16 |A Demon Born of The Sea| 2

"Liliana. Tell me, do you enjoy it here?" Alices' words woke Lily from her momentary daze. She realized her actions seemed a little rude, having just arrived to deliver a report.

"Your Holiness, the-"

"No need to report in. I'm sure this one was successful?" The saintess interrupted and continued to speak without opening her eyes. The air around her surged for a moment before large drops of water appeared from thin air. The droplets floated toward her before dispersing again into a light mist, which then seeped into her every pore.

This was her cultivation at work. She would focus her mind and draw out the water attribute forces, causing it to materialize. After which, she would absorb the physical version to be used to elevate her current strength.

"It was only certain. Since his Highness personally requested he is converted. It was the first time since entrusting us with this task, that he gave us a target. So, it was guaranteed. Wouldn't you say so, Liliana?" Liliana was shocked. She was not aware that his highness the sea god would have directly picked the test subject. It would, of course, explain why they succeeded this time versus the many other failures. Reverence flashed across her face as she whispered a small prayer.

"Your holiness, what should we do now? Since he is awake and does not appear to have even a fraction of his former knowledge or strength..." Liliana inquired after completing her prayer.

On completion, small droplets automatically appeared around her. It seemed the world itself appreciated her faith and dedication as a feeling of weightlessness flowed through her. This shocked her quite a bit since it was the first time she had been in this place.

"This place houses a piece our Lord's own soul, so such a response is normal. However strong your faith is, determines your benefit. If I were to be more detailed." Her holiness paused and thought aloud. 'In the case of the... Well, he is no longer a man or anything human. A thing created from the friction of life and death is simply a demon. Our region's own denizen of the dark. But, I digress...' Her voice became clearer as she continued.

"Have him trained by Kane and sent to Chastities Humor. You two may return to your post at the borders. I would like to thank you for all you have done in your spare time."

"Please don't say that It is our duty to serve you. No matter what is asked of us, so long as it is under your orders we take it as the word of our God." Liliana quickly replied, while bowing deeply. The entire time they spoke neither had moved. Her holiness remained with her eyes closed absorbing the energies around.

Thus, Liliana admired her even more now. Her saints' persistence was something everyone should take as a model. A flame was lit within Liliana's eyes and she was now determined to go back to the borders to cultivate and battle through hordes of enemies. She gave another deep bow before stepping into the air and floated back to the entrance from which she arrived.

The saintess gave a small smile as Liliana flew off. She was sure that those at the northern battlefront would be in complete despair once her fiery-spirited Cardinal returned. Her expression soon went back to its stern default. After, everything was said and done. Cultivation to become an Oracle Saint was the top priority.

--

After leaving her holiness' private hall, Liliana became used to the transition between dimensions finally. The second time through the gate helped negate most of the dizziness, as she appeared in a desolate passage.

With one step forward she disappeared from where she stood. The large doors closed without making a sound, as she departed. A few seconds later she appeared again outside the ritual room on the first floor, before walking in. What she saw within surprised her greatly...