Day of Sunar, 6:01 a.m.
Female Dormitory, Temple of Priests Private Compound, Luxen City.
[Greater Origin Enchant].
Dark red lightning appeared on one of Vivian's demonic hands.
She was in her Greater Demon formed because she didn't want to experience the pains of her menstruation.
[Halo].
The moment the golden ring which was appropriate for her 3-meter-tall body started to manifest on her back, the dark red lightning immediately crawled from her hand to her back and was being absorbed by the ring until it grew into a giant golden portal.
She deactivated [Halo].
Brrrrr...!
Her stomach growled.
[Greater Origin Enchant].
She ignored her hunger.
[Halo].
Some of her eyes turned to the clock.
6:02 a.m….
She deactivated [Halo].
Brrrrr…!
Her stomach growled again.
[Greater Origin Enchant].
[Halo].
She deactivated [Halo].
Brrrrrr…!
Her stomach growled once more and this time, she palmed her stomach.
[Greater Origin Enchant].
What's wrong my stomach…?
[Halo].
It hasn't stopped growling since last night…
After eating her takeout meal at around 8:00 p.m. due to the unexpected hunger despite eating around 6:00 p.m., she was revisited by hunger around 11:00 p.m. And since she didn't have any extra takeout meals and the Cafeteria was also closed, she decided to endure her hunger and waited until the delivery service that Lorei promised her yesterday would come.
She glanced at the clock once more.
6:03 a.m.
Should I just go to the Cafeteria myself…?
She shook her head.
I could've done that around 5:00 a.m…
Compared to the other shops inside the compound, only the Cafeteria opens at 5:00 a.m. To be specific, the Priests and Priestesses assigned to the Cafeteria would go there around 4:00 a.m. to prepare and then would start serving at 5:00 a.m.
***
A couple of minutes later…
Brrrrr…!
Vivian's stomach growled and some of her demonic eyes turned to the clock.
6:43 a.m.
WHERE THE FUCK IS THE DELIVERY PERSON…!?
Tch!
She clicked her demonic tongue and it made a weird sound because it was accompanied by a heavy distortion along with a slight screeching and guttural sound due to the inhuman structure of her mouth.
SO MUCH FOR TRUSTING THAT LOREI…!!!
[Greater Origin Transformation].
Blaaak!
She transformed into her human.
How could I have forgotten that I can't trust the word of women…?!
Women are notorious for being so flaky…!
And as she waited for the pains of her menstruation to come rushing at her like a wave, to her surprise, although the pains did come, it wasn't as powerful compared to the last 2 days.
She raised an eyebrow as she palmed her stomach.
I'm already recovering…?
She let out a sigh.
"Like they always say, if you want something done right, you got to do it yourself."
Vooom!
She turned into a blur as she began preparing.
***
7:01 a.m.
Vivian stepped out of the Female Dormitory building and immediately headed to the Cafeteria.
She suppressed the urge to palm her stomach.
Hmm…
I'm really recovering…
If I take 3 Menstral Powders I'll be close or around 90% back to normal…
One of the things that Vivian's mother taught her was to only drink medicine after eating a meal. Whether that's true or not, she doesn't know because she rarely got sick due to her strict and active lifestyle.
Brrr…!
Her stomach growled.
She quickly palmed her stomach as her cheeks turned red and she looked around if there was anyone nearby.
A couple of meters ahead, she saw a Brown Cloak in her mid-teens sweeping the ground.
Since the compound was a private compound where only Priests and Priestesses were allowed to enter and stay, they couldn't hire any outsiders to do the cleaning.
Vivian's eyes focused on the white and young skin of the Brown Cloak Priestess. Her mouth turned watery as an image of her biting, ripping and devouring her flesh flashed inside her head.
She quickly shook her head as she continued walking.
What the hell…?
When did I become a disgusting pedophile...?
When she finally reached the Cafeteria and stepped inside, her brows knitted together.
What's going on here…?
She swept her gaze around.
It's still 7:00 a.m., right…?
So why is the place empty…?
There were no customers and there wasn't even any staff waiting behind the counter.
Well…
Today is the day of Sunar…
So may--…
She shook her head.
I've been here on a Sunda-- I mean Sunar morning before…
"Whatever."
She went over to the counter and focused on the opened door behind the counter which led to the kitchen.
