9. “No Need to Be So Troublesome”
In the dead silence, Albert’s furious voice broke through:
“Nonsense!”
He glared at the white-bearded bishop who had been sitting next to Reina and asked:
“Where did Bishop Lei go?”
“Lord Albert, I don’t know…”
“Didn’t I tell you to watch her? You useless thing!”
Albert suddenly flashed in front of the bishop, his nearly ninety-year-old body radiating with the vigor of his youth, his combat power undiminished. He swung a fist wreathed in golden light at the old bishop’s face. With a sickening twist, the old bishop spun like a rubber band and flew backward, crashing into the wall behind him.
“Hmph!”
The day to subjugate the Shadow of God was approaching. Let’s see how long that Bishop Lei can last.
Albert retracted his fist, his mood seemingly much improved.
“I’d like to see how long that Saintess can hold out.”
Just then, a voice asked, “Lord Albert, what if the Saintess asks for help…”
Albert smiled confidently:
“Don’t worry, if we insist on her death, no one can stop us!”
“Do you know what it means to kill with a borrowed knife? Hehe…”
“No need to be so troublesome.”
At that moment, a figure appeared at the main entrance of the church. It was clearly a nun.
Everyone looked towards the door.
Unlike a normal nun, she had dark golden pupils, bat-like wings, and a heart-shaped tail, her entire body exuding a black miasma. Only her sexy, alluring figure still hinted at her past as a human.
She was a succubus!
And there was more than one!
In front of the door stood countless priests and nuns, all of whom also bore the characteristics of succubi.
Behind the crowd of succubi was Bishop Lei, looking down at the Holy Knights with contempt.
“No need to be so troublesome. Please, all of you, die here.”
A murderous glint appeared in Ann’s eyes.
…
Two hours later.
Reina, following the instructions left by the Saintess, arrived at a deserted residential area in the ruins of the theocratic nation—this had once been the most prosperous street in the main city, with countless wondrous sights. But now, the landmark of the entire main city, the statue of the Goddess of Light, was broken in half, its dilapidated upper body having fallen and rolled on the ground amidst the ruins.
For some reason, Reina shivered upon seeing the pitiful statue of the Goddess of Light.
The Saintess stood on the path leading to the statue’s square, her eyes closed, seemingly having waited for a long time. Seeing Reina’s arrival, she immediately stood up. After a brief greeting, the two walked deeper into the main city.
She led Reina to the base of the Goddess of Light statue. Suddenly, a golden magic circle appeared at her feet, and the mechanisms inside the statue began to operate. With the sound of grinding stones, the base shifted, revealing a hidden passage leading underground.
Entering the hidden passage, the two walked through a narrow corridor and arrived at a cramped room.
As they entered, a wave of damp air washed over them. The moss on the walls shimmered with an emerald light under the glow of the light attribute magic in the Saintess’s hand. The ceiling was severely cracked, revealing the red stone bricks beneath, a few drops of water seeping through.
The Saintess looked at Reina with a heavy expression.
“Miss Lei…”
“Is something the matter, Miss Saintess?”
Reina tilted her head.
The Saintess was now completely at odds with the main factions of the Church.
Between her own peace and Reina, she had chosen Reina.
Now she had lost her own brother and was being targeted by one of the Cardinals.
Logically, this Saintess should have gradually gained the trust, even the faith, of the people through her “Divine Gift of Light,” hailed as a hero of humanity.
But the reality seemed to be different.
The faction of the Son was still too stubborn.
Although the Saintess was skilled in warfare, she was completely clueless about interpersonal relationships.
If it weren’t for Reina posing as the Goddess of Light, this person would have probably just handed over her position to the Son, letting that puppet take over.
Reina did some calculations.
It was time for the Saintess to submit to her.
“Lady Lei, I can save you.”
“…”
“Huh?”
Reina didn’t react.
Saying that, the Saintess activated her magic, and the entire room was instantly covered in light magic, transforming into a golden starry sky. The room seemed to become vast, but in reality, it was still the same room.
Reina was familiar with this place.
[Golden Star Chart]
Roughly equivalent to a supercomputer that recorded human information, a treasure left behind by the former Goddess in the human world. However, only the Pope was qualified to use the [Golden Star Chart].
The Saintess had actually obtained the right to use it.
“In this world, all humans are a star.”
“Those stars filled with hope will shine brighter.”
“Look~”
Agnes extended her hand and cupped a wildly jumping star. But after being touched by the Saintess’s power, it instantly calmed down, like a cute kitten, lying in her fair hand.
“I once tried to find your star.”
“You paid a price.”
Reina didn’t care whether she was suspected of being the Goddess of Light. In fact, she was eager to lead humanity as the Goddess of Light.
But she knew what the Saintess’s next words meant.
I… can save you?
What did she discover?
How lamentable.
Even if Agnes had a way to “save” her, she was now just a real dragon disguised as a human, even pregnant with the child of one of the Four Kings.
“Mm-hmm…”
Agnes nodded.
“I paid a price, but I couldn’t find your star.”
“I think… you are the Goddess of Light.”
“…”
Agnes lowered her head and knelt on the ground, telling Reina the answer she had already reached.
Reina didn’t speak, waiting for the Saintess to continue.
—Because Reina truly didn’t know how to respond.
She couldn’t just say, “Ah, very good, my subject. I greatly admire your reverent faith,” a phrase that would make even Reina herself feel incredibly awkward.
And if she rejected the Saintess now, this loyal believer would definitely be extremely disappointed.
“Goddess of Light, are you… demonified now?”
Reina was speechless again. She extended her hand and summoned a golden energy sphere that outshone even the Golden Star Chart, which then gradually transformed into the shape of a sword.
[Judgment Blade]
Summoned in her clone state, the holy sword was naturally golden.
The Saintess stared intently, as if wanting to forever imprint this scene in her mind. This was the first time she had seen the Goddess of Light’s true “miracle,” and it further confirmed that Lei was indeed the Goddess of Light herself.
Then, Reina, going against her conscience, said:
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Agnes. Are you saying my power has been corrupted?”
“No…” the Saintess shook her head. “Your power… must have been stolen.”
“I know, the matter of the [Gate of the Celestial Realm].”
Agnes became more and more agitated, tears welling up in her eyes, as if she were meeting her long-lost mother, but Reina guaranteed she didn’t have this child.
“Goddess of Light, did you hear my prayers?”
“Thank you… thank you for still being alive.”
The Saintess finally broke down and cried, all the pressure bursting forth like a dam, forming a small puddle on the golden floor of the star chart.
