Chapter 96

As the angel extended her hand, I couldn't help but stare at it intently; her skin was so translucent. It made me realize that there are many beautiful things in the world, not just scenery.

Perhaps because I didn't answer immediately, the angel tilted her head.

"Come, let's go to Lady Flodia right away."

But I shook my head in response to the angel's words.

"No. I'm not going yet."

The angel's offer was indeed tempting. However, I still have something I need to do. I don't want to put it off.

"Why not?"

"Because I want to resolve the issue with the cathedral first. Now that Pope Titia has regained her power, it's the perfect opportunity to defeat Rodney and reclaim the Crystal Cathedral."

"Sharon, that's...!"

Titia seemed flustered by my words. From her expression, it seemed that keeping the angel waiting was out of the question.

But please think about it. Do we really have the time to advance the 'Maiden' quest right now? I don't think so. Considering that quests often involve combat, we are far from being prepared. When I explained this, Titia seemed to understand and fell silent.

"Besides, it's dangerous to proceed to the next stage without Kent and Cocoa."

When those two return as awakened classes, it will significantly boost our combat strength. It would be better to advance my 'Maiden' quest after that.

"Is that acceptable, Angel?"

Just to be sure, I asked the angel, who, after a moment of contemplation, nodded.

"The cathedral is an important place for offering prayers to Lady Flodia. The current situation of it being occupied is unacceptable to me as well. Please reclaim it as soon as possible."

"Yes, yes!"

Titia responded to the angel's words. Being told to reclaim the cathedral by the angel seemed to ignite a sense of mission in Titia.

...I'm glad we got the permission so smoothly.

"By the way, please call me Angel-chan. Angels don't have individual names."

"Eh, ah... Yes, Angel-chan, then."

"That's fine."

Titia nodded sincerely, surprised by the casual 'Angel-chan' but accepting it.

***

After the angel joined our party, we continued our usual hunting while waiting for Kent and Cocoa to return. We wanted to level up our awakened class skills as much as possible. At the same time, we intensified our item trading. To advance the 'Maiden' quest, we would need a lot of consumables. We couldn't afford to feel anxious about potions like we did during the Luluyé battle.

So, we are currently taking a break at Snowtia's inn.

Tart, Titia, and Angel-chan are having tea with some pastries they bought. Leroi and Mimosa are discussing the future of the cathedral, and Blitz has gone to contact the 'Cathedral Knights' he freed.

As for me, I'm thinking about the future.

Skills are obtained up to level 80, and when you become an awakened class, you start gaining skill points again from that level. However, awakened classes only grant 30 skill points, which is a bit low.

I became an 'Archbishop' at level 102, so even at level 106, I've only gained 4 levels, and thus only 4 skill points.

Sharon

Level: 106

Class: Archbishop

Skills:

'Blessed Light': Can create 'Holy Water' with clean water and 'Empty Potion Bottle' ×1

'Heal' Level 10: Heals one person

'High Heal' Level 5: Heals one person significantly

'Area Heal' Level 5: Heals all targets within a 7-meter radius

'Complete Recovery' Level 5: Sacrifices 60% of your HP and all MP to fully heal another person

'Curse Removal': Can remove curses

'Goddess's Knowledge' Level 5: Increases skill activation speed

'Regeneration' Level 5: Heals HP every 10 seconds

'Mana Regeneration' Level 5: Restores MP every 30 seconds

'Body Enhancement' Level 10: Increases physical abilities (attack, defense, speed)

'Attack Enhancement' Level 3: Increases attack power

'Magic Enhancement' Level 3: Increases magic power

'Defense Enhancement' Level 3: Increases defense

'Mana Enhancement' Level 3: Increases MP

'Goddess's Apostle' Level 3: Increases attack, magic, and defense

'Goddess's Strike': Doubles the next attack

'Goddess's Protection' Level 5: Creates a barrier

'Cure': Heals status abnormalities

'Holy Attribute Enhancement' Level 5: Increases holy attribute

'Resistance Enhancement' Level 5: Increases resistance to all attributes

'Indomitable Power' Level 5: Increases maximum HP

"I've got a good set of skills, but it would be better if I had more support equipment..."

