The barren grassland stretched endlessly before them, an ocean of lifeless brown. On the horizon, a faint line of green shrubs and sparse trees stood in sharp contrast, like a promise of life beyond death.

  "So that's where it ends," Lucian remarked, pointing toward the green edge.

  "Yes," Theo replied. "The vegetation gradually thickens as the effects of the Rift weaken. It's like an invisible wall between life and decay."

  Lucian tilted his head, intrigued. "I see. Settlements must be larger and more prosperous in that direction."

  Theo hesitated for a moment, his expression dimming. "Larger, yes. Prosperous... not necessarily."

  Lucian caught the subtle shift in tone. "Why's that?"

  Theo gestured toward the path cutting through the grassland. "This road leads to the count's manor. His lands are richer, but his rule—well, let's just say it's questionable at best."

  Lucian's lips pressed into a thin line.

  The parasite Marcus mentioned, no doubt. I just hope everything goes well when they collect the next taxes.

  "Interesting," he said noncommittally. "Well, before the sun rises any higher, I'll begin my task."

  Lucian set down his basket and began unpacking the tools he needed for the blessing: a silver chalice, a worn but ornate tome, and a small vial of holy water. He moved with deliberate care, muttering prayers as he started blessing the dry land.

  Nearby, Theo who was adjusting the straps on his armor, glanced at Lucian. "Father, would it trouble you if I practiced my swordsmanship here?"

  Lucian waved a dismissive hand without looking up. "It's not like you have anything else to do. Suit yourself."

  Theo smiled faintly, pulling out his blade. As he began his exercises—sharp swings, measured thrusts, fluid footwork—he kept a watchful eye on Lucian, sneaking glances whenever the priest was engrossed in his ritual.

  The hours passed with short idle conversation breaking the monotony of their respective tasks.

  "So," Theo said, pausing mid-swing. "Have you ever been to the capital, Father?"

  Lucian stiffened, though his expression remained neutral.

  The capital? Marcus never mentioned that before, so probably not.

  "No," he answered simply.

  Theo sheathed his sword momentarily, tilting his head as if to study Lucian's face. "You're missing out. It's a sight to behold."

  Lucian kept his focus on his blessings, but curiosity got the better of him. "Really? Well tell me about it."

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Theo's face lit up as he spoke. But his watchful gaze remains. "The capital is built around the Colossal Tree of Light. Its luminous branches stretch high across the city, bathing it in perpetual light, even during the darkest nights."

  "Sounds mythical," Lucian commented, glancing at Theo briefly.

  "It feels that way," Theo admitted.

  "Anything else?," Lucian inquired, trying to learn more.

  "Well, beneath its canopy lies the Grand City, a sprawling marvel of marble and magic. And at its heart is the Basilica of Lux—the jewel of the empire. Legend says it was built by the Celestials themselves."

  Lucian's fingers tightened around the chalice he was holding.

  A tree that lights the world, a city under its shadow, and ancient magic—this place keeps getting stranger.

  Theo continued, "I studied at the Pontifical College there. It's the a church affiliated academy where knights and clergy are trained."

  Lucian's breath catched on his throat as a thought came over to him.

  Academy... Did the original Lucian also study there?

  ...Hmm. No. Probably not. Graduating at the capital would've landed this body in a better parish.

  Lucian raised a brow. "So... Knights and clergy trained together?"

  Theo nodded. "The bond between the sword and the faith is sacred. It ensures that one cannot stray too far from the other."

  "I see." Lucian nodded thoughtfully.

  As the sun dipped lower in the sky, their conversation also shifted.

  "Father," Theo began, his tone quieter now, "what do you think about the corruption in the church?"

  Lucian's eyes flicked to Theo, his instincts immediately on edge.

  What's this... Is he perhaps, testing me?

  "That's a broad topic," he said carefully. "What do you mean exactly?"

  Theo lowered his sword, planting the tip into the ground. "The greed, the politics, the abuse of power. There are bishops who live in luxury while their people starve. Priests who exploit the faithful instead of guiding them."

  Lucian's expression remained unreadable, but his mind raced.

  Why bring this up now? Theo... What are you scheming by bringing up such dangerous statements.

  Questioning the status quo, especially when it comes to issues related to faith, history shows that it never ends beautifully.

  I need to stay neutral.

  "Corruption exists everywhere," Lucian replied cautiously. "No institution is immune to human flaws. But the faith itself remains pure, even if some of its stewards fall short."

  Theo studied him intently, his golden eyes probing. "And the caste system? The way the clergy and nobility hold power over the common folk—do you believe that's divine will?"

  Lucian hesitated. "It's a system that has endured for centuries. Whether it is divine will or human design, it serves to maintain order."

  "And racial discrimination?" Theo pressed. "The scriptures speak of war against the other races—a campaign justified by calling them evil. Do you think that was right?"

  Lucian met Theo's gaze steadily. "History is often written by the victors. What matters now is how we treat those who are here today."

  Theo's expression darkened slightly, but he said nothing.

  "And what about slavery? Don't you think such system should be abolished?" Theo's voice was quiet but pointed.

  Lucian exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of the question. "It's a practice deeply rooted in this world's history. But as with all things, change is inevitable— only time will tell."

  There was a long silence. Theo finally broke it with a faint smirk. "You're very... careful with your words, Father."

  Lucian allowed a small smile. "A priest must tread carefully, mustn't he? Words have power, after all. A single word from a person of authority may spell the either rise or demise of his followers."

  "I see..." Theo murmured, his tone unreadable. "So that's what you think."

  The sun was gradually approaching the horizon behind Theo as he continued.

  "Did you know..." Theo began, his expression hidden behind sharp contrast of his shadowed figure and the crimson evening sky.

  "... that the Pontifical College is the sole institution for training priests? And all clergy received ordination at the Grand Basilica in the capital."

  Lucian heart skipped a beat, his stomach tightening.

  Theo's eyes narrowed slightly. "Then it's strange, isn't it, for a you to claim to have never visited the capital?"

  Lucian kept his expression calm, but his mind raced.

  Theo continued, his gaze sharp. "When I first arrived here, I thought you were only too busy to speak with me... Or perhaps, you're still angry with me for what happened at the Capital."

  What is he talking about? Don't tell me-

  Lucian frowned slightly, unsure of what he meant.

  "But after a while... And especially after today," Theo said, stepping closer, "I realized something else." He reached out, grabbing Lucian's arm. His grip was firm but not aggressive.

  "You don't seem to recognize me at all, Lucian." his golden eyes glowing in the shadow locked onto his, an unidentifiable expression in them.

  Lucian felt a chill run down his spine.

  Shit. He knew the original Lucian.

  Theo's voice dropped. "Lucian... Or should I even call you that? You... Who exactly are you?"

  Lucian pulled his arm free, his mind scrambling for a response.

  How did I miss this? Damn it, what do I do now?

  Theo's hand moved to the hilt of his sword.

  "Wait," Lucian began, but the paladin's expression had turned serious, his face dark behind the light of setting sun.

  The faint sound of steel sliding against leather filled the air as Theo unsheathed his blade.

  Fuck. Are you serious?!

  Lucian took a step back, his heart pounding.

  Is he seriously going to kill me?!

  The two men stood frozen, the dying light of the sun casting long shadows between them.