Elemental Mage Stella

‘She... she's actually a transcendent? So she was a transcendent all along?’

While Esme was greatly surprised, she also felt it wasn't unreasonable. After all, this Miss Stella had been away from Kaliron for many years; no one knew what encounters she might have had while abroad. It wasn't strange for her to have become a transcendent.

Only... she was actually stronger than herself.

For a moment, Esme couldn't tell exactly which class rank Olivia belonged to. She only felt that the other woman was definitely stronger than her, potentially being a sensate or a transcender.

Amidst the changing expressions of the crowd, Olivia released a massive fireball, which crashed down in front of the Hunter Lady with a thunderous boom.

The Hunter Lady had retreated in time before the fireball arrived, but she was still startled.

A large crater appeared where she had originally stood, filled with rolling, searing heat, with distinct scorched marks along the edges of the pit.

One could hardly imagine what the result would be if such a strike landed on a person.

A specific title appeared in the minds of those who had some knowledge of transcendents.

An elemental mage!

Many transcendent paths possessed the means to manifest flames, but given the methods Olivia had just displayed, most people would first think of an elemental mage, a class specifically focused on using elemental power for combat.

After the single strike, Olivia did not follow up with another attack. She simply spoke. "Do you wish to continue fighting? I have no desire for excessive conflict that might draw the attention and questioning of the church. What do you think?"

The Hunter Lady immediately understood Olivia's meaning. She feigned a darkened expression and said, "Fine, fine. I didn't expect you to truly be a transcendent of such caliber. I admit defeat this time. Hmph!"

After finishing her sentence, she turned around and left the area immediately.

Olivia smiled at the nearby Esme and said, "Alright, Ms. Esme, I believe we can continue our outing."

"Ah, yes, yes, of course," Esme snapped back to reality and hurriedly agreed.

However, the scene just now had already caused many changes in her heart.

If this Miss Stella was a transcendent—and a quite powerful one at that—then the Rose Legion's attitude toward her would have to change.

Right, she should first gather more information about her.

As the two entered Red Maple Hill, Esme asked, "Miss Stella, are you an elemental mage?"

"I am."

"Elemental mages are somewhat common in the Moriah Empire, if I recall correctly, but they are quite rare here in our Holy Kelidos Empire."

"That is true. I became a transcendent while I was previously in the Moriah Empire. I felt that the path of an elemental mage suited me well."

Olivia paused for a moment.

Then, she crossed her arms in front of her chest, touching her shoulders with her fingertips in a gesture of praise. "Praise the Elemental God of Magic."

The Elemental God of Magic was a deity whose following circulated within the Moriah Empire.

Esme was stunned to hear this. "Miss Stella, are you a believer of the Elemental God of Magic?"

Olivia shook her head. "No, I simply walk the path of an elemental mage, so I hold a basic level of respect for the Elemental God of Magic, who represents the pinnacle of all elements.

"You've likely heard of it, haven't you? There is no corresponding church or even an organization for the Elemental God of Magic; He is simply a free and unfettered deity.

"However, because He has never committed any foul deeds, He is recognized by other deities as an orthodox god rather than an evil god."

Just as Olivia said, the Elemental God of Magic had no corresponding church, so there was no question of actually worshiping Him.

Perhaps the word 'respect' was more appropriate.

Esme nodded. "I understand the situation. A deity who does not interfere in mortal affairs can indeed be called an orthodox god worthy of respect."

Olivia caught the subtext in Esme's words. The other woman was essentially saying that those who did interfere in mortal affairs were not worthy of respect.

Wasn't she talking about the Radiant Goddess?

Esme then pretended to ask casually, "By the way, what are your thoughts on the Radiant Goddess?"

Such a question was within Olivia's expectations.

She smiled and said, "Regarding that goddess, I do not believe in her. I only hope she won't mind that I, as a citizen of the Holy Kelidos Empire, do not offer her my faith."

Esme laughed. "It actually doesn't matter. In the Holy Kelidos Empire, the number of people who don't believe in the Radiant Goddess isn't small. In fact, I don't believe in the Radiant Goddess either."

"Oh? Then which deity do you believe in? Or do you believe in no one at all?"

"I believe in no one. I firmly believe that this world belongs to humanity itself. We don't need to worship any gods; we can accomplish everything ourselves."

Hearing this, Olivia had to suppress the urge to criticize.

In a world where deities actually existed, it was obviously impossible to accomplish everything by relying solely on oneself.

Instead, she echoed Esme's sentiments, causing Esme to beam with joy, feeling more and more that Olivia was suitable to join the Rose Legion.

However, since the other party was a powerful elemental mage, Esme decided she would have to report back to her superiors before making any decisions regarding that matter.

...

Much later, Olivia returned to the Elijah Chamber of Commerce on Jasmine Street.

As soon as she entered her room, Olivia saw Madeline as well as the Hunter Lady she had met not long ago.

Olivia immediately stepped forward to greet her and offered her praise.

"Your performance earlier was wonderful. It met my requirements perfectly. Thank you very much."

"It's only what I should do. Your name is... Olivia Melianne, right?" The woman smiled slightly and introduced herself. "I am Aida Farrell. Do you need any further assistance? If you do, just let me know."

She didn't know what Olivia's goal was; she had only received notice to cooperate fully with Olivia.

However, since the business at Red Maple Hill was over, she wasn't sure if her task was complete, so she had followed Madeline back here to learn more about the situation.

Olivia smiled. "Miss Aida, you did very well. I have already accomplished what I set out to do."

"In that case, I can return to the Morning Light Cathedral with peace of mind. If you need help again in the future, just have this Deaconess Madeline come find me."

"No problem."

Aida did not stay long. Once she confirmed there was nothing else, she left.