【The church has learned that the man in black is named Robert Jack, a member of the Rose Legion. He previously left a note outside Morning Dew Park to pass on a message, though Robert himself did not know who the recipient was. He also revealed a Rose Legion hideout that he was aware of.】
Olivia nearly jumped.
Was this Robert’s mouth really that loose? No, no, that might not be the case. With the church's capabilities, they didn't necessarily need the interrogated person to speak; they could obtain information through transcendent means.
For instance, they could extract it from dreams. People were often in a daze while dreaming.
Olivia paced back and forth a few times before letting out a sigh of relief. Although Robert could keep no secrets from the church, he didn't actually know much. At the very least, he didn't know that his note was intended for an undercover agent in the monastery, and the cathedral wouldn't think in that direction.
The only problem was that Robert had revealed a Rose Legion hideout. She didn't know if other Rose Legion members would be there, how much they knew, or if they would be captured.
Olivia quickly asked the magic mirror about this.
【According to the cathedral's action records, they found only traces of everyone having left in advance at the Rose Legion hideout. They did not gain much.】
This answer allowed Olivia to relax completely.
The guys from the Rose Legion seemed quite cautious. But that made sense; to become such a massive heretical organization, the people inside would naturally be cautious enough... well, most of them would be. Those who weren't cautious enough could go sit at the same table as Robert.
At that moment, Melanie returned to the meditation room and walked in, so Olivia stopped questioning the magic mirror.
The lady with long purple hair and emerald eyes smiled and said, "Olivia, your application has been approved. Starting today, you are a full nun. I also have your updated meditation method. I'll teach it to you first."
Olivia thanked her hurriedly, though her expression was a bit subtle. She already knew that the one who approved the application was Melanie herself.
Next, she began learning the Bright Light Meditation Method. Because she had already mastered the Radiant Meditation Method, the process of learning the Bright Light Meditation Method was far too simple for her.
However, she couldn't afford to stand out too much. Even though she had mastered the technique, she pretended not to understand, asking several questions and taking five times as long before indicating she had grasped it.
"You really are a super genius," Melanie remarked with a sigh.
'Was five times still too fast?'
Olivia gave a wry smile. She could only say her starting point was a bit too high. Having mastered the Radiant Meditation Method, she could see through the techniques of the same series almost at a glance.
Fortunately, such a speed only made Melanie marvel; it wasn't enough to leave her shocked or suspicious.
"Next, I'll teach you combat. I know you're interested in it. Even though you're a girl, you chose the Arbiter path before; you really are a bit more special than most," Melanie said with a smile.
She then began to instruct Olivia on how to master combat, bringing out a book titled Path of Judgment and explaining its contents.
This was exactly what the magic mirror had mentioned—the book with the highest level of combat recorded in the Daylight Cathedral.
The so-called Path of Judgment referred to the combat styles and techniques an Arbiter used against various enemies. Of course, it only covered combat; no other Arbiter abilities were mixed in.
"Actually, this book should be called the Path of Asceticism. The Arbiters in here are actually Ascetics. We only call ourselves Arbiters to the outside world because we need to stay hidden," Melanie added, making Olivia’s expression turn strange.
Under Melanie's guidance, Olivia learned combat techniques at a steady pace.
She felt as if she were a natural-born fighter. No matter the technique or method, she could understand it instantly upon hearing it and demonstrate it perfectly.
'Is this a natural benefit of the Ascetic path?'
Olivia loved this state, but after learning for a while, she couldn't help but ask, "Lady Melanie, I've noticed many combat techniques require weapons. Should I apply for a spiritual weapon?"
Ordinary weapons couldn't serve as a weapon for a transcendent; they had to possess spirituality themselves.
Only a spiritual weapon allowed a transcendent to extend their magic into it, exerting greater power. Ordinary weapons would be destroyed directly by the magic.
"Of course you need a weapon. Ideally, one with the ability to change size at will—it could be a dagger, a longsword, a broadsword, or even a massive slab," Melanie laughed.
