TBR CH41

Chapter 41: Bishop of Light

The morning prayer on the second day was still presided over by Great Archbishop Edwin.

Tarksius did not need sleep. A demon’s hibernation period was far more lenient than a human’s. In the darkness, he took in the entire room, including the Bishop’s ruby-encrusted scepter and the contract book that recorded the method of summoning demons.

The Dark God curled his finger, and the old parchment scroll came into his hand. It was ink from a thousand years ago, already faded beyond recognition. Tarksius had thought this thing would be forever lost in the dust of history, not expecting to see it again one day.

He couldn’t quite describe his mood; it was closer to a complex emotion.

It had been a long time.

The scroll in Tarksius’s hand ignited as if lit by an invisible black flame, gnawing inward from the edges, bit by bit, without even leaving a trace.

This was the last thing left behind by a demon named Tar, and now it was completely destroyed from this world.

Even demons would not easily leak their summoning methods to the world. After all, making deals with humans was a troublesome matter. Most souls were not abundant enough to satisfy a devil’s ambition.

And low-level demons themselves did not possess much magical power, making it difficult to satisfy the strange requests of wish-makers, and they also ran the risk of being caught by the Holy See and sent to the stake. In the historical stories of summoning demons, there were only devils of lord-level and above. To go to great lengths to leave a summoning scroll for a low-level demon in the world was an incomprehensible act.

For a moment, under Tar’s shell, what was revealed was not the rose-colored gaze of a young demon, but the dark red eyes belonging to the Dark God, Tarksius.

He stared at the parchment as it burned completely.

The burning was so silent that the Bishop probably knew nothing of it. But it didn’t matter if he knew. Using this scroll might be the decision Edwin regretted most in his life.

Edwin did not restrict Tar’s movements. The Bishop’s room was open to view, and there were indeed no blatant secrets.

The demon cast his gaze towards the door and, as expected, saw a small magic circle to obstruct intruders. But humans themselves could not use magic. The formation was constructed by a scepter that had received blessings and had to be injected with new magic power every day to be maintained.

Against a powerful enemy, this protective formation was indeed of little use.

…So that’s why he hid the confidential things, not worrying that it would see them.

Edwin had already risen before the morning sunlight had soaked the heavy, deep purple curtains. He sat on the bed changing his clothes. Even though he hadn’t slept a wink, he had managed to hide his overt fatigue well.

Tar could hear the rustling sound of fabric from deep within the bed curtains.

Then the curtains were drawn, and the Bishop’s gray eyes, upon seeing Tar, seemed to have been pricked by something, revealing a very brief, uneasy loss of composure. It was as if he had already convinced himself that everything that had happened last night was a dream, only to wake up in the morning and find the monster from his dream standing alive and well in front of him.

The monster waved a hand at him. The demon’s knuckles were long and slender, his nails incomparably sharp. He smiled and said hello, “Good morning, Bishop.”

The room was much brighter now, allowing no escape, no silence.

Edwin closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them. “I must go out to preside over the prayer. You stay here and don’t go anywhere. The formation at the door has Light magic. I… am not sure if you can cross it, but please don’t cross it.”

“If someone comes,” the Bishop seemed unsure if he should add this sentence, his face a little strange, “and it’s beyond your ability, hide. Wait for me to come back and deal with it.”

It was almost like laying down the law for a disobedient child. But Tar still keenly sensed some hidden possibilities in the Bishop’s words.

What did “if someone comes” mean?

Alright, Tar thought, the Bishop has no intention of removing the formation at the door. No matter who comes, it will definitely be against his will.

Being forcibly bound into the closest soul relationship, Edwin was not afraid that Tar would have any thoughts of harming him. It was just that, as a Bishop, being discovered hiding a demon was enough to have him removed from his position even before another scandal was exposed.

The gray eyes finally cast a glance at the demon in the room. Edwin emphasized one last time, “We each take what we need. I provide you with a safe place within the Holy See to hide from your enemies, and you must not be discovered, otherwise all efforts will be in vain.”

“Alright,” Tar’s voice was a little nonchalant. The demon occupied the only high-backed chair in the room and was now spinning around boredly. “My good Bishop, we discussed these issues last night.”

But you don’t look like you listened at all.

Edwin kept this sentence in his heart. He sighed deep in his soul, but showed nothing on his face, only locking the door tightly.

Just like every day in the past, the Bishop walked towards the higher part of the white tower.

The demon in the Bishop’s room slipped out the first second his back had completely disappeared.

