Author's Note:
Character Map:
"X" = Loid Orcus (protagonist)
"(X)" = Loid Orcus (strong inner thought)
°X° = Makina
•X• = Soul Goddess Aksa
^X^ = Sebastian (AI Assistant)
X>X = Chat Window/Panel in the Livestream
*X* = God and Goddess
#X# = Deities
?X?=Unknown Person
' X '= Extra (Maybe or maybe not one time character(for convenience, if their extra that more than one, i will put number('1 1') to the second extra and so on)
×X×=Monster/Enemy
Others:
[X] = Status Board/What is written on it/ Status Window (New)
--- = POV Change
|||| = Time Skip/Time Preview(New)
(X) = Explanation/author/ A.U.T.H.O.R.
([X]) = Sound effect
{X} = Buttons, or something that may cause a certain action
---
Silence hung heavily in the air.
And in my head?
"(Shit… I thought this would just be a quick trip. Why does everything feel like the start of a political-religious campaign?)"[
At that, silence ensued.
All the people in the vicinity who heard my declaration stood stunned—and soon after, the silence broke as murmurs filled the air. Whispered speculations of doubt and surprise rippled through the crowd. Though not loud, a commotion was beginning to stir.
Before it could become a full-blown scene, the elf looked at me again, her doubt still lingering, and spoke:
'⁵ It is said that, like priests, Paladins chosen by the Soul Goddess Aksa—just like other religious orders—are capable of receiving the god's favor: the Divine Power. What mages like myself refer to as 'Divine Magic,' and what the common folk call 'Divine Miracle,'2bestowed by the gods themselves. ⁵'
At her words, I raised an eyebrow—not that it could be seen. I was fully clad in knight armor from head to toe, so facial expressions were pointless. Still, I understood where this was going.
"Hmm... are you asking me to display the divine favor granted by my esteemed Soul Goddess Aksa, as proof of my integrity and truth?"
'⁵ It may come across as rude—as other religious dominions consider such a request sacrilegious—but for me to trust you, as a mage and pursuer of knowledge and truth, there is nothing more undeniable than solid proof. Only then can I truly believe your words. ⁵'
Her reasoning was sound—logical and fair.
Still... I couldn't help but consider that maybe, just maybe, there was something I could gain from this. Asking for something in return might be shameless—after all, they were the ones helping me—but even so... gain is gain.
"I see. Well then, although I am reluctant to request such a thing from my goddess, what you ask is indeed reasonable."
I nod and then look at the elf and said
"In that case, may I ask for your aid during this verification? That way, the trust placed in me is not one-sided."
'⁵ You have my word. I, Velenya, shall aid you in this verification. And besides me, we also have a priest in our party who serves the Earth Goddess Terra, who can assist in this as well. ⁵'
"⁴ Ah! Aye, yes. By the name of the Earth Goddess, I, Dianara, vow to serve as witness and aid in your divine verification. ⁴"
Said by Priest, flustered because she is surprised to be called up.
I turned to both women, nodding respectfully.
"Thank you for your aid."
At my word, a loud sound echoed through the camp. I glanced in its direction — though truthfully, I didn't need to. I could see all around me at all times. Still, for the sake of appearing normal, I turned my head.
There stood a dwarf, with his boisterous laughter loudly traveling across the ears that could hear. He marched up and gave me a hearty pat near the hip — a gesture of reassurance — before bellowing:
'²Hahaha! I don't know about the Elf, but I can vouch for our Cleric!, Trustworthy and reliable, that one! Every time I get banged up holding the line, she heals me without hesitation — and she never charges a single coin!, Thanks to that, I get to save up more for my drinks! Hahaha!
A second voice chimed in — smoother, lighter, more composed.
'¹Hahaha, don't be like that, Garius, Our Elf mage is just as reliable — especially when it comes to anything scholarly and Magic. ¹'
Then came a third voice, loud and cheerful:
'³Right! Just like Daren said — Velenya's attack magic is insane!, She once obliterated an entire group of goblins with a massive—well—boom, and turned them all to charcoal!³'
The dwarf — Garius — let out a disgruntled grunt.
"Tch! Krivven! I was right in front that time. I nearly became one of those goblins!"
( Here out this will be:
'1 X 1'= Human male Swordman, Daren
'2 X 2'=Dwarf Male, Garius
'3 X 3' = Beaskin Male Scout, Krivven
'4 X 4' = Human Female priest, Dianara
'5 X 5' = Elf Female Mage, Velenya)
As the conversation continued and the group voiced their thoughts, I quietly observed each of them.
"(This bunch... or rather, this party—they're quite the fun group. How enviable...)"
