Episode 38| A test of faith
The morning sun had barely risen over the Temple of Light when the bronze bell rang three times.
It wasn't the bell for prayer.
Nor was it the signal for meals.
It was a summons.
Every priest, from the newest novice to the highest-ranking clergy, gathered in the Grand Hall.
Ryan stood among them, hands folded neatly inside her sleeves, her expression calm despite the unease settling in her chest.
This isn't normal...
The High Priest rarely addressed the entire Temple.
Yet today...
He stood upon the marble dais with an unusually warm smile.
"My beloved children."
His voice echoed effortlessly through the hall.
"I have watched each of you grow."
"It brings me great joy to see so many faithful servants dedicating themselves to the Goddess."
Ryan lowered her gaze.
He's acting.
She knew enough scammers to recognize one.
The High Priest continued.
"However..."
"The Goddess teaches us that those blessed with holy power should never grow complacent."
"I have therefore decided..."
"...to conduct a Trial of Faith."
A murmur swept through the hall.
Even Father Alistair frowned.
A Trial of Faith had not been held in decades.
The High Priest raised his hand.
"Each priest shall demonstrate their devotion before the Temple."
"The trial shall consist of three stages."
"Compassion."
"Wisdom."
"And the Blessing of Light."
Ryan's pulse quickened.
He's testing us...
No.
He was testing her.
---
After the assembly ended, priests clustered together, whispering excitedly.
"A Trial of Faith?"
"I've only read about it."
"They say promotions can happen afterward."
"They also say failures are transferred to remote churches."
Ryan quietly slipped away before anyone could rope her into speculation.
She had barely reached the garden when Father Alistair caught up to her.
"Ryan."
She bowed.
"Father."
Alistair's expression was serious.
"Be careful."
Ryan tilted her head.
"You believe this isn't merely a trial?"
The older priest looked around to ensure they were alone.
"I have served this Temple for nearly four decades."
"I have never seen our High Priest revive an old tradition without reason."
Ryan's suspicion deepened.
"What do you think he's looking for?"
Alistair hesitated.
"...Someone."
---
That evening, Riley removed her rings and slipped out through a side gate.
Raymond had already anticipated she'd come.
She found him waiting at his private residence with two steaming cups of tea.
The moment she sat down, Raymond studied her expression.
"You look troubled."
"The High Priest announced a Trial of Faith."
His smile vanished.
"So..."
"He's making his move."
Riley nodded.
"I think he's trying to flush me out."
Raymond leaned back.
"Then don't give him what he wants."
"I won't."
"But if I underperform..."
"I'll lose influence."
"If I overperform..."
"I'll confirm his suspicions."
She sighed.
"It's a trap."
Raymond chuckled.
"Good."
She blinked.
"Good?"
"My favorite games are the ones where both sides know they're playing."
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.
"Then we'll cheat."
Riley rolled her eyes.
"I should've known that would be your answer."
"I learned from the best scammer I know."
She couldn't help laughing.
"So?"
He grinned.
"So..."
"We rig the game before it begins."
Riley's emerald eyes sparkled.
"...I like that idea."
---
Unknown to either of them...
High above the Temple...
The High Priest stood alone before the stained-glass image of the Goddess.
Asmedious' shadow rippled beneath his feet.
"Do you believe the Saintess will reveal herself?"
The High Priest smiled.
"She won't have a choice."
"If Riley Scott possesses the Goddess's blessing..."
"Then the Blessing of Light will react to her."
"And if..."
His smile darkened.
"...Ryan somehow interferes..."
"I'll finally learn what role he truly plays."
The demon laughed softly.
"A clever move."
The High Priest clasped his hands behind his back.
"Let the trial begin."