Holy Light

In the quiet room, the boy knelt on the floor with his hands pressed together, eyes closed in devout prayer. Within his perception, tiny specks of pristine, faint light flickered around him, slowly converging into the purest Holy Light.

What is divine magic?

What is the Holy Light?

To this day, Alvin still remembered the question he had posed to the Archbishop, and the old man's answer still echoed in his ears as if he were speaking now.

So-called divine magic is the supernatural power that various races have obtained through long years of prayer and faith. In the process of their evolution, through contact with the outside world and forms of worship or belief akin to self-hypnosis, these races tapped into supernatural powers from various aspects; this is the origin of divine magic and its many different domains.

As their understanding of this mysterious power deepened, more and more races managed to communicate with nature or those powerful entities far away in the Astral Realm who transcended mortal existence. Mortal races could not comprehend these powerful beings, so they called them gods.

These so-called gods were able to act as conduits, bestowing the mysterious power—otherwise difficult to perceive—upon the mortal races that worshipped them. Thus, this power gradually became known as divine magic, and those who possessed it were called priests or clerics.

However, according to current human records, only the Trolls, Night Elves, and Tauren—races that have existed since ancient times—have achieved this. As a late-rising race, humans, like the most ancient of priests, rely on their own talent to perceive the mysterious power existing within the world, rather than relying on gods to cast divine magic.

As for the Holy Light, it is an unknown gift obtained by human priests during their training, when they integrate their own yearning for goodness into their perception and seek recognition from the power drifting in the outside world.

As long as a priest possesses firm conviction and a leaning toward goodness, then no matter what domain they choose, the power of the Holy Light can manifest within the divine magic they use. In other words, in the human understanding, the Holy Light is the collective of all goodness; it replaced the role of those gods and became the conduit through which humans cast divine magic.

Throughout the propagation and development of humanity, the concept of the Holy Light was continuously refined, becoming the mainstream for human priests. Through mutual exchange, Dwarves and High Elves also accepted this concept, leading to the birth of priests who believe in the Holy Light within their own races.

This is the origin of the Holy Light as the prince knows it. No beginning, no end; like a simple encounter, humanity embraced the Holy Light and became devout believers.

Countless specks of light converged into beams, dyeing the entire room in a pristine white. It is unknown how much time had passed when the boy opened his eyes, golden flashes dancing within his deep blue irises.

Alvin extended his palm, and all the beams slowly gathered from every corner of the room, finally accumulating in the center of his hand. A holy white radiance flowed slowly in the boy's palm; bright but not blinding, revealing a touch of peace amidst its sanctity. This was his own Holy Light.

Staring unblinkingly at the light swirling at his fingertips, feeling the joy of holy power filling his entire body, Alvin let out a heavy breath.

It is not enough. With such power, he might not even be able to protect himself in the coming tide of war. Although as a prince, and a child at that, he could rightfully stay in the rear, he still hoped to do something.

At the very least, he wanted to reduce human casualties in this war and let more civilians escape the tragic fate of falling into the hands of the brutal Orcs! The prince made a silent resolution in his heart. Distracted, he did not notice that with his train of thought, the ball of light in his hand had become slightly more concentrated than before.

Alvin slowly stood up, dispersed the dense Holy Light in his hand, and turned to push the door open. Although to him the time spent in prayer felt like a mere instant, the sun had already shifted to the west, nearing the horizon.

The loyal guard stood straight in the sunlight slanting into the corridor, motionless as a statue. The set of silver light armor he wore, engraved with intricate patterns, shone with a dazzling luster.

"Your Highness!"

Abberton, who had been waiting outside the door, bowed to the prince and said, "Archbishop Faol sent someone earlier to ask you to see him after your prayers. Judging by the messenger's tone, it seems the Archbishop has something he wishes to discuss with you."

"Let us go together," Alvin nodded, patting the other's silver greaves to express his gratitude for the long vigil.

In his memory, ever since this body had awakened, this loyal knight had been guarding his side. Years of companionship made the boy feel very secure with this young knight, whose closeness to him was second only to his family.

"By the way, Abberton, you are already the captain of the guard. I can have other guards stand watch when I pray; you should consider your own future. Learning more knowledge will be very helpful for the path ahead."

Because of his duty to guard him, this young knight rarely had time to access the books and knowledge available to the Royal Guard. Alvin did not want this loyal protector to be merely a common soldier in the future; at the very least, he hoped to help him become a Paladin through conscious guidance.

This was the reward the boy wanted to give Abberton; loyal and upright people should not be ignored or buried. Of course, this also contained a small selfish motive of Alvin's: he wanted to know for certain if history could be changed by his own hand. If so, perhaps he too could become a Paladin?

Although he had lived in this world for several years and understood the differences between this world and the game, Alvin's thinking was still influenced by it. In his heart, under equal conditions, a Paladin would certainly be more powerful than a "frail" priest. Not to mention, there was that legendary artifact, the Ashbringer!

"I understand, Your Highness."

The young man leading the way for the prince did not say much, but his firm and affirmative tone told Alvin that he would obey the order.

The young knight stepped heavily on the stone slabs of the corridor. Although he had some doubts in his heart, the knight, having grown accustomed to being with the boy, truly understood his wisdom and kindness. He trusted this young prince as he trusted himself. No matter what order the other gave, he would obey and execute it.

The City Hall was not large, and in just half a minute, the two reached their destination. Abberton turned to the side and knocked on the wooden door, "Your Grace, His Highness Alvin has arrived!"