Chapter 229: Duchy Of Sunweave (1)

Somewhere Far Away. In South-West direction of Empire.

Holy Duchy of Sunweave.

Caeloria City

Caeloria, the capital of the Holy Duchy of Sunweave, was a city unlike any other.

Towering white buildings rose proudly into the sky, their elegant architecture blending modern craftsmanship with sacred religious traditions. Golden domes crowned many of the structures, while intricate carvings depicting the Sun God decorated their pristine marble walls.

Wide stone streets stretched throughout the city, filled with priests, knights, merchants, and pilgrims who had traveled from every corner of the continent to offer their prayers.

Yet it had everything that modern city possess.

At the very heart of the city stood its greatest landmark.

A magnificent temple of white marble and radiant gold.

Its towering spires seemed to pierce the heavens themselves, while enormous stained-glass windows reflected brilliant sunlight across the surrounding streets. Countless believers regarded it as the holiest place in the entire duchy.

Inside the temple. A vast prayer hall stretched before the entrance.

Dozens of marble pillars supported the high vaulted ceiling, and colorful sunlight poured through the stained-glass windows, bathing the hall in a warm golden glow.

At the far end stood a magnificent altar.

Behind it rose a towering white pillar engraved with the symbol of the Sun God—a brilliant golden sun whose rays spread outward in every direction.

Before the altar knelt a beautiful young woman.

She wore elegant white robes resembling those of a high priestess.

She was none other than.

Lyria Sunweave.

She knelt gracefully with both knees resting upon the polished marble floor. Her hands were clasped together in prayer. Her eyes remained gently closed.

Long blonde hair, neatly braided, rested over one shoulder, gently swaying whenever a soft breeze drifted through the temple.

The entire hall remained silent.

Only the faint sound of burning candles could be heard.

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

Soft footsteps echoed through the prayer hall.

Hearing someone approach, Lyria slowly opened her eyes.

She rose gracefully before turning around.

A man dressed in immaculate white robes walked toward her.

His neatly combed blonde hair matched Lyria’s own, while his brilliant golden eyes seemed to shine like two miniature suns.

Although he appeared to be only in his mid-thirties, his calm demeanor carried the wisdom and dignity of someone who had lived through countless trials.

Around his neck hung a simple golden cross.

The moment his eyes met Lyria’s...

A warm, gentle smile appeared on his face.

"Good morning, Father."

Lyria bowed respectfully.

The man standing before her was none other than...

Lucian Sunweave.

The Duke of the Holy Duchy of Sunweave.

And at the same time. The current Pope of the Church of the Sun God.

Lucian smiled warmly.

"You’re here early again. When did you arrive?"

"I came early this morning," Lyria answered politely.

Lucian chuckled softly.

"Haha... It seems my own daughter is more devoted to the Sun God than I am."

A faint smile appeared on Lyria’s face.

"Oh, Father. You’re joking. I could never compare myself to you when it comes to faith."

Lucian laughed quietly.

Without another word, he gently placed a hand on her head and affectionately ruffled her hair.

"You’ve always been too humble."

He then walked past her toward the altar. Standing before the symbol of the Sun God, Lucian closed his eyes.

He silently offered his prayers.

Lyria respectfully stepped aside and waited without uttering a single word.

Several minutes passed before Lucian finally opened his eyes.

After finishing his prayers, he turned toward his daughter.

"Lyria. There is something important I need to discuss with you."

Her expression immediately became serious.

"Of course, Father. What is it?"

Lucian glanced around the nearly empty prayer hall.

"...Not here. Come with me."

Without waiting for a response, he began walking deeper into the temple.

Lyria quietly followed behind him.

They passed through several peaceful corridors decorated with ancient murals depicting the legends of the Sun God before arriving at Lucian’s private office.

The room was spacious yet simple.

Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with countless ancient scriptures and historical records.

A sturdy wooden desk stood near the window overlooking the city.

Lucian took his seat behind the desk.

Lyria sat opposite him.

For a brief moment. Silence filled the room.

Then Lucian spoke.

"How is your training progressing? In particular... Your Purification ability."

Lyria nodded.

"It’s going well. I’m slowly becoming more proficient with Purification every day."

She smiled bitterly.

"Although... The progress is painfully slow."

Lucian nodded with satisfaction.

"Slow progress isn’t something to worry about. As long as you continue moving forward."

He looked directly into her eyes.

"Never stop. And never neglect your training. We will need your power more than anything in the future."

Lyria’s expression immediately turned solemn.

"Yes, Father. I understand. I won’t disappoint you."

"Good."

Lucian folded his hands together upon the desk. The gentle smile that had remained on his face disappeared. His expression became unusually grave.

"Now... The real reason I asked you to come."

Lyria instinctively straightened her posture.

Lucian took a slow breath before speaking.

"We’ve identified the one who has received the Sun God’s blessing in this era. Not just normal blessing... it’s something that helps him to use Lord’s power directly, that means he would be a great hero in future."

Lyria’s eyes widened in disbelief.

"...What?"

A person personally blessed by the Sun God. There was only one reason such a miracle occurred. History had recorded it many times.

Whenever the Sun God bestowed His blessing upon a mortal. It signaled that a catastrophe capable of threatening the entire world was approaching.

The chosen individual would become humanity’s guiding light against the coming darkness.

In other words. The blessing itself was a warning.

A disaster was drawing near.

Lyria’s heartbeat quickened.

"Father... That information is incredibly important."

She looked at him seriously.

"Are you absolutely certain? Has someone truly been born with the Sun God’s blessing?"

Lucian nodded without hesitation.

"Yes. I am certain. I’ve actually known about him for quite some time."

His golden eyes narrowed slightly.

"I simply chose not to reveal it until now."

Lyria fell silent.

If her father’s words were true. Then somewhere in the world. The future Hero had already begun walking the path destiny had prepared for him.