The architecture style of the Lux Holy Land could only be described as exotic. It was a mixture of many different styles from all the different corners of the world back when civilisation was actually flourishing. After the advent of Prisma, most human territories had been abandoned to the wilds. And unlike abandoned cities before Prisma which were reclaimed by nature, these ones only fell into greater ruin.
It was already a miracle for these architectural styles to survive, but it was even more of a miracle for most of them to gather in one city alone, no matter how big it might be. It was a series of coincidences that created this unique city whose environs made you feel as though you were in many different parts of the world depending on which district you were in. But there was still an underlying theme to all of them that game them a sense of order amidst the seemingly chaotic and random designs scattered all around.
Light
And no, this did not mean that there were a lot more lampposts on the streets than other cities or that every building keeps their lights on all day every day. The entire city was a sanctuary for the devout followers of Lux, the Bringer of Light. You would see paintings and idols in every part of the city, all showing the faith of the people.
In this world that was slowly being devoured by Prisma, the worship or idolatry of Prisma has become a norm. Because while it might have been the cause for all these disasters, it had also breathed new life into Human civilisation. It was not a secret among the oldest of people in Corrin, those who still lived centuries after the first Meteor Rain, that the world had been on a steady decline back then. It was only a matter of centuries and Corrin would have either died or Humanity would have been extinct. But the advent of Prisma pressed the reset button on everything.
And now, the few remaining Humans who still held faith in the Light travelled from all across the world, congregating in the Eastern Region where the end destination of their holy pilgrimage awaited them. The Lux Holy Land was built for their sakes. This was all to say that this city was perhaps even more populous than Therion and Melchior combined.
Stepping through the gates of the Lux Holy Land, Galeon could not help but sigh at the huge and bustling crowd. It had been two days since he woke up after his encounter with that unfathomable entity, two days since he had met Lily. He was already missing her presence. It did not even take long for him to do so as less than an hour since leaving the clinic, he began to clearly feel the return of all the weight he carried with him, the burdens that weighed heavily on his heart.
Lily's presence was too precious a treasure for him and he wanted her dearly, but he knew he could not stay nor could he drag her with him wherever he went. She was much too pure for this world and he did not want to break her by showing her its darkness. All that he could do were simple things to keep his mind from spiraling into chaos. He pulled up his thread of messages with Lily and sent her a new one.
[Just arrived at Lux Holy Land. I don't know how long I'll be here, but I'll visit you once I'm done. What souvenir do you want?]
[You're there already?! I thought you were still in Melchior last night? How are you so fast? I don't particularly want anything. Just get me something that reminds you of that place. Anyway, there're a lot of patients today so I can't talk much. Good luck and have fun! And stay safe!]
It did not even take a few minutes for Lily to reply, bringing out a chuckle from Galeon. He wondered what he should get for her as he strolled through the streets, perusing the many stalls set up by both residents and pilgrims. Although he had a purpose for coming to this city, he was not in any sort of hurry. Either way, he had been missing in action for a week already. What was a few more minutes or hours? In the end, he settled for a beautiful tapestry depicting a mountain reaching for the sun. It was very much in line with the culture and beliefs of the Lux Holy Land.
He stored the tapestry in his Prisma Core before walking onwards. This time, there would be no more stops, no distractions and side quests to deter him. He had been given enough rest. And although his mind technically only really rested for a day, it was still enough to get him going. He headed straight for the Holy Temple at the heart of the Holy Land. And whatever happens there would inform him of his next course of action.
In a grand cathedral of marbled gold, a solitary figure walked down an aisle. Each of his steps were heavy, seemingly carrying weights unknown even to him. They echoed against the walls that seemed to cast a hallowed glow upon his solemn stride as he passed by the gazes of many worshippers praying toward the altar of their god.
He ignored their whispers and gazes as he stood before the altar. There he saw a giant statue of an androgynous person covered in a single long cloth draped over them and even veiling their face. Aside from that one cloth, they were bare as they seemed to bathe in the light that came from above. The statue's hands were raised as though welcoming the blessings of the sun or the moons.
The man merely stood there staring at the statue as though etching its image into his mind. Many of the worshippers praying were angry at his lack of respect and faith, but they did nothing to remove him from the temple. The Holy Temple was a sacred place. If the Holy Land around it was a sanctuary for the faithful, then the Holy Temple was a paradise for everyone regardless of their faith. No harm may be done within its hallowed walls.
And although it seemed as though that scene would remain for hours on end, it did not even take half an hour for two sets of footsteps to ring out with a unique cadence, attracting the attention of all the worshippers. They came from one of the hallways that led further up the temple. They came with purpose as the solemnity of their every step could be felt by everyone.
'Finally', the worshippers cheered in their minds, believing that someone with authority had come to show the faithless one the Light. But soon, their silent cheers turned into shock as an unexpected event occurred right before their very eyes.
"Faith is a fickle thing, is it not? Sometimes I wonder to which I pray. Is it the Light? Or is it the Bringer? To whom, might I ask, do you pray, O Witness of Finality?"
A soothing voice like that of an ethereal hymn spread across the silent cathedral. Even without the use of authority, her words carried a strange resonance that made it undeniable. Even the deaf would hear her loud and clear. Even the mindless would understand her words. This was the dignity of the Holy Saintess. This was the depth of the truth that she came to bear to all. To her question, Galeon answered with a hint of sentimentality, his back toward her as he continued to stare at the statue.
"I pray to neither... for faith is a fickle thing. Faith in someone else is a surrender. And I... I cannot surrender yet. So my faith is in myself."
The Saintess smiled at his response, nodding to his words as though it reaffirmed something for her. She walked onward with Shine following her closely from behind. The Divine Lance of Radiance was on full alert even though she was not expecting a battle here. It was just her duty and her nature. This was the first time in so many years since the Saintess had last stepped foot outside her room. It was not only the worshippers who were shocked to see her, but even the clergy. And yet, there was still more shock to be had.
"How fitting. Such words should apply to you more than anyone in this world, I believe. Allow me to welcome you to the Lux Holy Land, O Divine Blade of Finality. And..."
Even with her eyes closed, the Saintess seemed to know where everything was as she came to a stop a few feet away from Galeon. And to everyone's great surprise, she bent her knees and fell to the floor. Her head lowered in submission as she raised her open arms overhead as though offering herself to Galeon. It was an act of oblation, of one's surrender to their god. Everyone could recognise it. Even Shine was dumbfounded by what her mistress was doing, but before anyone could do anything, the Saintess continued her words with a voice full of heartfelt emotion.
"I have seen glimpses of this moment for so long. At long last, you are here, my Bright Master. This faithful servant welcomes you, O Bringer of Light!"