After stepping out of the Adventurers' Guild, Vantias gazed at the four large stone statues standing in the center of the square. A healer, a mage, an archer, and a swordsman—each one crafted with remarkable detail, radiating a powerful presence.
Vantias thought:
"It was a short time... but a valuable experience..."
His expression darkened as the memory returned.
"What the orb showed was terrifying... But my mistake in those timelines was joining the organization too late. If I act earlier this time, I can prevent many of those events."
He began walking toward the street. He knew exactly where to go. Thanks to the laziness orb, he had seen various paths—not fully, but enough to know what needed to be done.
Vantias thought:
"I'll have to act a little... play a role, using the knowledge I have. I just hope I can convince him..."
He looked at the mark on his hand.
"It's still unclear what power this symbol gives me, but maybe Aldrin can help me understand."
After several minutes, he arrived at the church. It was magnificent. The tall vaulted ceiling reached up like fingers clawing at the sky, half-lost in the thin mist of sacred incense.
CRRRRRRR—KHHHHHHH—!
Each dim ray of light through the stained glass windows painted streaks of blood-red and sky-blue onto the stone floor.
Rows of wooden pews sat in dead silence—empty, dust-covered—and at the far end stood a grand altar, topped by a broken cross.
As the door creaked fully open, the echo of his footsteps rang through the stone hall. The sound felt both real and like an echo from distant memories.
Candles were lit throughout the church, casting flickering shadows on the walls.
Aldrin, robed in blue, his long hair blending with his garment, was—as always—deep in prayer. The church was mostly empty these days; few in the city still clung to faith. A silver cross pendant rested in Aldrin's hands, his eyes closed in solemn silence.
As Vantias stepped inside, the sound of his footsteps filled the church.
He stopped a few paces behind Aldrin and spoke softly:
"Father... I'm ready to become a servant of the Church."
Aldrin opened his eyes, turned, and looked at Vantias with a gentle smile.
"A servant of the Church? What made you think of that, my child?"
Vantias thought:
"Time to act."
He replied:
"I had a dream..."
He showed Aldrin his right hand—the symbol of the black swallow shimmered in the light. Aldrin's eyes widened in surprise.
"Awakening through a dream... Is that why you want to become a servant?"
Vantias nodded.
"It made me realize this is the best path. When the mark activated, a few fragments of information were inspired into my mind..."
Aldrin thought:
"He activated a mark... It's likely tied to the Prophet class. That would explain the inspiration."
Vantias thought:
"He's thinking about it now..."
Looking into Aldrin's eyes, he said firmly and calmly:
"We are the guides of the path of light, and yet, mere mortals;
We who battle darkness and madness, and...
We protect the innocent,
Though none remember our names.
We have tasted death and madness,
But we no longer fear them..."
Aldrin's eyes widened in shock. The surprise was clear on his face. He responded with a curious tone:
"So that was revealed to you... That's why you wish to join the Order of the Lightbearers..."
He took a deep breath.
"What you just recited... is the secret oath of the Lightbearers. If that came to you through inspiration, then you've come to the right place. But..."
Vantias repeated:
"But?"
Aldrin narrowed his eyes, a slight frown on his brow.
"Receiving those words isn't enough to be accepted here. What exactly was revealed to you?"
Vantias thought:
"I knew he'd say that..."
He took a deep breath and said with a serious tone:
"Terrible things are going to happen in the capital. If I join this organization, I believe I can stop them from happening. I can't say more"
Aldrin thought:
"It sounds plausible... I should give him a chance to prove himself. Besides, someone who can activate a mark may be useful—even if he's lying."
Aldrin said:
"Come with me."
Vantias remained silent and followed Aldrin as he climbed a set of stairs.
At the top, they reached a small room with a dark wooden door, etched with floral carvings. Aldrin gently opened it. The room was filled with modest furnishings—bookshelves lined the walls, a small desk sat in the corner, and there stood a full-length mirror...
A magical mirror, it seemed—no reflection showed on its surface. It was misty and white, as though spinning from within.
Aldrin stood before the mirror, took a deep breath, and looked at Vantias.
He then slowly placed his hand on the mirror. The symbol of a star on his right hand began to glow, and suddenly, the mirror showed an image of a white tower with a golden dome. Vantias's eyes widened in awe.
Aldrin gave a faint smile and said:
"Welcome... to the Path of Light, Vantias."
Vantias thought:
"A magic mirror that can teleport?!"
Aldrin stepped into the mirror. Vantias stood behind him, hesitant. He swallowed nervously, his heart pounding. Slowly, he reached out to touch the mirror. There was no sensation—almost as if it wasn't real at all. Then he was pulled into it.
A vast green field stretched before him, dotted with flowers. In the distance stood the capital, surrounded by buildings with cathedral-like designs and a white tower topped with a golden dome. A few figures in dark navy and black robes moved about, some holding leather-bound books as they entered the tower.
Aldrin, already walking ahead, entered the tower. The interior was far larger than it appeared from the outside—clearly enhanced by spatial magic.
He said:
"This is where we keep cursed objects, and it's also the headquarters of the Lightbearers. Our goal is simple: to protect humanity from dangerous phenomena the average person can't even comprehend."
Vantias, amazed, replied joyfully:
"This is incredible. I'm eager to learn more."
Aldrin gave a brief smile that quickly faded. They reached a white door engraved with angelic motifs. Aldrin turned to Vantias with a serious expression and said:
"But before you enter... I must warn you."