Rian and Ria were exploring the vibrant market of Altechna with their companions, gathering information. The market was bustling with all sorts of merchants and travelers, and it exuded Altechna's unique culture along with its various goods. They looked around the market, collecting small clues about the Noktus.
In the midst of this, what caught Rian and Ria's eyes was a massive cathedral towering beyond the market. The cathedral was a magnificent and intricate stone structure, with spires that seemed to pierce the sky and beautifully carved stained glass that left a lasting impression. The way it glittered in the sunlight evoked a sense of both reverence and dignity.
Rian: "Whoa, it's huge… Is that a cathedral? We didn't have any buildings like that in Elysium."
Ria: "You're right. As a new nation, Elysium doesn't have a massive cathedral like this. It looks like religion and faith play a big role here."
Lucas saw Rian and Ria staring at the cathedral in awe and explained with pride.
Lucas: "This cathedral is one of the most important holy sites in Altechna. Our kingdom has a long history, and this cathedral is the center of that history and faith. You could say it is a result of Altechna's architectural skill and the depth of our faith."
In front of the cathedral, Rian and Ria saw a group of people praying and receiving holy healing from Clerics. It was a scene they were not yet used to in Elysium, but in Altechna, it was a very natural sight.
Rian: "So those are Clerics... I've never seen anyone heal by borrowing divine power before."
Ria: "Yeah, in Elysium, we saw Druids more often than Clerics. I heard they don't really favor Druids here."
Lucas nodded and continued his explanation.
Lucas: "That is correct. Altechna values Clerics and priests more than Druids. Druids emphasize harmony with nature, but in Altechna, the cathedral and holy magic hold greater influence. While Druids lead development through nature and magic in Elysium, our center is faith and the priesthood."
They also talked about shamans. Shamans tended to stay on the outskirts rather than in the cities, and their tendency to handle the power of nature meant that in both Altechna and Elysium, they were more commonly found outside of urban areas.
Ria: "It seems shamans are perceived differently in both our countries, too. They mostly operate outside the cities."
Lucas: "Indeed. Shamans generally prefer to work in nature rather than in the bustle of the city. However, the power they possess is recognized as important in any country."
Brunok also nodded in admiration of the cathedral's architecture. As a Dwarf, he had a keen eye for stone construction, and he immediately recognized the delicate and precisely carved stone sculptures and the balanced structure of the cathedral.
Brunok: "Not bad, this cathedral. The stonework is pretty exceptional. For a Dwarf like me to be impressed... I have to admit, it's good."
Brunok was a Dwarf who boasted unparalleled skill in stone carving, but even to his eyes, Altechna's cathedral looked like a work of art. Its delicate carvings and grand structure showed him a new dimension of stone artistry, different from what he knew.
Looking at Altechna's cathedral, Rian and Ria keenly felt the cultural difference between Elysium and Altechna. Though Elysium was growing rapidly as a new nation, it still lacked such a large-scale religious center. Through the Clerics and the cathedral they saw in Altechna, and the power of history and faith contained within, they came to a deep understanding of a culture different from Elysium's.
This experience became an opportunity for Rian and Ria to learn from Altechna's strengths and made them dream of new possibilities for Elysium. The existence of the Clerics and the cathedral was a fresh shock to them, providing a small hint about the direction Elysium might need to take in its future adventures.
****
Episode : The Raid on the Holy Site
Rian and Ria came to participate in a visitation event at a holy site of the Altechnan cathedral. This event was one of the most sacred rituals in Altechna, an important day for retrieving an ancient artifact from the holy site and performing a sacred ceremony. The artifact brought from the site was a holy symbol of Altechna, meant to pray for the peace and well-being of the kingdom.
Lucas explained the importance of the holy site and the artifact to Rian and Ria, providing them with an opportunity to experience Altechnan culture firsthand.
Lucas: "These artifacts symbolize the sacred history and tradition of Altechna. They are a very precious heritage to us. Today's event at the holy site is a chance to experience the essence of Altechnan faith."
Rian and Ria were drawn into the reverent atmosphere of the cathedral and the holy site, realizing anew how deep Altechna's faith and tradition were. They looked around the holy site, watching the priests and Clerics prepare for the sacred ritual. But the peaceful moment did not last long.
Suddenly, the soldiers guarding the holy site shouted a tense warning. A dark energy was detected from the forests and rock crevices, and soon, corrupted Elves revealed themselves. They began to attack the holy site, using dark magic to throw their enemies into confusion as they aimed for the artifact.
Soldier: "Enemy approaching! They're corrupted Elves! Assume defensive positions!"
Rian immediately grasped the situation and drew his greatsword. The corrupted Elves were using dark magic and poison to confuse the soldiers. They moved quickly, launching a merciless assault. Ria cast a defensive spell against the enemy's magic, protecting Rian.
Ria: "These aren't simple bandits... They're the Noktus's corrupted Elves! They're after the holy site!"
Rian: "We have to stop them! Lucas, Brunok! Prepare for battle!"
As a Battle Mage, Lucas began to cast powerful spells to subdue the corrupted Elves. He mixed ice and fire magic to block the enemy's path and brought them down with powerful magical explosions. Brunok used his gun to accurately strike the enemy's key points from a distance. His shots were deadly, restricting the enemy's movements.
The battle raged on, and it seemed the holy site's defenses were beginning to crumble. That was when the Clerics stepped forward. They formed a defensive line, healing their allies with holy magic while simultaneously blocking the enemy's attacks. The Clerics protected the holy site with defensive spells and immediately healed the wounded soldiers. Their abilities went beyond that of simple priests.
