Choosing a Transcendent Path

'Master, this is not a decision that can be made lightly. Since I currently lack knowledge of the world outside the monastery, I can only leave this matter to your own foresight.'

Olivia felt helpless and decided to put the issue aside for now. She planned to find a map of Kaliron later to cross-reference and make a judgment.

For now, it was time to meditate.

Another night passed in the blink of an eye. As the morning light spilled onto Aus Street, the church squad's stakeout failed once again.

"Let's head back," Ronan said with a yawn. He didn't ask Olivia for a Refresher Talisman this time, intending to sleep as soon as he returned.

Rocas drove the carriage, immediately turning back toward the cathedral.

...

Two more days passed in a flash.

Ronan's squad still found nothing during their stakeouts, but the believers were having sweet dreams again, and they were full of praise for the church clergy.

"Perhaps this matter will just fizzle out," Ronan judged.

Not every transcendent event discovered by the church had a clear beginning and end; in fact, most ended without a resolution. If no new discoveries were made, this case would simply be closed.

Ronan had no leads, and Melanie was in the same boat.

"Strange. I remember those vampires from the Bloody Sickle being quite petty. Why haven't they come for revenge yet?"

After several days of returning empty-handed, Melanie couldn't help but doubt her own judgment.

She was responsible for cases related to the Bloody Sickle, but with no intelligence for days, she felt a certain amount of pressure.

Only Olivia was in a good mood.

After two days, she had finally completed the path of the Initiate.

At three o'clock in the afternoon, as the cathedral bells chimed on the hour, Olivia found Ronan.

"Deacon Ronan, I have completed the path of the Initiate. I believe I should return to the monastery to complete my advancement ritual and become a Pilgrim."

As she spoke, Olivia's amber eyes sparkled.

Unlike the starting stage of an Initiate, the Pilgrim class rank allowed one to truly master transcendent abilities. The change compared to an Initiate was significant, naturally filling her heart with anticipation.

In the afternoon office, the light filtered through the windows and felt quite soft.

Ronan smiled. "Sister Olivia, your progress is obvious to all. Congratulations on your upcoming advancement to Pilgrim. However, you don't need to return to the monastery. I can submit your application, and you can complete the advancement right here in the cathedral."

The church's orthodox advancement rituals were relatively safe, especially at lower class ranks, with almost no chance of failure. Thus, offering congratulations was appropriate.

Ronan also knew that due to her previous contributions, the church would provide the advancement ritual method and the corresponding materials directly without requiring further merit. Olivia would likely become a Pilgrim today.

Olivia was delighted. "Then I'll leave it to you, Deacon Ronan."

Ronan asked with a smile, "Have you decided which transcendent path to take? Will it be Priest or Arbiter?"

"Arbiter." Olivia had decided long ago; her answer was firm.

"I see. Go wait in the meditation room for now. I'm sure the corresponding transcendent materials will be delivered to you shortly." Ronan began writing the application.

Olivia returned to the meditation room, waiting with great anticipation.

Before long, Olivia heard a knock and hurried to open the door.

But standing outside was not Ronan with the materials, but Melanie.

"Ms. Melanie." Olivia quickly stepped aside to let her in.

Melanie walked in leisurely, closing the door behind her. "I heard you're preparing for advancement?"

"Yes, Ms. Melanie."

"How many choices did the church give you?"

"Two: Priest and Arbiter. I chose Arbiter."

"It seems the church's assessment of your potential was fairly accurate," Melanie smiled.

Potential assessment? Was there such a step?

Before Olivia could ask, Melanie continued on her own. "Actually, before a novice nun or acolyte becomes a Pilgrim, the church conducts a potential evaluation. Only if the potential is deemed excellent will they offer the paths of Priest or Arbiter. But that's not always the case; some might have even more choices, including paths like Swordsman, Shield Guard, or Cavalry. Sometimes these paths are offered alongside Priest and Arbiter, and sometimes the Priest and Arbiter options aren't even available."

"Why is that?" Olivia couldn't help but ask.

Melanie shrugged. "Because the church needs a variety of transcendent abilities for diverse combinations. If everyone were a Priest or Arbiter, it would inevitably be too monotonous and difficult to handle certain transcendent events."

She explained that for the sake of diversity, the church would have some people follow paths that didn't directly belong to the church's core hierarchy, based on various factors.

Those with average potential would be directed toward other transcendent paths, specifically those more focused on support.

For example, Gardeners who help cultivate plant-based transcendent materials. Many of the church's materials are grown by such Gardeners.

There are also Rune Experts who specialize in making talismans. The church needs to provide a large number of lifestyle-convenience talismans to its believers daily, which naturally requires a lot of manpower.

It was almost like a job.

"Because of your outstanding knowledge of Sylvan Runes and your ability to craft talismans, I was actually worried you'd be assigned the path of a Rune Expert. That would have been a waste of talent. Fortunately, the church saw your potential and decided to let you take a path with a higher ceiling," Melanie said with a chuckle.

Olivia was still pondering Melanie's words. "So those with poor potential are assigned other transcendent paths?"

"Not necessarily. For instance, if someone has an incredible talent for swordsmanship, the most suitable path for them would certainly be Swordsman," Melanie replied.

She told Olivia that most people actually have average potential assessments, so Priest, Arbiter, and other transcendent paths are presented together as options. However, many choose Priest or Arbiter without hesitation.

Thus, Priests and Arbiters still make up the majority within the church.

"The church already has many in the Arbiter class rank, so the competition is more intense. Do you really intend to follow the Arbiter path?" Melanie's eyes held a deep meaning as she asked.

Olivia nodded. "I only had two choices. Compared to the support-oriented Priest path, I prefer the Arbiter."

"What if you could have one more choice?"

"What choice?"

"Ascetic."

Melanie finally revealed her true purpose.