Chapter 17

Judaism, Domitius had heard Novia speak of it; in short, while there were good things in Judaism, there weren't many, and in Jerusalem, there was only damnable stuff.

"Get out!"

"Your Excellency, do you perhaps wish to become a sinner of the Lord? If you continue to obstruct, you and that Novia will eventually be nailed to the shame of Jerusalem. You should know without me having to say more that the reason he has reached this point is that only by joining us can you wash away your sins and receive God's blessings."

Through the door, Domitius could faintly see the speaker's smug expression. The golden-haired girl gritted her teeth at such an insult to the person she respected.

"The child I raised is not a shame to God, but a person who would be praised even by a teacher's appearance. You have no reason not to believe; frankly, you don't even believe in disbelief." The old man's stubborn tone carried a resolve to never back down again. "What's wrong? What's wrong with reaching this point? It's better than you soulless, dream-drunken fools. Nothing is spotless; we all inhale dust, but that doesn't stop him from doing a little better. No one can withstand criticism from others."

"I know what you think, but the most unforgivable thing is slander, just like how you treated my teacher, Jesus Christ, sixteen years ago."

The golden-haired girl glanced at Novia beside her. The young man was as stoic as ever, showing no discernible emotion.

Domitius blinked, lowering his voice slightly, "Teacher, shall I put in a little effort later?"

"No need, I'll handle it myself—"

However, just as Novia was about to push the door open, it burst open from the inside the next moment. A Mage, stripped down to only his pants, was thrown out and landed on the ground, accompanied by an aged voice—

"Paul, just go for it with people like this. If I weren't old, I'd have just used my fists. Why are you saying so much..." The purple-haired old woman who pushed the door open held a staff taller than herself. She immediately saw Novia and Domitius, who were using magic, "Huh? You are... little Novia?"

At that moment, Domitius saw his teacher's smile widen to an indescribable degree for the first time, as if he had met a long-lost mother.

"It's me, Martha... Elder sister."

024: "That Person"

"I believe little Domitius can become the new Saintess!"

Because the rear of the church had a large space, they usually dined there in the evenings. The furniture and interior decoration were extremely simple, complementing the small, dilapidated church.

"R-Really? Can I really?"

Perhaps because Paul's statement was too shocking, the golden-haired girl clenched her fists, looking very nervous.

"Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, you could have done so long ago."

The elder who had prepared dinner nodded seriously, her tone full of warmth.

"Mmm, but this still needs Novia teacher's agreement..."

Domitius stubbornly crossed his arms and shook his head firmly.

Novia looked at the old woman and the young girl conversing happily. The future Emperor Nero and the Christian missionary getting along so well was quite astonishing to him.

After all, in the original history, Christianity was a severely discriminated against and oppressed religion in Rome at that time. Ever since Nero falsely accused Christians of starting the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, public persecution and slaughter of believers began within the Roman Empire. Therefore, Nero was considered anti-Christ, and Paul died at her hands.

Now, it could only be said that Novia was not unworthy of being a high-level worker, accomplishing what would take hundreds of years in just a few years to achieve the current situation.

Even the Pigeon Prince would commend him, probably.

Because the two were conversing amongst themselves, the silver-haired youth could only silently eat his dinner, becoming an observer like Martha beside him.

Martha was the Saintess of the first century who tamed the dragon Tarasque, hosted the Savior with her siblings, personally witnessed the Savior's miracles, and was appointed Saintess by him. Guided by the Savior's words, she gained faith, a beautiful and charming holy maiden—

However, that was during her youth. Martha was now over fifty years old. Her expression was calm and gentle, different from the liveliness and vivacity of her youth. This was due to the decrease in the tension and flexibility of her facial muscles with age.

In the past, Novia had been cared for by her and forced to learn Iron Fist.

"Elder Martha, is Tarasque still with you?"

Novia asked casually.

"It is. However, it is resting, so it cannot come to see you immediately."

Martha's smile towards Novia, like that of an elder at home, exuded a warmth and closeness, evoking a sense of seasoned gentleness that was both reliable and approachable.

After Jesus Christ's passing, the young Martha embarked on a journey to the village of Nerluc in southern France. Using her hometown's famous Iron Fist and sermons, she completely subdued the Tarasque that had been plaguing the village.

Although it was a malevolent beast, Martha could not abandon the dragon, which had been abandoned by its mother and was still childlike in its mind.

However, in this era when the Age of Gods had already ended, there was no longer space for mythical beasts to reside. Mythical beasts like Tarasque should have gone to the hidden side of the world after the end of the Age of Gods, but it could not go by itself.

