Volume 1 Chapter 527

Chapter 527: Stop Talking Nonsense, I Am Not Some Great Bishop

After walking a short distance, Lolth vaguely sensed…

Something in the depths of the swamp seemed to be watching her.

"Sure enough, this thing is being controlled by someone…"

Lolth began to form a judgment in her mind.

While it could be a coincidence, she did not believe that these two groups of monsters and the spying were mere chance.

Moreover, Dorothy’s "control" was a bit strange.

Besides Dorothy’s own reasons, those monsters… seemed to have problems too.

They were controlled too easily.

There was not even a hint of resistance from their souls… it was as if they had already been controlled by someone!

"The spellcasters of South Sotua can’t avoid placing curses on monsters…"

Lolth sighed, but she knew this was indeed reasonable.

After all, this was an old skill passed down since the time of the Sotua Empire.

And with so many monsters here, practicing these extraordinary skills related to monsters would greatly help in improving fighting power.

However, even though Lolth discovered that someone was secretly controlling the monsters, she did not point it out immediately.

She wanted to see what this guy was hiding.

Based on the pattern of the first two waves of monsters, Lolth made a bold guess.

Soon, stronger or more numerous monsters should appear.

It seemed like they were gradually testing the limits of Lolth and her group.

This showed that they were not in a hurry to wipe out this mercenary group while trying to avoid exposure.

So, Lolth decided to observe.

Especially since they were hiding very well.

In the Life Exclusion Zone of Black Lake Marsh, a forbidden place on the continent, Lolth did not think she could confidently catch this guy, who was considered a "local" compared to her.

So acting rashly now might scare off the snakes.

"However, the next time the monsters appear, I will know where you are."

Lolth thought this and continued to move forward with the team.

The number of swamps on both sides kept increasing, the water area grew wider, and the black, murky puddles bubbled up.

Compared to the outside, the monsters here did not show their heads from time to time.

But everyone knew that beneath the swamps on both sides, there were many creatures that were ten times more terrifying than before.

Silent, but even more frightening.

At that moment, the female knight, the vice captain who was leading the way ahead, couldn’t help but sigh.

"Captain, this path is really quiet, there are no monsters anywhere."

When Lolth heard this, she glanced at the serious-faced knight and gently tapped Dorothy’s raised thigh as she lay on the horse’s back.

"Be careful, another attack is coming."

As she spoke, she didn’t sense anything unusual.

However, in Lolth’s view…

Once those words were uttered, an attack was inevitable!

And just as Lolth had anticipated!

Shortly after she spoke, Dorothy slowly raised herself, becoming alert…

"Splash, splash, splash—"

The surface of the giant swamp on both sides, previously calm, suddenly began to churn.

Countless murky waters spilled over the boundaries, flooding and encroaching upon the ground beneath everyone’s feet, quickly submerging nearly everyone’s shins.

The horse, with its hooves continuously blessed by Lolth, rose higher under the protection of magic, akin to a boat floating on rising water; even Lolth herself was not spared.

Of course, although Lolth stood motionless, she enveloped herself in a layer of Holy Light power.

Though the mud might cover her, it would not cling to her skin.

While Lolth was not a germaphobe, the monsters in these muddy pits likely did everything there, and they appeared quite slimy.

Even though the monsters within were formidable, higher-level monsters typically expelled waste in the form of magic essence, so the mud could be considered clean and sanitary, albeit a bit odorous.

Lolth still preferred not to have these substances on her.

The remaining mercenaries were not as fortunate; Lolth had no obligation to shield them from the filth.

These mercenaries could only endure the thick, sticky substance seeping into their boots and soaking their pants, a revolting sensation as they mustered their magic, preparing for battle.

From the rising mud in the pit, a multitude of… shelled venomous insects quickly emerged.

