Pillar of Yita

Leaving the station, the Temple of Knowledge was situated on a square named Jean Donnas, where a stone fountain with a sculpture of its founder adorned the center, covered in creeping ivy, with many pigeons around the square. Not far away was the former site of the Colin Ishurian Artisan Association, now occupied by a slew of Magic Guided and Alchemy shops, under a cloudless azure sky, dotted with various advertising balloons and modern airships.

The awe-inspiring sanctuary towered against the backdrop of these products of Magic Guided technology, as if the new and the old were converging here—one side represented the ancient divine authority, the other the ever-evolving realm of knowledge.

Fang Hong entered the grand hall and beheld the steel and light blue glass dome above, solemn and imposing. The deep blue sunlight cascaded from the zenith onto the serene face of the Angina statue at the center, holding a goose feather quill in one hand and a sheepskin scroll trailing to the floor in the other.

On both sides were rows of shrines, surrounded by arches filled with religious symbolism, sculpted from silvery metal, shining brightly under the crystal lights, reflecting against the pale blue sunlight.

He couldn’t help comparing it with the sanctuary in Kapuka and Rodell; the latter was a product of the ”New Era Religious Reform” two centuries ago—dignified, majestic yet simple. In contrast, this sanctuary was imbued with the contemporary style of Eteliria.

Grand, modern, and atmospheric, much like the Crystal Palace of the Industrial Revolution era.

The underground stone sanctuary on the Elf Ruins was even older; the indifference seeping between the rocks stood aloof, just like the divine authority of that era. After the religious reforms, faith acquired a touch of humanity.

Among the gods, however, the followers of Angina were still distinct. The monks that Fang Hong saw moving about the hall were mostly quiet and aloof. He explained his purpose to the receiving monk, who simply led him to the Angina statue.

No pleasantries were exchanged, nor much warmth shown, not even the spreading of doctrine—for knowledge and truth were right there, as always was the doctrine of Angina. ”Wait for the person in front, then place your hand on the Holy Altar, Alchemist,” the monk said in a low voice with a hint of annoyance at being disturbed—a taste of worldly affairs, perhaps.

Fang Hong did as he was told.

But the altar was forbidden, and ordinary people, of course, could not really put their hands on it—many an Invoker had suffered before, repelled by the prohibitive power on the altar, resulting in quite a few embarrassments.

In front of the two were a group of Guild Invokers, but it was not clear which guild they were from. They wore light blue combat robes and seemed to belong to the same guild. There were also a few others loitering about—after all, this was the Royal City, where there were few people in the Temple of Knowledge in Kapuka and Rodell.

Invokers referred to receiving the augmentation of Holy Power as ’changing professions’ or ’advancing,’ but in truth, an individual’s identity and occupation were already determined in the process of acquiring knowledge and skills. So, this was just a customary appellation.

The experienced leader of the guild Invokers instructed each novice, who would reach towards the altar with their hands hovering just above it for a moment before opening their eyes with a gleam of surprise:

”It’s a Construct Knight, with both combat experience and cognitive experience gains increased by 6%!”

”Very good,” the elder merely nodded in approval.

Indeed, that was quite impressive. The Divine Authority Baptism was an affirmation and recognition of one’s past experiences in the field. Just as the valiant seek Her Holiness Madam Marlan’s blessing, those in pursuit of knowledge and truth receive the protection of the Recorder, Angina.

Fang Hong knew that although the boost from Holy Power could fluctuate, a combined 12% increase was considered excellent. Ordinary people reaching a 10% increase in a single category were deemed acceptable, and a double bonus was much rarer.

Behind them, there was a Construct Lord, two Construct Knights, and a Magic Guided Craftsman; the former all had a 10% bonus to combat experience, while the latter had an 8% increase in calculative power, showcasing the differences between their titles.

Those who met the benchmark felt fortunate, while those below were disheartened. After all, there was only one chance in a lifetime to reach the second tier, and it was difficult to be behind others at the starting line. However, Fang Hong had seen many in the community with boosts of 6%, 5%, and thus this group of guild Invokers was actually quite exceptional.

After the guild members, the few individuals stepped forward amidst their murmurs, stretching out their hands. One of them caused an embarrassment, being thrown several meters away. ”Don’t touch the altar,” a monk by the side shook his head, finally speaking up to remind them.

”Why didn’t you say that earlier?” said the chagrined Invoker, eliciting a ripple of chuckles.

However, there was an unexpected twist among these individuals; one received the title of Magic Guided Conductor, with an 8% double bonus. His eyes opened excitedly, unable to contain himself. The one behind him had an average bonus but reported his title with some pride, quieting the hall for a moment—

”Fairy Master, 5% increase in cognitive experience and calculative power.”

Then it was Fang Hong’s turn to step forward, extending his hand. Having witnessed many people ’advancing’ in Kapuka and Rodell, he was quite familiar with the process and was not likely to embarrass himself. Nevertheless, he couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious, uncertain of what title he would receive.