NOVPUBInside the great hall, silence prevailed, as undisturbed as the lake surface by the temple window, with only the faint lingering echoes and the slight tinkling of the crystal ornaments from the swaying chandeliers filling the air.
The light and shadows reflected on the marble walls, previously induced into chaos by the wind rustling the leaves outside the temple, gradually returned to their original rhythm.
The tension from the previous disagreements seemed to have been quietly dispersed, replaced by an atmosphere of solemnity and sacred tranquility.
The Bingxue Witch’s silver eyes regained their familiar coldness.
Hyperion stood by, watching the expression on the Bingxue Witch’s face. Her tense heartstrings finally eased. Inwardly, she decided to be more cautious about bringing out the Great Love Poet in the future.
"Hyperion, keep an eye on this summon. Don’t let her cause any trouble in the Protoss Empire."
The Bingxue Witch directed her words towards Hyperion.
Not quite sure why that summon was so oddly intent on hiding her face. Given her graceful figure, fair skin and delicate lips, she thought, she probably wouldn’t look too bad. In fact, she might even turn out to be quite a beauty.
It’s just her character that’s terrible.
Because of this, no matter how beautiful she is, there would be no surprise in store for her.
"Don’t worry, Teacher. Regardless of what happens, she always listens to me."
Hyperion answered in a way that would put the Bingxue Witch at ease.
"That’s good. Once you get used to your new identity in Xi Bei Province, you can head to Hezishan Province, then take the Magic Power Rail Train south to leave the controlled areas of the northern Protoss Empire and reach the imperial capital, Herram."
The Bingxue Witch gently placed her hand on Hyperion’s shoulder, her eyes softening slightly with reluctance,
"The most dangerous part would be the journey from Xi Bei Province to Hezishan Province. The minions of the Nirvana Branch are everywhere. Beware of the Saint of Nirvana in particular. Once they’ve got you in their sights, it would be hard to escape."
Once Hyperion parted ways with her today, she would embark on this perilous journey.
Three clergy members who were acquainted with Hyperion would accompany her through a channel of the Church of the Goddess of Destiny that had been prepared but never used before, escorting her to Xi Bei Province. They would then wait there for instructions to minimize any unnecessary attention that might complicate her infiltration into the imperial capital.
Once she’s left Xi Bei Province, she would be on her own, for better or worse.
"Don’t worry, Teacher Almis. If anything goes wrong, I’ll run. I’m very confident about this!"
Hyperion confidently clenched her fists, responding.
"Ah."
Even though the Bingxue Witch found it hard to imagine how a modern demon royal could proudly say something so cowardly, she couldn’t help but smile anyway. "Sadly, in the Protoss Empire, there are very few absolutely dependable supporters of ours who can offer you much assistance."
There were indeed some who held high positions within the Protoss Empire and had tremendous power favoring the Church of the Goddess of Destiny, but they could not be fully relied upon.
Hyperion’s operation was of the utmost secrecy, where every single detail could matter to her personal safety.
Any hasty attempt to seek their assistance might inadvertently put Hyperion in danger.
"That’s alright. Having a lord who can provide me with a new identity and shelter is already a great help!"
Hyperion affirmed with absolute seriousness.
All the preparatory work had been set up by the Church of the Goddess of Destiny for her. Now, she needed to undertake a series of difficult challenges that others could hardly help her with.
But, the very first step would be to see if she could get any information about Lanci in the imperial capital, Herram.
Oh, his name’s Rocky now.
Hyperion was genuinely worried about how he and the cat boss were doing in the far-off Protoss Empire.
Every night, before she pulled the covers over herself to sleep, she would gaze at the ceiling and ponder for a long time.
"You’re thinking about him again, aren’t you?"
The Bingxue Witch looked at the momentarily lost Hyperion and asked.
"Haha, how I worry about him."
Hyperion lowers her head in embarrassment after being seen through. 𝖓𝔬𝖛𝔭𝔲𝖇.𝔠𝔬𝖒
"Keep going, Hyperion."
The encouragement coming once again from the Bingxue Witch carries unknown implications.
Her gaze at Hyperion is tinged with a touch of seriousness.
Hyperion stands slightly dazed before nodding her head.
She always perceives her teacher as an intellectual woman. The priests say that the Bingxue Witch’s singing can heal others and touch people’s hearts, even bringing them to tears. But Hyperion has never experienced her teacher’s music rhythm magic.
"Every defeat has a reason..."
The Bingxue Witch sighs.
"Such as?"
Hyperion asks in confusion.
"Consider this. In a love story, the protagonist is either eating or holding food every time she appears. Do you think her loss is unjust?"
The Bingxue Witch takes out a book from the bookshelf. It’s a novel named "The Holy War Romance," apparently circulated from the Protoss Empire. The story is based on the historical backdrop a century ago and is penned by a somewhat famous historian from the Protoss Empire in recent years.
"If she wins, it would actually make for great television."
Hyperion starts analyzing the problem from another angle.
Still, she indeed hadn’t expected that her teacher’s bookshelf would contain such historical literature.
"Is that so."
The Bingxue Witch seems to have an epiphany due to Hyperion’s words, gently sighs with a smile, and hands over the book to Hyperion to glance through if bored on her journey to Xi Bei Province.
"Regardless of what the outcome is one month from now, I’ll have a ship arranged to take you guys back to the South Continent when we meet again. Therefore, come back safely. May the Lady Goddess bless you."
The Bingxue Witch turns her gaze towards the statue of the Goddess and earnestly prays for Hyperion.
"Thank you, teacher."
Hyperion gazes deeply at the Bingxue Witch, collects the magic card and book given to her, bows to say her final goodbyes, and then turns to exit the temple.
Her steps are steady yet tinged with reluctance. The temple hallway, supported on both sides by white pillars, has a warm yellow crystal light spreading tranquility and harmony between every two pillars, as though bidding her farewell.
Hyperion strides forward on this route.
Although she has walked this way many times, she finally feels a touch of reluctance as she prepares to say goodbye.
This is where she became a member of the clergy, made many like-minded friends, and held hope to protect this pristine land.
Finally, Hyperion reaches the temple’s main door, pushes open the heavy engraved metal doors, and a shining beam of sunlight instantly falls on her face.
In the slightly dazzling view, the trees shimmer in the midday sun, and fresh green leaves greet her as if announcing the arrival of spring.
In these early days of spring, the temple is exceptionally clean, and flower buds are blooming in the flower beds on either side, their petals gently swaying in the breeze and spreading a light fragrance.
The Protoss Empire she is about to go to next is fraught with difficulties and won’t be so beautiful.
But she is prepared.
After this period of training, she has learned to stay calm.
Once she sees Lanci, no matter how abstract he may be this time, she will not let her emotions fluctuate.
With great anticipation, Hyperion strides out from the temple.
