Transformation and Farewell

"To be honest, the Church's odds of victory weren't very high. As long as the Mage Tower didn't rush for quick success and instead began by dividing the Dragonborn from within, our chances of winning wouldn't exceed thirty percent," Taxisis said frankly. "If the Church were to perish here, I wouldn't abandon it and leave on my own either. So I wanted to leave behind a small memento at the time of parting."

Xia Fan touched his lips. So this was her way of leaving a memento...

"I think your chances are far greater than thirty percent."

"Thank you. Were you trying to comfort me?"

"No, I was simply speaking the truth." Xia Fan also walked over to the porthole. "As long as the Church is willing to change."

Taxisis froze. She tilted her head and looked at him for quite a while, as though confirming that he wasn't joking. "You have a way to preserve the Church? Without The Deity, it will be difficult for us to gain fresh blood, and there's no guarantee that the remaining believers won't leave the Church. Under such circumstances, how could it possibly—"

"It's possible. Do you remember the original purpose behind the founding of the Hera Church?"

"Drive away darkness and praise the sun. Be enemies of Lesser Evil Spirits and save the world's people," Taxisis answered without hesitation.

"The principles are good, but they're too abstract."

"You mean..."

"Transform the Church into a political party. As a governing force, establish a platform, use that new platform to seek out like-minded people, and promote your ideals among the populace." Xia Fan answered, "Since you had the courage to sever ties with The Deity, there's no reason you can't lead the Church out of its current mire."

"A political party? A platform?" Taxisis