Chapter 6 — The Doctrine War
Rain fell heavily over London that night, washing the soot from the rooftops and the sins from the streets — or so the priests would say.
But in the heart of the southern district, a new sound drowned out the old prayers.
The rhythmic clang of hammers. The hiss of steam.
And beneath the rising smoke stood a new cathedral — unfinished, yet radiant in its defiance.
The Cathedral of Innovation.
Its design was unlike anything the old clergy had ever seen: steel arches instead of marble, glass windows shaped like gears, and a massive bronze spire crowned with a rotating emblem — the symbol of infinity encircling a flame.
Where others built for worship, Edward had built for awakening.
Inside the grand hall, the prince stood before a gathering of scholars, engineers, and merchants — his new congregation.
Charlotte stood at his side, immaculate in her tailored uniform, while Annabelle worked to adjust the small steam organ humming softly in the background.
Edward raised his voice.
"For too long," he began, "faith has been chained to mystery. The Church of Mana teaches that only through divine blessing can we achieve miracles. I say — the divine lives in us already."
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
He continued, every word steady, every phrase striking like a hammer to an anvil.
"To understand creation is not blasphemy — it is worship. To invent, to build, to question — these are not sins. They are humanity's prayer to the heavens."
The audience rose, many clapping, some kneeling in awe.
At the back of the hall, Annabelle smiled faintly. "You're turning science into scripture."
Edward's eyes glowed with quiet conviction. "If they fear progress, we'll sanctify it. Let knowledge become faith."
[System Alert]
New Faction Established — The Church of Innovation (Founder: Edward Windsor)
Holy Site Constructed: Cathedral of Innovation (London South District)
Faith Points: 100 (Passive Growth +5/day)
New Mechanic Unlocked: "Faith Conversion" — Converts population belief into research efficiency.
Charlotte whispered beside him. "You're founding a new religion, Edward."
"No," he said, smiling faintly. "I'm founding a new era."
Meanwhile… in Canterbury.
In the high sanctum of the Church of Mana, the Grand Bishop slammed his staff against the floor.
"Heretical! The Prince preaches heresy!"
Priests murmured nervously, passing scrolls of Edward's new "Doctrine of Divine Innovation."
"He builds cathedrals of metal, not stone," one said.
"He claims the divine flame burns in man's mind, not heaven," said another.
The Bishop glared toward the north. "Then we will extinguish it."
Back at Windsor Palace.
Edward sat at his desk, surrounded by scrolls and schematics.
Charlotte entered quietly, carrying intelligence reports.
"The Church has declared your writings blasphemous," she said. "They're demanding you appear before the High Synod for judgment."
Edward chuckled. "Perfect."
Charlotte blinked. "Perfect?"
"Yes. They'll drag me to their stage, thinking it's a trial. But I'll make it a sermon."
He spread open a parchment labeled 'Reformation Act of 1820.'
"While they debate faith, I'll pass this act. It transfers education rights, magic licensing, and city infrastructure directly to the Crown — and by extension, the Church of Innovation."
Charlotte stared. "That means every school, academy, and cathedral in London would fall under your control."
Edward's smile turned razor-sharp. "Exactly. They wanted a heretic. I'll give them an archbishop."
[System Notification]
New National Policy Created: "Reformation Act of 1820."
Effect: Church of Mana Authority -25%, Church of Innovation Influence +40%.
New Project Available: "Cathedral Network — 0/5 Built."
That night, Edward, Charlotte, and Annabelle stood together in the cathedral courtyard.
The bronze spire gleamed under moonlight, steam drifting through the air like incense.
Annabelle gazed up in wonder. "You really built a cathedral of iron and glass… it's beautiful."
Charlotte added softly, "And dangerous."
Edward folded his hands behind his back. "Faith and danger have always been siblings."
He turned toward them, eyes burning with purpose.
"The Church of Mana believes they control souls. The nobles believe they control land. They're both wrong. The future will be built by those who control knowledge."
Charlotte met his gaze. "And what will you do when they come for you?"
Edward smiled. "Then I'll baptize them in steam."
[Quest Update: "The Doctrine War"]
Stage 1: Found the Church of Innovation ✅
Stage 2: Defend Doctrine before the High Synod (Pending)
Stage 3: Expand Cathedral Network (0/5)
Reward: Unique Technology — "Steam-Powered Automaton"
Later that night.
Edward lingered alone in the cathedral nave, surrounded by the soft hum of machinery.
He gazed up at the rotating flame emblem above the altar.
"In my old world," he murmured, "we worshiped progress but forgot the soul.
In this world, they worship the soul but fear progress.
Perhaps I was sent here to reunite them."
[System Notice]
Faith Research Integration 5% Complete… Progressing toward "Age of Steam Enlightenment."
As thunder rolled outside, Edward lit a small lantern and whispered a quiet prayer — not to gods, but to the future.
"For every mind that dares to think…
for every hand that dares to build…
let there be light."
The Cathedral's central spire flared — a radiant beam of steam and fire lighting the London sky.
And from that night on, the people called it "The Miracle of Iron Light."
End of Chapter 6.