Saintess? Not Anymore! I'd Rather be a Destroyer-Chapter 137 - 123: Apostle Gray

After a couple of hours, Aurianna strolled through the grand halls of her father’s opulent palace, a distinct displeasure etched across her face.

"Tch, I should’ve never let them have their way with my outfit," Aurianna grumbled, her fingers tightening around her dress. "All I wanted was a cute nail polish, not this dark, brooding shade. And a bow for my hair would have been a nice touch," she complained. She was decked out in an elegant, form-fitting black dress that clung to her waist before flowing gracefully down in an A-line, skimming the pristine marble floors.

"What kind of taste is this? These colors are so depressing!" Aurianna vented her frustration, punctuating her words with stomps of her heels.

"It suits you, princess," Shialor offered with a faint chuckle, earning herself a sharp glare from Aurianna.

"I meant to say... your personality and demeanor match your attire," Shialor nervously backpedaled, hoping to salvage the situation.

"What’s wrong with my personality, then? Why do I have to wear this dreary, goth-like attire?" Aurianna challenged, locking eyes with Shialor. She stretched up on her tiptoes to meet Shialor’s gaze, but Shialor towered over her.

"Tree woman," Aurianna snorted, leaving Shialor inwardly wounded.

Swiftly recovering her composure, Shialor thought, ’It’s just a dress, and an expensive one at that. Why is the princess so irritated?’

"So, what would you like to wear next time, princess? I’ll make it happen," Shialor offered.

"Could you get me a cute yellow dress from Luxe Enclave? Their new season’s puffy ones," Aurianna requested shyly, and Shialor nodded with a respectful bow.

"I’ll ensure it’s done today!" Shialor declared, and Aurianna beamed with satisfaction.

’Those cute dresses create the illusion of her being a kind princess, even though she’s far from it,’ Shialor thought as she escorted Aurianna.

_________

"Welcome, Princess Aurianna!" The guards greeted, offering a respectful bow as they swung open the doors to the throne room.

"Father, you summoned me?" Aurianna inquired icily, casting a cool gaze toward King Girsal.

"Aurianna, my dear, how have you been?" King Girsal asked, his smile unwavering, choosing to overlook her lack of courtesy.

"I’ve been well, thank you for asking," Aurianna replied coldly, executing a low curtsey. She couldn’t help but notice the striking changes in her father’s appearance. He appeared younger and more vibrant than his usual self, and his unsettling smile sent a shiver down her spine as she continued to scrutinize him.

Girsal donned a resplendent crimson robe, festooned with detailed decorations, and sported a golden crown bedecked with a multitude of jewels atop his head.

"Ever the disrespectful one, not even a courteous bow or a simple inquiry about your father’s well-being!" Iona exclaimed, her gaze locked in a scowl directed at Aurianna. Aurianna playfully retorted by sticking her tongue out, further fueling Iona’s irritation.

"Let’s not fuss over this, Iona; she’s still just a child," King Girsal waved his hand dismissively, resting it upon the armrest of his throne.

"I assumed you were well, Father, judging by your healthy complexion and demeanor," Aurianna shrugged as she studied him, prompting a hearty laugh from King Girsal, much to her confusion.

"My daughter, your wit is as sharp as ever and funny, ha, ha, ha, ha," King Girsal chuckled.

"I wouldn’t consider myself the funny type, Father," Aurianna replied bluntly, approaching them until she stood a few meters from the throne.

"Aurianna dear, won’t you greet your mother and give her a hug?" Queen Amber cooed, extending her arms invitingly. Aurianna declined with a raised hand.

"Looks like your daughter isn’t too fond of you," Ezra remarked with a chuckle as she stood beside King Girsal.

"She doesn’t dislike me! She’s just going through her rebellious phase!" Amber insisted with a pout.

"So, Father, if I may ask, why was I summoned here?" Aurianna inquired with curiosity.

"There’s someone who wishes to meet you," King Girsal revealed, and Gray stepped forward with a smile.

