Raphael had been walking down an alley for three minutes, but he seemed completely unaware of it. He had no doubts and sensed nothing amiss, simply continuing forward.
At last, he emerged from the alley. Outside stood a small church.
Only a small church!
This church belonged to none of the Seven Gods. A cross hung outside, and its architecture was distinctly different from Loen's.
Filled with a desire to explore, Raphael entered the church. Although he was essentially an atheist, he now very much wanted to look around inside and offer a prayer while he was there.
There were only four or five rows of seats inside. At the far end stood a large cross, and before it sat a priest in a very plain white robe, praying devoutly.
At the sight of the priest, Raphael suddenly trembled all over. His mind plunged into chaos, and fragmented memories surfaced: King of Angel... the Ancient Sun God's son... attacking Medici... obtaining 0-08... preparing to become a god... supporting the king of Loen... gray fog, roiling gray fog... a symbol of a Pupil-less Eye!
Raphael drew a sharp breath. The storm of memories in his head finally subsided, and his trembling stopped, but he suddenly knew something about the priest before him.
Yet Raphael vaguely sensed that more related memories lay hidden within that roiling gray fog.
Raphael grinned, unsure whether this was knowledge the White Jade Orb had supplied him with or knowledge that had already been in his mind.
The priest seemed to notice Raphael's unusual reaction. He slowly rose and turned to face him.
A thick, pale-gold beard concealed the lower half of his face. His golden eyes were as clear and innocent as a baby's, a Silver Cross Pendant hung against his chest, and a warm smile