Tar didn’t even break the defensive formation at the door when he left. Getting out was as easy for him as walking on flat ground.

Even without using the Dark God’s power, just as Tar himself, he was a master of the art of hiding.

Young demons were all like this. If you didn’t want to be munched on like an afternoon tea snack by higher-level demons, you had to learn all the skills necessary for survival in the demon realm.

He moved swiftly and silently along the shadows, admiring the architectural style of the Holy See, appreciating the rose bushes the gardener had just trimmed, and passing several humans who were oblivious to his disguise.

It was just a pity that not all young demons had the guts to wander around the Church of Light at such a risk. So Tar wandered for half a day and, apart from a few hurrying priests, saw very few people.

After all, after the Holy Son was attacked, the Holy See was still in a state of emergency. Most people were gathered before the Pope, listening to his follow-up arrangements.

When he turned another corner, Tar felt the expected aura as he had wished.

It seemed the Holy Son of Light was not so obediently recuperating in his residence either.

Noah must have wanted to confirm his situation with his own eyes.

Earlier the previous day, the system and the Holy Son Noah had engaged in a negotiation.

In fact, the system’s situation was a little worse than the World Consciousness had imagined. This was the fundamental reason why it didn’t run away immediately—it couldn’t.

The luck value collected in this world was a crucial step for it to regroup, and also the driving force for it to go to the next world.

But it was still a little short.

Noah had done very well, better than any host the system had guided before, and was also smart enough to give the system a sense of crisis.

He had refused the usual practice of changing bodies after a conquest, choosing instead to use a special identity as a shield for the end of all relationships.

The Holy Son of the Church of Light must be pure and untainted. This was the duty of the Holy Son.

So he would always tearfully cry in front of every conquest target, telling them that although he had already decided to offer his only purity to them, he was not willing to give up his duty. He was a symbol of light and kindness.

“We will have a chance to be together in the future,” the beautiful youth’s eyes were filled with tears, enough to soften the heart of every admirer and even make them reflect on their own sins.

He’s already willing to give you everything. Can’t you trust him to return to the church? No matter what, you are the only man in his life. You have to give him a chance, give him space.

So everything was very successful. Not even one conquest target had followed him to the Holy See in the capital, just so as not to hinder the work of His Highness the Holy Son.

Of course, the situation was a little special now…

Noah had no time to stop what was happening. So the news of his serious injuries had already spread to every corner of the continent.

Just last night, he had received several different messages.

“They are all coming,” the system’s voice grew louder and louder. Even the mechanical tone could not hide its anxiety. “Host, what are you going to do? This was your idea.”

“Don’t be anxious,” Noah thought for a while, but smiled with ease. “They won’t interact with me openly. I can divert them. As for you… System, how much more luck value do you need to go to the next world?”

The system originally did not want to be so clear about this matter, but Noah had already guessed the source of its ability and its current state.

It was silent for a few seconds, then still told the host the truth. “The Dark God must be conquered. Otherwise, I can’t go to—”

“What about the God of Light?”

“…” The system did not understand why the host was so obsessed with the God of Light. Besides, it had even told the host that choosing the luck aggregator who stood in the open was much more likely to attract the attention of the Heavenly Dao than the so-called world “villain”.

But considering the host’s performance during this period, it still told him, “Theoretically, it’s also feasible.”

“System,” Noah also seemed to ponder for a moment. “I know the most important thing now is to confirm the Dark God’s state in this world, and whether the World Consciousness has intervened. Although Adelaide mentioned in his letter to me that Tarksius was caught in the Time Torrent, you definitely won’t be at ease without seeing it with your own eyes.”

The system did not speak, which was a tacit agreement.

“But no matter what the Dark God’s situation is,” Noah continued, “the previous progress is definitely void. I have to think of a new way to conquer him. If I can take care of the God of Light at the same time, what’s not to like?”

The system began to waver a little, but it was still hesitating whether to agree to the host.

And the young and beautiful Holy Son’s eyes were filled with endless greed and determination. He murmured to himself, “You didn’t notice the way the God looked at me? So fascinated. I guarantee, conquering him will be much easier than Tarksius. Maybe we can gather enough energy earlier, or earn an extra sum.”

He was right.

At this moment, there seemed to be only one answer. The system was silent for a few more seconds, then handed over the authority. “Let’s do as the host thinks, but be careful not to be too greedy, otherwise it will backfire.”

The system said the second half of the sentence with great solemnity, but Noah didn’t care.

“Rest assured,” the youth’s eyes curved. He looked so beautiful and pure that it was almost impossible for anyone not to fall in love with him.

