Lord of Mysteries: Goddess of Origin

After seeing her figure. Selina staggered back from her fragile poise.

A woman, who's face was cloaked with a blinding light conceals a spiraling thorned flesh beneath the breathtaking beauty.

With sharp breaths, she mused, I guess now I understand why they see me as their goddess... 

Exerting force to her back and hands. Planting her feet from the ground, she dusted the crease of her dress before resuming a mannered stance habitually.

In the process, she have already weighting the pros and cons of being a false goddess. Firstly, she is certain that the cult who believed in this evil deity are the ones responsible for massacring the civilians of Milo. By putting on a role, she can tore their organization, crippling their capabilities, avenging her parents and possibly gaining a spoil from war. 

But the possibility of discovery can't be dismissed, especially at how perceptive the cults are. One mishaps can cause unintended consequences.

Just then, an excruciating pain suddenly swelled within her head.

Like a hammer nailing her brain. Selina immediately lose her stance, falling down onto the grassy floor.

AHHH!!

In a desperate attempt, Selina simulated the sensation of the world shattering, reality turning illusory.

The next moment, her figure crumbled into a debris of flesh and organs and the world began to revert back into a barren of filth and pulsing land.

...

As the illusory dream fractured into segments. Selina shot upright from her bed, her back forming a cold sweat.

Upon recovering from her stupor, she realized that light have already been permeating from the curtained windows quite brightly. Sounds of hooves clacking over the road and inaudible voices of pedestrians can be heard from beyond her room.

It's already morning? 

On her first dream of the mysterious world, Selina found herself woke up abruptly during the middle of the night. So she had expect the same outcome to occur in the second time.

Gathering her thoughts, she took note of the intense headache as the indication that morning have arrived. Recalling how the man referred to her, she have already decided her next action.

That is to take advantage of human psychology. She would act as their goddess, make them do her bidding and slowly tear their organization apart from the inside.

It is the silent revenge she could hope for.

Settling her mind, Selina propped herself from the mattress and headed for the bathroom. Bringing a cloth towel she used yesterday.

After fifteen minutes, she walked out of the door, hair soaked, beads slipping down from the strands of her hair.

As she made her way her suitcase nestled on the mattress, her hands diligently dries off her water ladened hair. Opening her luggage before producing a pair of a beige-floral strap, corset dress and a thin trouser for undergarment.

The lengthy skirt veils her fragile ankles. While the strap dress reveals her supple snow shoulders.

Seeing this, she took out a short laced shrug. A old-fashion she frequently worn when during vacations after work. It is to conceal as much skin as possible, especially when eyes constantly shifting towards you.

Thud, Thud, Thud

Just before she could ready herself for departure. A sudden series of knocks rang out from beyond the door.

What could it be? Wary, Selina quickly tied her hair before holding her strapped revolver from her just-made holster. Quietly proceeding forward.

With deliberate steps, she approached the wooden pane, pressing her shoulder on its rugged surface, straining to listen for voices or presence.

Confirming that no danger emanate beyond, she slowly twists its silver knob before gently pushing it open.

As the door gradually expose the familiar corridor, outside were two individuals standing patiently at the entrance. Wearing a lightning embroidered robe, they both bore a short ocean-blue hair and a deep-set of dark eyes.

Seeing Selina from within the room, the man on the left surveyed the surrounding doors. Briefly nodding to his company, on the right, the man intrude. 

"Are you perhaps... Mrs. Ivory?"

Selina's heart gasped. The family name she taught wouldn't reach her still manages to arrive at her entrance.

Clenching her revolver tightly, she noticed that the two were members of Mandated Punishers, suggests by the intricate design of their robe.

Still putting her guard, she replied in a mildly cautious tone.

"I am... What business do you have with me?"

The man on the right introduced himself respectfully.

"I am Bogard, sixth unit of the water-current division, Mandated Punishers, Church of the Lord of Storms."

After saying that, he raised his hand in a fist, striking the left of his chest with his right hand. He succinctly bowed before Selina.

So that's their prayer gestures... Silently taking note of the man's motion. She maintained a lady's stance across the door whilst listening to the duo.

The man next to Bogard followed, mirroring him in the process.

"As for me, I am Dominick of the same division."

