A week passed after Lara's recovery. The village calmed, but whispers about Adam did not fade. People used the title Light-Blessed without hesitation. Ernand tried to keep the stories grounded, yet the tales traveled beyond Angkara.
By the next day, a merchant stopped by Angkara. He delivered salt, grain, and cloth. He also carried news from the region. He said a rumor had reached the Church of Lunar, a major faith in the region. He said the priests heard about a man who healed without mana and spoke about a single Creator.
The Church was known in the region. Their temples stood in towns and large villages. People respected them because they kept records, maintained order, and settled disputes. They taught about the Great Lunar Light that blessed the world. They guided festivals and marked seasons. They also monitored magic use. They did not harm villagers, but they were strict. Their decisions carried weight.
One afternoon, a group of riders appeared on the dirt road. Their cloaks were pale silver. A crescent emblem hung on each of their chests. The villagers recognized it at once. They belonged to the Church of Lunar.
They did not enter the village with hostility. They moved with calm order. Still, their presence changed the air. People stepped back and watched from their doorways.
The leader, a middle-aged priest named Akhtar, asked for Ernand. His tone stayed polite but firm.
"We seek the man called Adam."
Ernand's face tightened. "Reason?"
"Reports of light. A healing without mana. We must verify."
Ernand led them toward Lorna's house. Adam was helping Lara stack firewood. When he saw the priests, he sensed the purpose of their visit. He wiped his hands and stood straight.
Akhtar studied him for a long moment. "You healed a child with light."
Adam shook his head. "I pray… Light… not me…"
Another priest stepped forward. She looked younger and more curious. "Your light carried no Mana trace. This troubles some and interest others."
Ernand stayed beside Adam as support. Lorna watched from her doorway.
Akhtar continued. "The Church requests your presence. We will ask about your faith and this light you use."
Adam hesitated. He did not want conflict. He also knew refusing might bring trouble to the village.
He nodded. "I go. Peaceful."
The priests led him to the village hall. They allowed Ernand to accompany him. Lorna stayed outside with Lara.
Inside, the clergy formed a circle around him. A plain table separated them. No restraints. No raised voices. Yet the tension remained clear.
Akhtar began. "We honor the Light that governs night. Our teachings say all light flows from the Lunar Source. Do you claim your power comes from this Light?"
Adam spoke slowly to avoid mistakes. "I claim… nothing mine… I pray… Answer… from God… The One who created all lights…"
The room stiffened.
A priest on the right frowned. "One? Above Lunar Light?"
Adam nodded once. "Above all…"
Silence filled the room. The priests stared at him. The idea was not strange to them, but his tone raised questions. Their doctrine taught that the Lunar Light guided the world. They believed all lesser lights came from the Great Source. They used rituals to channel it. They taught that magic flowed from lunar blessings.
One priest then whispered, "Heretic teaching…"
The younger priest from earlier raised her hand. "Or an Apostle... His light calmed a dying child… No surge... No disruption..."
Akhtar watched Adam with sharp focus. "Do you claim Prophecy?"
Adam shook his head firmly. "No… Only pray..."
The debate among the clergy grew quiet but intense. They disagreed on meaning. Some feared him. Some admired him. None understood him.
Akhtar leaned forward. "Your light does not match any known doctrine. It does not resemble mana. It does not follow Lunar rites. This makes you a mystery. Mysteries can threaten stability."
Adam met his eyes. "I want peace. I help who need help. That is all."
The priest who called him a heretic stood. "If his teaching spreads, it will challenge the Church."
The younger priest countered. "If we reject him without cause, we risk ignoring a sign from the heavens."
Ernand kept his voice steady. "He wants no followers."
Akhtar tapped the table. "We will not judge now. We will observe. You may stay in this village, but you must answer if the Church summons you again."
Adam bowed his head. "I answer. With respect."
Before leaving, Akhtar gave a final warning. "Do not spread doctrine. Do not gather believers. Help the sick if you choose, but no sermons."
Adam agreed. "I do not teach. I only pray."
The priests gathered their belongings. They exited the hall. The villagers watched them leave. None of the priests smiled. None stayed to speak with the people. They mounted their horses and rode away with controlled speed.
Ernand placed a hand on Adam's shoulder. "You answer well," he said. "Clear. No lie."
Adam exhaled slowly. "I only speak truth."
Lorna walked to him with Lara behind her. She looked relieved. "They let you stay," she said.
Adam nodded. "Yes."
But he knew something changed.
The Church did not act openly. They rarely accused without proof. Yet they never ignored unusual events. Adam understood that his life would no longer be quiet. He also knew he could not hide. The villagers already trusted him. The priests already watched him.
That night, Adam sat outside Lorna's house. The moon was bright. The air felt cold. Ernand joined him for a moment.
"This world will ask more from you," Ernand said. "Be steady."
Adam nodded. "I try."
He recited a prayer under his breath. He asked for patience. He asked for guidance. He asked for strength to handle what would come.
Angkara Village slept peacefully. But Adam understood his path would no longer be simple. The priests had seen him. Rumors would spread further. Eyes would turn toward him.
The world was beginning to respond again. And Adam knew the next change would not be small.