"Are you saying that the Goddess is a liar?"
The abrupt question that escaped Alana’s mouth echoed within the gloomy yet divine dinsion, montarily silencing the Seven Family Heads—Astraea, Azreon, Lucarion, Cindareth, Orravelle, Solmourn, and Caelthorn.
The [Divine Guide] or system-like features given to those with an ’eye-related’ talent were synonymous with being led by an Orthodox Deity. In other words—even if these talents with the word ’eye’ had variations—it was theologically believed to be a divine blessing, and that the denial of it was tantamount to blasphemy.
Alana was notified through this guide regarding the presence of the demonkind on Ranaya Island, and when she was about to take action to reach the most likely place these evils would gather for a detrintal purpose, Caelen from the Seven Hero Bloodlines blocked her path intending to eliminate her.
"Do you know what one of your sons said to ? It’s about how it seems too unfair that the Goddess always chooses soone from our na to be the True Hero... and he thought that if I die, as the only candidate in my family in this generation to succeed my brother’s footsteps, then it would usher in an unprecedented situation."
The Hero Trial Ascension always had seven candidates—though even to this day, the talented and suited ones only were born from the Astraea Family.
The Patriarch of Caelen Family—Cignus Sol Caelen—whose body was muscular and looked like a human giant, with piercing golden eyes and crimson-gold hair, gritted his teeth due to this girl’s bold attitude.
However, as his emotions temporarily clouded his mind, he realized what he had blurted out.
Gazing at the wobbling, illusory symbol of a sword overlapping with two angels’ wings and a figureless cloak seemingly holding a lantern, Cignus bowed and spoke,
"Forgive my insolence, O’ Holy Goddess. Your lamb’s heart is afflicted, and I could not reason."
The other Family Heads had their mouths closed, letting the spectacle of repentance finish. After that, Kadin Sol Azreon—who was known in the Hero Bloodlines as [The Judgent]—continued with the Truth for Trial based on stories the subject ntioned.
"Does anybody want to ask her? It is only right to believe that many questions are flowing in our minds." Kadin asked, truly acting as this dinsion’s presider.
That’s when the Patriarch of Lucarion Family—Beldragon Sol Lucarion—asked sothing that seems to be at the back of everyone’s mind, "Let have the honor to ask you, child... How did you kill Caelen?"
To summarize Alana’s story’s main points, she received a warning through the Divine Guide about the demonkind’s presence on Ranaya Island, then based on basics she had learned as a mber of the Seven Hero Bloodlines, she surmised that their purpose had sothing to do with the only labyrinth on the island, which turned out to be the correct assumption, and on the way to the Labyrinth of Atlan Sphere, Alana eventually encountered Caelen.
She had no plans to tell them how Caelen died, but since it was being asked under oath and gaze of the Goddess, Alana was compelled to respond truthfully.
...
"I used one of my divine weapons’ innate abilities."
"..."
"...?"
The twin-headed scythe, Seraphmire, was hers to begin with. However, the Matriarch of the Orravelle Family—Pragnava Sol Orravelle, known as the Keeper of Secrets—interjected.
She was aware of every nook and cranny regarding the information of every single divine weapon and relic possessed by the Seven Hero Bloodlines. Other than that, she also knew the current unlocked abilities of Seraphmire that Alana could utilize at this point in ti, and there was nothing in her mind that passed through that could behead Caelen.
"Hold on. You are referring to Seraphmire, not your brother’s weapon, yes?"
Alana reluctantly nodded.
"...Did you know what will happen if you are judged as a liar? Aside from Heaven and Hell, and Sun Door, you cannot use Holy Judgent yet."
...
Seraphmire (Holy)
Description: [It was once a glorious feather from an archangel serving the Goddess of Light. It had fallen from heaven, turning it from a celestial creation to a divine relic.]
True Origin: Unknown
Relic Rank: Divine
Relic Innate Abilities:
(a) Heaven and Hell
Description: [As it was written, "Light and darkness are twins of existence. One cannot exist without the other." - Excerpt from the Scripture of Luminous Bible.]
Effect: Seraphmire can be separated into two different weapons—the Scythe of Light, the one that illuminates, and the Scythe of Darkness, the one that judges.
