History Pierced Through

When the Gate opened, two familiar yet unexpected figures stood outside. One was Helena, dressed in a sea-blue gown; the other was Frem, exceptionally tall, with skin that had the texture of rock.

Two unmarked steam cars were parked at the nearby intersection, their headlights piercing the night. Several Church guards stood quietly beside them like silent statues in the darkness.

Lucretia looked at the uninvited guests before her and frowned slightly. "Why does everyone enjoy 'dropping by' so much these days?"

"Sorry to disturb you, but this is important." Helena paid no attention to the obvious displeasure on Lucretia's face. As she spoke, she casually made her way inside. "Let's go in first—we came in secret this time, Frem and I. I don't want too many people noticing..."

Before Lucretia could react, the Female Pope representing the highest authority of the Deep Sea Church had already nimbly slipped through the Gate. Frem gave an awkward smile and followed her inside, apologizing to the mistress of the house as he went. "Sorry, sorry. Helena has always been a woman of strong initiative—and something unusual really has happened. The 'Captain' should be interested..."

Unable to stop them, Lucretia could only turn and stare wide-eyed at the two "important figures" forcing their way in. "Hey, you two... This is my house!"

Yet the witch, who disliked socializing, was utterly unable to halt the two popes' momentum—she could not fight them, nor was it appropriate to block them. By the time she came to her senses, the two uninvited guests had successfully invaded her home...

Duncan, who had remained in the living room, had already heard the commotion at the door. Looking up, he saw Helena and Frem entering. The former had visited this place with Rune not long ago, but this was