Night fell like a velvet curtain across the city, and the bell of the Holy Church tolled softly in the distance. In the quietest hour, under the guise of silence, Priyanshu walked the marble hallway toward the Archcleric's private study. His righteous aura cloak shimmered faintly, enough to be seen by divine sensors but soft enough not to attract attention.
The Church's guards bowed respectfully. No one suspected the serpent in saint's clothing.
[System Notice: Aura Mask Active. Host appears as a Chosen of the Light.]
"Yuvan," the Archcleric greeted him warmly, pouring a golden tea laced with divine essence. "This tea unveils a man's heart. I serve it only to those I consider... trustworthy."
Priyanshu accepted it with a calm smile. "Then I'm honored, Your Grace."
He drank it without hesitation.
The system filtered it instantly, absorbing the holy essence and converting it to spiritual energy.
Spiritual Energy +500Resistance to Truth Magic increased.
"I've felt something unusual in you," the Archcleric said, gazing deeply into Priyanshu's eyes. "Not evil... but ancient. As though you've walked through lifetimes."
Priyanshu remained silent for a moment, then whispered, "May I tell you something in confidence?"
The old man leaned forward.
"I had a dream... of the gods falling. Their temples broken. And in the midst of it all, a figure cloaked in darkness... laughing."
The Archcleric grew solemn. "You saw the Night Prophet."
Priyanshu blinked. "You know of it?"
"The prophecy was sealed for generations... It speaks of one who will come not to destroy the world... but to reset it. Not a demon, not a hero—but something more."
[Hidden Trigger: Prophecy of the Night Prophet – 5% Progress]A path has opened.
"Yuvan," the Archcleric said, eyes burning with inner light. "If you truly bear the mark of this destiny, then we must prepare the world. Perhaps... perhaps the gods are wrong."
Ah, Priyanshu thought. The seed has taken root.
"Your Grace, I am but a man. If fate wills me to walk the path, I shall not shy away from it."
The old man stood and bowed.
To him.
"Then you shall begin your training in Divine Law Magic from tomorrow. And... you shall live within the Church for seven days."
Perfect.
Inside enemy walls, with full access.
That night, as he meditated in the sacred guest chamber, two messages arrived.
The first was from Lilya:
"Target Prince Karan has entered the city. Shall we proceed?"
The second was from the system:
[New Domain Detected: Temple of Eternal Silence]Location: Under the Holy ChurchEntry requires divine key or equivalent deception technique.
Priyanshu smiled.
"Let's dance, saints. Let's see who bleeds first."