A Tour of Ortara's Saint Laws
"While we're on the topic, how about we go watch some Ortara Saint Laws in action?"
"Watch... them?"
Dalia's sudden suggestion left Ludenberg Lavante blinking in confusion as he echoed her words.
"Yeah. Ortara's side probably won't refuse. If anything, they'd be thrilled we noticed."
"...That's surprising. You'd think they'd want to keep something like that hidden."
"Ortara folk get excited the stronger their opponent is."
"They do seem to have that tendency... but I didn't expect them to go this far."
"Liars, deceivers, betrayers of trust—Ortara despises those types. That's why they're so open about it. Mix that with their aggression, and they don't hesitate to show off their fighting style."
"Honest people, aren't they."
"Honest, sure... but mostly just confident. Like, 'Even if I show you this, you still won't beat me.'"
"But didn't you say your seniors lost last year because they couldn't break through?"
Ashytara's offhand remark made Dalia flush red.
"Uh, well. Ahaha... Yeah, that's true, but it'll be tough this year too. There was this unusual first-year last time. He's a second-year now, probably. Guy named Eil... He's the one they have to watch out for most."
"Eil?"
"Yeah. Heard he showed up out of nowhere and he's ridiculously strong. But get this—he rejects Ortara's Saint Laws. Doesn't like spirit possession or whatever. Fights barehanded and still crushes everyone. Kinda like you, Lud."
"...This place really is full of oddballs."
"It is. So, shall we get moving? Seia or I are fine."
"Sure."
The four of them headed straight for the theology department.
As they approached the theology department, the Ortara theology uniforms came into view—revealing far more skin than Solemnute Adem's modest attire. It wasn't that extreme, but Ashytara's gaze grew sterner by the second. She'd always worn fully covering robes as a Solem priestess.
What the hell kind of outfit is that?
And that thought slipped right out of her mouth.
"For theology students... isn't that outfit awfully immodest?"
"I thought the same at first... but it's just how Ortara priests roll."
"Huh?"
"You'd hate it even more as a princess, but that's their standard priest garb."
"Why?"
"Ortara priests believe a healthy, robust body makes it easier to summon ancestors' spirits. It's a superstition. Exposing skin proves to the gods and surrounding spirits that you're fit. Doesn't make much sense to us."
If it was culture, she had no room to complain. Every nation had its quirks that looked bizarre from outside. And outsiders had to respect them. Discord between countries often stemmed from failing to do just that.
Ashytara glanced at Ludenberg. Thankfully, he was studying the theology building, not the outfits. She relaxed a bit and followed his gaze. It was an impressive structure. During the Ortara tour, knight faculty students had focused on the combat department, so this was her first real look at theology too. Her shock at the uniforms fit right in.
They arrived to find combat department students mixed in, likely prepping early for the friendly matches.
"Oh. Isn't that Ash-for-brains?"
A frivolous voice rang in their ears. Nadan Tes, of course.
"Big guy?"
"Yup. What brings you all here?"
"Sightseeing Ortara Saint Laws."
"Ah, those? Should be starting soon. I was curious too—mind if I tag along?"
"Uh? Sure, no problem."
"Thanks!"
He joined them on the spot, sidling up to Ludenberg.
"What?"
Ludenberg eyed him curiously, and Nadan dropped his voice to a whisper—just for him.
"Nah, just jealous."
"Jealous?"
"Yeah. When I'm wandering solo, I've never gotten to hang with girls this cute. Lucky bastard."
"...Idiot. Thought you came for the Saint Laws—not the girls?"
Ludenberg whispered back. No way this reached the three women eyeing the theology department.
"Gotta see the Saint Laws too, sure. But nothing says I can't have side goals."
"Side goals?"
"Chatting up cute priests. Look at me—built like a tank. Ortara girls won't mind."
"..."
Ludenberg was speechless. How benevolent must the Setra Church be to keep a clown like this as a saint?
"Check the outfits—super appealing, right? Different vibe from Solemnute Adem. Prime intel for us Star Pilgrims. Hope I get to Isaltin next."
Nadan kept babbling. Ludenberg ignored him, scanning the building instead. Effective strategy—Nadan shut up, feeling like he was talking to a wall.
Ashytara stared at Nadan, displeasure etched on her face. She'd overheard everything, senses maxed out from eavesdropping. Relieved Ludenberg ignored the priests, she still felt the need to warn Nadan off.
He shrank under her gaze.
"Nadan."
"Y-yeah?"
"Watch your mouth."
"...Got it."
He swallowed hard at the warning in her eyes. Ashytara's presence was intimidating. She knew he was a fool but usually let it slide—wrong place, wrong time. The outfits already irked her; now this, right when she worried Ludenberg might get distracted.
Dalia and Seia just looked puzzled, clueless to the details.
"Why'd everyone stop?"
"Oh, nothing. But where are those Ortara students headed?"
Ashytara nodded toward a group. Dalia checked.
"Ah, that's... probably the joint training grounds. Where theology and combat students train together. Let's go. We should see some Ortara Saint Laws soon."
"Okay."
The joint training grounds buzzed with theology and combat students. Karina Amelrn and Gail Glitter—fresh off clashing with the first-years—were there too. They faced each other, weapons raised, seemingly about to spar with divine power infused.
Theology students prepped behind them. Then, they channeled Tahara's divine power. Bluish mist poured from the student behind Karina, enveloping her. Crimson lightning shot from the one behind Gail, wrapping him.
Ludenberg couldn't be sure, but it felt like Saint Laws activating.
"That's..."
Karina and Gail collided. Ludenberg and Ashytara gaped. Their prowess had skyrocketed. Karina swung her greatsword wildly through the blue mist—leagues beyond her bout with Ashytara. Gail thrust his spear amid red lightning, equally transformed.
"That's... completely different from before."
"Told you. Ortara divine power fused with their bodies makes them insanely strong."
"Didn't expect this much."
Ashytara tsked. She'd thought it'd be easy—apparently not.
The fight unfolded uniquely. Not just Karina and Gail clashing powered-up; they targeted each other's priests. Disrupt the priests' focus, and the Saint Laws falter.
But the priests weren't pushovers. As Karina and Gail lunged, ghostly warriors—cloaked in divine power—erupted around them. Ancestors' spirits blocked the spear and greatsword, then vanished.
"Impressive."
Ancestors' souls, right? A single block, but perfect for thwarting killing blows.
Ludenberg started calculating. Priest handlers up front, warriors engaging.
Pair with Ashytara... She handles priests, I take warriors. Need to sync up.
He leaned to her ear.
"Eh, Lud?"
"Tara. If we're teamed, you take priests."
"Yeah, figured."
"Think you can?"
"That level? Sure. But Lud, something to consider."
"I know. They might have more up their sleeves."
"Yeah. First time facing Ortara Saint Laws... Gotta assume variables."
"I trust you to handle it."
"You? Warrior estimate?"
"Stronger, sure... but I can win."
Not arrogance. He'd seen their moves fell short of his, even powered.
"Then I'll pin the priests. Force divine power drain to break the Saint Laws."
"Good. Watch a bit more... then sync at the practice grounds later."
"Yeah."
Ashytara nodded.