The group fell into a brief silence, absorbing Eldran’s words. Although it wasn’t the answer they had hoped for, his calm tone gave them a small sense of hope.

Alana —with a slight smile—: Thank you, Father Eldran.

Eldran (looking at her warmly): Don’t thank me. Just be careful. The search for truth can be a dangerous path.

With those words, Eldran guided them back to the starting point. Although they had not obtained his direct support, they knew they would not face opposition either. The door was open to continue. As the sun began to set, they decided to return together to the tavern.

Alana: What’s wrong, Cain? You’ve seemed anxious since the conversation with Father Theren.

Cain remained silent, his gaze fixed on the ground.

Eleanor: You know you can trust us. We’re here to help you.

Caín: —after a long sigh— It’s because of Father Theren… he practically raised me. I know that look. And I know I won’t receive a warm welcome when I return to the church. He has very firm values, and what I did today, in front of Father Eldran… Well, I’m sure I’ll be punished for it.

Alana: You say that as if he were the only one willing to raise you.

Cain lowered his gaze even further, as if those words had touched a memory he preferred to leave behind. It was then that he partially realized the weight of his words: Cain was a half-elf, and most people considered them aberrations for not being fully of one race. Alana had thought the capital would be different, but it seemed that was not the case. Without another word, they continued on their way in silence. Upon arriving at the tavern, they found Daiki and Yadiel at the back, drinking quietly. Noticing the arrival of their companions, Yadiel raised his hand in greeting.

Yadiel: By the looks on your faces, it seems it didn’t go very well. —He smiled mischievously.

Cain sat in silence, while Eleanor, worried, tried to comfort him.

Alana: Well, it could have been worse. At least we got some support from Father Eldran, even if not directly. And you? Did you find anything?

Daiki: Not much, although it seems there are similar symbols in other parts of the city.

Yadiel: My contacts are investigating. It will take… a couple of days for them to tell me where these symbols are most commonly seen. But, unfortunately, they don’t seem to correspond to any language I know.

Alana: Then, all that’s left is to wait. —He said, sighing as he sat down. Although they didn’t have any immediate work, the day had been exhausting.

Eleanor: Well, but we do have something, don’t we? It’s a good start, I think. I don’t understand much about these things, but I believe, by Father Eldran’s words, he’s giving us the opportunity to investigate further and see what’s going on.

Daiki: Where are you from? I thought you were from Kimas.

Eleanor, somewhat nervous, replied:

Eleanor: Ah… I come from a village near Kimas. My parents were farmers. We always had just enough to get by. If it hadn’t been for the blessing I was given, I would never have been able to come to the capital. So I feel fortunate to be here.

Daiki clicked his tongue, showing discomfort at hearing talk of gods. Eleanor was a little startled.

Yadiel: Don’t worry. Up north, they aren’t used to magic, and can barely sense it. That’s why he reacts that way. Don’t be concerned.

Eleanor relaxed a little, and Daiki, noticing that he had startled her, tried to ease the conversation.

Daiki: Well, whatever. By the way, what’s wrong with him? —he said, referring to Cain— He hasn’t said a word since you arrived.

Alana: Let’s just say his work isn’t finished. He still has to face Father Theren when he returns to the church.

Yadiel: Uf, good luck, my friend. You’re going to need it. But hey, weren’t you the one who wanted to investigate all this? Now you have to take responsibility for your decisions.

Caín: It’s not a matter of luck. I just need to be careful. It’s likely that the punishment for my insubordination will last a few days. So try to find out everything you can in the meantime.

Daiki: You should relax and have a drink. If you’ve already screwed up, what else could happen?

With a mocking smile, he gestured to Wilbur to bring drinks for everyone.

Wilbur: Here you go. By the way, girl, I know today was your day off, but tomorrow I’ll need to ask something of you.

Alana: Alright, boss. I’ll be here early.

Wilbur stepped away to tend to the cozy tavern, which gradually felt more like a home to them. Eleanor looked at the mug in front of her in surprise; for someone like her, the size seemed enormous. In contrast, in Daiki’s large hands, the same mug looked normal.

Alana: Alright then, let’s make a toast. To our present and future discoveries, and to the journey ahead of us as a team.

He raised his mug, a gleam of hope shining in his eyes.

Eleanor: Guys, I’m sorry, but I can’t drink. It goes against our doctrine, right, Cain?

To her surprise, Cain raised his mug with determination.

Caín: Cheers! —he exclaimed before drinking almost the entire mug in one gulp.

Yadiel: Really, Eleanor? Are you going to refuse a toast for the team? —he said with puppy-dog eyes and a mischievous smile.

Daiki: In my homeland, even the youngest can handle a mug like that.

Eleanor, a little overwhelmed by the pressure, took the mug with both hands.

Eleanor: —resigned— AAA. Fine, just this once, I hope.

Meanwhile, Cain headed to the church, his heart heavy and fearful of what he would find upon returning.

As he crossed the door of the empty church, the echo of his footsteps resonated through the vast hall. The light from the stained-glass windows cast blue-tinted figures onto the white walls, wrapping the place in a solemn and somewhat intimidating atmosphere. In front of the altar, with his back turned, the imposing figure of Theren stood motionless.

Without turning, the priest spoke, each word seeming like a dagger.

Theren: Cain. What have you come to justify this time?

The young man clenched his fists, lowering his head, trying to gather his words.

Caín: Father… I wanted to apologize for what happened. I know Alana and I may have seemed disrespectful, but…

Theren slowly turned, his sharp gaze locking onto Cain with the weight of an unyielding judgment.

Theren: (interrupting him): You don’t need excuses. What I saw was clear: weakness. Yours.

Cain felt those words pierce something deep inside him. He swallowed hard, keeping his head bowed.

Theren: (with a severity that sounded almost paternal) You try to protect the wrong ones, Cain, and in doing so, you insult the sanctity of this house… and my judgment. Do you think Caelus needs your misdirected compassion?

Caín: (in a barely audible voice): No, Father.

Theren stepped forward, until his imposing figure stood directly in front of Cain.

Theren: (in a chilling voice): Then mark this well: your devotion is measured in loyalty, not in words. Do not fail me again.

Without warning, Theren raised his hand and struck Cain with the back of it—a quick, calculated movement that echoed through the empty space, but hit even harder on the young man’s pride. Cain stumbled back, swaying.

Theren: Remember who raised you, Cain. Do not dishonor this place again, or next time I won’t be so merciful.

The priest turned away with indifference, returning to the altar as if the conversation had never happened. Cain remained there for a moment, in silence, his cheek burning and the weight of Theren’s words sinking deep into his mind and chest.

Finally, he turned and left the church. Outside, under the cold light of the moon, he took a deep breath, trying to regain both his composure and the strength to face what lay ahead, knowing his punishment didn’t end there. Though Theren’s words hurt, Cain knew he couldn’t stop. There was a greater purpose to fulfill, even if it meant carrying the scars left by his mentor.