"Tch, how boring."

Everyone filed out through the door.

...

The next day, not long after dawn, Alka set off alone from the Sound of Dawn towards the Holy Mother Church.

The others began attending to their own tasks.

Alka entered the Great Cathedral through a side door.

"Whoa! Look who it is? The great hero has arrived!"

At that moment, a Knight Captain, who seemed to be overseeing his squad inside the church, noticed Alka and laughed heartily as he walked over to greet him.

It was the same Captain Marlo that Alka had met a few times at the port.

Alka gave him a quick hug.

"Great hero? Are you talking about me?"

Alka asked with some confusion.

Marlo nodded, then patted him on the shoulder, "Of course, it's you, young man. What you did at the Sea of Moisture has already spread. Your team is quite well-known in this region now."

Hearing this, Alka frowned slightly in confusion.

"The news traveled that fast? Surely, we were the first team to leave."

There shouldn't be any team that returned faster than theirs.

"Well, in fact, only a few of us know about it." Marlo laughed awkwardly.

"The Silent Saintess and a few priests accompanying her returned earlier through a remote teleportation.

Those youngsters have been talking about your team non-stop, so I learned a bit about it.

You all are quite an incredible group of young people." Marlo explained from the side.

Hearing this, Alka nodded in understanding.

So, it was only some internal personnel who knew about it, which made sense. Later, when some people from the Land of Spirits returned.

Alka's deeds would inevitably spread.

As for the rise in reputation, Alka didn't mind it at all.

After all, sailing across the sea, one would inevitably gain some wealth, power, influence, and fame.

Especially the fame, which naturally spreads as you undertake notable actions during your journey unless you remain completely inconspicuous.

Thinking of this, Alka chuckled and then asked, "I'm here to see the Archbishop."

"The Archbishop? The Archbishop is upstairs. Would you like me to take you there?"

Hearing this, Alka nodded, "That would be great."

After all, this damned church is so winding and complex, and it's not a place where I could recklessly extend my awareness.

"All right, follow me."

With those words, Marlo spoke briefly with the soldiers nearby, then led Alka upstairs, passing by the side stairway.

Upon reaching the second floor, they walked through the corridor and knocked on a door.

"Who is it?" The voice from inside didn't seem to belong to the Archbishop.

Alka remembered quite distinctly that the Archbishop had a somewhat unique voice.

Moreover, this was clearly a young woman's voice.

"It's the Light Blade Saintess," Marlo whispered quietly to Alka beside him.

A complete stranger.

Then he replied to the door, "Lord Alka has returned and wishes to see the Archbishop."

"Come in." The Archbishop's voice came through.

Marlo opened the door, and together with Alka, entered the room.

He then politely nodded to the two people inside, excused himself, and closed the door as he left.

Alka walked in and saw.

The Archbishop was sitting at a large wooden table, seemingly writing something. Behind him, the tapestry embroidered with the classic image of the Holy Mother holding a child and standing in a wheat field, hung.

Beside him was the young woman who had just spoken.

She was a young woman standing around 1.8 meters tall, with very vibrant blonde hair. However, what truly drew attention was the metallic eye patch she was wearing.

The eye patch was covered in intricate religious patterns.

On her head, she wore a metallic laurel crown in the shape of wheat, embedded with numerous gemstones.

She also wore a fitted metal soft armor, which looked both practical and elegant. A slender sword was slung across her waist at an angle.

The sheath of the sword was engraved with elaborate patterns.

Through the obscuring desk, Alka could see another sword on the other side of her, though it was partially hidden from view.

"I hope you give this matter some more thought. I shall take my leave now." The young woman referred to as the Light Blade Saintess by Marlo, departed.

The Archbishop merely nodded, "I will consider your suggestion."

Once the Saintess left, he turned to look at Alka. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Your performance in the Land of Spirits was outstanding. Thank you for helping Alati and those church staff members."

Hearing this, Alka quickly responded, "I'm practically a member of the church, so it's just what I should do."

"Exactly, mutual assistance is what we should strive for," the Archbishop said with a smile.

"So, is there anything I can assist you with?" the Archbishop asked, standing up from his seat and walking over with a smile.

Alka chuckled, and with a flick of his hand, a thick book appeared in his hand.

"I have a small favor to ask."

Saying this, he placed the book on the table.

When Alka presented the book, the Archbishop's gaze fixed on it, unwavering.

He couldn't help but come over and touch the cover of the book.

After confirming its authenticity, he managed to withdraw his hand, sighing heavily.

"Has anyone ever told you that your bribery tactics are a bit rigid?"

Hearing this, Alka just laughed, "As long as the value of the bribe is sufficient, a few minor flaws can certainly be overlooked, right?"

"Indeed, although you're young, you are remarkably keen. I must say this book truly hits one of my weak spots. I doubt any church member would refuse it."

The book Alka brought out was none other than the handwritten copy of the Ancient Stone Mother Scripture he had acquired from the Nafasi Clan Treasure Vault.

"Speak up, as long as it doesn't violate church doctrines, I will consider providing you with ample assistance."

The Archbishop said, resting his hand on the book and looking at Alka.