835. Return

"My Lord!"

Louis City, outskirts.

A group of 'Guardians' surrounded an elderly man as he slowly stepped down from the carriage.

The old man wore plain clothes adorned with emblems of various plants. Upon his head sat a wooden crown that radiated a ring of emerald light.

This was the divine artifact bestowed by Mother Nature upon the Natural Holy See—Nature's Favor! Not only could it greatly enhance the wearer's physical abilities, but it also contained a Greater Restoration Spell that could be used once every ten days. It was said that so long as one had not died, this divine spell could restore them to perfect condition instantly.

It had always been held by the Pope as a symbol of ecclesiastical authority.

Its appearance here made the old man's identity obvious. He was the Pope of the Natural Holy See—Louis Krest.

"According to the oracle of our god, at the right place and the right time, a floating city will appear. It is a treasure of the ancient mage civilization..."

Louis spoke in a low voice that carried an inherently persuasive force.

"This is a gift from the gods. We must obtain it!"

The old man's gaze swept across the crowd.

All the Guardians and high-ranking Bishops lowered their heads devoutly. "Praise Nature!"

Pope Louis's gaze passed over them and fixed upon a point in the void. Suddenly, he waved his hand.

A series of faint explosions sounded.

Something seemed to shatter in the sky, scattering into specks of light.

"The Natural Holy See actually sent even its Pope in person..."

Within Louis City, inside an estate.

An atmosphere of darkness and Silence constantly blanketed the surroundings when a displeased voice suddenly echoed out. "This is not the Forest Kingdom!"

"And the Church of the God of Knowledge...