17 Communing

The intense disbelieving expression is truly evident on the faces of Theo and Eric upon what Gray had just responded to the pair.

"Are, are you serious Master Elf?" The Priest's voice falters apprehensively as he eyed the Elf. "Surely you are jesting, are you not?"

"Y-yeah." Eric shares the same sentiment as Theo. "I've heard rumors that such terrifying beast possesses speed beyond measure, capable of seemingly disappearing within a blink of the eye!! Are you sure that you are not pulling our leg?"

"F-forgive me for sounding doubtful," Theo said and questions Gray. "But do you have any proof of slaying the unholy creature?"

'Right, a proof.' Gray rubs his chin in thinking. 'I suppose their reactions are only natural but are they just not exaggerating? Sure the Were-Rabbit is fast and all but with the proper timing of dodging its deadly attacks, one can strike while it is off-guard. Well, maybe that strategy is not applicable to everyone as evident by how quick it really is, and I have my <Blink> skill to compensate for my lack in the speed department. Although, the Enraged Status did catch me off guard, almost costing my life, but never again shall I make that mistake.'

"A proof you say?" Gray confirms with the two as they both nodded. As he ponders once again on how to convince them of his deeds, a recollection suddenly struck on the Elf's mind as he remembers a particular item that he looted on the crystal corpse of the Were-Rabbit.

Gray then requested for the pair to wait as he opens his Inventory. Peering into the contents, a smile graced right on his face as he indeed found the item that he is looking for.

Clicking on the said item, the object of interest materialize right on Gray's right hand as he held it proudly for all to see.

"T-this..."

"By the 12 Divines, is that?"

Eric and Theo stated respectively as they indeed could not believe at what they are seeing at this very moment.

"Yup." Gray nods with an accomplished grin as he marvels at the item for the both of them to set their gazes upon.

And the said item is no other than-

"The <Were-Rabbit's Head>," Theo muttered under his breath as he gawked with wide eyes at the decapitated head of the said creature. "So it's really true, you indeed have slain the vicious beast that has been spreading its Lycanthropic corruption within the forest."

"Not only have you save my life." Eric joins in with the conversation. "But potentially the lives of many others as well, ending the Blight in this region. You truly are no doubt, a Hero among our people."

"Ehehe." Gray chuckles, a bit embarrassed by the compliment conveyed to him. "It's nothing, really."

"Words can't express how immensely grateful we truly are Master Elf," Theo said with utmost gratitude in every word.

Then without any warning, something unnatural struck within Theo as his eyes started to be engulfed in bright golden light. This induces him to grasp his forehead in immense pain as he fell down on his knees.

Gray and Eric watch with the utmost concern for the Priest as they decided to approach and help him. To their surprise, Theo lifts his hand in protest, telling them to remain at where they stand despite feeling the pain of the current affair.

After a short while, the pain seems to have subsided as the golden light disappeared completely from the Priest, returning to his normal state of consciousness.

"Are you alright, Esteemed Father?!" Eric instantly closes in on Theo as the former assisted the latter in standing up.

"I'm fine Eric." Theo, slightly panting due to the exhaustion of the ordeal, assures the man of his condition. But his demeanor abruptly changes, now feeling reinvigorated much to Eric and Gray's looks of astonishment. "Never mind that, I have another vision from the Goddess herself again!!"

Theo recomposes himself as he set his undivided attention to Gray. "It appears that Lady Wynather wishes to speak to you personally, Master Elf."

"Me?" Gray tilted his head in puzzlement, wondering what a Goddess would want with someone like him. "But why?"

"I'm not entirely certain." Theo shook his head but he is observed to be smiling despite that. "But I believe that your valiant heroism has surely reached out to the Lady."

'Heroism huh.' Gray thought with a sweatdrop. 'I just happen to be coincidentally in the right place at the right time, so I highly doubt that.'

"I understand your uncertainty, Master Elf." Theo looks at Gray with sympathy. "As a matter of fact, I too was the same when I receive this mysterious gift back when I was a mere Acolyte about your age. The thought of even being in commune with one of the 12 Divines is certainly overwhelming in my part. Because of such a gift that I was able to turn this village into a thriving community of farmers as the vision of the Goddess allowed me to guide my people into prosperity for many years."

Seeing no reason in denying the Priest, by extension, The Goddess' offer, Gray ultimately agrees in the end, resulting Theo to smile in satisfaction at the Elf's positive response.

"Alright, how shall I do this?" Gray asks with his arms crossed.

"Ah, yes." Theo assumes a tranquil smile as he set his sights on the sculpture of the beautiful elven woman right in front of them. "This here is the statue and shrine of Lady Wynather herself. Remarkable is it not?"

"I agree." Gray nods as he could not help but be dazzled at the craftsmanship of it. Not to mention, the woman portrayed in the statue is a true beauty indeed as every characteristic and curve are sculpted to perfection, unlike anything that he has ever seen.

Theo then began telling Gray the instructions of communing with the Goddess.

"Prostrate yourself in front of the Goddess, and all shall be unveiled by her perpetual grace of nature and wind as she confers you her sacred boon."

Gray felt skeptical at what the priest said, but decided to just go along with it. He then gets down on his knees as he started closing both of his eyes in deep prayer.

"Open your eyes, my child."

He then heard an angelic voice coming from within as he adheres to its bidding.

With his eyes now unfolded, Gray could not resist at being stricken with awe upon witnessing such beauty. If this woman is back on Earth, then no doubt she could easily top among the most gorgeous women to have ever lived on his planet.

Revealing before him is an attractive Elven lady with long flowing green hair. She is further seen to be clad in a green fairy dress that showcases a fair portion of her flawless skin.

Also studying his surroundings, Gray's eyes widen at noticing that he seem to be no longer inside the Church but rather in a heavenly garden filled with exquisite flowers of assorted colors and designs.

"Welcome to my Divine Plane of Estelthyr, my child." The Goddess, Wynather welcomes him. As she kept observing the boy, her demeanor suddenly shifted into a darker turn, green eyes flickering dangerously, most particularly at the attire that Gray is wearing as she said the next words with absolute commanding.

"Remove your clothes."