The Continuation of the Defiance Plan

The radiant barrier that had shrouded Holy Light Cathedral for days began to gradually disintegrate. Countless pale golden particles drifted from the dissolving Energy Barrier, scattering into the depths of the night, while within the fading barrier, the melodious tolling of bells continued.

The bells rang sweetly, like an invitation.

Gawain and the two Guardian Dukes stood in the square before the cathedral district, watching the scene in the cathedral's direction. Duke Baldwin frowned slightly. "Strange... the clergy should have come out of the cathedral to meet the believers by now... Why is the cathedral district so quiet?"

Gawain looked up. Amid the drifting motes of holy light, the cathedral district maintained an eerie, solemn silence. He saw no bishops or senior clergy appearing, only ordinary priests and attendants hurrying between the buildings. Panicked figures could also be seen in the upper corridors of the cathedral. Something was clearly wrong.

Just as the three of them were speculating about what might have happened inside the cathedral, the grand, heavy doors engraved with countless Divine Miracles and runes were finally opened.

Yet the one who emerged was neither the clergy composed of bishops and senior priests nor Pope Saint Ivan III, but Veronica Moen, dressed in a plain white robe. She slowly walked out of the cathedral toward Gawain and the others, holding the platinum scepter that had once belonged to the Pope.

Perhaps it was an illusion, but the instant he saw the Saint Princess, Gawain sensed a faint discordance. Veronica looked just as she had when they last met, yet... he felt there was something subtly out of place about her.

The feeling was impossible to explain, and it was swiftly swept aside by astonishing news—

"His Holiness the Pope has answered the Lord's summons. The Bishop Council was