Martha's proposed method was to extract Tarasque's soul from its body, with the soul traveling with Martha, while the body was buried underground.

Novia knew well that the journey of one person and one dragon was aimed at the hidden side of the world, but the possibility was not high. The end of the era and the traces of time that had passed on Martha ultimately indicated that they would slowly fade away.

"Little Novia, after dinner, I'd like to talk with you, is that okay?"

Novia replied with a nod, and Martha gave her usual smile.

Before long, after dinner was finished and cleaned up, the two came to the steps outside the church. It was already nighttime. The night was deep, and the dew was cold. The sky was vast and beautiful. Perhaps because the air was fresh and it was dark all around, the stars were much brighter.

"Speaking of which, although neither of you said anything, little Novia, you must have heard what Paul said. Actually, everyone's thoughts are the same, so you can rest assured."

Martha said gently.

Novia understood this point. It was likely that the Judaism entrenched in Jerusalem saw the rapid development of Christianity within the Roman Empire under his promotion, and therefore sought to find the few leaders of Christianity, besides himself, to bring Christianity under Judaism's dominion.

However, it was clear that their slander of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem in 34 AD had made the elders who were still alive extremely hateful.

Moreover, with their own people achieving so much, they would not let it go to waste no matter what. They likely all thought so, which was why, when faced with provocations, they could say words of strong support for Novia like, "Nothing is spotless; we all inhale dust, but that doesn't stop him from doing a little better. No one can withstand criticism from others."

"Little Novia, you've only been out for three years, and you're only seventeen now, yet you've done so well. Although Paul, Peter, and John haven't expressed agreement with what you've comprehended," Martha quietly closed her eyes, "they actually recognize you quite a bit. Over the past few years, people who came back to discuss with them after hearing about your teachings have also spread them according to what you said, and they've all been secretly learning what you said, myself included. And in my opinion, even if that person were still here, they would incredibly approve of everything you've done, little Novia."

As if reminiscing about the past, Martha spoke of her feelings over the past few years. Unlike Paul and the others, she traveled not just in this region and its surroundings but throughout the entire Roman Empire, so she personally witnessed the development and treatment of Christianity in these years. Although she didn't quite understand the new doctrines, it didn't stop her from being happy for it.

After all, Martha was the Saintess who, even after the Savior's execution, never abandoned her faith. She did not die even when exiled by the governor at the time but was favored by God and drifted towards southern France.

Novia knew who Martha was talking about – Christ Jesus, the Savior in the Type-Moon world, who carried the sins and evils of humanity to heaven. This man wandered the Sea of Galilee, interacting with everyone from saints to sinners. In the final week before his death, he even visited Martha's home to share a meal and conversation.

"So, I thought about it, and I'm giving this to you. After all, you're very busy, and I don't know when you'll be back next."

Martha slowly opened her eyes and handed the staff, now taller than herself, into Novia's hands.

The staff looked like a cross, but Novia knew that Martha must have modified it, perhaps because he used a cross as his symbol.

Because the one she gave him was the staff Christ Jesus possessed during his lifetime.

025: As everyone knows, titles should be as long as possible!

Honestly, Martha's words and the item she gave Novia brought a look of surprise to the silver-haired youth's face.

The staff that Jesus possessed during his lifetime was undoubtedly a genuine Holy Relic. While its power might fall short of the Spear of Longinus or the Holy Grail filled with blood, its symbolic meaning was unmatched.

Over the years, Novia had only set his sights on the Spear of Longinus and the Holy Grail; he hadn't thought about the staff Martha possessed.

After all, he knew how important this staff was to the 'Iron Fist Saintess.'

"Is this very strange?" Martha asked, covering her mouth with a smile and gesturing with her other hand. "Although this is a very meaningful item, it doesn't mean it belongs to me forever. I've always thought this way. After the Lazarus incident, I've had it for almost decades. I think it's about time. You can have it from now on; its value can be displayed anew by you. After all, that person told me back then—"

"Somewhere in this world, there is a me who affirms your significance. Therefore, please, do not forget this."

This was not a lie told for explanation, but the absolute truth. With Martha's supplementary words, Novia couldn't help but smile and nodded.

"...I understand."

The night sky was high and vast. Under the moonlight, Novia relaxed and took a deep breath, instinctively touching the staff Martha had placed in his hand.

The Lazarus incident referred to when Martha's brother died of illness, and Jesus personally resurrected him before her eyes.

