Casket

In the temple, extensive education about power was given to Lumi. Theology, history, magic, malevolence, and even necromancy—are only a few of what she had to study along with the experimentation done on her body.

Estela is a country that belonged to the northern realm. There are currently four realms that are within mortal reach—the north, east, south, and the west. They are continents that harbor countries harboring different cultures, beliefs, and secrets.

Aeterna is a world created by the Empyrean Goddess. Originally, it had four realms which are destroyed in the battle that took place between two gods who opposed each other. Only one realm now stands, which is the mortal realm. In commemoration, the people started calling the four continents 'the four realms' in order to keep in mind that once war breaks again, this one realm that is left will cease to exist.

It is said that the fallen god was sealed with the soul of his counterpart. His numen, which are fragments of concentrated malevolence bearing his essence, are scattered across the four realms. Some say they are hidden in dungeons, buried deep into ancient tombs, or even in the care of the imperials. No one knows for sure where they are.

Except for those who were the closest to the Goddess.

"The numen of the fallen god is given under the care of the surviving mortals after the war," said the head priest. "You, being this temple's priestess, must ensure that the peace in the land is maintained. The blood of the innocent should be shed no more."

**

Lumi walked towards the hill leading to the cemetery. Even though the sun welcomed them that early morning, it was eventually overcast by grey clouds and another downpour.

It was as if the Goddess was showing her displeasure with Lumi.

As a priestess, it was heavily engraved into her mind how the well-being of others had to be prioritized over her own. Heart and soul, body and mind—she was a catalyst for the power of the goddess.

And yet…

She only felt indifferent.

After all, what good will it really do to care for others? Would it benefit her? Why does she have to offer herself to the goddess?

Lumi snapped back to reality as she finally stepped forward; her feet had been buried in the grass wet with mud.

The hill was steep, the land almost barren. There were no houses in sight, only the large gates of the cemetery from the distance seemed to stand tall from such a wasteland.

Below the hill, Aclaria can be seen. The country's circular, grey fortress can be viewed from above, which amassed tall towers, residential buildings, and numerous edifices. Moreover, the glorious castle from the distance stood like a dagger etched away from the ridge.

Siegren took another step, a meter behind Lumi; his mouth was shut as he followed her lead.

His eyes were set on her; greatsword now strapped against his back. He was still vigilant around her, and was ready to strike the moment she decided to turn her back from him.

As they reached the cemetery's gates, Siegren noticed how run-down it looked.

"This is an old cemetery," Lumi exclaimed. "According to the citizens, this is where the tomb of Saint Hibton lies."

The two of them entered the graveyard. The rain was still pouring, and every step they make into the puddles broke their reflection.

"Saint Hibton is the Saintess of the northern realm... She was born in Aclaria and traveled to the three kingdoms of the north," Lumi spoke as she ambled her way into the rain, "she dedicated her life to helping the poor and defeating evil. She was the caretaker of the numen… and I am her successor."

It was the partial truth.

It was true that the saint was a saintess whose power encompassed that of the northern realm—her love for humanity was widely known even after fifty years since she died.

She was also the only priestess powerful enough to be granted the title of a Saint.

However… Lumi was not her 'successor'.

But this was the only explanation she could impart to Siegren. 'This way, he won't ask why I know these things,' Lumi gave him a sideway-glance.

The two then stopped in their tracks as they reached a certain tower at the end of the cemetery.

The tower was locked heavily by thick yet rusting chains. Enveloping the tower's external walls were thorns and moss. It was a tomb that wasn't maintained even the slightest.

Lumi frowned.

She was pretty sure that the Saint was given high regard. How come her tomb is like this?

--

Siegren followed her silently as he looked around. Strangely, the place was empty. From all that delay, the risk of discovery is expected, but surprisingly there was nothing.

The cold and barren wasteland that was the cemetery resembled a place Siegren could never forget. Looking around, he felt as if he had seen a corpse.

But nothing was there.

As they reached the tower, Siegren held the rusty locks, which were easily broken with a tug. The door was wooden and also daring to fall apart, so with one kick, it was done for.

"Is this the place?" Siegren asked as he looked down on Lumi, who first walked inside. She scanned the place, tilting her head left and right as she walks closer to the tomb.

The tower was really run-down; its rooves had corroded already. Rainwater even dripped from the cracks above. The tomb inside the tower had intricate patterns yet its discoloration and the dirt encasing the casket were already a sign that there hadn't been anyone who came to maintain it.

Lumi then held the rim of the casket's panel and proceeded to lift it up.

She grimaced as she saw a corpse being eaten by maggots and worms, wet from the rain. It smelled like a dead mouse; the stench was enough to make her gag. Upon closer observation, the corpse was wearing torn white clothes with hints of gold. Its hands were positioned and clasping near the ribcage, blond threads around its darkened skull.

This was definitely a corpse.

But something was not adding up.

There wasn't anything.

No hint of malevolence or leftover seals of divine power.

Siegren knew instantly that something was off the moment Lumi opened the casket. There was nothing that welcomed them but a decaying corpse.

Decaying corpse.

But the Saint has been dead for 50 years.

Another thing was that…

There was no numen, nor any trace of malevolence. If anything, there was this growing uncertainty at every passing second, as if there was a mistake.

Lumi blinked as she heard a blade being unsheathed. She instantly turned around to defend herself, but then Siegren's back was the only thing she could see.

The next thing that happened was beyond her. Her eyes widened as she felt a concentration of divine power directly aimed at them.

Lumi's eyes widened as golden light flashed. The tower exploded before she could even anticipate anything.

They ran to a trap!