One day,
Cassian woke up as usual.
Which, in his case, meant pain. A whole lot of pain.
The sun had barely risen when the "Morning Doom" began—also known as training with Rock, the muscle-bound orc who had seemingly made it his life's mission to bully him into becoming a demigod.
Today's routine? Hell.
Pushups with rocks tied to his back, dodging swinging logs that moved faster than his thoughts, carrying water buckets up and down the hill, and finishing it off with combat drills that could snap bones.
"You call that a swing? I've seen toddlers swing harder than that!" Rock barked.
"I think… my shoulder just died," Cassian wheezed.
"Good! That means the other one still works—use it!"
By the time Rock was done with him, Cassian lay sprawled on the ground, twitching like a broken marionette.
"Training builds character," Rock said, wiping his hands.
"I think you just murdered mine," Cassian croaked.
A soft, angelic voice floated into his ears.
"Poor soul. Time to get up."
Lia appeared with a sympathetic smile, kneeling beside him. "It's time to heal the injured."
Cassian groaned, dragging his half-dead body toward the medical room. The moment he entered, the mood shifted.
"OUR SAVIOR IS HERE!"
"Kind hero!"
"Cheap healer!"
Cassian blinked as adventurers welcomed him like a rockstar. One even lifted a mug in salute.
He stumbled to his usual spot and knelt down, suppressing his groans as he channeled magic through his hands.
One by one, the injured were healed. Wounds closed, bruises faded, broken bones snapped back into place with gentle warmth.
As always, some grateful adventurers tipped him with copper coins and silver pieces.
Cassian hesitated at first—his cursed body had rejected many things in the past—but to his surprise, his hand didn't tremble this time. In fact… it tingled happily.
"My body accepts money?!" he gasped.
"If anyone wants to give me a reward, I won't stop you… but I'll never raise my price," he announced, hand to his heart.
The room went silent for a beat—then erupted into cheers again.
"He's too good for this world!"
"Saint Cassian!"
"May his wallet grow fat and never empty!"
Moved by his sincerity, a few adventurers handed him extra coins, a small knife, and a lightweight armor vest.
"You're too precious. Keep this on you, just in case," one grizzled man said, clapping his shoulder.
Cassian was genuinely touched.
"I can… maybe survive after all…"
Later that day, Cassian was in the cafeteria, feasting like royalty.
His plate was stacked high with roasted vegetables, thick slices of bread, and piping hot stew—all thanks to the Bear Chef who had taken a peculiar interest in fattening him up.
"You're still breathing? Good. Eat more or that orc bastard's going to bury your bones tomorrow," the Bear Chef grunted.
Rock was sitting nearby, laughing and bantering with the Bear Chef.
"You still burn your bread like the disgraceful furball you are."
"And you still smell like fermented boar sweat."
They laughed like old war buddies, tossing insults back and forth.
Cassian stared. "An orc and a bear… friends? What strange sitcom is this…"
Just then, Lia walked in, cheeks rosy, and holding a sealed letter.
"Cassian! Um… t-this is for you!"
Rock and Bear Chef immediately perked up, sensing something juicy.
"Ohoho," Bear Chef smirked. "A love letter! Women are really bold these days."
Rock added with a wink, "Looks like someone's got a fan. Our healer charmed Lia, huh?"
"W-what?! I-I didn't—It's not like thaaaat!" Lia cried, thrusting the letter into Cassian's hands before running out with her face redder than a tomato.
Cassian sat frozen as both Rock and the Bear Chef leaned closer.
"Go on, read it!" Rock grinned.
"Maybe it's a confession," Bear Chef teased.
Cassian glanced down—and his blood ran cold.
The seal was unmistakable. An ornate sun, encircled by thirteen golden rays.
The official seal of the Church of Lumina.
All laughter vanished.
Rock snatched the letter and carefully broke the seal. His eyes scanned the page as the others watched silently. Then, he began to read aloud:
**"To Cassian ,
May the holy light of Lumina ever guide your path.
It has come to our attention, through several informants and observers, that you have been offering healing to the public of your region with exceptional frequency and results. While unlicensed and without formal training from any known clergy, your miracles have nonetheless been verified through divine resonance.
The Church of Lumina acknowledges your talents and recognizes the aid you have provided to the common people—free of charge or with minimal fee. Such unregulated actions, though commendable in compassion, must be aligned with the order and structure of our divine institution.
Thus, by decree of Her Holiness Pope Marlin, you are hereby summoned to report to the Holy Capital within five months' time.
There, your abilities will be tested, your spirit evaluated, and—if deemed worthy—you shall be granted official status and rank within the Church.
Refusal to comply with this summons may result in consequences as outlined in Ecclesiastical Law §VII-12, concerning unregistered divine practitioners.
We urge you to come willingly and bring this gift under the Church's light.
In Radiant Service,
—High Priest Garven, Scribe of the Inner Circle
Church of Lumina
May her light never dim."**
Rock's hand trembled with rage. He crumpled the letter slowly, jaw clenched.
"That rat-faced hippo…" he muttered.
Cassian blinked. "What… What just happened? What does this mean?!"
The Bear Chef sighed and looked at him seriously.
"It means that pig Silas ratted you out to the Church. He's trying to drag you into their clutches so they can control how, when, and who you heal."
"They'll tax you, regulate you, restrict your freedom," Rock added. "And if you say no, they'll punish you. Maybe even call you a heretic."
Cassian looked down at his trembling hands.
"So… I'm in danger?"
Rock stood up, cracking his knuckles. "Only if we let them."
Bear Chef gave him a firm nod. "What will you do now, kid?"
Cassian clenched the armor to his chest and looked at the letter.
"I'll do what I always do… keep healing."
Rock smiled proudly. "That's the spirit."
"Still," Bear Chef muttered, "I say we go beat up Silas again."
Rock grinned. "You read my mind."
End of Chapter..