Inside the Church: Preparing for...

When Ophelia mentioned the old man's name, Luo Wei paid special attention to him.

The newly appointed pope was about the same age as Headmaster Danton, appearing kind and benevolent with a warm smile.

After the Third Prince left, Ophelia, recalling the recent events, curiously asked, "Your Holiness, are you arresting clergy members who use the new form of divine magic?"

Adrian nodded. "Indeed."

"Heresy is no small charge," Ophelia frowned slightly. She had witnessed Luo Wei and Bishop Riel working together to heal the sick.

In truth, Bishop Riel could have stood by and done nothing. Whether out of compassion or adherence to doctrine, he chose to help—only to be unluckily arrested by the Holy Edict Knight Order the moment he displayed the divine magic.

"Your Highness, this matter is not as simple as you think," Adrian shook his head. "The Holy Edict Church and the Siston Papacy are sworn enemies. If we tolerate the widespread use of the new divine magic within our church, it would be tantamount to infiltration—with grave consequences."

Luo Wei was well aware of the conflict between the two churches. Years ago, Wigner, to free himself from the papacy's meddling, orchestrated the schism between the eastern and western churches. Naturally, the papacy harbored deep resentment toward the newly formed Holy Edict Church, and for a century, the two factions had engaged in bitter disputes, denouncing each other as heretics and degenerates...

"Is the new divine magic really that widespread?" Ophelia questioned. "If even a high-ranking clergyman like Bishop Riel is using it, wouldn’t the lower clergy be even more affected?"

"The exact numbers are unclear, but the situation is far from optimistic," Adrian said gravely. "That’s why I’ve summoned bishops from all dioceses recently—to completely eradicate the spread of this new divine magic."

Luo Wei listened quietly to their conversation, learning more details through Pope Adrian.

The power of divine magic comes from the blessings of the God of Light. However, due to the ancient war among deities, the God of Light vanished, dealing a devastating blow to the church. Divine magic lost much of its potency, and the strength of the clergy steadily declined.

Amid this crisis, the divine magic reforms initiated by the Papacy’s Saintess sent shockwaves through the religious world. The new system of divine magic and casting methods secretly spread within the Holy Edict Church, recently gaining popularity among lower-ranking priests.

Many lower clergy, tempted by the prospect of regaining such formidable power, succumbed to the allure. The higher-ups were slow to react. Had Luo Wei not stirred up trouble in the northern territories, exposing Bishop Lawrence as a Papacy spy, the new divine magic might have truly spread unchecked.

From Pope Adrian’s stern tone, it was clear he was an absolute conservative, fiercely loyal to the emperor. Thus, he issued the harshest decree: anyone using the new divine magic would be branded a heretic, punished with exile—or worse, execution.

After this discussion, Adrian exchanged a few pleasantries with Ophelia before departing by carriage.

Suddenly, Tilis approached, her gaze dark as she watched the pope leave. "Ophelia, didn’t you suspect this old man might be Eleya’s spy? Should I prioritize eliminating him?"

Ophelia shook her head. "Now it seems he isn’t aligned with Eleya. He truly is loyal to my father."

"Really?" Tilis blinked. She never doubted Ophelia, who had never been wrong about detecting lies.

Still, she couldn’t help but chuckle. "Why are so many people so devoted to your father? The Duke of Thornbloom is the same, slaving away for him. I’m starting to wonder—is your father some kind of incubus?"

"Why does that sound so suggestive..." Luo Wei shot her a glance, feeling as if the witch was implying they were the emperor’s male concubines...

As for Adrian’s loyalty to the emperor, Luo Wei thought the reason was simple: he had been personally promoted by Charlton II. Without that, given his previous qualifications, he would never have been entrusted with leading the vast Holy Edict Church.

The witch had just helped Captain Raymond interrogate the three dying members of the resistance group. With their part done, Luo Wei prepared to return to Saint Callen with the others.

Just then, Captain Raymond hurried over. Too intimidated to speak to Tilis, he instead thanked Luo Wei again.

The captain couldn’t contain his excitement. "Now that we know the origins of this resistance group, I’m determined to uncover the mastermind behind it all. Another major achievement! Let’s see those who mocked me for always running away laugh now!"

