(Cassian's POV)
"Cassian!"
Just as I was about to follow the attendant to my room, a familiar voice called out to me. I turned around instinctively, curious yet unsure.
There—standing gracefully in the soft light of the hallway—was a woman I hadn't expected to see here.
She had long, flowing blonde hair that shimmered like sunlight woven into silk. Her black eyes held a calm depth, like still waters that could see right through you. She wore a silver priestess dress that hugged her form modestly, yet elegantly. A simple cross pendant rested against her chest, and her ears sparkled with small cross-shaped earrings. Her entire presence radiated peace and warmth.
It felt like a soft breeze had swept away the stress that had been weighing down on me all day.
"Cassian, what are you doing here?" she asked with a gentle tilt of her head.
For a second, I forgot where I was.
I just... stared at her.
Her eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, the whole world faded into the background.
"Cassian? Hello?" She waved a hand in front of my face with a puzzled smile. "Are you there?"
"Huh?" I blinked and shook my head quickly. "Sorry, I... got lost for a second. Hello, Miss Silvia. It's been a while." I gave her a small, respectful bow.
She smiled, but her curiosity hadn't faded. "Well? What are you doing here?"
"I was summoned by the Pope's order. I've officially joined the Church... and I've decided to take the position of an Exorcist."
Her expression shifted instantly—her serene smile replaced by wide eyes and furrowed brows.
"What? Exorcist? Why would you choose that?" she asked, voice sharp with concern.
"Well... it was the best option for me. The pay's good too," I replied honestly.
"You do realize what an Exorcist actually does, right?" she asked with a serious look.
"Yeah. Purify corrupted areas, cleanse undead, explore cursed labyrinths and stuff like that, right?" I replied, scratching the back of my head.
She sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Cassian, do you even understand what you've agreed to? It's dangerous. Not just 'oh no, I scraped my knee' dangerous. We're talking death. Or worse—becoming one of the undead yourself."
I blinked. "Wait... zombies exist?"
She gave me a look that screamed how do you not know this? before nodding. "Yes, they do. And those labyrinths you're so casually mentioning? They reek of death. The air alone can make you collapse if you're not properly trained. It's not something a normal healer chooses."
"I... didn't know it was that bad," I admitted, swallowing a lump in my throat.
Silvia exhaled again, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Look. You should check your room first. Get some rest. We'll talk again later."
She turned and walked off down the corridor, her robes fluttering behind her. The air around me suddenly felt colder without her presence.
"…Follow me," the church attendant beside me said after our conversation ended.
After walking a short distance, we finally stopped in front of a wooden door with silver detailing.
"This is your room," the man said curtly, then left.
I stood there for a moment, taking a deep breath.
Click.
The door creaked open.
"…Whoa."
The room was bigger than I expected. Easily fit for four people, yet all mine. A plush bed rested in the center, freshly made. There was a sturdy desk, a cushioned chair, a full wardrobe, and even a private bathroom.
It was more luxurious than anything I'd ever lived in back on Earth—or even since arriving in this world.
"Ah—wait, I forgot to get my Church ID card. I'll handle that tomorrow," I mumbled, already stepping inside.
Then I looked at the bed.
It was calling me.
I couldn't resist.
"Haaap!" I leapt onto it like a little kid, bouncing once before settling into the softest mattress I'd touched in months.
"Hehehehe..." A childish giggle escaped me before I could stop it. But who could blame me? It had been so long since I felt comfort like this. After months of training, rough beds, dirt floors, and long nights—this felt like paradise.
And it was all mine.
No shared rooms. No snoring roommates. Just peace.
"It's already been over six months since I came to this world—Alvara," I whispered, staring at the ceiling. "So much has happened… I've changed more than I ever expected."
And then a thought struck me.
I haven't checked my status in a while...
Let's see how much I've improved under that orc's brutal training.
"Status," I said softly.
—To be continued...