Chapter 550: Trial World, Here I Come

By the end of January, Debei was already covered in a blanket of white, no different from the Wilderness.

The bustling Gonda City had not grown quiet due to the cold; large throngs of merchant caravans and farmers still lined up at the city gates to enter.

The Long Halberd Silver Armored Guards at the city gate were routinely inspecting people entering the city and collecting a reasonable City Entrance Tax.

After all, the city suffered wear and tear every day, and repairs alone cost a fortune. Since these people entering the city were enjoying its splendors, it was only natural they should contribute to its maintenance.

But there were always those who tried to avoid paying this fee.

“I know the captain of your City Guard Team.” This was a caravan from the Persian Gulf Empire. Because their party was so large, the tax was a significant sum even for them, so they wanted to avoid paying it.

“It doesn’t matter who you know. This is a matter of principle, and it’s the law.” The Guard Captain glanced disdainfully at the turban-wearing merchant, his voice booming. “Even if my own father showed up, he’d have to pay to get in!”

The other merchants who had been secretly watching from the sidelines started paying even faster. Realizing the tax was completely unavoidable, their last shred of hope vanished.

Just then, a convoy approached. It was escorted by dozens of Beastman Warriors sturdier than bears, and flanked by seven or eight burly Light Centaur Cavalry. Their expressions were as calm as a lake, yet their eyes were exceptionally sharp. Anyone could tell at a glance that these were formidable figures.

At the front of the convoy, a Sun Banner on a blue field snapped loudly in the cold wind.

The expressions of the guards, who had been slouching lazily, instantly changed, their eyes filling with deep awe and adoration—for that banner was the sigil of *that* Lord!

“Make way! Make way!”

The guards hurriedly shooed the caravans aside, clearing a path through the gate wide enough for the convoy to pass. The Guard Captain even trotted over, bowing and scraping as he spoke with the lead Barbarian. His fawning demeanor was so extreme it made the stomachs of the onlookers churn.

As the convoy disappeared from view, the Guard Captain breathed a sigh of relief. He then spun around and snarled, “What are you looking at? Pay up! If you don’t pay, you don’t get in!”

“What happened to your principles and laws?” the merchant from the Persian Gulf Kingdom sneered.

“Principles?” The Guard Captain scoffed.

“Lord Levi is the principle!”

…

After entering the city, the convoy didn’t stop, heading straight for the Holy Light Church.

Levi’s purpose in coming to Gonda this time was simple and clear: to complete the Holy Light Trial and advance to the Legendary rank.

His last exchange with that Demon Prince from the Abyss had left him unsettled, making him feel a persistent lack of security.

Furthermore, advancing to the Legendary rank would also awaken his Talent and increase his lifespan. Either of these prospects held an unimaginable appeal for him.

An hour later, the convoy from High Cliff Castle arrived on Holy Dove Street, just outside the Saint Light Church.

“Lord Levi, please follow me. Her Highness Saintess has been awaiting you for some time.”

A Female Priest in a Golden Silk Robe was already standing at the main entrance of the church. She immediately trotted over to welcome them, flashing an impeccable smile.

“Then please, lead the way.”

The convoy followed the Female Priest down a narrow path, heading deeper into the church grounds.

This was Levi’s second visit to the Holy Light Church, but he still couldn’t find his way around. The place was simply too vast; without a familiar guide, one could wander inside for four or five hours and still not find an exit.

Eventually, the convoy came to a stop at a side hall used for entertaining honored guests. There, Levi finally saw Fatir, who had been waiting for some time.

She was dressed in her usual, unchanging Saintess Robe and Bishop’s Hat, her face devoid of expression. “Good day, Levi.”

Levi wasn’t surprised by this. He knew the Saintess rarely showed any expression. He had once speculated whether it was due to some psychological block or some other reason, but he had never been so bold as to ask.

“It’s been a while, Fatir.”

The two shared a brief hug before quickly parting.

After all they had been through on their journey south, they were now friends. A simple hug was nothing remarkable.

After all, the current greeting among the Debei Nobles was the hand-kiss, while some of the old noble families still adhered to the ancient custom of greeting with a kiss.

“I have prepared a lavish meal for you. Before we discuss official matters, please rest and sate your hunger.”

Levi and Fatir entered a large hall, which was clearly the dining area for the Clergy. Many people were already seated at the long tables.

The Lord waved his hand, letting the wide-eyed Barbarians have at it, while he and Fatir casually chose a spot and sat across from each other.

“To be honest, I wasn’t surprised when I received your letter, but personally, I would advise against it.” Fatir seemed to be pondering something before she spoke. “You are powerful, but no one from our world has been to the New World in several thousand years. No one knows what has happened there in all that time.”

To be frank, and speaking in good conscience, as the Saintess of the Holy Light Church, it would be beneficial to her and the entire Church to have someone investigate what exactly happened in the New World.

And yet, deep down, she was unwilling to let Levi take that risk.

“You might not be able to become Legendary, but with your current power, you are already at the apex of this world.” Fatir picked up a snow biscuit and took a small bite. She carefully caught the falling crumbs in her palm and placed them on her plate, intending to feed them to the pigeons later.

“You yourself just said I’m at the apex of this world. So why would I fear a small, magic-less one?” Levi’s words were casual, but they carried an unshakeable resolve.