After that, Jesus bestowed his own staff upon Martha, expecting her to behave in a manner befitting a Saintess.

For Martha, this was everything she had as a young girl, something she believed would exist forever with unwavering certainty.

And now, Martha had not only transformed it into the likeness of a cross, symbolizing the departed one, but had also personally gifted it to Novia.

This was the recognition and entrustment of the Savior! If he carried the staff used by this Type-Moon Savior, Jesus, wouldn't he himself be a 'true deal'? Could he also use it for refining weapons? No, let's forget that. There's no need for that...

Ultimately, this was something Martha had used for many years. Novia felt he should use it well. It would be nice to wear it as an accessory on his back in the future. Moreover, this was a Holy Relic that carried the aura of the 'Dove Prince,' and there were so many ways he could utilize it.

Once Christianity successfully became the state religion of Rome, he could use this Holy Relic as a starting point to establish the Eighth Sacrament Society for the recovery and management of Holy Relics.

Based on Novia's understanding over the years, in the current Mediterranean religious world, since the Holy Church had not yet been unified as it would be later, most religious institutions were merely monasteries.

As for the Burial Agency, it seemed to be connected to Judaism in Jerusalem, but it was only responsible for the creatures called Dead Apostles that frequently appeared in the Magecraft world starting from 20 AD. Other than that, there was nothing else.

"It's been seventeen years since that person left, and young Novia, you're also seventeen. Time really flies. Speaking of which, we all think that young Novia, despite your young age, is truly capable."

As if reminiscing about the past, Martha looked up at the starry sky and said with emotion.

"Is that so? That's wonderful."

Novia genuinely smiled. Although his face often wore a smile, and no one knew what he was happy about, this was undoubtedly sincere, not feigned.

Seventeen years had passed since Jesus' crucifixion, and Novia was seventeen years old in ancient Rome. This was likely due to Novia's accidental arrival at the perfect timing. In 33 AD, on a certain day, on Golgotha in Jerusalem, at 3 PM, the Savior was crucified, carrying the sins of humanity to heaven.

Paul, who witnessed Jesus' crucifixion, found the infant Novia, who had transmigrated, on his way down the mountain and brought him back to raise him. This was incredibly fortunate for Novia, who had a goal to accomplish.

Historically, Paul was zealous for the law in his early years and even persecuted Christians. However, after witnessing Jesus' actions, he repented. To spread the teachings of this Teacher, he abandoned his privileges as a Roman citizen and his high social status, dedicating himself to preaching Christianity.

Although he was not one of Jesus' direct twelve apostles, through his preaching and writings, he established churches everywhere and spread the Gospel throughout the Mediterranean coastal regions. This eventually transformed the religious beliefs and philosophies of the Mediterranean basin, earning him the title Apostle to the Gentiles.

However, Martha's casual remark reminded Novia of something: he could make use of this coincidence in the future. After all, this was the Type-Moon world, and his presence in ancient Rome was to secure a means of self-preservation against the dangers that might arrive in two thousand years.

After dealing with the main obstacles like the Senate, Agrippina, Claudius, Jerusalem, and Judaism, he could then heavily promote in the Roman Empire that he had a great connection with the Lord, perhaps as an incarnation or a shadow?

In the future, he could acquire titles such as Heir of Christ Jesus, One Who Correctly Understands the Lord's Will, Chief Among God's Servants, Leader of the Heavenly Kingdom on Earth, Mediator of Disputes, Harbinger of the World, Counter of All Things, One Whose Faith in the Lord is Boundless...

"It's getting late, and I need to rest. Novia, you should rest early too."

As Martha slowly walked away, her voice, though she was fifty years old, always sounded gentle. In the night, more than the cold climate, it was this gentleness that permeated every inch of Novia's body.

Therefore, the silver-haired youth nodded again at her suggestion.

Thanks to this unexpected gift from Martha, Novia had already figured out how the new 'Miracle' would occur in Jerusalem a year later. This way, the Burial Agency would definitely not interfere, as the title of 'heretic' was bestowed by 'God'...

Martha in her youth.jpg

026: Lingering Unease

Life in Antioch was vastly different from life in Rome. For Domitius, who had lived in Rome since childhood, the biggest difference was the passage of time.

This small city, standing in the northeast of the Mediterranean, was a place of poverty that could be seen everywhere. There were no beautiful gardens, no elegant halls, no hotels with doormen. Only the aroma of the day's meals wafted through the neighborhood, the fed animals yawned lazily, the distant barking of a dog could be heard from somewhere, and young children's loud laughter and noisy play seemed to be right beside them.

