After bringing the unremarkable wooden staff back to the real world from above the
He lit the candles, burned the corresponding essential oils and herbal powders, took two steps back, and began chanting the Goddess's honorific name in a low, practiced voice before saying: "I offer this staff brimming with the power of life to you, and humbly pray for your favor."
He didn't directly mention the Mist Wolf's Felted Heart and the Frost Crystal. Including them would have made this an exchange of equivalent value rather than a selfless offering made in supplication for a gift.
Other aspects of the ritual didn't need to be overly meticulous, but on this fundamental matter of attitude, Klein felt it was important to be careful.
As Klein's words came to an end, two of the three candle flames suddenly swelled, intertwining together to form a phantom and ominous mystical gate.
The gate slowly swung open, stirring up a powerful invisible wind.
It swept up the "Staff of Life," carrying it through the gap in the phantom gate and into a scene that resembled an endless starry sky, where it vanished.
Immediately after, a flash of light pierced the barrier, and two items silently descended onto the altar.
One was a strange heart woven from wisps of white mist. The other was a Frost Crystal that radiated a bone-chilling cold.
Klein's heart leaped with joy, and he quickly bowed his head in gratitude for the Goddess's bestowment.
By the time he raised his head again, the dark and mysterious gate had already closed and was rapidly fading, with the altar area fully returning to normal.
Phew, it actually worked... Klein let out a sigh of relief, stepped forward, and put away the Mist Wolf's Felted Heart and the Frost Crystal.
Now that he was relaxed, a few thoughts flitted through his mind—thoughts he absolutely could not speak aloud: "If I had known it would go this smoothly, I didn't necessarily have to use the 'Staff of Life'...
"Maybe all that junk of mine would have been enough...
"Perhaps the Goddess would have granted it even without any offering at all. The current situation suggests that She herself supports my advancement to 'Ancient Scholar'...
"Of course, in that case, the gift might have been too generous, and I have no idea what price I'd have to pay in the future. It's more reassuring to exchange the 'Staff of Life'...
"Hmm, it seems like before I advance to Sequence 2 and obtain an Angel's status, the Goddess will likely still favor me. After that, it's hard to predict what developments and changes might occur..."
At this thought, Klein reined in his wandering mind, concluded the ritual, and tidied up the altar.
Then he began planning how to deal with the Dogs of the Root of Fortune—the so-called "Guardians of the Source Castle."
"The Magician" never performs without preparation.
…………
South Bridge District, Chinese Rose Street.
Leonard changed into a black-and-white checkered police uniform, donned his "Red Gloves," and led his squad members along with the real officers to the only church of the
His epaulettes bore the insignia of a Senior Inspector, though in truth, given his Sequence rank and his status as a "Red Gloves" squad leader, he should have been equivalent to a Superintendent or even a Commissioner-General—but officers at that level rarely took on this kind of mission, and wearing the corresponding insignia to the Harvest Church would easily arouse public suspicion.
Passing through the main gates, Leonard swept his gaze across the interior and found it nearly empty—only two figures were present. One was Bishop Uslofsky, seated in the very front row, deep in prayer, massive as a small hill. The other was a handsome young man in priestly robes, with black hair and red eyes, who was cleaning the floor.
He gave two light coughs to draw the half-giant bishop's attention, prompting him to open his eyes and look over.
"I am a Senior Inspector with the Backlund Police Department." Leonard presented his credentials. "We have matters requiring you to come back and assist with an investigation."
Father Uslofsky slowly rose to his feet, looking down from his towering height but speaking in a mild tone: "What matters?"
"Residents in the vicinity have reported your behavior as abnormal. You may be a spy from Feysac or Feynapotter," Leonard recited the pretext he had prepared well in advance.
At the same time, he stood ready to forcibly drag Bishop Uslofsky into a dream. Should the man resist, he would aim to bring this favored one under control within the shortest time possible.
With the strength of a "Red Gloves" squad, as long as they did not directly encounter a true demigod, even when facing a favored one who wielded a sacred relic, they had a considerable chance of subduing their opponent.
Moreover, before departing, Leonard had also requisitioned a Grade "1" sealed artefact—which was precisely why he had delayed the operation until today.
Father Uslofsky was silent for two seconds, then turned his head to look at Emlyn White, who stood by the candelabra.
Emlyn's already somewhat complicated expression froze for a moment. He opened his mouth but could not seem to find the right words.
Father Uslofsky withdrew his gaze and nodded slightly: "Very well."
…This cooperative? I was expecting an incredibly fierce battle, having to be extremely careful not to cause casualties… Leonard blinked in surprise, then broke into a smile: "Thank you for your cooperation."
Had a fight actually broken out and harmed one of the Earth Mother's favored ones, Leonard suspected the already tense situation would deteriorate rapidly.
Through the ancient history he had learned from the "