9 9. Awaken

Ren began to stir awake from his slumber.

He felt a little disoriented. His head felt a little heavy.

The first thing he happened to see was an unfamiliar ceiling. He groggily got out of the bed he was in.

Ren found a change of clothes next to him and decided to change into it. He walked out of the room and realised he was still in the church.

As Ren walked around, he finally ran into another person.

"Hello, could I trouble you for a bit?"

"Hmm? It's Saint Ren. Of course."

Ren looked at the man in surprise.

"Saint Ren?"

"Oh yes, it has been a while since you've been asleep. The Bishop decided to appoint you as the Saint of the church."

"Why is that?"

"Apart from you gaining the blessings of both the water spirit and Fulland, the Bishop decided it would be best for us to protect you in the meantime. This title gives us full right to do so."

"What would I need protection from?"

"Many Familias have taken a liking to you. I'm not sure if you're aware, but you caused quite a sensation when you linked with the two spirits. The cathedral has been full of people trying to recruit you. Many even went to your Familia to discuss recruiting you."

Ren was in shock. He didn't think that he would have caused such a result.

"The bishop will answer all of your questions now."

Ren noticed they had arrived at a study. He thanked the clergyman and walked in.

The bishop appeared to be a kind elderly man. He was well groomed, and dressed in a blue robe.

"You're finally awake?"

"Yes, thank you for taking care of me."

"It was no problem at all, though it was mostly out of curiosity.

"Mhmm?"

"I don't think you know just how shocking the scene you caused is. Not only do you represent a time before even some of the gods had descended, but just the appearance of your chains alone was enough to cause a disturbance."

Ren sat there in surprise. He didn't know that he had caused such a big deal.

"So what will you do now?"

"What do you mean?"

"Most of Orario has their eyes on you now. Although many may not know what you look like, your hair could actually give you away."

"My hair? What's wrong my..."

Ren caught his reflection in a window. His hair and eyes had taken on a light blue colour.

"What happened to me?"

"It must have been the influence of the spirits."

Ren finally realised that he would have a peaceful time in Orario with the commotion he had caused. He could only hope that a certain goddess hadn't taken notice of him.

"Actually, how long have I been asleep for?"

"Just a little more than two weeks."

"TWO WEEKS?!"

Ren hadn't expected to be asleep for so long.

"I need to see old man Noniz!"

Ren realized that the old man must have been worried sick. He hadn't said anything about planning to join a Familia, and now he had disappeared for two weeks. He could only imagine how the old man was feeling.

"Before you run off, there's something you should know."

Ren's train of thought was interrupted by the bishop.

"While we might give ourselves official titles, most of us are just retired adventures looking to pass time in another way. With you being the saint of the church, many members would actually be willing to assist you should you come across any troubles. Keep that in mind."

Ren was surprised by this information. A lot of retired adventurers might have reached Level 3, perhaps Level 4. This was a huge help to him.

"Thank you very much."

"It's no problem at all. Now go on your way. We'll discuss this in more detail when you finish up your matters.

"Thank you for everything. Please excuse me."

"Go on."

The bishop watched as Ren ran out of the room.

"A skill that allows him to bond with spirits? Perhaps the Sword Princess might have a new competitor..."

...

Ren quickly found his way back to the bakery. It was midday right now and a lot of people were walking about. Many even turned to Ren as they had noticed the unusual colour of his hair. When Ren arrived, he realized that the shop was closed. Ren circled his way around the building and entered using the spare key he had been given."

"Old man Noniz?"

"Ren?"

Ren heard a crash followed by rapidly approaching steps. An elderly figure appeared in his vision. 

"Old man Noniz!"

"'Ren!"

The two engaged in a hug as tears ran down their faces. A stranger witnessing this scene might have thought that they were really family.

"What happened to you, boy? Why is your hair different, and your eyes too?"

"I joined a Familia..."

Ren began to explain everything that had happened. The old man's eyes widened when Ren told him about his skill.

"So you were the one that caused that phenomenon."

The old man sighed when Ren finished telling him everything.

"Do you really want to become an adventurer?"

"Yes. I feel like this is what I'm meant for."

Ren responded with enthusiasm. The old man sighed again, seemingly in frustration.

"How about you head over to your Familia? They must be worried since their new member passed out on the first day."

"I forgot about that."