Volume 1 Chapter 659

Chapter 659: The Time Is Yours to Choose

In this world, there existed almost no "tricks" that could hinder Lolth’s detective work. For her, every trace of magical activity – even those left by ordinary humans without supernatural abilities – could be effortlessly traced to reconstruct their approximate actions.

This precise understanding of magic allowed Lolth to single-handedly recreate crime scenes with forensic accuracy equivalent to multiple high-tech investigative tools. She served as both a humanoid chemical analyzer and a combination of police hound and evidence collector. After all, every action in this world inevitably disturbed the flow of magic.

Yet the situation reconstructed through residual magic essence and arcane traces in this room proved unexpectedly intricate. So much so that even Lolth found herself perplexed.

"The victim being from the Wizard Association seems confirmed… yet his death came from magical incineration," she mused, tapping her chin. "Though he already lingered near death before the burning."

Though bloodstains had vanished, Lolth’s mind vividly reconstructed the scene. "His viscera were excised and arranged here while maintaining vital functions… The blood patterns reek distinctly of the Evil God’s Power – that unmistakable stench of the Day of Revival cult."

Her finger traced invisible patterns in the air. "The wall’s magic circle destruction occurred as the final act…" Piecing together the fragments, she arrived at an unusual conclusion. "So Wizard Association members were captured by cultists for live sacrifice rituals, then executed by their own comrades? After which said comrades retrieved the wall’s hidden contents… What spectacular infighting!"

Her momentary amusement faded as realization struck. "Wait – perhaps those companions sought to end his suffering? But why brutal destruction rather than proper disenchantment of the circle?" She waved dismissively. "Regardless, this isn’t internal Wizard Association conflict but rather their clash with cultists."

Pausing, she corrected herself: "Though technically, those groups were never allies to begin with." The spider-like threads of deduction wove tighter in her mind. "The later Wizard Association arrivals must now know the Day of Revival cultists attacked them. Meaning open hostility between these factions…"

A sly smile crept across her face. "The chaos deepens perfectly – exactly as desired." Her original plans for further provocation now seemed unnecessary. When the first stone strikes troubled waters, frightened fish will churn the pond to murkiness themselves.

"I hope their ‘conflict’ erupts at a more opportune moment."

Lolth murmured to herself before departing the scene.

Whether cultists, the Wizard Association… or even the Demon Gods of hell.

Within this Holy Capital, Lolth permitted all who harbored "chaos-creating" intentions – or whose actions inevitably bred disorder – to persist in their existence.

Until they… managed to shake this city that had never wavered an inch.

Upon leaving the residence, Lolth neither returned to her original dwelling nor to the Heretic Tribunal’s headquarters.

Her path led unerringly toward…

The absolute heart of the Holy Capital – the Central Cathedral.

Though its massive doors stood firmly closed as anticipated, remaining inaccessible on ordinary days.

Not even cardinals possessed the privilege to enter casually during off-hours.

Yet…

While the title of Director of the Heretic Tribunal carried no inherent nobility, its authority ultimately surpassed that of common cardinals.

When Lolth approached the cathedral’s entrance, the guarding Paladins didn’t even attempt interception.

They permitted Lolth to ease open the ponderous door just enough to slip through, then watched as she sealed it behind her.

"Thud!"

The resonant closure left Lolth solitary within the consecrated sanctity of the Central Cathedral.

She now stood where the main plane drew nearest to the God of Light and his Land of Light!

A sacred honor rarely experienced by any Holy Light adherent save the Pope himself.

Even the genuine Director of the Heretic Tribunal… despite possessing unrestricted access, would consider entering alone without cause an impossible act.

Comparable to desecration or presumption – less severe perhaps, but akin in nature.

Yet Lolth, former atheist turned acknowledge-but-unbeliever of divine entities, remained unmoved.

"This feels thoroughly discomfiting…"

Her sigh echoed as she positioned herself beneath the Holy Light annulus.

She tapped the floor twice and called out:

"Hey, you there? Open up."

For an instant, Lolth fancied herself the Great Sage Equal to Heaven

summoning some white-bearded divine bureaucrat…

Though no Pope would erupt from the earth.

Holy Light rippled across the floor. Moments later, subterranean stairs materialized.

Descending through warped spatial boundaries, Lolth reached the crystalline chamber where she’d previously met the Pope.

The pontiff still perched upon his uncomfortable crystal-encrusted throne, appearing more frail than ever.

"We meet again, Lord Lolth."

Despite his weakness, the gentle smile remained.

Lolth’s lips twitched wryly.

"So we do…"

"Then… you’ve completed your preparations?"

At this query, Lolth hesitated briefly before nodding.

"Nearly… Hence this visit to confirm final procedures."

She paused meaningfully before adding:

"And… timing."

"Timing? My readiness is constant…"

The Pope’s aged eyes creaked open slightly.

"My prolonged twilight has stretched overlong…"

"Thus for me, no sensitivities remain."

He removed his papal tiara as he spoke.

"The hour… rests with you to determine."