Finding Game

Hearing the shouts, Leona immediately rushed over and subdued the troublemaker, then summoned the warriors outside the hall to imprison him. 💥😺 ♧☮

Then I suddenly remembered the prison not far away. Could these "infidels" be imprisoned there?

After the chaos subsided, people continued to listen to the bishop's teachings. Leona kept a closer eye on everyone, ready to punish the troublemakers at any moment. After the remaining ten or so people had finished their prayers, it was finally our turn.

The bishop was very kind. Seeing our clothes, he knew we weren't from around here. "Strangers, what troubles you? Almighty Sun God can help you."

"Your Excellency, may we see the Sun God? Ideally, we could also see other deities at the same time."

"You wish to see the gods? What is your purpose?"

"That's right, the outside world is in great turmoil right now, with all sorts of demons causing chaos. We hope to receive help or guidance from the gods to defeat them."

"I advise you not to bother the gods with such matters; people need to resolve the disasters they themselves have created."

"This disaster is different. Their power used to come from the gods, but now they've fallen, making them a bit difficult to deal with."

"Oh, I see. Then come back tonight. To see the gods, one must do so when the stars are shining."

The bishop was quite easy to talk to and readily agreed to help. At first, I thought these people were unreliable, but now it seems I misjudged the Solar Cult. If they didn't have some ability, why would they agree to help me so readily?

After all the believers finished their prayers, Leona asked the bishop about the handling of the heretics. Varus and I were almost out of the sanctuary when I heard this, so I stopped.

Because I clearly heard the people just now shouting "Long live the new moon," if the backstory is correct, then these heretics are very likely related to the Moon Goddess Diana.

Leona was puzzled when I suddenly stopped. "Is there something else you two want to do?"

"I overheard you talking about heretics earlier. I'd like to know more about it and see if I can help you."

"Thank you for your kindness, but this is an internal matter of our sect, and it's not convenient for us to discuss it with others. You may leave now!"

The master issued an order to expel me, and I couldn't insist on staying, so I left the main hall. Of course, I didn't give up; I used Wind's Breath Insight to eavesdrop on their conversation:

"Bishop, we have now captured nine heretics. We don't know if there are any others hiding. The prisons are full. What should we do with them?"

"They meant no harm; they were just misled by inappropriate remarks. When we perform the Descent Ritual for the two outsiders tonight, we'll bring the heretics along. I believe they'll rediscover their faith in the Solar Cult after witnessing the miracle."

"Aren't they going to be punished?"

"Punishment only breeds rebellion; it's best to educate them gently."

"I think you're being too kind, Bishop, but... thank you."

"Go and rest, Leona. You have a lot to do in the future, don't overwork yourself."

The conversation between the two was very simple; Leona mainly reported the number of heretics to the bishop and requested action.

The bishop was very kind; he preferred to reform these people rather than punish them. I just don't understand why Leona thanked the bishop at the end. Did she have friends among the heretics?

In addition, I was very interested in the timing the bishop chose: the Descent Ritual.

Will the gods appear directly in the ritual? I'm really looking forward to it.

Varus was curious about my eavesdropping on their conversation. "Yasuo, the internal affairs of the Solar Cult have nothing to do with us, why are you so interested?"

"I might know the leaders of these infidels."

"You know Leona too, right? I almost let it slip just now."

"Haha, you figured it out! That's right, try to get closer to her, she'll join the Light, but I don't know how strong she is."

It's afternoon now, and there's still a long time until the starry night. Varus and I plan to wander around and explore this place where the gods reside, to see what's so special about it.

Of course, having a tour guide would be more convenient, and Leona is the most suitable candidate.

We waited outside the Vatican, and she soon came out. Learning that we wanted to learn about the local customs and culture, she readily agreed to be our guide and began to explain the situation:

This place, which looks like a town, is actually the headquarters of the Solar Cult, and the people here are all followers of the Solar Cult. Because the roads on the mountaintop are not smooth, everyone lives together around the Grand Papacy, forming the current scene.

The believers' sustenance came entirely from offerings from people in various places. Whenever they needed divine assistance, they would come to the Papacy to ask the bishop for help and offer varying amounts of money, which the believers would then use to make purchases down the mountain.

For countless years, the Solar Cult has ruled the Mount Targon, and the people there have been devout believers. However, in recent years, for some unknown reason, some people have suddenly appeared who worship the moon.

These people claim that the sun is deceitful and that the moon represents justice, thus inducing people to abandon their faith in the sun and convert to the Moon God.

However, the efforts of these pagans were in vain, because the bishop had allowed them to preach here, and in the end only nine converted to Christianity.

This wouldn't have been a problem initially, but then the heretics went on a killing spree, forcing the bishop to order their arrest.

As Leona spoke, a hint of sadness appeared on her face, which further confirmed my earlier suspicion: among these nine people were her friends.

After wandering around the city for a while, I found that the people here live a very simple lifestyle. Apart from those who come down the mountain to buy things, the rest of them are basically praying for blessings from the gods.

Feeling bored, I decided to stop wandering around and find a place to eat, but then a problem arose: there was nowhere to buy food!

Leona said that the people here never eat rice; they only eat various wild fruits. The person in charge of purchasing brings back a large amount of fresh fruit every day to satisfy the people's hunger.

"Since you're hungry, come home with me. I have plenty of fruit at home!"

"Uh... never mind, we can just go down the mountain and pick them ourselves."

"Alright, remember to come to the Vatican after dark. The Church will hold Descent Ritual for you, and you might be able to see the gods then."

"Okay, thanks, see you tonight!"

I haven't eaten much these past two days. I ate a ton of fruit this morning, and I can't eat any more now. Even though the fruit here is special, it doesn't make me feel full!

I decided to go down the mountain with Varus to find some wild game. The forest at the foot of the mountain is lush, and there should be plenty of wild rabbits, wild boars, and the like. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.