In the holy city of Van Rahir, this ancient holy city, the air these days seems to be filled not only with sandalwood and the sound of prayer, but also with an invisible, restless mood, like a low-pressure system, enveloping every spire and every alley.
First came the inexplicable loud noise at night and the strange beam of light that briefly illuminated the sky over the North District—the official explanation being "normal energy dissipation caused during the reinforcement of the ancient seal." But the whispers and terrified looks of the North District residents, who had been urgently evacuated and then sent back by the Holy Knights and witnessed the mess in the streets and the lingering pungent smell of burning in the air, told a different story.
Then the number of patrolling Holy Punishment Knights suddenly increased, their expressions were more solemn than before, and the sound of their armor rubbing together seemed to carry a hint of imperceptible urgency.
When pastors preach, they increasingly emphasize "firm faith" and "inner light" in their words, but avoid talking about specific miracles, which makes some sensitive older believers uneasy.
Rumors spread rapidly among market stalls, in tavern corners, and on family dining tables.
"Have you heard? Old Jim was almost dragged away that night by a hairless black monster that crawled out of the sewers! It was Knight Commander Ron who saved him!"
"My second uncle's neighbor is on duty at the courthouse. He said something incredible was discovered underground, and even the ascetic was injured!"
"Has the Holy Spirit... ceased to protect us?"
This silent panic quietly spread throughout the Holy City until a shocking piece of news, like a boulder thrown into a still lake, exploded outwards, instantly sweeping across the entire Van La Hill and spreading to all corners of the continent at an astonishing speed!
After centuries of silence, the Holy Spirit Church has finally welcomed back its spokesperson—a living oracle!
And the person chosen by the Holy Light was none other than the Blackrock Lord, Lind Truck, who rose to fame on the southern border, annihilated the Ork Legion with thunderous methods, and possessed mysterious powers!
The news initially leaked "inadvertently" from the highest levels of the Radiant Cathedral in a semi-official manner, and was quickly picked up by astute bards, merchants, and spies planted by various powers.
Within just one or two days, terms like "oracle," "Grand Earl Linde," and "divine spokesperson" became the hottest topics of conversation in the Holy City and beyond.
"Really? An oracle? I haven't heard of one in centuries!"
A vendor selling icons and amulets excitedly gestured to his neighbor at the market, "I knew the commotion the other night was unusual! It must have been a divine intervention, a revelation!"
"Count Linde? Is that the ruthless man who supposedly wiped out tens of thousands of Orks' army in one fell swoop? He became an oracle?"
Inside the tavern, a man dressed as an adventurer took a swig of ale, smacked his lips, and said, "This world is getting more and more incomprehensible. But if it's true, wouldn't our Holy Church be about to produce a powerful saint?"
"It must be a trick played by those old men in the church!"
Some skeptics chuckled under their breath in a corner, "Seeing they can't control the situation, they'd better quickly put forward someone with prestige and power to stabilize public sentiment. What oracle? I think it's a 'human oracle'!"
Shh! Keep your voice down! Are you out of your mind?!
His companion tugged at him nervously. "Didn't you see the ears everywhere in the courthouse? But... what you said makes some sense. That Earl of Linde's territory is said to be incredibly wealthy, and his army is terrifyingly strong. The Church's move to win him over is a smart one."
Rumors spread like wildfire, and all sorts of speculations abounded.
The devout believers cheered, believing this to be proof that the Holy Spirit had never abandoned them and that the darkness would eventually be dispelled. They couldn't wait to see the oracle's face and longed to receive his blessing.
"This is a miracle! It is the Holy Spirit's reward for our piety!"
An elderly woman knelt before a statue of a saint on the street, tears streaming down her face.
Many more people who are taking a wait-and-see approach feel confused and curious.
They couldn't determine the veracity of the news, but the tense atmosphere in the Holy City recently and the church leadership's swift confirmation and push for action made them inclined to believe that something significant had indeed happened.
They discussed the legendary deeds of Count Lind and speculated about how he would fulfill his duties as an oracle.
"Whether it's true or not, the arrival of this Earl should be able to resolve the troubles underground, right?"
This is the most basic expectation of ordinary citizens.
Of course, there are also conspiracy theorists and pessimists who believe this is the result of a power struggle within the church, or a political show in desperation, and even worry that this powerful "oracle" will bring about greater changes and turmoil.
"It hasn't happened in hundreds of years, but it happens now? And it just so happens to be a powerful border noble with a large army? The coincidence is too much!"
Meanwhile, spies and travelers from other forces on the mainland quickly spread the news using various means.
The kings of various kingdoms, the distant mage towers, and the secretive organizations all received this intelligence immediately, causing shock and reflection in their respective situations.
The remaining forces of the Principality of Ork are likely to be restless, while the attitude of the Kree imperial family has become delicate.
Amidst a flurry of discussion and speculation, the Holy Church finally issued an official announcement confirming the identity of Oracle Lind and declaring that a grand celebration and blessing ceremony of unprecedented scale would be held in the Holy Light Square in front of the Great Cathedral of Radiance in a few days. At that time, the Oracle would make his first public appearance and bestow blessings upon believers!
The announcement caused an uproar throughout the entire holy city!
All doubts and arguments were temporarily suppressed, replaced by a tremendous sense of anticipation and busyness.
The artisans began working overtime to decorate the streets, hanging colorful flags and curtains embroidered with sacred symbols.
Merchants keenly sensed the business opportunity and rushed to produce all sorts of souvenirs related to the "Oracle"—from simple portraits to amulets engraved with the blurry face of Earl Linde (now the Oracle). Although no one knew exactly what he looked like, that did not prevent them from being snapped up.
Large numbers of believers flocked to the holy city from all directions, hotels were fully booked, and crowds thronged the streets and alleys, all eager to witness this "century-old miracle" moment.
The Holy Knights were even busier, not only maintaining order but also ensuring the ritual went perfectly.
A festive atmosphere eased the previous panic, but beneath the surface, undercurrents still surged.
Everyone was waiting, waiting for the mysterious and powerful Earl Linde to appear before everyone's eyes as an oracle a few days later.
That moment will determine the future fate of the Holy City and leave a deep mark on the history of the continent.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com