Chapter 165: Night Market Illuminated

The City of Angels, without a doubt, is a bustling metropolis.

Walking through the brightly lit night market with the Holy Knight girl, the Priestess couldn’t help but think this way not long after.

Having been in this world for two years, Vilyric had visited many ancient cities and prosperous places, but when it comes to “impact” and “splendor,” none could compare to the Holy City beneath their feet.

Here, it’s almost a city that never sleeps.

Literally speaking.

As they walked down the street, bright lights surged in from all directions, illuminating the contours of the White Fox Girl’s smooth mask and reflecting a soft, jade-like white glow.

The night sky above the entire city was already lit up with what was called the “Light of the Goddess,” a platinum radiance that served as a barrier protecting the Holy City and granted a miracle of light to the beings within.

In fact, the concentration of light elements within the City of Angels is at least twice that of the outside world.

In addition to the divine light appearing to descend from the sky, the city sparkled with countless lights, from gigantic magical lanterns bright enough to illuminate half a square to small glow sticks and fireworks waved by children, all part of this glorious illumination pushing back the darkness of the night.

“It really… deserves to be called the City of Light.”

After gazing at the luminous spectacle in the sky for some time, the White Fox Girl finally sighed softly.

“As long as Miss Xī is satisfied, that’s all that matters! This is just the outer district, but it gets even brighter inside! Though it might not be as lively… eh heh heh…”

There was no need to spell it out, as the requirement for residing in the inner district of the Holy City is to join the Church of the Goddess and achieve at least the rank of a senior cultist with the Silver Two-Winged Holy Emblem, which probably consists of only about one-tenth of the entire city’s population.

Nodding in silent agreement, the two girls continued to step side by side through the night market, absorbing the city’s hustle and bustle and the thronging crowds that remained lively even at night.

At one point, the White Fox Girl suddenly spoke up again.

“Speaking of which, where did that mouse go? After it brought Chromans, where did it run off to?”

The Holy Knight girl walking beside her paused for a moment before nodding as if she finally understood.

“Ah, you’re referring to Mr. Plakaka, right? He has already left the City of Angels! Seems he went ahead to the eastern battlefield to scout for information.”

“Actually… the report of a suspected sighting of my sister was also something he sent to me in secret, asking me to relay it to you, Miss Xī. After all, I heard the situation over there is quite grim. Under the demons’ rule, the Church of Light rarely holds large-scale gatherings. Only capable individuals like Mr. Plakaka can probably find opportunities to infiltrate.”

“I see… it really is working hard.”

It was evidently a good decision for Liliya to send him over after all that praise.

“Yeah, yeah… huh? Miss Xī, look! They’re holding a lantern festival over there! We are so lucky!”

“A lantern festival? What’s that?”

Though she felt confused by the words, seeing the particularly bright area that Edwina was pointing at was directly along the path they were walking, the White Fox Girl didn’t hesitate and went along with her.

The so-called lantern festival was held in the plaza of the city park.

Even though the White Fox Girl was relatively petite and her view was mostly blocked by the crowd, she could still see the high platform erected, where colorful, dazzling lights were popping out of the wall of people, flickering and outlining shapes of flowers, animals, and various unheard-of creatures, eliciting a chorus of admiration and excited cheers from the children below.

“Excuse me, coming through!”

The armored Holy Knight girl made her way through the bustling crowd, clearing a path for the White Fox Girl behind her, while explaining the festival.

“The lantern festival is a wonderful thing! To put it simply, it’s like a talent show. But unlike a regular talent show, the performances at the lantern festival are achieved through faith-based magic!”

Thus, having reached the front, with her golden hair shimmering in the light, the Holy Knight girl stepped aside, revealing the entire display before the White Fox Girl’s eyes.

It was… a breathtaking world created from light.

“Flying stars” merrily frolicked through the sky, adorably chubby bears and cats posed lazily in vivid sleeping positions, and countless flowers bloomed on the high platform, entwining with the graceful figures of girls.

All sorts of wonders, both real and imagined, materialized from the light, unfolding a fantastical world that left one spellbound.

“…”

Reflected in her silver-blue eyes were the myriad sights of the world; even Vilyric couldn’t help but fall silent, amazed by this myriad display of ephemeral beauty.

“Hehe, what do you think, Miss Xī? Lantern festivals are rare in the Holy City; they’re usually only organized during major holidays or shortly after the Sacred Day. I think… today’s event was probably because news of the western Expeditionary Army’s victory at Saint Bergan has spread to the Holy City!”

As she explained, Edwina’s tone also carried a hint of sentiment.

“Of course, doing this is also a way to send off all those innocent victims who sacrificed themselves during the ‘Blood Catastrophe’ and the demon invasion. Each blooming lantern symbolizes the countless souls destined to return to the earth.”

“Honestly, since the demons invaded again, whether in the east or west, all we’ve heard is bad news. We really need something to lift our spirits; it’s been a long time since the city was this lively. I hope the war can end soon so everything can settle down…”

“…Yeah, it will.”

The girl nodded gently but did not say anything more.

The performances at the lantern festival were conducted by improving certain basic faith-based magic like the “Illumination Spell,” allowing it to exhibit specific forms desired by the caster.

The innovation of faith-based magic has long been a topic of discussion at the Holy Academy, as this power granted by the Goddess is like a giant treasure vault, waiting for people to discover more surprises.

Of course, from the perspective of the lantern festival, there was no need for very advanced magic; using even the most basic first-tier spells was sufficient.

For the majority of citizens able to use low-tier faith-based magic, especially in the Holy City, the only limitations remained in terms of venue, gathering of personnel, and diligent practice.

As they quietly enjoyed the show, although Vilyric, being of the divine race, wouldn’t easily feel fatigued, Edwina seemed to consider the potential for fatigue. Suddenly pointing towards a nearby corner of the park where fleeting food vendors appeared, she eagerly suggested.

“It’s been a while; Miss Xī must be thirsty, right? Our drinks in the Holy City are very unique! Please wait here a moment while I go buy some!”

“Ah…?”

By the time she snapped back to reality, the Holy Knight girl was already shouting “Excuse me, coming through!” and had squeezed her way through the crowd, leaving the White Fox Girl behind with a sigh that seemed slightly helpless beneath her mask.

That girl, only this point remains just like before—reckless, should I say she’s spirited or headstrong?

   

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