LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 647
Chapter: 647
Karia glared at the map of the continent in the dark room.
She didn’t know the exact whereabouts of the Pope, but she had tracked a general route.
Including what he owned personally.
Yet, no matter how much she searched, she couldn’t uncover their hideout.
Was it like the First Queen crazy lady said? Had they created a space in this other world to hide away?
“The Authority of God can’t be defined so easily. For instance, take the Power of Darkness; this power isn’t just about eliminating light. It can start with manipulating shadows and go as far as affecting someone’s negative emotions, pasts they want to forget, and futures they wish not to imagine. Perhaps it could even intervene in a broader scope than this.”
Erginius explained that without the one who wields the Authority, it’s impossible to measure its scale.
He even hinted that they might not fully grasp it themselves.
The issue was that the current opponent was Agra’s Apostle, who had survived since the God War.
A madman like the Pope wouldn’t have left his powers unchecked all those years, so he would certainly be committing acts that defy common sense.
Which meant Karia needed to think outside the box as well.
“Damn it.”
Nothing was coming to mind.
It’s easy to make conclusions within the realm of common sense, but this was tough.
Back when she was bewitched by the Evil God, she couldn’t even suspect that the curse originated from that bastard.
This was the Employer’s specialty, but he happened to be captured.
“You don’t need to worry that much.”
The First Queen, shackled by the handcuffs Erginius had made, leaned against the wall with a smile.
“I told you last time, the Pope will never harm Lady Allen, right?”
“I’ve heard endlessly about how the Pope is crazier than imagined. But our Employer isn’t exactly sane either.”
Her true nature is that of a playful girl, yet sometimes her mind just flips.
During those times, the Employer recklessly charges at opponents without considering the danger.
“When I listen to what our Employer says, even I sometimes lose my sanity. The Pope may be that way, but I doubt the other trash can endure it.”
“Good. If something blows up at an unofficial meeting, we can claim justification. It would be wonderful if Lady Allen would become the queen.”
“You ruined it for us.”
“That’s right. I ruined it.”
Karia let out a chuckle at the blunt admission, tousled her hair wildly, and plopped down on a chair.
“What’s so good about the king?”
“Deep question. Hmm. First of all, it’s his looks.”
“That’s not it.”
“Why not? Isn’t his chubby form cute?”
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely.”
Karia understood the First Queen’s longing gaze while she continued to speak leisurely.
“He had a good character. He genuinely thought about the country and loved me. He had a decent head and political skills too.”
“But it was all fake. In the end, he was just a trashy guy flailing to avoid death.”
“Who can remain calm before death?”
“True, but at least he shouldn’t think of taking his child’s body.”
“…That was me.”
“I didn’t suggest it. That bastard is trash.”
The First Queen just smiled without providing a response.
However, Karia knew. She could feel her anger boiling.
A woman blinded by love considered the madman who tried to devour her child as her affection.
Such a person was unbearable, yet for now, it was better this way. As long as the king’s safety was in their hands, the First Queen couldn’t betray them.
“Let’s stop the chit-chat here.”
When Karia yelled that she could enter, a few people appeared from outside.
Johan, who had gone to the Holy Land with Phoebe before.
Erginius, who was working to uncover the Pope’s real intentions.
Alsatine, acting on the front line in place of Karia.
And the Third Prince Arthur, who had come to represent the other princes.
As Karia confirmed their faces, she slowly stood up and closed the door.
“Cardinal, please report the situation first.”
“The Saintess has successfully taken control of the Holy Land. The Jushin Church will spare no effort to deal with the fallen Pope.”
Phoebe succeeded in taking over everyone in the Holy Land in just a day.
The Sword Saint following behind said there was no need for guards.
Anyone with even a remote faith in Lord Jushin wouldn’t dare harm Phoebe.
Furthermore, the situation was made easier thanks to the hero’s doll saved by Lucy and her crew last time.
With the appearance of someone resembling a hero backing Phoebe’s words, no one could doubt her legitimacy.
Thus, with the base of the Cardinals who followed Phoebe, she managed to fix the command structure of the Holy Land and sent envoys to various countries denouncing the former Pope.
The one who was closest to the light of Lord Jushin had grasped a corrupted greed and clutched the hands of the Evil God.
Normally, the leadership of each country wouldn’t accept this blindly.
The internet face of the church was the Pope.
He had built bonds connecting with kings across nations, so could they just change their evaluation overnight?
However, what made it impossible for countries to brush this aside was that the denunciation of the Pope wasn’t only from the Holy Land.
The Arts Church rose up in revolt.
Soladin announced an official statement.
The Sword Saint officially condemned it.
The Fairy Queen expressed her sorrow.
And the Great Wizard Erginius himself declared that the Pope was an enemy of humanity.
