Chapter 35: Under the Surface, Currents Stir

The Holy Capital, Ancient Babylon, lies at the very center of the Western Continent.

It is the most magnificent city on the continent, with every building adorned in mithril and gold.

Even the most devout believers, who would spend all their wealth without hesitation, often fail to secure even a small place to live within that vast capital.

The lord of the Holy Capital, Ravel Martin, is already over one hundred and fifty years old.

In addition to being a Cardinal Archbishop, he is also a Titled Knight, holding authority over everything within the city.

Ravel Martin’s grandfather is none other than the current Pope.

He is one of the few individuals who wield the greatest power across the entire Star Continent.

At this moment, within the largest cathedral of the Holy Capital, Pope George Martin sat upon the sacred throne beneath the statue of the Chief God Chaos.

A golden crown inlaid with seven-colored crystal stones rested upon his head.

In his hand, he held an ancient golden scepter.

His expression was solemn as he looked down upon the densely gathered highest-ranking members of the Holy Church below.

There were more than forty people present.

Among them were the three Saintesses, Cardinal Archbishops, Titled Knights, and Red-Robed Bishops.

Even the Radiant Knights and regional archbishops were not qualified to attend this gathering.

“Our Lord… is deeply disappointed.”

After a long silence, Pope George finally spoke.

His voice was not loud, yet it rang clearly in everyone’s ears.

The dignity and authority within it forced those below to lower their heads unconsciously.

“We have failed in our duties and have shamed the glory of Our Lord.”

“Please grant us guidance, Our Lord.

We are willing to go forth and slay the Witch.”

Nearly twenty days had passed since the Green City incident.

Despite a continent-wide manhunt across the Western Continent, there was not the slightest trace of the Evil Witch Alice.

It was as if she had vanished from the world entirely.

Among those present, aside from the Flower Saintess Seviyara and several Cardinal Archbishops, everyone else raised their heads, gazing at Pope George with fervent eyes.

Pope George’s expression did not change.

His gaze, however, burned like fire as he struck the ground heavily with the supreme scepter in his hand.

Boom—

A sound like the tolling of a great bell echoed throughout the cathedral.

Layers of faint golden light spread outward, filling every corner of the hall.

The air within the cathedral suddenly twisted, and a blurred image appeared in midair.

It was a city—not particularly large.

The streets were crowded with people.

Humans, demi-humans, and demons interacted harmoniously, their expressions and tones showing not the slightest hint of hostility.

Upon seeing this scene, everyone present lowered their heads instinctively.

In contrast, the Flower Saintess Seviyara—who had not raised her head earlier—lifted her beautiful face.

An unusual light flickered in her eyes.

The flowers adorning her pale purple hair bloomed even more brilliantly.

“Our Lord’s guidance reveals that the sinful Witch is in Caledonia City.

Who is willing to go?”

“The Sword Saintess Eve is willing to go.

With the sword in my hand, I shall slay the Witch and cleanse the shame brought upon us!”

“The Flower Saintess Seviyara is willing to go.

With the holy relic, the Feather of Purity, I shall purify the Witch and let Our Lord’s radiance shine upon Caledonia City.”

Aside from the two Saintesses, none of the Titled Knights or bishops below spoke a word.

Pope George did not erupt in anger.

He merely gazed at the bishops and knights who dared not lift their heads.

The Holy Church has deep ties with Caledonia City.

Three hundred years ago, the former Pope, David Martin, personally led four Red-Robed Bishops and two Cardinal Archbishops there.

They intended to annihilate the newly established Caledonia Academy with overwhelming force.

Yet seven days later, the old Pope returned alone to the Holy Capital.

He announced that a non-aggression pact had been signed with Caledonia.

By divine decree, the Holy Church was forbidden from launching a crusade against Caledonia Academy for a thousand years.

He then passed the position of Pope to the current Pope, George Martin.

Five days later, he passed away—

without even holding the traditional papal funeral rites.

Those present did not know what level of existence resided within Caledonia.

But at the very least, three hundred years ago, Pope David Martin—who had one foot already stepping into the Immortal Tier—had suffered a crushing defeat.

“Flower Saintess Seviyara, you are not suitable for this expedition.”

The Pope’s words, heavy with authority, allowed no argument.

Seviyara pressed her lips together, lowering her head without concealing her disappointment.

Flower Saintess Seviyara was one of the very few people who dared to show genuine emotion in front of the current Pope, George Martin.

“Sword Saintess Eve, Our Lord has sensed your devotion.

Our Lord shall guide you in slaying the Witch.”

“Additionally, retrieve the holy relic—the Sacred Ring of Heavenly Punishment—

and return it to the one who was meant to be chosen.”

Sword Saintess Eve knelt on one knee, her expression solemn.

“I shall not disgrace the glory of Our Lord.”

Pope George nodded in satisfaction, then let his gaze settle upon the figure standing at the back of the hall—

the Night Knight, Hesper Gladys.

“With the oracle left by the former Pope, combat within Caledonia City is inadvisable.

Night Knight Hesper shall accompany the Saintess and assist Eve from the shadows in completing the assassination of the Witch.”

Hesper Gladys froze for a brief moment upon hearing the Pope’s call.

He quickly knelt on one knee and bowed his head.

“I shall not disgrace the glory of Our Lord.”

The Night Knight’s greatest fear had finally come to pass.

Though he was unwilling beyond measure, he had no choice but to accept it.

Twenty days ago, the beam of light that had illuminated the entire Western Continent—

he had seen it.

He had felt the energy fluctuations within it.

That power was far beyond what a Saint Tier could produce.

It had likely reached the legendary Immortal Tier—also known as the Catastrophe Tier.

With his strength at the peak of lower Saint Tier, even though he had slain monsters above his level many times,

he still believed this mission was tantamount to suicide.

In fact, even if he were to face Alice at her peak thirty years ago,

he did not believe he could kill her.

He cast a subtle glance at the Sword Saintess before him, contempt flickering in his eyes.

A peak Heaven Tier, daring to take on such a task without even wielding the Sacred Ring of Heavenly Punishment—

utterly suicidal.

If at least the Flower Saintess were going as well…

“The Witch’s divine power has already been reclaimed by Our Lord.

At present, she has fallen to the Demon King Tier—

this is her weakest moment.”

“Our Lord will not permit the same mistake to be made again.”

The Pope seemed to see straight through Hesper’s thoughts, causing cold sweat to bead on his forehead.

He understood clearly.

His rise to prominence and thirty years of glory had all come from the claim of having slain Alice.

But now that Alice was not dead, the responsibility for that mistake could only fall upon him alone.

If Alice did not die—

then he would.

However, if Alice had not reached the legendary Catastrophe Tier,

then there was still a chance for him to kill her.

So that was it.

The Sword Saintess was merely bait, sent by the Pope to draw Alice’s attention.

He himself was the true key to killing Alice.

Having grasped the Pope’s intent, Night Knight Hesper spoke in a deep voice.

“My mistake shall be ended by my own hands.

I will not fail Our Lord’s glory!”

Just like last time—

this time, he would use every means possible to kill Alice.

The position of Red-Robed Bishop…

even Cardinal Archbishop…

With his head lowered deeply, the face hidden in shadow was filled with ruthless resolve.

At last, Pope George nodded in satisfaction.

“The thousand-year pact has not yet ended.

This operation must remain secret.

Our Lord does not permit any information to be leaked.”

“I shall now listen to Our Lord’s will.

You may all withdraw.”

……