Olivia let out an 'uh,' not quite understanding Melanie's meaning for a moment.
Melanie took a necklace from her pocket. It had a silver-white cord with a silver cross pendant, looking much like a piece of art.
"Olivia." Melanie handed the necklace over. "Speaking of which, I haven't given you a reward for helping me lure out the members of the Bloody Sickle. Although I could simply draft you based on my position without giving you anything, I'm not the type to exploit my subordinates. This 'Cross Grace' is yours."
Olivia reflexively took the necklace, not understanding its function for a moment. She almost wanted to ask the magic mirror.
But Melanie provided the answer first: "This Cross Grace is a spiritual weapon. It has the ability to grow or shrink according to your will. Try using it."
'Grow and shrink at will? Just like how Melanie shrank herself before? A spiritual weapon can do that too?'
Olivia's curiosity and interest were piqued. She immediately funneled her magic into the Cross Grace. In the next moment, the weapon's various usage methods were etched into her mind.
Spiritual weapons possessed spirituality and naturally knew how to let their users master them!
After understanding how to use it, Olivia grabbed the pendant-like cross and gave it a slight tug. The cross detached from the necklace and rapidly expanded in the air, transforming into a silver sword. She gripped the shorter end in her hand.
The sword was quite light and shaped like a cross. It was covered in complex Sylvan Runes. Given Olivia's knowledge of Sylvan Runes, she could see they were words of empowerment—things like 'sharp,' 'keen,' and 'sturdy'—turning into tangible supernatural effects through the runes.
She performed a few sword flourishes, her movements looking exceptionally practiced. Silver sword-light clustered and bloomed before her, demonstrating the Cross Grace's excellent magic conductivity.
Olivia was very satisfied with the sword's utility. She willed the Cross Grace back into its pendant size and reattached it to the necklace.
"Thank you, Lady Melanie. This Cross Grace perfectly matches my imagination of a spiritual weapon." Olivia's gratitude was heartfelt.
"It is the reward you deserve," Melanie said with a slight smile.
Next, Olivia continued to learn combat from Melanie. However, the process was no longer bare-handed; she practiced how to fight while holding the Cross Grace.
Melanie spoke as she taught: "transcendent from different paths master different abilities. Many supernatural powers have a treacherous and unpredictable side that requires specific countermeasures. So, Olivia, you also need to understand the abilities of other paths. Only with enough knowledge can you respond better when you encounter them in the future."
She started with common paths like Swordsman, Shield Guard, and Cavalry, telling Olivia what abilities they possessed and how to deal with them.
Then she expanded to other paths.
Even the church couldn't claim to have mastered the knowledge of every transcendent path in the world. Melanie only spoke of what she knew, but with her vast experience, it was enough to provide Olivia with a wealth of insight.
While mastering combat, Olivia also asked about other abilities of the Ascetic path at the Pilgrim stage, such as the ability to trigger painful emotions in others.
Melanie immediately replied: "That also requires study, but you are currently focused on combat and cannot divide your attention. My suggestion is to master combat to a sufficient degree before learning other abilities. At the Pilgrim rank, combat is undoubtedly the most important ability for an Ascetic. There is no question about that."
Olivia could only nod.
Before they knew it, the sky had darkened. Crimson moonlight once again fell upon Kaliron, draping the domed buildings of the South District in a crimson veil.
Melanie glanced out the window. "It's evening again... Let's go eat first. After dinner, we'll rest for a bit before continuing our combat practice."
Olivia was surprised to hear this. "I don't have to go out with Deacon Ronan and the others tonight?"
Melanie shook her head. "No need. I suspect the vampires of the Bloody Sickle might want revenge, but because you're always with Ronan and the others, they have no way to strike. The vampires planning revenge might not be as strong as I previously expected; Ronan alone is enough to keep them from acting."
She told Olivia that the luring of the vampires still had to be done, but next, Olivia would need to act alone.
Of course, not now, but tomorrow.
