§ A few minutes before, the last question was asked. §

  “Grandfather, who is that child?” Follower Willna asked. Her light brown eyes watched the child in the white dress on stage.

  “Yes, Grandfather, who is she… he?” Follower Calder also wanted to know.

  Saint Rexton shook his head, feeling goosebumps all over his body. “Child, I do not know. I have no clue. He has no mana core, but spirits favor him so much… Could it be that he can talk with… Impossible… What is this?” The old man lost himself in thought.

  For the first time, the Third Follower spoke up. “Lord Grandfather, why don’t you use your holy book? Maybe the Holy Tower has information about him.” Like Willna, his light brown eyes gazed on the man onstage.

  Saint Rexton was taken aback. “Right, right? Thank you, Warmund. Maybe the Holy book holds the answers.” Saint Rexton touched his book, slowly raising it up, as if time stood still. He held his holy book in front of him.

  In the blink of an eye, the world flipped. The church hall was engulfed in darkness. All the eyes in the hall glowed as they swiftly looked at him. Aria, Ella, Faye, Ria, Rave, and Rain all spoke at once. “Child… Beware…” Then everything swiftly returned to normal.

  Saint Rexton’s body turned icy, and cool sweat covered his body. His mouth hung open. Follower Willna touched his hand, which felt as cold as a dead body. “Grandfather!”

  Saint Rexton’s senses returned. Blood flowed through his body once again. He didn’t answer, but slowly put his book away.

  All the followers were taken aback, confused by his actions. Why didn’t he use the god’s whisperer book to find the truth?

  Follower Willna shook her grandfather’s arm. “What happened to you? Why did your body suddenly turn so cold?”

  Another follower touched his body. It was still cool. Follower Calder asked, “What is this, Grandfather?”

  Saint Rexton remained silent for a moment, then laughed. “Hahaha, this is a sight to behold, this is generosity.” He turned his head and looked at his grandchildren. “Kids, all of you listen to me. Do not use the holy book on that child.”

  “Why?” they all asked in unison.

  Saint Rexton’s face darkened, “Because there will be nothing to see, only emptiness… furthermore, your fate will be reversed. If you are not strong enough, it will consume you until the very end.”

  Willna and Calder were taken aback, speechless. Warmund stared at Rain, his hand firmly gripping his sword.

  Rain handed out the Chalice. “I will ask one last time, do you all really want to do this…”

  “Yes.” “Yes.” “Yes.” “Yes.” Everyone answered.

  Saint Rexton raised his hand and said, “Yes, I too want to see life in this world.”

  “Huh, all of you are so cruel to me… So be it.” Rain slowly closed his eyes, and in a matter of seconds, his hair began to glow, turning the color of the sea. His eyes slowly opened, shining brightly like the sky. “This World is beautiful, right?”

  Rain rotated his chalice upside down, and water appeared out of nowhere, slowly filling it. He took his hand off the chalice, but it remained suspended in the air, the water still filling it.

  A smile touched his lips as his hands went to his heart. Everyone felt the water rising around their feet.

  “To the dear mother of all, I am Rain, I am Astra, I am a little stone that hangs in the sky. I am here to reflect light and warmth to everyone…”

  A radiant light, as bright as the midday sun, emitted behind Rain. It transformed into the celestial figure of a youthful maiden, her radiant casting a soft glow upon everything nearby. As she approached Rain, her reflection whispered against the water. She reached out and touched Rain’s left hand. A tender warmth radiated from within her within him.

  Rave was surprised when he witnessed the phenomenon, but his smile quickly appeared. He softly whispered, “Rarity...”

  Aria covered her mouth, tears falling down as she softly said, “Thank you…” Her right wrist bracelet emitted a dim light.

  Rain continued, “There is still hope and promise in this land. Princesses extend their hands to make their pinky swear, and even this small stone has received their kindness.”

  Rain lifted his right hand, showing his pinky finger. Light particles flew out of his finger, then split into threads that flew in every direction.

  One of the threads flew into Aria’s finger, and she softly covered it.

  One flew to Ria. She swiftly hugged Rain, burying her face in his shirt. He caressed her head softly.

  One flew to Rave, and they simply nodded to each other.

  One flew at Faye, and she skillfully controlled the thread, shaping it into a circle ring. She took off her lace glove, put it on, and looked at Rain with a wide smile. Rain just gave her a wry smile in return.

  A delicate, shimmering thread glided through the air, its path in many directions, yet Ella, the Golden Saint, was left in complete darkness.

  Ella looked at Rain, her mouth trembling. “I-I’m sorry, that…I wasn’t looking for you.” Ella lowered her head, digging her nails into her own hands.

  As Light Thread continued to glide, many lights flew past her in the air without touching her. She found herself alone in the warm and brightly lit hall, feeling a sense of loneliness in her heart. However, that feeling vanished as soon as she heard his clear voice. It was clear, like a star.

  Rain shouted, “Ella!”

  Ella raised her head, tears covering her face. But her eyes widened when she saw his face.

  Rain smiled widely, even with his eyes closed. He reached his hand out in front of him and said, “Let’s make up.”

