TBR CH71

Chapter 71: Coronation Ceremony

After the God of Light left in a fury, the trial ground hummed lightly. Starting from the dome, huge blocks of marble and white rock were cut in half by an invisible force, then turned to dust, like the white flowers that burst open when waves crash against cliffs.

However, the destruction could not reach the divine throne. It could only lick at the Dark God’s power with longing, urging him to leave quickly.

The lovers on the divine throne had just finished a long kiss. Edwin had tried his best to restrain the urge to blink during the kiss, until tears welled up in his eyelids due to the soreness. He was not the type to shyly look away. The god’s emotional appearance was frozen in his eyes, torn apart frame by frame by his greedy gaze, to be made into chewable memories.

Until his breath became unsteady, and the scent of roses lingered around him, Tar slightly rose to end the kiss. His lips and teeth were suddenly empty, the sweetness seeming to still linger between them. The Bishop licked his lips and once again pulled him close.

He pulled him close to embrace him.

Edwin held the scepter in one hand. Perhaps because the scepter was not a physical entity, or perhaps because this was an illusion, the scepter could be easily stored in his palm and could also be summoned from the air by him. His other hand pressed against the demon’s back. He lowered his eyes, which still held a lingering indulgence and gentleness, and looked at the collapsing everything below, letting out a slow sigh.

Tar misunderstood his meaning and raised his pomegranate-red eyes to comfort him. “It’s fine, it’s just an illusion. You just need to open your eyes.”

“Mmm…” he responded in a low voice, curling his lips. Tar knew Edwin liked the feeling of being cared for by him, but at this moment, the human had other things on his mind. The Bishop gripped the scepter in his hand, his gaze moving down from the jewel-encrusted divine throne to the trial ground being torn apart by an invisible force. This scene undoubtedly demonstrated the god’s power.

On the white tower that time, the god had also displayed his power like this.

But at that time, he had been too weak and had not had time to think. Afterward, Tar had acted very obediently. As long as the demon looked at him with a slightly sly gaze, Edwin would be defeated before him, completely unable to question him too seriously. Therefore, it was not until now that the god’s boundless power was once again completely displayed before him, tearing open a corner of the darkness.

As a human, or a mixed-blood demon—

Edwin was now stronger than he had ever been, but it was far from enough.

When he was still using Light as his source, he had realized one thing: the power of Light had its limits. The God of Light was a stingy almsgiver. He only allowed humans to pick up the glimmer of light that seeped through his fingers. If glory was achieved with this glimmer, it was also attributed to the god’s head.

The Holy See had conducted several major crusades. Even if they had jointly killed behemoths like the space-time dragon, the priests’ power could not receive a real boost, because the deity they believed in had stripped them of their power one step ahead.

The power he was now using was the source of darkness. Edwin was very clear that the power in his hands was expanding bit by bit, but it wasn’t that Tar had given him extra abilities; rather, the restraints he had originally been under had been lifted. Now, every white bone he had stepped on, every drop of blood on his past path, was re-injecting energy into his scepter, and this road had no end.

Every future corpse, every shattered soul, would also provide him with power.

It was still not enough.

This was in regard to his current self. Edwin believed he was too weak. He had to redouble his efforts, even harder than before, so that he could touch the hem of the god’s robe as soon as possible. Perhaps then, the divine throne would willingly bow its head for him.

But the Bishop also knew in his heart that this was the best arrangement Tar had given him.

“I mean,” Tar was encircled in Edwin’s arms. The demon’s boots were on the footrest of the divine throne, restlessly rubbing back and forth with the leverage point. His long, soft black hair gently brushed against the Bishop’s skin. He listened to Edwin’s silence and also heard him speak again. “I think I should…”

Edwin suddenly stopped, then sighed helplessly and with a smile. “I should thank you. Although saying this seems too distant, I’m really happy. Actually, you know, if you wanted me to be your believer directly, or to give me power with half the effort, I would be very willing.”

