Chapter 201: A Blessing Mark

Once they had left, Nova turned to face the beautiful blonde nun standing in front of him. He had just opened his mouth.

"Sister—"

Before he could finish, Maria suddenly stepped forward and jumped into his arms, wrapping her arms tightly around him.

"Nova!!"

"We finally meet again!!"

Nova was completely caught off guard as Maria suddenly jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly. The other women were equally surprised — especially Rieka and Nyxara.

"This bitch...!"

Nyxara cursed under her breath as she watched the nun continue hugging Nova without any intention of letting go. She didn’t know who the woman was, but from the reactions of Nova, Asia, and Rieka, it was clear they were familiar with her.

Even the surrounding people were taken aback. A High Priestess of the Light Temple acting so intimately with a man in public was far from ordinary.

After a moment, Maria finally pulled back. Nova supported her as she landed back on her feet. A wide, bright smile remained on her face as she looked at him.

"It’s nice to see you again."

She then turned toward Asia and Rieka, offering them a friendly greeting as well. Nova took a moment to collect himself before asking,

"Sister Maria... what’s all this?"

"Just call me Maria," she replied lightly. "And this is simply part of the arrangements ordered by His Majesty and High Priest Alaric."

Nova shook his head.

"That’s not what I’m asking. I’m talking about this High Priestess matter... and how your strength has grown so much."

Maria’s smile softened.

"Why don’t we continue this conversation somewhere else? People are staring. There’s a café nearby — let’s talk there."

Nova nodded.

A few minutes later, the entire group was seated comfortably around a large table inside a quiet café. Nova ordered coffee for everyone.

Maria took a small sip before speaking again, her eyes briefly shifting toward Nyxara and Velena.

"I didn’t expect that just a few days after leaving Frost City, you’d already gained two more women by your side."

Nyxara clearly did not like the remark. Her crimson eyes narrowed slightly as she turned to Nova.

"Husband... who is this woman?"

Velena also looked toward him, waiting for an explanation.

Nova let out a quiet sigh and briefly explained Maria’s identity. Once Nyxara and Velena understood who she was, he properly introduced the two of them to Maria in return ofcourse he didn’t reveal their true identities.

After the introductions were finished, Nova returned to the main topic without delay.

"Maria. Explain this new title."

Maria chuckled softly. "It’s not a new title. I’ve always been a High Priestess. It simply wasn’t something the Light Temple Order made known to the public."

Nova and the others looked puzzled. Asia was the first to speak. "What do you mean by that?"

Maria set her cup down and spoke calmly.

"Alright. I’ll explain... since the entire human continent will know about it soon enough anyway."

"I was originally just a candidate for the position. Those chosen usually possess a strong affinity for the holy light element. Each kingdom on the human continent only has one such candidates. Among them, my affinity was the highest."

She paused for a moment before continuing.

"Two days ago, I suddenly awakened a Blessing Mark of the Light Goddess. After that, I went through a transformation... and awakened both a Divine Bloodline and a Divine Physique.

Because of that, I was formally appointed as High Priestess — a position even more important than that of High Priest Alaric."

Silence fell over the table. Everyone was visibly shocked. Nova, more than anyone else, felt a jolt of disbelief.

A Blessing Mark...? Something capable of granting a Divine Bloodline and Divine Physique just like that?

His eyes narrowed slightly as curiosity overtook his initial surprise. Without hesitation, he used Absolute Appraisal, focusing on Maria to examine the true nature of the bloodline and physique she had awakened.

+++

[Divine Radiant Bloodline]

Discription:

[A supreme Divine Bloodline blessed by a certain ancient Light Goddess, granting the wielder an exceptional affinity with Holy Light. It greatly enhances the purity, power, and control of Holy Light while providing strong resistance against darkness, corruption, curses, and other evil forces.]

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[Sacred Light Priestess Physique]

Discription:

[A supreme Divine Physique perfectly suited for a High Priestess who possesses the Holy Light Element. It greatly enhances her divine energy, vitality, healing, purification, spiritual power, and resistance, allowing her to channel immense amounts of Holy Light without harming her body.

Superior Transformation — Sacred Radiance Form:

Upon gaining a deeper comprehension of her Divine Radiant Bloodline and Sacred Light Priestess Physique, she can awaken a superior transformation. Her Holy Light becomes vastly purer, her presence gains an otherworldly beauty and sacred allure, and all effects of the physique are doubled.]

++++

Nova’s eyes widened slightly. Another powerful divine bloodline and physique.

He couldn’t tell whether it was pure coincidence or something more, but Maria’s bloodline and physique stood in almost perfect opposition to Nyxara’s.

{I wouldn’t be so sure it’s just a coincidence. There are certain threads connecting all of these things... but as both of us already know, digging too deeply into them isn’t suitable for you right now. I suggest you ignore it for the time being.}

{I may eventually gain the authority to reveal this knowledge to you. Or if fate allows it, you’ll learn the truth naturally once you’re strong enough. Wait until you break through to the Emperor Realm.}

Nova understood Liya’s words clearly. There was no point forcing answers he wasn’t ready for.

When he looked up again, Maria and Asia were already chatting. Nyxara sat closely beside him with a faintly irritated expression, and Velena remained quietly at her side. Asia and Rieka, on the other hand, still looked surprised by what they had heard.

In a way, it was only natural.

Both Asia and Rieka already possessed Divine Bloodlines of their own. Looking around the table, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that nearly every woman present — except Velena — could be considered a chosen one in some form.

After that, the conversation shifted to lighter topics about the capital and the upcoming tournament. Maria mentioned that she would be formally introduced to the entire human continent during the event.

They only talked for a short while longer before Maria had to leave. Before departing, she left her mana signature with Nova so they could contact each other in the future.

Of course, Nova did not suddenly become fully trusting of her.

Maria was still the same woman who had her own hidden motives, and those motives had not necessarily disappeared. He knew he still needed to remain cautious around her.

Still, if the Light Temple Order ever became a nuisance to him, having someone of her status on his side could prove useful.

She now held one of the highest positions within the Order — though Nova wasn’t completely certain how much real authority she currently possessed.

After all, she was still relatively weak compared to the true powerhouses who managed the Temple’s deeper affairs.

One thing, however, was certain. Her influence would rise very quickly. After Maria left, Rieka turned to Nova with a bright expression.

"Darling, let’s look around the capital a bit more. Asia and I need to do some shopping."

Asia nodded in agreement.

"Yes, Husband. I need to buy a few dresses as well." She then glanced toward Nyxara and added a little hesitantly, "Why don’t you buy a few dresses for yourself too, Sister Nyxara?"

Even though Asia still seemed slightly nervous speaking to her, Nyxara didn’t mind at all. She simply turned toward Nova, waiting for his reaction. When he smiled and gave a small nod, she looked back at Velena.

"Velena needs to buy a few dresses as well."

"It’s alright, princess. I already have several other sets of my outfit," Velena replied calmly.

Nyxara immediately interjected. "Those are all maid outfits. I’m talking about normal dresses." Velena’s beautiful face remained as composed as ever.

"Alright. Then I’ll buy a few more sets of my outfit."

Both Velena’s words and her completely serious tone made Nova and Nyxara let out quiet sighs. Seriously... just how much does she like those maid outfits?

**

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