[Vol. 5] Chapter 51: The Journey to Bright Light

 

As she pondered, the canopy outside the carriage was once again knocked on. A careful driver from the White Dove Merchant Guild lifted the carriage curtain and peeked in.

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to arrive in New Aster City. Mr. Avery asked me to check if you plan to disembark here or continue with the caravan.”

 

Although the missing individuals had been killed by those things hidden underground and turned into some kind of bizarre ritual “sacrifice,” the intervention by Violet and the others had still managed to prevent further casualties to the caravan.

 

Therefore, once they dealt with the problem, sealed off the entrance to the underground passage, and reported the general situation, everyone, including the caravan leader Avery, had shown them much more respect and reverence.

 

This was not merely due to the life-saving assistance, reliable strength in this world often served as an absolute pass, sometimes more effective than wealth or power.

 

Even though they had not demanded any explicit reward, the preferential treatment they received on the journey—akin to treating ancestors—was a significant and noticeable change from the norm.

 

Avery had even arranged a more luxurious and comfortable carriage for Violet and her companions as a token of gratitude. The current special inquiry was a privilege not usually afforded to ordinary passengers.

 

However, Violet had already made her plans regarding this matter.

 

“Our destination is Bright Light City. Please inform Mr. Avery of this. Also, if there’s nothing pressing, please refrain from coming in to talk.”

 

It’s not that Violet was dismissive of the other person. It’s just that Rene was in the midst of a crucial meditation phase, attempting to break through her final bottleneck.

 

According to the calculations of the young priestess, if all went smoothly, she should be able to complete her advancement to a higher level before reaching Bright Light City. Therefore, it was best to provide her with as stable an environment as possible during this time.

 

Following Miss Fox’s pointed gaze, which landed on the white-feathered girl sitting cross-legged in the corner, the servant seemed to understand and nodded repeatedly.

 

“Sorry! I… won’t disturb you any further.”

 

The new coachman, specially arranged by the caravan leader, was quite considerate, quickly withdrawing his head from the carriage and closing the thick curtain.

 

Seeing this, Miss White Fox glanced again at Rene, who was still emitting a steady flow of magical energy not far away, and the two other girls who had resumed their game. She sighed softly, then picked up the book she had laid on her lap.

 

“Ha…”

 

She could only hope that nothing else unexpected would happen before they reached Bright Light City.

 

…………………………..

 

Perhaps someone’s wish was granted, as in just a few days, the White Dove Merchant Guild’s convoy safely passed through three large cities. Ahead lay Bright Light City, renowned as the Western Capital.

 

This city was also an important stop in the young priestess’s journey. The name “Bright Light City” was derived from the “Bright Light Saintess,” a title passed down in the Summerfield family, one of the three divine families that had governed the city since ancient times.

 

The Bright Light Saintess was traditionally considered the foremost among the three saintesses and was regarded as the closest to the Goddess of Light in terms of status.

 

Only those with the utmost devotion and purity towards the Light could become the Bright Light Saintess. While it was possible for candidates other than divine descendants to be considered for the roles of the “Judgment” and “Redemption” Saintesses, the position of “Bright Light” has always been exclusive to the Summerfield family, one of the three divine families in the Western Capital, without exception for thousands of years.

 

The fundamental reason for this is the extremely high requirements of the holy artifact held by the Bright Light Saintess, the 【Crownless Crown】.

 

It is almost impossible for a mortal to meet its conditions. Often, after the death of the previous Bright Light Saintess, the temple and church would struggle for a long time to find a qualified successor, sometimes leaving the position of the foremost among the three saintesses vacant.

 

However, today, the position of Bright Light has been filled by Yuna Summerfield, the current head of the Summerfield family, a figure who has achieved transcendent power through her divine lineage.

 

Of course, in external rumors, the Bright Light Saintess, like the other two saintesses, is still considered a legendary figure.

 

Although the reason for the temple’s portrayal is unclear and the Bright Light Saintess herself has not publicly contradicted it, the divine descendant Edwina is well aware of the true strength of the foremost among the three saintesses.

 

Thus, the young priestess was naturally aware of this.

 

“According to the map, we should reach the outskirts of Bright Light City in three days. Rene, how are you doing now?”