Specifically, I need equipment for my empty left hand and accessories. However, good equipment can only be obtained in certain places, making it difficult. Right now, there are no players, so high-quality equipment from drops or blacksmiths isn't circulating, which is a pain.

While I was thinking this, Kent returned with a "I'm back!" It seems his class change was faster than Cocoa's.

"Welcome back!"

"Welcome back, nya!"

"Welcome back!"

We welcomed Kent, who smiled happily. In his arms, he held a large egg.

...In reality, when you become a 'Dragon Knight,' you have to carry an egg like that.

While I was thinking this, Tart, curious, asked, "What's that egg, nya?"

"Hehehe, glad you asked! This is my partner as a 'Dragon Knight'!! When the egg hatches, I can fight alongside a dragon like Lord Rudy!!"

"Amazing, nya!!"

"Wow, Kent's partner dragon is going to hatch!"

Kent proudly announced this, and Tart and Titia were amazed. "Can we touch it, nya?" they asked, very interested.

"It's a pretty hard egg. Here."

Kent placed the egg on the sofa, and Tart and Titia touched it gently, their eyes shining.

"So, um..."

"Hmm?"

"What about her? She feels really divine..."

I had completely forgotten to introduce the angel.

"This is a messenger of the goddess Flodia."

"I've come to guide you to Lady Flodia. I don't have an individual name, so please call me Angel-chan."

"Wh-what? Angel!? Chan!?"

Kent was shocked, blinking repeatedly. "Can I really call such an amazing person so casually? But..."

"Seeing Angel-chan, I can't help but be surprised."

"Angels rarely manifest before humans."

"I see..."

For now, I should explain about the angel and our next steps. Just as I was about to prepare some tea, the door opened with a "I'm back!" It was Cocoa.

"Welcome back, Cocoa."

"Welcome back, nya!"

"Welcome back!"

We welcomed Cocoa, who immediately noticed the angel and blinked in surprise. The divine presence must have overwhelmed her.

"Let's have a strategy meeting while we have tea."

I prepared tea and snacks and explained our plans.

"So, we're going to reclaim the cathedral because we've leveled up..."

"And then, we'll go to the goddess Flodia...?"

"Yes!"

Kent and Cocoa understood the situation, and I nodded.

"Since Titia and Leroi's curses have been lifted, I think it would be good to reclaim the cathedral. With Kent and Cocoa as 'Dragon Knight' and 'Song Mage,' our combat strength has increased."

We can't just leave Rodney and his group alone.

"...Got it. For Titia and the others, let's reclaim the cathedral. Besides, this is our homeland. I don't want to let Rodney do as he pleases."

"Agreed. Let's take back our country!"

"Right!"

They seemed very motivated. I need to match their enthusiasm and support them with the best possible assistance.

Then, Cocoa started rummaging in her bag, saying, "Oh, I have a souvenir!"

"I bought some materials! I thought Tart might be able to use them for 'Pharmacy.'"

"Yay! That's a huge help, nya! Thank you, nya~!"

Cocoa placed the materials on the table, and Tart, with her tail standing straight up, was delighted. The souvenirs included 'Fire Mushrooms,' 'Water Mushrooms,' and 'Herbs.'

"Wow, with 'Fire Bombs' and 'Water Mushrooms,' we can also make defensive potions, nya! Thank you, Cocoa."

Tart happily collected the souvenirs, and Kent, realizing he could have done the same, facepalmed. He must have been preoccupied with the dragon egg.

"Well, well, we can always buy more with a 'Teleport Gate.'"

"Ah! That's right!! Then, I'll go buy more while Tart prepares! Only Kent and I can buy materials in Bloom."

"Then, please do, nya."

"Leave it to me!"

So, Kent left again to go back to Bloom.