Volume 1 Chapter 577
by post_apiChapter 577: You Have Finally Arrived!
Various misunderstandings and identity mix-ups piled up together.
Plus, Patricia suddenly remembered mistaking Dorothy for the Lady of Light, which, aside from the misunderstanding…
Also meant thinking of Lolth as the one who saved the Lady of Light.
And Patricia certainly knew whose territory Hillenbrand Town was and who held the Lady of Light.
In other words…
This group from The Church of Light saw Lolth, who had captured the Lady of Light, as one of their own who saved the Lady of Light.
This was simply someone who had been sold and was counting money for others!
No, she was even counting the money while being grateful!
This was really strange!
Thinking of this, Patricia just couldn’t hold back her laughter.
So, she laughed out loud.
While everyone was clapping, Patricia suddenly laughed out loud.
Her laughter stood out amidst the applause.
So, Patricia felt a bit awkward again as she noticed everyone’s gaze on her.
However, she was after all the Great Sage of the Wizard Association, a smart person certified by Lolth.
Her mind was truly bright, and her thoughts moved very quickly.
In just a moment, Patricia had already thought of a plan to respond!
She happily laughed a little more!
"Ah hahahaha!"
"Haha!"
"Hahaha!"
When Patricia was being watched by everyone, she laughed heartily with genuine feelings!
After laughing for more than ten seconds, she gradually stopped.
Then Patricia slowly looked around, showing a shy expression.
"I’m sorry, everyone…"
"Hearing that the Lady of Light has been saved, I just can’t hold it in… the joy in my heart!"
Patricia said seriously, but then made herself laugh.
She simply laughed again, raising her hands high in the air!
"Thank you for my Lord’s protection! Thank you for the guidance of the Holy Light!"
"And thanks to the honorable Director of the Heretic Tribunal for their efforts outside!!"
"This shows that we, the Church of Light, will become even stronger!"
"The weak demon race was not scary at all! Hahahahaha!"
Patricia laughed loudly while raising her arms in cheer.
In any case, she was getting more and more comfortable calling The Church of Light "My Lord"!
Patricia’s words stirred the emotions of the high-ranking members of The Church of Light present.
They were completely influenced!
After all, having held high positions for many years, their hearts were filled with calculations of benefits.
How to win advantages for the church and their own factions, how to deal with other forces on the continent, how to negotiate with other factions…
Even if they were once the most devout and steadfast followers of the Holy Light…
They could not help but feel a bit lost.
This was why among them, there were even "traitors" who were taken advantage of by the demons of hell!
Indeed, most people might still firmly believe that their faith was strong and pure.
But…
That idea was no longer so pure, and that was an undeniable fact.
The characteristics of The Church of Light and the power of the Holy Light meant that at first, everyone who entered it was relatively pure.
However, the long life of the Superoperator also led to…
Even those with the purest intentions and the most devoted youth…
After gaining strength and status, they could be tempted by the desires that grew within them, even to the point of being consumed by them.
Some people started to wield power after becoming bishops, while others became cardinals…
Even those who had always maintained their purity eventually became qualified to sit in the central church at this moment…
The youngest and shortest-serving person here, Privy Bishop Dilt, had already been in office for fifteen years!
Fifteen years of being a Privy Bishop!
Although he was still relatively noble, he could not help but become…
No longer forgiving, no longer humble.
For such things, he would applaud and feel pleased.
But looking at the now joyful and lively Bishop Hume Valentina, who danced, laughed heartily, and praised our Lord…
He suddenly felt as if he had found his younger self again.
Back then, he was not at Eden Palace, not a Privy Bishop…
Not even a cardinal!
He had just been promoted from a small, ordinary pastor to a bishop.
He had arrived at a small chapel located at the border between the Holy Lieto Empire’s North Land and the "Cloud" country of the Eastern Seven Kingdoms.
At that time, he was healing the people, teaching, and went to the Cloud country for missionary work, only to be chased and attacked by the Superoperator from the eastern sect.
Everyone was very happy.
He still remembers the first time he helped a merchant from the Cloud country by healing his daughter’s typhoid, and turning him into a faithful follower.
At that time, he didn’t say anything on the surface.
After returning to his bedroom behind the chapel, he closed the door and was just like Bishop Hume…
Happily dancing and jumping!
No, he was much more exaggerated than Bishop Hume!
At that time, he rolled over several times in place, and finally bumped his calf on the corner of the bed, which hurt for many days!
Looking at the current Bishop Hume Valentina, it seems to awaken the simple side in his heart.
