Nannia has always been a hard worker, some could even say, she had shown more care to those children than Mother Superior.
The fact that the Goddess gave Mother Superior such a level of authority than someone who had shown genuine care and love had always been a question they were always afraid to ask. Then again, who are they to question a God of her decisions?
"Such a bold statement. Are you planning to become a heretic? You understand that abandoning your post means you forsake your oath and beliefs"
"What nonsense do you speak of? I will be giving my care to a child in need"
"A child who will be turning into an adult when the hand hits 12."
Mother Superior shaking her head as if showing care and worry.
"And you know the Taboo rule in the heavenly book, written by the Gods. 'Ye shall have one God and one God only, a change of faith warrants forfeit of life. The smite, by judgement of the King of Gods"
The heavenly book. A book that sits in the center most position in each Kingdom library, to allow every human a chance to learn the decrees and commandments laid by the Gods. Every book is rumoured to be a projection of the true heavenly book. Legends say when the book fell from the firmament. The heavens sang and the silhouette of the of Gods could been seen in the sky for seven days and seven nights under the light of the light of the mood,
"Ok, Don't let me be your captor, you are free to go"
While this was going on. Mike was on his makeshift wheel chair sitting facing the sun as he always does each and every day. An uneventful life, full of darkness and Silence.
The boy who has been forsaken by the Gods and Cursed by the devil, they always call him. When Nannia brought him to the orphanage, many Nuns even threatened to leave and work for other orphanages. It was till Nannia pleaded that she alone shall take care of him that they finally agreed to continue.
One thing that has always bothered people about this boy is how he is still in his situation in a world that is practically a bleeding miracle. No ailments, no accidental death or any deformity whatsoever. So how come, in this world where it is easier to find a needle in the ocean than it is to get sick. How is his situation the way it is?
Has no God ever tried to make contact, Is the boy also spiritually blocked that it is hard to receive a visit from a higher being. What could have happened in his past life to warrant such punishment from the heavens?
All these questions only brought one answer. This boy is a heretic who ignored the calling of the gods, so now he is forsaken. Now that he is becoming of age. He shall feel the wrath of the Gods.
What people don't know is that, what the boy is larking in physicality, is very much in spirituality. He has a strong soul and a stronger mind. Everything that had happened around him, he was able to see and what the Gods were up to, he always had the front row sit.
But in all this darkness worked control by fear and weak minds. One has always been his beak of light, never shying away to show him warms despite his challenging situation. Sister Nannia has proven to have become the beacon of light that tether his sanity in this hippocratic world full of performative species.
And yes, Gods have come to him, seeking his devotion to them in exchange for their helping hand. Mike could see their lust for his power, they were practically drooling when they peeped at his soul strength. Or was it something else? Anyways it didn't matter.
From what it seems,devotion from him will without a doubt become a delectable dish for them. Even Old Gods who are worshipped by the royals and Nobles came, promising power and status.
As time went, desperation turned into resentment. Now those Gods are waiting for him to turn 16, then they could finally smite him and turn him into history.
"Mike what's on your mind"
Suddenly a voice came, of course Mike has long known who is the owner of this Voice. Nannia, Mike had long since thought her as his mother figure, the only person responsible for his sanity.
Seeing Mike quite as always, all Nannia could do is smile.
'I was young when I was introduced to faith I knew nothing about, before I knew it, my life was devoted to a God I had never seen. But you are different'
"Mike tonight you will be turning 16, so I thought I would take you out and let you experience a change in scenery, You must be tired of always being at this spot everyday for the past years"
For the first time, Nannia told a lie to Mike. Mike already knew the truth. His consciousness can reach the whole a radius of 2 km after all. So of course he was listening to what was happening.
Nannia took his silence as an agreement. With all her belongings in a single bag and the little mike had fitted in there as well. She put her hand on the makeshirt wheelchair, without turning her head back, she went straight to the exit.
Watching all this unfold from multiple places, the nuns could only hang their heads in shame. Who are they to go against Mother Superior, To go against the wishes of the Goddess herself.
While some were saddened by the sudden event. Some were in high spirits. With Nannia gone, her spot was open, with how Nannia was dedicated to her post, they never had any thought of one day occupying that spot.
With it, they will gain extra blessings from the goddess herself, their lives might turn a bit better. Hell if they become more dedicated, they might become one of the goddess's chosen and be free from this world's laws.
Mother Superior was just watching from her window. No emotions on her face as if this had nothing to do with her,
The moment Mike and Nannia went out from the orphanage, so much heavenly energy came screaming at Mike's senses.
They just got out from a place blessed by the protection from the Goddess so no enemy was able to probe what was going on in there, but now, those with enough spiritual energy and curiosity to go with it couldn't help but send waves upon waves of probing.
They have heard of the rumours of the crippled boy, but to actually see it before their eyes was beyond what words could describe.
Nannia was watching this unfold, but with how much soul energy was used, she couldn't shield against all of them.
The once quiet street was now filled with onlookers. A flood of people waiting for their turn to take a peek at the anomaly.
"Hey, isn't that?"
"It appears to be, I thought it was just misinformation"
"Well you are not alone in thinking that"
As she passed by, Nannia heard all the things said in a hushed tone. Just as she was about to get passed a group of men who just came from a drinking spot, she had a hand put on her shoulder.
"Sister, I understand that Goddess Raia protects all children with love and devotion. But… I have a hard time believing she is also protecting that thing"
The man spoke, narrow eyes trained on Mike.
"Kind sir, I would like to ask you to take your hand off me, I am a woman of the cloth and any hand on my body is a clear violation of my beliefs"
Without even turning her head, Nannia warned the drunkard.
Feeling the courage given to him by liquid courage, The man doubled down.
"I am pretty sure the Goddess and Gods would overlook just this once as I speak the truth"
Taking another sip from the contents of the bottle, he continued.
"Just look at him, a monster in human skin, a disgrace to our species and beliefs, what if he is just another demon in disguise? They are good and deceiving and playing with our perception. This just must be another case"
The words of the drunk man appear as though they held a hefty amount of weight as they agitated the mass. Nannia could feel the shift in the atmosphere and the once curious people subconsciously took a step back
The atrocities performed by the demons had long planted a seed of fear in their hearts. Some of them were unfortunate to witness how Demons operate.
"I warn you, do not say things you are not sure about, you just might be judged by the very Gods you have put yourself as their mouthpiece"
"I see you are still trying to deny it. Are you by any chance one of those vile witches who live in the dark forest. Is this one of your monsters?