Ethereal Ascendance: A Journey of Transformation

I was really lucky today. I came across a mid-level escort mission that only required a minimum rank of 3, with a decent reward of 800 silvers. The deposit needed was just 100 points, which I had just enough of.

The mission details said...

"Escort a priest from the True Church to and from the northern town of Tedress. Only responsible for protection along the way. Hand over to local church upon arrival, no further escort needed."

"Pick-up and drop-off point for escortee: Preston Cathedral"

The key points - only need to provide escort along the journey, no responsibilities after arrival, plus high pay.

This is simply perfect for me. With my ability to fly, I can get it done quick and safe.

After bringing Nicola home last night, I was confident I could take on escorting the priest.

I also wasn't worried about revealing my identity as an angel. Since it was someone from the Church, they were probably already spoiled by Selene anyway.

After using up my last pathetic points to take on the mission, I suddenly realized that for escort missions, I would be alone. Although I didn't foresee much danger, it would still be wise to err on the side of caution when traveling far.

So I went straight home to grab a long sword hanging on the back of my door.

I bought this sword downstairs from Vivianne for just 100 silver. Its main purpose was to help with my missions since Nicola already had her Condensation Sword.

The main issue was that it wasn't very convenient to carry around all the time, so I usually just left it at home and would come back for it when needed.

That's why I wanted a storage ring so badly...

I couldn't help but sigh. Looking at my pitiful savings, I reluctantly hung the long sword by my waist. It felt so awkward and uncomfortable.

Then I headed straight for the location of Preston Cathedral on St Mary Magdalene Avenue.

When I first set foot on this avenue with a rather worrying name, I realized the dense crowds were filled with many flyer distributors everywhere.

"Hello! Welcome to the True Church. Interested to find out more? There is currently a holy water discount promo when you sign up now!"

A young boy suddenly popped up from nowhere and shoved a flyer into my hand before disappearing just as quickly into the crowds.

This scene looks familiar!

I looked at the flyer in my hand. The first thing that caught my eye was a huge cross, followed by the activity details in big bold words below.

"Good news! Sign up as a church member now to get Supreme Level 1 membership and enjoy the many supreme privileges!"

"1. Supreme fast-track confession lane, no need to wait in line."

"2. Private supreme confession room for confidential confessions without eavesdropping."

"3. Sign up now for the pilgrimage to the Holy City and get upgraded to Level 2 membership. Also chance for intimate encounter with His Holiness."

"4. Discounts on holy water..."

...

Only at the end were the details about the True Church itself, including membership instructions, contact info, person-in-charge, etc.

And the stated contact address was none other than

"Preston Cathedral".

"Just what exactly are these church people up to?"

I don't think the same church on Earth was ever this exaggerated right? I rubbed my numb temples and threw the flyers into a nearby trash can. Then I continued searching for the cathedral based on the address given.

St Mary Magdalene Avenue could be considered one of the widest streets in the Kingdom's capital, large enough for several carriages to go side by side.

The sidewalks were filled with stores selling all kinds of items related to church rituals - priests' vestments, holy water, crosses, scriptures, and so on, fully embodying the traits of this distinct street.

And Preston Cathedral stood majestically at the end of the avenue. Even from very far, one could see the spire rising above the round dome of the main building.

I finally had to enter this cathedral that I've been trying to avoid. Standing in the center of Preston Square just outside the front gates, I stared expressionlessly at the seven flyers in my hand before dumping them fiercely into the trash can again.

Thinking about the relationship between this True Church and the angels, I couldn't help but feel slightly uneasy.

Although Selene tried very hard to invite us at first, we declined due to our adventurer guild registration. After that we were kept busy with missions, so there was simply no time to visit this church.

Plus, given the church's special background, I felt quite reluctant to even step foot into this place. But today I had no choice for the sake of the mission and money. Gotta bite the bullet and barge in for once!

At this moment, there were very few people outside the huge cathedral. Only a couple of horse carriages parked along the sides, and no guards whatsoever at the entrance.

Upon entering, I was greeted by a not-so-spacious front hall. By the wall was a fountain with an angel statue standing in the water, one hand holding a jug pouring out clean, pure water.

I sensed the water contained quite a substantial amount of light elemental power - could this be the legendary holy water?

Trying sticking my finger in for a dip and sniffing it curiously. No smell whatsoever, then a tiny lick - seems about the same as normal water? How about scooping some to soak my hand in...

"What are you doing?"

"Waaah--!"

I nearly jumped out of my skin when the sudden voice rang out. I quickly hid my hands behind my back out of reflex before realizing what I was doing.

Hey wait, why am I hiding? It's just water!

The voice belonged to a middle-aged priest dressed rather similarly to Cyrus previously, though his vestments were white in color instead.

The voice came from his mouth, rich and authoritative, very dignified indeed.

"That's our church's holy water. Please don't mess around with it unnecessarily."

So it really was holy water! I gave a small pout. Just mixing some light elemental power makes it holy? I could probably whip some up to sell at home too with my abilities!