Clapping louder and louder…
His hands involuntarily raised above his head!
"Thank you for the Lord’s protection! Thank you for the guidance of the Holy Light!"
"Thank you, Director of the Heretic Tribunal!"
"May the light of the Holy Light shine across this land!"
By the time he realized what was happening, he had already shouted out uncontrollably!
The voice of the elderly man, over one hundred and fifty years old, was so full of energy!
And the people around him began to shout as well!
"Let the light of Holy Light shine across this land!"
"Long live our Lord! Long live Holy Light!"
"Thank you, Lord Director!"
Suddenly, the old men started shouting excitedly.
Even the instigator Patricia was left speechless.
Honestly, she was worried that the old men were getting too excited…
In a moment of distraction, two of them suddenly fell over…
When the time comes, it will be obvious who will be held responsible.
Of course, even though these people are old, they are still from the Holy Domain, demi-gods.
Each one is so easy to let go.
Patricia is just symbolically worrying a little.
In the midst of the growing cheers.
Patricia looked at Lolth, and Lolth looked back at Patricia.
And the group of teary-eyed old men beside Patricia.
To be honest…
Lolth really wants to turn around and leave.
Because she feels like she worried for nothing.
Patricia, this little brat, fit in with the leaders of The Church of Light without any awkwardness.
Although this little girl seemed to be a true and dedicated member of the Wizard Association’s Great Sage…
Today, however, she surprisingly showed great potential to be a follower of the Church of Light.
Oh, wait, the Church of Light is a more mainstream and proper religion; it felt like it was a bit too grand for Patricia.
She felt more like a charismatic and enthusiastic believer…
She would fit better in a dark cult.
Who knows, maybe people from the Day of Revival or The Final Church would see Patricia and bow down, calling her the Pope…
Lolth thought this and felt a bit helpless.
In any case, the current scene showed one thing…
Patricia didn’t need to save anyone at all!
But since she was already there, she decided to walk towards Patricia, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Then, she stood next to Patricia, wrapped her arm around her shoulder, and said aloud.
"We should also thank Bishop Hume Valentina!"
"Thank her… for everything she has done!"
After all, Lolth knew that Hume Valentina wasn’t the only one; whether it was the real one or this stolen version, there were many brave deeds.
However, she could still say the usual words.
Starting with this shout couldn’t be wrong!
At the same time, she lowered her voice and began to whisper to Patricia.
"What on earth are you doing? What kind of strange gathering is this!?"
"Why are there so many big shots here?!"
Lolth quickly took the chance to ask, wanting to understand the situation.
Although there was a spell for silent communication…
But using it in front of so many important people clearly announced that the two had secrets!
After all, Lolth was not willing to risk her silent spell being seen by everyone!
This definitely couldn’t be done!
Instead, it would be better to walk over and whisper directly.
At this time, it was like a half-open declaration, "I, the Director of the Heretic Tribunal, have something to say to Bishop Hume."
In fact, everyone would even try to avoid using their Magic Perception to prevent suspicion.
After all, just now a cardinal with a demon inside had exploded.
Now, wanting to eavesdrop on the whispers of the Director of the Heretic Tribunal…
Lolth felt guilty and pushed back, then quickly took the other person down; there was nothing more to say!
However, Patricia looked very confused.
She also explained with an innocent expression.
"I… I didn’t know what this meeting was about!"
"I was just in my bedroom, and suddenly I was brought here…"
"How could I know what this was for… the meeting only covered the first item before you interrupted!"
"Then that cardinal exploded…"
"The meeting hasn’t even started yet!"
Patricia said with a hint of grievance.
Lolth thought for a moment and sighed.
"How did you, a bishop, get mixed up with these people who clearly are not on the same level as you?"
"I actually know this," Patricia said quietly, "the only thing that has been announced… is Hume Valentina’s appointment."
"She… that is, I, am now the new resident Cardinal of Eden Palace."
Patricia said this.
Lolth was taken aback.
She sharply caught onto the words Patricia used.
"Announce the appointment…"
"Who the hell announced that!"
Lolth instinctively felt something was off.
Patricia felt confused.
"Who else could it be… the Pope…"
"Even though he isn’t here, he has been using a divine spell to communicate."
Lolth’s heart sank at that moment.
Before entering, Lolth didn’t know if anyone present knew or had seen the Director of the Heretic Tribunal.
Of course, now she knew, it was most likely no one.
