The following chapter continues from the conclusion of the Cyrus Arc after Chapter 61 and occurs concurrently with the events of the Athenaeum Games Arc.
The Vindicators woke late the following morning, exhausted from their intense confrontation with Antonio "Blaze" Russo. Their victory had not only redeemed Maria's I.O.U. but had also ensured La Dolce Vita's survival. Cyrus had already formulated the next critical step: Noah and Ji-Eun would infiltrate the Charismatic Order of the Sacred Light, seeking a miracle healing from the Church for Noah's fractured leg. To avoid suspicion, they would pose as step-siblings traveling from overseas.
As the group descended slowly from the inn's second floor, Elliot patiently assisted Noah, whose leg was still badly injured. Maria, already stationed behind the reception counter, greeted them warmly with a bright, grateful smile. With the threat of loan sharks gone, her expression radiated visible relief, and she had opened La Dolce Vita early, determined to get the business back on track.
"Good morning," Maria beamed cheerfully. "Breakfast is ready—please proceed to the café."
When they entered the café, the Vindicators were stunned by the extravagant food. Maria had woken early and prepared a feast far beyond what four people could comfortably finish, motivated by deep gratitude for their help.
"Maria, this is so much food," Noah protested gently, overwhelmed by her generosity. "We couldn't possibly finish all this."
"I just wanted to thank you all for everything you did yesterday," Maria replied warmly, urging them to sit. "Please enjoy as much as you like, even if you can't finish it all."
"Thank you, Maria," Cyrus said appreciatively, clearly touched by her hospitality. He didn't mind the abundance—indeed, he planned to utilize the opportunity provided by this meal to discuss critical details with the Vindicators. Their task was delicate: devising a thorough and convincing plan for Noah and Ji-Eun's infiltration of the Charismatic Order of the Sacred Light, ensuring that no suspicion would fall upon them as they sought the church's secret about miraculous healing, which could link to the Sword of Light.
As the Vindicators sat at the dining table, each member was occupied with their own thoughts or actions. Elliot and Noah eagerly munched on Maria's delicious breakfast while Cyrus sat quietly, deep in thought, considering the many complications that still stood in their way. Noah's injury gave them a legitimate reason to seek healing, but the Church was known for its strict process and lofty expectations.
Ji-Eun, seated at the table and not eating either, quietly admired Cyrus's contemplative demeanor.
"Cyrus, why aren't you eating?" Noah asked through a mouthful of food, breaking the silence. "I know Ji-Eun isn't eating because she's put on weight, but you're missing out on this delicious food."
Ji-Eun immediately shifted her attention from Cyrus to Noah, her expression fierce. "What do you mean, put on weight, you brat!" She prepared to pull out her kitchen knife, ready to strike at Noah, only to be stopped by Elliot, who sat between them. Undeterred, Noah continued taunting Ji-Eun, pulling his mouth wide with two hands and sticking out his tongue.
"Stop it, you two!" Cyrus intervened sharply. "You both need to build synergy! Acting this way will easily reveal that you aren't step-siblings and will jeopardize our mission with the Charismatic Order of the Sacred Light."
Ji-Eun immediately set down her knife, subdued by Cyrus's authoritative tone. "Yes, Cyrus. I won't do it again," she responded softly. "But you seem troubled. What's wrong?"
Cyrus took a deep breath and explained the two dilemmas: bypassing the church's extensive waiting list and donation requirements, and Ji-Eun's insufficiently wealthy appearance. Noah and Elliot turned simultaneously toward Ji-Eun, nodding in agreement. "What! My outfit is casual and stylish," Ji-Eun protested. "It's perfect for mobility!"
"But Cyrus is right," Noah retorted bluntly. "At a glance, you look poor!"
Ji-Eun fell silent, knowing that if everyone agreed, there must be truth to their words.
Suddenly, Noah stood confidently, brandishing a black luxury credit card. "Ahem! Ji-Eun's outfit isn't an issue—I can handle it!"
Elliot's eyes widened in shock. "Noah! Where did you steal that card? I don't want to get arrested!"
"Moron! It's mine," Noah protested, showing Elliot the card emblazoned with his name, 'Noah Anderson'. Elliot stared in disbelief. "How did you even get this card?"
"Don't ask too many questions," Noah deflected quickly. "The point is, we've solved the attire problem. We'll dress Ji-Eun up properly. The real issue is bypassing the waiting list—I don't have a solution for that."
The group fell silent, each lost in thought, unable to find an immediate answer. Their contemplation was interrupted when Mr. Giovanni, the cheerful, chubby Italian private transport driver Cyrus had hired earlier, entered the café, his face beaming.
