Season 2 Chapter 6: The Preparation of being Bless and Baptized

[4th Week of March 2021 — Meadowville City — Day 4 — Afternoon]

Phase I: Divine Inspection

The Acolytes split into small groups, moving through Meadowville's districts in near silence. Guided by divine instruments attuned to holy resonance and spiritual clarity, they swept across the city's mana networks, institutions, and alleys.

Their findings?

No signs of corruption. No trace of malevolent energy.

The readings emitted a calm, balanced glow — not the pure white of sanctified zones, but a strong green, representing stability, moral alignment, and civic integrity.

"This is very uncommon," one Acolyte murmured to the others. "A city forged by no divine mandate… yet its harmony sings of discipline, not oppression."

There was no evidence of fear-based governance or manipulation. The order, cleanliness, and flow of mana throughout Meadowville spoke of something far more powerful: earned trust.

Phase II: Testimony of the People

Moving to the city center, the Acolytes began speaking with citizens — not as nobles or enforcers, but as pilgrims of truth.

They approached bakers, carpenters, guards, teachers, mothers, and even children.

"What do you think of your lord, Count Accel von Winchester?"

The answers came immediately, without hesitation:

"He's the best leader this city's ever had."

"I owe my life to him. He saved my family during the in times of need."

"He treats us like people, not pawns. You can feel it."

"He doesn't lead from a back — he leads from the front."

Each response bore no signs of coercion or embellishment. The Acolytes observed closely — body language, aura stability, emotional fluctuation — all pointed to genuine admiration.

Phase III: Arrival at the Local Church

The Acolytes made their final pre-ritual stop at Meadowville's only established Local Church of the Luminescent Faith. Though modest in size, the sanctum was well-kept. The church priest — an older man named Father Hadrian — greeted them with humility and joy.

Together, they knelt before the altar, joined in silent prayer.

With the divine relic of the Luminescent Sigil placed at the altar's center, the head Acolyte placed both hands upon it. Golden light pulsed upward, connecting to a greater divine channel.

The energy shimmered in the air, then spiraled into a pillar of light that vanished toward the sky in a speed of light.

"The message has been sent," the head Acolyte said calmly. "The High Priestesses, Keepers of the Word, have received it."

He turned to the others.

"Let us now meet Count Accel von Winchester… and complete the rite."

[Meadowville City — Local Church of the Luminescent Faith]

The sacred silence within Meadowville's modest church was broken only by the soft shimmer of divine light cascading through the stained-glass windows. The air was warm with a subtle charge of holy mana. Incense smoke twirled gently through the nave, dancing like tendrils of light in worship.

At the altar, the ten Lumen Disciples, cloaked in their ceremonial white-and-gold vestments, stood reverently. Their arrival had marked a sacred turning point in the city's history, but now the moment had arrived for a personal convergence.

The main doors creaked open.

Count Accel von Winchester entered the sanctuary clad in his formal noble attire — silver-accented black coat, white gloves, and ceremonial boots. Despite his authority, he walked with humility. Behind him followed Count William von Mondragon and Raizah, both dressed with appropriate reverence.

Without hesitation, Accel approached the Lumen Disciples, knelt upon one knee before them, and brought his hands together in a gesture of prayer and respect.

"I, Count Accel von Winchester, head of the Winchester Household and Protector of Meadowville City, humbly greet the envoys of the Luminescent Faith," he said solemnly.

Count William followed, bowing lightly. "As a witness to this moment and an ally of House Winchester, I extend our welcome to the emissaries of light."

Raizah also stepped forward and mirrored her father's gesture, eyes soft with awe and pride.

From among the Acolytes stepped their designated leader, a tall, composed man whose presence radiated peace and unwavering conviction.

"You honor us with your humility, Lord Winchester," he spoke with warmth and clarity. "I am Acolyte-Captain Seran Velorius, designated leader of the Lumen Disciples assigned to you. By divine revelation, your deeds have reached the ears of the Sanctuary. You have been chosen to receive a formal Blessing and Baptism of the Luminescent Faith."

Accel's expression turned solemn. "I am honored. If it is the will of the Light, then I shall accept."

Seran nodded and stepped forward, lifting a blessed tome wrapped in silver thread. He opened its sacred pages, and a faint radiance spilled into the air.

"Before we begin the Rite," Seran began, "you must understand what you are accepting. There are three Blessing Paths within the Luminescent Faith — each represents a divine fragment of our Goddess Aurelia Noctessa Lumina's will. Each path manifests differently within the blessed."

Types of Blessings:

1. Blessing of Light

"To bear the light is to illuminate the darkness."

"This blessing grants an affinity to divine radiance. Those who receive it gain the ability to purify corruption, dispel curses, and enhance illumination-based spells or auras. It is often associated with leadership, vision, and the power to rally others. A bearer of Light draws hope into the battlefield — not through force, but by simply existing. Their presence becomes a beacon."

2. Blessing of Hope

"Hope is the unbroken will, the dream never surrendered."

"The Hope blessing grants mental resilience and aura stability. Its wielders can uplift those around them, resisting fear, despair, or manipulation. Hope Blesseds are natural empaths and often awaken support-type abilities: moral restoration, fear cleansing, and temporary willpower enhancements. They remind the lost that tomorrow exists."

3. Blessing of Protection

"To shield the innocent is to guard the divine."

"This blessing manifests as a divine instinct to protect. Defense spells are reinforced with divine durability. Shield walls, wards, and barriers are blessed with higher thresholds. In some cases, the bearer can intercept damage meant for others. It is the most commonly seen among Holy Knights, Templar, and Divine Guardians — for their bodies become vessels of sanctuary."

Blessing Levels (Clarified Briefly):

Seran continued, his voice measured:

1. Transcendent (Level I) — First awakening; usually granted to holy soldiers and faithful servants.

2. Celestial (Level II) — Given to blessed champions or city protectors.

3. Ascendant (Level III) — Reserved for sacred leaders and battlefield saints.

4. Primordial (Level IV) — Only the Saintess, High Radiants, or Archenvoys may receive this, and only after divine revelation.

5. Supreme (Level V) — Only one being per era may possess this: the Supreme Matriarch, chosen by Goddess Aurelia herself.

Seran closed the tome and looked at Accel.

"You have not been told which blessing you shall receive. That is because we do not choose. The divine light shall choose for you."

He gestured to the altar. "Shall we begin, Count Winchester?"

Accel nodded, "Yes, Acolyte-Captain Seran."