Although she had only stayed for two days, she inexplicably felt that time passed extremely quickly here. The golden-haired girl also gradually learned that besides her teacher Novia, her grand-teacher Paul, and Saint Martha, there were other eleven apostles.

The eleven apostles were the disciples directly taken in by the Son of God Jesus, as promoted by Novia, but they seemed to hold Paul in high regard.

Domitius came to this conclusion because Paul showed her a letter written to him by someone named Peter.

She had also asked her teacher where these people were now, and Novia had replied somewhat perfunctorily that she would have the chance to meet them in the future.

Since Novia had said so, Domitius naturally wouldn't say anything more. To her, Novia's current status far surpassed hers, and she was his disciple. Furthermore, he had alleviated her headaches, so she felt obligated to obey him both in reason and emotion.

Ever since the golden-haired girl was entrusted to Novia by her mother Agrippina for baptism and became his disciple, Domitius had rarely seen Agrippina. This wasn't because her freedom to meet was restricted, but rather because her mother was busy with court affairs, assisting Emperor Claudius.

Regarding her mother's intentions and her own fate as a bargaining chip, Domitius could say she accepted it.

Because her father hailed from a noble family, notorious for his cruelty and debauchery, and her mother, Agrippina the Younger, was a member of the royal family, she naturally became adept at scheming.

When she was three years old, her father died from excessive indulgence. The Roman Emperor Caligula at the time ordered her inheritance rights to be stripped and exiled her sister, Agrippina, who had failed in her attempt to seduce him and then plotted his assassination. This left the young girl penniless for a time...

Fortunately, she was adopted by her aunt, thus avoiding the fate of being cast out onto the streets. However, her circumstances were dire; not being killed was a stroke of luck, and the hardships of survival were self-evident.

A year later, the tyrannical Caligula was assassinated, and the golden-haired girl's fortune took a sudden turn. The newly enthroned Emperor Claudius, Caligula's uncle, decisively ordered the return of all her confiscated inheritance, and her mother, Agrippina, had her reputation restored upon her successful return to Rome.

But Agrippina was no easy woman to deal with. Not long after her return, she completely captivated Rome's wealthiest man at the time, holding a grand and solemn wedding with him. Then, through her influence, she convinced the richest man to agree to bring her children over to be raised together.

The result, as expected, was that within a few years, the richest man's fortune was utterly depleted by Agrippina the Younger. A large portion of his assets were transferred to Domitius. Of course, the richest man also died.

Domitius knew very well that her mother was not a good person. The girl had a pretty good idea of why her mother entered the palace and what she herself needed to do.

Over the years, there were those who helped her and greeted her, and those who kicked her when she was down, solely aiming to get ahead. The entire Roman court was constantly filled with competition and contention, which became even more pronounced when pursuing personal gain. The overt and covert conflicts were as commonplace as the chirping of birds in the morning.

Therefore, when Domitius learned that her mother wanted her to be baptized by Novia, she was not surprised. This was not unusual for Rome.

A child of twelve years old was already of marriageable age in the Roman Empire, and the person involved had no choice but to passively accept arrangements. Consequently, she initially thought that the so-called baptism was a euphemism for a physical transaction. It was only the next day that she realized she had been mistaken.

However, Domitius herself found it strange. Apart from her body, she had no value to Novia, so why would he agree to such an unfavorable transaction with her mother? Was he foolish? Impossible. Someone who could achieve such a status from nothing at such a young age could not possibly be a casual fool...

She could never figure this out. Even if he truly wanted to find a disciple, given Novia's young age, he could have easily adopted an infant and raised them from scratch instead of seeking someone like her, who could already think independently. This seemed incredibly disadvantageous no matter how she looked at it, especially considering her mother was by no means to be trifled with.

Although Domitius was constantly perplexed, it did not prevent the golden-haired girl from holding a sense of reverence for her teacher.

Perhaps this was due to her experience as a child when she was cast out onto the streets and received some help from the common people, which ultimately allowed her to survive until she was adopted by relatives. Therefore, she genuinely loved the common people, whose names she did not even know. Consequently, she held a sense of reverence for Novia, who was respected by the populace, and for the daily interactions she had with him.

However, although the girl did not particularly mind all of this, she still felt uneasy in her heart.

In the Roman court, everyone was engaged in intricate schemes and strategies.

For instance, marriages between children were not permitted unless there were sufficient benefits between the parents.