NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 193: Final Ablution
[ A new Fallen has been successfully created ]
[ You have acquired 10% of his stats ]
Suddenly, a light appeared between the sky and the earth, wrapping around Malrik's body. When the light faded, it revealed a new version of Malrik.
His body had grown larger, a pair of purple wings had appeared on his back, and his entire body now looked like a galaxy.
[ Please choose a name for your new Fallen ]
"Malrik," Daniel didn't think much and chose the name he was used to.
[ Confirmed ]
[ You may copy one of his skills ]
"Hm? Isn't there an option for 10% Exp?" Daniel looked at the announcement with curiosity.
[ The old power system is different from the current one. Back then, there was no Exp. ]
"I see," Daniel nodded.
"Hail, my Lord," Malrik knelt down.
Daniel wanted to check his panel, but now wasn't the time. He needed to return to the tents quickly in case something happened to the pilgrims again.
He dismissed the summoning and returned to the tents. Fortunately, nothing had happened during his absence.
There wasn't much time left until morning, so instead of sleeping, he decided to meditate and calm his mind.
He laid down, closed his eyes, and cleared his thoughts.
It didn't take long for the night sky to give way to morning light. Once everyone had woken up, Daniel stood and helped the others pack the tents.
A few people asked about Malrik—after all, they had last been seen together.
Daniel simply said he hadn't seen him, and the pilgrims didn't push further. After all, he was the one who saved them from those demons and other attackers.
To them, Daniel was their hero. Naturally, they wouldn't let anyone insult him—not themselves or others.
The pilgrims began moving again. There wasn't much distance left, and it was estimated they would reach their destination by noon.
Daniel stayed alert the entire time in case of another ambush. Luckily, everything remained calm.
Of course, even if there were infiltrators or saboteurs among the pilgrims, no one would dare make a move while Daniel was present.
"You seem really quiet today," a voice suddenly pulled Daniel from his thoughts.
"Mr. Aurest? Good morning," Daniel smiled and greeted the man who had arrived.
"I noticed you were quiet, so I thought I'd come check on our hero."
"The honor's mine. I just assumed you were still busy training for the Final Ablution."
"It's done. Today, I just need to calm my mind," Aurest replied with a smile.
"If you don't mind me asking, what exactly is the Final Ablution?" Daniel asked curiously.
"You don't know what the Final Ablution is? You must be a new follower, huh?"
"You could say that," Daniel nodded.
"The Final Ablution is a very important ritual in our faith, although it requires many prerequisites. You must have enough understanding of the Everlasting Path and be approved by the Prophet. Only then can you summon the Final Ablution."
"Summon it?" Daniel muttered in surprise—he didn't expect something summonable.
"That's right. You must summon a certain rain—rain that serves as the core part of the Final Ablution. If you can summon it, you can cleanse yourself with its water."
"If the Ablution is successful, you'll become a Paragon. That's what people think I am—but in truth, I'm not." Aurest sighed.
"So you're not actually a Paragon?" Daniel asked, even though he already knew.
"That's right. It's not like I'm hiding it. In fact, I attempted the Final Ablution once before and failed. This is my second attempt."
"I see. But what's the benefit of the Final Ablution? Just becoming a Paragon?"
"Kid, it's clear you don't understand the importance and power of a Paragon. I can't really describe it to you—you just need to know they're immune to any karma and fate," Aurest replied with a smile.
Daniel didn't say anything and sank into thought. He had many questions about the Everlasting Faith, and they were only growing.
"Anyway, I suggest you be careful when we reach the Holy City. Things might get dangerous this time," Aurest suddenly warned.
"May I ask why?"
"The Prophet's successor will be chosen during this Everlasting Way. If the Prophet doesn't choose one himself, it might cause a lot of unrest. The Holy City won't be so peaceful this time."
Daniel nodded, though he gave the old man a suspicious look. He spoke as if he were certain of what would happen.
After that, they spent the next few hours talking about different topics. Daniel had many questions, and Aurest patiently answered them all.
He gained a general understanding of this religion—one that would disappear in the future. He also learned about the current three true Paragons of the Everlasting Faith.
It didn't take long before the gates of the Holy City came into view.
"We finally made it!"
"Everyone look! The gates of the Holy City!"
"Look at this crowd! The other pilgrims have arrived too!"
A massive line had formed at the city entrance—so long that its end and beginning couldn't be seen. Daniel and the others managed to move a bit forward before being forced to stop.
The number of pilgrims was enormous—even Aurest was surprised, as normally there would be far fewer.
But thinking again, it made sense. It had been a long time since the last Everlasting Way, and since then, the number of believers had grown a lot.
More importantly, there were rumors that the Prophet's successor would be revealed this time—which meant this could be the last time to see the Prophet.
Naturally, no one wanted to miss it.
"I think with this line, we'll still be waiting by tomorrow morning," Daniel sighed.
"Don't worry, it'll only take about two hours," Aurest said—and he was right.
Due to the massive crowd, more church officials came to help with the checks, and the speed increased.
In less than two hours, Daniel and the pilgrims behind him entered the city. Before entering, each person was given a badge, and according to the guards, if they lost it, they'd be expelled from the city.
As Daniel stepped past the threshold of the Holy City, a system message popped up in front of him:
[ You have successfully completed Phase 1 of the Second Floor ]