Volume 1 Chapter 545

Chapter 545: Where Did the Succubus Come From? Where Did the Holy Domain Come From?

"Lost sheep, the Lord will save their wandering souls."

"But my dear Garin, the current church, besides the confused and lost souls, is filled with the fallen."

"Those who forget the Lord’s glory can find redemption; those who forsake the Lord’s glory will only receive punishment."

Five thousand four hundred years ago, Her Holiness, who became the acting pope, spoke softly in the Eden Palace of the Holy Capital to her only loyal follower, the commander of the Oracle Knight Order, Paladin Garin, with words that should belong to a leader of the expedition forces and the director of the Heretic Tribunal.

Compassion is meant for the world, not for heretics.

The day after she said this, Her Holiness went alone to the southern border of the Holy Empire. Seven days later, in front of two dukes of the Holy Empire and tens of thousands of Paladins, she killed a Privy Bishop with her bare hands. This Bishop had conspired with the two dukes to start a religious war and attack the Holy Capital.

This is the "performance" that Lolth is watching.

At the end of the last era, the God of Light took seven days to end that dark and chaotic time, starting the third era.

This "Holy, Noble and Protector Saintess" also took seven days to put down the rebellion in the southern part of the Holy Empire.

Lolth watched with great interest as the actors on stage used exaggerated movements to show how Her Holiness defeated the "fallen" bishops and Paladins she encountered along the way.

Some of the actors, even the apprentices, really created some "light effects."

Using flash spells or light spells, or the Paladins’ ordinary "steadfastness," to show the attacks and defenses from both sides.

Lolth found it very enjoyable to watch.

At the same time, she also noticed…

Compared to the long and noble musicals from the Republic of Seychelles, this performance stands out with its dialogues and story, making it enjoyable for the people.

Just watching it is very interesting.

There are no long lectures, no strange praises…

There are only scenes of the Lady of Light bravely defeating the "traitors."

The audience gathered below was cheering constantly—Lolth could feel that they were completely absorbed.

This must be the subtle influence at work.

At first, Lolth thought that The Church of Light, as a religion, would have a boring and meaningless "promotional play," but she was surprised it was actually very interesting.

But this is also the frightening aspect of The Church of Light.

Because this subtle influence is more terrifying than preaching.

This play undoubtedly planted an invisible seed in the hearts of all the people of the Holy Empire and the followers of the Church of Light.

"The traitors must die."

"The Holy Maiden and the Pope are above all."

Although she did not want to guess everything from a conspiracy theory perspective, Lolth always felt that the Church of Light surely had this intention.

In fact, this could be their main goal.

To maintain the authority of the Church of Light and the spokesperson of the God of Light.

As Lolth continued to watch, she reached the part that was near the end…

Then, a small scene happened that surprised her.

Just before the "Holy, Noble, and Protector Saintess" of The Church of Light was to confront the Privy Bishop, who had once incited war, she unexpectedly encountered a "helper."

This helper stood out from the other actors on stage, a girl adorned in relatively revealing attire with intricate, twisted patterns painted across her body.

Of course, the actress wasn’t actually exposing herself; she merely wore a skin-toned outfit designed to appear revealing.

Lolth was immediately unsettled.

Where in the world did this succubus come from?

Though it wasn’t explicitly stated, the markings and the revealing clothing… what else could she be but a succubus?

Lolth was certain that in all her readings of The Church of Light’s scriptures, there was no mention of a succubus ever coming to the main plane to aid the Lady of Light.

Well, at least not up until now!

And the astonishing developments continued.

"Your Holiness, I am a devotee of the Lord from another realm."

"I have sensed the Lord’s summons and have come to assist you."

"Please drink this specially brewed potion and take up this sharp sword."

"They will ensure your victory in all endeavors."

Lolth began to scratch her head in agitation.

Dressed in her bishop’s robe, her slightest movement naturally drew attention.

