Season 2 Chapter 8: The New Cathedral of the Ascending Dawn
[Meadowville City — General Plaza — Day 5 — Afternoon]
"Count Accel von Winchester, we visited your Church of the Guiding Light (Medium-Size Structured) several hours ago. Our High Priestess, also known as the 'Keepers of the World,' and the Supreme Matriarch did not receive any divine revelation from the Goddess of Light, Protection, and Hope regarding the blessing you have received, Count Accel. Therefore, by the order of the Supreme Matriarch, your Church of the Guiding Light will be transformed into the Cathedral of the Ascending Dawn.
You may be wondering about the construction. There is no need for the residents of Meadowville to handle it; the entire Order of Luminous Masonry will manage the construction. Given our vast global resources, it will only take a few days to complete the cathedral.
Count Accel, you must prepare for next week, as the Saintess of Luminescent Hope, High Radiants, Grand Luminary Cardinals, Archenvoy of the Radiant Path, Radiant Heralds, including the Supreme Matriarch, will visit to verify the authenticity of the blessing you possess."
After the Acolyte-Captain finished speaking, Accel struggled to absorb all the information about his local church being transformed into a cathedral and the news that the Supreme Matriarch and the higher councils would personally visit. In response, Count Accel ordered full preparations for the following week, as every resident of Meadowville City began to mobilize. The Order of Luminous Masonry also arrived and commenced the upgrade of the local church, transforming the Church of Guiding Light into the Cathedral of the Ascending Dawn.
[Cathedral of the Ascending Dawn — Day 10 — Morning]
"Wow, it's massive! I can't believe it took only five days to build this cathedral. It's three times larger than I didn't expected, and they've also constructed other buildings behind it, including two twin towers," Accel and Raizah exclaimed, amazed by the cathedral's impressive structure. Acolyte-Captain Seran explained as he guided Count Accel von Winchester and Count William's daughter, Raizah von Mondragon, inside the cathedral. Sir Seran began detailing the interior features of the main cathedral, saying, "Right now, we are in the Main Prayer Room, which has a seating capacity of 15,000 to 25,000. However, according to the database you provided us, the estimated population of Meadowville is around 75,000 people. We originally planned for the cathedral to accommodate that population size, but unfortunately, that would not be feasible due to standard procedures regarding the different structural levels of churches."
Acolyte-Captain Seran elaborated on the details, describing the Central Altar, which is adorned with a suspended golden halo sigil. He pointed out a painting featuring the first Supreme Matriarch alongside the Saintess of Luminescent Hope, and noted the constant ambient holy light cascading down from above.
Next, he guided both of them to the Hall of Radiant Sermons, the Chamber of Baptism and Blessing, the Sanctum of the Tri-Faith Relics, and the Clergy Quarters and Dormitories. Accel and Raizah were once again amazed by the Luminescent's preference for old-fashioned interior design.
"Sir Seran, are those relics real?" Accel asked.
Seran replied, "No, they are just replicas of the originals. However, they are here for emergencies; each of them can harness at least 5% to 10% of their original power."
After showing them the major halls and the chamber of relics, Acolyte-Captain Seran led Count Accel and Raizah down a corridor lined with radiant crystal lanterns that floated slightly above polished marble pedestals. The soft, golden light they cast danced against the cathedral walls, creating a tranquil atmosphere as they stepped deeper into the sanctified interior.
"We've now arrived at the Eastern Wing of the Cathedral," Seran explained, opening a pair of gracefully carved wooden doors. "This section contains the Sanctuary of Reflection — a private space for meditation and spiritual counsel. Many clergy members, acolytes, and even foreign nobility use it when visiting."
Inside, the space was warm and quiet. Scriptural verses of the Luminescent Doctrine glowed faintly on the walls, etched into murals depicting key moments in the religion's past: the Descent of the Light, the Founding of the First Covenant, and the Rise of the First Supreme Matriarch.
Accel slowed as he passed one such mural. "Are these originals?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Seran gave a slight shake of his head, replying with reverence. "No, my Lord. All murals, statues, and sacred relics within this cathedral are replicas. The originals are preserved in the Sanctuary of the Luminescent Faith, under the highest divine wards and protection. What you see here are finely crafted duplicates — created not to deceive, but to inspire."
They continued through a short passage until they stepped into a wide, open garden at the rear of the cathedral. Known as the Garden of Luminous Vows, it was brimming with white and golden blossoms, soft glowing trees, and a silver arch at its center.
"This is where those who walk the path of holiness take their vows," Seran said. "Holy Knights, Priests, even certain noblemen who pledge to uphold the Tri-Blessing of Light, Protection, and Hope come here to make their devotion official."
Accel and Raizah paused under the archway, marveling at the detail. Tiny halos shimmered faintly around the silver lattice, forming three rings — a familiar symbol of the Luminescent Faith.
They proceeded next to the Twin Luminara Towers, both newly constructed as part of the cathedral expansion.
"The Left Tower functions as the Beacon of Faith, where an eternal flame burns, visible even at night. It represents the Goddess's watchful gaze," Seran explained. "The Right Tower, the Chapel of Holy Announcements, is reserved for divine decrees issued directly from the Supreme Matriarch or the Saintess of Luminescent Hope. It will not be used lightly."
He gestured up toward both towers, their spires catching the light of the morning sun.
"Once a year, these towers are activated globally for the Day of Convergence — a sacred day when all temples and cathedrals of our faith enter harmony through divine synchronization."
They moved to the rear structures of the cathedral. Three new auxiliary buildings had been added:
1. The Chamber of Luminous Records, built and managed by the Order of Radiant Law, houses replica scrolls and sanctified texts used for doctrine training, administrative decisions, and holy investigation.
2. The Forge of Hallowed Flame, operated by the Radiant Forge Assembly, is a sacred blacksmith workshop. Though not used for warfare, it creates ceremonial weapons, insignias, and armor for the clergy and holy guards.
3. And finally, the Workshop of Dawn's Hammer, built and run by the Order of Luminous Masonry, functions both as a maintenance hub and as a memorial for the team that constructed the cathedral in just five days.
"None of these artifacts are originals," Seran repeated calmly, "but each has been sanctified and attuned. Some relics — like those in the Sanctum of the Tri-Faith Relics — retain up to 10% of their original power, should a true emergency arise."
As they walked back toward the Main Prayer Hall, Accel glanced up at a massive stained-glass window that dominated the interior facade. It depicted the Primordial Goddess Aurelia Noctessa Lumina, her hands outstretched toward the heavens, her expression serene and sorrowful.
"I never imagined the day would come where a building like this would stand in Meadowville," he murmured, still half in awe.
Raizah, walking beside him, smiled faintly. "You didn't imagine it. You made it possible."
Behind them, Seran offered a respectful bow. "Prepare yourself, Count Winchester. In just three days' time, the Supreme Matriarch, the Saintess of Luminescent Hope, and the highest authorities of our Faith will arrive. Their eyes will judge more than your soul… they will witness your legacy."