The lesser god’s presence stretches all the way to the fork road that leads into town. Mortals would walk through the presence with no sense in mind. For a God, it’s the same as unfamiliar elements clashing against each other. It often alerts them of any Gods within their territory.

Like piercing through a thin paper barricade, my breakthrough leaves a mark. However, if I keep my presence to a minimum, they’ll have a hard time detecting me. Even then, they won’t be able to discern who until they see me.

It’s late in the afternoon by the time we arrived at Elora. The rough-cut brick walls curve past the horizon, making it challenging to figure where it ends. Tiny spots of green moss scatter from inside the cracks of the bricks. Despite the dull canvas with a splash of color, it’s a sight for bored eyes like mine.

The thick chestnut gate is open, exposing its inner regions and crushing the grass that lays underneath. The dirt path evolves to stone the nearer it gets to Elora.

Two humans stand at the gate, both equipped with leather armor on their torso. A single spaulder per guard wrapped around their right shoulder and armpits. Metal spikes stick on their spaulder, their belt, and collar. A knife sheath wraps around their dark cotton pants—just below the belt.

Amidst our walk towards the gate, I notice the older looking guard berating the other for his missing glove. The berated man, however, chuckles in amusement. It doesn’t take them long to notice us.

According to Mercy, the guards usually let her in with little trouble. It would’ve been the same for me—if I actually kept her cloak. It’s clear from the guards’ glares that I won’t be getting the same treatment. Of course, Mercy insists I wear her cloak beforehand.

“Hold there, Sister.” The chuckling man wears his pressing expression rather impressively. “May I ask who this person is?”

“She is accompanying me on my pilgrimage as my guardian. We won’t be staying for long,” Mercy speaks, her voice soft yet adamant.

“I’m sorry, Sister. We’ve been having issues with a thief, so we’re just being careful,” he implores. When addressing me, however, his tone takes a different turn. “You. Put down your hood. I’ll need to identify you.”

I scoff. “Hmph! You can clearly see my face. And identify? It seems you don’t even know what the thief looks like if you’re asking someone like me. Mind you, Sister Mercy began her pilgrimage from the east and her next destination is Voca City. Does it look like we’ve been here before?”

“What?!” The guard takes a stern step forward as if to intimidate me.

Mercy places herself in between, hoping to ease this situation. “I apologize for her sharp tongue, but she is correct. This is our first time here.”

The Sister’s first mistake is not putting me under a silent oath. Without an oath to follow, my words lash out like whips. “Is there a need to apologize to an insignificant guard like this wag?”

“Grr… why you—!” He barks, visibly showing his fangs.

It doesn’t take long for this dog to lose his cool. How disappointing. The guard lunges, his arm aiming at the collar of my cloak. There isn’t one care of the Sister in between us. If he dares to even be near me, then it’s all over.

However, his hand barely passes the Sister’s shoulder before it’s caught within her grasp. She keeps a firm grip, enough to even keep him grounded.

“Anery! What the hell are you doing?” The other guard shouts. “You dare attack in the presence of a Sister? And to even get her involved!”

‘So you’d be fine with the attack if she wasn’t here? Charming.’

The guard’s arm still pointing my way, I notice his dry, cracked skin. Taking a glove off, I brush my fingers across the man’s filthy hand. In a matter of seconds, his shoulders slumps and he retracts his arm. In a low, monotonous tone, he admits, “Yeah. I’m sorry. You ladies can head on inside.”

Without uttering another word, I walk into town. There’s a tiny elevation raise when I step upon these stone roads. It’s bumpy as not all the rocks are even, but at least I’m not tracking dirt every time I lift my boots.

Mercy apologizes to both guards again before catching up with me. Tugging on my cloak, she whispers, “Why did you do that? They were only doing their job.”

“Ask, and I might think about it, but I don’t take orders from a hound like him,” I sneer. “Besides, it’s not like he can actually hurt me.”

I can’t move. She’s still holding on.

Her eyes downcast, she mumbles, “Please forgive them for their ignorance.”

