167 Holy City
The next day.
Day of Thura, 4:03 p.m.
The convoy entered the southern gate of the Holy City.
Compared to Luxen City, the city was at least 3 times larger. The walls surrounding it were higher and appeared thicker, the infrastructure looked better, and even the Guards and the citizens looked more presentable.
Speaking of walls, the city had 3 walls.
The First or Outer Wall was the wall that surrounded the entire city.
Between the Outer and Second Wall housed the normal citizens.
Between the Second and Third Wall housed the rich citizens.
And within the Third Wall was where the Temple of Priests Palace was located. This is where the Light Saint lives and only high-ranking Priests and special guests are allowed to enter, similar to a king or emperor's palace.
If a Priest like Vivian wanted to enter the Temple of Priests Palace, she would need to issue a gate pass first.
The convoy continued moving until it finally reached its destination.
The place looked like a vast farm or stable area and there were groups of people waiting, a few were wearing a Priest's attire while the majority were wearing normal clothing. And beside the stable was a tall and huge building carved in white stone and designed with religious aesthetics right beside it.
The convoy stopped and the door of the carriages opened, letting all of the passengers out. And as soon as the Priests from the carriages stepped out, the people who were wearing normal clothing immediately helped unloading the luggage on top of the carriages.
Clementine stepped out and was immediately greeted by a Gold Cloak Priest.
"Greetings, High Sister Clementine, and may the God of Light watch over you. I hope you had a safe and wonderful journey."
"Brother Vanrir, it's nice to see you again and may the God of Light watch over you as well. We faced a few hiccups along the way but it was mostly fine."
"Oh, please do tell. You always had fascinating stories to tell."
Clementine and Vanrir continued chatting.
"Everyone, gather around based on your Chapter Temple and form a line with 10 people each!" said Isaac.
Everyone quickly gathered.
On the Heisen Chapter, there were 28 members so there were 3 lines with Cornelio at the front. Meanwhile, the Luxen Chapter had 31 members so there were 4 lines with Isaac in the front.
Clementine and Vanrir stopped talking.
Vanrir turned away and stepped forward to face the gathered Chapter Temples.
"Greetings, brothers and sisters from the Luxen Chapter and Heisen Chapter Temple. I welcome you all to the Holy City, the capital of the Temple of Priests.
"For those who do not know me, I am Brother Vanrir and I am one of the Priests in charge of this establishment.
"I understand that all of you must be tired from your journey, but there is one more place you have to go.
"You will be led by your Squad Leaders to the Training Camp for your quarters and you will be free for the night. To those who have extra luggage, don't worry, it will be sent there as well later.
"And then tomorrow morning, that's when your Holy Crusade will begin.
"Again, I welcome you, brothers and sisters, and may the God of Light watch over you."
"May the God of Light watch over you as well!" replied the Priests.
Isaac turned around to face the Luxen Chapter Temple.
"Maintain this formation and follow me!" he said before moving.
Cornelio did the same to the Heisen Chapter Temple.
Clementine and 2 White Cloak Priests were led by the Vanrir and his Priests to the nearby building. Meanwhile, Isaac, Cornelio and the rest of the Luxen and Heisen Chapter Temple were led to a group of carriages.
"Board the carriages by 4," said Isaac.
Vivian, who was carrying a backpack, went to find a carriage along with Marie, Elena and Kara.
As soon as Vivian got close to one of the animals, it immediately became restless and wanted to run away. Fortunately, the driver was a professional and he was immediately able to subdue the animal.
When all 4 women finally entered the carriage, Marie and Elena had a cool and calm demeanor.
Kara, on the other hand, although she was trying her best to emulate Marie and Elena's demeanor, her face still bled out of anxiety and fear.
And as for Vivian, she was more or less the same as Kara. Her knees felt weak, her stomach felt like it was upside down and she wanted to run away. The last time she felt like this was when she went to her first job interview back in her original world.
In her mind, not only was this her first time here just like Kara, but she had many secrets and she was in the belly of the beast.
Fuck…!
Did I really make the right decision…?!
She pinched her thigh to distract herself.
One by one the carriages began moving.
"Sister Vivian, Sister Kara, there is nothing to worry about," Marie said and smiled.
"Yes, there really is nothing," said Elena.
"I heard that a lot of fights happen at the Training Camp. Is it true?" asked Kara.
"There were some incidents that rival Chapter Temples get into fights, but they aren't serious and it's usually the boys who get into fights. Also, we aren't in the busy seasons so there aren't that many people at the Training Camp," said Marie.
One year in this world was 12 months and the recruitment for the Holy Crusade starts every first week of the month. And since a Holy Crusade lasts 6 months, many would choose to participate during the 1st and 7th month of the year.
"What about the women? Do they bully each other?"
"Sister Kara, everything is going to be fine. And plus, you have Sister Vivian with you during your Basic Training," said Elena.
"And then after your Basic Training, once you pass the Training Course for the Division you're applying, you will be with Brother Carr and the rest," said Marie.
For the first-time Holy Crusaders, during the first month, they will have to undergo 2 weeks of Basic Training and then another 3 weeks for the Training Course of the Division they want to apply for. And once they passed, they would finally be sent out for the remaining 5 months of their Holy Crusade contract.
