Holy Priests and Paladins

The questions didn't come easy. Breton found himself rethinking what he should ask. Emre and Idris were both patient as they waited, enjoying the comforts of a couch after having sat on a saddle for hours. Emre even felt that he could take a nap if he wanted to.

"Mm…" Breton finally made a noise as he scratched his bearded chin. "I think the first thing I want to know is… the magic you used is radiant magic right?"

"Yes, I used radiant magic. Idris used shadow magic." Emre confirmed.

"Holy magic is very rare… I'm surprised to meet two people that can use it." Breton mumbled. "But to what extent are you able to use it?"

Emre's brows raised. "Have there been known limits to using radiant magic?"

"Yes." Breton nodded and began to elaborate. "Do you know about the others before you that were known to have used radiant magic?"

"I do."

"While the First Priest was able to hear all of the Gods' voices, there are no records of him being able to use any weapons or other types of powers from them. It's only labeled radiant magic because it was too unprecedented for anything else." He explained. "As for the High Priest that attempted to purify the Dead Lands, that was her only known ability. She was labeled as a High Priest despite not being able to hear the voice of her God instead of a Paladin because her ability was not a damaging one. It was the first and only purification ability we'd heard of."

"What about King Senteus?"

"He is a tricky one, mainly because he has not been proven to have radiant magic. We have only heard rumors, and he has refused to share the truth to any previous or current High Priests and Paladins. We've begun to suspect that it is entirely just a rumor with no truth behind it."

"And the man known to use shadow magic?" Emre wanted to know if a Paladin had more information than Ragan.

"Unfortunately, we do not know the true extent of his abilities. According to High Priest and Paladin records, he was able to travel from shadow to shadow without issue. It was an overpowered stealth ability. After being caught using it, he was accused of dark magic. He proved everyone otherwise after touching one of Animor's orbs. But after that, he disappeared."

It was the first time he heard the term dark magic. The voice had not informed him of this type of magic before so he wanted to ask about it, but decided to do so later. Right now he was more concerned about the fact that all of these abilities that he heard of seemed barely different from what High Priests and Paladin were usually gifted.

"Why are these magics listed as radiant and shadow magic when it is only known that they were only able to use one ability? Is that not no different from regular Paladins and High Priests?" Idris asked what he was thinking.

"It is because they don't fall into the norm of High Priests and Paladins either. Paladins are gifted a single ability by their respective God. This can be a weapon that they can wield or a destructive power. For example, I am able to conjure up a holy sword to wield in battle and the God of Fire's Paladin can conjure radiant fire arrows.

"A High Priest can hear the voice of their respective God. As such, they are able to convey their wishes as well as give the appropriate duties to the Paladins of their God if there is one.

"The First Priest could hear all the voices, not just one. The High Priest that tried to purify the Dead Lands had the power of purification rather than a damaging ability. It did not fall into the Paladin category. And the same goes for the man who could use shadow magic. As such, they were labeled with users of radiant magic and shadow magic instead."

Emre looked at Idris with furrowed brows. If this was the case, there were no actual solid users of radiant and shadow magic known in history. Emre and Idris would be the first two who seemed to be able to use their magics fully. Especially since Emre was sure that he would be able to learn more in the future as he leveled up.

And Idris had somewhat similar abilities aside from that he was just less experienced in knowing how to use his magic like Emre was. Overall, Emre came to the conclusion that they were the first people to actually be able to use holy elements as they were meant to be used.

With a small sigh, Emre shook his head. Breton looked confused and uneasy by the action. Had he said something wrong?

"It's not appropriate to call single abilities like that radiant or shadow magic." Emre let out.

"Eh…? Are you saying the records are wrong?"

"It's not that they are completely wrong. They are right in the fact that all three of those people were able to use holy magic, just as Paladins and High Priests are able, but it is technically not enough to call their powers holy elements; radiant or shadow magic specifically."

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean is that radiant and shadow magic are much more than just oddball types of holy magics that the Paladins and High Priests get. Both the purifying High Priest and the shadow magic-user could have been just classified as Paladins due to the hands-on nature of their abilities even if it wasn't an attacking ability. The First Priest is naturally just an overpowered High Priest.

"While their abilities may have been out of the norm, they simply aren't enough to be classified as radiant and shadow magic."

He's realized a definitive separation between radiant, shadow, and holy magic. Radiant and shadow magic were both holy elements, but they were used just like the regular elements in being able to use them for multiple different things, not just one.

