And so, my journey led me from my quiet homeland to the dazzling heart of the world—the Light Capital, Laoag City.
This sprawling metropolis, home to the headquarters of the Light Church, was breathtaking. Even by the standards of this world, it stood as a beacon of grandeur. The sheer number of people and towering buildings left me awestruck. Compared to my rural upbringing, it felt like stepping into another realm entirely.
"Hmmm, are you amazed?" Rosy's gentle laughter drew me from my thoughts.
She walked beside me, clearly entertained by my wide-eyed wonder.
"Is this your first time in Laoag City?" she asked, her tone warm.
"No… It's more than that," I admitted. "This is my first time leaving my village. Everything here is… overwhelming."
"I see." Rosy tilted her head thoughtfully. "For me, the surprising thing is seeing a new side of you, Jack. Since we met, I always thought you were so composed and unshakable."
"Rosy, what's that over there?" I cut her off, pointing.
"You're not listening at all…" She sighed but followed my gaze.
What had caught my attention were strange vehicles darting across the city streets. Unlike the carts I knew—pulled by oxen or horses—these carriages moved entirely on their own.
"They're everywhere," I murmured, watching as the self-moving contraptions zipped along paved roads. "And they don't even seem unusual here."
Rosy smiled. "Those are called ethereal cars."
"Ethereal cars?"
"Yes, they run on ethereal energy," she explained.
I blinked. "What's ethereal?"
Her attempt at an explanation was interrupted by a sharp, disdainful voice.
"Fools' contraptions," Captain Cook sneered. His bad mood was as palpable as ever. "Those machines are proof of humanity's decay."
The captain had been grumbling since we left my village. His knights had spread out on recruitment duty and regrouped as we approached Laoag City. Our numbers had swelled, but apparently, not to his satisfaction.
"Listen, newcomer," he barked, turning his scowl on me. "The Light Church forbids such devices. Remember that. They make people arrogant and ungrateful to the Light Goddess."
True enough, none of the knights used these vehicles. Despite their numbers, they either walked or rode horses. It would have been simpler to use one of those "ethereal cars," but tradition seemed to outweigh convenience.
Rosy frowned. "Captain Vesage, there's no need to take it out on Jack. You've been on edge since the village."
"Of course, I am! We had a quota of 50 recruits, Hero Light, and we returned with just one. What will the Founder or the Knight Commander say?!"
"If they complain, they can direct it at me," Rosy said firmly. "Besides, I think this single recruit is worth far more than quantity."
Cook and I both stared at her, startled.
"You mean this country bumpkin?" he demanded.
"Yes," Rosy replied without hesitation. "Jack didn't flinch when you attacked him with your Holy Light Blade, Captain Cook. Not only did he counter it, but he also did so with remarkable precision—even though it was his first encounter with it."
"Ugh…"
"His quick thinking, decisive actions, and natural reflexes are exactly what we need. He's a talent we can't ignore."
"Grrr!!" Cook ground his teeth, clearly unwilling to concede.
I decided silence was the best strategy for now.
"Fine," Cook grumbled. "But talent means nothing if he fails the Knight Corps entrance exam."
Rosy smiled. "I believe he'll succeed."
Though I appreciated her faith in me, their conversation left me uneasy. What exam?
Before I could ask, we reached the culmination of our journey: the Grand Church of Light, standing proudly at the city's heart.
"Those applying to join, gather here!"
The call came as we crossed the church gates. People who, like me, had been recruited along the way quickly assembled. Rosy and Cook had already departed for their own duties, leaving us newcomers to face what lay ahead.
An older man, long bearded and exuding an air of authority, stepped forward.
"Welcome, maggots!" he bellowed. "You've taken your first step into the service of the Light Church! From now on, you are its proud disciples!"
His voice carried both intimidation and inspiration, though I wasn't sure which he intended.
"The church has many roles," he continued. "There are priests who offer prayers to the Light Goddess, caretakers who support them, and, of course, the Ilocos Knight Corps—the military force of the church! Ah, but let me warn you about one thing."
His eyes twinkled mischievously. "If any of you aspire to become the Light Hero, let me save you the trouble: don't. It'll be at least thirty years before anyone surpasses Rosy, our current hero!"
The crowd erupted into cheers at Rosy's name, and I couldn't help but feel proud of her.
"Now," the old man declared, "it's time for your first test. Don't worry—it's simple."
He raised a small object above his head, but I couldn't make it out from where I stood.
"This is an element board," he explained. "It reveals your elemental affinity. All living things are blessed by one of the five gods who created this world: Earth, Fire, Water, Wind, or Light. Let's see where you stand!"
Carefully studying the board the old man carried, I noticed it was a perfectly shaped pentagon. Each side bore a symbol representing the gods of Earth, Fire, Water, Wind, and Light.
"When someone holds this Element Board," the old man explained, "the needle at the center will reveal their element. The Light Church, of course, welcomes only those aligned with the light element. Those chosen by the board to bear the light element will immediately gain entry into the Ilocos Knight Corps!"
With that, the examination began. One by one, the candidates stepped forward, each gripping the Element Board in turn.
"Wind element! Rejected!"
"Water element! Rejected!"
"Light element! Pass!"
The voices echoed through the grand chamber of the church, setting the mood with anticipation.
When my turn arrived, the bald old man stepped closer, his sharp gaze fixed on me.
"You… You're Jack Dawson , aren't you?"
"Uhm? Yes, that's me. But how do you know my name?" I asked, confused.
"Never mind that," he said dismissively. "Just hold the board."
I hesitated briefly as he thrust the pentagonal board toward me. The needle twitched, and then it shifted slightly to the left of the light symbol—toward his own element, I presumed.
"Right," the old man began, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I am Ponce, the vice captain of the Ilocos Knight Corps. If you join, I'll be your direct superior. Rosy herself asked me to look after you."
Rosy? I was taken aback but managed a reply. "Shouldn't you say that to everyone instead of showing such blatant favoritism?"
Ponce grinned unapologetically. "She also told me about your… issues with Cook. If you prove useful, I'll welcome you with open arms. That's all."
His bluntness was irritating but also oddly reassuring. Regardless, I took the Element Board from him, feeling the weight of expectation as I held it.
Now, let's see what my element truly is…
Suddenly, the board began to groan and creak. The needle, seemingly made of metal, trembled violently as if resisting some unseen force. Before anyone could react, it bent unnaturally with a sharp snap, breaking itself and pointing skyward.
"What?! What's going on?!" Ponce shouted, his astonishment mirroring my own.
For a moment, there was stunned silence. Then I understood. As the Seraphim of Darkness, my element was something the board could not account for. Darkness wasn't among the symbols. It had no place here, just as I suspected.
The needle couldn't identify me—so it broke.