happen."

"Yes, but—"

"Helena, enough!" Sister Cellina exclaimed, gently placing her hands on Helena's face. "Do not let guilt poison your soul, for it will only wither your kind heart. My heart, my love."

Sister Helena gently felt the warmth and coldness of Sister Cellina's hands. She could only nod gently at her. "It hurts, Cellina. It's too heavy, this guilt."

"It hurts because you're alive because your heart is brimming with love. Because you still feel. And that's a beautiful thing. I may not know how to ease your guilt, but please, my love, allow me to share the burden. I don't want to experience losing you once more."

Both of them hugged each other for a few minutes, not feeling the need to say anything, especially Sister Helena. She buried her face in Cellina's neck, feeling at peace for the first time in years.

"Promise you'll never leave me again."

"I promise," Sister Helena replied, her smile brightening as she took a deep breath and began to tidy her dishevelled appearance. "I cannot let the upcoming students witness me in such a state."

"They should've seen how I left you last night," Sister Cellina replied with a big smirk on her face as Sister Helena faked being shocked.

"Sister Cellina is that how a servant of the gods speaks?!" Sister Helena replied while Sister Cellina rolled her eyes.

"Please, everyone knows the foul language we have. Also, that Battlesisters alone are the reason why cigarettes are so popular."

"Ah, yeah, that's true," Sister Helena remarked before she returned to her desk. Sister Cellina gazed at Sister Helena for a brief moment, then leaned on the edge of the desk.

"Helena, there is something I wanted to ask you."

"What is it, dear?"

"It's about the Alabastrine."

Sister Helena looked at her with a frown on her face. "It's about what happened in New Altes? Do you believe what they say about her? That she was the one who caused it?"

"I don't believe in anything they say. Let alone what Barbara Roseworth says. The fact she survives is still astonishing," Sister Cellina replied, and that caused Sister Helena to look pensive.

Sister Helena reflected on the events that had transpired just a week ago: the explosion at the royal palace, the assault by vile creatures, and the sudden vanishing of the Alabastrine. The Aplacia Kingdom was in utter chaos. With no king or heir, there was no definitive leader, inevitably sparking a power struggle among the nobles of the realm—one that would soon erupt in a minor war.

However, amidst all the commotion, Sister Helena couldn't help but ponder why the Holy Kingdom seemed to be in such proximity to the royal palace when all of that happened. It almost felt as though they were anticipating an event of some sort, or perhaps they had been dispatched on a mission to search for something, and she knew that because Inquisitors and their pets, those Exorcists, were the ones who cleaned up the mess—eliminating the remaining creatures that attacked the palace.

I truly dislike this feeling. Sister Helena contemplated before raising her gaze to Sister Cellina. "Do you know something?"

Sister Cellina appeared troubled and anxious, which concerned Sister Helena. "Cellina, what is it?" she asked again.

"Our sisters are feeling nervous," Sister Cellina whispered, her voice filled with concern. "There has been an increase in the number of inquisitors visiting the barracks. They've been taking names, asking questions, and causing trouble," she revealed. Helena furrowed her brow, deepening her frown in response to the distressing news.

"Why is that? Has our Reverend Mothers said anything about it?" Sister Helena questioned, her voice filled with anger.

"Of course they have! But the Inquisitors are under special orders from the Sacred Divine, trying to seek out traitors in our lines. Demon sympathisers and heretics."

"And they are looking them among the same people who keep the Hellfront from collapsing?! We are the backbone of the army! The reason the Sunlight Citadel is still standing! How dare they assume we would be traitors?!" Sister Helena snapped angrily.

"It's something all of us share, Helena. We are not happy to be questioned by inquisitors, no less. But we cannot do much. What we know is that ever since the Alabastrine has appeared, the Sacred Council seems on edge."

"Sacred Council, or the Sacred Divine?" Sister Helena hissed.

Sister Cellina remained mostly silent, but an eerie sensation sent chills down her spine. "Helena, we need to proceed with caution. We are unaware of their intentions behind all this and why they seem so fixated on this Alabastrine."

"I know," Sister Helena whispered before she took a deep breath. "I'll speak with Reverend Mother Geminis and also tell our sisters that I want to have a meeting tonight."

"Oh, giving orders now, Captain Haltwing? And here I thought you'd keep your civilian rank," Sister Cellina teased, which made Helena scoff but held a smile on her face.

"Just do it, Lieutenant Lestarnth," Sister Helena replied.

"At once, captain," Sister Cellina replied, saluting and walking away.

Sister Helena couldn't help but chuckle to herself. Still, she was torn about rejoining the Holy Army, but truthfully, she didn't have many alternatives. The good news was that she managed to retain her rank. However, considering everything that was going on, she felt the need to investigate what exactly was happening in the Holy Kingdom. There were just so many things wrong, so many questions and coincidences.

First, she needed to find out what happened seven years ago when her sister, Saint Catherine, supposedly died in that ambush at the Hellfront.

"Why did you go to the Hellfront, sister? Who gave the order and why?"

Sister Helena mumbled before thinking also about Avnas. "Where are you now, Avnas? What happened there?" She wondered, feeling the world was feeling smaller each day.