Holy magic by itself, however, was just a single ability that was granted to Paladins and High Priests rather than actual radiant or shadow magic. Since they are only able to use one type of holy magic alongside their natural elements, it would only be referred to as holy magic instead of a holy element.

Regardless, he really didn't believe that what people have been classifying as radiant and shadow magic was right. Not after knowing exactly what he is capable of as an actual radiant magic-user.

"So, our records are wrong." Breton said again.

Emre let out a sigh. "Technically, yes."

"Since you're saying this, what exactly is radiant and shadow magic according to you then?" Raina asked.

"They are like the elements." Emre answered and Raina's eyes narrowed, but he continued. "Just like any of the natural elements, take wind for example… Wind magic you can create wind walls, shoot wind arrows, or just create a gust of wind to knock something over. People who can use the natural elements all have magic like this. It's not just one single ability they can use with their magic.

"There are multiple things that you can use to utilize your elemental magic, unlike holy magic which is just classified as single ability magic. Breton, you can 'only' create a radiant sword, while the God of Fire's Paladin can 'only' create fire radiant arrows, as you mentioned. But you also have the respective natural elements that you are able to use alongside that single ability. A person who can use radiant magic can do both of those things, and more, not just one thing."

Breton began to scratch his beard again as he listened to Emre's spiel. It all made sense.

"So, when you say you can use radiant magic, and Idris can use shadow magic… you don't mean just one ability." Aldrich said.

"Correct."

"What exactly are you able to do then?" Breton asked with furrowed brows.

"Many things. A few of my basic abilities are casting those magical oaths you all made. I can also create arrows of light, much like the God of Fire's Paladin and a sword like you too. There are many other things but I will not tell you those right now."

"It is similar for me, but compared to Emre I am lacking." Idris said, being modest about his abilities.

Breton nodded with a hard-to-read face. Emre couldn't tell if he was grimacing or trying to force a smile on his face. Raina was looking away with her usual face while Elayna was just looking down at her hands as she considered their words. Aldrich just looked uneasy.

"Then, since that was sorted out… I have another question." Breton spoke up.

"Alright." Emre nodded.

Breton seemed to deliberate in his head again before starting. "I hope I'm not overstepping my bounds by asking this question… but are you both human?"

Emre was quiet as the four nobles' expressions changed at his hesitance. Fortunately, Idris leaned forward to answer instead.

"Since neither of us wants to lie to you…" Idris began. "I will not elaborate, but I will answer truthfully." There was a pause. "No, we are not human. But please treat us normally."

"I see…"

There was reluctance in his words but thought better than to pry since Idris specified that they would not elaborate. He could not exactly ask what they were and he wasn't sure what the possibilities were. Glancing to Emre, he could tell that he was not human merely because of the holy presence around him… but for Idris, it was not the same. It was a bit confusing.

"Any other questions?" Emre asked.

"Ah, yes." Breton nodded. "Since you both have holy elements, what are your plans?"

"You are all aware of the increasing number of dark creatures, correct?"

"Yes."

"Dark creatures are created by the Goddess of Despair…" Emre went on to explain the situation about dark creatures and that he and Idris were intending on fighting them by request of Tirian and Animor.

"That is why we are heading to the capital. We intended to hopefully gain help from the Commander and to inform him on how severe the threat actually is." Emre added on.

"Do you intend to see the High Priest while you are there?" Breton asked.

"A High Priest? I thought Tirian did not have a High Priest?"

"Ah, it was just a few days ago but a new High Priest of Tirian appeared. It is not surprising that you haven't heard yet."

"Hmm…" Emre was wondering what Tirian was thinking. "I have to go to the Capital Temple anyway. We might as well meet them."

Idris nodded his agreement to the idea. "I would also like to visit the Capital Temple of Animor."

Breton nodded with a small nervous smile. "All of the current Paladins and High Priests are gathering together to meet the new High Priest. Would you two be willing to attend? You would also be able to meet Animor's High Priest."

Idris and Emre grew quiet. To everyone else, it just seemed like they were thinking.

'Telling all of the High Priests and Paladins could help us out. They might want to work together with us if they know the two ruling Gods are working to get rid of the dark creatures.' Idris stated.

'Maybe…' Emre responded, unsure.

'It would be better than only working with the Gaia Kingdom. High Priests and Paladins can go anywhere and might have more information regarding them.'

'What if not all of them are trustworthy?'

'We'll just have them take an oath.'

'I highly doubt it'll be as easy as today was.'

'Then we could also just fully reveal ourselves?'