“What? Do you think I’m going to punish them for their sins?” I grasp her hand, releasing the clutch on my cloak.

It’s the same reaction. She draws her hand back to her side. A bit of blush marks her cheeks. “No, I don’t.”

“Good. Lead on.”

The goal is to find a trader on their way to Voca City and hitch a ride. Mercy mentions that we’ll find them at the opposite gate.

Further inside town, I note the plaza to my right that hosts five buildings. Despite the dissimilar shapes and sizes, it’s all connected wall against wall. One could assume this is a single structure in the shape of a U. The tan paint of the walls looks fresh and without a single chip, coating throughout all five properties.

Rows and columns of windows spread all around these buildings. Clothes hang on some balcony rails. Few household items such as brooms, towels, and chairs lay on other balconies. Mortals travel in and out of their homes with complacent and stout faces. It’s like looking into a different world when compared to Landan.

At the center of town is the marketplace where the crowd’s the thickest. Many traveling merchants set up shops in various ways, whether it’s through their makeshift stall or by simply laying a big cloth on the ground. The local farmers have their permanent and sturdier stalls at the core. Colorful fabrics drape over the stalls, protecting the wares from the elements and attracting attention.

Villagers and travelers alike, they all steal a glance at the Sister. Some even grasp their hands in prayer. Even after a century, nothing’s changed. The Church is still a symbol of hope for humans. How unfortunate.

“Hehe…” A devious laugh catches my ear. It’s faint, muffled in a large crowd like this. Scanning my surroundings, I notice a pair of kids rushing towards us. They look like they’re playing, but are obviously up to no good.

‘Let’s see what they’re planning.’

Before the boys can even touch me, Mercy seizes both of them by their wrists. Despite seeing it before, her fast reflex surprises me. Another solemn smile escapes from her lips as she says, “Be careful, you two.”

Upon close inspection, their clothes are worn out with holes poking in from every side. Still, their cheeks stay chubby, not gaunt. Dirt smeared on their faces, but it’s not from days without a bath.

Mercy crouches down to their eye level, rummaging through the pockets inside her cloak. In her palm are two gold coins. “Here. Take this, and stay out of trouble, alright?”

“O… okay!” One of the boys says, aghast.

Taking the coin, the boys slip back into the crowd. Though my eyes can’t track them anymore, I focus on their voices. The world goes mute for a moment until that deceitful tone rings out to me. “What did I tell you? It’s easy when it comes from someone like her.”

‘Now that’s expected.’

On the flip side, the deceived Sister has such a content expression. It almost makes me not want to say it. Almost. “Is this in good practice? Giving money to a thief?”

With so many eyes on us, Mercy signals me to continue walking. “Even in this time of peace, poverty and homelessness are still with us. I can only pray that those boys will be able to escape from their current situation.”

“Will prayers stop them from taking advantage of people like you?” When she doesn’t respond, I say, “Not everyone deserves to be saved.”

No answer. Or at least, not enough time for her to think through. Once a villager makes their move to greet the Sister, it triggers the swarm of greetings. If we weren’t in a hurry, I might’ve let this go on, but we don’t have that luxury. To the people’s dismay, Mercy is pulled away from the crowd.

The north gate is wide open, allowing me to peer into the lush forest that’s inches away from the entrance. A wagon rests a few feet away. Next to it stands a bearded man with an embittered expression. His white dress shirt barely holds that round belly, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. In addition to his pewter pants and dress shoes, the man dresses for his job as a trader to a tee.

Mercy waves for his attention, which is granted in an instant. Just from the sight of her unwinds his stern jaw. “Greetings, Sister. How can I be of use?”

“Hello, mister. My name is Sister Mercy, and I’m currently on my pilgrimage. Are you heading to Voca City by any chance?”

“Yes, I am, but the guards aren’t letting anybody out. Supposedly, an enormous beast was spotted inside the Hasa Tree Forest.”

Her brows furrowed. “Was it near Voca City?”

The man nods, continuing on about the situation. It’s a little long-winded, but it’s easy to summarize. The Mercenary Guild inside Voca City has dispatched their members, so now it’s a waiting game until they slay the beast.

