After the starlight faded, the Holy Ark's glow gradually dimmed until it went out, and the entire hall fell silent once more.
The Archbishop slowly opened his eyes, stars flickering in the depths of his pupils.
He gently clenched his fist, feeling the power within his body—the power of having entered the realm of "Hero."
"Congratulations!"
A deep voice came from the shadows of the corridor.
Another man in an ornate robe stepped out. The various patterns on his robe symbolized power and faith, declaring that he too was a Hero of the Church.
"Thank you!" the newly ascended Hero Archbishop said softly.
The Pope stood beneath the Deity Statue, his gaze fixed on the two below.
Including the Religious Leader stationed at headquarters, the Church's Four Holy Seats had gathered once again.
"Your Holiness, what are your instructions next?" the newly promoted Hero asked softly. He did not bow, but his tone remained respectful.
There was also a trace of barely concealed excitement.
The Pope raised his head slightly and looked upward. "Wait for the divine revelation... Before then, do not act rashly."
"Yes!" the two Heroes answered.
"Go back for now."
The two Heroes below nodded again, then turned and left.
Outside the hall, the starlight and strange phenomena vanished. The believers slowly rose to their feet, devoutly bowed once more toward the Holy Hall, then dispersed like a receding tide.
The streets became noisy again, as if the celestial phenomenon from moments ago had been nothing more than an illusion.
In a courtyard.
The woman crouched on the ground on withered knees. In the distance, three stray cats were eating crumbs of bread. She had no idea where they had come from, but they had appeared in the courtyard these past two days.
"Eat slowly. There'll