Selin nodded briefly before asking, "What brings the Mandated Punishers to my doorsteps?"

She knew that this official organization was the one responsible for the raid operation in Milo and her escape. She couldn't be grateful enough for their aid.

Bogard adjusted his cloak before replying, "We're here to disclose your inheritance as the only heir and member of the Ivory family."

That's right, Selina was the only child of Ivory bloodline. Due to this, her parents insists of finding a spouse right after her eighteenth birthday...

She reckoned that the two haven't finished their words, she remained quiet, stationed by the door frame.

"We advise you to cooperate in order to claim your inheritance" Dominick added, a hint of deep and masculine voice.

What he means is for Selina to be escorted to their department or headquarters for further interrogation and analysis. 

Weighting the possible outcome of their investigation of her. Selina nodded in acceptance.

Her records are clean, she is innocent. If it's proven, she can develop a connection with the official beyonders of this world. Benefits would include safety, securement of resources and a chance to obtain the Sequence 8 formula of the Apothecary.

Without further action, Selina tidied her luggage and the room. Accompanied by the two Punishers, she returned the room's key to Melvin at the bar counter.

It was effortless for Selina to descend the stairs with two officials, seeing that the lobby was emptied of customers, with only Edward organizing the bar for tonight.

He should really hire someone to help him, Selina mused to herself internally before exiting the establishment.

Boarding the parked carriage by the road. She examined that the interior greatly comparable from the public transports.

The coachman tugged the leads of the horses, proceeding forward before galloping in a fast pace.

Selina glanced at Dominick and Bogard, seated across from her, she asked. "Where are we heading?"

Not bothering to glance back, Bogard replied. "Amylin Bar."

Rude... So that's their department, Selina grumbled internally before dismissing the man's unruly manner.

After awhile, they arrived at a non-remarkable two story building at the South Borough. The establishment is surrounded by warehouses and storage premises. 

Upon entering, Selina quickly noticed how the bar doesn't adhere with the traditional tavern arrangement.

There weren't any tables, but a series of long stools at each sides facing a high wooden board that stretched across the lobby. Ahead, at the wall, was a bar counter with racks and shelves containing bottled alcohols and beverages, both sides beside it were two wide stairs leading to the second floor.

The center was empty, with only a large circular mat covering the floor.

Quite a design... Selina remarked under her breath.

With the company of Bogard and Dominick, the two strike their left chest and bowed slightly at the bartender before briskly ascending a flight of stairs.

Reaching the second floor. She saw a short length corridor, with four doors each sides leading to a room with a wide table, encircled by three large couches.

Upon entering this room, Bogard gestured for Selina to occupy the available couch across from them and asked. 

"Care for a coffee?"

It was morning and they took Selina unnoticed. Barging in to take her for custodial investigation when she haven't had breakfast was a mistake he have just realized.

Good to know, you all still have mannerism... Selina revealed a genial smile and replied. "I'll have tea instead."

Bogard briefly nodded before leaving Selina and Dominick by the lounge. Heading towards one of the doors at the corridor.

Seeing this, Dominick took the initiative with the interrogation, saying in a deep voice. "We would like to know everything that have transpired in Milo."

With a slight restraint, Selina settled her suitcase down before recalling the memories of her body's previous owner. From the strange behaviors of the townspeople and her parents to the occasional exchange of information between her parents and the servants, along with the mention of their goddess and the capabilities they've exhibit so far.

The only exception was her personal situation.

During her briefing, Bogard have already returned with a Northbearing Leaf Tea for Selina and a pair of hot grounded coffee for him and Dominick.

After the clarification, Dominick succinctly nodded with acknowledgement afterwards. "Everything you've informed was indeed the exact situation the cults members have disclosed."

Can I leave now? Nipping her tea, Selina mumbled internally. It wasn't that she's eager nor was she uneased by the interrogation. But rather, today is Monday, Tarot Club's weekly gathering around three. She also needs to inform the Housing Company to postpone the renting procedure, as well as searching for another place to stay.

Taking a mental list, Selina realized that her schedule is tightly bundled for today.

Finding a slight humor to herself, she mused, It's not much different compared to when I commute to attend work...

Putting down his coffee, Dominick is now certain that the gorgeous lady in front of them is indeed the daughter of Vincent Ivory.

