Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 118: The Trials of the Saintess

Throughout the long river of history, the title of saintess has come to symbolize piety, compassion, love, and sacrifice. In the recorded history that remains, as well as in the known legends of the Isilia continent, those who have attained the title of saintess have invariably made significant contributions to the wise beings, dedicating themselves to combating various evil forces.

The saintesses, revered and worshipped by the people, have had their names adorned with a sacred halo. Everyone believes that these saintesses are reincarnated angels, sent by the supreme god Helios to save the Isilia continent, and that their souls, upon death, ascend to the divine realm to stand beside the supreme god as His servants.

Such legends are grounded in truth, for in all historical records and the tales passed down through the common folk, every woman who has performed extraordinary feats, enough to move the beings of the Isilia continent and warrant canonization by the Church of Light, has exhibited miraculous signs.

Radiant rains of light descend from the heavens, celestial music resonates in the air, immense angelic wings appear behind them, unleashing powers that repel all evil and dispel plagues!

These manifestations were displayed by the saintesses canonized in ancient times, during an era when demons and evil spirits roamed the Isilia continent, and various magical beasts and terrifying creatures bullied the weaker beings. In the age of battles between gods and demons, the saintesses served as the spiritual pillars for all ordinary beings.

However, when the demon gods were defeated and retreated into the abyss of hell, and the magical beasts were driven to remote wilderness, the radiance of the supreme god Helios enveloped the entire Isilia continent. The Church of Light has not canonized any female clergy since, and the miraculous abilities once exhibited by those saintesses, whose souls originated from the divine realm and ultimately returned to the gods, have not reappeared on the Isilia continent.

"Only in times of turmoil do we require great heroes and powerful forces. We should be grateful that we live in an era that does not necessitate the descent of the supreme god's angels, nor the self-sacrifice of saintesses like Bernadette to save the beings of the world. This is a blessing from the divine, not the opposite!"

These were the words spoken by the current Pope of the Church of Light, Clement III, twenty years ago. This statement elucidated why, since the ancient wars between gods and demons, no saintesses have emerged on the Isilia continent.

It must be acknowledged that Pope Clement III's remarks regarding saintesses are wise, filled with philosophy and insight. However, out of admiration for the heroic myths of ancient times and curiosity about miracles and saintesses, people still hope to witness with their own eyes a saintess said to be an angel reincarnated, wishing to be fortunate enough to receive her blessings and indirectly gain more of the radiance of the supreme god Helios.

This is the desire of the vast majority, even if they do not need it, they cannot suppress the yearning deep within their hearts. When secular power intertwines with divine faith, a saintess unlike any from ancient times appears before all the inhabitants of the Isilia continent.

"This is a tribute to the saintesses who sacrificed themselves to protect life and safeguard all beings of the Isilia continent, and a constant reminder of the selflessness of the supreme god's radiance and grace. We must learn to be grateful, to understand reverence, and to keep our hearts humble at all times. This is the meaning of the saintess in the post-ancient era!"

Another statement from Clement III perfectly elucidated why the Church of Light established a complex lineage of saintesses after the ancient wars between gods and demons, and why, over the subsequent centuries, they continued to create new saintesses whose abilities were far inferior yet aligned with the nature of the powers and records of the saintesses of legend.