The Church

Clack. Clack.

The luggage boxes carried by Ren clicked against the polished floor of the train station when the two got off the train. Ren looked around with wide eyes, spotting many different types of people. Back in the town they were just coming from, where he had grown for most of his life, there was a lot of variation in the way people dressed, with many people being paupers and having poorer backgrounds. But here, it was different. Almost everyone that passed them by dressed in the most impeccable manner he had seen.

Tall men with long coats and top hats, walking around with finely crafted canes; elegant ladies with fashionable and pleasing clothing, holding umbrellas that protected them from the sun; all these people walked by, their heads raised his in the pride that they were doing well above the rabble that littered the nation.

"Come with me." Mentor Dan called out and turned to walk in a direction. Ren hastily picked up the bags and followed after his mentor who led them to a section of the station where carriages had been parked, waiting to be hailed by passengers.

"To Durov District." Mentor Dan told the carriage driver as they approached a random carriage.

"Right away." The carriage driver nodded and prepared to set off. He fixed his cap atop his head and set off as soon as he was ready.

The carriage rolled down the wide, paved streets steadily. Ren looked out of the small window, eagerly taking in the sights. He had heard stories about the big cities from Mentor Dan when he was younger, but those stories were nothing like seeing the city with his own eyes.

The carriage moved at a brisk pace through the wide roads, passing other carriages and people. Before long, it arrived at Durov District, where Mentor Dan had to give more solid directions until they arrived at a two story building.

"Here we are." The driver said as Mentor Dan and Ren alighted. He was paid and set off, leaving the duo in front of the building.

"This is a place owned by the Church. It houses the exorcists and other personnel that handle the supernatural side of things in this city. We will be staying here until our business is over." Mentor Dan explained as he led the way.

Ren looked at the signboard beside the building and spotted the name. The sign read "Cloverstone". The two of them walked in and Mentor Ren showed card to the receptionist, who bowed her head slightly before handing him a key.

Ren finally got the chance to drop the luggage in a rather large apartment in the building. Unlike what he had expected, the key was to a large apartment that consisted of two bedrooms, a living area, and a kitchen. Ren had expected a single room where he would spend the nights sharing the room with his mentor.

"The church treats its exorcists well." Mentor Dan explained shortly when Ren voiced his thoughts.

The two settled down for the time. Around evening, Mentor Dan finally roused Ren and told him to prepare to head to the church. It was already past five in the evening, and the sun had begun to set in the distance, casting shadows around the place as Ren followed Mentor Dan through the streets.

Mentor Dan was not a new comer in this city and knew his way around well. It did not take more than ten minutes for them to arrive before a massive church. There were no walls or gates around it, and the main doors were open wide to the people. It was a clear display of the openness of the church in accepting people into it. Anyone was welcome.

Mentor Dan entered through the front door, but turned to the side and approached a smaller door that was guarded by a clergy. The short middle aged man with little eyes turned his gaze upwards to face Mentor Dan as they approached and Mentor Dan pulled out the same card he had shown the receptionist in the hotel.

"Greetings, Esteemed Exorcist." The man took a look at the card and nodded before stepping aside and opening the door for Mentor Dan and Ren to pass through. When Ren walked past it, the door was closed and locked promptly. Ren looked around curiously when he noticed that Mentor Dan had stopped walking.

"We are about to meet the Elders. No matter what, hold your head high. You are my disciple. I have taught you what I know. You are in no way inferior to exorcists that have been raised and trained by the church. Be proud of what you have accomplished in this short time you have spent as my disciple."

Surprisingly, Mentor Dan turned around and placed both hands on Ren's shoulders, looking straight into Ren's eyes. Ren was taken aback and paused for a few seconds as the words processed in his mind before stiffly nodding. He did not know why Mentor Dan felt like taking the time to remind him specifically, but he appreciated it nonetheless.

"Yes, Mentor." Ren nodded firmly and Mentor Dan let go and turned to continue leading the way. He led Ren down a long flight of spiral stairs that kept going down for a few minutes. By the time they reached the bottom, it was clear to Ren that there was a massive underground complex under this church.

At the end of the staircase, there was a pair of large doors that were grandly designed. Images of people vaguely bowing to a glowing mass were carved onto the large doors, and Ren was not unfamiliar of what it meant. This was a reference to the most popular and widespread religion in the entire world. The religion that was pushed forth and supported by the Church. The religion of the Purifying Light.

Mentor Dan stepped forward and the doors automatically began to slowly creak open. On the other side of the door, two heavily armored guards stood. Spears were held straight upwards in their hands and their backs were as straight as the spears. When the doors opened, they turned to the entrants. Their eyes flashed with attention as they saw Mentor Dan and Ren approach.