But what she was sure of was…
If only one person in The Church of Light knew the Director of the Heretic Tribunal and understood his true nature…
It must be the Pope!
The reason was just like how Lolth picked up on clues from the word "appointment."
Because, damn it, the Director of the Heretic Tribunal…
Was appointed personally by the Pope of The Church of Light!
All personnel changes in Eden Palace were decided by the Pope!
If the Lady of Light is a divine favor and represents the God of Light in the mainland plane or in the human world,
Then the Pope is the direct embodiment of the God of Light’s will!
The old man’s words were like half a prophecy!
Oh, sometimes they were equal to a complete prophecy.
Because his decisions and appointments might be directed by the God of Light!
If we compared the God of Light to an emperor, he was like the chief military minister and the prime minister.
Of course, he needed to approve matters like appointing the head of the Eastern Depot and the leader of the Brocade Guards!
Even if we took a huge step back…
The pope might have been old and forgetful, forgetting what the Director of the Heretic Tribunal looked like when he was appointed.
Or it could be that the Director of the Heretic Tribunal actually looked somewhat similar to him.
And the pope had a Great Prophecy too!
This was the top-tier version of Divine Word.
Things that involved the law of cause and effect were simply unfair!
An evil god could easily send this old lamp back with just one word!
Checking her own identity was very easy.
So, Lolth suddenly broke out in a cold sweat.
"Patricia, come on! Why didn’t you say it earlier!"
She became immediately anxious.
She was even ready to use a spell to escape right away.
However, just as Lolth decided to run away,
the old, weak voice of the Pope rang out.
"Ladies and gentlemen, there has been an unexpected event today, so this meeting should not continue…"
"You may leave now!"
Lolth listened, feeling a sense of relief.
Although she didn’t know why, it seemed that the Pope had no intention of revealing her connection to Patricia.
Maybe it was because he was too weak to tell?
That made sense, after all, he hadn’t come here himself.
Just as Lolth tugged at Patricia’s sleeve, urging her to leave quickly…
As the two of them stood up together, the Pope spoke again.
"Bishop Hume Valentina, and Your Excellency the Director…"
"And, Your Excellency the Director has brought back Her Holiness…"
"You three, please stay for a moment."
Lolth’s relieved expression changed in an instant and became lively again.
"Darn it, this old man just won’t quit!"
However, this time, Lolth thought maybe she wouldn’t run away after all!
She gave the Pope a little nudge, filled with a strange anger inside…
She just had to see what this old man planned to do.
If he figured out that the three of them were impostors, why not just expose it directly?
Why not let everyone around join together and take down the three of them?
What was he so afraid of, that others might steal the glory?
He was already the Pope; did he really need that little bit of credit?
Or did he just have a quirk and insist on facing someone himself?
Thinking about this, Lolth also felt a little unsatisfied.
She was not Patricia…
Patricia knew very well that she was just an average strong person on the mainland plane.
But Lolth had never been very clear about her own position.
Because she had hidden her strength for a long time, Lolth had a very flexible view of her own "power."
Sometimes, in front of her Demon Army colleagues, she saw even the legend level shy away.
It was not about her character, but in that moment, Lolth wanted to ensure the truth of her feelings.
She truly felt deep inside that she was an Elite Level.
This was a kind of thinking habit that didn’t even need self-hypnosis.
But when her temper flared and there weren’t many people around…
Even with someone like Maria Diana, an old-school demi-god, Lolth dared to drink some harsh wine and spar with her!
Even when she saw some alternate plane evil god or a supreme Demon God from hell, she wanted to pull out the Divine Artifact and the magic cube to give them a couple of hard slaps!
In that moment, Lolth slipped back into that excited state.
Yes, now she was at the main base of The Church of Light, the Holy Capital Eden Palace, the place least friendly to Abyssal Demons besides the Land of Light.
It was the home ground of the Pope.
But this didn’t mean…
Wasn’t it possible for the demon race to notice this?
Plus, Dorothy had completely recovered.
Lolth made up her mind…
If that old Pope was really on the brink of death and completely crazy.
He foolishly insisted on challenging her.
Then she would teleport Dorothy and Patricia away.
After that, she would open the Three Inch Divine Kingdom and show him what she’s got!
What nonsense from the Pope…
You better really be able to talk to the God of Light!
Otherwise, Lolth will surely give him a good lesson today!
You even helped bring out a Hell Demon God for yourself…
You still won’t let it go, right?
As an advisor to the Demon Army, she has been very kind to The Church of Light!