Small, black, and glossy bugs, resembling scorpions, crabs, and beetles, surfaced from the muddy ground. They tread on the hardening mud, emitting a spine-chilling clicking sound as they amassed into a vibrant, iridescent sea of bugs, surging toward everyone.

A single bug’s magic was so feeble that it might not even qualify as beginner level.

But the sheer number of them, thriving in the muddy expanse like fish in water, altered the expressions of all the mercenaries.

"Fire Explosion!"

"Flames Spread!"

"Star Spirit Explosion!"

The wizards and warlocks hastily cast their most potent and extensive area damage spells, blasting mud puddles. The charred and shattered bugs scattered everywhere, but…

It was futile!

New bugs and flowing mud swiftly filled the voids.

Even attempting to flee, their legs felt unbearably heavy.

The leader of the large mercenary group swiftly made a decision.

"Damn it… Everyone, don’t hold back, attack with all your might, and carve a path out in one direction!"

He directed his team members and then glanced at Lolth in the center of the group, his expression tinged with apology.

"I apologize, my lady, for having you dragged into this predicament."

"It was my decision to press further, and now I’ve endangered both you and your sister… I am truly sorry!"

"But I assure you, I will find a way to get us all out of here!"

The uncertainty in the leader’s eyes revealed to Lolth that he, too, was at a loss for a viable solution.

For this fifteen-member bronze-tier mercenary group, this was nothing short of a catastrophic crisis.

She was well aware that this was not a scenario where a Superlative Level, even with a few Elite Level companions, could hope to escape unscathed.

Yet, the leader still uttered those words…

Lolth understood; he was likely trying to reassure himself.

This man had already resolved to sacrifice himself… a level of selflessness rare among mercenaries.

But sacrifice alone wouldn’t resolve this dire situation.

Thus, Lolth gently shook her head, observing his earnest expression, and softly waved her hand.

"There’s no need for apologies. I should be the one apologizing, as I have also misled you about certain matters."

As Lolth spoke, the leader of the massive mercenary group was momentarily stunned.

"There’s no need to elaborate on your sister’s situation; it’s merely human nature…"

The leader responded, but Lolth shook her head once more.

"No, it’s not about that… Paqi’s situation pertains to me."

She lightly tapped the Rod of Eden, releasing the three outermost layers of the seal that concealed the Divine Artifact’s aura.

The staff, which had appeared dull and lifeless, resembling an aged wooden handle, was suddenly enveloped in a subtle golden radiance.

At its tip, luminous orbs began to swirl and dance.

These swarms of beginner-level pests, when amassed, indeed posed a threat that even a Superlative Level Superoperator couldn’t handle.

But…

Lolth knew precisely where their limits lay.

"Legend level?!"

The leader of the colossal mercenary group, sensing the energy emanating from Lolth, exclaimed in astonishment!

His exclamation drew the attention of all the mercenaries toward Lolth.

Soon, they were all awestruck by the intense and profound Holy Light energy radiating from her, akin to a towering human-shaped cathedral.

Though they couldn’t perceive the exact magnitude of this power as their leader did, his mention of "legend level" resonated with them…

It was undeniable!

The leader of the massive mercenary group was overwhelmed with mixed emotions and, after a prolonged silence, finally spoke.

"So, you are a bishop-level shepherd? Or are you, in fact, a bishop?"

He inquired with a tone of reverence.

Lolth, hearing the leader’s question, gently shook her head.

"Not right now."

She said this, employing a subtle play on words.

"Not right now" implies that it might have been true in the past or could be in the future.

But in reality, Lolth has never had any connection with the Church of Light, nor will she ever.

She has absolutely no ties to the Church of Light, so her statement wasn’t exactly a lie.

However, to the ears of these mercenaries, it sounded like an admission.

Instantly, everyone felt a wave of relief.

After all, this was… a bishop from the Church of Light!

There are fewer than a hundred such individuals in the entire Church of Light.

Above them are the influential archbishops, and possibly even cardinals who have the privilege to enter the Papal State and Eden Palace, or the Privy Bishop!