Tar’s face indeed showed a “found out” expression, but it was not evasive, nor was he embarrassed.

His god was truly beautiful.

Edwin couldn’t help but think so.

Tar had known for a long time that Edwin was so smart, so he would definitely see through his intentions. But he was still cautious, because it was also the first time the demon had loved someone so clumsily. When Tar walked the earth a thousand years ago, he had seen many, many lovers. Strangers flirted with each other in taverns all the time. Some prodigals would mention the partners waiting for them in their hometowns. Some travelers appeared in pairs. The bitterness and sweetness of love had solidified their blood vessels, but at that time, he had been disdainful.

At that time, he had once felt that love was still something that only considered oneself, just like his father and mother. In the end, no one could put themselves in the other’s shoes. They both believed the things the other pursued were not worth mentioning and deluded themselves into making the decision to give up for the other.

However, however.

The Pope of the Church of Light was Edwin’s past goal. It would have been impossible for Tarksius to have put this position in his eyes. He could have just taken Edwin away directly, without needing to make a bet with the God of Light. But that was the highest position a human Edwin had desperately managed to touch. Since that was the case, Tarksius thought, he had to let Edwin get his wish.

“Pope” had no meaning to him.

“Pope” had meaning in his eyes because of Edwin.

He wouldn’t just stuff the things he thought were good to Edwin without any groundwork. If he were willing, Tarksius could have directly bestowed half of his divine power onto Edwin, easily and effortlessly.

But Tar knew that Edwin wouldn’t like it that way.

Edwin wanted to walk to the god’s side, to stand shoulder to shoulder with him, not to accept the god’s gift and be propped up to a high position out of thin air. Edwin wanted to tame a demon, to obtain a god, not to be a god’s vassal, forever using his power to gain fame. Then, what was most suitable for him was to provide him with the basic power, and then wait for him to come over.

He would continue to accumulate his strength unstoppably in slaughter and victory, just as he had done every day before, until one day, he would grow to the point where he no longer needed to rely on the god’s power. One day, the arrogant human would finally be able to walk to the bottom of the bone-strewn divine throne by his own talent and effort, and kneel down to kiss the back of the god’s hand.

“It’s really nothing,” Tar was a little tongue-tied for the first time, being looked at by his lover’s cramped and fervent gaze. But after slowly finishing the first half of his sentence, he found his demon’s cunning and romantic nature again. “Edwin, I really like you.”

This was completely changing the subject.

…But the Bishop just fell for it.

Edwin had originally wanted to say something, but he blinked. In his light gray pupils, an undisguised attachment and possessiveness almost overflowed. He once again slightly turned his wrist. The scepter swayed between his fingers, the bright wine-red light flashing on the countless facets of the jewel. “It doesn’t matter what I kill, it doesn’t matter what enemy I defeat,” this sentence was spoken in a cold tone, as if slaughter was not worth mentioning to him. “Please wait for me.”

When the Bishop said this, the trial ground had already collapsed to an irreparable state. The last brick fell from the void, gradually becoming as light as a feather, and turned to dust before it even landed. The false world disintegrated around them. The illusion shattered bit by bit. Only the divine throne still shone proudly and dazzlingly. The god before him was the only reality. And the human was making a promise.

“Okay,” the god answered so.

The moment the word fell, Edwin’s pupils slightly constricted. He reached out to cover his heart, feeling his soul being entangled by countless invisible threads. And at the other end of the threads, Tar smiled, leisurely tidying his clothes.

—A new contract was thus established.

In the hearts of the faithful, the God of Light was merciful, and He had always boasted of this image.

And so, when the oracle descended with furious thunder like a thunderbolt, all the priests were dumbfounded. The fast-reacting messengers immediately and silently quickened their pace, telling the other believers the terrible fact that the Holy Son had committed apostasy. At first, it was hard for people to believe how misfortune had befallen them. Everyone had to be responsible for it.

The Captain of the Holy Knights was almost dazed. He stood up at this inappropriate occasion, trying to speak for Noah. Soon he could no longer speak. At the same time, he could no longer protect anyone as a knight.

