The conversion pool steamed like a hot spring. Mist rose slowly. Some condensed on leaves, turned to droplets, and fell back. The rest drifted through the room, blurring my vision.

All this liquid was condensed Divine Power.

Father Sir and Bishop Corlmo hadn’t followed us in. Only Bishop Farina conducted the ritual. I could guess why.

Bishop Farina walked slowly to the pool’s edge. She held a short staff. As she waved it, gold and silver lines traced the floor tiles. After circling the pool once, a circular magic array surrounded it. She sighed in relief and turned to us.

“Alright, the rest is simple. I assume you know what to do. Just strip down and enter the pool. I’ll handle the rest. No changing rooms—guys left, girls right.”

Uh, I didn’t actually know. But she’d been clear: undress and get in. Sweat. The problem was ten girls watching me strip.

Some academy boys headed left. I followed. The girls steeled themselves and walked right. Their faces flushed slightly.

Right—they’d expected this and prepared mentally. Still, they couldn’t fully relax. They stood hesitating, slowly removing shoes, coats, necklaces.

“Ugh, stop dawdling! Jump in—the water hides you. Those boys’ll be naked soon too. And you guys, hurry! I’ve run this ritual for years. I’ve seen all kinds of men. Think I’d take advantage?”

She still called herself “old lady”? Anyway, her words worked. We finally started moving.

I couldn’t help sneaking glances. So did the guys beside me. One tree blocked little. The girls’ graceful figures drew my eyes.

Most were noble or wealthy daughters, well-bred since childhood. Even undressing, they moved elegantly. Shyness made them slightly awkward, which only added allure.

The undressed girls rushed into the pool. Pale skin, curvy figures. Hazy mist and their covering gestures created a beauty half-hidden, like a lute behind a veil.

Though I often met girls, as a lowly Holy Cleric, I guarded my chastity. This sight made my blood boil. My face must’ve matched the girls’ redness.

Mistflower beside me fared worse. Raised in a simple village, these girls outshone anyone he’d seen. His face burned crimson, eyes spinning. He looked ready to nosebleed and collapse.

I pulled him toward the pool. Unlike the eager girls, the boys hesitated, fearing the coming change. Then Mistflower calmed. He stepped in decisively—his resolve unshaken since home. I followed slowly.

Once everyone was in place, Bishop Farina began. She chanted divine words like a hymn. The magic array glowed brighter with her song.

I grew drowsy and closed my eyes.

When I came to, I stood in a bright hall. I reached to touch my head, checking if I was awake.

“!!!”

I didn’t see my familiar hand. Instead, limbs of pure light. I looked down—my whole body glowed.

“Don’t panic. This is normal. You’re not fully formed yet.”

I followed the voice. In the hall’s center stood a golden throne. Rivers and mountains were carved on it, all pointing to a huge sun above the seat. On it sat a burly, bearded man, casually tapping the armrest. Though rugged, he seemed kind, approachable.

This was my first time seeing him in person. Though I’d seen him countless times in scriptures, murals, and statues—the one I admired most.

“May Your radiance shine upon the world. Your faithful follower, Walde Lefur, greets You, great Breath of the Sun, Lord Deseri.” I knelt immediately. Infinite excitement surged in me. Meeting a god was an honor I’d never dreamed of.

“Rise. Since you’re reborn as my Divine Envoy, I meet each one. But you’re special. Are you Pol’s boy?”

“Yes, Father Sir sent me. I’m deeply honored!”

“Enough flattery. You have faith, but it’s forced.” My little cleverness couldn’t fool divine eyes. The Breath of the Sun watched me, then smiled. “As Pol’s child, I’ll look after you. But compared to your old man, you fall short.”

“Father Sir is infinitely stronger. I could never compare to him.”

“Forget it. Acting like this makes you less like him. Since you’re here, I’ll give you a gift.”

A Collar snapped onto my neck. A red gem, carved like a sun, sat on its front. It felt uncomfortable, but I dared not touch it before a god.

“Now, as my Divine Envoy, you’ll sever bloodline ties. You’ll get a new body. After this, you’ll only have a bond of duty with your family. So I’ll give you a new Envoy name. This becomes your true name. Even in magic contracts, only this name holds power.”

“Lord Deseri, must I change my name?”

“Not necessarily. Girls usually keep their first names, dropping surnames. Boys often get new names. But some keep theirs. Like this batch’s Mistflower—I thought his name suited a girl fine, so I kept it.”

I thought carefully. Though it pained me to betray my parents’ naming, I was reborn to change identities. “I’ve decided, Lord Deseri. Please grant me a new Envoy name.”

“Good. I see you don’t wish to cut clan ties. Some keep their family name. You’re of the Lefur family—they’ve served me for generations. From now on, you’ll be Lefur. May you bring more glory to the Lefur name.”

He waved his hand. Countless divine characters surrounded me. They turned into feathers, attaching to my body. I fell asleep again.

When I woke, I was back in the pool. Drowsy, I felt something hard against the edge. I reached—it was a soft feather.

I opened my eyes and turned. Before me were pure, flawless wings.