The smoke and dust caused by the meteorite had mostly dissipated, and the commotion on the street had gradually subsided. The injured had largely escaped danger thanks to swift treatment, but some still perished, eliciting occasional cries of anguish.
Inside Saint-Sien Cathedral, Padre Cali completed his penance. He stood and turned to face Lumian, who sat silently in the front pew, observing him.
Lumian chuckled and asked casually, "Is repentance still of any use?"
Without waiting for a response, he added habitually, "You must know your fate is sealed. You won't survive more than a few days."
Paleness showed through Padre Cali's dark-brown complexion as he calmly replied, "If repentance worked, it wouldn't be true repentance."
This statement seemed to bring him a measure of peace.
