INTERLUDE: CHURCH OF MADRIS 2

Wood swords hit straw dummies as young shirtless men trained under the spring sun. Captain Stevv led them deeper into the building, which didn't have much for an interior, but its center remained large and opened.

"This is the next generation of [Paladins] or [Templars]," Captain Stevv began his introduction. He gestured at the training youths, some only slightly older than the twins. "It was Boren and Burri correct? And the young lady is named Gray? It would be my honor to be your introduction to the [Swords of Madris]—for we are Her blade upon the mortal realm… soon we will be wielded by our [Chosen] against the heathens who doubt the conviction of our Goddess."

Temtem nodded in agreement before adding words of her own. "Our job as [Priestess of Madris] when such a day descends is to gently heal the wounds inflicted by our [Chosen] and his troops and show them that the correct way has always been the direction Goddess Madris points."

The children nodded obediently, with Gray clenching her fist with resolution. She'd dreamt of one day being a [Priestess of Madris] and helping spread their Lady's word. One day, she would work under the [Chosen of Madris] and help him spread the Light of Wisdom. No one noticed the grey on her grow deeper, more splendid and vibrant.

"What you see before you are [Trainees] who've yet to undergo their second class evolution and decide what way they wish to serve the Goddess."

"What exactly d-d-do the [Paladins] do for the Goddess," Boren stuttered with excitement. He stared at the young men and mocked a practice swing as they did.

Captain Stevv smiled at the sight, slowly bringing them closer as he explained. "You can think of [Paladins] as warriors against the dark—[Ghouls], [Ghost], [Ghast], those tainted wicked creatures of Dark and Death magic are eliminated usually by Paladins of the Church. They are protectors of our people and ensure those laid to rest never improperly return."

"Paladins are also known for their strong sense of justice, and rarely do you see one going against the law… or sneaking over the church's wall," Temtem added, a stern glance directed at her charges.

Boren shifted, scratching his head while avoiding eye contact. His twin, Burri, simply rolled his eyes to the bemusement of Captain Stevv, who continued his lecture.

"The [Paladin] class and strength lay in their oath and conviction to the Goddess, as do all classes of the church, but especially so with [Paladins]—should their faith not be Reverent or higher, then they will find their multipliers severely lacking."

"Reverent? That is the quality of your faith…?" The curious voice of Gray asked. She'd remember a bit from her lessons at school and what Temtem taught her, but she'd yet been properly introduced to everything regarding the church. Temtem always told her she could be taught later; for now, she should just enjoy her childhood.

Temtem nodded, choosing this moment to step forward, her hips swaying. "Just as there are different grades to your classes and skills, Common, Rare, and such… There are five grades of worship, all devoted to a God that may receive." Temtem made sure she held the children's attention as she taught. They were nearly thirteen, and at the age she would properly teach them, especially Gray, the requirements of becoming a member of the church. She decided this moment now to reconnect with an old senior and more. "The five levels are Devotee, Devout, Reverent, Servant, and Priest/Priestess. To be Reverent is to be fully devoted to the Goddess, yet that is not enough, as there are two stages further."

Captain Stevv nodded and spoke, giving Temtem a small break as he spoke solemnly. "A Servant of the Goddess has gone beyond—they are more than willing to become divine vessels for [Messengers] to descend upon them and use their soul as the fuel for its power and face the threat of nonexistence."

Burri's eyes widened. He was devout to the Goddess—doing his three daily prayers and doing his best to study on the scriptures and Nine Mandates, but to sacrifice his soul…? Burri wasn't certain he'd have that conviction.

Captain Stevv noticed Burri's face and the similar expressions of the other children. He laughed, patting both boys on their backs and warmly smiling at Gray. "Don't worry about such things. You're a long way from having to serve the Goddess in that manner."

Boren, who continued to copy the practice swings occasionally, voiced a question on all the children's minds. "Then… what does it mean to be a Priest or Priestess of Madris? Aren't we already at such levels from the classes offered by the Goddess?"

Captain Stevv looked to Temtem, who nodded for him to continue. He directed a warm smile her way before facing the children. "Let's continue our tour as I explain."

The captain began to direct them toward another training area—gazes of respect followed him as he passed, while curious expressions were directed at the party he led. "Let me ask you three… if you are willing to give your soul for a powerful [Messenger] to enter your body and consume your soul to fight against the enemies of the Goddess… then what do you believe would allow you to take a step beyond?"

The children's eyes wandered as they curiously stared at the training ground. The party moved on from [Trainees] to men and women fighting one another with real blades. Blood flowed to the ground, and the throats of Boren and Burri bobbed up and down… not in fear or anxiety but excitement. Their hearts thumped faster, and their gazes fixated on the fighting magi-humans with blood flowing down their bodies. They remained focused on the fight, but the question of Captain Stevv remained in their minds.

…

What would allow someone to take a step beyond devoting their very soul?

…

Gray's eyebrows furrowed, she couldn't come up with an answer, and judging from the faces of her peers, they couldn't either. She decided to answer anyway under the encouraging gaze of Captain Stevv. She didn't get excited like Boren and Burri while watching the training magi fight, but her eyes did light up as she spotted those hurt magi being healed by a [Priestess of Madris].

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"Nothing…," Gray hesitantly answered. Her voice was uncertain, but both Temtem and Captain Stevv turned to look at her in surprise.

"That's right Gray! That's what all at the level of a Priest say," Temtem proudly spoke. "Many have disagreed, believing there is a hidden trick or method to complete such a monumental task, but the moment any become a [Priest], they all answer the same. Some have achieved the level while sleeping, others amid battle, and others while relieving themselves—yet they always answered the same."

