In the Name of Empress

Beneath the dome of the Golden Spire Cathedral, the statue of the Goddess extends her arms, her face graced with a holy smile, embracing the entire world.

Before the gigantic statue of the Goddess, a girl cloaked in Holy Light crosses her hands over her chest. Holy verses softly escape her lips as sacred chants echo throughout the Holy Hall.

Yet, besides her, there is no audience.

The hymns sung today are devoted to the Great Goddess, and none other has the right to listen.

As the song ends, there is no response.

A sigh of helplessness sounds, and the girl slowly opens her eyes, her expression gradually turning stern.

It's been a long time since she last heard the Goddess's response.

Here lies the Holy City, and she is the Pope who oversees the faithful of this realm; previously, her prayers were always heard by the Goddess, with occasional responses.

But since she became the Pope, the blessings from the Goddess have ceased.

Could it be that the Goddess does not recognize me? Or perhaps the Goddess questions my devotion?

Christine's gaze became somewhat bewildered.

Amidst her confusion, a hint of bitterness formed at the corner of her lips.

Compared to a few years ago, her faith had indeed undergone some changes.

At that time, if the Goddess ordered the assassination of Roland, she might have hesitated but would certainly carry it out.

If the same decree were issued now, she would defend Roland.

This is probably why she hasn't received responses from the Goddess.

Christine walked to the window, recalling events from a few days prior.

Several anonymous letters reported to her, accusing the Knight of Light of impure faith and falling into darkness, insisting on purification.

There were even people who reported openly.

These whistleblowers were all Ascetics.

Ascetics hold a very special position in the Divine Court. They do not participate in any factions nor hold specific powers, but their rank is high, and they are highly esteemed.

Ascetics are a group of dedicated and powerful cultivators with little desire, renowned within the Divine Court, whose opinions Christine cannot ignore.

To silence these voices, Christine chose the most straightforward way to prove Roland's innocence.

She activated the Crystal Ball to record the scene, and openly used the Palm of Light on him.

If Roland had fallen, this would surely impact him.

If Roland hadn't fallen, this palm would become a long-lasting buff, enhancing Roland's affinity with Light.

Reality speaks louder than words; Roland withstood the test, and her last shred of worry disappeared.

Following that strike, Christine placed Roland on the list of devout believers.

She cast the Crystal Ball before everyone alongside her command.

"Anyone daring to slander the Knight of Light again will face execution by fire!"

She could silence the skeptics, but not her own heart.

Christine wasn't naive; she was well aware of how much "devotion" Roland truly had.

This person was long accustomed to adaptability; if someone offered the right price, he'd abandon his faith without hesitation.

His flexibility had always been like this.

Christine might overlook Roland's flexible bottom line, but the Goddess would care, unless Roland achieved undeniable feats.

For example, assisting her in suppressing rebellious tribes before the Goddess's arrival?

A faint, gratified smile appeared at the corner of Christine's lips.

No matter how scarce the tickets to the Celestial Kingdom might be, she would save a seat for Roland.

Simply because Roland once saved a passage for her.

During the Battle of White Mountain, without Roland, she would have long been a heap of frost.

She dislikes owing favors to friends.

...

Beneath the dome of the Golden Spire Cathedral, the statue of the Goddess extends her arms, her face graced with a holy smile, embracing the entire world.

Before the gigantic statue of the Goddess, a girl cloaked in Holy Light crosses her hands over her chest. Holy verses softly escape her lips as sacred chants echo throughout the Holy Hall.

Exhausted from singing, the girl slowly opens her eyes.

Her pupil-less eyes, with skin as smooth as jade, burn with Holy Flame; her delicate features are perfectly sculpted yet lack a certain vitality.

Evidently, the girl is not human.

She sighed, "O Most High Lord of Light, you are so holy and benevolent. We are descendants of the Divine Punishment Sixth Legion, and we need your guidance, we..."

Still, there was no response.

The girl seemed slightly disappointed, stood up, and sighed quietly, "Great Lord, please protect your follower, Erin. I have a premonition that danger is near."

"My child, I have heard your prayer."

Erin's body trembled strongly; the Holy Flame leapt wildly like a flame under a fierce wind.

She knelt, trembling, hardly believing her eyes.

As she was too excited to speak, a ray of Holy Light descended, enveloping her.

"Go, my child, receive my blessing and embrace your battle."

Erin wept with joy, allowing the Holy Light to wash over her.

The blessing of the Great Goddess arrived just at the right moment.

As she knelt and received the blessing, a tremendous roar tore through the long night, awakening the drowsy Divine Punishment Island.

This was the garrison of the remnants of the Divine Punishment Sixth Legion.

The Sixth Legion failed the Divine Punishment mission in the past, retreating to recover here.

Bad news: They are all Elemental Life, unable to reproduce by plundering human women.

Good news: They are all Elemental Life and can create life with pure Elemental Cores.

Even better news is that the nearby ocean is rich in Water and Wind Elements. The Sixth Legion has thus been reborn through these resources.

However, the reborn Sixth Legion's strength is much diminished, forcing them to strive to regain their power.