Chapter 55: A Brave New World Without Grimm

Ding ding～

The autumn wind was bleak, sweeping away the sorrow of those who were parted.

Another year’s harvest season had arrived.

Every household in Radiant City was joyfully preparing for the festival, celebrating this year’s bountiful yield.

The newly built temple stood grandly in the city center. From the soaring spire, the echoing chimes of the bell rang ceaselessly through the sky.

“Thank the God of Light for bestowing us with grace.”

Believers knelt one after another, devoutly offering their prayers.

“You dispelled the Long Winter and sowed light anew in the world.”

One hymn after another converged into a surging tide, like waves crashing endlessly against the shore.

Shua!

On the high tower, heavily guarded soldiers stood in rows. Amidst them, a graceful figure in a snow-white robe and a triple crown atop her head gazed out the window, surrounded by attendants.

Hua hua hua!

The crowd erupted into a thunderous cheer.

“Look, it’s Her Eminence Jessica, the new leader of our Church of Light!”

“Wuwuwu, if not for this great lady, we could never have driven away the wicked Magic King Army!”

“After the High Priest died, Radiant City was on the brink of falling. If not for her, that evil army would never have been expelled.”

The people, brimming with emotion, showered the figure on the high platform—her face aloof as she looked out—with the most beautiful words they could muster.

“We have won.”

Accompanied by many high-ranking clergy, the newly adorned Pope appeared indifferent, as if unmoved by the jubilation before her.

“But our victory is not yet complete.”

Now wielding the supreme authority of the church, Jessica’s youthful innocence was gone, replaced by deep sorrow.

“The reason we almost lost to the Magic King Army this time—do any of you have thoughts?”

Holding her scepter, the Pope’s voice echoed through the opulently decorated, high-ceilinged hall, adorned with intricate patterns.

Faced with Jessica’s question, not a single person in the grand hall could rise to answer the new Pope.

The Magic King Army.

In just over a decade, that evil force had expanded without end, turning the very order of the human world upside down…

Drip.

A bead of sweat fell onto the tiled floor, sounding crisply.

“Your Eminence, I have an idea.”

A middle-aged man standing at Jessica’s side stepped forward respectfully, first bowing deeply before speaking: “I believe the church’s policy must change.”

“The Demon King’s power is strong, yes, but it’s not strength gained by himself alone. More crucial is the support from other races—elves, dwarves, beastmen, and other intelligent races.”

Wearing an archbishop’s robe, the man, well past fifty yet with sharp eyes, fell silent, as if giving others time to consider, then continued slowly, “Perhaps we should not stubbornly cling to our old stance, treating all other races as absolute enemies.”

Peng.

No sooner had he spoken than someone slammed the table and scolded righteously, “Archbishop Brian, do you realize what you’re saying?”

“All those other races are treacherous fiends! That wicked Magic King betrayed humanity for his own gain, and you’d have our church follow him into depravity?”

Facing the expected rebuke, Archbishop Brian sighed wearily and glanced quietly at the new Pope on the throne.

Weng——

A dazzling white light flickered.

The intense atmosphere was forcefully suppressed.

That vast, pure, inviolably sacred power seemed to cleanse hearts, purifying all sin, and instantly extinguished the quarrel in the room.

Everyone bowed their heads, awaiting the words of the one who had saved Radiant City from disaster.

She who awakened the new power of Holy Light, broke into the Magic King Army’s lair alone, gravely wounded the infamous Magic King, and bought the Church of Light and Radiant City a chance to breathe…

No words could truly capture the greatness of Her Eminence.

Her orders were absolute.

More so than even the former High Priest.

“Times change, and nothing remains eternal.”

From the throne, Jessica’s voice was distant.

“Since the Church of Light has a new leader…”

Jessica’s piercing gaze swept the assembled high ranks. “Then new doctrines, new rules, and new diplomatic strategies are only natural.”

“I intend to sign a Peace Treaty with the Magic King Army, and…”

The new Pope Jessica declared in a tone that brooked no dissent, “I intend to establish diplomatic relations with other races, notify the other kingdoms, urge them to open trade with other races, and finally—”

She paused, and a faint darkness clouded Jessica’s eyes.

“I will welcome the Adventurers’ Guild to establish a branch in our Radiant City.”

Adventurers’ Guild?!

Everyone present, even Archbishop Brian—her steadfast supporter—was stunned.

“But—but, those so-called professionals are just a bunch of despicable heretics! How can they be compared to our clergy and noble spellcasters?”

A senior official couldn’t help but question.

“Because they have strength.” Jessica raised her brow. “Don’t forget how close we came to losing before.”

“…”

The high ranks flushed red then pale, yet no one could utter a word in response.

“You may leave.”

After issuing a string of orders, Jessica waved her hand dismissively.

Archbishop Brian noticed that, although she had just changed the ancient church rules with a few simple words, the new Pope, who had accomplished such a feat, showed no trace of excitement.

On the contrary, her beautiful face was filled with deep, inextricable sorrow.

What was Her Eminence grieving for?

The passing of the High Priest?

Brian turned away, not intending to pry.

Peng.

The door closed. Now, only the Pope’s solitary figure remained in the high tower.

“God of Justice, Kamdo.”

Jessica stood, descending from the throne, and wearily removed her heavy crown, flipping open the church’s latest gospel.

“Holy Light…”

Jessica’s eyes were somber. “Though your life story has been altered beyond recognition, I’m sorry, Green, this is the only way the world will remember you.”

“After all, once your plan ends, even I, even I and the others, will forget you ever existed.”

“Sophie was right—you really are a big fool…”

In an instant, the once-strong Pope, the first to awaken the Holy Light and establish the Paladin order, broke down in tears.

