"Ha ha ha! Looks like I came at a bad time! A divine court abandoned by its god!"
A voice suddenly rang out within the grand hall. The people praying followed the sound and saw a black-robed figure standing some distance away, though none knew when he had appeared.
Leaning against one of the hall's pillars, the figure looked utterly at ease.
The praying man's gaze sharpened as he identified the intruder.
"A demon!"
"How dare you! This is no place for trash like you! Temple Guards! Seize him for this pontiff! He trespassed into the sacred grounds of the divine court and slandered the Lord God. His crime deserves death!"
The pontiff's furious shout echoed through the hall. Numerous warriors clad in silver-white armor sprang out from the shadows, their blades blessed by divine power surrounding the demon who had entered the hall.
"Don't get so worked up. This palace has been abandoned by its god. Where did you get the nerve to still call this place the 'sacred grounds of the divine court'? Where is your god?"
Surrounded by sharp blades, the demon showed no panic. Instead, he mocked them.
That was undoubtedly adding fuel to the fire. Already agitated by their god's abandonment, the pontiff's killing intent grew even stronger.
"You... are courting death!"
The pontiff immediately activated his divine secret art, determined to kill this demon.
The two sides clashed. The pontiff's strength was worthy of his rank, and with the Temple Guards' coordinated attacks, every move was lethal. The demon could do nothing but defend himself.
Yet the demon still spoke with casual composure.
"Pontiff, there's no need to hurt our goodwill. After all, I came this time seeking cooperation from you."
"Cooperation? Ridiculous! How could our divine court ever associate with scum like you