After the ceremony, Lucas was quietly led to a room inside the church by a servant. Once they reached the door, the servant stopped and bowed slightly.
"Sir Lucas, please stay in this room for the time being. This will serve as your temporary quarters. You'll be assigned a more permanent one later."
Lucas gave a simple nod and entered. The room was modest but refined. On the bed lay a neatly folded set of clothes, an envelope, and a small note.
He picked up the note first. It was from the Pope.
---
My child Lucas,
Here are some clothes for you. I don't know whether they will fit perfectly, but I had some estimates taken — they should suffice for now.
I noticed your fascination with the church surroundings, so feel free to explore the Church's grounds as much as you like. I'll send a servant for you when your presence is needed. You may also ask questions to anyone you encounter.
However, I urge you not to leave the Church's domain for now — the initiation rituals are still incomplete.
Lastly, here's a small gift for you. I hope it pleases you.
---
Lucas set the note on the bedside table and opened the envelope. Inside, he found a necklace with a brilliant red jewel at its center. It shimmered with a gentle glow. As he admired it, Hugin appeared suddenly on his left shoulder and spoke in a low, amused tone.
"What a beautiful artifact indeed. But refrain from wearing it just yet. Go bathe first, then put it on."
Lucas turned his head, confused.
"Why?"
"You'll understand once you do," Hugin replied cryptically. "Just trust me."
With a sigh, Lucas obeyed. After bathing and drying off, he returned to the necklace and slipped it over his neck.
The moment it touched his skin, a strange warmth surged through him. It wasn't overwhelming, but rather—familiar. Like something awakening inside. Before his eyes, the necklace began to change.
The red jewel shifted shape into a diamond with four corners, growing even clearer than before. Four dragon claws appeared around it, each clasping the edges of the gem. The aura it gave off now was unmistakably his own.
Hugin, now perched on the bedpost, spoke again.
"The jewel is called a Soul Stone. It reflects its owner's spirit. It grants defensive and healing powers—and enhances one's strength in combat."
Lucas, now dressed in the clothes gifted by the Pope, asked hesitantly:
"Then… why did I have to bathe first?"
The crow replied calmly:
"Because Soul Stones are blank slates. They don't possess their own magic—they absorb the aura of their first bearer. If you were dirty or filled with malice, the stone could become tainted… leading its user down a darker path."
Lucas stared at the gem, a touch of worry in his voice.
"That sounds... a bit dangerous."
"Which is exactly why I warned you," Hugin said, still calm. Then, with a slight smirk in his tone, he added,
"Anyway, you should bathe more often. You actually look like a noble's son now."
Lucas turned toward the mirror, taking in his reflection. The simple formal attire—just a shirt and pants—suddenly carried an air of nobility. He looked like the rich children he used to glimpse from afar in the village, back when he was no older than five.
With Hugin still perched on his shoulder, he stepped out to explore the Church.
---
The corridors were grand, filled with murals of gods, saints, and legendary heroes. They passed statues, shields, relics, and holy artifacts. The history of the empire and the goddess was painted and carved into every surface.
Eventually, Lucas stumbled upon an empty training ground—a wide hall filled with racks of weapons and combat dummies. Curious, he stepped in.
The weapons were neatly divided into categories: wooden, unsharpened, and sharpened. Murals along the walls illustrated various weapon stances and techniques, likely for training purposes.
Lucas approached a wooden sword and picked it up. It felt foreign, but not unwelcome. He studied the mural beside him and began memorizing the steps illustrated there.
"Give it a try," Hugin encouraged.
After a few moments of study, Lucas took a deep breath and stepped into stance. Then he began to move—swing by swing, step by step, mimicking the mural's technique exactly. It felt like a dance to him, and somehow, his body knew what to do. Every motion flowed naturally.
From behind, a clapping sound echoed.
Lucas turned to see a middle-aged man clad in silver armor, a sword sheathed at his hip. His presence was commanding but calm.
"Truly impressive, young lord," the man said, approaching with a warm smile. "You performed that technique flawlessly. That was the Blake Slaying Sword Style—a legendary form said to have once struck down the Demon of Darkness himself."
Seeing Lucas's puzzled expression, he chuckled and bowed.
"Forgive me, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Gallagher, the Church's holy knight instructor. I oversee the training of all our trainee knights."
Lucas bowed politely, but before he could introduce himself, Gallagher raised a hand.
"No need, young lord. Your identity precedes you. But I must say—you seem quite interested in combat. Would you like me to guide you through a few techniques?"
Lucas didn't hesitate.
"I'd be honored. Please take care of me, Instructor."
Gallagher gave a toothy grin and bit down on a toothpick.
"Then rest assured—you're in good hands."
The two exchanged a firm handshake, locking eyes with mutual respect. And just like that, the training began.
---
Gallagher was astonished by Lucas's aptitude. The boy absorbed lessons instantly—whether it was hand-to-hand combat, weapon handling, or armor strategy. Lucas not only learned fast, but also remembered every correction and never repeated the same mistake.
Hugin circled above as Gallagher taught Lucas everything from basic stances to complex disarms. Lucas, for his part, was thrilled—as if something buried inside him had finally awakened.
Time flew. Before they knew it, night had fallen. Both master and student lay sprawled across the training floor, utterly exhausted.
Just then, a knock came at the door.
"Young Lord," a servant called, "the Pope requests your presence at dinner. Please clean up and make yourself ready."
Lucas, still panting, nodded. He turned to Gallagher with a tired but sincere smile.
"I hope we can train again, Instructor."
Gallagher, catching his breath, replied with a grin.
"It would be my utmost honor, sir."
Lucas smiled and left, Hugin returning to his shoulder as they walked.
---
After cleaning himself up and changing into fresh clothes, Lucas was escorted to the Pope's dining chamber. The room was elegant, with a long table at the center. The Pope sat at the far end in a grand chair, flanked by two stoic guards.
As Lucas entered, the Pope looked up and smiled warmly.
"Welcome, Lucas. I hope your day was fruitful."
"Come, eat. We have some matters to discuss."