The system originally did not want to speak again, but it suddenly sensed something and became flustered again in an instant. “Host, please be careful. The Dark God’s aura has been detected… right within the Holy See!”

The system’s positioning function would not be wrong.

Even so, Noah couldn’t help but start to doubt.

He maintained a dignified posture and stared at the shadow in the corner of the wall. His injuries had not yet fully healed. Standing under the sun at this moment, although he looked more radiant and beautiful, it was actually quite uncomfortable.

Until the black shadow suddenly moved and split into two parts.

A demon, genuine and real, walked out of the shadow.

The demon cast a crimson gaze with its garnet-colored eyes, looking somewhat wary, but still showed a smile. “Your Excellency has been staring here. You must have already discovered me.”

The wait was worth it. Noah reached out and gently wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead. He had finally seen Tarksius again outside the dark temple.

He looked exactly as the dragon had described in his letter. Soft black hair, horns on his head, garnet-red eyes…

Adelaide never got the point when writing letters, complaining at great length about what he had seen and heard in the dark temple, but it had unintentionally become an opportunity that could be used.

Noah instinctively followed up with, “I mean no harm. You are… I feel you look very familiar.”

“I don’t remember seeing such a beauty as Your Excellency.”

Noah observed the other’s expression and found his eyes were indeed filled with confusion.

The young demon’s eyes were a clear red, much prettier than the Dark God’s. They suddenly lit up again, as if remembering something. His voice faltered, and he opened his mouth but said nothing.

Noah observed a flash of sudden realization and a little guilt. Was he remembering that he had attacked him before?

The other’s reaction was too subtle and real, with no flaws to be found.

Could there really be such a coincidence?

The situation the system was worried about did not happen, and the Dark God was brought back to a thousand years before he became a god by the Time Torrent.

The Holy Son’s thoughts turned, but he keenly captured the admiring and fascinated expression the other had shown.

“Ah,” the demon noticed his perceptive gaze, avoided the topic of whether they had met before, and added with a smile, “You are indeed very beautiful. I have to praise you so. I’m starting to feel I’ve seen you before. But this is probably not a suitable time to meet.”

“The patrols in the Holy See are not here. You don’t have to…”

The Holy Son didn’t have time to finish his sentence before he saw the demon before him bow and instantly disappear into the deep shadows of the long corridor, nowhere to be found.

Noah’s thoughts were still wavering between “Was he just hit on?” and “How did he leave so fast?” when he heard the system ask him if he wanted to chase after him.

So the question in his mind changed to “Is the meeting ending here considered a success or a failure?”

“No need,” Noah finally said so. “But I need you to locate the place where the Dark God stays most often in the Holy See. According to Adelaide, someone in the Holy See must be summoning demons.”

The system agreed, then added, “The Dark God’s aura is indeed fluctuating between strong and weak. This is a characteristic of time magic. Perhaps he really did attack the host because of memory disorder at that time.”

Noah was noncommittal. He told himself to be more cautious, but in his heart, he also believed half of it.

Besides, there was Adelaide. If there was any life in this world that could confirm the existence of the Time Torrent, it would only be this black dragon.

If that’s really the case…

Noah had also taken two steps forward just now. At this time, half of his body was soaked in shadow. He slowly spoke to the system, “I probably have an idea of how to conquer the current Dark God.”

“…?”

The system heard the irrepressible excitement in the youth’s voice. “Remember the information you gave me about Tarksius’s past? I will become the one and only person who redeems him in his most painful experience.”

“That way, he will have no reason not to fall in love with me.”

The meeting could not seem too deliberate. Tar recalled his performance just now and felt quite satisfied.

Counting the time, the Bishop’s morning prayer was also about to end.

The demon plucked two roses on his way back to the room. It wasn’t very good, but it didn’t matter much. The main thing was that he liked it.

When he plucked the roses, the fragrance of roses also clung to him.

Tar returned to the front of the room smoothly. The Holy See was not very strange to him. This building had stood on the continent for a thousand years, and each generation was not very creative. Perhaps it was just the God of Light’s aesthetic.

Just as the demon was about to step into the room, he sensed that something was wrong.

Had the formation at the door been triggered? Although it had been carefully restored, as the Dark God, he could of course see the flaw.

Mmm, an intruder who is powerful enough to break the Bishop’s Light magic. No matter what he wants to do, he’s definitely not here to tour the room.

The demon smiled with great interest and walked into the room.