Sniff.
Sniff.
Someone's cooking…
Knock, knock.
She knocked on the counter.
"Hello? Is there anyone here?"
Knock, knock.
She waited for about 5 seconds before knocking again.
"Hello?"
A White Cloak Priest in his early 30s came to the door.
It's him…
It was the same Priest that Vivian saw last time when came to ask Criselle about training.
What was his name again…?
His name was Rex.
"How may I help you, sister?"
"I want to order my free meal today and 2 takeout meals today."
Rex blinked a couple of times.
Vivian suppressed the urge to raise an eyebrow.
Why the fuck is this idiot acting surprised…?
Don't you work in the fucking Cafeteria…?
"Of course, sister. But I can only serve you with the meals that I'm currently cooking."
Are Priests and Priestesses all this lazy…?
"No problem," Vivian said and smiled.
Definitely lazy…
***
Vivian was sitting on the table and in front of her was her meal -- bread, two sausages, a bowl of boiled beans, a bowl of meat stew, a glass of beer and a glass of water.
She tore a piece of her bread, dipped it in the meat stew, and then ate it.
Her brows knitted together.
Hmm...
That's weird…
She picked up a spoon and then scooped a spoonful of the meat stew.
Hmm…
She scooped a spoonful of the boiled beans.
Hmm….
Still the same…
She placed her spoon down, picked up her fork, stabbed one of the sausages and then took a bite.
Hmm…
She placed the fork and sausage down and then picked up the mug of beer.
Sip.
She took a sip and then placed it down.
What's going on here…?
Is this another issue related to my [Greater Origin (Greater Chaos) Mastery]…?
Ever since I learned that [Greater Origin Transformation]…
My appetite increased…
But food seems tasteless…
Last night, I thought it was because the food was no longer hot or fresh…
She picked up a spoon and then scooped a spoonful of the meat stew.
But it's still the same taste…
If she were to describe the food she was eating, it still tasted delicious. However, it was like being on a strict vegetarian diet or only eating fruits and vegetables when you're craving to eat meat.
***
Vivian stepped out of the Cafeteria with 2 takeout meals wrapped in brown paper on her hand.
She let out a sigh.
Time to go back to the dorm and train…
Hmm…
I wonder when is the Pilgrimage-thingy that Sister Annabelle mentioned…?
Is it tomorrow…?
I need to tell her my decision…
I don't want to miss it…
She began walking.
But in case I miss it…
Well…
I'll just focus on leveling up my [Greater Origin (Greater Chaos) Mastery]…
Level 6 is (??/20,000)…
It will probably take me 3 days…
I wonder what's next…?
(??/100,000)…?
Because Level 1 was (??/0)…
Level 2 was (??/200)…
Level 3 was (??/1,000)…
Level 4 was (??/2,000)…
Level 5 was (??/10,000)…
And Level 6 is (??/20,000)…
So it's got to be (??/100,000) for Level 7, right…?
I mean…
If I were to follow the sequence…
Vivian finally reached the Female Dormitory.
***
10:01 a.m.
Temple of Priests Office Building, Temple of Priests Private Compound, Luxen City.
Vivian was walking on a corridor.
After taking 3 Menstral Powders, she felt almost as good as new.
Would Sister Annabelle be in the Library Room…?
I mean…
It's the day of Sunar…
Have I ever visited here during the weekends…?
She tried to recall her memory.
I can't remember…
When she finally reached the Library Room, a dark expression flashed across her face.
"Fuck."
The door was closed.
The room where she and Annabelle had their meeting popped inside her head.
Right…
She could be there…
She headed to the room next door and her dark expression returned.
"Fuck! Seriously?"
Knock, knock.
She knocked on the door.
Click, clack.
She grabbed the doorknob and then twisted it.
"Of course! Why wouldn't it be fucking locked?"
I swear to God that everyone here is fucking lazy…!
Like seriously, super fucking lazy…!
She let out a sigh.
"Well… Nothing to do but go back to training, I guess."
She looked around her surroundings.
Hmm…
Is it just me or does the entire compound feel so empty…?
Although the compound wasn't as noisy compared to walking in the streets, there would still be some noises, like people chatting, the sound of footsteps on the corridor or hallway, doors closing and opening, and etc. But right now, it was too quiet. It was like going to school during the holidays. There would still be people like the guards, teachers, janitors and a handful of students, but it wasn't as lively compared to school season.
