Chapter 38: Augustus Priest of the Church of Dawn |
Apart from the research on core runes, Shad also experimented with other "simple" techniques mentioned in the doctor’s notebook.
Dr. Schneider pointed out that the power of Ring Warlocks lies in the ability of thought to influence reality. Therefore, even without studying any miracles or arcane arts, they can use their inherent power—what is referred to as "mind over matter."
Spontaneous use of powers derived from core runes was organized in ancient times into a system known as "Miracles." The unlearned, spontaneous use of powers purely linked to thought was systematized and named "Arcane Arts."
Of course, the academy recognizes that the category of "Arcane Arts" also includes "Divine Arts," which relate to the True Gods and are directly granted through faith. However, neither Shad nor the doctor’s studies involve these. The Church, on the other hand, believes "Divine Arts" should be distinguished from "Arcane Arts," as the two are fundamentally different.
In the early days of this epoch, after intense debates within the academic community of Ring Warlocks, the "Divine Arts" of the Five True Gods and surviving Evil Gods were officially recognized alongside "Miracles" and "Arcane Arts" as external manifestations of Ring Warlock powers. The "Divine Arts" of the Old Gods, however, remain categorized as "Arcane Arts" because their followers lack a voice in these debates.
Thus, the "Blood Echo" arcane art that Shad acquired from the Old God "Vampire Duke Loael" should essentially be considered a Divine Art of this Old God. It is something that cannot be learned through ordinary means without invoking the Old God’s power.
The core of the Ring Warlock system is 【Runes】, with 【Miracles】 being powerful and effective yet requiring runes for study; 【Arcane Arts】, which are less prioritized but accessible to all; and 【Divine Arts】, which are tied to faith and gods. Together, these represent the manifestation of the Ring Warlock power system.
"Advancing in ring levels requires one rune each of Miracle, Blasphemy, Enlightenment, and Whisper. Runes, along with Arcane Arts, Divine Arts, and Miracles, are akin to the relationship between the 'Way' and the 'Technique.' As expected, balancing the acquisition of runes and the study of Miracles is crucial."
This was the outsider’s understanding.
He appeared to have a natural talent for using such powers. In addition to almost bursting a blood vessel in his eyes while moving a tuft of Mimia's fur and a Rhodes card, he managed to move a thick bootleg book titled The Detective’s Elegy by simply focusing his gaze on it and punching the air. Although the book, as thick as a dictionary, only shifted a few centimeters, it wasn’t toppled by mere wind.
The bootleg detective novel wasn’t a frivolous purchase by Shad but rather a relic left by the previous detective. Along with The Queen and Her Lovers, The Silver Knight, and Fragments from the Western Front, it was one of the few novels he owned.
The first was a scandalous court tale, the second a traditional knight's adventure, and the last leaned toward memoir-style literature. Sparrow Hamilton, the former detective, often read these books. The folded corners and tea stains were evidence of his leisure pursuits.
As for the only relic in Shad's possession—a document-grade relic known as the 【Vampire Ring】—he couldn't test its effects on a living subject. For now, he had removed the watch chain, repurposing the ring as a pendant around his neck. Wearing it this way didn’t count as “wearing” it, so it wouldn’t exert much influence on him as long as it wasn’t worn continuously for 24 hours.
Shad planned to consult the doctor and other seasoned correspondence Ring Warlocks tomorrow. Their experience would likely provide excellent advice for using it.
Finally, Wednesday arrived, but Shad didn't wake early out of excitement; he was startled awake by a nightmare involving a heavy weight on his chest.
The faint light of a summer dawn barely illuminated the room through tightly drawn curtains. Shad awoke feeling suffocated and, after about five seconds, realized a cat was perched on his chest.
Shad’s household temporarily hosted only one fostered orange tabby, so it was Mimia who had woken him up. The cat stared at him with amber eyes from atop the quilt covering his chest. Seeing he was awake, it jumped down and dashed toward the door, its footsteps thudding along the floor.
"Only one visit yesterday, and you’ve already figured it out? The milkman won’t be here for another half-hour," Shad called after the cat. Imagining the books and lessons worth 50 pounds he’d acquire today filled his chest with excitement, prompting him to leave the bed.
The first-floor apartment was spacious but only had two bedrooms. Shad occupied the smaller one, which had belonged to the previous tenant, who wasn’t very bright. The larger room, which had belonged to the late detective, didn’t scare Shad, but he wasn’t planning to move there just yet.
He intended to contact a furniture dealer to remove the bed and consult Dr. Schneider about methods for detecting ghosts before considering taking up residence in the larger room.
After leaving enough cat food in a small bowl for Mimia, Shad left the house. His appointment with the doctor was at 10 a.m., and the clinic was quite far from St. Derain Square. Though Shad estimated he could arrive by 9:30, his eagerness saw him standing before the signboard of the Schneider Psychological Clinic at 8:59.
Choosing not to waste time elsewhere, Shad entered directly. The doctor had already informed the receptionist that Hamilton, the detective "grieving over his uncle's death," would visit today. Shad was promptly directed to the psychological consultation room on the second floor.
Dr. Schneider answered the door immediately after Shad knocked. Another person was already in the room—a gray-haired elderly gentleman in a well-fitted black suit. The man stood and nodded slightly at Shad, smiling kindly. His friendly demeanor left a good impression. His gray eyes, lined with wrinkles, suggested he was over fifty but still in good health. He was slightly taller than the doctor but shorter than Shad, with a lean build that hinted at modest means.
Shad’s eyes were drawn to a pendant hanging on the man’s chest, suspended on a silver chain. The pendant was a brass-toned ring with a missing segment. This was the holy emblem of 【Mr. Dawn】, the God of Light and Shadow, commonly worn by clergy members.
"A clergyman? While the academy isn’t antagonistic toward the True God Churches, this is..." Shad wondered internally.
"Let me explain," said Dr. Schneider warmly, noticing Shad’s confusion.
"Shad, this is Father Ratt August, a Second-Ring Warlock in our group and a devout follower of Mr. Dawn. Although he’s a church priest, he didn’t become a Ring Warlock through the Church but rather awakened his talent in old age and joined the academy by chance.
He holds no bias against the academy and won’t reveal our identities to the Church, provided we don’t harm the Church of Dawn. He’s trustworthy."
Though Ring Warlock talents theoretically manifest at any age, they typically emerge between sixteen and forty, making Father August’s case extremely rare.
"Rest assured, I swear on my reputation as Bill D. Schneider that Father August is entirely trustworthy. His inclusion was vetted by myself, two others, and the academy. With him on our side, many of our actions become significantly easier."
The doctor continued. The gray-haired priest approached Shad to shake hands. Trusting the doctor, Shad quickly extended his hand in return. The old man’s broad hand was surprisingly strong.
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