Would that make a lot of money? Hey, not a bad idea there. My eyes lit up as I suddenly saw potential in this new money-making opportunity. I better discuss this with Nicola when I get home later!

But for now, I had better focus on my job. I quickly explained my purpose here.

"I'm from the adventurer's guild, here to escort one of your priests."

"Oh you're the guild's escort!"

As expected, the moment I said that he understood. He told me to wait in the main hall while he went to inform the bishop.

Upon entering the spacious main hall, I realized the layout looked very similar to True Church cathedrals back on Earth.

Wooden pews filling the hall, leading to the front where there was a desk. And behind that desk, colorful stained glass windows before which stood a crucifix.

How could they replicate it so accurately here? If they claim no relation to any transmigrators I would never believe it.

This church was just too creepy. That feeling of being back on Earth made me very uncomfortable, like hidden conspiracies were lurking within.

"You are the escort for this mission?"

Soon, a rather elderly clergyman emerged from a small side door along the wall. His attire looked just like the previous priest's, except the color was a bit... yellow?

"Yes."

Still my first time taking on escort missions alone. I quickly straightened my back to appear reliable and professional.

"Here's my adventurer's card."

I handed over my identification documents. This was indeed the bishop. He nodded upon seeing my card then asked:

"Feliciana?"

"That's me."

"I'm Bishop Stewart Rister, the bishop of this Preston Cathedral. You must be that amnesiac angel Selene mentioned!"

"Er..."

Didn't expect him to directly point that out despite having my name. What if there were others with the same name?

"Yes, correct! That's me!"

Might as well just admit it outright since my identity's exposed anyway. No point hiding.

"Are you interested in joining my church then?"

"......"

That smile again! Just like when Cyrus was promoting to me back then. True Church and their cult-like smiles! Still so vivid in my memory even now.

"Sorry, not interested."

I gave a very direct reply. I really can't stand this. They just refused to stop pestering and trying to convert me.

"No need to reject so quickly. You can consider it first. Ordinary people won't get this special treatment you know. I extended the invitation precisely because you angels have an innate mastery over light magic. Many talented noble youths skilled in light elements also joined upon hearing the news..."

Of course he wasn't going to give up so easily, and kept trying to persuade me.

"Ordinary people don't get this treatment?"

I scoffed in disbelief, recalling what I just experienced outside.

"What about those people distributing flyers outside just now along St Mary Magdalene Avenue?"

"Oh you mean those promoters?"

Upon hearing that, Bishop Rister seemed to understand suddenly.

"The followers they recruit are just basic, low-ranked members. Of course they can never rise to the higher echelons. After all, widely accepting believers is one of the tenets of my Church - but you're different! As an angel joining our church, there are many benefits, such as your status being very highly regarded from the start."

"If ordinary members can only rise to Level 3 membership at most, then you would come in at the highest, supremely elite Level 12 membership, possibly even higher than me as Bishop!"

What's with that sly look on your face Bishop? Looks just like some shady peddler trying to cheat a little girl.

"Also, since you've lost your memories, I suppose you can't use light magic yet? Join us now for free access to all of our Church's light spell books and tomes. We'll provide professional private tutors on demand, lessons anytime you want!"

"Hold on wait!"

I quickly stopped him. That series of persuasive incentives was just way too familiar. Practically a different version of those annoying ads back on Earth!

I looked around the empty hall save for the two of us, then moved closer to whisper:

"Could you be a transmigrator too?"

"Transmigrator? What's that? Some other term you angels use?"

Unexpectedly, his reaction completely shocked me. He had no idea what I meant?

"Oh I'm so sorry. While I truly wish I could become an angel too, I'm just a regular bishop."

Saying that, he straightened his back and tidied his attire a little.

Okay looks like he wasn't pretending. I had to concede defeat for now.

"Then...were all those membership perks you mentioned real?"

Even though it was embarrassing, I had to admit his offer was really tempting.

The benefits were just too generous. I couldn't resist such wealth! Short on cash now after Nicola nearly bankrupted our family. Getting to learn magic for free would remove a lot of financial pressure.

"Of course, I guarantee it."

Bishop Rister had a rather cunning look of victory seeing he nearly convinced me.

I almost blurted my agreement instinctively. But at the last moment, a crucial question came to mind.

"Just one last thing, if I join...would my status be high enough to skip Bible readings, prayers and attending your church events?"

"Well..."

At that, his eyebrows immediately furrowed.

"I'm afraid that might be difficult."

"While honoured as an Angel, you still serve God ultimately. If exempted from even such basic activities, where would faith come from?"

Guys trying to talk to me about faith? At least I don't believe in this.

"Then I think I'll pass."

I was about to try persuading him with quotes like 'Wine and meat can pass through intestines but Buddhahood stays in heart'. But figured he might not even understand them.

"I see..."

He made little effort to hide his disappointment.

"No worries. You can consider first and get back to me later."

No need to consider it anymore. I won't fall for this twice! I nearly got tricked again.