A Necessary Prayer

8th of August, Sunday.

The two brothers went through their usual routine, and then Henry announced they had to attend church to avoid those cursed fines.

They dressed in their Sunday best, Lucian opting to bring along a cane. Together, they made their way to the church.

They relied on a carriage, which delivered them to a church near the town center in about 18 minutes. There was another church located 10 minutes north from the town center, and one for the lower classes in the low-class district of the town.

Henry vehemently avoided the lower-class church regardless of how close it was, for fear it might tarnish their reputation.

Arriving on the unfamiliar street, Lucian was once again taken aback. The absence of a bustling crowd was notable, as prayer days were typically Friday to Sunday, allowing for a less crowded church.

The towering church walls featured vines in some places, exhibiting a striking Gothic architectural style. The stone walls jutted outwards, adding depth, while the numerous windows were tinted in an array of colors. The roof, fashioned into a triangular shape, bore a dark gray hue.

Lucian examined the church's structure and couldn't help but gasp, This design surpasses anything I've seen on Earth. It's like a masterpiece of Gothic art.

Upon entering the church, the atmosphere immediately transformed. Sunbeams filtering through the tinted windows created a breathtaking play of light, painting intricate patterns on the floor and walls. An elderly priest, clad in a white robe bearing an emblem reminiscent of the sun, delivered his sermon with resonating vigor.

"Praise the Sun. The God who bestows warmth and purges evil..."

Lucian and Henry settled into wooden pews, his cane leaned on the edge of it.

This church is truly magnificent, Lucian thought.

Henry folded his hands in prayer, quietly echoing the priest's words.

Lucian mirrored the posture and joined in. After a solid ten minutes of devout prayer, Lucian's eyes were drawn to the statue positioned behind the priest. Carved from stone with select portions gilded, it depicted a robed figure wielding a golden staff, its tip shaped like the sun. There was no mistaking it; this was the statue of the God of Sun. Lucian hadn't noticed it before.

A faint golden aura gently enveloped the statue, almost imperceptible, leaving Lucian somewhat astounded.

It glows much like the brown substance, only in a different hue?

Once the prayer concluded, both brothers felt a comforting warmth within their hearts, as though they had been cleansed of negativity.

This is a weird sensation. Do these prayers channel negativity towards the statue?

The brothers left the church, and Henry asked, "Did the prayer uplift your spirits?"

"Yes, I do feel considerably better now," Lucian replied.

"Praise the Sun," Henry expressed gratitude for the positive impact the prayer had on his brother.

...

In his room, Lucian thought.

How does it work? Did the prayer purify my negative energy? Perhaps it's because there was a Believer involved. That elder priest is likely one. They seem to be good Believers, given the purifying effect it had on me, and potentially on everyone.

I also noticed the glowing aura. Could it be that being a Believer grants me the ability to see auras or powers? Then why didn't I see the priest glowing? In fact, why didn't I see anyone outside with that glow? Am I too weak? Maybe I can only perceive objects with that aura, not people.

He retrieved the brown substance from beneath his bed and examined it.

"What is its purpose?"

An idea struck him. What if I channel my aura towards it?

He closed his eyes, took the brown substance in his hands, and visualized the power coursing through his blood. He observed the black specks of aura in his core, then released it to his fingertips, directing them towards the brown substance.

Immediately, the glow emanating from the object intensified. It became enveloped in moving green vine-like patterns.

"What in the world is happening?"

The object eventually returned to its original glow, but the green vines remained.

"I did something, but I'm not sure what. I can't leave it here in the room, nor can I store it in the hidden chamber. If something unexpected occurs, I might need it. I'll keep it in my pocket."

He carefully stowed it away and began to devise a plan against the Bart Family.

Thomas will help gather information about the Bart Family. I'm unsure how long it'll take, but I can't simply wait idly. I'll try to earn as much money as possible, perhaps by inquiring with Alger Artin if he knows anyone in need of a pianist. Hopefully, that will provide enough funds to move out with Henry, for our safety. They know where we live. But what about Elizabeth and Thomas? How can I protect them?

It's a challenge to formulate a solid plan. Let's reconsider...

I'll generate income through piano performances. I'll attempt to locate other Believers and offer payment for protection, though finding them may prove difficult. If funds are insufficient, I may need to borrow from Thomas. This way, they'll have guards watching over them for a week, ready to act if needed. It does come at a significant cost. If a lawyer earns one valling note and one sunti, how much might a Believer bodyguard charge? Two valling notes? That would total six valling notes...

In the worst-case scenario, I may have to confide in Thomas about Believers and the Bart Family, urging him to utilize his resources for their safety. We'd all be within his fortified residence, allowing me to conduct further investigation, hopefully amassing evidence.

Now, with this protection plan in place, I'll act on any promising leads from Thomas. After collecting evidence, I'll submit it anonymously to the authorities for action.

This way, I can avoid taking another life...

However, if it comes to that, if there's even a slight chance that Henry, Elizabeth, or Thomas might die, I will do what's necessary.