Soon, from behind the stage, the pastor who had earlier addressed Lolth and initiated the event hurriedly approached.

"Your Excellency the Bishop, is something amiss?"

He asked, looking at Lolth with a mix of fear and concern.

Lolth pointed towards the stage where the "Holy Maiden" and the "succubus" were interacting.

If this were a play not produced by The Church of Light, then perhaps such alterations for dramatic effect could be excused…

But how could The Church of Light itself depict their own Holy Maiden in such a manner?

Thus, Lolth feigned seriousness as she inquired.

"The sacred texts contain no record of such an event… Why then does this incongruous character appear?"

Lolth posed the question softly, causing the priest to feel both uneasy and puzzled.

He quickly explained.

"Indeed, there is no record… But, Your Excellency the Bishop, this scene, ‘The Holy Maiden’s Seven Days of Rebellion,’ has always included such a character since its inception!"

"Rumor has it that the original creation of this play even received the blessing of the ‘Holy, Noble and Protector Saintess’… I believe there truly was someone like that who aided her."

The priest explained with caution.

Lolth grew even more bewildered.

Yet, she could only nod slightly.

"Since that is the case, it seems I am not fully informed."

The priest also breathed a sigh of relief.

Lolth, still reeling from the shock, could only watch as the girl, who appeared to be a succubus, fed a bottle of "Magic Potion" to the Holy Maiden on stage.

She felt that she truly needed to find some time to return to the succubus territory to inquire about this matter.

Who could have done this?!

Fortunately, after this part of the play, the temporary "succubus" did not make another appearance.

This brought Lolth a slight sense of relief.

Dorothy, observing her teacher, felt a subtle stir of emotion.

"Pink lines…"

Though she had only caught a fleeting glimpse before fainting, Dorothy could quickly recall the scene from her memory.

Her teacher also seemed to bear similar lines on her body.

They were just a bit fainter…

Could it be that her teacher and that individual from the past were somehow connected?

Dorothy still had not remembered that Lolth was a succubus.

After the priest departed once more, Lolth, ready to watch the grand finale, suddenly sensed a peculiar and subtle wave of magical energy.

Epic level, utilizing Holy Light.

But… he was neither a priest nor a Paladin.

He was a ranger or perhaps a Sneaker.

Lolth pretended not to notice him and continued to stand still, enjoying the performance.

He showed no signs of hostility, suggesting he likely did not come with ill intentions.

Lolth quickly surmised; if this individual had not recognized her as a bishop, he certainly could not have come with malicious intent.

At least, he would not attack her.

If he had figured it out…

Just a mere epic level, how could he dare to approach her so closely?

And just as Lolth anticipated.

A few minutes later, the concealed Superoperator swiftly approached and then departed.

Only, he left a crumpled paper in her hand.

Lolth did not hesitate and promptly unfolded the paper in front of Dorothy.

On it were written an address and a time.

"New Dawn City, Central Street, the fifth red door from the north."

"Tonight, at moonrise."

After Lolth finished reading, all the writing on the note quickly faded away.

"That’s intriguing."

Lolth mused, her eyes narrowing slightly.

It seemed to be an invitation directed at her.

An invitation to an unidentified bishop… or perhaps the other party had mistaken her for the bishop of the Giloviev Church?

Regardless, Lolth sensed it keenly.

This might be connected to the ongoing power shifts and turmoil within The Church of Light and the Holy Lieto Empire.

She glanced at Dorothy, who, being quite obedient, refrained from asking about the suddenly appearing note.

"Would you like to join the excitement and see how the world’s largest church and its territories manage the transition of power, Dorothy?"

Lolth asked softly, and Dorothy hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"Yes."

As Dorothy responded, Lolth smiled.

"Alright, then I, your teacher, will take you to have a look."

With that, she folded the note and tucked it away.

"The identity of this bishop is truly a bargain."

Lolth murmured softly.

Meanwhile, within New Dawn City.