This was God’s mercy, because He had not taken his life.

None of the remaining people dared to question God’s will again. The believers were inevitably clamorous for a few seconds, then hurriedly assembled a small team to intercept Noah. Another wave of people began to draft a notice stating Noah’s crimes. The more pious priests had already begun to scold this youth, who had been regarded as the “Light of the Church” a while ago, with the most vicious words. The clever believers claimed they had long seen that Noah was a hidden venomous snake, that this beautiful youth had shown evil signs at certain times.

Among these people, the most eloquent priest was also sent to inform the old Pope of this terrible news.

The Holy Son of the Holy See had betrayed the god. This would become an indelible shadow on this generation of the Holy See. If the God of Light was angry, none of them could escape responsibility and could only tuck their tails between their legs.

The messenger hurriedly walked to the Pope’s door, hesitating to enter. He didn’t know how to explain it without upsetting this sick old man, because this terrible disaster had still heavily struck him in his twilight years.

The messenger felt like an unwelcome crow, his face pale. He had just overcome his mental block and was about to knock on the door, when the heavy carved gate was suddenly pushed open. The attendant who took care of the old Pope looked even more ghastly than him. They met head-on. The priest’s heart suddenly had an even more terrifying premonition. That sallow face carried a terrifying solemnity.

It was the face of another crow.

They looked at each other for two seconds, neither willing to be the first to break the bad news. In the end, it was the attendant who spoke first.

Tears shone in his eyes. He stepped aside, letting the priest see the situation in the room, and then shouted loudly, “His Holiness the Pope is dead!”

People all thought so: this day could definitely be called the dark day of the Holy See.

First was the Holy Son’s defection. The God of Light descended in wrath. The holy light deeply pierced into everyone’s skin. Some elderly priests prostrated themselves on the ground and broke their heads, yet still could not escape the terrible shame God had brought down. Everyone’s heart was extremely depressed. Secondly, the Pope had coincidentally chosen this day as his death day. He had found peace, but how to hold the ceremony, how to bury him, and how to ask the God of Light to bless his soul became difficult problems.

In these successive terrible disasters, most people became like sheep without a shepherd, only wanting to prostrate themselves at the god’s feet and beg for his forgiveness.

But later, people found that praying to the god was not as good as praying to their Bishop.

Edwin displayed thunderous methods at this time. He was a born leader. Everything became orderly after passing through his hands. Everyone was arranged into appropriate positions. People were at a loss until they had something to do. The Holy See had a moment of stagnation, then under Edwin’s command, it began to operate like a tightly organized instrument. Some priests who had heard rumors about the Bishop and had even criticized him were now completely convinced and obeyed his orders.

Even the God of Light did not blame him.

Although the Holy Son’s incident had also happened under his tenure, he had not received any punishment from the god. Some insiders revealed that the holy candles the Bishop lit were brighter than before, and the Light magic he mastered was more profound.

In such an atmosphere, the position of Pope naturally belonged to none other than Edwin. The ceremony had to be held as soon as possible, because the church could not lose its leader for long. What’s more, in the last few months when the old Pope was seriously ill, Edwin had already privately prepared the various items needed for the change of Pope ceremony, just waiting to have them ready immediately when needed.

This matter could now be spoken of openly. People would not think he was arrogant and bold, but would only admire his foresight.

Edwin.

The youngest Pope in the history of the Church of Light. He washed his hands with holy water and walked up to the golden temple. Under his feet, a carpet inlaid with silver thread was laid all the way to the throne. He wore a dark robe, the collar meticulously pulled up, the buttons fastened to the very top. The robe added a restrained and ascetic aura to him. Under his dark curly hair were those light gray eyes, bottomless. When people looked at them, it was as if looking into a mist, or some emotionless machine.

He was a born emperor, a leader descended upon the world.