"Ah, there you are!" Giovanni greeted warmly. "I heard you helped settle Maria's troubles with the loan shark. Thank you so much!"
"Mr. Giovanni, there's no need to thank us," Cyrus responded humbly. "We simply couldn't tolerate the injustice."
"Maria and Isabetta have endured so much," Giovanni explained emotionally. "As a friend of their late parents, I've always tried to send business their way. I'm grateful you stayed despite the troubles."
"You recommended the perfect place," Noah chimed in cheerfully. "Maria's hospitality has been wonderful."
Giovanni's smile widened. "I'm glad you feel that way. But now, I see troubled faces here. How can I help?"
Cyrus explained their predicament with infiltrating the church, the waiting list, and substantial donations posing significant barriers.
Giovanni rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I might have a solution. Besides driving privately, I chauffeur for a wealthy Vatican City family who have donated generously to the Order and previously received miracle healing. The church staff knows me personally. I can introduce you as their friends, allowing you to enter without suspicion."
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"Mr. Giovanni, this could risk your job," Cyrus warned cautiously.
Giovanni shook his head firmly. "Your kindness to Maria and Isabetta outweighs any risk. All I ask is one favor—if you uncover the secret of the miracle healing, please use it to cure Isabetta."
"Mr. Giovanni, you don't need to ask," Cyrus assured him sincerely. "If we discover the secret, we promise to help Isabetta."
"Thank you," Giovanni said gratefully. "Now, finish your breakfast, and I'll drive you to shop for Ji-Eun's new clothes." Relieved, the Vindicators resumed their meal, confident that their path forward was finally clear.
Mr. Giovanni drove the group to Via dei Condotti, Rome's renowned luxury fashion street, just a short sixteen-minute ride from La Dolce Vita. He stopped the car in front of an upscale boutique, where the Vindicators stepped out and entered the lavish store.
Upon seeing their casual attire, the sales assistants instantly judged them, whispering and giggling discreetly among themselves, refusing to offer any immediate assistance. Unaffected by this cold reception, the group casually browsed the boutique. However, when Cyrus, Ji-Eun, and Elliot glanced at the price tags, their jaws dropped in shock.
"Are we really going to spend this kind of money here?" Elliot whispered, his eyes wide. "This dress alone costs a month's salary!"
"Hey, relax! With me here, what's there to worry about?" Noah confidently pulled out his black luxury credit card and waved it conspicuously in the air.
Upon noticing the card, the sales assistants' attitudes transformed instantly. They swiftly approached Noah with warm smiles and polite gestures. "Hello, sir, how may we assist you today?" one of them asked graciously.
Ji-Eun, Cyrus, and Elliot rolled their eyes in unison, amused by the sudden change in demeanor. Noah, unfazed, declared dramatically, "Bring out some luxury dresses for the lady. We need her to look convincingly rich."
"Certainly, sir! Right away," the assistant replied eagerly.
Soon, Ji-Eun was presented with three different styles of dresses: one red, one white, and one blue. "Miss, the changing room is right this way," the assistant guided her politely.
Before entering the room, Ji-Eun turned toward Cyrus with a playful smile. "I'll dress up nicely just for you, Cyrus. Please wait for me."
Cyrus, slightly embarrassed, pretended not to hear her and looked away, feigning interest elsewhere.
Ji-Eun first emerged from the changing room wearing a striking, low-cut red dress. Immediately, Cyrus, Noah, and Elliot swallowed nervously, taken aback by her unexpected allure. "Well, Cyrus? Do you like this style? Your opinion matters most to me," Ji-Eun said in a deliberately seductive tone.
Cyrus cleared his throat awkwardly, avoiding eye contact. "It's…too revealing for the church mission. Perhaps try the other dresses?"
"As you wish, my prince," Ji-Eun teased, slipping back into the changing room with a playful grin.
Next, Ji-Eun stepped out wearing a sophisticated, long-sleeved white dress. "How about this? Does this make me look innocent enough for our mission?"
Before Cyrus could answer, Noah interjected mischievously, "Too mature and boring! You look like my mom, not my sister."
Ji-Eun shot Noah a fierce glare before silently retreating again into the changing room.
Finally, Ji-Eun reappeared wearing a stylish blue short-sleeved dress. "What do you guys think?" she asked hopefully.
The group nodded in unanimous approval. Ji-Eun smiled brightly, clearly pleased. "I knew you'd like this one best, Cyrus. After all, it matches your hair color," she teased again, though Cyrus continued pretending he didn't hear her playful remarks.
"Miss, if you've decided, shall we proceed to payment? The total is €4,000," the sales assistant politely asked.
