NOVPUBThe sky outside the car window was pitch black. The enclosed space was soundproofed by magic, making the air especially stifling.
"But what can I do about it?"
Eileen drooped her eyes, mumbling.
The cost of betraying the Bishop of Destruction was something she would rather die than bear.
"If I’m not mistaken, your happy life should have also been ruined by Ivanos when you were a child. You began climbing up step by step through mountains of corpses to reach your current position, correct?"
From what Lanci learned earlier about the past experiences of soldiers directly under the Destruction Branch, including Ivanos’ way of training Grand Priests, he could be sure that the majority of Grand Priests, loyal to Ivanos, were deeply dominated by fear.
This was obviously a wrong team management method.
"Yes..."
Eileen bowed her head, her eyes full of despair, but the smile on her face was near to breaking, as if it were anticipating some sort of relief.
She was not afraid of death, but she was afraid of Ivanos.
Just thinking of his figure, her mind dared not conceive the idea of going against his orders.
"My life has already ended."
Eileen’s voice had a hint of pleading, as if hoping the other party would stop saying those words.
Merely hearing those words -- trying to instigate her to betray the Bishop of Destruction -- was an unforgivable sin.
Nevertheless.
Lanci nodded.
"Have you considered ending your life in another way and starting anew?"
He asked.
"…"
Hyperion glanced at Lanci, unsure of what to make of this classic opening move and what might happen next.
She didn’t want to hear what they were about to discuss.
"The miserable fate of those... who have previously tried to escape from the Destruction Branch..."
Eileen’s eyes were bloodshot, she clutched her head, the enchanting humming sounds from the Great Love Poet plunged her deeper into her fearful memories.
"But didn’t Phoenix successfully escape? Her sister is now a student of High Priest Loren, with a promising future ahead, and after his release, he will start a new life in Ichrite."
Lanci queried.
Upon hearing these words, Eileen hesitated for a moment.
She did know of a direct soldier named Phoenix who had successfully escaped.
But that was with the help of a powerful benefactor, who even saved Phoenix’s sister as well.
But how could such a chance come to her?
"...I don’t have that chance, it’s too late to join the High Priest now, and I don’t dare."
Eileen’s eyes, which had just slightly brightened, quickly dimmed again, and she began shaking her head vigorously.
For souls like theirs, steeped in sin, Ivanos is tragically their refuge. High Priest Loren is too brilliant, his brightness is like a flame that they dare not approach.
"What if it’s a woman who is stronger, tougher, and more domineering than Bishop of Destruction Ivanos, also a Cardinal Bishop, but also uses all her might to protect her subordinates, and cherishes and treats her subordinates well, would you be willing to join her?"
Lanci’s words were filled with sincerity, as if he were describing a highly admired senior.
Eileen looked up and stared at Lanci blankly.
She felt as though she were hearing a fairy tale.
How could there be such a Cardinal Bishop?
No, wait, there seems to really be one.
"Could it be...!"
Eileen could probably guess which Bishop the other party was talking about.
News from the Northern Continent about the Rebirth Church some time ago was all full of that undefeated victor!
"Don’t worry, as long as you still have a glimmer of hope in your heart, I will help you. Stay alive. We Grand Priests of the Destruction Branch need to form a happy mutual aid community to help our kin who have suffered the same hardships escape Ivanos’ dominance, and to prevent the tragedy from recurring by continuously praying to the Lady of Destiny. Someday, Ivanos will be punished by the Lady of Destiny."
Lanci made a "hush" gesture.
He simply pulled out a Hegemony Branch’s Grand Priest’s certificate, allowing Eileen to catch only a glimpse of a corner as he slowly moved it, seemingly leading her gaze by hand.
When Eileen next gazed forward, only those jade-green eyes met hers, appearing to be all she could see and able to penetrate her mind.
"…"
Talia stared blankly at Lanci as he gradually got carried away in his conversation.
The female priest seemed hypnotized, her chaotic eyes seeming to have a dark flame ignited within them as her mental state noticeably worsened.
Talia was perplexed. Since when did this kid have such a talent?
Since bumping into Lanci this morning, Talia had sensed that after half a year, Lanci’s magic power and mental maturity hadn’t improved much. His training as a Magic Artisan was likely sporadic at best.
Talia speculated that Lanci had spent the past six months lazing about in the Northern Continent, idly passing his days away without accomplishing anything worthwhile.
This made her feel a slight sense of disappointment deep within.
She knew it was shameful to harbor a hope that Lanci would bring her another gift.
But there was a time when Talia had once thought of Lanci as her wish-fulfilling machine – whatever she yearned for, Lanci would deliver, given time.
First it was ample money, then it was a stable life and identity in the Hutton Kingdom, followed by ancient demon world technology, and then he brought Hyperion to her home.
Now, after half a year, deep down Talia was somewhat looking forward to what satisfying gift Lanci might have for her this time.
Though she didn’t daydream about Lanci accidentally helping her overthrow the kingdom, she still hoped he could bring back some souvenirs from the Protoss Empire, perhaps some intel about Antanas.
But now it seemed that she was just over-thinking things. Even human children knew there was no such thing as a "chosen one" in this world.
Everything before had merely been a coincidence.
They spent tens of minutes like this, motionless by the side of the road in the car.
The reflection of Eileen’s eyes in the car window had now become that of complete dependence.
The fear and memories that once dominated her heart were now transformed into another emotion.
Lanci, looking like he was finishing up, turned to Talia and Hyperion.
"You two should head home first, Tata. I’m counting on you."
He looked earnestly at the two of them.
Talia nodded.
Lanci wanted her to protect Hyperion and Lanci’s family.
He was right, those ungodly members of the Rebirth Church were closing in on Hyperion relentlessly.
"Don’t worry."
Talia responded.
She had a premonition that tonight would be fraught with peril.
The ominous undertow subsided too quickly.
She didn’t know what kind of enemy might appear, but she would certainly do everything in her power to protect the Welfort family.
Soon, Lanci turned to Eileen.
"Please give us the coordinates of the other Grand Priests of Destruction. I want to save them."
Full of responsibility and passion, Lanci, like a headmaster who couldn’t stop working, picked up his coat and opened the car door.
Tata went home with Hyperion while he went to recruit some help with Cat boss for Sigrid.
While he didn’t know what grand schemes the Rebirth Church and the Blood Clan were plotting for tonight, he was sure that stealing from the enemy would disrupt their plans.
"Okay!"
Eileen nodded and followed Lanci out of the car.
"..."
Hyperion watched as the two figures faded into the distance. Lanci was still talking to Eileen as they walked, guiding her on how to become an advanced young person. Hyperion didn’t know what to say.
The Bishop of Destruction was certainly terrifying.
But you’re no less so.
