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As August nodded in approval, he felt satisfied. The reason for collecting magical energy was also for the sake of the World Tree Sapling.

This little fellow was still in its infancy, requiring an immense amount of nutrients. August was unsure how to proceed, so this method came to mind.

Of course, August also considered the Infinite Dragon God Ophis. If he could bring back that endlessly adorable dragon, it would be fantastic.

Ophis possessed boundless power. Having her help nurture the World Tree Sapling would undoubtedly yield favorable results.

However, August currently had no information on Ophis's whereabouts. Of course, if possible, he could try to meet Ophis through Vali.

Bringing home the innocently adorable Infinite Dragon God wouldn't pose any difficulty.

On one side, August had struck a deal with Azazel, with Sona acting as a witness.

Meanwhile, on the other side of Kuoh Town, where Raynare and others were stationed, the place had been abandoned and even destroyed because Raynare had submitted to August.

At the ruins of the church, two figures clad in robes stood, their faces filled with dissatisfaction.

"How did the church end up like this?"

"Who knows."

"Judging from the situation, there must have been a battle here, but it's unclear who the combatants were."

"This is the devils's territory, so it's probably devils."

"Can't say for sure."

"So, what do we do tonight? Sleep on the streets?"

"Do you have any other ideas? It's because you spent all our money on these useless things."

"What useless things? These are holy artifacts. That's what the seller said. They're sacred items."

"That's obviously a scam. You idiot."

"You're the idiot."

The two of them started arguing, but since the location was remote and there was no one around, they weren't afraid of being seen.

For these two, arguing was just like an everyday occurrence. Before long, they stopped arguing.

Gurgle~

One of their stomachs made some noises, instantly crushing her willpower.

"I'm so hungry, what should we do?"

"Isn't it because you spent all our money, Irina, that we don't have any money to eat now."

"This must be a test from the Lord."

"Don't give me that. What do you think we should do now?"

"Why don't we try begging? We're doing the Lord's work, so He'll surely bless us."

"I'd rather not."

Xenovia immediately chose to refuse. This method had been tried before and it didn't work at all. The people in this country simply didn't have faith. When they tried begging, no one responded to them. 

Compared to Irina, Xenovia had a better understanding of the outside world, albeit limited.

The two of them walked down the streets wearing their cloaks.

"Why don't we go to the manager of this place? We can greet the devils and maybe even get a meal out of it."

"Xenovia, we're the Children of God. How can we accept food from devils?"

"I think only when we're full can we complete our mission. The Lord will forgive us."

"I..."

Grumble

Irina was about to retort, but her stomach embarrassingly growled again.

All notions of nobility and grandeur were forgotten when one was hungry. With no means to afford even a meal, other luxuries were out of the question.

"Hmm? Is that... the scent of faith?"

Suddenly, Xenovia's nose twitched slightly as she looked towards the end of the street.

There, a golden-haired girl in a school uniform was approaching, carrying a bag filled with vegetables.

It was none other than Asia. She had come out to buy groceries, as Hilda and Yolda were planning to celebrate August's safety with a big meal, and they were short on some ingredients.

"Um, are you hungry?"

At that moment, Asia had already walked up to the two.

Seeing Irina, who looked faint from hunger, Asia spoke up.

"This is a test from the Lord."

"If you don't mind, please have some of this."

Asia took out a loaf of bread she had bought at the supermarket, originally intended for tomorrow's lunch.

"Thank the Lord for His blessings, and thank you, kind girl."

Xenovia and Irina accepted the loaf of bread. After opening it, they each ate their share.

Though not much, this hard-earned food was a great relief.

"Thank you very much. I'm Irina Shidou, and she's Xenovia Quarta. We are Holy Sword Wielders of the Church. We haven't eaten for two days, so we're really grateful."

Thunk

"Idiot Irina, you just spilled all our secrets."

"You're the idiot, Xenovia. She gave us food, so what if she knows."

"We're on a classified mission. How can you just tell a regular person?"

"What's the harm? She smells of faith, she's also Children of God. What's the big deal?"

The two started arguing again, and Asia's expression stiffened slightly.

Members of the church, Holy Sword Wielders, were here on a confidential mission.

All this information shocked her immensely, and she felt a subconscious sense of inferiority.

Because they were Holy Sword Wielders of the church, while she was just a expelled nun, worlds apart.

"Um, I have something else to do, so I'll be going now."

Asia spoke up, then prepared to leave. She felt uncomfortable staying here.

"Alright, but thank you for your generosity."

"No problem."

"Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

Asia bid farewell to the two and quickly left.

Meanwhile, Irina watched Asia's retreating figure with a face full of emotions. Indeed, there were many good people in this world.

But Xenovia furrowed her brows slightly. The girl seemed familiar to her, like she had seen her somewhere before.

And when she saw her golden hair, Xenovia suddenly remembered.

"Irina, doesn't she look familiar to you?"

"Yeah, she does seem familiar."

"If I'm not mistaken, she might be the former Holy Priestess who was recently excommunicated by the church."

"The former Holy Priestess?"

"Yes, the one who possessed the Twilight Healing, but was deemed a witch by the church because of her ability to heal devils."

"How is that possible? She exudes a strong scent of faith. She couldn't possibly be a witch."

"That's what concerns me the most."

Xenovia's expression was serious. She already felt that something was off about this mission.

Now, seeing Asia, who clearly still believed in the Lord but was excommunicated and labeled a witch, only reinforced her suspicions.

All of this made her feel like the church was definitely hiding something.

___
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