Chapter 1183. Moneys Worth (1/2)
Ves appreciated the Grand Church of the Grey Martyr. Its museum and teaching wing gave visitors an intimate impression of the Grey Martyr and the early days of the Ylvainan Faith up until the end of the Great Flight.
He knew that the displays and accompanying texts deliberately glossed over the less flattering aspects of the faith. The Attendants of Ylvaine shaped a narrative that inspired both existing believers and nonbelievers.
Obviously, even if the Ylvaine Protectorate gave up on trying to convert the whole galaxy to their faith, they never let go of their dream to spread their faith. Prophet Ylvaine explicitly commanded his followers to do so in many occasions.
Reality trumped the commandments of their holy prophet. With the current strength of the Protectorate, they wouldn't even be able to convert a single neighboring state! Embarking on a grand crusade would only lead to a swift end to the state and the extermination of their entire faith!
Therefore, even if the Ylvainans still upheld the mission to spread the faith in their hearts, the Attendants of Ylvaine did their best to divert attention from this aspect.
The Ylvainan Faith needed to be spread, but the prophet never mentioned a deadline. Perhaps the Ylvainans could embark on their mission a few thousand years later. There wasn't any hurry, right?
Ves also gained a better understanding of why the Ylvainan Faith rose up in the first place. The First Calamity happened during the hectic end of the Age of Conquest. Prophet Ylvaine emerged as a figure of hope. Even as entire planets full of people got blown up left and right, the prophet foresaw an end to chaos and the beginning of a new order.
It was too bad he didn't live to see the transition to a new age. The rise and fall of the Ylvainan Faith was just one of many extreme events that occurred during this time of turmoil. The faith should count their luck that the three leading dynasties managed to ferry the remnants to a new home close to the edge of the galaxy.
Leon drifted over to Ves. ”I hope the displays have given you to a closer understanding of our faith. Do you have any questions about what you've seen?”
”Yeah. How can you reconcile with other faiths that believe in different gods?”
”That's a complicated question.” Leon shrugged. ”We do not necessarily reject the beliefs of every faith. Truth to be told, there is a lot of overlap. We merely believe the perspective of many other faiths are too constrained around a limited range of godlike entities. They may believe that their gods are omnipotent and omniscient, but what is the meaning of our existence to live under such a powerful entity? We might as well be simulated AIs living in a virtual bubble of reality.”
”So you reject that gods are all-powerful because you believe in the self-determination of humans?”
”Not just humans. All life.” Leon smiled in a benevolent manner. ”We are infinitely diverse, and each of our lives are meaningful. The gods who others believe are the beginning and end of everything are not as supreme as they thought. They are merely one of many transcendent existences who have cultivated some fans.”
This was like demoting the image of a god from the CEO of a company into a middle manager. The Ylvainan Faith believed that there were even greater entities than the gods that other faiths worshipped.
The other religions probably wouldn't be able to control themselves if they met an Ylvainan who devalued their gods.
Still, Ves became a little uneasy for a moment. Some parts of Leon's explanation resonated with his own perspective on life. While he had no intention to convert to the Ylvainan Faith, he found it odd that he actually agreed with some of its beliefs.
”The church service is about to start.” Leon said after checking the time on his comm. ”We would be glad if you could attend it, though I understand if you do not wish to be present.”
”You don't mind letting non-believers inside the main hall?”
”How can we spread the faith if we close the doors to our churches?” Leon smiled. ”You'll be placed away from the locals, so they won't be disturbed by your presence.”
Upon his invitation, Ves, Lucky, Ketis, Gavin and a handful of bodyguards climbed up to the upper floor and sat down at a raised balcony. An opaque electronic screen allowed the occupants some measure of privacy while still giving them a commanding view over the main hall and the dais.
A solemn but inspiring service commenced. Ves and the others observed without saying anything. The Grand Church of the Grey Martyr was a place of worship that emphasized the past and the fundamental lessons that could be learned from that time. A lot of families brought their children along in order for them to gain a better understanding of the faith.
A sense of peace and serenity fell on Ves. The Grand Church was so immense that it easily housed a hundred-thousand believers. To gather so many devout worshippers in a single place inevitably sparked a strange reaction.
Ves could sense a faint communal thread connecting every believer to each other. Under the guidance of the priests and the singers, the thoughts of each Ylvainan aligned with each other. While none of them were individually strong, the quantity of people nonetheless produced a remarkable phenomenon!
Just as Ves closed his eyes in order to attune his spiritual senses, Lucky suddenly jerked up from his lap!
”Meow!”
”What is it, Lucky?”
”Meow-meow!”
”There's danger?”
”Meow!”
”Damn!”
Leon and everyone else noted their strange behavior.
”What's wrong, Mr. Larkinson?”
”According to Lucky, we're in deep danger! There is a lot of movement outside the grand church! I'm afraid they aren't here to chat! We should evacuate the grand church and get to safety?”
Ketis already jumped from her seat and entered battle mode. Gavin glanced around with a clueless face. Leon still remained skeptical. How trustworthy was this mechanical cat? Isn't it just an artificial pet?