He lowered his eyes and smiled silently. Not too long ago, he was still a bishop with a precarious reputation, a fragile human who could not sever ties with his bloodline, a delusional person who had never received hugs and kisses and thus pointlessly craved warmth, who would be awakened every night by ferocious nightmares, so arrogant as to make an enemy of a devil.

Before meeting Tar.

The church was empty. People were watching the ceremony from a distance. He walked alone slowly across the scarlet carpet, his head lowered, looking humble and respectful. In his hand, he held the bishop’s scepter. Sometimes a certain priest would feel as if he had a momentary illusion, that the staff of the scepter coldly flashed with a black glint. In an instant, everything returned to normal.

He stood before the throne, turned to look down at the people watching the ceremony. Everyone was a pinpoint in his pupils.

“You did it,” Tar sat on the throne and winked at him. The Dark God was just that bold. Edwin had wanted to look at him with a slightly reproachful gaze, but his gaze softened the moment it touched the demon’s raven-black hair. His gray pupils held a slight smile.

Yes, this was a coronation ceremony where the God of Light was not present.

“He’s almost going crazy—” The demon gleefully shared the God of Light’s latest embarrassing incidents with the Bishop every day. Besides the messy affair with Noah, there was of course the extreme pain of the God of Light watching his Holy See inevitably move towards being led by Edwin, but there was nothing he could do. The god’s bet made it absolutely impossible for him to lay a hand on Edwin, nor could he stop him from sitting on the papal throne.

He could only hope that Edwin would soon tire of the Church of Light and leave his sight.

Before that, out of sight, out of mind.

So the only god present at the coronation ceremony was the Dark God, Tarksius. He was not at all well-behaved according to the plan they had agreed on before. Although when they were discussing the plan, Edwin had unfortunately been bewitched by the demon’s kisses and had, in a state of confusion, said something opportunistic like “You can stay wherever you want.”

But of course, this was not a reasonable excuse for Tar to occupy a position that could only seat one person.

Edwin hesitated for a moment, but Tar saw him suppress the urge to curl his lips. The Bishop paused for two seconds, then pursed his lips and sat on the throne boldly and decisively. People watched with awe as their new ruler was born, waiting for the God of Light to place the brilliant golden crown on the new Bishop’s head.

No one else could see Tar.

Edwin sat on the demon’s lap, his whole body sinking into a soft and sweet embrace. He reached out to hold the armrest, but happened to press on Tar’s palm. His breathing was slightly disordered for two seconds. He felt Tar take the opportunity to scratch his palm with his fingers. The itch spread throughout his body, then like a feather, it lightly brushed his heart.

He took a deep breath.

Then, the new Pope began to recite a scripture about the responsibilities of a patriarch. During this process, his attention was not on the scripture at all. However, years of familiarity made his voice sound steady and calm, without a single mistake in his recitation. Tar’s breath gently patted the back of his neck. He was now staying still and well-behaved, pretending to be a chair.

A chair that could make Edwin’s heart waver.

Edwin finally finished reciting the vows. The ceremony was seamless, without any procedural deficiencies. Next should be the time when the God of Light descended to bestow the crown on the new Pope.

Tar whispered, “Don’t move.”

The Dark God fumbled to arrange his hair. Edwin sat upright in front. He should have been worried about the current situation, but even Tar didn’t see his gaze at this moment, thus missing the way the Bishop’s light gray pupils softened bit by bit as they melted. He trusted the god behind him without reservation, not worried that anything would go wrong next.

Tar was always so good. Tar could do anything well.

A crown flowing with a light that was bright and unapproachable slowly appeared above Edwin’s dark curly hair. Then, the overly dazzling holy light gradually dissipated. The outline of the crown became clear. People held their breath and saw a circlet made of roses and gems, refracting a brilliant and dazzling light in all directions.

Mysterious and magnificent, a creation of a god through and through.

“It took me a long time to weave,” Tar said, leaning close to the Bishop’s ear, with a hint of coquetry. Now was not the time to talk. As long as he mentioned it again later, Edwin would basically agree to anything.

