Chapter 17: A Miracle

    The full moon hung in the night sky, casting its silver glow over the capital below as people slowly began to retire for the night.

    Suddenly, a strange green light began to shine brightly, causing all who noticed to turn their heads to the source.

    They were all shocked to find out...

    The brilliant glow was coming from the church, casting an emerald hue across the buildings and cobblestone streets.

    Citizens going about their evening noticed the change, drawn to the unusual sight like moths to a flame.

    People gathered, gazing up at the church in awe and wonder, and soon murmurs filled the air.

    "Could it be a sign from the gods? I''ve never seen anything like it. Perhaps they''re blessing our city!"

    "Look at the light! It''s too bright to be torches or candles; it''s practically beaming off the entire church... Do you think it could be a miracle?"

    "I''ve heard rumors of holy phenomena happening in distant lands, but nothing here in our capital. Maybe this is a sign the gods have finally heard our prayers!"

    The crowd watched, mesmerized. But then, the unthinkable happened.

    The ground trembled beneath their feet as the church itself seemed to come alive. The walls pulsed with green energy, and slowly, the entire structure began to change, stretching and shifting upward.

    Stone blocks expanded, twisting and adjusting themselves into new shapes as the church began to transform into a towering cathedral.

    As the structure grew, it advanced toward the crowd, causing shock to spread. The awe in their expressions quickly turned to fear.

    As people started to flee, their frantic voices filled the streets...

    "Run! It''s alive! The church is... moving! It''s coming right toward us!"

    "Get back! It''s like it''s going to swallow us whole! Move before it''s too late!"

    "The gods must be angry! We''ve done something wrong—why else would the church be coming to crush us?"

    The crowd dispersed, fleeing into alleyways and side streets as the church''s transformation continued. Only the boldest dared to look back, their eyes wide with terror and awe, wondering if their empire truly had been touched by the gods... or if it had been cursed.

    Back in the strategy room...

    "It''s true! The church has transformed into something divine."

    "How could this be anything else? The gods have granted us a gift!"

    Back in the strategy room...

    The nobles soon heard the people cheer, causing further confusion.

    A translucent green system window appeared before Arkanos, displaying notifications:

    ? ? Upgrade Complete: Capital''s Church has been transformed into a Grand Cathedral ? ?

    ? ? The gods have taken notice of your actions ? ?

    ? ? The Goddess of Justice And Purity is impressed with your methods ? ?

    ? ? The Goddess of Justice And Purity has grown curious of your existence ? ?

    A calculative smile crossed Arkanos''s face as he lowered the notification with a thought.

    He slowly took his hands off the map, turned back to his nobles, then said.

    "Aren''t you all curious why the people have suddenly decided to cheer?"

    "What this miracle I speak of is?"

    "If you doubt my words..."

    "...you''re welcome to rise and see for yourselves."

    With a welcoming gesture of his hand, as if he was asking for them to step forward, he then said, "Look out the window, and behold the miracle I have wrought for our empire."

    Some of the nobles hesitated, exchanging wary glances before standing up. They moved cautiously to the tall windows, unsure of what they might find.

    As they walked past him, Arkanos smiled even more as he thought.

    ''And now I''ve laid the bait.''