Chapter 142: A slightly holy meeting…

Chapter 142: A slightly holy meeting...

As I entered Reitos cathedral, I couldnt help but admire its architecture, despite my hesitance. The outside of the building was adorned by elaborate murals that were visible from anywhere in the city due to the buildings sheer height. At certain intervals, a row of angel-shaped gargoyles would stand guard and look upon the city below. If I knew even a single thing about the system, then I knew that those gargoyles could come to life if the cathedral was ever threatened. Another stark reminder that I was heading into enemy territory. Well, that was a bit of a stretch. The church was on my shit list after that last quest, but I still owed the cardinal for that skill-merge crystal, so I guessed both instances canceled each other out.

In the end, Id seen no other option but to meet the bishop after all, since I could hardly give up on his quest at this point. Not after having come so far.

With some trepidation, I stepped into the colossal building, where I had to enter a wing to the side of the entrance, where some priests were waiting for me. After confirming my identity by checking my guild badge, they led me down a seemingly endless hall that was lined with exquisite coloured windows. Each seemed as much a painting as they did a window, in fact. Various stories and legends were told through nothing but drawn figures, distracting me enough to take my mind off of the coming conversation.

Eventually, though, we had reached the end of the hallway. After some more navigating, I found myself standing in front of an ornate, stark white door. The priests that had led me here opened them, before turning away and leaving me inside with a single other person, the cardinal.

Apart from his unusual religious garb, he looked like a kind old grandfather. A bushy white beard, small round spectacles, and a seemingly genuine mile that reached his ears... in any other situation a person like this would not have seemed threatening.

He was the first to greet me by spreading his arms in welcome, his smile widening further.

Arthur, roight? Great ta meet ya, ol chap! Oim Roas very own cardinal, but ya can call me jerry!

What...

...

The...

Cat got yer tongue, ol chap? he said, laughing good-naturedly.

Fuck.

...

My eyes must have nearly fallen out of my head in surprise, the mans attitude way too far removed from what I had been expecting. Jerry must have noticed my discomfort, because he suddenly started sputtering, before he burst out laughing uncontrollably.

Not quite sure what to think at this point, I just continued staring at him. When he finally recovered and wiped the tears from his eyes, his demeanour seemed much calmer.

Forgive an old man his japes. That was a bit of an exaggeration, though I succeeded in loosening some of the tension, no?

...Right. I answered lamely, somewhat embarrassed for falling for his act.

Oh, but my name is Jerry. Jeremiah, to be exact, so feel free to continue calling me that. It cracks me up. He finished, before leading me to a set of comfortable couches that were angled toward one another. He gestured for me to sit, and I obliged.

Suddenly, a tray of pastries appeared on the coffee table located between us, along with some steaming hot tea. The cardinal excitedly took one and took a big bite, before stamping his feet like a young girl eating sweets.

Oh, I just love these. He praised with his mouth still full, spilling pastry on his carpeted floors. I had a baker teleported over from another country just for this one desert, you know?

Properties:

-Extreme durability(tier 6)

After reading it over, childish excitement washed over me. Finally, a reward for my efforts! On one hand, it felt a little underwhelming compared to the bracers essence annihilating effect, but on the other, the permanent protection it would provide could prove to be invaluable. Furthermore, the wristband had the durability of a tier 6 item!

Hurriedly, I rummaged around in the wheat sack, only to find out that it was actually filled with dried wheat. The grains hadnt even been separated from the stalks... Clearly, the cardinal had just snatched up some wheat bushels somewhere. Eventually, though, I felt something metal slide into my palm. After pulling it out and blowing the remnant piece of wheat off of it, a small black metal wristband was revealed. Other than its colour, it had no defining features, which made it seem rather ordinary. Once I slide it on, though, I instantly felt a strange instinct settle into my mind. I knew that as long as I wanted to, I could now tell the band to make some kind of bubble around me. I couldnt wait to try it out, but decided to put it off until later, since I didnt want to offend the cardinal for no reason.

Satisfied? he asked with a smug smile.

I just sighed exasperatedly and nodded, before gathering my courage.

Now that Ive received my reward, I must admit I have a question of my own. I said.

I was met with a patient smile.

Ask. He replied kindly.

Did you know that I was heading into a death trap? The quests difficulty far exceeded what I was originally capable of. Surely you understood that? I explained simply.

The cardinal leaned back into his couch, as if to gather his thoughts, before finally speaking.

See, thats the interesting part... As far as Im aware, the church never issued the quest that you received.

...What? I asked, shocked. What did he mean never issued? Did he not remember rewarding me moments earlier?

Indeed. He nodded seriously. By the time Id heard of what had happened, you had already crossed the border. Thats not to mention that I heard of it from one of the aristocrats bragging about making things difficult for you there.

...But how? How did our guild get fooled? Why would someone want you to regain your artifact?

To answer your questions in order... your guild got fooled because we have a traitor here in the church. I still have no idea who, by the way... Secondly, the perpetrators probably expected you to meet an unfortunate end in the between lands, far away from your friends and protectors. In the case that you succeeded, they probably intended to ambush you to get their hands on the chalice themselves... Either that, or this is a warning. A thinly veiled threat against the newly formed power block here in Roa. The church united with the royal faction, a duke and a guild on top of that... There was bound to be pushback. Unfortunately, you were implicated.

For a while, I just sat there, looking at the wristband in my hands, unsure of what to think. Eventually, I gathered my thoughts and contemplated.

So what am I supposed to do now? Is my family safe? Am I? What quest can I even take if shit like this is going to happen?! I almost shouted, losing my cool.

Your family is safe, from what Ive been told. Your uncle is sparing no expense to protect them. As for you... I think it would be best if you sought some adventure elsewhere, away from Roa. There are many incredible places on the continent. Why dont you explore it a bit more? To that end, Id like to reunite you with an acquaintance that could join you on your journey for a while.

The cardinal explained, before gesturing at the door. It opened a bit, revealing a single eye peeking through the slit. Slowly, it opened further, until there was just enough room for the young woman on the other side to slip inside and shut it behind her.

...hi... Emeri said shyly, while the cardinal chuckled.