"Hmm..."

Glancing at the magic array twice, the Depraved Hero tactfully looked away.

Then the black-haired girl, as if no one else was around, flipped the envelope over and over again, still unable to find anything resembling an "opening."

All she could do was lean closer to carefully observe the seal's magic array, although she could recognize its structure, but—

"What the heck is this drawing? I can't understand it at all."

The black-haired girl muttered, visibly displeased.

[Encryption Critical Success +30, Decryption Difficulty 228 (Ritual Level)]

[The Depraved Hero's next actions——]

1.5. Hand it to the Sergeant

2.6. Take it to the Evil-breaking Bishop

3.7. Interrogate!

4.8. Can I take a look? (Siren Princess)

9. Sacrifice!

10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure

D10=d10(9)=9

♛: Sacrifice!

→☆→☆→☆→✧←★←★←★←

Meanwhile, deep within the Central Great Cathedral, in the dining room reserved for the Pope and high-ranking Cardinals, a sweet yet mild fragrance filled the air.

"What's wrong, Hero? Are you already full?"

Seeing the Hero, who was devouring the meal with gusto just moments ago, suddenly stop and stare dazedly at the pudding, the Pope set down his spoon and asked with slight concern.

The girl shook her head gently, the slight gleam in her emerald eyes vanishing.

"It's nothing, I just remembered I might have forgotten something, but it's not important now."

[The Hero's next actions——]

1.5. Holy Sword Prayer

2.6. Transformation Consultation

3.7. Resonance Prayer

4.8. Other Cathedrals

9. Attempt to Heal the Pope

10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure

D10=d10(9)=9

♛: Attempt to Heal the Pope

She picked up the spoon again, resolved the last pudding with small bites.

On the long table, each exquisite silver plate was empty, the polished metal surfaces reflecting the soft glow of the overhead decorations.

The Hero, having finished off another table worth of dessert, set down her knife and fork, picked up a snow-white napkin to carefully wipe away the sweet residue at her lips, then reclined comfortably against her chair, exhaling lightly, her eyes sparkling with a satisfied delight.

The Church's highest-tier holy meal indeed had its unique qualities, not only was there an abundance of desserts to fill one's belly, but the method of preparation was exceptionally distinct...

[Deliciousness of the Dessert Feast]

D50+70=d50(31)+70=101

[How much was eaten?]

D100+30=(57)+30=87

Seeing the Hero's satisfied expression, the Pope smiled kindly.

"It seems you are quite content, it was worth instructing the kitchen to give their all."

Hearing his words, the Hero was somewhat curious: "How did you know I liked desserts?"

The dishes, blessed by the Holy Light and capable of replenishing magic power, along with the desserts, were obviously made by specially trained Life Professionals, requiring such an extensive process that it couldn't possibly be completed in just half a day.

Furthermore, there was enough food to fill eight whole dining carts. If it weren't for prior knowledge of the guest's preferences, no luxurious banquet would prepare such a large amount of dessert for one person, even finishing it took considerable time.

Even though she maintained dining etiquette, her eating speed was not slow at all, the heap of empty plates before her was evidence enough.

Nonetheless, the Hero timely declined the Pope's proposal for another round.

It wasn't that she couldn't eat anymore, but after all, her purpose wasn't to indulge her appetite.

Moreover, another part of her has been incessantly blinking... preventing her from fully enjoying the taste.

The Pope responded, "I once communicated with the Border Count, and he mentioned some things about you."

The Hero nodded understandingly.

She still remembered the dessert tower ordered upon her first visit to the Count.

She initially wanted to discuss various topics further with the Pope, but before the Hero could speak, the old man softly said:

"Alright, Hero, it's getting late, you should be setting out soon. You can't just spend all your time chatting with this old fellow."

Though his smile remained gentle, the old Pope's tone carried an undeniable gravity.

The Hero was slightly startled, instinctively glancing around.

In the seemingly spacious dining room, only she and the Pope were present, rendering the place exceptionally empty.

[Who brought the dessert?]

1.5. The Silent Chef

2.6. The Holy Paladin Servant

3.7. Magical Transport

4.8. Prepared in advance

9. The Pope brought it up

10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure

D10=d10(5)=5

♛: The Silent Chef

The Hero withdrew her gaze, looking at the Pope with a complicated expression.

These desserts, though personally brought by the chef, remained unspoken, engaging neither of them, avoiding eye contact with the Pope on purpose.

The Hero knew it wasn't due to any issues he had with the Pope or herself; the reason for not speaking wasn't unwillingness, but inability.

In the current grand Cathedral, the Pope was already a de facto prisoner. Having been tainted by the Deep Sea Demon, he had to isolate himself here, drawing an invisible boundary from everyone else.

Although, as the Pope, he could still communicate to command the Church, issuing all sorts of orders, unlike the sudden disappearance of the Divine Knowledge Saintess, the other Cardinals were likely already prepared to replace the Pope.

This preparation wasn't due to power struggles, but a very real and objective consideration—the old Pope was near death and still a plague bomb that could go off at any moment.

The reason he remained in this position was not only due to his impeccable fulfillment of papal duties but also because someone had to face the deep sea's corruption and halt the spread of the pollution.

All other members of the Church could only distance themselves from him as much as possible.

Nobody wanted to follow in the footsteps of the former Princess, as once the foulness penetrates the soul, it becomes irremovable, and assisting the corrupted drags oneself into an inescapable mire of pollution.

This was indeed the safest approach, but it also meant that, though being the Pope, residing in the very heart of the Holy City and Church, the old man could now only fight alone.

The Hero pressed her lips slightly, not departing as instructed.

As the Pope was about to speak again, the Hero suddenly lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes.

Her hair was dyed moon white, akin to a serene splendor, her pupils turned to a clear, golden hue like the bright moon, directly staring at the slightly surprised elderly man.

"There's something I want to try—"

"—Forget unlocking it, let's just smash it!"

[The Depraved Hero activates the skill: Sacrifice]

D50+d211+33=d50(23)+d211(28)+33=84

[Protection Ceremony: Secret Letter Folding LV6]

5d100=(92)+(17)+(54)+(79)+(8)=250

Note: Success is achieved only when the Sacrifice output value does not exceed the ritual by 30 points; skill enhancement is gained if it does not exceed 10 points. Exceeding 30 results in shattering, and 70+ self-destruction.

[The Sergeant's reaction]

D303=d303(66)=66

[Protection Ceremony: Secret Letter Folding LV6]

Developed by Lord Key of Transformation as a ritual magic. Compresses a large amount of information into paper, achieving an effect close to space folding.

Requires special materials and ritual-level arrangements, costing a significant amount. A single sheet of paper can contain the equivalent of a library's information, possibly even bearing forbidden knowledge.

The completed envelope possesses space-isolating protection, only releasable through specific magical release.

If it suffers an attack beyond its limits, the envelope's interior will shatter along with the folded space.

—"The gate and the lock can be transformed. Be it Heavenly Moon or Sky City, watch closely, for I will prove that there is no door I cannot open, nor anything I cannot lock."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.