 

Under the night sky, the girl wearing a white fox mask casually handed a steaming bowl of meat soup to the white-feathered girl opposite her. Around them, a few girls huddled together, with the campfire crackling and popping as it roasted the boiler.

 

Although the season has reached the end of winter, the Holy Empire is not far from the icy northern territories. The cold currents continue to trouble many beings in this land.

 

Apart from Violet and the equally cold-resistant Miss Dragon, even someone as advanced as Leila would still put on an additional coat to block the wind and snow when stepping out of the warm carriage.

 

Rene, also dressed in a thick fur coat, took the porcelain bowl from Violet with both hands, thanked her, and sipped the delicious hot soup. She then sighed with a frown.

 

“I can’t do it. I really have no idea…”

 

Miss Rene appeared deeply frustrated and unable to accept it.

 

“Why? I can feel that I’m so close, but I’ve tried breaking through several times and still fall short. This little bit is just too much… It’s so frustrating. It doesn’t make sense. Sister succeeded right away!”

 

“Hmm…”

 

Although she pretended to ponder deeply, the young priestess was actually quite puzzled herself.

 

After all, Violet had never experienced breaking through a bottleneck. In the game, including her and the little dragon lady, leveling up occurred naturally once enough experience was accumulated.

 

The only exception was when she reached level 100 and had to complete a special and complicated additional task.

 

Logically, since it has been confirmed that this world also has levels and similar methods of advancement, Rene’s inability to break through must be due to insufficient experience accumulation, requiring more meditation or combat.

 

However, based on her “just a little bit” statement, it seemed not entirely accurate. After all, this was a real-world situation, and applying game theories directly would certainly not work.

 

Speaking of which… Since the power of mythical species essentially comes from their bloodline, could Rene’s prolonged inability to break through to the transcendent level be due to a problem with her bloodline?

 

But she is a biological sister to Leila. If that were the case, similar issues should appear in both of them.

 

With that thought, Miss White Fox stood up, moved to sit beside Rene, and extended her hand.

 

“Um, what are you…?”

 

“Relax, it’ll be alright soon.”

 

After briefly calming the puzzled white-feathered girl, Violet began her well-practiced 【Information Detection】 with the cooperation of Rene, who did not resist.

 

“Mmm…”

 

Seeing Violet place her hand on Rene’s shoulder and fall into thought, the other girls wisely remained silent, not daring to disturb them. The campfire and makeshift camp they were in were already quite far from the rest of the caravan.

 

For a moment, all that could be heard were the howling cold winds of the winter night and the occasional sharp crackle of burning wood.

 

“Crackle~”

 

The fire suddenly made a loud crack, and the girl’s eyes behind the white fox mask slowly opened, revealing a hint of surprise in her gem-like, clear silver-blue pupils.

 

“Let me ask a rather irrelevant question, Rene. Do you… believe in gods?”

 

“Ah?”

 

The white-feathered girl looked stunned.

 

“Um, although… but… what does this have to do with my inability to break through to the transcendent level?”

 

Hearing this, her sister, who was sitting on the other side, immediately tapped the girl’s head lightly with the handle of her weapon, making a “duang” sound.

 

“Ouch!”

 

“Just answer Miss Dawn’s question. She’s not going to harm you.”

 

“Wah…”

 

The white-feathered girl rubbed her sore head, pouting with a pitiful expression.

 

“Alright, alright… I admit that I once believed in the Goddess of Sky, but after learning the truth, I don’t believe much anymore. Overall, I guess I’m in a state of not caring too much about it…”

 

After hearing Rene’s response, Violet nodded slightly, as if understanding something.

 

“I see… So, it seems you could be considered a nonbeliever.”

 

TL Note:

“Holy Artifact” isn’t about the rank or quality of the artifact. It specifically refers to a unique artifact that was possessed by the 3 Saintesses.

There are 3 holy artifacts: 【Crownless Crown】 (owned by the Bright Light Saintess), 【Judgment Holy Sword】 (owned by the Judgment Saintess), and 【Ring of Salvation】 (owned by the Redemption Saintess).

Artifact/weapon’s tier list:
White (Common), Green (Fine), Blue (Rare), Purple (Exquisite), Gold (Spirit), Orange (Sacred), Red (Semi-Divine Artifact), and Divine Artifact.