Chapter 2

Avoid errors, Nidhogg led them personally to reside in the Ocean Kingdom for several months, gaining insights into the local customs and terrain, lest there be any omissions when questioned.

Aphra was unaware of the specific contents of the oracle, but upon witnessing the incarnation of the God of Death, resplendent and dignified, personally appearing before her and other apprentices, applying the art of divine disguise, she understood the gravity of the situation.

Daphne, standing beside Aphra, sensed her tension and disdainfully chuckled.

Daphne, also an apprentice like Aphra, possessed exceptional beauty, earning her the most favor from mentors.

Even when clad in the same black robe and cloak as those around her, she resembled a rose about to bloom from the dark soil, unable to conceal her dazzling beauty.

She twirled a strand of her bright and beautiful light-golden hair around her fingertip, smiling ambiguously. "Aphra, are you so hesitant because you distrust the supreme power of our Lord?"

"Don't forget, we are currently in the Kingdom of Light. Choose your words carefully," Aphra said.

Perhaps she was overly nervous just now.

With the disguised art personally applied by the God of Death, the supreme deity of the underworld, presumably, no one within the Bright Church could discern their true identities.

However, Daphne was not willing to let it rest.

She took hold of the mentor's arm and said, "Aphra's faith seems to waver, mentor, what do you think we should do?"

Faith wavering.

If they were still in the underworld, this lightly or heavily punishable accusation would subject Aphra to a penalty ranging from a minimum of ten lashes to a maximum of death, depending on the mentor's mood at the time.

Nidhogg indulgently allowed Daphne to hold her hand, but did not punish Aphra as she had imagined.

"Don't make a fuss, Daphne. Don't forget where we are now. In this regard, you should learn from Aphra; she is more cautious and sensible than you..." Pausing for a moment, Nidhogg continued with a pleasant expression, "... and more talented than you."

"Your praise leaves me pleasantly surprised," Aphra immediately responded.

In the peripheral vision, Aphra noticed Daphne's subtle change in expression.

That night, while resting in the tower, Daphne left the apprentice's room.

She wore a flowing and elegant gown, with the rose and lace edges of her neckline visible through the cloak, moving silently and quickly disappearing along the corridor.

Aphra, standing in front of the table, copying scrolls, ignored Daphne, completely indifferent to her whereabouts.

The mentor stipulated that during their stay in the Holy Land of Light, two apprentices should share a room to be ready for emergencies. As the only two females, Aphra and Daphne were naturally assigned together.

This rule was truly torturous.

Aphra knew that Daphne was about to go to the mentor's room and understood the reason behind her recent targeting.

As an apprentice with a reasonably good appearance, she made Daphne feel threatened.

Especially after Nidhogg praised her frequently recently, Daphne, feeling her position threatened, repeatedly attempted to test her standing in the mentor's eyes.

These matters bothered Aphra.

Sometimes, she truly wished to be a rude knight, grabbing Daphne's collar and shouting, "I have no interest in living like you solely relying on looks!"