Darkness clung to Lucian's senses, heavy and suffocating.

  But then, a warmth began to spread through his chest—a radiance that grew stronger with each passing moment.

  The pain in his body ebbed, replaced by a strange, invigorating energy.

  [Mission Completed: Healed 20/20]

  [You have obtained 1-month Life Extension.]

  [You have obtained Blessing of Vitality.]

  *

  *

  *

  [Activating Passive Skill: Blessing of Vitality.]

  [Description: A Divine Blessing that enhances the physical body. Vitality courses through your veins, healing your body, restoring your strength, and granting you resilience befitting a servant of the Archon.]

  A blinding golden light erupted from Lucian's body, bathing the entire chapel in its brilliance. Gasps filled the room as the villagers shielded their eyes from the celestial glow.

  "What's happening?" someone whispered.

  "It's him," another murmured. "The priest!"

  Lucian's frail, skeletal frame began to shift. His thin limbs filled with new form and strength, his pallid skin glowed with health. The dull, lifeless strands of his white hair shimmered, transforming into a silvery cascade that reflected a seemingly divine light.

  The crowd stood frozen, their awe palpable.

  "It's a miracle," an elderly woman finally broke the silence, her voice trembling.

  "But… priests can't use divine powers on themselves," someone argued, confusion and reverence battling in their tone.

  "There's no one else here who could've done this," another countered.

  "Then that light," the burly man who had earlier voiced his disdain whispered, his voice tinged with hesitant wonder, "it must be from God himself."

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  The murmurs spread like wildfire, filling the chapel with a cacophony of voices. Reverence, doubt, and awe mingled as the villagers grappled with what they had just witnessed. Even the most skeptical among them couldn't bring themselves to voice their disbelief against such a display.

  ---

  It's warm.

  What happened?

  Lucian's eyes fluttered open, his vision clearing to the sight of Marcus hovering over him, his amber eyes wide with both worry and amazement.

  "Father Lucian!" Marcus exclaimed, his voice cracking with emotion. "You're awake!"

  Lucian sat up, and to his surprise, his body responded with an ease he hadn't felt since waking in this world. Strength coursed through his limbs, and his mind felt sharper, clearer.

  The floating words wasn't lying,

  This might be more useful than I imagined.

  Marcus helped him to his feet, his excitement barely contained. "Do you feel better? That light—it was incredible! The villagers—they're all saying it was a miracle!"

  The villagers?

  Lucian's sharp eyes swept over the crowd. Awe lingered in their expressions, though traces of skepticism remained in a few hardened faces.

  A small smirk tugged his lips as he thought of an idea.

  This is an opportunity.

  I can't afford to waste this.

  He leaned on Marcus for support, though he barely needed it.

  Appearances matter.

  The image of a priest renewed by divine intervention would be far more compelling if he still seemed humble and human.

  Lucian stepped forward, raising a hand. The murmurs quieted instantly, all eyes fixed on him.

  "My children," he began, his voice rich and steady, carrying the weight of authority. "You have witnessed a miracle."

  "Not a miracle of my doing... but by the divine." He gestured upward, his expression one of reverent humility.

  The crowd stirred, a ripple of reverence spreading among them.

  "For years, I have served you poorly," Lucian continued, his tone laden with guilt and sincerity. "I allowed my weakness to overtake me, and I failed in my duties as your shepherd. But today, the divine has shown mercy, and most of all, Love—not just to me, but to all of us."

  He paused, letting his words sink in. The villagers hung on every syllable, their eyes wide with hope and curiosity.

  "This light," he gestured to himself, "is not a blessing for me alone."

  "It is a sign!"

  "A sign that He has not abandoned us, even in our darkest hours. He sees our suffering, our struggles."

  "And He has chosen to act through me—not because I am worthy, but because He is merciful."

  Lucian's heart raced, but not from nerves. This was familiar ground—campaigning, crafting a narrative, swaying the hearts of the masses.

  He could almost feel the tide turning.

  "But this is not the end of our trials," he said, his voice taking on a firmer, more resolute tone.

  "It is only the beginning."

  "He has shown me a vision—a prophecy. This village, once forgotten, will rise."

  "Together, we will rebuild, stronger than ever before. But I cannot do it alone. We must work together, with faith, with determination, and with unwavering belief in His plan."

  A woman in the crowd clutched her child tightly, tears streaming down her face. "Father Lucian," she said, her voice trembling, "is it true? Will He save us?"

  Great timing.

  Lucian stepped closer to her, his expression softening into one of gentle reassurance.

  "He already has," he said. "But salvation is not a gift freely given—it is a path we must walk together. And I will walk it with you, every step of the way."

  The crowd erupted, their voices mingling in a cacophony of praise and renewed hope.

  ---

  As the villagers spoke among themselves, Lucian stepped back, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

  This worked better than I anticipated.

  They're desperate, starved for hope.

  And now they see me as its source.

  But he knew better than to rely on words alone. His next steps would need to solidify his position—through action, through planning, and through the careful cultivation of their trust.

  "Father Lucian," Marcus said, his voice low but excited, "That miracle! I knew it! God chose you!"

  Lucian placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, his grip firm. "Do not celebrate just yet," he said, his voice calm but resolute.

  "Because this is only the beginning. If they think they've seen a miracle today, then I will show them wonders they can't even imagine."

  As the villagers continued to murmur their prayers and praise, Lucian turned his gaze to the altar, his mind already racing with plans.

  Faith as leash

  Hope for food

  I'll tame them

  And I'll make them beg for it.