9. Foundations of the Blessing

Lissandra went pale at his answer.

Adolin was starting to think the whole church situation was more serious than he’d assumed. It wasn’t really his fault. He hadn’t done anything like that since his first day in this world. Eduard had been serious about it too.

Did they both think he had a backer?

That was the only explanation for why Lissandra went pale when he told her he didn’t have one.

It took Lissandra a moment. “They’re already searching for you,” she said.

“What do they want?” Adolin asked.

Lira looked confused at first, then a hint of fear crept onto her face.

“The church controls almost all priests. But not all. Twenty-three years ago, they banned unsanctioned healing. The penalty is death if caught. Since then, the church has executed over a hundred priests,” Lissandra said, keeping her voice calm.

“I’m not a priest, so it doesn’t matter,” Adolin said.

“Yes, of course. Just a level ten with a healing spell. I’m sure they won’t bother you at all once they find that out,” Lissandra said, with a slight edge.

Adolin chuckled.

That made sense. If the spell got out, the church would suffer. Most of their power came from healing. He had noticed that no one really liked the church. It was just that they didn’t have another choice. At least not in the capital.

Lissandra set her cup down a little harder than before.
“You’re still not taking this seriously.”

Adolin leaned back slightly.
“I mean, if anything happens to me, the church will burn. It’s in their best interest to leave me alone,” Adolin said.

That was the truth. If they did something he couldn’t defend against and he got hurt, it was over for the church. It might not happen now, but they would be doomed. His party was filled with monsters.

Monsters that protected their own.

There were a few factions and noble houses in his old world that didn’t understand that.
It hadn’t ended well for them.

Lissandra looked at him, speechless. “You said you didn’t have a backer.”

“Well, it’s not a backer. It’s just my old party,” Adolin said.

“Old party?”

“Well, current party. I’m just… taking a break from them.”

They looked at him questioningly.

Adolin had no idea how to explain it. He would’ve had the same reaction in their place. A sixteen-year-old talking about a party that could burn the church. He wasn’t even sure why they were taking him seriously at all.

Well… it was probably because he could heal. And because they thought he had a backer.

Was it worth telling them he was an otherworlder? Did this world even have them? There had been quite a few in his old world. They might panic. Or they might understand him better.

It was a risk.

Adolin didn’t really care. But this wasn’t the right time to take one.

Maybe later. Once he got to know them better. And once he understood how this world treated otherworlders. If it was normal, like in his world, he would tell them.

“Everyone is… similar to me, I guess,” Adolin said.

He wasn’t proud of that answer.

“The best thing you could do is leave the city. Stay away for a while,” Lissandra said.

“Where would I even go?” Adolin asked.

Lissandra lingered for a moment. “You can take an adventurer quest. Escort a caravan. But… you’ll have to take Lira with you.”

Lira looked at her mother, something like hope flashing in her eyes—then it faded.

“Who would look after Telian if I go?”

“Me?” Lissandra said, rolling her eyes.

Lira giggled quietly.

Adolin still wasn’t sure if he should leave. But he had to admit he had been a bit too arrogant with his current mana. It was hard to get used to it. Getting himself killed wouldn’t be that difficult.
He was certain he could cause a lot of damage. But afterward, he would be useless. His body wasn’t strong either.

He clicked his tongue.

He didn’t like that feeling.

It was time to shift his priorities. Getting stronger had to come first. Just like the rest of his party. He was fairly sure Luc was already fifty levels ahead. Aylinth wasn’t too far behind either but she was probably rich by now.

“Can we even take quests? I’m only bronze.”

“I’ll arrange everything. A quest and party members. A few of my students formed a party. They can take care of themselves,” Lissandra said. “I will make it look like it’s a punishment for Lira, so they won’t dig too deep.”

That made sense to him, but he didn’t have enough gold for the trip. He needed to earn more coin. There were too many things he had to do. It was hard starting a new life from scratch.

It wasn’t even from scratch. It was worse.

“Works for me, but can I get the tea spell before we go?” Adolin said, licking his lips.

Lissandra chuckled. “Glad you liked it. I’ll get you a copy.”

“So when do we leave?” Lira asked.

“Tomorrow or the day after. I need to get things ready.” Lissandra looked at Adolin. “We’ll visit you at the Garden. Be ready to go.”

Adolin didn’t like going anywhere without enough time to prepare mentally. But it seemed the world didn’t care. Not this one, and not the last.

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“How many party members are we going to have?”

“Three. Two mages. The last one is a warrior, or a hero class, if I’m not mistaken,” Lissandra said.

Adolin looked at Lira.

Lira straightened slightly. “I’m a mage too,” Lira said, a hint of pride in her voice.

“What a balanced party,” Adolin chuckled.

“Well, it’s the best I can do on short notice,” Lissandra said. “They’re good kids. Decent mages.”

“Do I have to do something at the guild?” Adolin asked.

He already had to go to get his ID.

“No.”

Adolin didn’t like that he would have to spend time with another party. But it would probably do him some good. Adventuring was the best way to increase his strength. And he still had another day or two to himself. It would be enough to recharge. They were all kids, so he could avoid them more easily.

“Do you have equipment for the trip?” Lissandra asked.

“Not really,” Adolin said.

“Get some before tomorrow.”

“How much would that cost?” Adolin asked.

Lissandra thought for a moment. “Around a dozen gold coins.”

“Well… that might be a problem,” Adolin said, looking at his teacup.

“Don’t worry about it. I still need to pay you for healing Lira,” Lissandra said.

“No. A loan would be fine,” Adolin said.

“You’re sure?”

“Yes. Can you give me some more information about the escort?”

Lissandra paused, thinking for a moment.

“A friend of mine, a merchant. He will be traveling to three villages to restock. After that, you will escort him to the city of Wolk. It is north of here. The whole trip should take about a month, maybe a month and a half,” Lissandra said. “The party is already assigned to his escort. You just need to join them.”

“I’ll send a message ahead to a colleague of mine.” She glanced at Lira. “You’ll go to him.”

“Mage Narith?” Lira asked.