The Meeting

Xia Lin, Sera, and Tristan left the inn, where the atmosphere had been anything but lively.

"Come on. I'll take you to meet my companion first," Xia Lin said to Tristan. "He's a Paladin. With an evil creature like this, he'll be a huge help."

"Oh? There's a Paladin in the party?" A flicker of interest seemed to cross Tristan's face beneath the brim of his hat. "That couldn't be better. With a holy hammer clearing the way, those of us who work in the shadows will have it much easier.

The three crossed the somewhat desolate streets and soon arrived at the town's only Iomedae Temple.

The temple was small, but it was swept so clean that not a speck of dust remained.

The moment they stepped inside, they saw Kade talking with a woman dressed in plain priestly robes. The mood between them seemed quite pleasant.

Seeing Xia Lin and the others enter, Kade immediately waved to them happily and made introductions. "Xia Lin, Sera, you came at just the right time! This is Priest Celia, the person in charge of this temple. Priest Celia, these are my companions."

Only then did Xia Lin get a clear look at the priest. She had smooth pink hair, with several playful strands hanging beside her cheeks. Her emerald-green eyes were like the clearest lakes deep in the forest, and a gentle, kind smile rested on her unadorned face.

She was tall and well-proportioned. Though she wore simple white priestly robes, they could not conceal the natural grace of her beauty. Her entire being radiated an aura of holiness and warmth that made people instinctively want to draw near.

"Hello!" Priest Celia greeted them enthusiastically. Her gaze passed over everyone else and settled directly on Xia Lin. "You must be Mr.