  Ella slowly nodded, smiling through her tears. She said, “Um.”

  Rain smiled and nodded in response.

  All the light threads slowly disappeared. The chalice was now filled with blue water, and Rain rotated it back to its original position. Not a single droplet spilled out. The water brimmed in the corner, and the center reflected a circular shape. That shone brightly.

  Rain continued his last sentence, “Bond, faith, and destiny shall come. Our fragile hearts are connected, seeking a peaceful and tranquil night. I vow upon you all, I will be your messenger, emissary, and the man who sends loving words and a caring heart to this land. Astra Ter-Rain codex line number one, The Vow of River.”

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  Suddenly, a small stone materialized on the ceiling, gently floating in the air. The aroma of fragrant flowers floated through the scene as people held them in their hands, their vibrant life charming people's eyes. The soft sound of water trickling could be heard as delicate water flowers gracefully drifted towards the stone. Gradually, the stone grew lighter, illuminating the surroundings with a radiant glow, until it transformed into a glorious full moon.

  The life circle shimmered, reflected in the eyes of Aria and Ella.

  Rain looked at the two princesses in front of him and said, “It’s beautiful, right?”

  Aria smiled and replied, “Um… It’s truly beautiful.” With a ripple, she walked over to Rain, took out a blue petal from her chest, bit her lip, and let the blue petal touch a red droplet. She then placed it into Rain’s chalice. “I, Astaria, Princess of Blue River, accept the vow… It has been an honor to have you, Sir Astar, as… my…” Aria looked at him, smiling beautifully.

  Rain’s eyes slowly widened, his hand trembling as the water on his chalice waved.

  Ella leaned forward, extending her hand to grab Aria’s hand.

  Rave gently touched his forehead and swayed his head.

  Faye flicked her hand, summoning her sword as her eyes darkened.

  Aria took a step back, allowing Ella to stand beside her. She flicked her dress, causing it to flutter, and said, “As our messenger.”

  Pluk! Swoosh! Thud!

  Rain was taken aback.

  “Awawa,” Ella stopped and stood beside Aria.

  Faye stepped forward, gripping her sword.

  “What is this…” Rain looked at Aria with widened eyes.

  Aria flicked Rain’s forehead and said, “For having too many promises.” She then turned her body and looked at Faye. Aria touched her own earring, and her lips, then softly whispered, “I, won’t, give, you.” She walked back to the stand, leaving Ella and Rain alone.

  Faye clicked her tongue. “Tsk! Iron Maiden.”

  Ella lowered her head, touched her chest, and sighed.

  Rain also did the same. “Huh, declaring war on the first day of a peace treaty performance.” He turned his head towards Ella. “Your turn, Princess Elmyra.”

  Ella responded swiftly. “Raccoon! Do not call me Princess.”

  “So, what should I call you, Miss?”

  “Just Ella!” Ella said, taking off her glove.

  “Ok, ok, same as usual, El-la,” Rain said, holding his chalice in front of him.

  “Hmph!” Ella put the blade in her hand.

  Slice! Blood flowed like a waterfall into Rain’s chalice, causing the water to change to purple.

  “Ella! What are you doing? Ria, help me hold the chalice,” Rain exclaimed, swiftly taking out a handkerchief and pressing it on Ella’s hand.

  The handkerchief swiftly absorbed her red blood. “Are you crazy? Haven’t you seen what Aria does? Just one drop is enough, or just throw any insignia.”

  Ella was still in shock, but her senses came back quickly. “R-raccoon, i-it’s your fault. You annoyed me so much, I just wanted to cut the tip of my finger.”

  Crack! The rain tore his sleeve with his teeth. “Huh! Do you think this will make me loyal to you for the next ten lifetimes, huh?” Rain began to bandage her hand.

  “No! How could I want to be with a stinky raccoon?” Ella quickly put her hand back. Luckily, Rain had already finished bandaging it.

  Rain looked at her with half-lidded eyes.

  “What?” Ella looked back at him, confused.

  Rain lowered more his eyelids and continued to stare, leaning his head forward.

  “What do you want? Why are you staring at me like that, Ra-Raccoon?” Ella raised her hand to block her mouth.

  “V-o-w… Do you accept or not?” Rain said.

  Ella’s face heated up, and she quickly moved Rain’s face away. “Ah, a-accept, I, accept.”

  Rain smiled and said, “Yep, yep, thank you for your—” Ella closed Rain’s mouth.

  “Wait, wait, let me do it properly.” Ella tightened her grip.

  Rain nodded. Ella released her hand from his mouth, and Rain touched his own heart, looking at Ella.

  Ella stared at him for a moment, then shook her head. “…Not that place.” Ella gently folded Rain’s fingers. One by one, tears silently falling paths down her cheeks, each drop a testament to their shared history. “Ra-Rain, you have to use this finger to make a promise.”

  Images of two children rushed into their minds. One was dressed in a white royal dress, while the other wore dirty gray jail clothes. The princess taught the prisoner how to do a pinky swear.

  Ella’s trembling hand touched Rain’s pinky finger that was cut in half…

  Rain paused, staring at their intertwined fingers for a second, before saying, “It’s okay… we’re good now. I’m still alive, so let it fly, okay?”

