Chapter 96: Raining Weapons

"So you're after one of the Hero's relics. While it's a minor one, it is still in possession of King Griswald. Getting him to part ways with one of his treasures will be rather troubling."

"I would still request that all of you come to the ceremony that is starting soon. While you might be right, and none of you may get a weapon, I think it will do well for you to see how our system and country work a bit."

Ty interjected, stating, "That works for me. I wanted to see the goddess in action anyway."

Lady Amaris gave a slight laugh as she explained, "She is more of an energy than an actual person. Once the ceremony starts, the priest offers a prayer, and she begins to bestow weapons upon the new generations."

Ty, with a bit of a smirk, stated, "Is that so?"

Lady Amaris turned her attention to Todd, who was lost in his own thoughts. "So just to confirm, you aren't going to randomly try and kill anyone, right?"

Todd, a bit perplexed, responded, "I'm the nicest person in this room!"

Nana gave a chuckle and added, "Yeah, I've known him for at least 12ish years, and he's always been nice to a fault. Sort of an idiot sometimes."

Lady Amaris, with a bit of sweat, said, "If you say so, it's just rare to see an Ogre or Orc being so friendly and well-mannered.

"Well, I come from another place where we are just people with green skin."

"I see," Lady Amaris replied. "Well, let's go ahead and get going. I don't mind escorting you to the waiting area if you all want.

Ty looked over both Nana and Todd before stating, "yea that should be fine, it will probably be for the best also to attract as little attention as possible."

Todd grabbed his sack, stating, "It's always good to have extra gear in case we need it," before following the group out the door.

Heading out towards the town, they found it sprawled with people wearing an array of costumes and other aesthetics. Todd wondered aloud, "What's with all the get-ups? A lot of these adults are wearing monster-like costumes, and others are wearing garbs and robes."

Lady Amaris gave a slight chuckle. "It's sort of the kingdom's tradition to dress up as your first kill in honor of good luck for your family."

Todd raised an eyebrow. "Huh, a very violent tradition, but I guess being basked in a weapon culture that's bound to happen."

"As they walked for about a mile, Ty asked, 'How do you all have so many weapons, but the world isn't basked in people fighting or trying to kill each other?' He furrowed his brows, genuinely curious."

His presence added an air of solemnity to the occasion, and the atmosphere in the cathedral grew even more charged with anticipation.

The group watched in silence, fully immersed in the grandeur of the moment, as the ceremony was beginning, and a hushed anticipation fell over the crowd.

The old man at the podium cleared his throat before making a small, deliberate gesture with his hand.

In an instant, a giant axe materialized out of thin air and appeared in his hands, a colossal weapon that looked twice his size.

With a commanding presence, he addressed the gathered crowd, his voice resonating throughout the cathedral.

"Hello, new generation," he began, his words carrying a weight of significance. "It is a pleasure to welcome you all into the new phases of your lives. Today will mark, for many of you, the first step in discovering your purpose and the destination your life will take."

He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the eager faces before him. "It is with the greatest of blessings, on this new year, that I request upon the Goddess herself.

"I ask that she bestow upon each of you a weapon worthy of your innate potential."

"These weapons shall guide you down a path of righteousness and form a close The old man continued, his words resonating with purpose. "These weapons shall guide you down a path of righteousness and form a close connection between you and your kingdom."

As he gestured towards the cathedral's ceiling, a hushed silence fell over the room. From the top of the cathedral, a radiant light began to form, captivating the onlookers.

Ty's eyes widened as he saw the outline of a small face winking at him from within the light.

It was a moment of wonder and magic that left him momentarily speechless. Nana, too, looked at him, her expression a mixture of curiosity and amazement.

Then, without warning, an array of brilliant lights bathed the entire cathedral, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the room.

From the ceiling, two luminous hands emerged, their radiance casting an ethereal glow.

Weapons of all kinds, from swords to lances to maces, and everything in between, began to descend from the celestial hands, landing gracefully into the waiting hands of the young boys and girls.

Amidst the spectacle, Ty couldn't help but voice his thoughts. "I can't be the only one finding it weird that they're giving literal kids, who are just 11-12 years old, weapons. That's kind of unusual, right?" He glanced over at Nana, seeking her perspective.

Nana responded with a touch of humor, "Well, back on Alexeria, young children were often thrown into war early all the time, so it's not the weirdest thing ever. But let a little kid try to swing a mace at me, and he'll find out," she stated with a wry smile, her tone light-hearted.