A moment later, a tall, bald man in the robes of a Holy Light Church Archbishop appeared before Phillips and the other two.
All three frowned. The newcomer was Archbishop Phipas of the Holy Light Church, accompanied by an Inquisitor Knight at the peak of Legendary rank.
His arrival turned the standoff into a three-way contest. The Metal Dragon was the weakest, but neither of the other sides dared attack lightly for fear the two opponents would join forces against them.
"Archbishop Phipas, it's been a long time." Phillips evidently knew this Calamity-Rank Strong One of the Holy Light Church. A gentle smile appeared on his face.
But anyone who knew Phillips understood that this did not mean he was relaxed or friendly. He had raised his guard to its highest level.
Seeing that, Volga grew even more cautious. The Red-Haired Woman secretly gathered Psychic Energy, ready to lay eggs at any moment.
Archbishop Phipas, by contrast, seemed more relaxed. "It has been a long time, Phillips. It looks like you took that road of no return after all. What a pity! With your talent, you could have achieved far more if you had embraced the Holy Light."
Phillips shrugged. "The Holy Light? How is it fundamentally different from the Abyss? Both demand your soul and your faith. Only the recipient changes. Neither is better than the other."
Archbishop Phipas frowned slightly, clearly displeased to hear Phillips equate the Holy Light with the Abyss. He did not argue, however. He merely shook his head and said, "Forget it. That was your choice, and it has nothing to do with me. I didn't come here to oppose you. I happened to be nearby and thought I'd ask where Saintess Xiweina Ye is. Don't tell me you don't know."
Phillips sneered. "Xiweina