"But then again, have I really paid attention to such things?"
She shook her head.
"Whatever."
She began walking.
Back to the dormitory…
As she was walking on the corridor, 3 people emerged from a corner and were heading her way.
Grana was in the middle, Joshua was on her left side and Gillian was on her right.
Vivian knitted her brows slightly as she discreetly checked out Grana.
So that's a Red Cloak…?
And she looks young…
Late 20s…?
So age isn't a factor when becoming a Red Cloak…?
What about the Holy Crusade points…?
She shook her head mentally.
Given her age…
She's mostly assigned at a low-ranking office…
When Vivian and the 3 were about 5 meters away, Grana stopped and turned to Vivian.
"You're Sister Vivian, correct?"
Vivian stopped.
"Huh?"
Grana raised an eyebrow.
"You are Sister Vivian, right?"
"Ah, yes, sister."
Grana continued to raise her eyebrow as she lowered her gaze and gave Vivian a proper look through her glasses.
Why is she giving me that look…?
Does she expect me to be excited or terrified that she, a Red Cloak, is talking to me, a White Cloak…?
I will admit…
You're cute…
But you're not that cute, bitch…
And plus, you're old…
Also, I'm far more talented than you, you worthless lazy bitch…
Joshua turned to Grana with a warm smile.
"High Sister, please excuse Sister Vivian. It hasn't been long since she joined our Temple," he said and then turned to Vivian. "Sister Vivian, this is High Sister Grana, the headmaster of the Temple of Priest Public Office Building here in Luxen City and you may address her as High Sister."
Eh…?
There's a practice like that…?
Vivian lowered her head slightly.
"Forgive me, High Sister. Yes, I'm Sister Vivian."
"Where are you assigned?" Grana asked.
Vivian raised her head.
"Assigned…?"
********************
********************
Chapter 161.5: Aftermath (2)
Vivian raised her head with a confused expression on her face.
"Assigned…? I used to part of the Feeding and Teaching Holy Mission conducted in the city from the Day of Monar to the Day of Fratur. But I got promoted to White Cloak just last week so I can no longer be part of that group and I'm still figuring out what to do."
"That's not what I'm asking," Grana said.
"Huh…?"
"All White and Brown Cloaks, except for a few exceptions, have been assigned across the city to help the victims of the attack in the Royal Palace last night. I don't remember assigning you here."
Help the victims…?
Attack at the Royal Palace last night…?
What is this old bitch talking about…?
She glanced at Joshua and Gillian but neither of them offered any help or hint.
"Um… I've been bedridden inside my room at the female dormitory since the day of Thura because I was suffering from extreme period cramps. I even have Sister Lorei's permission to skip the Ranking Match."
"And now you've recovered?"
"I haven't made a full recover yet. But as long I take 3 Menstral Powders, I'm more or less fine."
Gillian's eyes widened for a moment when she heard that Vivian needed 3 Menstral Powders. In her case, whenever she was on her period, she only needed 1 Menstral Powder.
"What are you doing here?" Grana asked.
Vivian suppressed the urge to knit her brows.
Do Red Cloaks have the right to --...?
Right…
Red and Gray Cloaks are the leaders…
But she's young…
Perhaps all Red Cloaks are like her…?
Megalomaniacs…?
She recalled what Joshua said.
He did say that she's the Headmaster of the Temple of Priests Public Office Building here in the city…
And now that I also think about it…
Sister Annabelle did mention about a High Brother Lucius and High Sister Grana writing a letter of recommendation and giving a medal of recommendation to me for my Holy Crusade contract…
"I'm here to see Sister Annabelle to talk about the Holy Crusade. She told me that I should give her my decision before the end of the month or before our brothers and sisters leave for the Pilgrimage."
"And what have you decided?"
"I'm going to participate in the Holy Crusade and join the Exploratory Division, High Sister."
Grana's expression softened a bit and she nodded.
"As you can see, Sister Annabelle isn't here. Since you're looking for her, you haven't been assigned anywhere and you've already more or less recovered, I'm going to assign you to her group."
Vivian gave a slight bow.
"Yes and thank you, High Sister."
***
10:55 a.m.