As various countries became busy with situational awareness, Karia concluded that no one wanted to side with the Pope.
“Thank you for your hard work. Now, to the Third Prince?”
“There was some confusion, but things seem to be settling down. I want to collaborate with the doll tomorrow.”
“Would that be alright with me?”
“You won’t betray us, will you?”
“Hehe. I’m glad you trust me.”
Karia alternated between glancing at the visibly uneasy Arthur and the seemingly delighted First Queen before shrugging her shoulders and turning her head towards Erginius.
“I’ve figured out the Pope’s deranged goal. It’s to eliminate all gods and make Lord Jushin the only god. A plan befitting a madman.”
“…Is that even possible? Eliminating gods is said to be impossible.”
“I can’t say for certain, but at the very least, that guy probably thinks it’s possible.”
The Pope was undoubtedly a madman, but that didn’t mean he was foolish.
There must be a reason why he staked everything on a plan that seemed ridiculous.
“Therefore, it would be wise to prepare for the worst-case scenario.”
“First, stopping the dawn of the Age of Myth should be our top priority.”
“Have we found his location?”
“…No. I’m sorry. I’ve searched every potential location, but I found nothing. Alsatine. Any changes since before?”
“No. There are none. I suspect it was used by the Power of Evil God, just as Master mentioned.”
“I thought so. The Queen said the same. Even with the fairies moving, they couldn’t find any traces.”
The fact that not only the human information network but even the fairies couldn’t locate him indicated that the Power of Evil God had been used.
“This has become hard.”
“We should expect Lucy Allen to come out on her own.”
“Are you joking?”
“I’m half-serious. Who knows how she might escape in an extraordinary manner?”
Lucy always seemed to resolve problems in ways that defied common sense.
Surely, her uniqueness couldn’t fail to manifest this time either. Perhaps just when they figure out how to track the Pope after going through hardships, Lucy Allen might pop up unexpectedly.
“Well, even if that happens, it won’t change what needs to be done.”
Erginius forced a smile and received various items Karia had requested.
To do what was possible, just like Lucy did.
*
Ah. Ugh. Headache.
That damned perverted old man, the Pope.
If he’s sending me off, he should do it neatly!
Why does he have to make my way such a hassle?!
Is it like saying, “You wouldn’t remember me if I didn’t do this!”?
That’s something cute girls can get away with!
But if an old man with more wrinkles than brain cells pulls this nonsense, I just want to bury him!
[Finally, you’re awake.]
‘How long have I been asleep?’
[About two hours, give or take?]
‘Ah. That old Pope! I’ll definitely make him tremble!’
As I struggled to my feet, I looked around at the pure white surroundings and tilted my head.
‘So, where am I?’
[Looks like one of the northern high mountains.]
‘That’s something anyone can tell by looking!’
Looking down, I saw snow.
Looking up, there was blue sky.
As I admired what looked like a picturesque view I would add to my bucket list, I felt a chill run down my spine.
“Hatchoo!”
I desperately drew up my spirit to regain warmth and gave my head a tap.
Hey! Fairies! Wake up fast!
You need to tell the queen that I’m out!
Otherwise, how will Erginius come rescue me with teleportation?!
‘…Huh? Why is there no response?’
[Looks like you fell victim to the Power of Evil God.]
‘No way.’
[You're not dead. But you won’t wake up until the power ends.]
Phew. Thank goodness. I almost sat here and wept.
So, should I wait until they wake up then?
As I walked hoping for a suitable cave, I froze upon seeing the vast white land stretching to the horizon.
‘…Uh. Grandpa. Are they waking up, right?’
[We have to hope they do.]
‘What if they don’t wake up?!’
[What’s going to happen? You will just walk over there.]
‘That’s too irresponsible!’
Is it not a burden for you?! This old man is really! Just keep pushing me, and I might sell you to a scrap dealer!
[By the way, it seems the Lord has given you something. You might be able to use it for a solution.]
‘If you had something, you should have said it sooner!’
As I exited the mansion, the quest cleared!
Please. Please let something useful come out in this situation!
I hope the Shoddy God isn’t so shoddy and has some awareness this time!
With a eager heart, I opened the blue window and cheered at the words written there.
[You have perfectly cleared the quest!]
[The Miracle of Purification transforms into the Authority of Purification!]
The Authority of Purification! Even the name sounds promising!
With this, I can erase the Evil God’s power that has put the fairies to sleep!
Wow! That’s the Lord Armadi! The Great God is different from the rest!
Hehe! Alright! Let’s get home! It’s been a while since I wore a dress and offered a prayer!
As I happily extended my hand towards the fairies, I soon lowered my lips, shivering, and let my arms drop.
…So how do I use this Authority of Purification?