Paradise

Finally, back in Augustine...

I'm so tired, I just want to go back to my little nest and sleep for a while...

Wow, the capital is bustling too...

Everyone, stop arguing! Calm down!

Can you believe it? These country bumpkins are actually laying out their bedding under the statue of St. Peter!

Aren't they afraid of tarnishing the saint and being punished by the Heavenly Voice?

St. Peter once said, ''Regardless of wealth or poverty, friend or foe, anyone can seek refuge in me, and the Church of Augustus will treat everyone fairly.''

Why can't I seek the protection of St. Peter anymore?

Hmph, if St. Peter were watching over you, would you still be wandering the streets like this?

You must have had ill intentions, which is why you were punished by the divine wrath!

With people like you around, how can I let my child go outside?

The people in the capital are indeed different; all of them have a glossy appearance, with their minds filled with luxury and pleasure, showing none of the compassion and mercy preached by the Church of Augustus.

What, not giving you charity means I'm not compassionate? If you're begging, at least look the part!

According to the capital's regulations, it's true that we can't set up a makeshift bed here... But you guys shouldn't be so harsh with your words!

I am upholding Her Holiness's policies!

Barefoot and fearless, I've lost my family and don't mind fighting to the death with someone like you.

The holy land of the Church is in this state now; I should have stayed in my hometown and joined the God Eaters!

Oh my God! Everyone, run! There are God Eaters' thugs here!

What should I do? I really want to make a move on her!

Who dares cause trouble in the capital?

Per the Pope's instructions, for these refugees who have trespassed into the capital... Kick them all out!

We are all children of the Heavenly Voice, and the Church must allow us to survive!

Listen, how you survive is your business. I'm only responsible for maintaining the capital's security, got it?

Kurain, this person's fellow villagers are all members of the God Eaters! They even tried to commit a crime in broad daylight just now!

God Eaters? Then don't blame me for being ruthless. Capture them all, and execute the rebels on the spot!

Kurain, what are you doing?

Are you Dorothy's manager? This isn't a place for entertainment, so don't meddle in things that aren't your business.

St. Peter, save your followers...

I can't take it anymore... It's so noisy!

Kurain, take your soldiers back. Iori, escort these refugees to Victoria's shop and tell them it's under my instruction.

But the God Eaters...

I am the Pope's special envoy, and I owe you no explanations.

Had you splattered blood on St. Peter's statue, you'd be damned too. Understand? I'm saving you.

Thank you, my lord. I shall take my leave now.

Thank you, Lord Cera... Please be sure to explain our situation to the pope! We wouldn't have left our homes if it wasn't absolutely necessary!

Understood, let's go eat first. This meal is courtesy of Lady Audrey.

Thank you! Next time Dorothy has a concert, I'll make sure to get you a Front Row ticket!

Alright, alright... Finally, it's quiet. It feels like I've done something similar to what Vivi would do.

This meal should cost Audrey quite a bit, as payback for letting me know about those things... Damn, I wish I could forget.

Besides, I actually prefer rock music...

Well, Ambassador, I'll be leaving too. I need to attend Nox's autograph session.

Scram!

Cera? How did you find time to visit me today?

Due to my patrol duties, I won't be guarding the gate for the next few days...

Well, going on a business trip can also change your mood...

May I ask why you decided to resign and leave the Church back then?

Me? I'm also looking for a more exciting life, as the Church's work has become too burdensome.

Moreover, in terms of evangelism efficiency, live streaming is even more effective than preaching in a cathedral!

Are you sure it's not because you're unhappy with the Pope? Or maybe you've discovered some shocking secret...

Hmm, what makes you think that? Have you been having any issues at work lately?

However, upon returning, I've realized that the situation in the Empire has become irreparable.

The Church and the God Eaters are at each other's throats, both prioritizing control over the government. This tension will inevitably lead to a civil war if it continues.

In my opinion, to heal the wounds of the Empire, we need a leader who is recognized and accepted by both sides to take charge.

Are you referring to Vivi?

Indeed, it seems you and I share the same thoughts.

But, Levia...

Of course, the more pressing matter now is, what exactly has Levia become obsessed with? Just a few years ago, she was a charismatic leader...

Even rumors from outside suggest that Lady Levia is not seen in public because she is being controlled by her subordinates.

Even if Levia wants to step in and turn the tide now, it's unlikely that all the followers of the Empire would stand by her side.

The torn wound is difficult to heal...

It seems there's another person in front of Lady Levia's door?

Lord Baphomet, do you have any matters to discuss with the Pope?

...

Baphomet, are you there?

As you wish, Your Holiness. Sleep well.

Who are you talking to, Baphomet?

Oh dear, Cera, I apologize. I was just listening to the voice in my head.

...Can you hear the Heavenly Voice?

No, it's the Pope's voice. It seems that the Pope has used some kind of sound transmission magic. I can only listen to her teachings at the entrance of the cathedral...

I want to report the disaster area capture operation to the pope and apologize to her.

Yet, the pope didn't seem interested in any of this and didn't blame me. She just let me go.

...

Lord Cera, I shall take my leave.

Today's pope seems a bit unfamiliar... Perhaps you could offer her some advice.

Don't be nervous, just speak up about what you see...

Cera? You're back?

(Is this the Voice Transmission technique Baphomet mentioned?)

Ah yes, Your Holiness, I have returned to report on my duties.

You've worked hard, and now it's already late in the night...

Your Holiness is working late as well.