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Avnas couldn't help but smile as she took in the sight of the princess, looking effortlessly comfortable in her new attire. The soft fabric of Mariel's simple robe draped gracefully over her, while the high boots added a touch of confidence to her steps. Underneath, a cosy garb provided warmth, its gentle texture brushing against her skin. Gone was the overwhelming presence of the eccentric gown Mariel had worn before, and it showed how comfortable she was by smiling brightly at Avnas.

"Thank you, lady Avnas!" The young girl exclaimed.

"Now, don't forget your gloves," Avnas said as Mariel quickly put on the leather gloves. "Your ability activates through touch, right?"

Mariel nodded stiffly. "Yes. But sometimes, while I am sleeping or randomly, I'll get visions or dreams. I don't know what triggers them."

Avnas hummed deeply. "What about the voices you heard?"

"They are also random. Sometimes, I hear them close to me, but other times, it's like a faraway whisper I cannot understand."

"Are you hearing them now?" Avnas asked softly, and Mariel nodded.

"There are so many people, so many—voices. But they are not loud, just background noise, I think. Like murmurs, whispers. But right now, I am not hearing them!"

Avnas nodded, but she couldn't help but wonder if Mariel's gift was more than just clairvoyance. Was it possible that the princess possessed another extraordinary ability, or perhaps her gift was something entirely different? Avnas then recalled the supposed item used by Mariel's family, the one that appeared to have been lost in time.

What kind of item was it? It had to be from Antherion, but which one? Avnas pondered; she realised that she would need to compile a comprehensive list of all the potential items that could aid Mariel. It would be time-consuming to find the right one, as she possessed a vast collection of items—thousands, if not more. But Avnas would find one; she knows she would.

Perhaps [Ethereal Diadem] could work; it added a buff to intelligence for a small period of time and the job class of the Watcher. Maybe [The Vision of Future Past Ring] can work, too. But we don't remember what it does.

"Give me a bit of time, and I'll find a way to make those voices go away, yes? For now, you'll have to hold my hand. Would that be a problem?" Avnas asked, and Mariel nodded quickly.

"No!" Mariel replied happily. "As long I am near Lady Avnas, I don't hear them; everything is so quiet!"

"I am glad," Avnas smiled at the young girl.

You're such a mom. How cute. Albarien said, and that voice echoing inside Avnas's mind could only make her sigh.

We are not her mother.

You behave like her mother.

She is our responsibility. It's different.

Why?

Avnas wasn't sure how to respond. It just is. Avnas replied while hearing Albarien humming deeply.

I suppose the fact she also heard voices made you feel connected to the small human girl. Hopefully, she will not lose her mind like the rest of her ancestors. Or you.

Avnas managed to keep her irritation under control, deciding to brush off the last statement. Moments later, Mariel and Avnas emerged from the lavatory and made their way into the room where Lynas, Elian, and Alex were already waiting for them, fully equipped.

"My princess, you're looking great!" Lynas smiled as the princess nodded, blushing slightly.

"Lady Avnas gave me these clothes!"

"Then it shall keep you protected," Alex added, chuckling at how happy the young girl looked. Then he glanced at Avnas. "Master Avnas, what should we do for now? It would take a few days before someone takes your request."

"I suggest we explore the city," Lynas said.

"Are you sure? This city is dangerous," Elian whispered, still looking quite anxious.

"Yes, but we should gather some supplies. It's not practical to rely on Avnas to feed us as we travel constantly," Lynas suggested, and everyone could understand the logic behind the half-elf's words.

"I suppose some vitality potions and some health potions could help us," Elian replied, apprehensive and nervous. "Maybe some special items."

"I'm interested in finding books on magic and magic scrolls. W—well, not because I want to learn about this continent's magic! But they could prove helpful in the long run," Alex coughed nervously.

"I agree," Avnas replied, deciding that it would be a good time to find more information about this world—maybe, finally, a map. However, she glanced up at her companions and could see their faces filled with shame. Except for Lynas, she was smiling at her without any shame. "None of you have gold," she said.

Avnas stated, and all nodded.

"I swear in the Bizantinne family that I shall repay you, Master!" Alex declared quickly.

"Y—yeah, me too, master! The Aquilae family is way richer than his. I'll make sure to repay you tenfold!" Elian replied, and that statement made Alex scoff.

"Your family is not that rich," Alex mumbled.

"Yes, we are," Elian replied hissingly.

"I doubt it. My family prestige is way above yours!"

"Then why are you asking for gold from our master if the Bizantinne family is so rich?!"

"You're doing the same! Don't you have shame?!"

Avnas rolled her eyes as she glanced at Lynas, who shrugged at her.

"I may be broke, but if you're interested, I could keep you warm in bed," Lynas teased, playfully wiggling her eyebrows and making gestures with her fingers that a woman would recognise, subtly hinting at her willingness to become Avnas' lover. Unfazed, Avnas chose to overlook her advances.

"Let's stay close, shall we? Hopefully, we will not need to wait long until someone sees my request."

Avnas said before the group walked off the tavern, getting ready to explore the large city of Yecora.