As Alex and Emily approached the towering spire, they wandered through the city, absorbing its layout. They passed notable landmarks—a bustling blacksmith shop with the ring of hammers echoing from within, a grand library with tall arched windows, and a vibrant shopping district teeming with merchants hawking their wares.
The streets grew quieter as they ventured into the residential district. Rows of modest homes lined the cobblestone paths, each with small gardens overflowing with colorful flowers. The air smelled of lavender and freshly watered earth.
An elderly woman, her hunched form holding a watering can, looked up from her garden as they walked by. Her sharp eyes, framed by a web of wrinkles, scanned them with interest. She set her can down and approached them, wiping her hands on her apron.
"Haven't seen you two around here before," she said with a curious, yet wary tone. "Not many people come through this part of the city unless they live here… or they're shady folk up to no good. So, what brings you here?"
Alex, maintaining a calm expression, answered politely, "We're looking for the church. We have some business to attend to."
The woman raised an eyebrow, her gaze growing sharper. "Hmm… let me guess. You're otherworlders, aren't you?"
Emily chuckled nervously. "Is it that obvious?"
The old woman sighed, her tone softening. "I've lived a long life, dear, and I've seen my fair share of you folk. A word of advice: be careful who you tell that to. There are people in this city—noble or not—who think far too highly of themselves. They believe they're all we need to face the coming calamity, and they won't take kindly to competition."
A shadow passed over the conversation, but the woman quickly brightened, shooing away the dark mood. "Now, now, no need for frowns. You must be hungry. Here, take these." She reached into a basket by her door and handed them a few freshly baked loaves of bread, their warmth seeping into their hands.
"Thank you," Alex said, his voice filled with gratitude. Emily nodded eagerly in agreement.
The woman smiled and pointed toward a towering structure in the distance. "To get to the church, head toward the big bell tower. You can't miss it—it's just past this district."
With heartfelt thanks, Alex and Emily continued on their way.
The Church Encounter
The bell tower loomed large as they approached the church, its silhouette cutting against the night sky. The church itself was an imposing structure of stone and stained glass, its walls engraved with depictions of gods and heroes.
As Alex and Emily climbed the steps, a nun opened the heavy wooden doors. She eyed them carefully before asking, "Are you otherworlders?"
The pair exchanged uneasy glances, unsure whether to trust her.
Before they could respond, a man in flowing robes entered the hallway. His presence exuded calm authority. "There's no need to worry," he said in a soothing voice. "Unlike most of the city, the church worships the gods devoutly and believes their will is absolute. If the gods brought you here, it is for a reason."
Reassured, Alex and Emily hesitated no longer. They introduced themselves and explained their origins.
The nun led them into a quiet room filled with faint candlelight. She handed each of them a small artifact, intricate and faintly glowing, with ancient runes etched into its surface. "These are ability artifacts," she explained. "Place a drop of blood on them and speak the words Ability Check. They will reveal your gifts and allow you to track your progress."
Alex and Emily followed her instructions, pricking their fingers and letting a drop of blood fall onto the artifacts. The runes flared to life as their abilities appeared before their eyes.
• Alex's Abilities:
• Astral Nomad
• Core Power: Astral Plane Manipulation
• Access to the astral plane for exploration, evasion, and combat.
• Skill 1: Astral Step
• Briefly phase into the astral plane, becoming intangible.
• Textbook Note: Mentions the astral plane as a liminal space between reality and the divine.
• Emily's Abilities:
• Empathic Restoration
• Core Traits: Healing through deep emotional connections.
• Passive Skill: Emotional Resonance
• Sense emotions around her, useful for detecting hidden motives.
• Skill 1: Healing Touch
• Heals physical injuries through mana channeled via touch.
The nun smiled at their expressions of wonder. "We will teach you the basics you need to know tomorrow but for now you guys are free to go"
Nighttime Shelter
The two stepped out of the church into the cool night air. Alex stretched, yawning. "So… where do we sleep? We don't have any money for an inn."
Emily sighed, glancing around. "Maybe we can find a park or something. Anywhere we can lay low for the night."
As they wandered back through the residential district, the old woman from earlier spotted them. Her concern was immediate. "What are you two doing out so late?"
"We're looking for a place to sleep," Emily admitted, embarrassment coloring her tone.
The woman frowned. "Nonsense! You'll catch your death out here. Come stay with me."
"Are you sure?" Alex asked, hesitant.
She smiled warmly. "Of course. It's just me in this big old house. My husband and son passed away years ago… I have the space, and it'll do me good to have company."
Grateful beyond words, Alex and Emily accepted her offer. She showed them to two cozy rooms, each modestly furnished but warm and inviting.
As they laid down to rest, the comfort of a kind stranger's generosity filled their hearts, reminding them that even in an unfamiliar world, kindness could still be found.