Melanie had already made arrangements: "Tomorrow during the day, at any time, go out once. Go to the theater to enjoy the latest play, go to the racecourse to watch the horses, go to a coffee shop to sip coffee, watch a bard perform... Whatever you do is fine. Consider it your day off."
"No problem," Olivia agreed.
Unlike the anxiety she felt when she first learned she was to be bait, Olivia's heart was much calmer now. After all, she was now a Pilgrim and had enough confidence.
...
A new day arrived quickly.
Because today was a holiday, it wasn't appropriate for Olivia to wear her nun's habit. Thus, for the first time since her transmigration, she put on clothes other than a habit.
She changed into the outfit provided by Melanie in her room at the cathedral and stood before a full-length mirror, checking herself in the gentle morning sunlight.
She wore a cream-colored silk lining under a short, thin wool shawl, paired with a high-waisted linen skirt that reached mid-calf, giving her a ladylike appearance.
She put on a wide-brimmed hat with a pale yellow ribbon, using it to pin down her golden hair that easily caught the wind. Her fair face needed no makeup; it was clean yet still appeared delicate, with large eyes shimmering with an amber glow.
Touching the cross necklace around her neck, Olivia felt a bit strange. The girl in the mirror was truly beautiful—ladylike with a sense of innocence, and within that innocence, a hint of cuteness. No one would take her for a nun; she looked more like a young noble lady preparing for an outing.
"Olivia, I can understand that as a beautiful young lady, you might have some narcissistic thoughts, but it's time to head out."
Melanie's voice came from the pocket of Olivia's long skirt.
"No... I'm not being narcissistic. I'm just checking if there's anything wrong with my outfit," Olivia quickly defended herself.
But honestly, she really was pretty.
Melanie, lying in her pocket, couldn't help but roll her eyes. "There's nothing wrong with your outfit. On that point, I am very certain."
"Alright, it really is time to go." Olivia raised her hand to press down on her wide-brimmed hat and stepped out of the room in her linen-colored soft leather boots.
On the way, she ran into Vanessa and received a stuttering compliment from her.
During this, she learned that Vanessa and the others' actions last night had still yielded no results. Ronan had decided to end the operation, believing that the stolen dreams of the believers on Aus Street was just an isolated incident.
Passing through the corridors and walking past buildings with silver-white walls, Olivia looked like a believer who had just finished praying as she stepped out of the Daylight Cathedral.
Today's weather wasn't as hot as the previous days; there was finally a touch of autumn coolness. The breeze made Olivia's skirt sway slightly, and her calves could clearly feel the refreshing air.
Standing at the cathedral entrance, she scanned her surroundings. Without hesitation, she walked toward Triumphant Square.
She had known yesterday what she was going to do today, so she had naturally planned how to spend the day. She intended to use the little time remaining in the morning to watch a performance at the circus, which was just across from Triumphant Square. By the time the show ended, it would be noon, and she could find a restaurant nearby—one with decent style but not too expensive—to settle her lunch. After that...
Olivia pondered as she walked.
In the center of Triumphant Square was a massive fountain, with clusters of water splashing out like umbrellas.
Many white pigeons with sleek feathers were around, sometimes flying, sometimes landing to eat breadcrumbs scattered by passersby.
There were many benches in the square; some were empty, while others were occupied by men reading newspapers or women resting with children.
In the vast square, many people were coming and going, many of whom were heading toward the nearby Daylight Cathedral.
'There seem to be more people than usual today. Is it a holiday for others too? Is it Sunday?'
Olivia realized she lacked a sense of time. Fortunately, she only needed to ask the magic mirror in her mind to get an answer.
It was indeed Sunday, the most liked day of the week.
Unlike the world Olivia had lived in before her transmigration, which had two-day weekends, this world only had Sunday as the legally mandated day of rest, aside from specific holidays.
Of course, church personnel didn't have fixed holidays, but they could apply for leave, which was generally granted as long as it wasn't too frequent.