However, if they failed the Training Course, the Temple would choose what Division their skills are suited for. But in most cases, they would just be thrown at the Infantry Division.
***
A couple of minutes later…
The carriages stopped and they finally arrived at the Training Camp.
The Training Camp was located on the outskirts of the city and there were only a few buildings and houses in the area.
There was a bald man in his late 40s and a short-haired blonde woman in her late 20s waiting for them at the entrance.
They wore nothing but a plain white shirt and a pair of brown pants and boots. But they had small plates pinned on their shirt which indicated their rank.
When all of the Priests stepped out, Isaac turned to all of the Priests.
"Officer on board! Get into formation! Men on this side and the women on this side!"
Those who already had experience with the Holy Crusade immediately got into position, while the first-timers took a few seconds before finally knowing what to do.
When everyone finally settled into their position, Isaac and Cornelio turned around and stepped forward to face the man and woman.
They both saluted -- they formed a fist with their right hand and placed it on their chest.
"I am Brother Isaac, acting commander for the Luxen Chapter Temple and a Captain for the Holy Crusade!"
"I am Brother Cornelio, acting commander for the Heisen Chapter Temple and a High Lieutenant for the Holy Crusade!"
"At ease, Brother Captain and Brother High Lieutenant," said the woman.
Isaac and Cornelio put their hands down.
The man stepped forward and swept his gaze at the rest of the Priests.
"Greetings, Crusaders. I am High Brother Marshall and this is Sister Julia. But in this camp and during your Holy Crusade, you will address me as Brother High Captain Marshall and Sister Julia as Sister High Lieutenant Julia, and everyone around you according to their Crusader Rank.
"Whatever the color of your cloak is, whatever Chapter you're from, it doesn't matter. From now on, you will be addressed according to your Crusader Rank and act as one.
"Carry on."
He turned away.
Julia stepped forward and turned to Isaac.
"Brother Captain Isaac!"
"Sister High Lieutenant!" he said and saluted.
"Your orders are to remain here."
"Yes, Sister High Lieutenant!"
Julia turned to Cornelio.
"Brother High Lieutenant Cornelio!"
"Sister High Lieutenant!" he said and saluted.
"Your orders are to lead the men to their quarters."
"Yes, Sister High Lieutenant!"
Julia then turned to the female Priests.
"All women, follow me!"
"Yes, Sister High Lieutenant!" some of the females replied, while the rest sounded like gibberish echoes.
Julia turned around before moving and the women followed.
***
Julia led the women to the female dormitory and entered a large and spacious room that had over 50 bunk beds.
"This will be your temporary shelter.
"Your uniform will be sent later along with the rest of your luggage.
"Food will only be served 2 times a day -- 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
"Starting tomorrow, you're not allowed to leave the Training Camp without permission.
"Dismiss!"
She turned around and left.
Vivian swept her gaze around the room, while the rest of the women started choosing their beds.
"Sister Vivian, Sister Kara," said Marie.
They both turned to her.
"Since the both of you will be together until Basic Training, it's best that you both share bunk beds so that you can support each other."
"What about the both of you?" Kara asked with a worried expression on her face.
"We won't have to participate in the Basic Training and will be transferred to another area tomorrow to take the Training Course for the Sea Division," said Marie.
During their last Holy Crusade, Marie and Elena were part of the Air Division. And since they wanted to apply for the Sea Division, they had to take the Training Course of the said Division and pass it.
Kara looked like she was about to cry.
"Hey, don't cry. You already knew this would happen," said Elena.
"Yes, yes, but…" Kara said and rubbed her eyes.
"Sister Kara, please don't act like that. You're going to hurt Sister Vivian's feelings," said Marie.
"Huh?" said Vivian.
They all looked at Vivian who had a confused expression written all over her face.
After spending these past few days with Vivian, if there was one thing they all noticed, it was that sometimes Vivian could act like she wasn't present or her mind was elsewhere.
"I guess that's Sister Vivian for you," Elena said and then turned to Marie. "Like you said, once she sets her mind on something, whether it's training, studying or eating, that's the only thing she would care about."
"No, Sister Vivian isn't like that," said Marie.
Why do I feel like these people are insulting me…?
"Don't worry, Sister Kara. Let's promise to help each other," Vivian said and smiled.
"And who knows, maybe your FRIENDSHIP might strengthen and the both of you will decide to go to the same Division," said Elena.
"You're right," Kara said and then bowed. "Please forgive me, sisters. It's my first time away from home so --"
"Please," Marie said, cutting her off. "It's normal to feel that way."
Out of all of them, Kara was the youngest -- Vivian was 24 years old, Elena was 21, Marie 19 and Kara 18.
"I'm going to find a bed," Vivian said and started walking.
"Let's make sure we're all close together," Marie said and followed Vivian.
Elena and Kara then followed suit.
"I wouldn't mind sharing one bed," Elena said as she eyed Marie.
"Sisters, we're free tonight, right?" asked Kara.
"Yes, but they will wake everyone up at 3:00 in the morning," said Marie.
"Why…?"
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Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
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Please note that the chapters posted there are only drafts. So when those said Chapter Drafts will be published here, there will be some edits. They also involve a few secret outline notes/details that I won't publish here because they contain spoilers or dispel soe of the mysteries. And at the moment, Chapter Drafts 230-235 are posted there.
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