Chapter 6: Farewell

The chapel was quiet, solemn, and full of a serene warmth. Like a divine hand comforting all sorrow, it calmed even the most restless heart. The [Radiant Church]'s sanctuaries carried a subtle blessing. It had a calming aura for most sentient beings, especially those with lower tiers. The effect varied depending on the rank of the presiding priest. Maria sat in the front pews of the chapel, hands clasped over her chest, eyes closed as if in prayer to the [Radiant Sovereign]. With her refined expression and gentle posture, she resembled a saint descended from the heavens—a picture too perfect to disturb. But in truth... Maria wasn’t praying at all. She was just posing. [Fractured] was full of religions, and players often had to deal with their clergy for quests. For players used to freedom, this could be exhausting. Worse still, the game featured real gods. Truly praying could backfire if the god deemed your thoughts unworthy. Feigning piety for NPCs was fine. Sincere prayers were dangerous. Gods didn’t tolerate insincerity. 'Back in the early test period of [Fractured], barely any lore was released. Even high-ranking players rarely discussed this phase online. That makes planning hard for me.' Maria peeked toward the side door of the chapel. She knew Selena and Pastor Lynn were inside, discussing what came next. According to what she recalled from version 3.0, Maria was removed from Cainhurst's records and later became a hidden boss. That likely meant she grew up safely under the church’s protection. But something still didn’t quite add up. 'If there weren’t some kind of twist, my future self wouldn’t end up becoming the disciple of the First Hunter... or that tragic 3.0 boss.' Maria, having fully accepted her identity as the eventual boss of [Clocktower of Stars], was determined to alter her fate. She would not wait passively for doom. Players were relentless. They would sacrifice hundreds of hours to complete achievements, experiment tirelessly, and go to absurd lengths to save NPCs. Maria knew this well. As she was lost in thought, Selena and Pastor Lynn emerged from the quiet room. Their eyes immediately landed on the image before them: a silver-haired girl seemingly bathed in divine light through the stained-glass windows. "Sovereign above," Lynn whispered, instinctively making the sign of the cross. His heart swelled with reverence. To him, Maria seemed born of divine light. "..." Selena also paused, eyes glinting with silent awe. But she said nothing. Seeing Maria like this steeled her wavering resolve. Their time together had been short, but when Maria learned Selena would soon return to Cainhurst, she couldn’t help but feel reluctant. It wasn’t feigned. Maria still hoped the silver-ranked [Wild Hunt Knight] would stay. Not just for protection, but because Selena’s presence, strength, and beauty were all deeply reassuring. But Maria's favorability score hadn’t risen high enough. Selena’s honor as a knight bound her. Once she completed her mission and erased their trail, she would return north and face death alongside her lord. "I leave after sunset," Selena said, gathering supplies at the church and re-donning her black cloak. Night was falling fast. The stars peeked out from a dim sky. Maria understood. Selena's identity made her a target. The longer she stayed in Southwind, the greater the risk. Better to leave swiftly and keep Maria safe. [Fractured] was more than a game—it was a real, breathing world. Spies from noble houses, religions, royal courts, and merchants operated in every territory. Delays were dangerous. "Selena, Sette Town is safe. You could rest a little longer," Lynn offered. As the sole priest of this tiny town, he knew it intimately. It was isolated, small, and of little interest to nobles. Maria had adjusted quickly. Mature and thoughtful, she had already won Lynn’s affection. He saw her as a strong child deserving of peace. "No. The longer I stay, the greater the danger," Selena answered firmly. She turned to Maria. "Miss Maria, from now on, keep your family name hidden. Never reveal it to anyone. But if one day you choose to walk the path of your ancestors... go to..." She whispered the location. "The items your mother entrusted to me... they are hidden there. Safe and sound." "I understand," Maria replied, eyes lighting up. Those must be weapons and relics—perhaps even her legendary boss gear from the 3.0 expansion: [Rakuyo], [Evelyn], and more. Just the thought of it made her heart race. The boss fight at the [Clocktower of Stars] had been stunning. Now it was hers. The moment of farewell came. Selena looked at Maria one last time. Her cold expression softened. Then she turned and walked into the night. "Wait." Maria’s voice rang clear but couldn’t stop her. "Please... come back alive. My knight." Determined to meet her end with dignity, the noble knight left her young lady behind and marched alone toward the shadowy northern lands.