Wizard: Starting from the Skill Tree

Chapter 650: Statue of the Goddess of Light

The Stellar Dome sailed steadily above the ocean of clouds, the scenery outside the window changing from the grandeur of the Anvil Castle industrial district, to the verdant forests and mountains, and occasionally sweeping over towns below that resembled models.

Duke spent most of his time in his room, continuing to organize and deduce new magic materials he had mastered. Occasionally, he would go to the observation deck, quietly overlooking the unfamiliar continent’s scenery after Li silently served him a drink.

Three days later.

The Stellar Dome landed steadily outside the port of Kabro City, and Duke, with the courteous escort of the attendants Sylvia and Li, descended the gangway.

Unlike the bustling and thronging spectacle of the last Blessing Festival, the port was now orderly. Though there were many travelers, most were regular business or leisure travelers, and the air was imbued with a calm and long-lasting aura unique to ancient cities.

Upon exiting the airship port, the iconic, concentric grand walls of Kabro City once again came into view.

The ancient gray-white stones of the towering walls soaked in sunlight, with each concentric layer becoming increasingly ancient and solid toward the city center, silently narrating the millennia-old history of faith.

Pedestrians crowded the streets, less bustling than during festivals but still numerous, with many men and women dressed in simple, elegant white robes.

Their attire varied, from simple linen gowns to exquisitely embroidered cloaks, the only commonality being the pure white symbolizing devotion to the Lord of Light.

These devotees walked with composure and serene expressions, some whispering in low voices, others proceeding in silence with scriptures in hand, laying the foundation of tranquility and reverence in this holy city.

The wide main street, sufficient for ten horse-drawn carriages to travel side by side, was unimpeded, bathed in sunlight on the polished stone pavement.

Duke did not delay; after orienting himself, he headed straight toward the Knight Hall within the inner city.

Passing through several towering city gates, the atmosphere deepened in solemnity and gravity.

The style of buildings along the streets became more uniform, primarily composed of white marble and light-colored stone, carved with symbols of light and life such as sunlight, wheat sheaves, and olive branches.

Finally, the 100-meter-tall monumental building supported by over a dozen massive white columns, the Kabro City Knight Hall, appeared at the end of his sight.

Compared to the surrounding buildings in the Divine Hall District, it lacked some of the intricate religious decorations but exuded a knightly boldness and solidity.

After showing the Breakthrougher’s badge, Duke was respectfully ushered into the hall’s interior.

The towering interior space was majestic and solemn, with sunlight casting dappled light through stained-glass windows.

Soon, a knight in shiny armor hurried over, the very knight Jack whom Duke had met previously.

"Mr. Duke!" Jack’s face lit up with a sincere smile, appearing much more relaxed than the tense and busy state during the previous Blessing Festival. "I didn’t expect you to visit Kabro City again. When I received the report, I thought it was someone with the same name."

"Knight Jack, long time no see," Duke nodded slightly. "I came this time to visit the Holy Temple of Light once more. Is it convenient?"

"Oh, visiting the Holy Temple, I see." Jack suddenly understood and then smiled, "You’ve come at a good time; it’s not a major festival now, so there are no limits on daily visits. You only need a normal introduction from either the Knight Hall or the Church. Given your dual status as a Breakthrougher and a member of the hall, it’s a simple matter. I’ll arrange it for you immediately."

The process was indeed much simpler than during the Blessing Festival.

Jack quickly prepared an introduction letter stamped with the Knight Hall’s seal and assigned a young temple attendant to guide Duke.

"The core area of the Holy Temple, especially at the base of the statue, still requires absolute silence and reverence. May the Light guide your path," Jack handed the letter to Duke, kindly reminding him.

"Thank you," Duke took the letter and, after expressing his thanks, left the Knight Hall with the attendant.

The attendant led Duke through the last, and also the oldest, inner city wall.

The guards here were noticeably more vigilant, with the temple knights in shiny silver armor scrutinizing each entrant with sharp eyes.

After verifying the introduction letter and Duke’s identity, the guards solemnly saluted and cleared the way.

The security here had clearly been heightened significantly since the last major disturbance, with overall vigilance escalating multiple levels.

Even though it was not a festival time, the place was heavily guarded.

Stepping into the core of the Holy Temple District, the scene expanded to reveal a vast, circular square paved with white jade stones, and in the center stood the Statue of the Goddess of Light.

The statue stood 50-60 meters tall, crafted from an extraordinary, almost translucent, jade-like white stone, radiating a gentle, non-dazzling luminescent glow under the sunlight.

She was draped in a simple and flowing robe, with fabric folds that seemed to lightly flutter in the breeze, embodying divine vitality.

One hand hung naturally by her side, fingertips surrounded by specks of light; the other hand was slightly raised, palm up, as if holding hope, blessing, or an intangible light law that sustains the world.

Merely standing at the edge of the square and gazing at it, an overwhelming aura of vastness, warmth, and absolute purity enveloped those present.

This was not an oppressive force but a great presence stemming from the essence of life and order, inspiring awe and peace.

Many devoted believers were scattered across the square, either sitting in meditation or prostrating in prayer, each immersed in their own communication with the deity, in a tranquil silence.

Duke took a deep breath, then slowly stepped forward toward the statue.

As the distance diminished, in the depths of his Spiritual Sea, the long-dormant Divine Status of the God of Light quivered gently.

It was as if a drop of water had fallen into a calm lake, causing barely perceptible ripples to spread.

As the ripples expanded, the low prayers of devotees, the distant whisper of the wind, even the solid feel of the jade square beneath his feet...

All sensory perceptions began to fade, peel away, and recede, like pencil drawings erased by a rubber.

Duke felt as though he hadn’t moved, yet was gently drawn away from the spot by an irresistible, gentle yet overwhelming power.

The light before his eyes didn’t disappear but underwent a fundamental transformation.

The bright sunlight of the temple square was replaced by a more primal, pure, and omnipresent light.

He stood in an extraordinary space that words could not accurately describe.

Beneath his feet, it was not solid, yet offered an unparalleled sense of support, as if walking on the purest crystal or solidified brilliance.

As he looked around, the space extended beyond the bounds of comprehension.

There was no distinction between sky and earth here; above, below, and all around lay a sea of light that was gentle and bright, yet incredibly profound.