The carriage traveled along the main road of Ilursil, heading toward the Evernight Cathedral.
Inside the carriage, Aaron silently contemplated.
'This visit to the Evernight Cathedral isn't just about choosing a faith—it's more importantly about communicating with the Evernight Goddess to secure Her assistance.
With my own concealment abilities, I can barely deceive demigod-level Beyonders of the Black Emperor and Justiciar pathways, masking my uniqueness.
But as the eldest son of a duke and future heir, if I want to make my mark in Backlund, I'll inevitably have to meet King George III of Loen.
And the current George III is at least Sequence 2, most likely already Sequence 1, attempting to accommodate other Black Emperor Sequence 1 characteristics.
Faced with an angel of that level from the Black Emperor pathway, He would immediately see through my peculiarities.
If that happens, not only will my plans fail, but my safety will also be compromised. Without solving this problem, I can't go to Backlund.
Yet with the grand curtain about to rise, Backlund is a place I must go.
The only solution now is to speak with the Evernight Goddess, seek Her covert protection, and ask Her to use the authority of Concealment to mask my anomalies.
With the apocalypse approaching, whether the Evernight Goddess wants to nurture a powerful ally for the end times or desires the waters of the River of Eternal Darkness, I have the potential to be a worthy investment.'
With this thought, Aaron exhaled slowly and steeled his resolve.
---
St. Francis Cathedral, headquarters of the Evernight Goddess Church in East Tucker County.
St. Francis was a saint active in the late Third Epoch during the founding of the Evernight Goddess Church, recorded in various holy texts. Thus, "Francis" was a common name among devotees of the Goddess.
The cathedral stood tall and solemn, its architecture seemingly woven from the night itself—constructed from black stone blocks. The walls were carved with intricate patterns, exuding an aura of tranquility.
The carriage came to a slow stop in the grand plaza before the cathedral. Night had fallen, and the crimson moon hung high, casting everything in a faint scarlet glow.
A white-haired elderly man, dressed in the black robes of the Evernight clergy, stood at the cathedral's entrance. His hair was neatly groomed, his expression serene and kind. Beside him stood several priests.
Matthew Adams, one of the thirteen archbishops of the Evernight Goddess Church, overseer of the East Tucker diocese.
A Sequence 4 "Nightwatcher" of the Evernight pathway, revered as the "Ring of the Goddess," and wielder of a Grade 1 sealed artifact.
Recalling his father's introduction during the carriage ride, Aaron followed the Duke toward the archbishop.
Matthew Adams stepped forward, drawing a crimson moon over his chest with four clockwise touches.
"Praise the Goddess. Welcome, Duke East Tucker and Lord Aaron. Please follow me into the cathedral to confirm your faith."
Without further pleasantries, the group entered St. Francis Cathedral.
Inside, the space was grand yet serene. Arched ceilings stretched overhead, while crimson moonlight filtered through stained glass, painting the stone floors in a soft scarlet hue.
The interior was elegantly simple. Stone pillars lined the hall, supporting the structure, while ancient murals depicting biblical tales and saintly figures adorned the walls. Rows of pews stood neatly arranged, awaiting devout worshippers.
A sacred, tranquil atmosphere permeated the cathedral. Flickering candlelight dotted the space, emitting a faint fragrance. Despite the late hour, the air hummed with piety as scattered devotees murmured prayers.
Matthew Adams led the Duke and Aaron to a private prayer chamber in the rear. There, under the archbishop's guidance and the Duke's supervision, Aaron underwent the rites to formally become a follower of the Evernight Goddess.
Aaron frowned.
'Since entering the cathedral, I've stopped concealing my anomalies—even actively channeled traces of the dark golden mist.
Yet there's been no reaction. It seems the Evernight Goddess' attention is mostly fixed on Sefirah Castle, monitoring it intently.*
No wonder the moment Klein descended from Sefirah Castle, that Sequence 1 "Attendant of Mysteries" characteristic fell into the Land of Forsaken.
In that case, I'll have to take a calculated risk. Hopefully, since I'm now Her follower, the Goddess won't smite me outright.'
Taking a deep breath, Aaron traced a crimson moon over his chest and addressed the archbishop and his father with slight unease:
"Praise the Goddess. Your Excellency, may I offer a private prayer to the Goddess here?"
Faced with this abrupt request, Matthew Adams smiled gently. "Of course, Lord Aaron. No devotee of the Goddess would refuse such a plea."
The Duke frowned slightly but said nothing as he followed the archbishop out.
Once their footsteps faded, Aaron waited a moment longer before stepping deeper into the prayer chamber. Facing the wall, his thoughts churned.
'Setting up a spiritual barrier might alert the two demigods, making it hard to explain. Besides, with them keeping watch, no one should eavesdrop on my prayer.'
Seated on the floor before the Evernight emblem, Aaron quietly prayed while channeling his spirituality toward the dark golden mist in his mind's infinite heights.
"You are the Evernight Goddess stands higher than the cosmos
and more eternal than eternity. The Lady of Crimson, The Mother of Concealment, The Empress of Misfortune and Horror,
Mistress of Repose and Silence."
He paused, maintaining his connection to the mist—still no response.
Sighing, he added with a wry smile:
"Amanises."
Yes, Amanises—the true name of the Evernight Goddess.
This was a last resort. Uttering a deity's true name would draw Their gaze. Dangerous, but undeniably effective.
Silently, Aaron's figure began vanishing as if erased by an unseen hand.
In the prayer hall, Matthew Adams and the Duke suddenly stiffened. Sensing something, they whirled around—their pupils trembling.