The world was vast, and there were still countless places she hadn’t seen.
Inside a grand cathedral, a group of people was deep in prayer. At the head of the congregation stood a priest of the Light Church.
Chris strode forward, his gaze fixed on the priest. With a calm but commanding voice, he said, “I need to see your Pope.”
To deal with Nicolas, Chris knew he had to collaborate with the Radiant Faith Chapel.
The priest lifted his head and glanced at Chris. His tone was indifferent as he replied, “The Pope is a sacred figure. Not just anyone can see him.”
Chris’s face remained expressionless. “Deliver a message to your Pope for me. I’m certain he’ll want to meet with me.”
The priest asked, “And what message would you have me deliver to him?”
The Pope, being the holiest figure of the Radiant Faith Chapel, was not someone easily accessible.
Chris leaned in and whispered a few words into the priest’s ear.
The priest’s expression shifted immediately, his face betraying a mix of shock and concern. He took a deep breath and said, “Wait here. I’ll inform the Pope.”
Without another word, the priest hurried away.
Chris watched the priest’s retreating figure and waited patiently.
Though Nicolas had spared him, Chris knew that both Nicolas and the entire Blood Clan remained a looming threat. When Peter Gordon eventually descended upon the world, the Blood Clan would undoubtedly become his vanguard.
Chris was determined to eradicate the Blood Clan. However, he understood that with his current strength, he couldn’t take on the entire Blood Clan alone. That’s why he sought the aid of the Radiant Faith Chapel.
He was confident they wouldn’t refuse. After all, the Radiant Faith Chapel and the Blood Clan had been mortal enemies for over a thousand years, locked in a bitter rivalry where each side wished for the other’s destruction.
After a short while, several figures approached.
They were clad in crimson robes-bishops of the Radiant Faith Chapel.
The priest returned to Chris and introduced them. “The Pope is unavailable. These men are our bishops.”
He pointed to an elderly man with a white beard. “This is Austin, the High Bishop of the Radiant Faith Chapel. Aside from the Pope, he holds the highest authority in our church.”
Austin, though over seventy years old, appeared vibrant and full of energy, showing none of the frailty one might expect of his age. Moreover, he exuded a powerful aura of light, a presence comparable to that of Nicolas.
Austin regarded Chris with a warm smile. “Amerosia Primus Chris, I am Austin, High Bishop of the Radiant Faith Chapel. I’ve heard much about you. I didn’t expect you’d come here in person.”
Chris replied flatly, “You should already know the reason for my visit.”
Austin’s expression turned serious. “Chris, how much do you know about the Dark World?”
Chris shook his head. “Not much. I’ve only been there once.”
Austin’s eyes widened in surprise. “You’ve been to the Dark World? As far as I know, no one outside the Dark World can enter it. How did you manage to get in?”
For centuries, the Radiant Faith Chapel had sought to destroy the Dark World. However, the Dark World existed in a separate dimension, inaccessible to outsiders.
Chris’s admission left Austin visibly stunned.
Chris replied calmly, “That’s my secret, and I’m not inclined to share it.”
Austin fell silent for a moment, then nodded without pressing further. “Follow me.”
Austin led Chris to a massive fortress.
The castle sprawled over a vast area, with armed guards stationed everywhere. The security was airtight, requiring passage through multiple layers of checkpoints.
Chris noted the absence of any mobile signal in the vicinity.
He also observed that the guards were not only well-equipped but also rigorously trained-elite soldiers, each one seemingly handpicked for their skill and discipline.
Inside the fortress, advanced defense systems were apparent, blending cutting-edge technology with the ancient traditions of the chapel.
As they walked, Chris saw numerous members of the Radiant Faith Chapel.
Austin turned to Chris and explained, “This is one of our secret fortresses. I trust you’ll keep its existence confidential after you leave.”
Chris nodded. “Don’t worry. I’m not one to spread secrets.”
Austin smiled faintly. “You came to see the Pope, didn’t you? I’ll take you to him now.”
After exchanging a few more words, Austin admitted that the Dark World was beyond his ability to handle. He had no choice but to escalate the matter to the Pope.
Soon, Austin led Chris to an opulent palace.
“Wait here,” Austin instructed before turning and leaving.
The sound of footsteps echoed through the hall.
A figure entered-a man wearing a crown and adorned in sacred robes.
This was none other than Charlie the First, the Pope of the Radiant Faith Chapel.
Charlie the First’s piercing gaze fell upon Chris. “So, you’re Amerosia Primus Chris? I understand you have information about the Dark World. Let’s hear it.”
Chris nodded and began recounting everything he knew about the Dark World.
When he finished, the Pope remained silent for a long moment. Finally, he said, “Chris, I’ll take you somewhere. There are a few old acquaintances of yours waiting for you.”
With that, Charlie the First led Chris to an elevator.
The elevator descended rapidly, its speed making it impossible to gauge how far they were going.
Chris couldn’t help but ask, “Where are you taking me?”
Charlie the First replied, “To our research facility. It’s dedicated to studying ways to counter the Dark World. To protect it from interference, we’ve built it deep underground. Its location is highly classified.”
The elevator continued its descent, eventually stopping after ten levels.
When the doors opened, heavily armed guards stood at attention.
The guards bowed respectfully upon seeing the Pope.
As they passed through layers of security checkpoints, Chris couldn’t help but marvel at the lengths the Radiant Faith Chapel had gone to conceal this facility.
Without the Pope’s guidance, Chris doubted even he could have found this place.
With such formidable defenses, the idea of anyone from the Dark World infiltrating seemed laughable.
Finally, they arrived at a massive steel door, crafted from a unique alloy.
The door required an iris scan to open-its security impenetrable even to explosives.
Once inside, Chris was struck by the sheer scale of the facility.
The space was enormous, bustling with activity. Countless researchers, all members of the Radiant Faith Chapel, were hard at work.
A giant screen dominated the room, displaying a live feed of major cities worldwide.
Nearly every significant location on the planet was being monitored.