The following journey was still smooth-sailing for Roel and the others.

Fatigue inevitably accumulated for the heretics and the inquisitors over the weeks, especially with the convoy attempting to make haste, but the mood was much lighter than before.

On one hand, the heretics and the inquisitors were more united than before after the epic battle agains the evil cultists. On the other, Noras presence in the party inspired solidarity and confidence, thus keeping the morale high.

Count Hanks had previously tried his best to keep the morale high when they were on their way to Tark Prairie too, but his prestige was severely lacking compared to the revered princess of hte Xeclydes.

Furthermore, Nora had been emanating the aura of the Angel King throughout the journey. Humans could hardly perceive it, but high-rank demonic beasts with keen instincts were extremely sensitive to it. Due to that, most of the powerful demonic beasts chose to keep their distance, thus reducing the enemies faced by the convoy along the way by more than half.

Thanks to that, the heretics and inquisitors had plenty of time to rest, putting them in much better conditions. Besides, they had also gained experience along the way, allowing them to be more efficient than ever.

Even so, Roel and the others were still unable to reach the Theocracy before that day.

Moments before dawn, the campfire was still faintly crackling.

The patrolling soldiers finally returned under the dim illumination of the flames, but they didnt clamor loudly to wake the others up as they usually did. Instead, they began talking softly amongst themselves, sometimes letting out a quiet chuckle.

The soldiers who were on sentry duty also had smiles on their faces despite their monotonous shifts. The more devout inquisitors had even made preparations to begin their prayers.

The Genesis Goddess Church had many believers, but its doctrines were very lax. The believers of the religion werent obliged to pray to Goddess Sia every morning. There was only one reason why the inquisitors were behaving in such a manner todayit was the New Year.

I know that youre exhausted from your sentry duty, but you cant sleep in today. Its almost time.

Sorry. It was too peaceful last night. I ended up falling asleep.

In the carriage, Nora poked Roels cheek and woke him up with a faint smile. Roel slowly roused from his sleep and apologized, not surprised at all by her presence here.

Legend has it Sias gaze falls upon the world along with the first ray of sunlight on New Years Day, and she will listen to the voices of the world.

New Years Day held special significance for the believers of the Genesis Goddess Church for that very reason, which was why the Holy Capital would organize huge events on this very day every year. Believers would deliver their wishes for the New Year in their prayers and ask for Sias blessing. Even the heretics would immerse themselves in the festivities and enjoy the day.

As the successor to the Genesis Goddess Church, Nora was obliged to observe traditions and spend the day as demanded by the doctrines. The same went for the devout inquisitors too.

In other words, this day was going to be unlike any other. The entire convoy was united in their wish to take a break on this very day.

After being awoken by Nora, Roel spent a moment tidying himself up before alighting from the carriage together with her. He gazed at the eastern horizon and patiently awaited for the arrival of daybreak.

Rustling sounds could be heard as the heretics slipped out of their tents one by one to join them. Their eyes were all directed toward the eastern horizon as they fervently held onto a wish in their hearts.

The tragedy that befell Tark Stronghold had resulted in the disappearance of over a hundred thousand transcendents. Having witnessed the disaster with their own eyes, both the inquisitors and heretics felt deeply unnerved. They sought something that could ease their worries and allay their fears, something they could fall back on during times of despair.

Rodney and Wood led the heretics of the Strength Sect on a silent prayer whereas Cynthia clasped her hands before her chest.

As the Mother of All Beings, Sia was a god that the heretics revered and prayed to as well.

Even Roel took on a rare prayerful attitude.

He had never been one to believe in prayers. While he had attended prayer session during New Years Day before, it was out of formality due to his obligation as a noble. However, the divine silhouette he had witnessed during the advancement of his Origin Level changed his mind. Even now, the warmth that came straight from Her soul was still fresh in his mind.

Unlike others, he wasnt praying out of piousness or to have his wish fulfilled. He just wanted to relay his gratitude. If Sia was really able to gaze upon the world through the first ray of sunlight on New Years Day, he thought that he ought to thank her more than anything else.

With great anticipation, the morning sun finally revealed its glory by the horizon, scattering its radiance throughout the world. The heretics and the inqusitiors swiftly closed their eyes and began praying, hoping to relay their hopes to Sia through the light.

Nora unfurled her light wings, emitting a warm and beautiful glow.

Roel turned his focus to his own bloodline and attempted to recall the divine silhouette he had seen back then. It might have just been his imagination, but when he thought about the warm light She emanated, he got a vague feeling that someone was gazing upon him.

While he called it a gaze, it didnt feel like he was being watched. To be more exact, it was a fleeting feeling that he was wrapped amidst a bundle of warmth, though this sensation only lasted for an instant. He opened his eyes and saw that the crowd was already done with their prayers.

It appeared that quite some time had passed unknowingly.

The sun had already fully risen. Rodney and the others were already done with their ritual, and the devout inquisitors were slowly rising to their feet. Nora, who had already retracted her light wings at some point in time, was staring at Roel in surprise.

I didnt expect you to take the prayers so seriously this year. How surprising.

Did I pray for a long time?

Twice as long as me. You didnt realize it?

Roel quietly shook his head, wondering if the earlier sensation was yet another memory fragment in his bloodline. On the other hand, Nora was quite curious about Roels wish.

What kind of wish did you make for you to require such a long prayer?

Nothing much. I just wished that everyone around me can remain safe and healthy.

What an ordinary wish but again, theres nothing easy about that given the era were in.

Reminded of the recent disappearance of her loved one, a sorrowful smile emerged on Noras lips. Her sadness was contagious; Roel felt a dull pain in his chest. He thought that he should say something to console her, but before he could speak a word, the latter suddenly lightly pinched his cheek.

Its a decent wish, but what about yourself? Shouldnt you include yourself in your own wish too?

I forgot about that, but its not important.

How is it not important? If something happens to the person who made the wish, dont you think that the people around him will be in grief? Youre fortunate that Ive got you covered.

Hm?

Roel looked at Nora in confusion. The latters lips gently inched upward.

My wish is for me and everyone I love to be safe and blissful.

!

It was such simple words, yet they carried such heavy meaning that Roel couldnt help but widen his eyes. After a moment of silence, he looked into Noras sapphire eyes and replied with an affirmative nod.

They will be. Im certain of that.