"Laterano? Those Sankta are searching for the tundra? Just how many people have they sent?"
Talulah, hearing Kashchey's description, felt a wave of incomprehension. Although it wasn't the snowy season in most places, there were still plenty of regions covered in snow! The areas that could be called "tundra" were by no means few; not only in Ursus, but Kjerag and Yan also possessed vast snowy plains, not to mention the various wastelands...
"It is said they dispatched four squads, but they have concentrated their main efforts on Ursus. To this end, they have even sent Executors from the Notarial Hall."
This made the two realize Laterano's determination regarding this mission. Executors of the Notarial Hall only accepted the most troublesome problems; for Laterano to send such dangerous fellows here was telling.
"It was their actions that caused the Emperor of Ursus to cast his gaze toward the tundra. They also seem to be searching for something very important, to the point of even dispatching the Emperor's Blades."
Kashchey continued, ignoring their reactions. However, his eyes remained fixed on Jeanne; he was certain that whatever was happening, Jeanne was inextricably linked to it. But he wondered what Laterano's attitude toward her would be. How would Laterano view this girl—who did not belong to them—when she possessed an existence that could potentially shake their faith?
"As for your affairs, that is all I know. As for how to resolve this, the choice is yours."
When they returned to reality, both remained silent regarding the current situation. Too many factions were involved; one wrong move could turn all their hard work into bubbles.
"What do you think I should do, Jeanne? If I tell Patriot about these things, whether he believes me is one thing, but if he finds out about Kashchey's existence, our cooperation might collapse."
Talulah was worried. She was certain Patriot had heard of Kashchey, but because her own history was so convoluted and problematic, she still didn't know how to explain her identity to him.
"I can't make that decision for you. Do what you feel you must. At worst, you still have me and Alina, don't you?"
Hearing Jeanne's words, Talulah managed a slight smile. It seemed she had decided on her next step.
In the soul world, Kashchey watched this scene with a meaningful expression. It seemed he needed to speed up contact with the Emperor's Blade he knew to gauge the Emperor's attitude. As someone who had "been there," Kashchey hoped Ursus and Jeanne could coexist peacefully; that would be the best outcome for the empire.
After all... that "child-protecting" God was truly not easy to deal with. If anything happened to Jeanne within Ursus territory, he suspected Ursus would follow in the footsteps of Gaul and become history.
"Truly a... biased God!"
Along with Kashchey's lament and his slowly closing eyes, a man in black far away in the Ursus capital, St. Petersburg, woke up. Now, this body was controlled by Kashchey!
Kashchey walked down the empty streets, sighing at the long-lost freedom. He excitedly spread his arms to embrace the world.
"I am free! No gaze of God, no terrifying light, I—"
Before he could finish, he sensed a brand-new Sword of Damocles appearing in the sky above the city. He lowered his head in disappointment. Indeed, how could He allow such an oversight?
"Does this mean... if we choose to lift a finger against that child Jeanne, we'll be erased instantly?"
Kashchey looked at the divine sword in the sky—invisible to all but him—and was speechless at the blatant threat.
Do you, a God, have nothing better to do than watch over that child? Why are you 'screen-peeking' silently all day and night? You're really going to spoil her! A child needs to face setbacks!
God: How I raise my daughter is none of your business. Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?
Kashchey could only concede that the Boss's word was law. He walked toward the magnificent city, looking for a way to meet the Emperor's Blade who knew his identity, hoping everything would move in a positive direction.
On the other side, an Angel with long burgundy hair was waiting for her teammate in an Ursus border town. They were about to conduct a special operation deep into enemy territory.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Miss Lemuen. I was delayed during a previous mission. I am your teammate for this operation. You may refer to me as Executor."
Lemuen looked at the man before her with a smile. She was naturally familiar with his name—a famous Executor of the Laterano Notarial Hall, known for completing numerous high-difficulty tasks.
"This time, we must enter the Ursus tundra, following the guidance given by God, to search for the traces left by Him in that snowy region..."
Executor stated the intelligence provided by the Notarial Hall in a monotonous tone. Lemuen already knew these things; this was merely the Executor's habit when teaming up with others.
"And, to find the Saintess chosen by God. She is a golden-haired girl, roughly nineteen years of age."
At this, Lemuen became interested. She asked curiously, "How did you determine her hair color? Are you not worried about an error?"
"This was derived from communications between the Pope and several Bishops. After receiving the Apocalypse, they saw a figure communicating with God upon the earth. It was determined based on their impressions. It is a pity no one saw the Saintess's face clearly, otherwise, this mission would be much easier."
As he spoke, Executor burned the intelligence report with the same stoic expression. All documents given to Executors must be destroyed immediately after reading; this was the law of the Notarial Hall.
Apocalypse—a term almost every Sankta was familiar with. The Apocalypse they spoke of referred to the event half a month ago when every Sankta's halo suddenly emitted a blinding light. Many claimed to have entered a space filled with Holy Light, as if it were their birthplace...
Hence, this event that shook all of Terra was officially dubbed the "Apocalypse" by Laterano, signifying communication with God.
"However, one more thing. Miss Lemuen, is your physical condition sufficient to enter the tundra? If there are special circumstances, I hope to be informed in advance."
Listening to Executor's unwavering voice, Lemuen couldn't help but rub her forehead. She really didn't get along with such rigid fellows. Lemuel(Exusiai), Mostima... where are you guys...
"You can just call me 'Exuvia' (Virtuosa/Power). It's better not to use real names while operating outside. Also, I am not incapable of facing the cold, otherwise, I wouldn't have accepted this mission."
"Understood, Miss Exuvia. However, I am not doubting your will. It is just that according to the files from Laterano, half a month ago you were still bedridden due to severe injuries. Although you recovered during the Apocalypse, I am concerned that old injuries might affect our progress, which would impact our supplies, blah blah blah..."
"Alright, alright, I'm healthy. The doctors at the Laterano People's Hospital checked me for a week; my body is as if it was never injured. It's because of this that those old geezers insisted I come..."
Lemuen recalled the "evil" faces of the Bishops. They claimed it was a miracle that had descended upon her—injuries that should have required a year of bed rest were healed in an instant; it was God watching over her... She had to represent the Laterano Monastery to achieve this honor. This mission of glory and light couldn't do without her, and so on...
If they hadn't compensated her for her hospital fees and equipped her with eight guns, Lemuen would never have agreed.
"Very well. If there are no issues, let us depart now."