(b) Sun Door
Description: [As it was written, "The two connecting immaterial concepts of creation can interchangeably beco one, as for the sun has its side that cannot be seen." - Excerpt from the Scripture of Luminous Bible.]
Effect: The Scythe of Light and Scythe of Darkness can act as a portal from one end to the other. Upon the door’s manifestation, it will expel blinding rays of light that will intensely weaken those who are deed pure evil.
(c) Holy Judgnt
Description: [?]
Effect: [?]
This will only be available when the relic’s holder is officially chosen by the Goddess of Light as the True Hero during the Hero Ascension Trial.
(d) Culling Light
Description: [?]
Effect: [?]
(e) -?-
(f) -?-
(g) -?- ...
Most of the relic’s abilities in general could only beco available when the holder reached a certain [Soul Order]...
...
Hearing this, Alana reluctantly said, "I-I... didn’t use Holy Judgent... but Culling Light."
That’s why Caelen was bewildered on his way to oblivion, which led him to assu that Alana used one of her offensive talents to cut him down.
Well, it was a half-truth.
"You what...?" Pragnava was at a loss for words.
"Look at this child. HAHAHAHAHA!" Azreon cackled.
"Seraq, your daughter’s a monstrous one, isn’t she?!
"Interesting..." Beldragon murmured.
"..."
Normally, Seraphmire’s ability, [Culling Light] would only be unlocked when she reached a new height with her Soul Order from Dim to Luminous, which was a grueling process that even others could take a year or two to do so.
"My eyes are not deceiving , child. Your soul has yet to evolve. How could you?"
That’s when Caelen’s father, Patriarch Cignus, abruptly cut off the interesting conversation.
It’s a chance, he thought.
"Was it because of a Talent?"
"...?"
In this [Judgent Chamber], Alana was required to spill the truth under the necessary circumstances.
Talents—unlike the information shared between the Seven Hero Families about the divine weapons and relics—were the most private ability that should not be exposed casually, especially in the presence of highly influential and powerful individuals.
"Yes, it’s due to one of what I was bestowed."
"What Talent is it?" Cignus pressed, silencing the other Six Family Heads; they knew what he was trying to do.
The only way for Alana’s mother, Seraq, to know her child’s talents was during the early years when she was appraised. Though even during that ti, Seraq only saw bits of it, sothing that everyone in the Hero Bloodline possessed—Luminous Body and Luminous Spirit.
"I can’t tell you that."
"Hoh? Are you saying you’re refusing to answer under the gaze of the Goddess?"
"..."
"Child, based on what you’ve told us, you used Seraphmire’s Culling Light that you shouldn’t be able to use this ti. Is it a Talent that overrides a divine relic’s prerequisites?"
"I refuse to answer sothing that’s not totally related to the issue." For so reason, Alana was adamant.
"Insolence! How dare you stop being truthful in front of the Goddess’ presence?! Do you want to be punished?"
"The main issue here is how the demonkind influenced your dead son..."
"Wh-what...?!"
"..."
"...?"
"..."
"Whether I possess the Talent to override a divine relic’s Soul Order requirent, why does it matter?! Is it more important than the fact that soone from this holy blood turned against humanity?! Huh?! You... Tell , Patriarch of Caelthorn. Which do you think is more important? Sothing that allowed to get rid of evil... Or the corruption that silently spread within this household?!"
"Silence—!"
For the first ti, Alana’s mother spoke.
"When did you beco this bold of a daughter? Are you going to act like this when you have beco the Goddess’ champion? Will you also question the future missions you will be given for the sake of those worth protecting? You’re very different from your brother. He’s like a gentle dog who does whatever’s needed... You, too, should beco one, Alana."
"...!"
"MOTHER—!" Alana clenched her fists as she shouted back, her gaze on the ancient ground of the circular platform.
"Why... Why are you even here? Didn’t you hate your son because he was the Patriarch of the family? That’s the way this is... Isn’t it? Only in our family... That whoever becos the True Hero, no matter how young, will beco the leader of the family. That’s why you hate too... That’s why! You lost your chance years ago.
"Mother... No... Every one of you." Alana panoramically gazed upward, seeing every figure sitting on their throne atop every lofty stone pillar.
"You should have wished that I died in Caelen’s hands."
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