North Ufiga’s Inland – Capital of Addus, Yadith After Vania and her party safely arrived at the Yadith station aboard the Desert Arrow train, they were given an official and ceremonious welcome by the Addus Revolutionary Army. Upon leaving the station, Vania and her guards were escorted via private vehicle to the former Baruch royal palace, where they rested for the night. The following morning, after breakfast, Shadi—the leader of the Addus Revolutionary Army—visited and invited Vania to accompany him for a tour of Yadith. Vania naturally had no reason to refuse. It was still morning, the sun having risen from the east but not yet reached its zenith. The day’s temperature had not yet peaked, and taking advantage of this, Shadi brought Vania and a group of attendants onto the streets of Yadith. The once-grand and prosperous central avenue now lay in ruin. Many buildings bore visible damage, rubble littered the ground, and scorch marks were scattered across walls and streets. The enormous statue of the former king, once standing tall at the intersection, had been toppled and broken into several pieces. Everywhere, people could be seen working: repairing houses, clearing debris, or shoveling fragments of the fallen statue into wagons. Revolutionary Army soldiers stood guard at every junction, maintaining order with weapons in hand. “This was once Golden Scepter Road—the most luxurious district in Yadith and all of Addus. It was built for the elite and foreign visitors to indulge in their decadent lifestyles. The Baruch Dynasty poured vast resources into constructing this place, marking it with countless symbols of royal authority. We are now systematically clearing all traces of that and repairing the damage caused by the fighting. Once the work is done, this place will be open to all. “There were many foreign businesses here, but they fled during the chaos of war. Though we’ve overthrown the Baruch regime, we bear no ill will toward foreigners. As long as Addus’ interests are protected, we welcome all international friends. Those merchants who left are welcome to return, provided they accept the new, fairer laws of New Addus and dial back their past arrogance. We will guarantee their safety.” As they walked, Shadi introduced the surroundings to Vania, and in doing so, also laid out the Revolutionary Army’s policies and principles. Vania listened attentively, nodding in agreement. Truth be told, she found herself genuinely in accord with much of what Shadi said. “When I was on the main continent,” Vania said softly, “I often read newspaper stories reporting on unrest in the outer regions. Those stories often portrayed anti-government rebels as nothing more than violent, uncultured, savage bandits who only knew how to kill and steal—aiming to burn and plunder their whole countries. “I once assumed you and your followers were just like them—barbaric insurgents strong enough to rob a nation. But seeing the discipline you and your men display, I realize I was wrong. I’ve come to view you quite differently.” Her tone was gentle, yet she carried herself with composure and dignity. Vania wasn’t naturally adept at handling formal occasions like this, but ever since last year, she had faced more and more such situations. Fortunately, she always had Dorothy’s help—either providing mental guidance or directly taking over in delicate moments. Thanks to Dorothy’s mentoring, Vania had dealt with many high-stakes events—from facing the Tribunal, to the Wolf Blood Society, to Summer Tree Elders, to Ivengard Archbishop. With that experience under her belt, she had gradually learned to stand on her own. This moment was one such example. Shadi chuckled. “It’s natural that the mainland newspapers would look down on us ‘savage frontier folk.’ But they’re not entirely wrong. Among the countless uprisings in North Ufiga, few could truly be called revolutions. Most were mere riots. Many so-called rebels turned their weapons not just on their oppressors, but also on fellow oppressed citizens. Bloody, chaotic revolts are sadly common. People like me… are the exception.” Listening to him, Vania nodded thoughtfully. The tour continued until they reached a plaza, where long lines of robe-clad civilians were waiting, seemingly for some form of aid. “This is…?” “Ah, this is where we’re distributing flatbread to those affected by the war. Life and production haven’t returned to normal yet—not here in Yadith nor anywhere in Addus. Many people rely on these aid distributions to survive.” Shadi responded, and Vania quickly followed up. “I see. As it happens, we brought some food and medical supplies from Kankdal. I hope