Your Holy Maiden asked me for a promotion and raise, and I have been serving her well, waiting for the day to send her back!
Lolth thought about this as she silently watched the high-ranking members of The Church of Light leave.
Patricia originally wanted to ask Lolth what she was planning to do now.
But she looked at Lolth, who showed a rare hint of anger on her face.
She also quietly closed her mouth.
Well… this sister was probably going to fight the Pope at Eden Palace.
Patricia gave Lolth a thumbs-up in her heart.
So this succubus was really impressive.
It was absolutely unbelievable.
A succubus at the entrance of the Land of Light, ready to fight the Pope of The Church of Light…
This not only reminded Patricia of the previous hero.
Not to mention chasing the demon race to the abyss…
It was said that back then, she reached the Demon King’s doorstep and nearly split the Demon King’s house in half with one strike.
Oh… wait, could it be Lolth’s house?
Patricia silently began to think.
The previous Demon King’s race had always been quite mysterious; it was not clear exactly what kind of demon race it was.
However, there were rumors that it was a very beautiful woman who was skilled in various elemental magic…
That sounded quite similar to the Succubus clan…
She originally thought the Succubus clan had nothing to do with elemental magic.
Now it seemed that this Second Princess could also use space magic.
It was not surprising to find one who could use elemental magic…
If that was the case, Patricia understood deeply.
Among the five-person team that fought the monsters back then was a former Lady of Light.
Although the Lady of Light did not jump into the abyss.
It was still a matter of family hatred and revenge…
Lolth preparing to fight back was not a problem.
The most important thing was…
Patricia looked at Dorothy, who was now healthy, lively, and following Lolth like a little bird.
The descendant of the hero probably fell asleep, which counted as indirect revenge.
She even hit Maria Diana…
And with this little girl around, catching up to the Golden Peacock to give Maria Diana a beating at her doorstep wouldn’t be a difficult task.
"The succubus has a really strong desire for revenge."
Patricia quietly reached a conclusion.
And while Patricia was lost in her thoughts,
the upper levels of The Church of Light in the central church gradually became empty!
Soon, in the empty central church, only Lolth, Dorothy, and Patricia remained.
They were the three who completely blended in.
The heavy door quickly closed with a dull thud.
"Bang!"
The whole church fell into silence.
And at that moment…
A hidden wave of Holy Light burst forth from the altar in the center of the church!
On this altar, there was actually an invisible divine spell pattern carved.
Even Lolth did not notice its presence.
It was only when it activated that Lolth realized this.
And after the altar turned…
it revealed a downward passage.
Strange waves of space came from the passage.
Lolth slightly sensed it and furrowed her brow.
"Plane channel? Is this the way to the half-plane?"
"Could it be the Land of Light?"
Patricia instinctively blurted out.
The passage in the central church of Eden Palace led to the half-plane…
Instinctively, it made people think that it was the Land of Light.
However, Dorothy shook her head.
"No, it is not the Land of Light."
She was very clear about that.
It’s not because she could tell what type of plane channel it was.
But by looking at Teacher Lolth’s expression, she knew.
If the channel to the Land of Light truly opened…
Teacher Lolth would never hesitate here…
Instead, she would take herself and Patricia away right away.
Whether she leaves or not would depend on the situation!
Just as Dorothy guessed…
This place is indeed not the Land of Light.
Even…
It is not a half-plane.
"That’s strange… Oh, wait a minute… I understand now."
After investigating, Lolth suddenly realized something.
"This is the passage to the underground of Eden Palace, just like the structure of the Fountain of Benevolence!"
"It’s just that… the underground part here is completely isolated, so at first glance, it looks like a half-plane!"
As Lolth said this, she took a deep breath and led the way into the downward passage.
This downward passage had no steps and was very gently sloping.
After walking for five or six minutes, the three of them officially entered the ‘underground space.’
Just as Lolth said, it is not an alternate plane.
Instead, it is a naturally formed open mine.
Everywhere, there are large, pure white transparent crystals.
Each one is at least as tall as a person.
It should be a natural crystal mine that has not been mined.
All the crystals here are filled with the power of Holy Light.
And at the very center of all these white crystals,
there is a place, made by carving out a huge crystal, where a person can sit.
There sits a thin old man wearing a heavy robe.
Without a doubt…
He is the Pope of The Church of Light.
When he saw Lolth, she also looked at him warily.
The Pope stood up.
Lolth’s hands began to intertwine, and magic surged.
And the next second…
"Thud."
The Pope knelt before Lolth.
"You… have finally come!"