Chapter 41: Gawril

My father handed me an official letter and sent me off to Eldorin's Grace, dressed in a fancy new suit. And yes, that seemed to be the name of the city. Typical of religious people.

There, the next grand cathedral of the Holy Church was located. A carriage was prepared for me, and I set off on my way. During the ride, I let my gaze wander over the vast fields stretching to the horizon. Lush grass and abundant flower meadows lined my path, while the scent of fresh hay and wildflowers filled my senses. The sun shone warmly from the blue sky, bathing the landscape in a golden light.

As I relaxed, surrendering to the gentle movements of the carriage and closing my eyes, I gradually succumbed to the tranquility and beauty of nature. The soft rustling of grass in the wind and the distant chirping of birds accompanied my thoughts. The gentle breeze caressed my face, and I could practically feel the freedom and vastness of the landscape.

Suddenly, my peace was interrupted as I noticed a strikingly handsome man, dressed entirely in white, sitting across from me in the carriage. Panic immediately rose within me. Where did he come from, and what does he want? Did the church send him?

My panic intensified as I couldn't reach Nori or sense any Qi or mana. Yet at the same time, I felt surrounded by a certain presence emanating from this mysterious man.

"Fear not," said the figure in a calm voice. "My name is Gawril, and I have been sent with a message."

I turned my gaze towards him and eagerly listened to his words. The beauty of his appearance and the serenity in his eyes radiated an inner calm that reassured me.

"Thus says the Lord Eldorin: 'I have chosen you, I have blessed you. I will send you out to bring peace and heal the sick,'" Gawril solemnly proclaimed.

"Wait a minute, what if I don't want to? And when was I supposedly blessed?" I scoffed uncertainly.

"So, you want to bring disease and war?" Gawril asked with a gentle smile.

"No, not at all," I quickly replied, contemplating his words.

"And do you not remember receiving the light from Father Ibrahim?" the angel asked cautiously.

"Well, yeah, I do. But that was just a file, a program, you know?" I explained, confused.

"I understand perfectly. The light is a gift from Eldorin, both in this world and any other," he patiently narrated.

"But I don't believe in God. I'm an atheist!" I exclaimed indignantly, letting out my confusion and doubts.

"Well, he believes in you. You can do it. Don't forget to bring peace and heal the sick," Gawril reiterated emphatically.

"I was planning on doing that anyway! Not because someone tells me to!" I grumbled rebelliously.

"Now you won't have to lie when the priests ask you," the angel explained with a gentle smile.

"Yeah, that problem is solved. Thanks, I guess," I thanked him, feeling a sense of relief.

"You're welcome," said the angel, vanishing with a hint of light slowly dissolving. The carriage continued on its way to Eldorin's Grace, while I gazed thoughtfully into the expanse of the fields, now bathed in a warm evening light.

[Anomaly detected]

Suddenly, Nori contacted me again, asking if everything was okay. A wave of relief washed over me as I heard her familiar voice. At the same time, I felt my Qi returning, and the connection to my inner energy was restored.

Deep inside, doubt still raged on whether all of this had truly happened or if it was just a fleeting dream that would continue to haunt me.