Blade of the Goddess
Chapter 111 - Divine Blessing

Chapter 111: Chapter 111 - Divine Blessing

"I shall stay by your side until you journey to the Holy City of Light!" Farissa said, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Zion as if he were treasure. Actually, he might as well be a piece of treasure in the holy light members’ eyes.

"Suit yourself." He shrugged, walking into his home.

After everything that went down, Zion was tired and wanted his bed. He didn’t care about anything else, whether it was helping with the damage, helping the people, or searching for the surviving demons. He didn’t care. Gonrod was stopped, and now he had peace.

"Lord Zion, if I may?" Farissa asked

"What’s up?"

"Would you give us your divine blessing? Goddess Luminera’s blessing?" She asked, her eyes still sparkling with admiration.

’Divine Blessing?’ He thought to himself.

’It’s where you bathe them with my power.’ Luminera answered in his head

’Oh hey, you’re back in my head. But didn’t I already do that earlier?’ He asked

Farissa tilted her head with confusion as she watched Zion’s expression and posture change multiple times.

’No, you just empowered them with my power. A divine blessing is when you take their faith and turn it into power. This way, you can know who is a follower and who isn’t. Also, once blessed, they will serve me to the fullest with no questions asked. Or in this case, serve you.’

’Sounds like mind control.’ He chuckled

’You’d be surprised by how blinded people can be when it comes to their beliefs.’ She replied

’That’s true. Is there anything else to a divine blessing?’ he asked

’Yes. A divine blessing will also allow them to use holy power and truly become a my follower. I’m sure you know how the church works.’

’Yeah, I know. So their mana will be completely replaced with holy power, huh?’

’Not to the same extent as a pope, saintess, or a divine apostle, but yes, their mana will be completely replaced. They can train their holy power like mana, and it can get stronger as their faith gets stronger.’

’Sweet! Wait! You said divine apostle? As in me? You’re saying that my mana will be replaced?’ He was on board with everything up until this point. There was no way he was going to replace his mana.

’Well, yeah, obviously. Two different energies can’t exist together in one body unless you’re a god. Don’t worry though, holy power can do the same things as mana for the most part, and it’s better if you ask me.’

’Well, obviously you think it’s better! You’re a fucking goddess! No way in hell am I replacing my mana! There’s so much shit I can do with it!’

’But holy power is better!’ She argued

’Better my ass!’ He calmed down. ’Well, it doesn’t matter to be honest. I’ve already thought of ways to hold multiple energies in one body.’ Zion smiled, recalling his research regarding Lordrick’s body.

’Whatever. But just letting you know, at the rate the holy power is transforming your body, I’d say you have about a year until your mana is completely replaced.’

’Thanks for the timeline. Time to bless these guys.’

"Are you ready?" He asked Farissa

She gasped with excitement. "Yes! Yes, we’re ready!"

"Please bless up!"

"I love you, Lord Zion!"

"Praise Luminera! May her light shine forever!"

"I can’t believe I was able to feel the light of our goddess! I couldn’t be happier!"

All around were the members of the holy church of light who accompanied Farissa here due to Zion’s invitation. There were around 50 members here, 51 if you counted Farissa. Some were paladins, inquisitors, priests, and priestesses, and of course, the saintess Farissa.

"For thousands of years, you’ve clung to the belief that our goddess would return, and your wait, your worship, your dedication has paid off. Rejoice, as today, you all shall be reborn anew and be bathed in the light that is our goddess."

"Yes!"

"Bless us!"

"Please accept my devotion!"

"Oh Goddess, I thank you for noticing my dedication to you!"

Zion smiled, lifted his hand, and bathed everyone in golden light.

He could feel it, their faith. He could feel their emotions, their love, their dedication, and their pride in the goddess they serve. The golden light seeped into their bodies, turning their mana into holy power, transforming their bodies into vessels that serve Luminera.

On the outside, they looked the same. But on the inside, their power was different, and their faith skyrocketed. Their faith was already strong since they continued to serve and spread Luminera’s teachings for over 10,000 years throughout the generations.

But now, as they were bathed in her power, it reinforced their faith to all new heights.

"Thank you!"

"Thank you so much!"

"May the goddess light shine forever!"

Farissa dropped to her knees, kneeling before Zion. "Lord Zion! Thank you for this opportunity! We shall enact the goddess’s will and serve you both to the best of our abilities. Anything you want, need, or desire shall be done."

The rest followed by example, dropping to their knees, doubling down on what Farissa had spoken.

Zion held out his arms to the side. "Your dedication will not go unnoticed, and I promise to enact the will of the goddess to best serve not only her, but you all as well. To best serve our goddess, we have to be the best version of ourselves."

"Bless the light!" They all shouted.

But suddenly, Zion’s entire expression shifted, morphing into something sinister. "But it seems like some of you don’t agree with this change."

"What?! Who dares!" Farissa shouted with anger.

Zion smiled and pulled 5 members to the front using his power. Three men and two women. "No matter how weak your faith or belief in the goddess is, as long as there is a tiny bit of faith in you, your body will be filled with holy power after a divine blessing."

The five of them shifted uncomfortably.

"You five don’t have an ounce of holy power in you, and when I blessed you all, sure, your body might have been bathed with divine light, and you felt some warmth, but I didn’t feel a connection toward you. I can feel everyone’s emotions, their faith, their belief, and their dedication. No matter how small it is, I can feel it. But you five? Nothing. So tell me. Why don’t you believe in the goddess Luminera?" Zion asked, his smile more villainous than what a divine apostle should have.

"Fuck your goddess! I was born and raised in the holy city of light, and Luminera never helped my family! My mother died from a sickness, my father was murdered, and my little brother was sold into slavery! I prayed and prayed, but none of them were answered! I will never worship someone like her again!" One of the men spoke with anger.

"My older sister was raped and killed by disgusting men. The church told me to have faith in the goddess, and I did. But then the same thing happened to my little sister, and my mother died trying to save her. I would rather die than worship a goddess like her." A priestess shouted in anger.

The other three had similar tragic stories, which caused them to lose their faith in Luminera. Even when Zion showcased his divine power, it was too late, as their faith had completely died out.

Farissa was furious. She could understand their faith wavering, but to curse Luminera’s name and stay indoctrinated into the church while not being a believer felt like a slap in the face to her. "You ungrateful-"

Zion stopped her, holding up his hand.

"I understand, and I don’t blame you. If I were in your position, I would probably feel the same way. No, not probably, I would. I don’t know what I would do if I lost my loved ones. So I don’t blame you one bit. I pity you."

Everyone was shocked. They couldn’t believe Zion was sympathizing with them. But it also showed his compassionate side. At least that’s what they thought.

"However, that shit’s not my problem. You used church resources while not being a believer. Stayed in the church while not being a believer. And finally, when your goddess returned, you cursed her name."

He turned to everyone there.

"I’ll let this be known right here and right now. Anyone who isn’t a believer shall be purged." He summoned the sword of forms so fast that no one even saw him slice off their heads until the blast of holy power sent shockwaves through their bodies.

"All who do not worship the light shall die!" He growled with a maniacal smile across his face.