Visit

"Did we need proof to do our jobs?"

Lucius countered, "Even if we ruled out those guesses, we could still be sure Pope Steven was an exceptionally powerful Ability User. Were we supposed to watch him join the Golden Oak Kingdom and threaten the future of the Bauhinia Federation?"

"But that still wouldn't convince your boss!"

Professor Luther didn't think much of the plan. "You want to use this opportunity to make a move. The chief won't agree."

"If he won't agree, we can do it on the sly. It'd be a perfect chance to test the combat strength of the consultant team, too."

Lucius's lips curled into a subtle smile, like a little fox that had just stolen a chicken.

Half a month later.

The Federation airship terminal.

Passengers immediately noticed something different about the place today.

It was not only cleaner and tidier than usual; crowds of people with fervent expressions and religious garb had gathered there, too.

"What's going on?"

A potbellied tycoon beckoned to a flight attendant. "Who are those people?"

"You haven't heard, sir?"

The flight attendant smiled and pointed to the signs and banners nearby. Written in Federation script were messages like "A Warm Welcome to Pope Steven." "The Pope of the Church of Salvation has come to give a speech at the invitation of our Federation president!"

"The Church of Salvation... The name sounds familiar..."

The fat passenger muttered, "There are so many different churches in the Federation these days. Last time, a couple of guys tried to sell me on a religion that worships werewolves. I've got no interest in those hairy freaks! They say a bunch of evil-god worshippers were behind the bombing at the train station three days ago, preaching about some so-called apocalypse. Damn it!"

"How can you