[Vol. 8] Chapter 108: The Two Girls Prepare
If we’re talking about strange and unbelievable powers, those that can affect the mind just by spreading information, Violet had only encountered something similar once, a long time ago in the eastern sea.
It happened when she faced the grudge left behind after the death of the [God of the Azure Sea and Truth], also known as the Eastern Calamity, the [Ghost Ship]. That strange mental influence, however, likely didn’t come from the god himself.
Instead… it came from something far more terrifying. A truth so powerful that just knowing or touching it caused a god’s complete death, even breaking apart their divine essence. It was an absolute taboo, something no being should ever touch or understand in any form.
Now, a similar kind of power had appeared again, this time openly and under the name "World Sustainers". This made things much clearer for Violet. It matched the hints left behind by Hen in the Time-Space Rift, things she had said over and over again. The idea that Violet had long suspected, but never dared to fully believe, was starting to take shape.
She didn’t expect to learn something so important from Edwina today. It was truly a rewarding surprise.
As the black-haired girl stayed silent for a long time, deep in thought, the Pope, who had been quietly waiting by her side, finally spoke carefully.
“Miss Violet, if the [World Sustainers] are behind all these recent events, and might even be working with the Austre Empire, should we make this public? Also, the Theo Province might not have enough strength on its own to fight them off if they go all out. Should we send reinforcements and warn them to be careful?”
“Hmm… I don’t think we need to rush,” Violet said after thinking. “You’re about to go to war with the Austre Empire. Even if you tell the public now, it won’t help much because the two countries are enemies. But yes, we should definitely warn our people. After all, the Theo Province is a very special place…”
The Theo Province, on the eastern border of the Holy Empire, was the exact area Violet had originally planned to pass through after crossing the buffer zone from west to east. It held the remains of the Serpent and the ancient ruins from a mythical war 300 years ago.
Although her journey had been delayed due to an ambush from the Twilight Council, the World Sustainers had started their activities in that exact area, clearly no coincidence.
The [World-Eater Serpent], Jörmungandr, was now almost certainly connected to the World Sustainers. It might be one of their core members, just like Taotie, or even have a more mysterious and unique role.
Violet had seen the strength of the Twilight Council with her own eyes. Their serious attitude toward the Serpent showed that something big was going on behind the scenes. Sadly, with the limited information she had now, she still couldn’t figure out who was really pulling the strings behind the cult's actions.
Was the [World-Eater Serpent] about to come back to life again? Or… had other beings like it, different from both the Serpent and Taotie, also started watching the Origin Realm, preparing some unknown and dangerous plan?
The answer was most likely hidden in the Theo Province. But before they could dig deeper…
“Don’t rush, Edwina. Did you notice something? All these major events connected to the [World Sustainers], the assassinations, the Lombard family’s betrayal, their growing influence in Theo Province, they all started after you announced the selection of the Chosen Heroes. They’ve been creating chaos again and again, as if they really don’t want those chosen by the god to appear. Why is that?”
Hearing this, the young Pope slightly frowned and answered with a question.
“Is it because… the existence of the chosen heroes threatens some of their goals? Is that why you made that plan?”
The priestess nodded slightly.
She didn’t fully understand the reason either, but this was the only explanation.
Before, when Sethlin was willing to put aside her pride to ask Violet to help hold the chosen heroes’ trial in the Angel City, Violet didn’t quite understand why. She thought Sethlin just wanted to keep her busy. But now it seemed… that move really hit those enemies right where it hurt.
“Yes, so they will never let the trial finish smoothly. Right now, they must still be hiding in the Angel City, waiting for the right moment. If we focus on this, those sneaky ones will sooner or later reveal themselves on their own. That’s much more effective than blindly searching like headless flies.”
“Understood… I will have the Holy Knight Order and related forces prepare early. We will also immediately notify Theo Province.”
After that, the priest and Edwina took a shortcut and walked back to the Angel City, chatting as they went. They discussed many recent events and the upcoming trial of the chosen heroes in detail. This was the main reason Violet had come to see the Pope today. Since they were walking through a deserted area, there was no worry about being recognized.
Time passed without them noticing. When the two girls returned to the great city walls of the Angel City, the sky had fully entered dusk.
The sun was setting, casting long dark shadows behind them. It was time to say goodbye.
“Well then, I won’t interfere too much with your Goddess Church’s internal matters. If Rudolph gets any important information, just find a chance to let me know,” said the black-haired girl with a smile.
“As for the war with the Austre Empire, you’re already a mature leader now. Do what you think is best. After the chosen heroes’ matter is settled, I will leave the Angel City and go check out the excitement in Theo Province.”
“It’s getting late. Be careful on your way back. Even though your strength is quite good now, this world is full of mysteries. Even I can’t see them all. Don’t get careless just because you feel confident and end up falling into trouble.”
Seeing Violet pat her shoulder and say goodbye, still reminding her in a motherly way about every little detail, the Pope quickly stood straight. A slight look of emotion flashed across her face but soon changed to determination.
“Yes, I will do my best to handle everything. Miss Violet, don’t worry too much. Go ahead and do what you want to do. No matter what or when, the Holy Empire will always be your strongest support. If you need anything, just ask.”
“......”
Looking at the taller, golden-haired girl with a sincere face and a bit of admiration she couldn’t hide, the priest fell silent for a moment for some reason. Then she just nodded, giving her usual teasing smile and patted her shoulder again.
“Don’t act like I'm going to save the world or something. Don’t think I'm that great. I’m going to Theo Province just for fun! Alright, soon it’ll get busy. Get a good rest tonight~”