Luo Wei silently glanced at the expressionless Eleya, thinking to himself, Captain, you may never solve this case...

"Huh? Who’s this?" Captain Raymond followed his gaze to Eleya, wondering how Luo Wei had acquired yet another woman in just a few days.

"Oh, her?" Luo Wei answered truthfully. "She’s the mastermind."

Captain Raymond burst into laughter. "Luo Wei, stop joking! Alright, I’ve got work to do."

After the captain left, the group exchanged glances. Tilis muttered, "He’d never guess the true mastermind orchestrating those resistance groups is standing less than two meters away from him..."

Ophelia shook her head. "Perhaps it’s for the best. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss."

...

In the following days, the atmosphere in the old mansion grew tense, filled with a sense of preparation for battle.

Luo Wei assisted Captain Raymond and the Special Affairs agents in swiftly dismantling all underground resistance groups in Saint Callen, confiscating stacks of sinister tomes used for dark purposes.

Meanwhile, Tilis tinkered with the "steam-powered mech" in the backyard. Explosions occasionally echoed through the air, and faint tremors shook the ground.

Ophelia returned with news that her father insisted on attending the exhibition. Unable to dissuade him, she gave up. Luo Wei found it puzzling—the emperor seemed utterly unconcerned about the assassins, as if his confidence came from some unknown source.

Even Helena was quietly working hard—though not on enhancing her bust. Instead, she frequently pushed herself to the brink of corruption, knowing only her monstrous form could aid her brother. Thus, the mansion often had a mass of black tentacles wandering about.

On the final night, everyone gathered around the table with solemn expressions. Though all visible threats had been eliminated, they knew things rarely went as planned.

"These are my latest improved magic communication devices," Tilis placed several rings on the table. "One for each of you. Wear them at all times—tomorrow, we stay in constant contact."

"Finally decided to fix this thing, huh?" Ophelia said with a hint of irritation, promptly pocketing the ring she had been longing for. With this, she could now contact Luo Wei whenever she wanted.

Luo Wei adjusted the ring on his finger and sighed, glancing at his hand—it felt like he was running out of space...

"What about her?" Tilis glanced toward the distance, where Eleya stood, her gaze hollow as she watched the group.

Ophelia also cast a sidelong look at her. Thanks to Tilis’s magical barrier, Eleya couldn’t eavesdrop on their plans. But judging by the woman’s expression—those empty eyes occasionally flickering with subtle emotions—she was probably reminiscing about the past.

"We’re not sure if she’ll interfere on-site," Luo Wei mused. "Tilis, you and Helena stay at the old residence to keep an eye on her. If things take a turn, you can teleport in for backup."

"Understood," Tilis nodded softly.

Once the strategy meeting ended, Tilis dispelled the barrier, and Luo Wei approached Eleya.

"Thinking about how to achieve your sinister goals tomorrow?"

As the others dispersed, leaving only Luo Wei in the parlor, the rigidity in Eleya’s gaze softened.

She let out a quiet sigh. "No. Just remembering the past."

"Is that so?" Luo Wei studied her. In private moments like this, she sometimes reverted to her old self.

"Then I’ll give you one last chance," Luo Wei said firmly. "Stop now, and we can still go back to how things were."

"That’s impossible..." Eleya averted her eyes. "What I’d rather ask is... don’t stand in my way, Luo Wei. Don’t become my enemy."

No matter how formidable her adversaries were, none were as troublesome as Luo Wei. After all, he had once been her light.

Luo Wei pressed on, "You clearly miss the old days. I’ve seen how you long for the times when we all sat together, laughing. So why are you so determined to keep going? You know this path will destroy everything."

"Is it the divine influence controlling you? Corrupting you?" he pressed. "If so, just stop absorbing faith energy. I want to see the real Eleya again."

Eleya remained silent.

Luo Wei frowned. "Is the process of becoming a god irreversible? Are you really bound to this dark path?"

Eleya shook her head. "No, it’s not like that. This is my choice. As for why... you’ll understand someday."

Luo Wei studied her skeptically, a sudden thought crossing his mind—her unwavering resolve likely had deeper reasons.

But he knew he wouldn’t get answers now. Frustrated, he muttered, "I hate riddles the most."

Eleya smiled faintly. "Honestly, I hate being like this too."

...