Chapter 23: The Holy Cross

It was a bright morning when Felix unexpectedly overslept, mainly because, for a change, no one had disturbed him.

Lady Elizabeth had gone to the palace early with a beautiful knightess. After confirming that the "Bloody Strangler," Harald, wasn't targeting the imperial city of Titanian, the nobles who had been in fear for days seemed to regain their spirit.

With the demise of Duke Roluomo Molunduo, who held the titles of the Empire's Finance Minister, Central Councilor, Chief Royal Advisor, and one of the Twelve Chairmen of the Parliament, there was suddenly a significant void in both the Cabinet and the Finance Department. Just from the multitude of titles held by Duke Roluomo Molunduo, one could discern the extent of the vacuum.

Established nobles sought to rise, while emerging nobles pursued more power. The military, which had always maintained neutrality, believed it best to support one of their own who wouldn't skimp on military expenditures. Ambition flared in the eyes of many, each fearing missing the opportunities lying under the thorny imperial crown.

Lady Ireland, who had been training Felix daily, seemed a bit worn out. Last night, after teaching Felix the "Holy Cross – Judgment," she left. That day, surprisingly, she didn't tease him but gently patted his head, telling him he would get a day off.

Felix was elated upon hearing this. He was genuinely exhausted from the intense regimen. Each day he spent up to 10 magical hours in meditation and prayer, plus another 4 magical hours studying the "Bible - New Testament" and the "Holy Cross – Teachings." If Lady Ireland was in a good mood, the stunning vampire would even use a whip to push Felix's swordsmanship training!

"You possess a quarter elf lineage, granting you innate heightened senses and agility. It'd be a shame if you didn't tap into these gifts," she'd said. The very next day, she introduced him to a quality whip.

Lady Ireland's training method was straightforward: if Felix could either block or dodge three of her whip strikes, he would have completed his daily training. But the enigmatic vampire possessed a deviously tricky whipping technique. By the third dodge, Felix would be in so much pain he'd wish he wasn't alive.

The knowledge and strength that Felix acquired after 16 grueling hours every day were evident. He had finished reading the thick "Bible - New Testament" and remembered most of its tales.

The 10 magical hours of meditation and prayer fortified Felix's magical prowess and faith in the divine light. He could now delve into the "Holy Cross – Teachings" and self-learn the most potent attack magic of the church – the "Holy Cross" magic!

Surprisingly, over 80% of the church's scriptures had the effect of magical books. The "Bible - Old Testament," penned by the first Pope, cryptically documented 126 divine spells, including a level 120 ultra-forbidden curse: "Descent of Angels."

However, the "Bible - Old Testament" was reclaimed by the church over a thousand years ago. An evil black magician had tampered with the "Descent of Angels" spell over three centuries and successfully summoned a fallen angel from hell.

No one knows the aftermath of that incident. Yet, from that time, the branch of dark magic known as "Black Cross" emerged. The most potent attack magics Felix had mastered, "Reverse Cross – Judgment" and "Reverse Cross – Trial," originated from this event.

After reviewing the "Bible - New Testament," Felix found it hard to further his progress. He decided to take a walk. The "Bible - New Testament," written by the 27th Pope, only documented 46 common divine light arts. Not a single damaging attack spell was listed.

The secrets of the "Bible - New Testament" were straightforward. For instance, the level 36 divine light spell "Heal" on the third page could be discerned by reading diagonally from the last word of the first line.

"Grace of God, the sanctified light…"

While Felix was eager to delve further into the "Holy Cross – Teachings" and its judgment magic, he ultimately decided to heed Lady Ireland's advice and first build a foundation of faith. The power invoked by the "Judgment of the Lord" wasn't merely elemental; it required genuine faith to channel divine strength.

One could simply describe Felix's method of accumulating faith as a slow process of self-hypnosis. When a person refers to themselves daily as a "Servant of the Lord," they'll eventually come to truly believe that they are one. Praying and meditating act as this self-hypnotic process, and when it reaches a certain depth, one's faith can be described as devout and unwavering.

The towering sycamore trees cast mottled shadows, and the morning breeze brought with it refreshing coolness.

When Felix left the Marquis' residence, the stern old butler inquired if he required a guard escort, but Felix declined. Now, Felix's identity was that of a baptized priest, a devout believer recognized and registered by the church's sacred department.

Currently, the imperial city boasted hundreds of senior priests and holy knights, and even a sacred department adjudicator with the lineage of the "Holy Son."

Unless Lady Elizabeth or Fairmuth's enemies had completely lost their minds, nobody would dare challenge him now. While the church might be brutal towards heretics, they are protective of their own. Anyone who assaulted a priest would be seen as trampling on the "Glory of God."

As Felix passed the "Land of Judgment" on St. Elma Street — Saint Elouan, he stopped to offer a devoted gesture of redemption. To truly amass a steadfast faith, convincing himself of his devoutness was crucial. Only when he could deceive even himself would Felix's faith be genuinely recognized by the gods.

After leaving St. Elma Street, Felix's striking appearance caused him a slight inconvenience. Several young, blushing girls approached, wanting to know his name. As a servant of the Lord, he should show kindness to everyone. After sharing his name with a smile, Felix donned a hood to hide his exceedingly handsome face.

Wearing the white priest robe spared Felix from many issues but also brought minor annoyances. Due to his elven lineage, Felix had a slender and lean frame. His chiseled jaw and flowing brown-black hair still drew many eyes.

While passing a goldsmith's shop, a noblewoman who had attended mass at Saint Erde Cathedral recognized him. She was a countess with beautiful golden hair, embodying noble beauty with her fair and voluptuous appearance. Felix had heard her confession, where she lamented her elderly and feeble husband, confessing her uncontrollable desires for a robust knight attendant.

This beautiful countess, despite being deeply rooted in her faith, was not corroded by the hedonistic lives of the nobility. However, physical desires were clashing with her faith, leaving her in turmoil. She felt guilt and sought redemption.

What other priests might do, Felix didn't know. But to save this wavering soul, he gritted his teeth, spent his savings on spell materials from St. Elma Street, and eventually crafted a plastic rod with a specific warmth and suppleness, even featuring raised nodules.

In the end, Felix gained his first disciple. However, when Lady Ireland found out, the gorgeous vampire laughed uncontrollably for a long, long time.