I mused to myself, watching the camaraderie among them. Then, gathering my resolve, I addressed them with a steady tone:
"I see. I've heard all of you. Then, please observe carefully. I'll only do this once—so stay sharp."
At my declaration, the entire party stood alert. Even the gate guards and onlookers nearby stepped closer, curiosity and anticipation etched on their faces.
Seeing their gathering eyes upon me, I took a deep breath—and sent a message to Aksa, my goddess.
"(Aksa, your turn. Just a trick or two will do the job.)"
•...The way you worded that sounds an awful lot like you're belittling me. Because of that, I'm tempted to play a little trick myself. Maybe make you look like a liar in front of everyone. Divine punishment, you know.•
"(Pull that stunt and I swear I'll drag your name through the mud so thoroughly, even the worms will start praying to someone else!)"
•Hohoho, jesting, just jesting. I am a goddess, after all—a benevolent one at that. I wouldn't do something so petty to my faithful... especially my own attendant. Although... you are still quite lacking compared to my Saintess Makina.•
"(Tch... yeah, yeah, I know. Compared to Makina, I'm lacking. But remember—Makina is my assistant, not yours. So don't go ordering her around, unless you're prepared to deal with something way worse than my petty grumbling.)"
•Oh please. Who do you think I am? I am the kind and gracious Goddess of Soul, Overseer of Will. I don't stoop to such shameless acts.•
"(Good. At least we're on the same page about that. Now then—your 'thing,' please. Quickly.)"
•Imbecile. Chant a prayer first. Then I'll grant you what you desire. You're pretending to be a Paladin, yes? Then act like one.•
"(Ah—right. Sorry. That one's on me.)
With my exchange with Aksa concluded, I straightened my posture. My demeanor sharpened, and I brought my hands together in front of me.
I began to chant.
I brought my gauntlet-covered hand to my chest and lowered my head, letting the murmuring crowd settle. The air felt heavy—whether from anticipation or divine attention, I wasn't sure.
As I thought about what I'm about to chant, my head only circles around insulting the goddess. At that, seeing it of no avail no matter I try, I outsource the thinking up what to chant to Sebastian, and no more than a fraction of a second, Sebastian sent me a script to read.
At that, I then, in a firm, clear voice, I began the chant:
"O Soul Who watches over the Will of all,
Lady Aksa, hear your servant's call.
Grant me maybe but a glimpse of your grace,
That these eyes may believe, and doubt be erased.
Let not my voice be questioned in vain,
Show them your grace through your holiness mercy.
By my vow and name, I Loid, your Paladin, I kneel,
May your divine will be bestowed upon this humble servant."
The moment the final word left my lips, the atmosphere trembled—just slightly.
And then, it happened.
From beneath my feet, a faint light spread in a perfect circle—an intricate pattern forming like glowing embroidery: weaving symbols that I didn't see before. It shimmered in silver-white, ethereal and cold, but undeniably divine.
Above my head, a faint apparition appeared. It wasn't solid—a translucent crest formed of flowing light. A stylized soul like Guardian Spirit flickered like flame framed in a crescent, suspended midair like a holy sigil. The crowd gasped.
And then—
•There. Satisfied?•
"(You made it flashy.)"
•You said you wanted to convince them, didn't you? Honestly, mortals are so easily impressed. I barely put in effort.•
"(You call that barely? You added sound effects.)"
A soft ringing filled the air—like wind chimes resonating from some celestial realm.
•Okay fine, I did add sound effects. I have a reputation to maintain, you know.•
'D-Divine Manifestation!'
'By the gods…'
'Truly a paladin…'
The whispers swirled.
Then, Velenya—the elf mage—took a step forward, her sharp eyes wide behind her scholarly composure. She held up her staff and murmured a detection chant, her voice almost trembling.
'5 There is… no illusion. No enchantment or any Magical Indication. That energy… it's holy essence… That is divine magic. 5'
The dwarf priestess Dianara gasped and clutched her own earth-inscribed prayer beads.
'4 Aksa truly has marked you… By Terra, this is real…4'
I gave a theatrical sigh (privately, of course).
"(All this trouble just to prove I'm not lying. Can't wait to see what other hoops I'll have to jump through…)"
I looked up slightly, offering a simple, solemn nod to both of them.
"As I said—I am her Paladin. I speak only in truth."
_____________________________________________________________________________AOT
Hello there readers, sorry for long hiatus, i want to be called that but, i just arranging my plot of this story and my other story too, and of course their also the school thing
But heek, were here to read, so my apology, but welcome back, now then, Have a Good read and Day to come