Emre looked at Idris in surprise. While it was a plausible idea, it didn't feel that safe either. They were strong, but neither of them knew how strong the other parties were. Should they show themselves off, they wouldn't be able to guess what reactions these people would have.

'Emre, I doubt these people want to let the dark creatures suck the mana out of the world. Even if some decide not to help us, I doubt they would try and stop us. Besides, what God would allow someone with evil intentions to wield their power?'

Idris seemed to have a lot to say on the subject.

'I don't think we should tell the public yet though…' Emre decided.

'Then we can make sure to only show the High Priests and Paladins during the meeting.'

It was a crazy idea but Emre gave in with a nod. How else did he expect them to get the proper help? Why was he trying to hide it away again? It was like when they were in the village all over. He shouldn't be worried. He wasn't alone.

He had just been a college student, not even on his own feet properly. Now he was in a completely different world, about to be helping to lead the world into war against a God. His identity as a holy dragon would only be a benefit to him in this world. There was no reason to hide it away.

There was no reason. Idris was completely right. Steeling his nerves he forced himself to relax. Even if things went wrong and some Kingdom came after them, they were dragons. Dragons were known to be able to up and hideaway. Idris was with him and probably knew well about how that would work.

'We'll be fine.' Idris's voice was surprisingly soft.

Looking at him, Idris's face had relaxed from the normal stoic expression to a softer, more reassuring look. Emre felt his worries wash away at that moment and he nodded once more.

Meanwhile, the nobles felt very awkward and began to wonder if they were speaking in a manner that they could not hear. Telepathy was a very rare magic ability, but given how odd these people already were, it definitely wasn't impossible.

"Okay. We've decided to attend this meeting." Emre voiced out.

"Yes." Idris nodded. "How discrete will it be?"

"Oh, it is definitely not a public meeting. Even bringing you two will be a shock to the rest. Outsiders are not permitted." Breton responded. "And although this is a meeting to meet the new High Priest, it is also to discuss what was learned in the process of becoming one."

"What do you mean?"

"When a new High Priest or Paladin is named, it's usually because of a specific reason. They might have gotten a vision or their God might have told them something to prepare them for the future. We all get together to discuss these situations."

"I see."

"Yes, and now that I know the information you explained, the vision or words heard will probably relate to it."

"That would make sense." Emre said. "And I also have another question."

"Yes?"

"How large will the meeting room be?"

Breton blinked in surprise. "We usually have the meeting in the second largest room aside from the main room at Tirian's Capital Temple. I would say that it's about the same size as the foyer here."

That would fit two dragon bodies as long as the ceiling was high enough. Given that it was a temple, this was likely going to be the case. Breton was a bit confused by the question, but Emre thought it was best to leave it be since he would learn why later.

"When will the meeting be?" Idris asked.

"In 5 days. We'll be able to get to the capital and meet the High Priest first before the others arrive."

"Only 5 days? Are they all already in the Giga Kingdom?"

"Ah, no, all of Tirian's Capital Temples have teleportation circles."

Teleportation! If they joined together with the High Priests and Paladins they would be able to travel fairly easily! Emre didn't know where they might go, but it was a good thing to have.

"As long as the High Priests and Paladins get to the capitals of the Kingdoms they are currently, we'll be able to greet them in 5 days."

"Then we should probably leave soon." Idris commented.

"Yes, the idea was to meet up with Young Miss Elayna and Raina to escort them the rest of the way back in the morning."

"We have a party that we are traveling with."

"They are welcome to join us if that is what you would like."

"Yes, and they know just as much as you do." And more, but that was beside the point.

"Unfortunately, I don't believe we'll be able to let them in the meeting…" Breton looked apologetic. "Bringing you two in it will already be a breach of the rules, but seeing as how you both have holy presences, it will likely be forgiven."

"It's fine as long as they are able to travel with us to the capital."

"Of course."

"Good, then… Unless you have any more questions, we can conclude this conversation." Emre stated.

"Yes." Breton nodded.

Even though it seemed like the conversation was finished nicely, the four nobles still found themselves feeling especially uneasy. The two in front of them were not human, yet they looked exactly like humans. And to Breton, Emre looked like a beacon of light.

He had an even more holy presence in him than Breton had seen even in the strongest Paladin. It was unnerving to wonder about the possibilities of his identity. He was sure it wasn't just because of the radiant magic. Idris' presence was also fairly strong, but for some reason, it felt muted. Breton could only assume that this was because shadow magic was meant to be covert. It was hard to tell how strong he was.

Either way, it seemed things were about to get more chaotic for everyone.