Chapter 85: The Jabberwocky Messenger and the Church’s Shadows

“I see,” Alice Liddell agreed with a nod.

“Of course, I’m not entirely without ulterior motives. After all… the branch manager he killed was a friend of mine for many years,” Mad Hatter said, his eyes suddenly narrowing.

“I understand. I’ll continue with the divination,” Alice Liddell nodded, then realized a problem. “But what if I finally succeed in divining a result, and I can’t inform you in time?”

“No worries, you can take my ‘messenger’!” Mad Hatter smiled, wiggling a finger.

Dark smoke billowed forth as he stirred his finger. When the smoke cleared, a small monster appeared, flying towards Alice Liddell.

Alice Liddell instinctively reached out and caught it, examining it closely.

The creature possessed bat-like wings and a slender, snake-like body, no thicker than a finger. Its head was merely a skull, with an eerie glow flickering within its eye sockets.

The moment Alice Liddell caught it, it curled up and fell into a deep slumber.

“This is…” Alice Liddell recognized the monster before her and exclaimed in surprise, “A Jabberwocky bird?”

This monster was identical to the strange bird that had flown out of the Abyss Gate in the promotion illusion that day, only significantly smaller.

“The Jabberwocky bird is a messenger of the Abyssal Will. Fourth-tier ‘Abyssal Lords’ can summon them to deliver messages or transmit contracts. You can keep it in your pocket, asleep, and awaken it when needed to send a message. It will immediately fly back to me; it’s very useful,” Mad Hatter explained. “The only problem is you absolutely mustn’t let anyone from the Church see it, otherwise…”

“It’s the stake warning again, isn’t it?” Alice Liddell chuckled helplessly.

“Hehe, as a witch and an Abyssal cultist, you’re about to be in the Church’s heartland. You’ll be constantly threatened by the stake every day from now on. Be careful, my friend,” Mad Hatter said casually, his joking tone conveying words that sent shivers down Alice Liddell’s spine.

“Don’t always say such frightening things,” Alice Liddell sighed, tucking the miniature Jabberwocky bird into her wallet.

“Frightening? Heh, the Church’s control is probably more terrifying than you imagine, and the dangers you’ll face are even more horrific than you think… Speaking of which, there are some things I believe I should warn you about sooner rather than later,” Mad Hatter said.

“What are they?”

“The Sacred Hall Academy is the Church’s base for cultivating the blessed. While there, you will inevitably come into contact with related information. But please remember, no matter where you are, you must never use the term ‘Path.’ Only ‘Class’ is acceptable, and you absolutely cannot discuss any Paths other than ‘Bishop,’ ‘Paladin,’ or ‘Mage,’” Mad Hatter stated seriously.

“Someone has already told me about this,” Alice Liddell nodded.

Duchess Liddell had specifically warned her about this before she even set off for the Imperial City:

“’Path’ actually has a special meaning because Paths have a beginning and an end. The beginning of every Path is a mortal, but the end is the unique Crowned Divine Rank. In other words, only those who know and believe in the secret of mortals becoming gods would use ‘Path’ to name the blessed’s route. However, the idea of mortals becoming gods, within the monotheistic Sacred Church of Salvation, is considered blasphemy against the Supreme God.

“Therefore, you can only discuss the blessed using the term ‘Class.’ Furthermore, you should avoid mentioning anything about mid-tier or divine-tier matters. That is not information a mere student should know. To play your role well, you must appropriately feign ignorance.”

After hearing Alice Liddell’s reply, Mad Hatter smiled. “Very good. Then let me add one more thing. At the Sacred Hall Academy, try to avoid contact with the ‘Bishop’ Class as much as possible.”

“Does that mean… you want me not to attempt to advance to ‘Bishop,’ or to avoid blessed individuals of the ‘Bishop’ Class?” Alice Liddell tried to confirm.

“It means both!” Mad Hatter held up two fingers. “First, you must have heard of the concept of ‘incompatible Paths,’ right?”

“I have. ‘Witch’ and ‘Warrior’ are incompatible,” Alice Liddell nodded.

Duchess Liddell had also told her that a Path, or Class, would always have another Path whose source of power was completely opposite to it. These two Paths were incompatible. If the same person chose one, the other Path would be closed off to them.

For instance, the essence of the ‘Witch’ Path is a feminine concept; the Goddess of Fate wields the authority of destiny and mystery, representing powers difficult to control from within oneself.

Conversely, the ‘Warrior’ Class, mastered by the barbarians of the Northern Lands, has its essence in a masculine concept. Its Crowned Divine Rank, the God of War, holds the authority of combat and intrinsic power. While not as compulsory as the ‘Witch’ Class, there are instances of female blessed individuals in this Class transforming into males.

“Precisely. In fact, the ‘Abyss’ Path, or ‘Warlock’ Class, is also opposite to ‘Bishop.’ The essence of ‘Abyss’ is freedom and chaos, while the essence of ‘Bishop’ is authority and order. Therefore, having already entered the ‘Abyss’ Path, you cannot become a ‘Bishop.’ The moment you attempt a ‘Bishop’ promotion, you will immediately be exposed due to the failed advancement,” Mad Hatter said, pointing at Alice Liddell.

“Indeed.” Alice Liddell was not surprised by this; in fact, Duchess Liddell had long suspected these two Paths were opposing. “Please rest assured, I also have no intention of entering the ivory tower of the Sacred Hall Academy. To become a blessed individual sanctioned by the Church, one must undergo an even stricter review. I won’t do something so foolish as to fly into the flames.”

“That’s good. However, in that academy, you will inevitably have the possibility of encountering mid-tier ‘Bishops.’ You must be extra careful around ‘Bishops’ above the fifth tier. You’ve already experienced Dormouse’s power of mental scrutiny, which is the ability of a Bishop’s fifth-tier ‘Inquisitor.’

“Of course, fifth-tier powerhouses are generally provincial archbishops or vice-directors of Church organizations, so they’re not easy to meet. This ability also only works if the other party suspects you and actively uses it on you. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry. After all, you are a witch transformed from a male; if they use it on you even once, they’ll understand you’re a heretic,” Mad Hatter said slowly, staring at Alice Liddell. “If your precognitive ability senses danger from any Church-related individual, then that person is most likely a ‘Bishop’ of ‘Inquisitor’ rank or higher. Remember this.”

“This actually makes me want to back out a bit. I can already see the stake waving at me,” Alice Liddell said with a wry smile, once again deeply realizing the arduousness of her mission.

Duchess Liddell’s and Mad Hatter’s repeated warnings revealed the sinister side of the Sacred Church of Salvation, and these were merely the tip of the iceberg.

Mad Hatter’s expression turned serious. “Speaking of which, I actually have a question for you, Brother Levi.”

“Please ask,” Alice Liddell nodded.

“I want to know, what exactly is your purpose in choosing to help the witch faction, and why did you choose to join the Tea Party and the Abyssal Cult?” Mad Hatter asked, looking into Alice Liddell’s eyes.