Each of these figures is of epic stature.

Moreover, this young woman named Doyle… is a legend.

A bishop so young could one day ascend to the head of the Privy Council, preside over the Heretic Tribunal, or even become the patriarch!

If the news of the Lady of Light’s capture hadn’t already spread through the streets, the leader of the large mercenary group might have mistaken her for the Lady of Light!

Of course… this leader didn’t realize that his perspective was still too narrow.

The captured Her Holiness of the modern Light believes that Lolth is a certain Lady of Light!

However, Lolth failed to notice, and forgot one thing…

Her statement not only misled these mercenaries…

But also inadvertently misled her dear student, Dorothy!

Now, Dorothy is completely unaware of Lolth’s true identity!

Previously, she naturally didn’t believe that Lolth was merely an ordinary missionary, because she knew that Teacher Lolth’s abilities far surpassed that, and her status was undoubtedly much higher.

Although she didn’t remember much, she still had a vague impression…

That Teacher Lolth must be a figure of significant influence within some powerful organization.

Now, Teacher Lolth seemed to have indirectly acknowledged her identity!

That is… the bishop of the Church of Light!

It all seemed to fit!

Teacher Lolth’s demeanor was also so pure and graceful; even though much of that noble and reserved attitude was likely an act, Dorothy believed this pure and almost flawless soul was genuine.

It was precisely because she had seen Lolth’s unadorned performance that she believed this even more.

In terms of strength, it seemed that Master Lolth truly excelled in the power of Holy Light.

Master Lolth is likely really the bishop of the Church of Light.

No, perhaps even higher; since Master Lolth said she is not a bishop now, she might actually be a cardinal!

But why, as her disciple, do I only have some "chaotic" powers? Dorothy couldn’t figure it out for now.

She vaguely recalled that her own background seemed quite complex, but even a slight thought about it brought a tinge of headache.

Dorothy decided to set those thoughts aside for the moment.

Compared to Teacher Lolth’s identity, her own seemed utterly insignificant!

This realization was already a significant piece of knowledge.

It turns out that assuming a false identity isn’t entirely about deception.

Dorothy felt as though she had pieced together some fragments of the truth.

Yet, she chose to keep these speculations to herself.

After all, she hadn’t truly regained her memories; these were merely deductions.

For some reason, Dorothy found herself somewhat enjoying this period of amnesia.

Since losing her memory, she indeed felt… much lighter.

While the mercenaries were astounded by Lolth’s identity, Dorothy was quite pleased with her own musings.

As Lolth’s power surged to a legendary level, she finally made her move.

"Evil, stay away from me!"

She uttered a brief command.

This was not a divine spell invoked through prayer…

Rather, the words themselves carried inherent power.

Each word was a vessel of immense Holy Light, and the sound seemed to solidify, crashing down to the ground with force.

"Boom!"

A platinum light burst forth upon the ground, then expanded infinitely, illuminating the filthy mud and swarms of insects.

Then…

It dissolved them within this boundless, warm light.

This was indeed a high-level divine spell, one that only bishops of high rank were qualified to learn.

Lolth knew this technique because she had deduced the principles behind the spell by observing its effects.

This is also one of the Church of Light’s most guarded divine spells, known as "Divine Word."

Although most divine spells, or even magical spells, involve using incantations to draw power, where the magic follows the words spoken.

But…

It is exceedingly rare to use the words themselves as a direct conduit of power.

The Church of Light is the sole institution with such a complete system; no other exists in the main plane!

After Lolth spoke a single word, all the filth and venomous creatures that had assailed the crowd vanished without a trace.

As if they had never existed.

The mercenaries looked at Lolth, who stood there as if she had done nothing, and after a moment of stunned silence, they erupted into cheers of relief and heartfelt admiration.

"I copy—it is the Divine Word! So damn cool and spicy!"