they can help the people here. The goods are still on the train, Mr. Shadi—please arrange for someone to retrieve them and organize their distribution.” “You brought relief supplies? That’s wonderful—we’re in great need of such essentials. Thank you, Sister Vania, for thinking of the people of Addus. And thank you for showing me such respect.” Shadi spoke sincerely. What surprised him wasn’t that Vania brought aid, but that she handed the goods over to him to manage and distribute—rather than using the Church’s name to win public favor. This small but symbolic gesture showed her deference to his leadership in Yadith, elevating Shadi’s opinion of her and raising his hopes for the coming negotiations. In response to his gratitude, Vania maintained her pious demeanor and said, “May the people of Addus have a bright future under the Holy Mother’s radiance.” Just as she finished, an aged voice called out nearby. “Heh… The radiance of your Holy Mother might not reach Addus. Nor will the light of the other two.” Startled, both Vania and Shadi turned toward the voice—and saw Muhtār, robed as always, approaching with several attendants. Shadi’s expression flickered with mild surprise. “Lord Muhtār, weren’t you scheduled to preach in the sanctuary this morning?” “I was,” the old man replied. “But since the first round of talks is this afternoon, I decided to rest and stretch my legs a bit. I thought I might preach on the streets myself today… and I heard the two of you were here, so I came to take a look.” As he spoke, Muhtār cast a glinting gaze toward Vania, his eyes sharp and piercing. Vania paused briefly—then met his gaze with a gentle smile. "Ah, Lord Muhtār. As a prominent figure in the Southern Church, your personal preaching is admirable. However, if the scriptures you preach are even slightly distorted, it could damage your reputation..." After consulting internally, Vania maintained a courteous tone as she addressed Muhtār. Hearing her words, Muhtār’s gaze sharpened slightly before he replied. "Indeed, the scriptures must not be twisted or altered—but then who, I wonder, is truly guilty of distorting them? Us, or you? "The Lord dwells in the solar wheel that illuminates all. The radiance of salvation, the miracle of redemption—these come from the Lord, return to the Lord, and not to others. The faithful honor the Savior, for the Savior is the Redeemer of all. It is the Lord who saves, and to the Lord all gratitude is owed—not to lesser intermediaries..." Muhtār spoke with a solemn tone. After listening carefully, Vania responded with sincere piety. "Indeed. The Savior redeems all, and to the Savior all gratitude is due. Yet the Three Saints are the Savior’s manifestations—they are the Savior, and the Savior is them. In essence, there is no distinction. How, then, can they be called ’others’?" After Vania’s calm reply, Muhtār paused slightly and continued. "The Lord’s divine power is boundless. Salvation and shepherding of the world require no incarnations." "And yet, the Savior’s divine power is so exalted that there is no need for Him to humble Himself and act directly. He need not personally intervene to save or shepherd," Vania answered simply. Muhtār, holding his scripture in hand, questioned further. "The Lord accomplished supreme acts of salvation—should He not gather the collective will of all living beings personally? If a manifestation is but a mere tool, why should it usurp the worship of billions? Why steal the center stage?" "The will of billions also contains their thoughts, desires, suffering, and sins," Vania answered immediately. "Since the Savior shoulders the burden of salvation, why must He also be disturbed by all the world’s noise and impurity? He rests within the Solar Palace, overseeing the world and listening to the prayers of the people. Entrusting such tasks to the Three Saints—what is wrong with that? We have already received grace. Why must we impose on the Savior further and demand He personally handle everything?" Vania’s reply came swiftly, almost the moment Muhtār finished speaking. Her tone was firm, even laced with rebuttal. Muhtār hadn’t expected this young-looking nun to be so eloquent and quick-witted, and, having not fully prepared, found himself briefly at a loss for words. Muhtār faltering in debate surprised even Shadi, who had until then quietly listened as an observer. But after Vania’s rapid series of counterarguments, his gaze drifted more favorably toward her. Seeing this, Muhtār’s eyes flashed with displeasure. After a short pause, he spoke again. "The light of the Three Saints only shines on your mainland. Your Church is deeply entangled with