Chapter 31: Dual Wielding

The reserve believers, finally released from their seemingly endless training under church orders, were given their first task—maintaining public order. The Glorious Cathedral urgently needed additional manpower to restore stability in the lower districts. Having grown weary of playing hide-and-seek with those heretics wielding "Abyssal" power, the Church decided to cooperate with the military and nobles in a full-scale purge. The military, eager to test out their new steam-powered repeating crossbows and other war machinery, gladly accepted the Church's invitation. Truth be told, the noble houses had their own share of troubles lately. The old transcendent faction known as the "Weavers" and the upstart "Steam God Cult" remained at odds. But considering the Weavers' notorious arrogance—treating anyone outside their own as mindless apes—it was no surprise they couldn’t reach consensus... As for Sister Maria, who had recently advanced to the [Iron] rank, her past contact with the [Kasath Reclamation Army] meant she was conscripted as part of the righteous Church's campaign. She was assigned as the assistant to [Flame Warrior] Phoenix, tasked with missions deeper into the lower districts. "Sister, congratulations on officially stepping onto the path of transcendence." The warrior, proud as his name, wore hardened leather armor and a crimson cloak that blazed like fire. The cloak wasn't just for show—anyone who underestimated it would likely remember their mistake for the rest of their lives. Phoenix offered his blessing as Maria arrived. Her advancement to [Iron] didn’t surprise him much, but her chosen class did. Instead of taking the usual path for female clergy by becoming a [Nun], she had instead become a [Scholar]. "It was merely luck," Maria replied modestly. She wore her customary tight-fitting black nun robe, but this time adorned with additional buckles of light armor. Two consecrated rapier-like wandblades hung at her slender waist, concealed ritual scrolls filled her wide sleeves, and a flintlock pistol was strapped to her thigh just in case. With her elegant appearance mixed with martial readiness, Maria exuded a radiant, noble sharpness. Her crimson eyes, dazzling and sharp, gave off the illusion that she could see through any deception. Anyone meeting her gaze for more than three seconds would feel as if all their secrets had been laid bare. Though not a [Nun] in class, she embodied the role better than any battle sister. Anyone witnessing Maria's grace and poise would undoubtedly be struck with admiration. Phoenix's gaze drifted to her twin blades. Mentally simulating a duel between them, he had to admit—her build was ideally suited for solo skirmishes. It might even prove incredibly useful in the upcoming mission. "You wield twin blades?" he asked, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Only when absolutely necessary," Maria replied, blinking softly as her long fingers gently caressed the locking mechanisms on the hilt. The twin wandblades were inspired by the future [Astral Clocktower] boss weapon, [Rakuyo]. Though merely imitations, her current knowledge didn’t yet allow her to unlock their full potential. Without the corresponding martial techniques and sword arts, they remained limited. "I look forward to seeing how well we fight side by side," Phoenix said earnestly. "May the Lord bless us. The defiled ones who taint themselves with the Abyss shall face judgment," Maria intoned. "Indeed! We are the messengers of divine retribution!" Driven by devout faith in the gods they served, Phoenix could barely contain his desire to cleanse the despicable heretics. Like the Undying Watch that guarded against Abyssal incursions, he dreamed of becoming a name that struck terror into the hearts of his enemies. ... With a direct order from the City Lord's office, the Church's forces moved swiftly and unimpeded. Groups of [Paladins] led their teams out of the Glorious Cathedral in the morning sun, heading to various key sectors. Citizens who had already been warned did not linger to watch. Under the guidance of the faithful, they began evacuating the areas where combat was likely. Clear the field before the fight. Neither Church nor military gave their foes the slightest chance to retaliate. For those brazen enough to challenge the city of Torrent, they would be reduced to primordial ash in fire and fury! Meanwhile, on the street opposite the Cathedral, a squad of Indor military personnel keenly observed the power on display from the Solar Pantheon Church. "As expected from the White Church's main pillar. They still wield such overwhelming might. I heard they even mobilized [Flame Warrior] Phoenix and recalled [Steel Nun] Dolores." A middle-aged officer commented, his tone laced with unease. For any army, having such mighty forces so close—even as allies—was reason for restless nights. "Doesn't matter. Cannons and ironclads are the future of warfare," said a young female officer dismissively. To her, mysticism was nothing compared to the relentless advance of steam-powered artillery. History had shown time and again—technology was the only true path forward. The arcane should be relegated to lesser roles. Her arrogant declaration earned mixed reactions from the surrounding officers. This rising star of a young officer, affiliated with the [Steam God Cult], had quickly earned her place in the noble military thanks to her development of multiple steam-powered weapons and outstanding battlefield command. Her haughty attitude was infamous. Many whispered that she was even more unbearable than the Weavers. "That’s enough. We've seen enough. Return and prepare your weapons," ordered the senior officer, cutting short what could’ve become a heated debate. "I’ll prove myself!" the young officer beamed. She could already picture it—the steam ballistae pinning their enemies like porcupines. If she performed well tonight, she'd have ample justification to advance her agenda: steam tanks, steam cannons, steam rifles, even steam-powered ironclads! Grinning like a child about to receive new toys, she marched off. As for the others' envy? Let them. If no one envied you, you were probably just mediocre. The player known as Xilis couldn’t care less what the NPCs thought.