"Apostle Gray, allow me to introduce my daughter, Aurianna Vanluad," King Girsal announced.

’Someone from the church!’ Aurianna thought, recognizing the familiar symbol on Gray’s attire.

"So, this is the child. As I suspected, the dense aura of light magic within you is undeniable. How did you manage to conceal your magic, child?" Gray inquired, instantly appearing before Aurianna.

’This pressure,’ Aurianna thought, trembling uncontrollably as nervous sweat trickled down her face.

"Aurianna, don’t do anything rash," Eva’s voice echoed in her mind. "She’s a Grand Human!" Eva cautioned, and Aurianna bit her lip.

’Why would a Grand Human want to see me, and why does she appear so young?!!’ Aurianna’s mind raced with questions until Gray’s voice snapped her back to reality.

"Little girl?"

"It’s a pleasure to meet you... umm..."

"It’s Gray, Rank 2 of the Apostles of Paige!" Gray declared jubilantly.

’Rank 2, this is not good!’ Aurianna thought, her mind whirring with concern.

"Is it you who wishes to see me?" Aurianna inquired, her voice trembling with anxiety. Gray nodded in response.

"Indeed, would you consider becoming my disciple?" Gray cut to the chase with her question.

"Huh?" Aurianna gasped, utterly bewildered.

"Huh?" Queen Amber echoed, sharing in the confusion.

"Huh??!!!!" Shialor’s gasp was filled with shock at the unexpected proposition.

As Gray’s words fully registered, Aurianna’s eyes widened, and she frantically waved her hands. "That’s a bit much! How could a regular girl like me become a Grand Human’s disciple?"

"You possess immense talent and potential, qualities that could greatly benefit Paige’s Church," Gray explained calmly.

’This bald bitch. Such a frustrating old hag despite us meeting for the first time, I already despise her. Is this why she summoned me here? So vexing. So what if she’s a Grand Human, someone capable of single-handedly annihilating a High Land? I’d rather meet my demise again than be a dog for Paige,’ Aurianna thought inwardly, a wry smile playing on her lips.

"I’m afraid I’ll have to decline," Aurianna responded with a polite bow.

"Aurianna, are you out of your mind? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Ezra exclaimed, shocked and taken aback by Aurianna’s audacity in rejecting an offer from a Grand Human.

"I understand that, but I had planned to join the Church of War when I’m older," Aurianna explained, her eyes gleaming with determination.

"Why’s that?" Gray inquired, clearly irked by her response.

’She seems irritated. Did I say something wrong?’ Aurianna wondered, noticing Gray’s pursed lips.

"The Church of War is in conflict with Paige’s Church," Eva revealed, and Aurianna died inwardly hearing her words.

’Oh, fucking hell,’ Aurianna cursed silently.

"I wanted to join the Church of War because... because the God of War is depicted as a handsome figure. I came across some illustrations in the library, and I’m just charmed by muscular, and strong men. I can’t resist a well-built physique," Aurianna declared dramatically, her eyes eyessparkling.

"You do realize the God of War is a woman, right?" Gray stated, crossing her arms and leaning forward.

"You’re lie!!!" Aurianna exclaimed, her eyes wide and her expression a mix of shock and disbelief.

"I assure you, it’s true," Gray replied bluntly.

"But his name is Jagon?"

"Most humans assume she’s male due to her rough demeanor," Gray sighed, shaking her head.

Aurianna stared at Gray with a dumbfounded expression before clicking her tongue and pulling an unattractive disappointed face. "Well, in that case, I won’t join that church either. I’d rather opt for the Church of Light instead!" Aurianna proclaimed.

"Do you have an issue with female goddesses?" Gray raised an eyebrow, questioning her further.

"Yes, I only want a male god – someone sexy, beautiful, handsome, and with some serious muscles. Why waste time gazing at a woman when there’s a good-looking man to feast your eyes upon? There’s just something mesmerizing about a well-built guy," Aurianna blurted out, sporting a contented expression.