powerful mainland nations, exploiting the people of Addus. When the people of Addus suffered, not one believer of the Three Saints came to their aid. It was we, under the Lord’s light, who saved this nation." His voice was sharp and direct. Hearing this latest jab, Shadi’s brow twitched almost imperceptibly. Vania turned her gaze to Shadi and spoke. "The one who has done the most to save this nation is you, Mr. Shadi. Through unwavering struggle, you achieved great feats. You once knelt before the altar of the Holy Son. Despite countless hardships, you grew stronger, and became the hero who saved Addus. That is a feat few could match. I believe this must be guided by a destiny beyond mere coincidence. Perhaps… some divine will led you to where you are now." Vania attributed the revolution’s success to Shadi, rather than to the Savior’s Advent Sect, subtly implying that Shadi was originally a follower of the Three Saints. Hearing this, Shadi studied her again, while Muhtār merely laughed. "Heh… So you mean to say Shadi is a believer in the Three Saints? Shadi, tell us yourself—whom do you believe in?" Muhtār turned to Shadi and pressed him. Shadi fell silent, then after a breath, spoke slowly. "I believe… in the Lord." "Be specific!" Muhtār barked. "Which one? One of the Three Saints? Or the Lord Himself? You’ve explained this clearly before." His voice was stern. Shadi didn’t respond right away. He fell into another silence, his once-firm eyes now full of turmoil. The atmosphere around him turned heavy—like a dormant volcano. Vania, watching him, couldn’t help but feel a pang of concern. "I believe… in the god who brings freedom and peace to Addus. And that god is—" "Lord Shadi!" a soldier suddenly ran up in a panic. "There’s a dispute between a migrant tribe and locals at the outer camp—over water! Hundreds are gathered. It may escalate into large-scale violence. The situation is urgent, sir!" Shadi exhaled deeply, as if receiving a reprieve, and turned to Vania and Muhtār. "There’s an urgent matter outside the city—I have to go check on it. I won’t be able to accompany the two of you for now. Let’s reconvene this afternoon during the talks..." With that, Shadi quickly followed the Revolutionary Army soldier and left the scene. For a moment, only Vania and Muhtār remained. They exchanged a glance but said nothing further before going their separate ways. Soon, afternoon arrived, and the first round of talks officially began. Inside the meeting hall of the Addus royal palace, representatives of the three factions—Shadi, Muhtār, and Vania—took their seats at the negotiating table and began formal discussions on the affairs of Addus. Just like the morning exchange between Vania and Muhtār, this meeting was far from pleasant. The parties immediately entered into intense debate, primarily focused on matters of faith. The core issue was whether the Savior’s Advent Sect should be officially legitimized as the state religion of the new Addus. Vania, representing the Church, held firm on their bottom line: the formalization of any heretical sect within Addus was absolutely unacceptable. The new Addus must sever all ties with the Savior’s Advent Sect. Conversely, the Savior’s Advent Sect demanded the expulsion of all Three Saints churches and to take over all Radiance temples. The two sides were completely at odds, diametrically opposed, with no room for compromise. At such a deadlock, Shadi’s position as leader of the Revolutionary Army became the critical deciding factor. Yet, throughout the entire meeting, he spoke very little, remaining silent most of the time. Even as the session ended, he had made no clear statement. And so, the first round of talks ended in disappointment with no constructive outcome. After bidding farewell to both sides, the nearly silent Shadi returned to his residence alone by carriage. Inside the carriage, Shadi’s expression remained deeply troubled. He gazed out the window at the streets beyond, lost in thought. At that moment, an ethereal voice echoed beside him. "Heh... I warned you long ago, didn’t I? Working with those Lantern faith fanatics would come back to bite you. Now you see the cost of being trapped between a rock and a hard place, don’t you, kid?" With the voice, a spectral figure manifested beside Shadi—a withered mummy-like apparition. It wore a long, slightly curved golden crown, a veiled face, and was adorned from head to toe in luxurious jewelry styled after the First Dynasty of ancient Ufiga. Its pupils burned with ghostly flames. Upon seeing the phantom, Shadi showed not the slightest surprise and muttered aloud. "Setut… What should I do now..."