Chapter 183 (1/2)

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Chapter 183 – The White's Teachings

The White's Teachings

Hikaru and the girls left the indoor market. The wind was chilly, but with the sun out, plenty of people milled about on the streets.

As they walked down the road, Hikaru heard something. Many pedestrians stopped short and glanced at a man standing on a platform in an open s.p.a.ce. He wore a gray habit, and there were no white lines on his sleeves. He had short, green hair and cool-looking features—a handsome man.

The man seemed to be using some sort of a magic megaphone as Hikaru could hear him from afar.

『Saint Rusalka said: “Even if you feel superior to others, you must not be arrogant. People have limitless potential. If you believe in G.o.d and walk down the path of faith, you will receive His blessings”. It is said that soon, someone in that village received a great blessing. They then wished to hear more from the Saints, so they came to Agiapole. But Saint Rusalka didn't wish for them to come here. There are many theories as to why—it was dangerous, or the Saint wanted to spread the teachings far and wide, among others. I believe the believers made their way to Agiapole no matter the hards.h.i.+ps that awaited them—』

He was preaching about the Church's teachings. Hikaru listened for no particular reason.

「So these teachings are not from G.o.d specifically. The Church simply preaches the stories of the Saints.」Hikaru muttered.

It made perfect sense. In this world, G.o.d manifested Himself on soul cards. While His existence could be verified, communicating with Him was impossible.

It's strange, though. G.o.d doesn't speak, but drakons do. They're messengers of G.o.d, but they don't know what He wants.

Drake said that when he was back in his home, the heavens, he could feel G.o.d's presence. But down here, that presence felt weaker. He could also feel evil. After all, humans could either walk the holy or evil path.

「Saint Rusalka seems to be the most popular among the believers.」Paula said.

「I like Natalia more than Rusalka.」Lavia said.

「I see you're quite the enthusiast, Lavichan. Saint Natalia's stories mostly involve dialogues with peculiar people.」

「I think the dialogues hold some truth. “If G.o.d exerts His will in this world, then plucking the fruit of a tree is also His will. But why does G.o.d let the fruit rot?”」

「You're not even interested in Saint Natalia's words, but the oddball!」

The church-raised Paula and the bookworm Lavia started talking about religion. Hikaru didn't read as much as Lavia, all the more so when it came to religious books. He felt it unnecessary. He'd only read books that contained information about job cla.s.ses and magic items. In other words, practical books. But watching Paula and Lavia having fun made him want to read other books too so he could join the conversation.

「Hmm?」

Hikaru noticed the man on stage looking in their direction with eyes wide open.

The sermon ended after about five minutes. Such preaching was an everyday occurrence here in Agiapole. Indeed, Saint Rusalka's stories were interesting with its ups and downs.

In this city, the stories of Saints were used frequently in conversations. Learning about them would be of benefit. The people listened in earnest, and they left once it was over.

「I didn't expect Rusalka's knight to do that in the end.」

「Rusalka's knight is so cool.」

「Do you like devoted men, Lavia?」Hikaru asked.

「No. I like you.」

Hikaru was taken aback from her straightforward answer, his mouth gaping.

「Thanks for the treat.」Paula said with a wry smile.

「Excuse me. Are you perhaps Hikaru?」

Hikaru turned around to find the man preaching just now. He knows my name. Hikaru watched him cautiously, but immediately relaxed.

【Soul Board】Shuva Bloomfield

Age: 18 Rank: 11

16

【Vitality】

..【Perception】

….【Hearing】3

【Willpower】

..【Mental Strength】1

..【Faith】

….【Holy】3

..【Charisma】1

..【Appeal】1

He opened the man's Soul Board. Hikaru knew the name Bloomfield. The stranger looked just like her, with his green hair and cool features.

「I heard about Saint Natalia when she shouldn't even be related to my preaching, so I was wondering what it was about.」he said.

Apparently, he heard the girls' conversation. It must be the three points on his Hearing.

「Then I saw you, an adventurer with black hair and black eyes. My sister has told me a lot about you in her letters, Hikaru.」

「Sister?」Hikaru feigned ignorance.

「Sophie Bloomfield, an adventurer with the Four Stars of the East.」