Chapter One Hundred Eighty-Five: Heresy

“It is well-known that faith-based magic is an important force widely used in various industries within the Holy Empire, significantly impacting production and daily life. One could say it is one of the fundamental cornerstones forming the current structure of the holy nation.”

“Moreover, faith-based magic is a miraculous power that requires no magical aptitude for its use; the application standards are low enough that almost all sentient beings can master it. The sole cost seems to be offering sincere faith to the Goddess… that’s all.”

“According to the two major world-famous theories proposed by our academy — the Theory of Absolute Energy Conservation, we know that the total amount of energy in the world remains constant without external interference, merely undergoing constant changes in form.”

“This leads to a question: What is the source of the power behind faith-based magic? How can it enable beings without magical aptitude, or even any magical energy within them, to use magic? Can magical energy materialize out of thin air?”

“The main argument in today’s academic circles of the holy nation generally attributes this to the omnipotence of the Light Goddess, but I believe…”

The fifteen minutes allotted for the presentation flickered by in an instant, and as the announcer dutifully struck the gong, Ella Light, the Light Tribe Girl, finished her speech just in time.

“This is all I can publicly disclose at the moment. Of course, due to some external factors, I was unable to conduct accurate testing on most of the data above. I merely based my conclusions on theoretical values and a bit of literature, with a sprinkle of practice, so the actual situation may differ, but it is certainly referential.”

“…Thank you, everyone.”

With a slight bow toward the silence that even lacked the perfunctory applause from before, Ella’s eyes, heavily darkened from pigmentation, scanned the audience. A barely audible scoff seemed to escape her lips as she nonchalantly gathered her research materials and turned to leave.

Only at this moment did the scholars around Miss White Fox begin to snap out of their stupor, murmuring among themselves.

“Wow… this is really becoming more outrageous.”

“This kind of statement has completely crossed the line, hasn’t it? Even if she truly believes that, she can’t just say it openly… isn’t she afraid of drawing the church’s ire?”

“That said, if you think about it carefully, what she said doesn’t seem entirely unreasonable. Judging purely from a rational standpoint, it actually carries more persuasion…”

“Shh! Watch your words!”

Such murmurs echoed throughout the assembly hall. Unlike the speaker just now, the scholars seemed to have an unspoken agreement not to deeply investigate the truth or feasibility of Ella’s viewpoint, purposely lowering their voices.

It was precisely because the girl’s content was logically clear and coherent, almost flaw-proof, that they dared not delve deeper into discussion.

After all, regardless of their independence, the Theological Hall is still a part of the Holy Academy, which is situated in the Holy Capital, belonging half to the Church of the Goddess. Every word and action here could potentially reach the ears of powerful figures.

Ella Light’s views were simply too shocking, verging on being deemed “heresy.” If proven true, it would undoubtedly shake the very foundations of the Holy Empire.

“Ella Light, huh… heh heh ~ looks like I’ve found someone interesting…”

“Miss Xī?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Let’s keep listening.”

……

In the Theological Hall, Vilyric and the others attended the discussions for a long time, starting from noon until nightfall, when the numerous intense speeches finally came to an end.

Among them were indeed many unique and creative ideas that even the Priestess found noteworthy, prompting rounds of enthusiastic applause and discussion. Their thoughts soared so high that many transcended the limits of this era.

The Theological Hall lived up to its name as an academic sanctuary; it’s no wonder it could propose those two epoch-making theories.

Unfortunately, due to external influences, there were still certain limitations.

Among them, the one that truly piqued the Priestess’s interest was that Light Tribe girl named Ella Light and the arguments she presented at that time.

After bidding farewell to Edwina and bringing Eudora back to the villa belonging to the “Xī” name in the inner city, Vilyric handed the already starving little loli back to Tilysha for care, exchanged pleasantries, and headed out alone.

Stepping out of the villa’s main entrance and into the garden’s floral area, the rustling of leaves mingled with the distant glow of the city, but the spot where the White Fox Girl stood was slightly tranquil and dim, with no lights lit.

“Out so late, master?”

In the shadows of the night, a girl’s voice inquired.

Vilyric, not surprised, turned her head back, crossing her arms, and her gaze fell on the blonde girl casually leaning against the wall, a gentle smile hinting at her words.

“Yes, I met quite an interesting little girl today. I intend to try and make contact. Is something wrong?”

Perhaps it was her imagination, but the mention of “little girl” seemed to cause the Little Dragon Daughter to subtly raise her brow, though she didn’t comment further and changed the subject instead.

“This afternoon, someone came looking for you… it was that guy named Kleisius. He left when he found out you weren’t home. He said you should hurry to find the Saint of Bright Light outside the city.”

“…Kleisius?”

The image of a young man in white armor, with a kind face yet full of opinions, naturally appeared in the Priestess’s mind.

Wasn’t he supposed to be busy coordinating troops and training tactics outside the city? Why was he in town at this hour?

And how did he even know where to find her?

“What did he say?”

The Little Dragon Daughter shook her head.

“At that time, Leila and the others were busy, and I was the only one downstairs. When he learned you weren’t home, he left, mentioning something about you needing to find that Saint of Bright Light swiftly if you returned.”

“I see…”

Speaking of which, Edwina seemed to have mentioned some changes at the eastern front today. Could something have happened?

Since he made a special trip, it’d be good to check it out tomorrow morning.

“Got it, is there anything else?”

The blonde girl shook her head again. Her long, smooth, white tail peeked up from beneath her short skirt, playfully swaying in the air, before she suddenly spoke.

“Can I go out with you tonight, master? I’ve been so bored staying here with nothing to do!”

“Huh?”

Caught off guard by her pet’s somewhat eager plea, the Priestess considered for a moment.

Given the considerations of discretion and cognitive issues, Vilyric had originally preferred not to frequently venture out with Xiao Guang while using the “Xī” identity. But looking at the dragon girl’s glistening, hopeful vertical pupils, along with her tail wagging uncontrollably behind her like a little puppy…

“Fine… but you have to behave. No throwing tantrums, and don’t forget how to address me…”

“I knew you were the best, master!”

“Hey! I said no rushing up to lick me!”

Thus, amidst the clamor that clashed with the tranquil night and the envious gazes of a few heads peeking out from the second floor of the villa… the two girls’ figures slipped into the glowing lights of the distant, sleepless city once more.

   

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