Royal Compound, Luxen City.
Vivian was holding a spoon and a bowl of meat stew.
She turned to a man who was standing in line with a group of people and then smiled at him as she passed the items.
The man gave a slight bow.
"Thank you, Honored Priestess," he said as he received the spoon.
Vivian nodded with a smile.
The worker stepped out the line.
What the hell am I fucking doing here…?
This is a fucking waste of time…!
Vivian and a Brown Cloak Priest were serving food to a group of workers.
The Priest was in charged of pushing the cart and scooping food from a large jar and pouring it to a bowl.
Vivian was in charged of passing the spoon and bowl to the workers.
And the workers were in charged of picking and cleaning up the rubble within the Royal Compound that was caused by a fight between the Knights of the Royal Palace versus the demon-worshippers led by the former Supreme Captain Ronaldo.
The next worker stepped forward.
Vivian grabbed another spoon and bowl from the cart, and then gave it to the worker with a smile.
The worker gave a slight bow.
"Thank you, Honored Priestess," he said as he received the bowl.
Vivian nodded with a smile.
My face already hurts from constantly smiling and nodding…!
The worker stepped out of the line.
The next worker stepped forward.
Damn that old megalomaniac bitch Grana…!
***
A couple of minutes later…
Vivian was standing a couple of feet away from the Brown Cloak Priest and the cart while observing her surroundings.
So this is the Royal Compound, huh…
Based on what she was looking at, the Royal Compound was at least thrice as wide compared to the private compound of the Temple of Priests. She was currently in one of the what looked like some sort of front yard-garden of a large castle that had a couple of towers. There were several castles and buildings within the compound and the Royal or Main Castle was around 4 miles away.
She focused on a large hole on the ground with web-like cracks surrounding it.
What kind of weapon or spell could cause such damage…?
The hole was enough for her whole body to seat inside it like a jacuzzi.
She turned around and focused at one of the towers of the nearest castle.
The whole tower was blown away…
"Excuse me, sister," her Brown Cloak companion called.
Vivian turned to him.
"The workers are done eating and there's no food left," he said.
She nodded.
"I see. Let's go back."
The Priest nodded as well.
"Okay."
***
Vivian and the Brown Cloak Priest arrived in front of an open-air kitchen with a tent over it that had several chefs cooking and women wearing maid uniforms washing dirty dishes.
On the side, there two other tents with Priests, Knights and Nobles sitting on chairs and sofas with butlers and maids standing on the sides.
She turned to her companion.
"I'll inform Sister Annabelle that we're done. If she gives us another order, I'll look for you."
The Priest nodded.
"Okay, sister," he said and then pushed the cart to the people who were washing the dirty dishes.
Vivian turned to the other tents and searched for Annabelle.
Where is she…?
She spotted her having a chat with a male Knight in his late 40s and a female Noble in her early 40s.
Who cares if she's busy…
I've worked enough today…
And I'm still on my period…
I have the right to interject…
She made her way to her.
"Excuse me, Sister Annabelle."
Annabelle, the Knight and Noblewoman turned to her.
"Brother Sonny and I are done with our task."
Annabelle nodded.
"Thank you, sister," she said with a warm smile and then gestured to one of the vacant seats. "There's nothing else to do at the moment. If you don't mind, please join us."
"Thank you for the offer, sister. However, if it's okay, I would like to have a private word with you regarding my decision about the Holy Crusade."
Annabelle nodded.
"Of course," she said and then turned to her companions. "Lord Knight Major Seamus, Lady Tess, please excuse Sister Vivian and I for a moment."
Seamus lowered his head a bit in a elegant manner.
"Please take your time, Lady Priestess Annabelle and Lady Priestess Vivian."
Tess nodded elegantly at Annabelle and Vivian.
"It has been a while since I've spoken with the Lord Knight Major that I've started to wonder if he has forgotten about me. This will be a perfect opportunity to seek out the answer," she said with a playful smile.
"I pray to the Elemental Gods to help me because I may not survive this," Seamus said with a serious face.
Annabelle, Seamus and Tess let out an elegantly chuckle.
Vivian, on the other hand, was looking at them with a slightly opened mouth.
What the hell…?
I didn't know you can laugh like that…
Is that some kind of Lore Magic…?
Annabelle got up from her seat.
