The rain poured down in torrents, blurring heaven and earth. Yet the pillar of light rising from the direction of Beinz Blood Lake was as conspicuous as a lighthouse in the dead of night. Hearing the urgent bells echoing over the town, Hao Ren instinctively cried out, "The stone monsters are attacking?"
He thought it was the alarm signaling a monster siege.
Ofra went to the window and glanced outside, her expression suddenly turning grave. "No, it's Sacred Lake Church raising the alarm... Something's happened there!"
Everyone grew tense, including Lily, who had been dozing a moment earlier. Hao Ren and his companions were unfamiliar with the situation here, so they had no idea what level of incident the pillar of light signaled. But from Ofra's expression alone, they could tell it was something extraordinary. Just as they were about to ask for details, a rapid knock suddenly came from outside. Ofra sensed who was at the door with a single thought. She glanced at it, and the door immediately flew open. A cold wind carrying icy raindrops swept inside, and a soldier drenched like a drowned rat stood outside. "Your Excellency the Marshal! Sacred Lake has sounded the alarm—the Sacred Church has been swallowed by the lake!"
"What?!" Ofra was utterly shocked. Even centuries of composure were useless at a moment like this. "Is that confirmed?!"
"Confirmed. A high-ranking priest who escaped from the church grounds sent back the news through divine magic. Diocesan Chief Geldon is organizing the Church Knights' Order to go provide aid."
Ofra straightened her light armor. "Gather the elite. We're going too."
"Wait, wait—count us in too." Seeing the situation, Hao Ren hurried forward. "We're experts..."
Ofra looked at him strangely. "Experts in what?"
"Oh, that's just a minor detail. At a time like