Rian: "I can't believe the Clerics fight like this... Their holy power is incredible. We would've taken much more damage without them."
Ria: "They weren't just a symbol. To see them play such a crucial role in actual combat is amazing."
One Cleric cast a defensive spell, blocking the magical attacks of the corrupted Elves, while another ran to a wounded soldier, healing his wounds with a sacred light. They withstood the enemy's assault, boosting their allies' morale and turning the tide of the battle in their favor. Rian and Ria were impressed by the Clerics' abilities and realized they were a vital part of Altechna's military strength.
Lucas cast a powerful spell at the leader of the corrupted Elves. The spell broke through the enemy's defense, and Rian used the opening to swing his greatsword and cut the leader down. Brunok finished the battle by firing his gun at the last remaining enemies.
After the battle, the holy site was peaceful once again. The artifact was safely protected, and the Clerics tended to the wounded soldiers one by one, cleaning up the battlefield. Rian and Ria were greatly impressed by the combat and healing abilities the Clerics had shown.
Rian: "We wouldn't have been able to resolve the situation this quickly without the Clerics. I realize now they aren't just simple priests."
Ria: "Elysium might need this kind of ability, too. I learned a lot today."
Lucas smiled at Rian and Ria's admiration.
Lucas: "The Clerics of Altechna are powerful beings in both faith and combat. They are not simply priests who pray, but holy warriors."
Rian and Ria gained a deep understanding of the cathedral, the Clerics, and the culture of Altechna. Through this experience, they dreamed of Elysium's future and pledged to strive for a greater goal.
***
Episode : Unexpected Admiration
Even after the battle at the holy site in Altechna ended, Rian and Ria continued to track the movements of the Noktus. They discovered suspicious traces near the cathedral and realized they were connected to the dark magic used by the corrupted Elves. Rian followed the trail, finding clues, while Ria analyzed them to plan their next move
Rian: "This... is a trail left by the corrupted Elves. I think we can figure out where they went."
Ria: "You're right. If we follow this magical trail, we might find out more about where they came from and what they're planning."
Lucas watched Rian and Ria from a distance, observing their actions intently. He had been hoping they would make a mistake or rest on their laurels as a prince and princess. But contrary to his expectations, Lucas couldn't hide his surprise as he watched Rian and Ria take the lead in everything, transcending their royal status.
Upon seeing the wounded soldiers nearby, Rian immediately ran to them and began administering first aid. He checked their injuries and provided all the help he could on the spot. Ria was by his side, carrying medical supplies and comforting the soldiers with gentle words to ease their anxiety. The two of them paid no mind to their titles, focusing only on helping those in need.
Rian: "This wound isn't deep, but there's a risk of infection. Let's treat it as best we can."
Ria: "I have the medicine we need here. Just hang in there, it'll heal soon."
Rian and Ria tended to the soldiers, acting as if they had forgotten they were a prince and princess. They didn't care about their dirt-stained hands and clothes, carrying out their duties even in the filthy environment. Lucas was shocked by their actions, realizing just how shallow his own prejudices had been.
Then, seeing the sacred objects from the cathedral scattered and dirtied during the battle, Rian and Ria began to gather and clean them without a moment's hesitation. Rian carefully wiped a broken holy relic, showing his respect for the sanctity of the items. Ria also cleaned the cathedral's objects, paying her respects to the holy place.
Lucas: (to himself) "A prince and princess shouldn't have to do this kind of work… I can feel that they are truly dedicated to their country."
Watching Rian and Ria, Lucas reflected on his own past. He had grown up in comfort and had often felt anger and disappointment at not becoming the heir to the throne. When Alexander became king, he felt as though he was living in his brother's shadow. At times like these, he agonized over why he couldn't have been king, tormented by doubts about his own abilities and by resentment.
Lucas: (to himself) "I indulged in comfort and sometimes spent my time in anger and jealousy toward my brother. But looking at Rian and Ria now, they are fulfilling their responsibilities as descendants of royalty."
Lucas realized how shallow and selfish his intention to monitor Rian and Ria and point out their faults had been. Lost in his own disappointment and anger over not ascending to the throne, he recognized that he had never seriously considered what he should do for his country and its people. Rian and Ria had become a lesson for him, and their actions were a great shock and awakening.
Rian and Ria confirmed the clues they found and quickly tidied up the surrounding area. They did everything they could, without any unnecessary pride or arrogance. Watching them, Lucas realized how lacking he was in comparison. He came to accept that Rian and Ria were not simply a prince and princess, but true guardians working for the sake of their nation.
Lucas: "Rian, Ria… you two are really something else. Completely different from what I expected."
Rian looked up and accepted Lucas's words.
Rian: "We all have to do what we can. Being a prince and princess doesn't make us an exception."
Ria: "Exactly. We're just fighting for Elysium, and right now, for Altechna too. Our titles don't matter."
Lucas was deeply impressed by Rian and Ria's words. He had been monitoring them, hoping they would make a mistake, but instead, he found himself admiring their dedicated attitude and sense of responsibility. Lucas felt that Rian and Ria's actions were showing him a new path, and realized that being with them could be an opportunity for his own growth.
Lucas: (to himself) "Could I dedicate myself to my country like they do? Moving beyond anger and disappointment... this must be what it means to become a true leader."
Rian and Ria saw their mission through to the end, fulfilling their responsibilities at the holy site. Watching them, Lucas began to learn about the true leadership he had overlooked for so long. He realized that this adventure with them was more than just surveillance; it was a chance to reflect on himself and grow.