He clears his throat, bringing the conversation to another topic. “I suppose you’re looking to hitch a ride? You and your guardian?”

“Only if you have room.”

“Aye. You two can sit in the back.”

Usually, traders would be cautious of who they let on their wagon, but they’d chuck any sort of suspicion out the window for Sister Mercy. A smile sticks to her face as she clasps her hands and bows her head in prayer.

“Thank you, Mr…”

“Oswald.” He stretches his hand forward.

The both of them shake hands as Mercy replies, “Thank you, Mr. Oswald. I pray for your well-being.”

“Hahaha! You really are as the rumor says.” His belly wiggles to the rhythm of his laughter. He holds no bars to his laughs, the wrinkles on his face stretching and shrinking to the motion. What a jolly old man.

This catches her interest. “What sort of rumor?”

“That you are an angel in disguise! I sure didn’t believe it at first, but those doubts are definitely gone now.”

The compliment seems to deal the opposite effect for the Sister. Instead of holding back a smile from the praise, she’s struggling to keep the smile. “I… Thank you, but I don’t believe I’m anywhere near divine.”

“Truly, you are humble. I don’t want to speak ill about others of faith, but let’s just say I’ve met many before you.”

‘Heh! What a roundabout way to say that they were conceited.’

“Well, anyway—!” The man makes sure not to allow Mercy to comment. “I assume this is your first time here? If so, why not check out what this town has to offer? A-ranked mercenaries have been sent out to slay the beast, so we might be able to leave before the sun sets.”

“Wouldn’t it be dangerous to travel at night?”

“It is, but there is a charcoal camp not far into the Hasa Tree Forest. If needed, we can always stay the night there.” Rummaging through his pockets, he showcases an amethyst pendant. “Here, take it. I’ll let you know when it’s time to head out with this.”

The Sister rubs the pendant against her palm, wondering, “Is it enchanted?”

“Yes.” He pulls out a similar-looking pendant. “I found these a couple of years ago. Nobody knows who enchanted it. As you can see, when I put a bit of mana into it, it shines.” Squeezing the jewel in his hand, the other one in Mercy’s glows. “See? As long as you’re still around this town, it’ll give you the signal.”

“Thank you, Mr. Oswald. We’ll be back later.”

After the goodbyes, we turn around and separate from the merchant. Two paths positioned before us, one leading back to the marketplace and the other to a street enclosed on both sides by stores, a tavern, and several food places. Not wanting to return to the market, I signal to Mercy. She agrees without a second thought.

Mercy sports the necklace around her neck. I can’t stop gawking at it until she hides it under her shirt.

‘Even after all these years, that old brooch is still working, huh?’

She must’ve noticed me eying since she pulls it back out, expressing her worry. “Is there something wrong with this pendant?”

“No, it doesn’t look too shabby.”

A sigh of relief. She studies the pendant, leaving no detail out of sight. “No matter where I look, I can’t find any markings for the enchantment.”

The Sister isn’t adept in enchantments, but even a master wouldn’t be able to attain this level of enchantments. Before I spill out any info, I’d like to gather a few of my own. “Do you see these around often?”

A shake of her head. “I’ve never seen it in person, but I’ve heard about it. These actually have started showing up a lot more after the Crusu War. Like Mr. Oswald said, nobody knows who enchanted these except…”

She trails off, her eyes lining up to mine. It’s as if she’s signaling me for something. Probably an answer. Honestly, if any of these mortals worked their minds, they would’ve guessed who made these “rare items”. Are there really any mysteries in the world when the Gods are around?

I’m never a big fan of indirect questions, but I think I get her gesture. There are many prying ears around us and I’d rather not blurt it here. “Shall we stop by a restaurant? I don’t believe you’ve eaten anything yet. We can talk more about that nice pendant of yours later.”

Necklace slipping back under her shirt, she agrees to the suggestion. “That’s right, I forgot. Are you hungry?”

“You’re asking me if I’m hungry?” I chuckle. “No, but I’ll take you up on your offer. Maybe the aftereffect isn’t so bad after all.”