  Ella replied, “Um,” and crossed her finger with Rain’s. “I, Ella… Ella, just an ordinary girl, accept Rain’s promise.” Ella’s mouth trembled. “C-can you… can… you… be my friend?”

  Rain gently swayed their fingers and smiled. “Yes, Ella. In the name of Rocky, we will be Best friends forever.”

  Light reflected in Ella’s eyes, and she quickly let go of their bonded fingers, moving back to her standing position, her eyes locked on the floor, not wanting to see anybody. Aria came close and hugged her.

  “Now, you’re feeling shy instead…” He rubbed his own head. “Okay, let’s finish this,” Rain said. He looked at his chalice, but his surprise was evident when he saw Ria holding it tightly and staring intensely at it.

  Ria turned her head towards him and asked, “Can I, brother?”

  Rain smiled, touched his heart, then bowed formally and replied, “Yes, always yes, for my beloved princess.”

  Ria covered her mouth, “Hehehe, love brother most.”

  Rain took out his candy sachet with a wild smile on his face. Everyone looked at him with curious eyes, especially those who were close to him.

  Ella raised her head and asked, “Ra-Raccoon, what are you doing?”

  Smack! Aria and Rave smacked their foreheads at the same time.

  “Why ask? Of course, add more sugar! Do you think I can drink this with that metallic-blood taste in it?”

  “You, you,” fire ignited in Ella again. Her hands shook, wanted to strike him.

  Aria quickly hugged her and said, “Ella, let him do it. His world only has the word ‘sweet’ in the dictionary.”

  “This one, this one, and this one, all these for you, Ria.” Throb, throb, throb, The water in the chalice turned into a brownish color.

  Woosh! Something was thrown at him.

  Rain quickly grabbed it from the air and looked at it. “Wow, what a beautiful stone.” It was a rounded stone with a red ruby color. Rain turned to Faye and asked, “Are you sure?”

  Faye nodded in response.

  Aria swiftly headed towards Faye, her blue eyes shone.

  Faye teased her with a smile and whispered, “You bit me first.”

  Rain put the ruby into his chalice, and the water turned into a dark crimson. He continued searching inside his sachet. “Yes, yes, I remember, Mother. I don’t want to do this again either. It’s painful like hell.”

  “Ah! Found it.” In Rain’s hand was a round black rock shaded with deep green, just like an ordinary rock found in a river in the forest.

  Everyone was confused by his behavior, but Faye was excited. Her heart raced and her cheeks flushed. She smiled from ear to ear, barely making a sound. “Ivory…”

  Throb! Rain dropped a black rock. Ripple, The water in the chalice turned black. Without waiting, he lifted the cup.

  Glug, glug, glug! He drank it all at once.

  People looked at him, unable to believe that the chalice contained drinkable water. Ella bit her own hand, her face pale as she watched Rain drink.

  Glug, glug, glug! “Phawhaaaa! So sweeeeet,” Rain exclaimed. “This is life…” Rain looked ahead, everyone still staring at him with widened eyes. “Don’t stare at me like that. It’s already complete, just as simple as that. No sound or magic celebration. Thank you all for being witnesses. May you all have a good life—”

  The water and moon wobbled.

  Ella said, “Raccoon… are you alright? Your eyes have black tears.”

  Drip! Drip, Drip, Drip Black tears fell from his eyes. Rain touched his tear, and black stains appeared on his hand. “Don’t worry, I’m perfectly fine—”

  Cough, cough, cough. Black matter fell from his mouth, and the picture in front of him blurred. His mind grew hazy.

  Thud, thud, Rain’s body swayed from side to side.

  Clenk! Clenk, clenk. The chalice dropped from his hand. “Curse me… I hate… alcohol...”

  The moon could no longer contain itself. Splash! It burst in all directions, making everyone wet. One curtain was pulled back, allowing a ray of light to shine in the center of the hall.

  Rain quickly looked at Faye. “Fay-le-el… you, you!… are drunk!”

  Thud! Rain’s face hit the floor. His eyes turned white, and black matter spilled from his mouth.

  Everyone rushed to his side.

  Aria swiftly grabbed Rain’s head and touched the black matter. She rubbed it, and it faded to a red crimson. She smelled it, a sweet and candied aroma. She picked up the chalice, and it emitted the same fragrance. She touched a droplet and tasted it.

  Aria’s hand trembled as she swiftly locked eyes with Faye. “Red Witch! It’s wine. Damn wine that has pure alcohol!”

  Everyone was shocked. Pure! Alcohol!

  “How was I supposed to know that he can’t drink? I gave him the best chalice, Iron Maiden, the best Magna Carta Wine!” Faye exclaimed.

  Rain smiled. “Saaweeet…Wiiine.” He coughed and more wine came out of his mouth.

  Pok! Ella knocked his head. “Foolish!”

  “Sob, sob, mother, help me. The girls bullied me again,” Rain said, hugging his own knees and curling up into a ball.

  “Argh! I want to kill him!” Ella exclaimed.

  Rave facepalmed.

  Ria shook Rain’s body. “Brother.”