Cursed Heir System: Revenge Against the Gods

Teranese City, Capital of the Midia Kingdom and Seat of the Holy Region

The grand meeting room of the Concreda Church was silent; sunlight poured through colorful stained-glass windows, painting the stone floor with bright hues.

Fifteen of the most powerful people in the Kingdom sat around a huge round table: twelve head priests, each from one of the twelve divine churches, and three high priests of the Concreda itself.

They were gathered for one big reason: to pick the next Bishop of the Concreda after the recent death of the Bishop, a role with power over all twelve churches, even greater than the Monarch's.

An old man with a long white beard, one of Concreda's high priests, sighed deeply, his worn hands resting on the table. "Well, then," he said. "Have we reached a decision?"

The head priest of the Fire God, a thin man in white robes with a red symbol, raised a hand. "The Church of Fire nominates Priestess Thalina Voss for Bishop. Her divine favor and influence make her the clear choice."

"That's absurd!" A fist slammed the table, and everyone turned to the Wind God's head priest, a heavy-set man with a red face. "Thalina Voss? She's barely more than a child! You think she's fit for the most sacred role in the kingdom?"

He pointed at one of Concreda's high priests. "We propose Emeran. A proven leader, not some untested girl. What say you all?"

His words weren't surprising; he and Emeran, old allies, shared a strong dislike for women in power, especially someone as young as Thalina.

The head priestess of the Earth God raised a hand to speak. "Thalina may be young, but she's the kingdom's most beloved figure; her leadership inspires devotion, and her influence unites the people. The Church of Earth stands with Priestess Thalina."

The room turned into chaos. Some praised Thalina's charm and divine favor; others called her youth a weakness. The Water priestess spoke about Thalina's kindness, while the Lightning priest scoffed, saying she lacked the seriousness for such a holy role.

The Wind priest sneered. "Thalina Voss? A pretty face with a silver tongue, nothing more, she's a performer, not a leader. The Concreda wants strength, not a child playing at divinity."

The room silenced as the heavy oak doors swung open with a loud *thud*.

All eyes turned as Priestess Thalina Voss stepped in, radiant like dawn breaking through storm clouds.

Her white and gold robes hugged her graceful curves, each step a blend of holy elegance and feminine allure. With soft golden hair brushing her cheeks and emerald eyes scanning the room, she was both divine and devastatingly beautiful.

Her presence alone silenced the room more than any holy chant ever could.

The Wind priest's smirk faded, though he quickly hid it with a scowl. Thalina's lips curved into a knowing smile as she walked to an empty chair and sat with calm grace.

"Lords and ladies," she began, her voice smooth as velvet but sharp, looking at the wind priest. "I couldn't help but overhear your… spirited debate about my suitability. It's truly flattering to know my name sparks such passion. Though I wonder, dear Wind priest, if your objections stem from my youth—or from the fear that a 'pretty face' might eclipse your own influence."

A ripple of quiet chuckles spread through the room; the Wind priest's face reddened.

Thalina folded her hands neatly. "But let's set aside personal squabbles. There's a far greater matter at hand, the one I trust this esteemed council hasn't overlooked till now."

Her emerald eyes locked onto each priest in turn, holding their attention.

"Our recent bishop died giving the divine revelation, the official order from God to capture one evil thing, a force that could shatter our kingdom. Yet here you are, bickering over titles while Midia teeters on the brink. Tell me, do you believe an old guard, chained to tradition, can weather such a storm?"

The room grew still. The Fire priest shifted uncomfortably, while the Water priestess's eyes shone with quiet admiration.

The Wind priest opened his mouth to argue, but Thalina raised a hand, her gesture soft but firm.

"I am young, yes," she said, her voice softening, like sharing a secret. "But youth sees what age often overlooks. Even a lamb must grow fangs when the wolves gather. I bear the Sun God's blessing, but more than that, I carry the trust of the kingdom. Deny me, and you risk denying them."

Her words made even the oldest priests hesitate. "Choose Emeran, and you choose a safe, stagnant path—one that may lead us to ruin. Choose me, and I will unite the churches to face this threat. But know this: stand against me, and you may find yourselves standing against the will of the people and the gods themselves."

The Wind priest's face paled. The Earth priestess gave a small nod while others shared uneasy glances.

Thalina's smile returned, calm but with a hint of menace, as she leaned back in her chair.

"So," she said, her voice light again, "Shall we set a date for the ceremony? Along with the hunting date of that wicked child."

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"Tomorrow?" Moriko asked, laying sprawled on a soft bed, her golden eyes staring at the detailed ceiling. "You're really going to spar with the Earth's Champion?"

Alan sat relaxed in a nearby chair, hands behind his head as he gazed up, saying, "It's not a spar, Moriko. It's a test, Janine won't go all out. She's just checking if I'm worth her time."

Moriko rolled onto her side, propping herself up on an elbow, her brow creased. "I've got a bad feeling about this, Alan," she said, her cat ears twitching with worry. "Why not just ask for gold and be done with it? We could build a life—get rich, live peacefully, no more fighting."

She stretched her arms wide like scooping up piles of coins. "I don't want to work for anyone again."

Alan tilted his head, his blue eyes meeting her golden ones with a hint of irritation. "I've got plans, a peaceful life isn't for me. If that's what you want, I can arrange some money. You can go your own way."

Moriko's eyes widened in panic with fear spreading on her face. She scrambled across the bed, nearly falling off as she reached for him. "No way!" she cried. "I'm not leaving you, Alan. Don't you dare….. try to ditch me! I'll fight by your side, whatever it takes." Her tone was desperate, almost begging, her golden eyes shining as if close to tears.

Alan sighed as he leaned back in the chair. "Alright kitty, don't cry, I'm not going anywhere without you."

Her face brightened instantly, the worry fading into a big grin. She flopped back onto the bed, her tail swishing happily.

A quiet moment passed, the room filled only with the soft chirping of birds outside. Then a gentle knock at the door.

"Lunch already?" Moriko asked, lifting her head eagerly with her ears perking up.

Alan gave her a dry look and stood with a sigh. He crossed the room and opened the door only to freeze. It wasn't a maid with a tray, but a Silver haired beauty, Anna Nocelle, her crimson eyes warm with a shy smile.

She stood in the doorway, the scent of lavender and steel clinging to her—like a noblewoman who'd just left the training grounds. She looked at him and Moriko inside the room.

"I want to talk to you about something," she asked hesitantly.

Alan blinked, caught off guard for a moment, then stepped aside with a small nod. "Sure," he said as he held the door open for her.