The past

A week later.

Weifei Land, the grand sanctuary hall at the Praise Society headquarters.

Normally, every gathering here had a solemn, dignified atmosphere, but this time was different.

The air was filled with an odd mixture of cheap incense and dust. The curtains over every window had been drawn, leaving only a few crystal chandeliers on the ceiling to illuminate the entire church.

A banner hung across the dais, reading, "Memorial service for the former bishop, Lord Mei Ruolake."

Sarah stood on the dais, looking at the visibly diminished congregation of the Praise Society, and spoke in a sorrowful tone.

"All must die, but some deaths weigh more than a mountain, while others weigh less than a feather.

A week ago, during the 'Final Sacrifice,' Lord Mei Ruolake gave his life to knock upon the gates of [Primus]'s return and tragically perished. His spirit shall stand as a monument to the Praise Society!"

Sarah paused, swept her gaze across the white-robed congregation below, and continued.

"Furthermore, entrusted with Lord Mei Ruolake's dying wishes, I shall now succeed him as priest of the Praise Society and continue the great undertaking of bringing [Primus] into our midst!"

The moment Sarah finished speaking, a wave of applause rose from the audience.

While the Praise Society carried out its crude and absurd transfer of power, another meeting was taking place at the Obsidian Battalion's base in Weifei Land.

Inside the conference room, the slogan "Strict discipline, exemplary conduct" stood out prominently.

Soldiers from every squad in the Obsidian Battalion had gathered together, their blue uniforms mingling with black combat gear like a somber block of color.

The Obol Squad, led by Ghostfire, was among them, though seated toward the back. After all, today's disciplinary meeting concerned Isolde.

Orphie kept looking around, as though searching