The road to Migendorf was filled with devastation, injured adventurers lay scattered across the ground, while those still able to move carried them onto beds, and apprentice priests used magic to treat their wounds.

The adventurer party leader Kareem wiped the sweat from his forehead, still shaken by what had just happened, it was his first time facing such a large horde of monsters, and although the Little Yellow Duck demons didn’t kill, putting the team in danger was still his failure as a leader.

And... if not for that priestess who joined midway and that powerful mage who stepped in to help, they would have already collapsed under the assault.

Because of this, the leader immediately brought a few trusted companions to Xidis, bowing deeply in gratitude.

“Esteemed Mage! Thank you very much for your assistance. Without you and these two, our adventurer party would have been in grave danger!”

Xidis couldn’t even be bothered to look at the middle-aged adventurer, she only helped because she didn’t want her carriage destroyed, their lives meant nothing to her.

“Just passing by.”

Her cold attitude didn’t offend Kareem, after all, powerful people often had their quirks.

He was about to continue, but Lisea stepped in to smooth things over.

“No, no, the later wave of ducks was brought by us, so it’s more mutual help, without your group, the road ahead would have been blocked too.”

His words instantly eased the tension, and Kareem laughed, grabbing Lisea’s hand.

“Haha, well said! Since you’re heading to Migendorf, how about I treat you when we arrive!”

“Then thank you very much!”

Kareem turned and shouted to his team.

“Everyone! Once treated, load the wounded, we move out!”

Before leaving, he glanced at the priestess and sighed in relief.

“Guess we got lucky this time... thanks to the Nine Holy Spirits...”

After cleanup, just as Lisea was about to return to the carriage, the white-haired priestess approached them.

Holding a delicate box of pastries, she bowed elegantly.

“Thank you for your help, please accept this small token.”

Lisea, unable to refuse, bowed in return.

“Much appreciated.”

She smiled and introduced herself.

“I am Ovina Shuling, a priestess from the Central Continent, here to witness the Divine Trial in Migendorf.”

“Nice to meet you!”

Since both were heading to the same event, they quickly got along.

Which made Xidis extremely annoyed.

Not because she cared... definitely not because the priestess was pretty, taller or had a better figure, absolutely not.

She just found them standing together... irritating.

‘Stay away from my Lisea…’

She began plotting to separate them.

But Rong’an opened the pastry box, releasing a familiar fruity scent.

‘Fruit cake.’

Xidis immediately calmed down as she was fed a piece.

‘Fine... I’ll deal with her after I finish this.’

Listening in, she grew increasingly irritated as Lisea kept talking about the Nine Holy Spirits.

“Miss Shuling, do you need to prepare anything for the Divine Trial?”

She answered patiently.

“Simply maintain faith and follow doctrine, also help others when possible.”

Lisea wasn’t convinced.

“Like... bringing wine to priests, building relationships, giving gifts?”

He listed bribery methods.

…Ovina’s smile froze.

“Who taught you that?”

Lisea looked at Rong’an, Rong’an looked at Xidis, Xidis looked at the sky.

“I know nothing.”

“Please behave! Don’t corrupt believers!”

“You’re the corrupt ones!”

The two nearly started arguing before being stopped.

Finally, Ovina warned them seriously.

“If you want the blessing, turn back now, this Divine Trial is not what you think.”

“Why?”

“Because this trial violates doctrine and will be rejected by the Nine Holy Spirits, it shouldn’t even be held!”