To be honest, this place was rather unremarkable. Even the furnishings exuded an ancient and oppressive atmosphere.

He first glanced around, pulled the Bishop’s quill out of the pen holder, and instead put the roses in, then began to carefully examine the surroundings.

This room, at this very moment, had the aura of an intruder.

What kind of thoughts did that intruder have now?

The intruder might just be sneaking in, but had to hide. Perhaps he was waiting for the Bishop to return with a deadly weapon.

But now, he found a demon swaggering into the room, and was now examining the furnishings in the room bit by bit…

When Tar opened the Bishop’s dark gold carved wardrobe, without looking closely, he felt a gust of wind at the side of his neck. A cold aura stabbed quickly and fiercely towards the devil’s head.

The dagger was made of mithril. Assassins all liked to use such blades. From humans to vampires, almost no creature was immune to blades of this material.

Of course, that did not include gods.

Tar smiled apologetically as he turned his head, looking down at the assassin… at the corpse lying on the ground.

The corpse’s expression was a little ferocious, and its death was not very peaceful.

At this moment, dark bloodstains spread along the Bishop’s deep red wool carpet. Although the color combination was quite harmonious, Tar thought, Edwin would probably have to change this carpet tomorrow.

The Bishop had many enemies. Was this what he had meant?

The Great Archbishop of the Holy See had just finished his tedious morning prayer.

The morning prayer allowed some commoners from the outside to enter. Of course, they had to be sufficiently pious and have done a lot of volunteer work for the church to have this honor.

Although it was known that the Bishop would not stay, there were plenty of people who hoped to ask him questions or receive a blessing.

After the ceremony ended, as expected, some people tried to squeeze forward, and some tried to shout questions. The crowd was in a bit of chaos for a time. But as the Bishop’s gray eyes calmly swept downwards, everyone inexplicably quieted down.

It was always like this. Seeing that the scene was more or less under control, Edwin turned to leave.

Suddenly, he heard a voice that was particularly piercing in the silent holy hall.

It was a pious old woman with a pair of green eyes. She had many times gratefully kissed the rose rosary in her hand, prostrating herself in thanks for the divine grace he had brought.

At this moment, she asked, as if opening Pandora’s box, “Bishop,” the old woman’s voice trembled slightly, “Why don’t you clarify those filthy rumors outside? They actually say you have… you have that kind of bloodline. This is a naked slander!”

The church was instantly in an uproar. Some people whispered information to those around them, and for a time, it was filled with whispers.

This moment had finally come. Ironically, Edwin was unexpectedly calm when he heard this question.

“God doesn’t need me to prove myself,” the Bishop’s attitude was humble and polite, his gray eyes peaceful, as if he could forgive everything.

He raised his arm, his expression solemn and slow. “I am just God’s humblest servant. Rumors and slanders are trials given to me by the Light, and I know I am innocent, so I am not afraid.”

“Those lost lambs, I will pray for them at all times. May God forgive their sins.”

His arm fell. He held the scepter that symbolized his status as a bishop, the ruby shining with brilliance.

This scene seemed to have an incredible power.

The old woman covered her mouth, as if she had just realized she had blasphemously questioned God’s apostle. It was not until she saw the Bishop’s sigh-like gaze that she sat down in shame.

Edwin did not excessively reprimand this pious believer, but showed the forgiveness a bishop should have.

He made the sign of the cross on his chest, symbolizing a prayer for the woman.

The surrounding crowd fell completely silent. People exchanged glances with each other in shame, and silently watched Edwin’s departure, submissive and respectful.

Even if some people’s eyes still held lingering doubts, in such a situation, it was impossible to question him again.

The Bishop left.

He was, of course, far from as calm as he appeared.

Edwin thought about things as he returned to his resting place, but as he was about to step through the door, he suddenly realized the abnormality of the formation at the door.

If not for his special attention, he probably would not have noticed the flaw before him, but his mind had been on high alert recently, enough to pick out a little bit of strangeness from the chaotic clues.

Was it Tar?

But he couldn’t ignore another possibility. Edwin’s hand covered the ruby on his scepter, feeling the warm power of the Light gathering in his palm.

He made full preparations, and only then did he finally really push the door open, his gray eyes warily casting towards everything inside the room.

Then he saw a corpse, still holding a blade in its hand, lying wretchedly on the carpet.

And he saw Tar, now looking at him with some innocence, looking as if he had no intention of taking responsibility for the current situation.

The demon’s pale knuckles still had fresh, warm blood on them.

What had happened here, the Bishop thought, was plain to see.

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