Olivia was lost in thought when she suddenly felt she had bumped into someone. She reflexively stepped back a few paces and looked at the other person.
It was a lady wearing a fine linen shirt with a lace collar, topped with a short black velvet vest. Below, she wore a floor-length gauze skirt, and her light red hair fell naturally in curls.
At this moment, her azure eyes held a hint of surprise. Her feet in low heels also stepped back several paces from the collision, looking as if she were about to fall.
She lowered the newspaper in her hand and looked over with an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry, beautiful lady. I suppose I shouldn't walk while reading the newspaper, even if the content is indeed very captivating... Are you alright?"
"I... I'm fine. It's not your fault. I wasn't focused enough while walking either. I'm very sorry," Olivia replied, shaking her head.
On the surface, she acted as if nothing were wrong, but in reality, her heart was nearly jumping out of her chest. Fortunately, as a Pilgrim on the Ascetic path who had undergone some training, her control over her own body had reached a certain level, allowing her to barely manage her heartbeat so it wouldn't be abnormally fast.
She recognized the person in front of her.
In the original host's memory, it was this very person who had given her the order to go undercover in the monastery. This was a member of the Rose Legion—her direct superior!
Fiona Cortez!
She recognized the other woman, and the other woman naturally recognized her. The contact just now was definitely no coincidence; Fiona had intentionally come before her and made contact on purpose.
However, out of caution, Fiona didn't immediately act as if they knew each other. Whether or not to drop the facade and discuss the organization's business depended on Olivia's next reaction.
'How on earth am I supposed to describe how I feel? The vampires never showed up, but members of the Rose Legion keep appearing one after another. Even Fiona is here. Is someone playing with me?'
Olivia cursed inwardly.
The other woman's proactive contact had truly frightened her. After all, Melanie was currently in the pocket of her long skirt, silently watching the outside world. If she didn't respond well and exposed something, heaven knew what that chanting nun would do to her.
Even if the other woman had treated her well before, it was all on the premise that she was purely one of their own. If her identity as an undercover agent were exposed, the treatment she faced would definitely no longer be the same.
"Fortunately, neither of us fell. We didn't present an unladylike scene in full view of everyone. I suppose that's a blessing in disguise. I think it must be because of the Goddess's protection. Praise the Goddess."
Olivia traced a pentagram in front of her chest.
She was using this attitude to tell the other woman that now was not the time to drop the facade. She believed Fiona would understand.
"Praise the Goddess," Fiona also traced a pentagram.
The practiced motion made Olivia's eyelids twitch involuntarily.
The Rose Legion was established precisely because they didn't want to see the divine power become too great; their aim was to overthrow all divine authority and establish human rights.
'But Lady Fiona, your motion for the pentagram is so practiced. It must be the result of hundreds or thousands of hours of diligent training... just like mine.'
Olivia naturally knew this was a false front maintained to hide one's identity, but knowing the other's true identity still made her feel strange.
The two said nothing more and went their separate ways.
Olivia had only walked a dozen steps when Melanie's voice came from her pocket: "She actually didn't strike? I was just a hair's breadth away from taking action myself."
Those words gave Olivia a start.
She whispered, "Why take action? That lady just now should have just been an unrelated person, right?"
Melanie's voice came back: "That's not it. She didn't accidentally bump into you; she intentionally targeted you, approached you, and pretended to bump into you unintentionally. It was all deliberate, which is why I almost struck."
Olivia listened with a trembling heart. Melanie's observational skills were far too strong. She was clearly hidden in a pocket and couldn't even poke her head out to observe her surroundings.
She thought back to the night when Melanie had noticed Robert Jack; the woman had shown incredible insight then as well.
'Is this an ability that Ascetics possess later on?'
Fiona hadn't gone far yet. Would Melanie intend to strike and capture her? The cathedral was within sight; interrogation wouldn't be much of a hassle.
Olivia knew she had to say something to prevent that possibility from happening.
Rate on N.U.