Yes, I am cultivating myself in the cathedral, trying to listen to the Heavenly Voice.

...

Baphomet has already reported the capture of the God Eaters, and it's not your fault. I underestimated their strength.

But don't worry, their days of arrogance won't last long... Once I complete my current research, it will be time for all to submit to the Empire.

These so-called God Eaters and the Dragon Orchid are nothing but mere jesters.

Your Holiness, the disaster situation in various places...

Simply report these minor matters to the heads of each department later. Whatever you wish to accomplish, you can do so under my authority.

Thank you, Your Holiness, but some important matters still require your authority...

I understand that without my intervention, the Empire's fragile internal structure cannot be maintained. However, my current research is crucial, and I cannot abandon it halfway due to worldly influences.

What I need to be most vigilant about are the rumors about me. Cera, you are the only disciple I trust. You must keep my secret safe.

I...

For those who dare to covet the secrets of the heavenly sounds, I grant you the power to annihilate them directly.

...

Are you troubled, Cera?

Is Lord Ziz also inside the cathedral now?

Yes, Ziz is my important research assistant. But don't worry, our conversation cannot be heard by others.

One day, everyone will submit to me and obey the divine message I convey.

Until my research is complete, Lord Ziz cannot leave this church. If anyone dares to reveal the secrets of the research, you have the authority to execute first and report later.

As you wish, Your Holiness. I will stand guard at your door tonight.

Great, thank you for your efforts. I'll continue with my research.

(The voice and oppressive feeling in my mind have disappeared.)

Ah, I wanted to tell the truth too...

Cera, do you have to work overtime right after returning?

These are my responsibilities. Lady Vivi, do you have any business at the cathedral?

I'm here to discuss the recent situation in the Empire with Her Holiness. May I enter?

Hold on, we must wait for the Pope's decree...

So... could you go in and let them know?

Well, I don't have access either...

Well...

Drive her away, Cera. I can't transmit my voice into this failure's mind just yet.

Perhaps I can relay the message for you...

Vivi is no longer on my side, who knows what she's thinking? I don't want to see her, please don't let her bother me anymore.

I have received your orders

(Find a way to muddle through it.)

Lord Vivi, entering the cathedral requires... a search, yes, a search!

Do I need to undergo the examination as well?

Yes, it's a new directive from Her Holiness.

Alright, go ahead and search me.

So, do my personal belongings meet the requirements?

Your weapon may cause damage, so please come back in a month.

A month? Cera, does Her Holiness really not want to see me that much?

I'll go in unarmed then.

You've seen the situation in the Empire recently, with such chaos, we can't afford to waste time.

I need to talk things through with Levia! If we continue to be wary and conceal things from each other, more of our followers will be displaced.

Vivi, you can't go there now.

What exactly did Levia instruct you to do? And how did she communicate her instructions to you?

Cera, has Levia also brainwashed you?

...

It seems Vivi has come across some intriguing information. It wouldn't hurt to let her in.

Your Holiness, I shall proceed now...

As long as she doesn't make it out alive, that's all that matters.

!!!

All the public knows is that the Holy Lady Vivi is studying in the Cathedral. I can make use of the waste from the first phase of Project W.

Aren't you afraid of having a conflict with Vivi inside the church?

Take her weapon and let her in. I am her creator, and without her Vibration Arm, I can easily subdue her.

...

Carry out the order, I'm waiting for your message.

Why have you suddenly gone silent for so long? Did I hit a nerve?

Lord Vivi, today and from now on, you must not come to the cathedral under any circumstances.

Why not? I am also the dignified Holy Mary...

No means no, this is... the will of the divine.

Cera! You cannot blindly follow Levia's orders! They may not be the will of the divine!

I am merely a gatekeeper. I must protect what I hold dear.

Lady Vivi, if you refuse to see reason, then try to defeat me with your strength!

As expected of Vivi... It seems I can't stop you today.

You're injured! Let me provide some Healing for you quickly...

No way! I won't let you pass through this door unless I die here today!

Ah, I see it now. You'd rather die in battle than hurt me, right, Cera?

I've lost, I won't enter the cathedral anymore. Let me provide you with healing.

No worries, it's just a minor injury... You should focus on overseeing the disaster relief efforts at the government department.

The Pope has granted me the authority to issue commands. I will announce that the benevolent Holy Mary of the Empire will act on behalf of this power...

Indeed! It seems Your Holiness truly cares for the faithful. I shall proceed with formulating the policies...

Yes, Levia is the best...

What should I do? I've betrayed Her Holiness Levia as well...

Without protection, could she face danger? The people around her seem unreliable.

I'll return to the cathedral and atone for my sins with death.

Lord Cera

Saint Bartholomew... No, you've already left the Church.

Why do you dare to show up here? Are you following me?

I am the Tier 1 leader of Project W, and I am aware of the insane experiments Levia is currently obsessed with.

I'm showing up now because I believe you and I are partners on the same front.

United front? I would never do anything to harm Levia.

United front, it means we all want to save the Empire and rescue the ones we love.

You may have noticed that Levia's obsession with the Project W is not just her personal desire. There are other forces around her that are fueling the fire.

Levia might just be a pawn as well. Behind the Project W, there are even darker secrets about this world hidden.

Who are you referring to? I can go kill her right now.

Have you heard of Rasparta? It's a large organization with a history of thousands of years, and I was once a member.

We all need to say goodbye to our past selves, and then... face it bravely.