"Exactly nothing," Captain Stevv said. "There is no valid pattern or proof to become a [Priest] or [Priestess]," he said, glancing at Gray. "And, should there be any… then only the Goddess knows."

Captain Stevv and Temtem exchanged glances after making a simple symbol of worship. They exchanged smiles and allowed the children to marinate on those words briefly.

"Not even Archbishop Femi knows exactly what he did to achieve true Priesthood," Temtem told the children. "And he is one of the youngest to do so—hence, his promotion to Archbishop is justified."

The eyes of the children widened. They'd met the Archbishop a few times as even with his busy schedule, the man made time to visit all those underneath him—orphans included. They'd met him several times throughout the years and even shared a meal or two.

Captain Stevv gestured forward. "Let me show you the difference between a [Paladin] and [Templar]—let me show you what it means to be a [Sword of Madris]."

He led them forward, nodding in encouragement at the fighting magi who paused to salute him along his way. Their eyes steadied on the children for a moment, a hint of reminiscence in the eyes of some. They, too, remembered when they were bright-eyed children wanting to pursue the paths offered by the church.

Captain Stevv led them deeper within the building. As he did so, the children began to notice how the area split seemingly in two. On one side, there were men in startling white armor with silver highlights. Decorated over any large surface was a sword handle with its blade hidden behind a shield. It followed the same theme with its main color, white and silver, for its highlights. Boren's breath quickened, and his steps faltered. The young boy appeared flustered but strangely hopeful.

Captain Stevv paused right where the paths diverged. "That," he nodded in the direction. "Is where those who chose to become [Paladins] evolve and take their oaths. It is where they will learn spells to fight against creatures of the dark and prevent them from ever taking a foothold in this country. They are the hunters of [Necromancers], users of dark and forbidden magic—keeping Great Edryan safe from the plots of those who'd see it fall.

Within the area allocated to the [Paladins], many sat polishing their armor. Others were training, showcasing different skills and swordsmanship. It was clear most of those near the front were relatively new, as most retained a youthful expression of excitement as they went about their task.

Captain Stevv turned away, and his eyes became proud as he looked in the second direction of the path. It was similar to the first, only like the captain's armor, it followed a theme of white and gold. Captain Stevv stepped into this area, the group following closely behind.

"A [Templar] is a warrior solely trained to protect the sanctity of our religion," Captain Stevv began. "They are warriors more than willing to sacrifice themselves against [Heretics] and non-believers who think that there are no such thing as Gods—only higher leveled beings. They reject the notice of a qualitative change in oneself and believe in nothing but their madness," he sneered at the mention of these people.

"It is the [Templars] who fight against this, who show up to ancient sights from time before to combat anything that may challenge the sanctity of our Goddess and Her divine right to rule."

This time, Burri's eyes were the ones sparkling as he looked around. They traveled much deeper into the area of [Templars] than they did for [Paladins], which gave the youth a much easier time admiring the many men and women present.

It also allowed him to notice the disproportionate amount related to one aspect of the Goddess over another. "There are so many [Templars of War]," Burri gasped, his sparkles growing even brighter.

Captain Stevv shook his head—some of the magi heard Burri and turned; a few de-armored flexed their large muscles and winked at Burri. "Don't let these jarheads fool you. There isn't much upstairs—a bright and young child like you shouldn't be fooled because Templars of War are the most populous. It is only due to our Goddess achieving a domain of War before all others. It is the Templars of Wisdom who shine the brightest," Captain Stevv boasted.

Burri waved his hands with an argumentative tone in his voice as he spoke. "Are all the greatest heroes of the [Templars], Templars of War? Josia the Burden, Cain the First of War—who have the Templars of Wisdom produced that are comparable," he asked suspiciously.

Captain Stevv genuinely rolled his eyes this time, while Temtem placed a hand over her mouth, covering a laugh. Ever since Burri learned to read, he'd use every opportunity he could to land his hands on books regarding the tales of ancient [Templars of War]. He read a few related to [Templars of Wealth] but quickly lost interest due to various reasons. And, tales related to [Templars of Wisdom] were seldom. It was the Goddess's latest domain and lacked the foundation the previous two did. It was only hundreds of years old and not thousands.

"This is the era of Wisdom," Captain Stevv said seriously. "Although new, there are rising talents already comparable to those names you mentioned. Caitlyn the Wise, Darius — New Legend, and many more are rising as Templars of Wisdom. Do keep in mind our classes and skills are different and aren't just brutish like those of war."

"You forgot to mention Stevv the Shield," Temtem called out. "He is also a rising hero who met the [Chosen of Madris] once before."

"Not met, only seen from a distance after he cleared an ancient dungeon from a time before," Captain Stevv countered.

The moment the [Chosen of Madris] was mentioned, all other thoughts and arguments disappeared from the minds of the children.

Gray was the first to voice a question, beating her two companions who opened their mouths to do the same. "You've met the [Chosen]? What was he like?" her curious voice questioned.

Captain Stevv held up his hands. "I didn't meet him; I only saw him from a distance—all I can say is that his presence felt like that of the Goddess," he spoke. The captain made another symbol of worship. He then turned a sly eye toward the children. "Would you like to see what a [Templar of Wisdom] can do?"

The eyes of the boys lit up while Gray kept her curious expression. Temtem turned to her, speaking softly. "When we get back, I'll teach you what a [Voice of Wisdom] is and more about the various Priestesses of Madris."

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