Why Am I a Priestess When I Reach the Maximum Level? - [Vol. 5] Chapter 192

[Vol. 5] Chapter 192: Drastic Change

Without paying attention to the surprised look from the Lightborn Tribe girl, Miss White Fox extended her hand, holding the floating orb of light. It moved as if it were alive, slipping into Ayla’s collar and merging into her skin without causing her any discomfort.

Then, Violet handed the small, perfectly faceted golden gemstone to the still-bewildered Ayla.

“Take this, and put it in a pouch or a bag. Keep it with you at all times. I’m sure you understand its value, so don’t let anyone see it. And definitely don’t think about selling it… this isn’t something you can sell. Doing so would bring you real trouble, potentially fatal trouble.”

After a moment of thought, Miss White Fox shook her head with a sigh and added,

“Actually, I’d better explain it clearly. This gem is mainly to recharge the light orb that just entered your body. The orb can protect your life in dangerous situations. While those people in the Holy Academy shouldn’t openly act against you, given what happened today, it’s better to be safe than sorry, right?”

“In addition, if you want, you can use it to track and investigate the Lombard family’s movements. It’ll keep you safe, as long as you’re not too obvious about it.”

“The orb will protect me…? And this gem…”

Ayla opened her mouth, wanting to say something but hesitated for a moment. Ultimately, she didn’t mention how this object felt strikingly similar to the core within her own body.

After all, for the Lightborn Tribe, their core was as vital as a demon’s magic crystal or a human’s heart. A deeply guarded secret and vulnerability.

After all, this was the first time Ayla had met Miss Dawn in person. Although she had learned bits of information through rumors, she didn’t really know how the other had come by these items.

While it didn’t seem like this fox girl had any reason to deceive or scheme against her, it was always wise to be cautious. Ayla was no naive rookie anymore.

Noticing that Ayla seemed hesitant and unwilling to speak further, Miss White Fox didn’t seem to mind. She simply continued with her advice.

“You’re probably aware of the situation in the eastern part of the Holy Empire. As part of the military personnel, I’ll be leaving the Angel City soon to follow the battlefield. This might be the last time we meet for a while.”

“As I said, you don’t need to worry too much about your safety. As long as you don’t act recklessly, get framed, or wander into extremely dangerous places, that light orb should be enough to keep you safe.”

“As for funds, the fifth-tier magic crystal I gave you earlier should fetch at least three million Sacred Light coins. If you don’t know where to sell it, you can go to the Spirit Veil Merchant Guild or the Cecilia family here in the Angel City. They can help you auction it off, and you might even make a bit more. That should cover your research expenses for the next six months.”

“Hmm… if you’re really in desperate need of funds and I haven’t returned yet…”

After thinking for a moment, Violet reached into the air, seemingly rummaging through nothing. A short while later, she pulled out an exquisitely crafted black card with golden embossing, made from a special magic crystal, and handed it to Ayla between her fingers.

“This card… I think it’s a VIP card? I’m not entirely sure, but if you ever run short of funds, you can take this to the Spirit Veil Merchant Guild. Tell the person in charge that ?Dawn? sent you, and they should be able to lend you some money.”

Seeing the puzzled and hesitant look on Ayla’s face, Miss White Fox quickly smiled and added reassuringly.

“Don’t worry, this money will, of course, be counted on my tab.”

“…?”

After being bombarded with instructions from Miss White Fox and examining the lively little fox engraving on the front of the card for a moment, Ayla raised her head and glanced at Violet’s white fox mask, which looked almost identical. After some thought, she shook her head.

“No need. Three million Sacred Light coins are more than enough. This card clearly holds significant value, so Miss Dawn should keep it safe. Everything should be an equal exchange, and taking too much… would make me feel guilty.”

“Is that so…”

Seeing this, Miss White Fox didn’t insist. She withdrew the card and patted the shoulder of the Lightborn Tribe girl.

“Alright, it’s settled then. If you encounter any trouble you can’t resolve, try seeking help from the Cecilia family. They’ll do their best to assist you.”

“Well then, this is goodbye for today, Miss Ayla. I look forward to seeing your results next time we meet~”

Waving her hand, Miss White Fox turned around, along with the silent blonde girl, who had followed like a bodyguard throughout the entire conversation. The two of them walked away.

Their figures soon disappeared into the night beyond the dormitory district.

Only after watching them leave did Ayla lower her head again, looking at the strange, transparent golden gem lying quietly in her palm. It resembled a light attribute magic crystal, but its quality far exceeded the fifth tier.

In the sapphire-like eyes of the girl, framed by dark circles, a glint of curiosity flashed before she sighed with a bitter smile. She was left with one final thought, a whisper that faded into the night.

“Dawn… what is your true background? And where do we really come from…?”

…………………………

The night passed without incident, and in the blink of an eye, it was the next day.

Today marked the fourth day since Violet and her companions, along with the Western Expeditionary Army led by the Bright Light Saintess, had arrived in the Holy Capital, Angel City.

Due to the unexpected visit from Holy Knight Clatius the previous day, Miss White Fox had been troubled by it. Early in the morning, she drove out to the military camp outside the city, wanting to see what urgent matter required her attention.

However, before she even arrived, she happened to run into Edwina, who seemed to have also rushed over after hearing the news. From her, Miss White Fox learned a shocking piece of information.

“Total defeat at the frontlines? The eastern battlefield is in crisis?”

Inside the Cecilia family’s carriage, which had been temporarily merged, Miss White Fox couldn’t help but express her surprise and confusion after hearing this.

“Is that for real? Isn’t there still the main force of two entire Holy Knight regiments stationed in the east? With the Angel City as a shield, even if they lost, they shouldn’t have been completely routed, right? And earlier, we were told the demons were only occupying the first two provinces without any intention of expanding further. How did the situation in the Fulan province suddenly become so dire?”

Now clad in her battle armor, Miss Holy Knight had a particularly serious and grim expression. With her hand resting on the sacred sword at her waist, she explained in a low voice within the confined carriage, where only she and Violet were present.

“It’s hard to say for sure right now. The situation changed too quickly and abruptly, catching almost everyone off guard. Yesterday morning, the Holy Capital received a report of demonic activity at the frontlines, and by the afternoon, the Angel City was under a massive attack. By this morning, six border cities, with the Angel City at the center, have all lost contact, likely having already fallen to the demons.”

“Even though we had already raised our guard against the demons’ sudden movements and made corresponding preparations, judging by what’s happened this morning, it seems we still underestimated the enemy’s strength and determination in this action. It was too fast… This is truly…”

“With the fall of the Angel City, not only will the tens of thousands of troops led by the two major Holy Knight regiments at the frontlines be left isolated and without support, but the entire Fulan province will be exposed, plunged into chaos and war.”

Taking a deep breath, Miss Holy Knight pointed to the map of the Holy Empire spread across her lap, specifically the two provinces, Sarnos and Keller, which were already marked in black, as well as Fulan province to the west, nearly twice their size and acting as a gateway that shielded them.

“Fulan is one of the most economically and militarily powerful provinces in the eastern part of our nation. It’s also densely populated, accounting for nearly one-tenth of the entire country’s population. If it falls, the gap in strength between us and the demons will close rapidly, and the situation will take a drastic turn for the worse. And west of Fulan province…”

The young woman pointed to a small golden region bordering the western side of Fulan province and said gravely.

“The flames of war will come straight for the Holy Capital.”