Meanwhile, in Fallen Leaves Town.

Ba ba ba——

With the blare of horns, a graceful figure slowly entered the hall.

“Welcome, Governor Sophie!”

Shua shua shua.

Inside the hall, all the senior members of Land of Hope gathered, turning their attention to the arriving figure.

“Huff, looks like the Governor has recovered from her illness?”

“It’s all that despicable church’s fault, resorting to such underhanded means!”

“And they dared to brand Lady Sophie as some Magic King?”

People angrily cursed the shameless villains far off in Radiant City.

“Elders.” Even after surviving an assassination and soul-wounding injuries, the Governor still looked composed, showing no sign of illness.

“Let’s begin the strategy meeting.”

Sitting at the head, Sophie gently spoke.

“Yes. According to your orders, we have already pulled back all our lines.”

“There are rumors that ever since the new Pope took office, sweeping reforms have begun—such as abolishing the outdated Extermination Order Against Other Races, even…”

An official in bureaucratic attire hesitated for a while, then laid out the parchment.

A nearby maid took the report and hurried to Sophie’s side.

Receiving it, Sophie stared at it for quite some time.

Shua!

A blaze erupted, burning the report to ashes in an instant.

“Good, good, good.” Sophie panted, repeating the word several times, her ample chest rising and falling before she regained her breath.

“They dare claim the Holy Light we developed in the Land of Hope as their own?”

Sophie snorted coldly. “And yet they propose a Peace Treaty?”

Everyone’s anger erupted at once.

“Governor, we must not agree to peace!”

The elders chimed in, “Last time we nearly wiped them out! Even Radiant City was almost breached, if not for that new Pope’s despicable tricks…”

“Revenge! Revenge!”

The calls for war rose one after another, treating the peace proposal from the church as the ultimate humiliation. In the vast elders’ hall, not a single person wished to compromise for peace.

Except…

In a corner, a distracted figure.

“Mary?” The Governor spoke.

Unlike her indifference to others, Sophie looked at the frowning, pensive young girl with warmth and affection.

“Why do you seem a little unhappy?” Sophie reached out and pinched Mary’s round cheek.

“It’s nothing, Governor.”

Lowering her head, Mary dared not meet Sophie’s gaze, backing away several steps. “I—I want to check if there’s any new progress in the newly established lab.”

Without waiting for Sophie’s reply, Mary darted off.

“Hm?” Sophie blinked in confusion, catching a glimpse of something Mary held in her arms.

Dong dong dong.

For some reason, just glimpsing that shabby doll made Sophie’s chest twist and ache with suffocating pain.

“Huff… it’s all that despicable Pope’s fault.” Sophie shook her head. “But, we truly are unprepared.”

Sighing deeply, Sophie could only watch the elders, who clamored for war, with a hint of regret, feeling that some filthy power still stubbornly lingered inside her.

“Respected elders, unfortunately, I have not fully recovered yet. Until then… I’m afraid we can only maintain a truce.”

Sophie decided firmly, “But, once the time is right, we will surely unite the entire world under the Land of Hope!”

“Woah woah woah woah!”

The hall erupted in cheers again.

Other than Sophie, no one noticed Mary’s quiet departure.

Pa-da, pa-da.

A torrential rain poured down, instantly turning the roads to mud.

A graceful figure walked abruptly along the avenue, letting the rain drench her delicate body.

“Lady Mary?” The guard was stunned at the sight. “You—how—”

Before he could finish, the guard forcibly swallowed his words.

Lady Mary, Governor Sophie’s most beloved disciple, was crying?

Who would dare offend her so greatly?

The guard decided not to meddle.

“Cough, cough, cough.”

Deep within the laboratory, a thin figure, framed by heavy chains, seemed impossibly frail.

“Brother Green, stop this.”

A voice broke the silence of the secret prison.

“Why—why must you hurt yourself like this?”

Mary, tears streaming down her face, asked.

“The Blood Moon is almost here.” Barely alive, his former glory lost, the now skeletal man answered faintly, “Mary, don’t cry for me. It’s all about to end.”

“I’ve weakened myself to the utmost, and with my last preparations, once the Blood Moon comes, I’ll absorb all the sources of corruption into myself. Then you’ll use the Divine-Slaying Weapon in the lab…”

Despite his miserable appearance, the thin figure spoke with an indescribable passion.

“Idiot! Idiot!” Seeing Green evade her question, Mary furiously hurled the doll at his face.

“If you must die, why—why must you erase even Sister Sophie’s memories too?”

Mary demanded loudly, “Is that— is that fair?”

“It’s not fair.” Green’s eyes were calm. “But, Mary, I don’t want Sophie to suffer.”

Green explained.

“I know. I’ve always known.” Mary sobbed. “But if Sister Sophie knew, she’d never agree.”

“It’s all right, Mary. It’s all about to end.”

Green’s eyes were unfocused, muttering unconsciously, “Besides, I promised—promised Sophie to create a new world. A world without persecuted witches, without endless war and famine.”

“I didn’t fully succeed, but…”

Raising his head, Green felt no regrets.

“I didn’t do too badly, did I?”

Weng——

Before Mary could answer, the sky was suddenly devoured by blood-red light. In an instant, the whole world plunged into endless darkness.

The Blood Moon had risen.

“Begin the operation!”

Boom!!!

Green immediately began to absorb the rampant corruption.

“No, no, no!”

Staring at the doll at Green’s feet, staring at the battered yet infinitely powerful sword in her hand—

Mary’s tears overflowed like a flood.

“I really don’t want to—don’t want to forget you, Brother Green.”

Maybe, when Brother Green is gone, a beautiful new world will come.

But without Brother Green…

What meaning could that beauty possibly have?