"I'll catch up with the both of you later."
Seamus and Tess nodded elegantly.
Annabelle turned to Vivian and slightly raised her left hand forward.
"Sister, may I?"
Vivian blinked as her gaze between Annabelle's face and hand.
May I…?
May I what…?
"Sure…?" she said as she reached out for Annabelle's hand. But once their hands made contact, Annabelle slid her arm around Vivian's arm, catching Vivian off-guard for a moment.
What the…?
So that's what she meant…?
OH MY GOD…!
I MUST'VE LOOKED LIKE A COUNTRY BUMPKIN…!
SO EMBARASSING…!
"Shall well take a quick stroll, sister?" Annabelle asked.
"Uh, yeah, sure, of course," Vivian hurriedly replied.
They began walking out of the tent.
When they were already about a couple of feet away from the tent, Annabelle spoke first.
"So what have you decided, sister?"
"I'm going to participate in the Holy Crusade."
Annabelle nodded.
"I'm glad to hear that."
"But I'm not sure if our brothers and sisters already left. I was bedridden since the day of Thura."
"Bedridden?"
"I was suffering from severe period cramps."
Annabelle nodded once again.
"Are you feeling well?"
"Yes, as long as I drink 3 Menstral Powders."
"I pray to the God of Light that He will bless you with a fast and full recovery. Our brothers and sisters haven't yet left for the Pilgrimage, but they will be leaving on the Day of Tuar."
He…?
So they refer the God of Light as a He, huh…
"I see."
"Have you decided which Division you will join?"
"Exploratory Division."
Annabelle nodded one more time.
"That's a very wise decision. I can see you having a successful career at the Exploratory Division. You're intelligent, you're beautiful and you're hardworking. You will easily be able to win the hearts of people during your diplomatic Field Missions.
"And if your group successfully establishes a foothold on a piece of Pagan Land and there's a mine within that area rich with metals, crystals and whatnot or any financial benefit that the Temple of Priests can manage or take part in, you will get a bonus and also a lifetime monthly share of the profit."
It has that incentive…?
I didn't know that…
But then again…
Once I become very powerful…
Would that even matter…?
I mean…
Who's going to stop me from doing anything I want to do…?
I can even takeover a kingdom if I want to…
"Oh, I didn't know that. That's nice."
"It truly is."
"I see."
"Do you have any other questions about the Holy Crusade? Trust me, there are no right and wrong questions because I understand that the Holy Crusade may seem scary, especially to the ones who're going to participate on it for the first time, because you will be away from your home, your family and your friends. So with those reasons, I won't judge. I welcome any question and will answer them to the best of my knowledge."
Vivian thought about it for a moment.
"At the Pagan Lands, I'm free to kill the monsters, right? I mean, assuming that they're viewed as pests."
"Yes, you are."
"I have one question."
"Hmm?"
"Let's say I get my menstruation in the middle of a mission -- I mean, Field Mission, and mind you, I get extreme period cramps that I become literally bed-ridden, what's going to happen?"
"I would suggest that you track your menstrual cycle and then inform your Commanding Officer a week before it happens so that your CO can make appropriate arrangements."
"I see."
They walked a couple of steps in silence until Annabelle broke it.
"Anything else, sister?"
"There's nothing I can think of anymore."
"I'm glad to see that you're looking forward in joining the Holy Crusade. I admire your bravery and dedication, sister. I thank the God of Light that our Temple has been blessed with a sister like you."
Vivian let out an uncomfortable smile.
"Um… I don't know what to say about that… Thank you, I guess…?"
A sweet smile appeared on Annabelle's lips.
"Do you wish to continue walking around or would you like to go back? Although the Royal Compound may have been damage from the fight last night, there are still many beautiful and historical things to see. I can tell you about them if you want."
"Thank you for the offer, sister, but I would like to go back."
Annabelle nodded.
"As you wish, sister."
They turned around and headed back to the tents.
"And about your recommendation letter and medal…" Annabelle began explaining.
********************
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Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
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Please note that the chapters posted there are only drafts. So when those said Chapter Drafts will be published here, there will be some edits. They also involve a few secret outline notes/details that I won't publish here because they contain a lot of spoilers or dispel a lot of mysteries. And at the moment, Chapter Drafts 220-224 are posted there.
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