“Your Holiness!” First were the high-ranking priests. They all bent down and bowed, swearing their loyalty to the new Pope. Then people, in order, bowed before this person who enjoyed supreme power. The attending king and nobles also came forward to pay their respects.

The ceremony was now completely finished.

Edwin sat firmly on the papal throne. He accepted the people’s bows and greetings with a calm expression, thinking in his heart about more bloody secrets of power, ambition, and the future, and Tar.

He would be written into the history books.

His name, Edwin, would become a stroke of power recorded in eternal ink.

The God of Light tried to treat Noah as he had treated every person in history who had angered him.

A merciful god. The believers interpreted this tolerance as not killing humans, turning a blind eye to other punishments. Therefore, when Noah was fleeing, the god only furiously and coldly declared a curse on the Holy Son who thought he had a hope of escaping.

A vicious and terrifying curse.

First, Noah’s name was to be completely smeared in all places where the Light was believed in. Everyone would spit on him. No one would dare to risk angering the God of Light to give him alms and help. Secondly, Noah was cursed to be blind, unable to make a sound from his lips and teeth. Finally, the god also wanted to destroy the sharpest weapon the youth had used to bewitch him.

He sent down a disease, making his skin red, swollen, and wrinkled, ruining his peerless beauty.

Noah could of course survive, the god thought maliciously. If he didn’t survive, how could he feel the rich gifts He had bestowed upon him? He announced the oracle on every believer, and His believers were all over the capital. He believed it would be as easy as turning his hand to see the miserable state of the traitor.

However, Noah was like a fish that had merged into the water, leaving not a single trace.

No one claimed to have seen Noah.

The number of people in this world who dared to challenge the authority of the God of Light so was very few. The god became more furious day by day, even beginning to suspect Tarksius, while the Dark God nonchalantly mocked him, and, he was undoubtedly not related to Noah in any way.

Tarksius of course knew what the God of Light’s mistake was.

The God of Light’s mistake was that at the first moment the matter was exposed, he had announced to everyone the fact that the Holy Son had abandoned him. But in the current capital, this reason could not make Noah’s old lovers give up on him. On the contrary, their hearts burned with hope because of this, because at this time, there was no obstacle between him and his “truly devoted” little lover.

The power of a god was certainly terrifying, but the elites of various races would not just hand over their lover.

On Sunday morning, after Edwin finished his morning prayers, Tar took the new Pope on an unannounced visit. The demon was clearly familiar with the crisscrossing streets of the capital. He knew them better than anyone, because he had not only traveled in this city, but had also fled here.

He skillfully turned at the third corner of a moss-covered alley, walked ten steps forward following the meow of a tabby cat, then stood still, closed his eyes, and spun around three times, heading straight in this almost completely random direction.

“I still don’t understand—” Edwin had a hard time admitting he had a weak point, but his interest in exploration was completely piqued at this moment. Tar was pulling him along while telling him traveler’s stories, one after another. The strange tales and anecdotes he had experienced were astonishingly numerous.

Until the demon suddenly stopped in front of a door.

He reached out and knocked on the door. The knocking sound vibrated crisply. But no one answered.

“There’s someone inside,” Edwin told him with his lips. Tar nodded, looking at the door with a bit of trouble, then reached out his hand. This door was definitely not an ordinary household. It was covered with all kinds of defensive formations, complex and delicate, declaring that only its certified owner could open the door. Edwin imagined for a moment, and felt that the person behind the door must also be cautiously approaching the door panel at this moment, believing that this door could block all unwanted guests it should block.

Of course, no matter how strong a door was, it couldn’t resist a god’s destruction—

Tar moved his hand closer to the door. Edwin thought so, but this thought came to an abrupt halt.

Wait.

The scene before him was simply incredible. Tar grabbed the doorknob, twisted it lightly, and the door opened with a creak, extremely obedient in his hand. The runes on the door glowed, and the light gently touched Tar, clearly regarding him as a certified person.

The demon explained to him in a low voice: “This is a defensive formation I set up.”

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