865 The Second
The acolyte then led Miya through the corridors of the church…
At this ti, as her mind focused on her upcoming Ritual, she could sohow feel the thickness of the arcane energy within the church…
'It wasn't like this before… Did I beco more sensitive?' She mused.
Soon, they arrived at the grand doors of the Ritual Hall, which swung open to reveal a chamber bathed in a warm, golden light.
The Pontiff stood at the center of the hall, surrounded by a circle of high-ranking priests and priestesses. An intricate array of runes and symbols was etched into the floor, glowing with a soft, pulsating light.
At the heart of the circle, a torch, or perhaps a brazier, filled with sacred white flas, danced beautifully.
Of course, this wasn't similar to the Ritual of the Alchemist Guild that was used during recruitnt. The array they had prepared was very safe and had a higher chance of triggering the target's talent in alchemy, even if the person only had a very low talent.
"Miya," the Pontiff called as he saw that Miya was ready. "Step forward and prepare for the Fire Infusion."
Miya took a deep breath and walked to the center of the circle. The Pontiff then briefed her about what was about to happen, and then they started.
The priests and priestesses began to chant with the help of the Pontiff's Arcane Staff… As they continued, their voices echoed through the hall as Elental Energy started to gather.
The flas in the brazier flared higher, casting flickering shadows on the walls.
The Pontiff then raised his staff, and the chanting grew louder.
"By the power of the Goddess of Concealnt and Mysteries, we call upon the sacred fire to bestow its blessing upon this worthy disciple. May she be granted the Soul Fire, the essence of the Alchemy Arts."
It was different from the Ritual that she had read in the books related to Alchemy Arts. Nonetheless, she trusts the Pontiff, so she doesn't mind.
Miya then closed her eyes, feeling the heat of the flas wash over her.
Her surroundings suddenly felt heavy, and she felt a surge of energy coursing through her veins. The flas leaped from the torch or brazier, swirling around her in a vortex of light and heat.
"Focus, Miya," the Pontiff's voice echoed in her mind. "Embrace the fire. Let it beco a part of you."
Miya concentrated, reaching out with her mind to connect with the flas.
She felt a spark ignite within her, a tiny ember that grew and expanded, filling her with warmth and power.
However, she knew that the Ritual was just starting. She could still fail, so she had to focus.
After so ti, the flas wrapped around her, seeping into her skin, her bones, her very Soul.
He should be able to feel so pain and had to endure it, according to the books she read.
However, the chanting of the Priests and Priestesses actually helped her endure it so she could focus on gathering the fla within her Soul!
At this ti, the white flas blazed brighter than ever.
Miya finally started feeling a searing pain, but it was bearable… She then guided the rush of energy within her Soul as the fire fused with her essence.
She gasped, her eyes snapping open to reveal a brilliant, white light.
The flas receded, leaving Miya standing in the center of the circle. Her body was faintly glowing with the power of the Soul Fire.
The priests and priestesses fell silent as they watched the white fire disappear. The Pontiff was also watching the Miya silently. However, it could be seen that all of them looked very nervous for so reason.
As the white fla that was overflowing from Miya's body cald down, everyone in the room heaved a sigh of relief.
The Pontiff then stepped forward, with a proud smile on his face.
"Congratulations, Miya. You have obtained your Soulbound Fire. You are now truly on the path of the Alchemist."
Miya bowed deeply, her heart swelling with gratitude… "Thank you, Pontiff. I will honor this gift and use it to serve the Church and the Lord of the—Ah!"
Miya was shocked as she noticed that her dyed black had turned to white!
She had natural blonde hair, but she abandoned it after she escaped from her clan. She used a dye made by First-Class Arcanists, so her black hair was supposedly permanent, according to the Alchemist and, of course, through the many books and pieces of advice she heard from the elders.
However, now, it had suddenly turned white after the Ritual! She had no idea that it had such an effect on her body.
"Is this normal as an Alchemist?"
After saying this, she also shook her head as she knew that this wasn't normal!
The Pontiff, who was always mysterious in her eyes, suddenly stiffened.
This was the first ti that she saw such a strong reaction from the Pontiff. This person's glowing blue eyes seed to have lost their glow for a mont, and the Pontiff himself appeared to be thinking of his answer.
'This…' Miya was started.
In the end, the Pontiff just replied vaguely. "You will know more about it… You just need so rest, and perhaps, after you've woken up, you'll be fully aware of your situation. It's your body, after all."
That certainly made sense, but she also felt that the Pontiff was hiding sothing from her.
However, she soon felt tired as it seed that the Ritual took a lot of her energy.
"Right… I need to—" Miya didn't finish her words as she soon collapsed.
Thankfully, the Pontiff was attentive and quickly held her.
As soon as Miya fell unconscious, the other priests and priestesses in the room sighed in relief.
"Her eyes were too powerful. I hope she can control it imdiately." One of the priests said.
"I heard that the Shadow Immortal has the Blindfold Arcana. Maybe we can borrow it from him? That's an Arcana blessed by the Goddess, after all." Another priest said.
However, the Pontiff simply shook his head.
"The Shadow Immortal might learn the existence of the Chaos Alchemist. We will need to hide her for now."
With this authoritative voice, the others could only agree.
"Yes, Pontiff!"
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