"Why’s everyone staring at me? I swear I didn’t teach her that," Amber wondered aloud, noticing Ezra and Iona exchange perplexed glances.

"Well, you are her mother," Ezra pointed out matter-of-factly.

"Pa, pa, pa, pa, pa!!" Gray burst into laughter at Aurianna’s unabashed declaration.

’Another one with a peculiar laugh from a weird individual,’ Aurianna thought, her brow furrowing in response.

"Coming from you, that’s quite the statement," Eva remarked, rolling her eyes at Aurianna.

"You’re quite the character, you know?" Gray observed.

"Well, I am cute and adorable," Aurianna proclaimed proudly, placing her hands on her waist and puffing up her chest.

"You certainly are, though it’s a shame you want to go the Church of Light. I can’t force you to join my church – faith doesn’t work that way. Just remember, you’ll always have a place at the Church of Paige," Gray said with a contented smile.

"Thanks," Aurianna replied, returning the smile.

"Oh, by the way, does everyone here know you’re around level 300 or 400?" Gray asked, a mischievous grin lighting up her face. Aurianna leaped a few meters back, her eyes wide with surprise and anxiety as she stared at Gray.

"Eva," Aurianna called out.

"I’ve been clearly hiding your level! I have no idea how she found out," Eva complained, her frown evident as she materialized beside Aurianna and scrutinized Gray.

"You’re probably wondering how I knew, right? Well, that means I hit the nail on the head!" Gray chimed in.

"Says who?!" Aurianna retorted.

"I say so, because I know I am right," Gray asserted confidently. "Your muscular structure gives it away. Despite your outward appearance, when I look at your bone structure, it’s literally leaking magic."

"Looking at my bones?" Aurianna mumbled, thoroughly perplexed.

"It’s strange, but I have the ability to see through people’s bodies," Gray admitted with a light chuckle.

"Do you...," Aurianna began, raising an eyebrow at Gray.

"I don’t," Gray interjected swiftly.

"If you say so," Aurianna shrugged nonchalantly.

"Gray, are you serious? Is she really at level 400?" King Girsal inquired with a nervous smile. ’I knew the girl was strong, but this strong?’ he pondered.

"I can’t say for certain, but it seems that way. When I touch her muscles, they feel incredibly powerful," Gray explained as she approached Aurianna and gently touched her arm.

Aurianna swiftly swatted Gray’s hands away, a stern look on her face. "Why are you touching me without my consent?" she demanded, her voice firm.

"Yeah, your muscles have the look of someone who’s trained for years," Gray confirmed, placing her hand on Aurianna’s back.

"Do you mind shedding some light on how you’ve achieved this?" Gray inched closer to Aurianna’s face, her curiosity piqued.

"I’m just a bit of a genius, and there are dungeons all over the place that I use for training," Aurianna replied, attempting to offer an explanation for her high level.

"Some few dungeon battles wouldn’t be enough to bring you to this level," Gray remarked with a smile, pinching Aurianna’s cheeks.

"Unless, of course, you’re from another world?" Gray probed while holding Aurianna’s face firmly.

"That’s preposterous!" Queen Amber erupted from her throne, her body trembling with emotion.

"So many secrets swirling around here," Gray sighed.

"Why don’t we start with you, my dear?" Gray’s unsettling grin returned. "We shouldn’t lie in front of the goddess’s people, you know?"

"So what are you?" Gray’s fingers grazed Aurianna’s neck, sending a sharp sensation coursing through her.

"I’m human!" Aurianna declared fervently, locking eyes with Gray. "Why would you even question my race?"

"Because there are only three explanations for your level," Gray stated as she withdrew her hands from Aurianna’s neck. "First, you could be a demon in disguise, but based on your soul, that seems highly improbable. Second, you might be from another world, but I just confirmed that’s not the case. Third, you could be an absolute prodigy, blessed by the High God!"