With this in mind, Dominick added, "The manor doesn't have documents pertaining your name. With only mentions being 'my daughter' in each will of your parent's signature."

"May we know your name?"

Selina instantly became hesitant. If she ever disclosed her real name, the cultist behind the invasion of Milo might traced her immediately, her identity will be pasted on the news making her vulnerable, she might be taken advantage due to her status as the only heir of the aristocratic Ivory family, especially that she's a woman.

Her long pause made Dominick reevaluate his phrase. Realizing her situation, he revised, "We would not divulge your personal information with the public. The dioceses have already deemed the operation, even its survivors to be highly confidential, requiring authority to access."

His words were a fragile attempt to consult Selina's growing anxiety. However, it didn't even made a ripple within her.

The Church can restrain her freedom. Resulting in the difficulty of obtaining potion formulas, resources and a possible way to return home.

After a moment of contemplation. She replied, "It's Angel... Angel Ivory."

Upon consideration, figured that she might need to return back to her identity as an aristocrat. Her reason is that being an aristocrat might aid her in garnering connections with the ancient families, being tied with this world's history.

With her background already laid out, what she needs is for now is a time to familiarized herself with the world before delving into the inherent mysteries of her transmigration.

Hearing this, Dominick gave a short nod at Selina's introduction before redirecting their conversation to her inheritance.

Based on the results of the follow-up examination. The cult activity was rooted within the Ivory's manor estate. They unveiled a failed ritual site deep beneath the basement of the manor, they assumed that their initial plan, was to sacrifice an individual as the vessel in order to achieve a descent. 

But since the outcome resulted negatively, they revised their approach. They figured that this second attempt was to recreate a mystical event pertaining their god's past. That is to conduct a reenactment.

However, this reenactment eludes them, until it was disclosed by the main person of this ritual, the vessel, Angel Ivory.

Without wasting time. Dominick retrieved a three pieces of documents and laid them at the table.

"These are the inheritance that have been purchased by the Church. It is to conserve any mishaps and prevent possible accidents that might occur in the manor."

After taking the documents, Selina skimmed its contents. It briefs her with the procedure of inheritance, possible variables that might hinder the progress and how the inheritance will undergo to her name.

Settling on its end, her heart palpitated with disbelief.

T-Three million pounds!? Selina's eyes grew wide as it darted from Bogard to Dominick.

T-They know this... They know I'm an extremely rich person now. Anyone would develop horns after seeing this amount of money... Fingers tightening the soft paper, cold sweat producing from her back. 

Her thoughts spiraled as she muttered, "S-Should I make a run for it?"

Seeing her tensed body. Bogard creased his brows and enlightened, "We have no interest in your inheritance. Though it is tempting, we value principles rather than physical objects."

But aren't you all pirates? Selina generalized their religion in her mind. 

Regaining her composure, Selina cleared her throat and revealed a genial smile, saying in a soft tone, "I know."

Bogard's face contorted into a skeptical expression before releasing it after a moment.

Dominick, remaining unperturbed, instructed in a deep tone, "We'll need to visit the local bank at North Borough. Captain should be waiting us there."

As he said that, he have already propped himself from the couch. Unhurriedly walking towards the descending stairs.

Selina followed before Bogard as the trio returned to the carriage parked at the front road, exiting the bar.

Upon boarding the carriage, her eyes subconsciously nestled at the window. Gazing blankly at the passing buildings of Tingen City.

 Soon, they arrived at the Central Bank of North Borough. 

Pedestrians crowded the streets, frequenting the wide institution. There were appropriately attired gentlemen and ladies exiting to the streets, whilst the presence of poverty still persists beside the road.

Alighting from the carriage. The trio scoured their way from the congestion of civilians, finally entering the bank's premises.

Inside were a multiple rows of people, patiently lined by a multiple receptionists, providing services behind a transparent glass walls.

Gazing momentarily, Selina briskly followed the two punishers with mechanical steps. Making their way towards the lounge area.

Seated by one of the wide wooden chairs was a man bearing a stubble chin. Short blue hair, sharp nose and a piercing blue eyes. He wore a gentleman's attire consisting of a black vest and a white long-sleeves, tucked in his dark trouser.

With a respectful tone, the two punishers strike their left chest and said "Sir, Miss Ivory is here."