Chapter 26: Heading to the Imperial Capital

"Ah... is it really that serious?"

Seeing Gwendolyn speak with such conviction, I was a bit bewildered. Even if the True Church had some connection with monsters, I didn't think the situation was as grave as she made it sound. After all, there were some good monsters too, and the whole thing was still just speculation.

However, Elder Gwendolyn remained firmly convinced that the new Pope Eminem was suspicious and deeply hidden! This made me recall the bespectacled priest I'd encountered before, but I couldn't find any concrete doubts. I could only look at my companions behind me.

"Uh, I'm not familiar with the situation here, but... the way that cardinal treated me, the 'Saint Angel', didn't seem as respectful as the legends suggested?"

Unexpectedly, it was Cyrae who first voiced her observation. Indeed, the "Saint Angel" status was extremely noble, and Harold's attitude had been a bit too casual.

Gwendolyn, however, had a different take. Since the First Angel Legion had already reported Cyra's identity swap, she knew Cyrae's true identity. Hearing Cyrae's tone, Gwendolyn thought she might have some special thoughts about the True Church and didn't hesitate to remind her:

"Regardless of the situation in your original world, now that you're in this world, remember that our angel tribe has never been involved in human religious affairs. You are not some 'Saint Angel'!"

Cyrae herself wasn't religious and certainly didn't have such intentions. Being cautious in this new world, she quickly turned to explain. But in that moment, Adrian, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up with a hint of realization.

"Could this indirectly prove that the church's beliefs have somehow changed?"

"Change in beliefs? Impossible..." I instinctively denied.

The True Church was an ancient organization with an extremely long history. How could such a massive change occur in just a few months? But undeniably, the sudden sacrifice of former Pope Cysper had brought a huge shock to the church. Thinking about this, I wasn't so certain anymore.

Kalati, the village chief, broke the silence and shared his perspective:

"As residents of the empire who have suffered under Reider for generations, we support the True Church's decision to join the uprising against the former emperor. But from my limited understanding, the imperial capital isn't easy to conquer. Reider has always claimed divine mandate, and when he seized power, he miraculously turned certain defeat into victory multiple times. With Cresthaven Papal Dominion so far away, can even the Star Glory Knights defeat Reider?"

Just then, Adrian leaned close and whispered to me, "Didn't you mention that Reider has some powerful 'System' that seems unstoppable? Could this System throw a wrench into everything?"

His reminder made my heart skip a beat. How could I have almost forgotten such a crucial detail?

Reider should be cornered and without hope now. But from the cardinal Harold's attitude, the resistance army seemed to be facing significant troubles. Otherwise, Elder Gwendolyn wouldn't have come specifically to seek our help. Considering Reider's possession of the System, things started to make more sense.

From my understanding of the "System", even though the former imperial emperor is now cornered, if he secretly exchanges some points for powerful items, he might just turn defeat into victory.

"Oh? System?" Nicola, with her sharp ears, overheard Adrian's whisper to me. The two words instantly piqued her extreme interest.

"Who is carrying a 'System'?"

Nicola had previously learned about the System from Irene in another world. She quickly pulled me aside, eager to understand all the details.

Since we hadn't had a chance to discuss this before, Nicola was incredibly curious, especially someone as significant as the former Ilandra Dominion Empire emperor.

"Since Elder is so sincere in seeking our help, we might as well make another trip!" Nicola changed her mind, leading the charge in agreeing to Gwendolyn's request.

Her purpose was clearly to interrogate Reider about the System. The dramatic shift left Gwendolyn shocked and Cyrae caught off guard.

Fortunately for Gwendolyn, her objective was achieved, and she flew away satisfied.

"What? System? You mean that thing from novels? How could it possibly exist in this world?" Cyrae was the last to learn about this. She had thought they would continue north to Norvale as originally planned, but circumstances had changed dramatically.

However, after receiving confirmation from me and hearing Nicola's account of Irene's experience, she decisively agreed to join us in heading to the imperial capital to confront Reider:

"Based on what you've said, Reider is likely not a native of this world. If he truly possesses a 'System', he might cause immeasurable harm in the future! Since I've arrived in this world, I should definitely contribute to helping the angels eliminate this threat. This might also help them more easily accept me in place of Cyra!"

We naturally had no objections to her approach. But Adrian threw cold water on their enthusiasm:

"I know you're all powerful now, especially Nicola and Feliciana. But don't forget, Reider isn't someone to take lightly. From what you've described, his System can help a person grow almost infinitely if resources are sufficient. Are you really sure you can defeat him?"

"Are you kidding? Are you still looking down on me? Want to have another fight? Remember our last fight wasn't conclusive. This time, I'll show you the real difference!" 

Nicola, now confident in her time control abilities, looked challengingly at Adrian. I quickly intervened to mediate:

"It's okay. Even Systems have varying strengths, and theoretically, using System comes with a cost. As long as we're careful, it's not entirely unmanageable!"

Since understanding how to use water element to manipulate part of reality, my confidence had significantly increased. Adrian, hearing my words, no longer seemed doubtful, though he still looked somewhat unconvinced by Nicola's bold claims.

"Let's get moving. We'll need to fly south for about a day. Even if we're not in a hurry, we should consider where to rest tonight."

Not wanting the recently reconciled companions to start another conflict, I grabbed Adrian's collar and headed towards the sky.

Since Elder Gwendolyn specifically requested my participation, Adrian would naturally accompany us. However, considering the past grudges between him and Nicola, I and Cyrae might not prevent potential renewed conflicts.

In fact, even before the cross-world space portal opened, their relationship had completely fractured. Adrian wasn't a passive pushover, and after Nicola's power upgrade, she seemed to intentionally provoke him. I could sense that Adrian's old grievances and anger weren't entirely extinguished, merely suppressed by my presence.

Nicola had already told me she wouldn't continue her relentless pursuit. I hoped she would stop doing such meaningless things. However, while flying, I noticed the Wind Angel's gaze fixed on us. I couldn't tell what she was thinking, and when our eyes met, Nicola unexpectedly turned her head away, leaving me feeling somewhat confused.

Deep down, I sensed that the experiences from another world might have changed her far more profoundly than I had imagined.