Many bishops and Paladins, whether they had recently arrived or were in hiding, received similar notes.

Here, the "core strength" of The Church of Light and the Holy Lieto Empire was even greater than Lolth had imagined!

Just as the Lady of Light had anticipated…

The hidden conflicts within the Holy Lieto Empire were gradually being brought into the open.

The epic figure who had just slipped a note to Lolth, after departing, also made his way to the headquarters of the Second Guard Legion in New Dawn City.

The sky above this city, bathed in Holy Light, was usually clear and blue, but now a few dark clouds were drifting in from afar.

"Oh dear, it’s going to rain."

Isabella, in Hillenbrand Town, looked up while wearing a hard hat, using her legend-level aura to drive away monsters and acting as a human deterrent to ensure the road expansion proceeded smoothly.

Rain clouds were gathering above Hillenbrand Town.

Along with the rain clouds, a large group of mercenaries appeared on the horizon.

Their numbers were not much less than those that had attacked from South Sotua before, and they were even of higher quality.

From a distance, Isabella could sense a legendary figure and three epic ones among them—if it weren’t for a certain Eastern Marshal’s sensitive identity, who couldn’t appear in demon race territory, she might even sense a Holy Domain.

However, even though she sensed them, Isabella did not panic.

Kanor had already given her a heads-up—if Old Harper knew about it, Isabella had no reason not to know.

Isabella quickly finished her box lunch, which was far inferior to Lolth’s and barely edible, then stood up and removed her helmet.

Leading the group was Ann, who carried a long case on her back.

Following her was a crowd of unfamiliar faces, causing many residents and workers of Hillenbrand Town, who were digging along the road, to straighten up and show joyful expressions.

"Welcome to Hillenbrand!"

No one knows who shouted it first, but soon, the sound echoed along the sides of the road.

However, for Isabella, there was another familiar face in the crowd.

"Qiong…"

Isabella squinted her eyes and locked gazes with a small girl in the middle of the group, who had taken off her hood to reveal a pair of fuzzy pointed ears.

It turns out to be a halforcen.

Isabella’s first thought was that it was a bit incredible.

But then she noticed that the other person was feeling somewhat uncomfortable and avoiding eye contact, which made Isabella smile gently.

She probably understood that the other person felt a bit sorry for her… After all, at that time, she sort of "got herself into trouble."

However, Isabella remembered that memory…

Yet, not a bit did she feel sad.

It was truly a precious part of her past, and the beginning of how she became who she is now.

Looking at the safety helmet in her hand and the people waving on both sides, Isabella quickly walked forward and waved her hand gently.

"Welcome home, Ann."

As she said this, she looked around and finally noticed that something was off.

"Wait a minute—where are Dorothy and Kanor?"

Although she knew Lolth would not come back right away, it seemed there were other matters at hand…

However, Lolthlinda’s two students were also nowhere to be seen.

This made Isabella feel a bit worried.

Of course, Kanor did not tell Isabella about the plan she made for Dorothy.

Ann looked at Isabella and showed a shy expression.

"Um, well… it’s going to take a while for Dorothy and Lolth. Kanor… she said she felt something strange on the way and left the group…"

"How could you let Kanor, an eight-year-old girl who just became a member, go off on her own?"

Isabella listened and was greatly shocked.

Ann lowered her head even more deeply upon hearing this.

"Well… actually, someone is following her… Holy Domain, don’t worry…"

"Where did Holy Domain come from?"

Although she knew Ann was reliable, Isabella couldn’t help but ask further.

Before Ann could answer, a red-haired young mercenary riding a lizard excitedly raised his hand.

"Reporting to this blue-haired lord, this is the sister of the one with the backpack—she is the Marshal of the Eastern Front from the Holy Alliance in the Eastern Seven Kingdoms, and the owner of the Clean Spring Palace—Yi!"

Listening to the young man’s cheerful voice, Isabella was astonished.

"Ah—?"