He stared intently into Murphy’s eyes. "Of course, the materials required for this potion are exceptionally rare, the refinent process is complex and demanding, and its production is extrely limited. Typically, it is only granted to High-tier Temple Knights who have rendered great service to the Church Court, possess unwavering faith, and hold critical positions, or to the Church Court’s most needed and reliable allies."
Murphy was silent for a mont. He didn’t eagerly ask about the potion’s details, but instead posed a seemingly unrelated question:
"How much does the Church Court know about the Peric Clan’s contact with the Tower of Secret Silver?"
Archbishop John’s expression remained unchanged as he said coolly, "Blackstone Fortress in the Eastern Territory is not a monolith, and the gaze of the God of Truth is omnipresent. We are aware they have been in contact, but what they have specifically agreed upon still requires further confirmation. This is also why the movents of their envoy are worthy of our mutual attention."
Murphy gave a slight nod upon hearing this, seeming to accept the answer, but imdiately followed up with a second question: "So, this Starlight Healing... is it also effective on ordinary people, or rather, on those whose strength has not yet reached the peak of Grand Knight?"
A flash of understanding crossed Archbishop John’s gray eyes, and he shook his head gently. "No, the effects of Starlight Healing are extrely potent. Its fundantal principle is to ignite and guide the life potential and Life Energy within the user—energy that has long been accumulated to its limit but is unable to advance further due to mortal shackles. If one’s foundation is insufficient and their constitution not strong enough, forcibly consuming it would not only be useless but would be like pouring molten lava into a fragile clay pot. In an instant, their organs would be incinerated and their blood would reverse its flow, causing death."
He paused, then added, "Even for those within the Great Knight realm, if they haven’t truly touched that invisible barrier of their limits, attempting to consu this potion is still a perilous gamble with a slim chance of survival. It is a key prepared specifically for breaking through limits, not a ladder for the process of improvent."
Murphy continued, "In that case, does the Church Court have any potions or thods suitable for mortals that can gently and effectively enhance one’s constitution, extend one’s life, or at the very least, significantly boost one’s recovery abilities? You know, a territory needs its Guardians, and the health and lifespan of those Guardians are also a crucial component of strength."
Archbishop John was silent for a mont, finally letting out a nearly inaudible sigh:
"Your Excellency the Governor, the life and death, health and frailty of mortals all fall under the gaze and arrangent of Oriane. While the Church Court has certainly mastered so dical arts and herbalism for conditioning the body and treating injuries, they are fundantally different from the Extraordinary Power you ask about—the power to significantly enhance strength and extend life."
"Excessive attempts to forcibly interfere with the natural course of life through human ans are often seen as a transgression against the divine order, and their consequences are unpredictable."
Murphy t the Archbishop’s gaze and said frankly, "According to you, then Starlight Healing also interferes with life’s limits, even attempting to break mortal shackles. Isn’t that also a challenge to the divine order? Or perhaps..."
"In the Church Court’s view, does the Extraordinary Realm no longer fully belong to the natural order arranged by the God of Truth? Is that why providing assistance within it is not considered a transgression?"
Archbishop John’s expression remained calm. He did not answer imdiately, but slowly rose to his feet, walked to the fireplace, and stood with his back to Murphy, watching the dancing flas.
"Your Excellency the Governor," his voice ca from before the hearth, low and solemn, "the radiance of the God of Truth illuminates all things, making no distinction between the mortal and the Extraordinary. Even for those who have stepped into the so-called Extraordinary Realm, their every move, the source and flow of their power, still remain under the watch of the great God and the constraints of cosmic Law."
"What Starlight Healing attempts to break is not the divinely-ordained order, but rather a natural barrier that life forms have developed for themselves over the long course of evolution and adaptation. Helping to break it is a way of guiding potential toward a more proper form, a way of manifesting Divine Grace."
He turned around, his gaze once again falling on Murphy. It was a gaze filled with the unique pity of a clergyman.
"But what you speak of—forcibly enhancing and extending the lives of ordinary mortals—is an attempt to tamper with the very foundation and trajectory of life itself. The two cannot be compared. The Church Court’s rcy lies in healing the sick and injured, comforting the heart, and guiding souls to the righteous path. Not in creating miracles that violate the essence of life."
Murphy listened quietly, his face betraying neither conviction nor doubt.
He simply nodded slowly. "I understand, Your Excellency the Archbishop. Thank you for clarifying."
"I now understand the purpose of your visit and the Church Court’s expectations. The stability of the Northern Territory and the tranquility of the Monte Territory are things I have always cherished. In the face of a storm that could disrupt all of this, the Monte Territory is willing to maintain close communication and coordination with the Church Court under the principle of upholding order and resisting the corrosion of Heresy, and, when necessary, provide support befitting the status and ability of a Lord."
’Cooperating with the Church Court, even accepting a certain degree of its leadership and guidance, is almost inevitable. Because on this Continent, whether one admits it or not, the influence of the God of Stars and Truth, Oriane, has long since perated every corner—from the coronation ceremonies of the Royal Family to the daily prayers of the common people, from the foundations of law to the standards of morality. To openly and completely stand against the Church Court would an political and military isolation; even trade would beco exceedingly difficult. The costs and risks of refusal are simply too high right now. That being the case, agreeing to their terms has beco the most suitable choice after weighing the pros and cons.’
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