72 Establishing the Succession

The archbishops of the church had been called for an important meeting with the pope. The pope had not been seen much in the past few months so this meeting seemed even more significant than usual. The archbishops were all wondering what they were going to be told. Also, Steven and Zero were to attend the meeting as well.

Everyone was waiting as the pope entered the room. Since Zero was to actually attend the meeting as herself, she had Isabella don the pope's mask and robes to pretend to be Mayne. As the pope entered the room, everyone focused their attention. The assembled people bowed. "Your Holiness."

"Rise", the pope said. "I have something to say which is of great importance. I do not have much time left in this world."

Gasps of shock echoed throughout the room. This was something that would have large effects.

"I can already tell that I am dying", the pope said solemnly. "Thus, preparations will need to be made to ensure the proper continuation of the church after my death."

The archbishops were all deep in thought. Each of them was wondering who would become the next pope. Inside, all of them were hoping for it to be themself. They all had harbored dreams of being pope at one point or another. Some had a greater desire than others, but everyone was in anticipation of who the pope would name.

"I have decided on my successor", the pope said. "It shall be Zero." The pope pointed at Zero, who pretended to be surprised.

The room was thrown into an uproar. Many of the archbishops couldn't believe what they were hearing. The thought that Zero would be elevated to the highest position was very shocking.

"Silence", the pope said authoritatively. The commotion immediately stopped. "I have made my choice and I will impart my knowledge to her and tell her of the secrets of the church. There is much information that is only known to the pope and she shall be the one I will train to become the next pope."

"Your Holiness", archbishop Ell exclaimed. "This is most irregular. How could a witch be the pope? It is absurd. She is not even an archbishop. You must reconsider."

"On the contrary", the pope replied. "It is a return to the natural order. The church was founded by witches and the first popes were witches. It was not until later that their position was usurped."

"Still, what qualifications does she have?", archbishop Ell asked.

"I believe that Zero will be the best choice to lead the church", the pope said. She has shown great insight and intelligence. She better than anyone knows about the threat that we face. I know that she will do what is needed to safeguard the church and humanity. She has been with the church for a long time and is already very familiar with the way it functions. She will be just as experienced as any of you would be."

Many of the archbishops still looked uneasy with the idea.

"Also, remember what the church was originally founded for", the pope said. "The true mission of the church has always been to protect humanity. There is nothing more important now than defeating the demons. Zero has seen battle firsthand and has even fought and killed a Senior Demon single handedly. Her achievements have shown that she is loyal to the cause and is worthy to lead the church."

"This the final struggle. The tides of the War of Divine Will are upon us and we must entrust ourselves to a strong leader lest we be swept away by the flood. I know that Zero will be the one to lead us to the future. She can entwine both past and future as she has learned all of the new advancements and thus she knows the path we must take to a greater tomorrow. Zero will lead humanity to greatness and you must all put your trust in her."

"Will the people stand for this?", archbishop Ell said. "Not several years ago witches were still persecuted, and now you expect one to be pope?"

"Attitudes have shifted far enough", the pope said. "Witches are no longer feared by most of the people. In fact, some of the witches are becoming quite well liked. Furthermore, Zero is now known as a hero of humanity because of her heroic actions."

"This is my decision", the pope said firmly. "Zero shall be the next pope."

"Yes, your Holiness", everyone replied. They bowed and left after the pope dismissed them.

After the meeting, Zero and Steven talked in the Pivotal Secret Area.

"I think that went alright", said Steven. "They all seemed to be willing to go along with it."

"It was clear that not all of them were particularly happy about it." Zero shrugged. "But for the most part they will obey."

"I suppose so." Steven began tapping his fingers on the side of the chair. "But we should always be prepared for any eventualities."

"Of course", replied Zero. "There will probably be at least one that will go against me. But they will be smoked out and then dealt with."

"So all the pieces are in place then", Steven said.

"Yes", replied Zero. "We are ready."

"The God's Punishment Warriors?", Steven asked. "There are not that many of them left, especially after the war, but they are still an important trump card. They are the only ones left to worry about. The army is loyal, at least the only meaningful soldiers are, the leftovers that haven't been modernized don't matter."

"I am slowly reprogramming the God's Punishment Warriors to follow me specifically", Zero replied. "Not the pope as it is just a mask. And any of them which were lent out to any priests or bishops have been taken back."

"Good." Steven paused. "So it looks like everything is set. In a few weeks, pope Mayne will 'die' and the new pope will take his place."