Ji-Eun, knowing the price, turned expectantly toward Noah, as she wouldn’t pay that kind of money for the attire. Noah confidently handed his credit card to the assistant without hesitation. "Leave it to me. Could you also help select some stylish sunglasses for her?"
"Absolutely, sir," the assistant nodded, promptly processing the transaction without issue.
"Thanks, Noah," Cyrus said, genuinely grateful. "The mission wouldn't be possible without your help."
"Don't be so formal, Cyrus! We're a team, remember?" Noah replied with a grin, valuing their bond more than money.
Feeling satisfied and confident, the group exited the boutique. They returned to Mr. Giovanni's car, ready to proceed with their next critical mission, infiltrating the Charismatic Order of the Sacred Light without raising suspicion.
After a 30-minute drive from Via dei Condotti back to Vatican City, the group finally arrived outside the Church of the Charismatic Order of the Sacred Light. As Mr. Giovanni drove along the church's perimeter toward the entrance and adjacent car park, the group stared out of the car windows in awe. The scene was a spectacle of extravagance, with gold-plated fences enclosing the immense church grounds, spanning approximately 18 square kilometers.
Dominating the view was the prominent emblem of the Charismatic Order of the Sacred Light. It featured a radiant sun with alternating long and short flames, symbolizing illumination, divine truth, and sacred power. The emblem stood out vividly against a dark background, emphasizing the Order's mission as a beacon in the shadows.
At its center burned a flame shaped like a teardrop, a striking symbol of spiritual fervor, purification, and sacrifice. Below it sat a cross embedded on a shield, representing protection, unwavering faith, and militant devotion—a clear nod to the Order's knightly and martial foundation.
Encircling the lower half of the emblem was a line of bold, white text that curved elegantly with purpose. It read: "THE SACRED LIGHT"—a declaration of their sacred identity as servants and warriors of divine radiance.
"That's a lot of ground to cover if we're going to uncover the church's secrets," Noah grumbled, particularly aware of his fractured leg.
"Not to worry," Mr. Giovanni assured him warmly. "I've prepared a wheelchair in the boot of my car. You can use that when we stop."
"Thanks, Mr. Giovanni," Noah said gratefully, relieved at the thoughtful gesture.
As they approached the entrance, they encountered an enormous crowd of around 10,000 people already organized into winding queues, patiently waiting under the late afternoon sun for a chance to enter and worship.
"Whoa, this queue is insane. Don't they spend more time lining up than actually worshipping?" Elliot questioned, baffled by the devotees' dedication under the scorching sun.
Mr. Giovanni smiled knowingly. "It's always like this. People have unwavering faith in the Order and hope to get lucky in the drawing for miracle healing."
"Do we have to wait in line too? That'll take forever! I'm not standing here for hours in this dress!" Ji-Eun protested immediately upon seeing the massive crowd.
"There's a VIP express line I can take you to," Mr. Giovanni reassured her.
"The worshipping place sounds more like an amusement park," Noah said, appalled. "Profit seems to be their priority—pay more for express service, skip the regular queue."
"I'll do my best to convince the priests," Mr. Giovanni said nervously, sweat already forming on his brow as he parked the car and wiped his forehead with a handkerchief. "I'll introduce you as friends of the wealthy family I chauffeur for. Hopefully, they'll let you in—fingers crossed."
After parking, Mr. Giovanni retrieved the wheelchair from the boot. Noah seated himself comfortably, grinning up at Ji-Eun. "My dear step-sister, would you do the honors and push me?"
"Wheel yourself, brat!" Ji-Eun snapped back irritably.
Noah glanced pleadingly at Cyrus, who understood instantly. "Ji-Eun, the script requires you both to appear as loving siblings, here to seek miraculous healing for Noah's leg. Please play your part convincingly."
Ji-Eun folded her arms and briefly glared at Noah. "I'm doing this only for Cyrus, little brother," she hissed, grasping the wheelchair handles. I'll tolerate it now, but after the mission…"
Noah wore a satisfied grin as Ji-Eun began wheeling him forward, following closely behind Mr. Giovanni. From the car, Cyrus and Elliot gave them an encouraging thumbs-up. The group watched anxiously as Ji-Eun and Noah approached the VIP entrance, hoping the priests would be convinced by their performance.
As the heavy cathedral doors loomed ahead, Ji-Eun pushed Noah forward with a perfect smile plastered on her face. One wrong move, one wrong word—and their miracle mission would end before it even began.
https://linktr.ee/Cjbaron. Your encouragement keeps me motivated and inspired to keep creating.
If you are Cyrus, which dress will you pick for Ji-Eun?
