On an island somewhere in the Pacific, inside a luxurious villa.
Isaac sat in a dark room with his eyes tightly shut, consumed by guilt.
If not for his mistake, how would he have ended up trapped here?
That day, he had intended to meet the High Lord of the Ecclesiarchy, hoping to gain his support and delay the peace agreement's implementation.
But he had never imagined that even the Ecclesiarchy—the one organization he thought least likely to be infiltrated by the ETO—had become their pawn!
His mistake had brought about the situation they faced now.
The mysterious disappearance of the Grand Inquisitor, who held the "highest judicial authority," meant that humanity had lost its last line of defense against the Trisolaran Civilization and the ETO's invasion!
"Lord Isaac, how have you been lately?"
Someone suddenly entered the dim room.
"Get out."
Isaac kept his eyes shut, his tone utterly hostile. "I don't want to see you, you heretic's dog!"
The newcomer wore a luxurious red robe and a golden crown. It was the Ecclesiarchy's current Red Cardinal. He gave a cold laugh. "Isaac, you have no idea what 'heresy' means. Never mind... I didn't come here to argue with you today."
With that, he stepped aside and smiled. "I'm here to introduce you to an old friend."
An old friend?
Isaac remained silent, eyes closed, until he heard a familiar voice.
"Long time no see, Isaac."
That voice... Isaac's heart gave a sudden jolt. He immediately opened his eyes.
Bright light shone down from above, falling directly on the figure.
As the light revealed that familiar face, Isaac felt as if he'd been struck by lightning. His mind went completely blank.
It took Isaac a full fifteen minutes to recover. His face was deathly pale, and a mocking sneer