Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 37 - 36 Holy Light Is Everywhere

The full moon was stained red.

Lyle checked the contents of his pouch again like a student preparing to submit his homework. He put on his mask, black coat, leather gloves, and the new black top hat that signified his position as a sheriff. The hat was a symbol of status and had given rise to many hat-related ceremonies. Lyle was eager to inform Mr. Dragon and the members of the Cup of Luxury about his gains.

He was also sure that he would receive encouragement and praise. He patted his chest to make sure it was as firm as a soldier’s. Lyle pressed the Andrey badge.

The familiar sensation of being pulled emerged, but soon after, another force, like a thief, suddenly yanked Lyle away.

Lyle lay on the floor of an unfamiliar place, looking up at the strange crystal chandeliers.

"Welcome back, newcomer. Here’s a document that needs your signature," said Mr. Raymond, clad in his impressive dark golden armor, holding the application for membership in his hand.

Lyle realized that he had been intercepted.

This was the inside of a church, directly across from the main entrance was a stained-glass window adorned with the figure of an unknown angel. About a dozen glowing bats were emitting their own light from the other side of the glass, the father’s or rather the high priest’s pulpit was empty, he himself was lying at the end of the aisle – the site of baptisms, behind him were rows of long benches on either side, with only Eliane, clad in shining white armor, sitting not far away, interlocking her fingers in prayer.

Eliane’s prayer concluded, and she approached to help Lyle up from the ground.

Surrounded by a splendid church and two armored clergy members, Lyle felt out of place.

"Your grace, Raymond, you are too hasty," said Lyle.

"I apologize, but I was too eager to see Mr. Plague Doctor blessed by the Lord. You must understand, this is my first time presiding over a baptism," replied Raymond.

The baptism ceremony, also Raymond’s initiation ritual, should involve the officiant reciting prayers and sprinkling holy water on the forehead of the baptized as a sign of washing away original sin and receiving the blessings and grace of the Lord. But Mr. Raymond seemed to have no intention of going through the process involving holy water, treating the signing of the application for membership as part of the baptism ritual instead.

Indeed, the Holy Light Sect, progressing with the times.

"Mr. Raymond, you kidnapped me," Lyle stated.

"It was the Holy Light that invited you, Mr. Plague Doctor," Raymond asserted solemnly.

Lyle thought Raymond’s righteous words were truly dirty.

"Your grace, such an approach will only backfire. Please, leave the unqualified persuasion to me, a nun," suggested Eliane and pulled Plague Doctor to a bench seat, sitting beside Lyle.

Her voice was gentle and soothing. The knight’s faceplate faced Lyle’s face, and Lyle’s beaked mask was fixedly aimed at her as she held it in place.

"Mr. Plague Doctor, I am truly sorry for the abrupt nature of this invitation, and though your grace may be impetuous, please believe that he has a gentle heart. We made this seemingly forceful move because we hoped you would find your true place as soon as possible."

"Is that the Holy Light?" Lyle asked.

"It’s the goodness in your heart, and the Holy Light encompasses all the good in the world," Eliane explained.

"If you still have reservations about the Holy Light," Eliane gripped Lyle’s left hand, cradling it in her palms with a pleading tone that begged for compassion, "please listen to our holy song. It will tell you that, in fact, we have no disagreement."

At Eliane’s signal, Raymond began casting, effects of light, beauty, and moreover, the voice of heaven.

It wasn’t the Hallelujah that Lyle expected but the simple sounds of the world. The sound of flowing water, plants sprouting, a baby’s first cry, the migration noises of beast herds, and in the end, all turned into laughter. Joyous and sincere laughter. It was a gathering of the world’s wonders, the purest form of beauty that made Lyle close his eyes and slightly raise the corners of his mouth beneath his mask.

Then came the sound of a door breaking.

Bang!

"Raymond! What have you done to the Plague Doctor!" A large dragon burst through the church doors.

It was Mr. Dragon in a frenzy.

He saw Lyle sitting on the bench, drew his Bone Rod, not the one Lyle used to carry, but this one resembled a long-handle battle hammer.

The charge struck against Raymond’s breastplate with force.

With a clang, Lyle’s ears rang. He rubbed them and then opened his eyes.

"Mister Dragon?"

"Yes, I’ve come to rescue you, Plague Doctor."

Raymond moved the Bone Hammer away from his undented breastplate.

"The Plague Doctor is a prospective member of our sect; we have no intention of harming him."

"The Plague Doctor is not your member, not even a reserve. As his mentor in Spirit Summoning Studies, I will protect my student from the brainwashing of Holy Light, especially from a bastard who interfered with my teleportation."

"Hey, was I brainwashed?" Lyle said, puzzled. He thought about it and realized he still retained the ability to make his own judgments.

"Were you just listening to a very pleasant voice?"

"Yes."

"After listening to that song, you would have become a fanatical follower of Holy Light." Mister Dragon sighed with relief upon confirming Lyle could still communicate freely.

"Really?" Lyle hadn’t realized there had been a trap hidden in the voice. He looked over at Eliane, seeking confirmation of the truth.

"Plague Doctor, we actually have no disagreements, you belong to us."

She’s admitting it? Maybe Eliane even had a hint of seduction just now. He hoped that next time she would wear a nun’s habit—at least it wouldn’t chafe as much.

Lyle thought lightheartedly, truly the Holy Light was as dark as he imagined.

"Plague Doctor, we’re leaving now." Mister Dragon put away his weapon. Now that his student was safe, the anger dissipated, and the usually calm teacher returned to his tranquil state.

"Are you going to stop me?" The dragon’s head on Mister Dragon’s costume leaned forward, casting a shadow over Mister Raymond.

"Of course not, everyone has the freedom to come and go as they please."

"Let’s go, Plague Doctor, say goodbye to Holy Light."

Lyle tipped his hat in thanks to Raymond and Eliane for the novelty they had brought to him. Except for the initial forceful teleportation, he felt quite good about everything that happened afterward. Besides, they were all members of Andrey, there was no need for hostility, setting personal reasons aside.

Lyle and Mister Dragon walked down the castle corridors. Andrey was as silent as a dead city, with the vibrancy fading alongside the closed Holy Light Sect.

"Most people have found their own societies within Andrey. The quietness now is the normal state for the castle. Each club is lively, but due to the magic isolation, it’s relatively quiet outside. I really enjoy this tranquility. Sometimes I take my cute little pets for walks on the grass outside. Of course, that’s not to say I dislike the atmosphere at the Cup of Luxury. Mister Gentleman and Lady Alianna are excellent friends. I mean, I also enjoy time alone with my pets occasionally."

"Yes, I can understand, Mister Dragon, pets really do soothe the soul."

"Yes, Mister Plague Doctor, having a friend like you is a fortune I’ve never had before in my life."

Never had before in his life, Mister Dragon was exaggerating.

The two arrived in front of the familiar pink Cup door.

As the door opened, Lyle saw the familiar scene.

The man in the dark golden armor still held that membership application form, and the silver-white Eliane sat in a chair at the side.

"Welcome back, newcomer. Here’s a document that needs your signature!"