For a Pilgrim to become a Sensate, they must first accumulate a certain amount of magic particles within their body and achieve a sufficient level of mastery over their own magic.
Olivia Melianne had not yet reached this state of completion, but she was not far from it.
Melanie Mills was not surprised by her choice. "Since you have made your decision, the relevant spiritual materials will be delivered to you tomorrow. The details of the advancement ritual will also be shared with you then. You may proceed with the advancement whenever you feel your state has reached completion."
She added a final reminder, emphasizing that Olivia must truly feel that sense of completion before attempting the advancement.
As for what 'completion' actually felt like, one would naturally perceive it upon reaching that stage; if it wasn't felt, then one simply wasn't ready yet.
"I understand," Olivia nodded.
"Then for now, let's go eat. I haven't had a meal yet either," Melanie said with a smile.
...
The next day.
Early in the morning, Olivia received the materials for the Ascetic's second advancement provided by the church. She stored all of them inside Amber Tears.
As for the method of the advancement ritual, she had already learned it through the magic mirror. However, she still feigned ignorance, carefully studying the scroll containing the ritual's details. After a while, she indicated she had memorized the contents and returned the scroll to Melanie.
At this moment, Olivia's sense of urgency to advance reached its peak, but unfortunately, some things could not be rushed.
'It should be within the next few days. I can feel it; I'm only a tiny bit away from completion.'
Olivia thought to herself.
She had no outdoor missions today because Ronan and the others were still undergoing treatment. Physical injuries and issues were not something that could be resolved in the short term.
Therefore, after breakfast, Olivia went to the meditation room to improve herself, though the process yielded very little effect.
'I seem to have hit a bottleneck. What I need isn't more asceticism. Magic mirror, magic mirror, tell me how I can improve myself.'
【There are two methods. One is to relax and do whatever you wish; you will pass through it naturally. The other is to tighten your focus and put yourself under pressure, breaking through in the midst of it.】
Olivia chose the relaxation method without hesitation.
She left the meditation room and began looking for a way to unwind.
However, before she could decide how to relax, a member of the clergy approached her, stating that Gareth Pierce, the Administrative Priest, wished to see her.
Olivia had no choice but to go and see Gareth first.
The curly-haired, gentlemanly Administrative Priest saw Olivia arrive and asked, "Olivia, how was your rest? Are you up for an assignment?"
"Of course, whatever the church requires."
"It's like this. As you know, the church is currently short-handed, so unfortunately, we cannot grant anyone too much rest. Since you have no other duties right now, the church would like to arrange for you to receive believers for blessings," Gareth explained his plan.
Olivia was stunned for a moment before remembering what 'receiving believers for blessings' entailed.
Every day, countless believers arrived at the cathedral to pray for blessings. They would donate a certain amount of Belu in exchange for talismans with transcendent effects from the church.
For instance, those suffering from insomnia needed a Sleep Talisman. Those who were exhausted needed a Refresher Talisman, and so on.
The church usually assigned professionals to handle this—Transcendants who had embarked on the class rank of Rune Expert.
While one could craft talismans without being a Rune Expert, the quality and speed of production were obviously far inferior. Rune Experts could even imbue talismans with unique variations that were impossible for others to achieve.
"You want me to fill in for a Rune Expert? I know how to make talismans, but I might not be fast enough, and the effects might not be as outstanding," Olivia said hesitantly.
The duration of a talisman's effect usually lasted only a day after its creation. However, a Rune Expert could extend this duration, as their entire power system was centered around it.
Gareth smiled slightly. "We do have Rune Experts, but they've been called away for other matters. We've arranged for other non-Rune Experts who know how to craft talismans to help out. You are one of them."
Olivia understood. She wasn't replacing a Rune Expert alone; a group of people would be filling the gap together, which significantly reduced the pressure.
This task didn't require leaving the cathedral and was relatively easy, making it a perfect way to relax.
With that thought, Olivia agreed.
...
A short while later.
Olivia sat inside a prayer room in the Daylight Cathedral.
The prayer room wasn't very large. It contained a desk with drawers filled with spiritual paper and several spiritual pens.
Not long after Olivia sat down, a man with dark circles under his eyes walked in.
"Sister, I am troubled."
"I can see that. Speak of your troubles. Under the gaze of the Goddess, all troubles shall vanish like smoke."
As Olivia spoke, her hands were already in the drawer, quietly crafting a talisman on the spot.
The answer seemed obvious. The man had heavy dark circles; he clearly needed sleep. Crafting a Sleep Talisman was the right move.
The believer looked at Olivia and asked somewhat sheepishly, "Excuse me, where is the father who was here before?"
It seemed he was a frequent visitor.
Olivia replied with a smile, "Father Lawrence is away on business. But no matter who sits here, we represent the messengers of the Goddess. We can all resolve the troubles of her devout followers."
"Yes, yes, praise the Goddess." The believer traced a pentagram over his chest, then spoke awkwardly. "My health hasn't been great lately. I think it's a gastrointestinal issue. You might have guessed... it's been a long time since I've had a smooth, satisfying experience."
"...I see."
Olivia, who was halfway through making a Sleep Talisman, maintained her polite mask. She moved the spiritual paper aside and pulled out a fresh sheet.
Then, she began crafting a Laxative Talisman.
She continued talking to the believer, chatting for a while with a gentle attitude and a sweet voice to better understand his condition.
Finally, a freshly made Laxative Talisman was handed over.
"Take this back and drink it mixed with water."
Olivia didn't need to collect money; the believer had already completed that step before entering the prayer room.
Accepting the Laxative Talisman, the believer looked delighted. "I understand, I understand. I'm very experienced with this."
The corner of Olivia's mouth twitched. Being 'very experienced' in such a matter was hardly something to brag about.
Regardless, the first believer's problem was solved.
Next was the second believer.
When the next person entered the prayer room, a strange expression immediately crossed Olivia's face.
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