Chapter 1,579 Confronting the Pope

"What are they doing?" In the small square in front of the hotel, I pointed to the hurried clergy on the mountain road below and asked Celine with some confusion, "What religious activities are there today? Or is it because we brought them Pagan intelligence?”

Celine's face was also very confused: "Today is not a religious gathering, and as for the heretics... the intelligence we brought should not be as serious as this. I think the cardinals have been dispatched. Hmm? It seems that everyone gathered It’s the bishops who are responsible for deciphering ancient documents and managing the reliquary. The priests who are in charge of fighting don’t seem to be doing anything. Did they discover some new large-scale ruins?”

It seems that Celine, a fringe person who has been away all year round, doesn’t know much about things in the Holy City. At this time, a young priest who didn’t seem to have been summoned passed by us (seemingly he was also planning to watch the fun?), and I stopped him. : "Excuse me, what are you planning to do with all this commotion down there? What activities are there today?"

The young priest seemed to know about us, and he recognized at a glance that the person in front of him was the guest who came here to meet the Pope today (I think he must have recognized Sandora when he saw it. This feature is too obvious, "the glowing light is floating around". "The ball" is a wordless ID card wherever it is placed), and said with a slight smile: "Are they the two guests who just arrived today? The following is where the Pope convened experts on sacred objects. It is said that three days ago, a rare event came from the Forge of the God. Apocalypse, the Pope urgently summoned everyone to decipher the meaning of the apocalypse. There is a meeting every day, and this is the third day. But I don’t know the specific situation, I am in charge of city defense. "

The "apocalypse" coming from the Forge of the Gods? I suddenly thought of the ruins that Sandora and I discovered a few days ago at the edge of the Milky Way: the time was just right! So that ruins are indeed the Forge of the Gods? And it can also report to the Lost God Religion on this planet?

It was most likely that Sandora and I triggered something when we were exploring the ruins. I just don’t know how these members of the Lost Cult, who have been completely trapped in a low-tech society, can deal with this kind of alarm. They still have some useful tools. The spaceship doesn't work?

However, the young priest in front of him really didn’t know too much details. After a few chats, he ran off to continue watching the fun. Celine, who was beside him, exclaimed with concern: "The revelation of the God’s Forge? It is said that the most recent meeting with the God The revelation about the forge happened nearly two hundred years ago. I really didn’t expect that I would be in such a situation this time. It’s not like my trip was in vain.”

This incident was just a minor incident for the time being. We rested on the Windcaller Stone Platform for most of the day, quietly waiting for nightfall, and after dinner (by the way, Sandora Ball was soaked in vegetable soup). A group of clergymen wearing heavy robes came to greet the visitors. Celine nervously arranged her black robes, and then she got on the rune carriage to the cathedral with us (a kind of carriage that does not require horses to pull) of magical vehicles, courtesy of the Magic Pope). This city built in the mountains is indeed the highest treasure on the entire planet. It is unknown how much manpower and material resources the Lost Gods used to build such a large complex of buildings in the mountains after losing high-tech support. There is a wide stone road with almost eight lanes that can lead directly to the cathedral from the Windcaller Stone Platform, not to mention anything else. There must have been enough effort in paving the road.

The "heresy incident" is an equally important matter for both the technology and magic sides of the entire church, so the technology pope and the magic pope have to deal with the matter together. However, what surprised me is that this meeting was not in a solemn papal throne. Not in front of a large group of cardinals, but in a relatively private environment: after entering the cathedral, we were taken directly to the small reception room on the second floor of the church. Apart from the three of us guests, there were only two popes and a few elf bishops - the two popes appeared in person. It cannot be said that the level of attention is not high. Then this kind of relatively private small scene should be the church's habit. Anyway, I am quite satisfied. It saves trouble.

This small reception room is an oval-shaped long hall, a bit like a meeting place for some companies on the earth. Two huge emblems are hung on the curved walls at both ends of the reception room: the chain and gear logos on the technology side. , the hexagram and eye symbol on the magic side. Representing the two major branches of the Lost Religion, there are some religious murals hanging on the wall facing the door, which seem to depict the rise of the church after the ancient war. Other than that, there are no other decorations. . There was only a long square table and a circle of chairs in the barely spacious room: even the furniture seemed very simple.

The guards were all driven outside. It seems that the Pope does not want to let things about heretics spread in advance, and he is not worried that outsiders like me are actually assassins hiding their identities (in fact, I feel that the Sandora ball in my arms is quite like an explosive), and The first thing I noticed after entering the room was naturally the two popes vaguely surrounded by several elf bishops: their respective identities can be seen from the emblems on their robes. The Technology Pope is a young male tree elf. , with a slender figure, short emerald green hair, and a masculine face that is rare among elves (for most male elves, you really can’t tell whether they are a boy or a girl before they speak, and some transvestites are even more powerful. You can't tell the difference even after speaking), and the Magic Pope is a younger-looking female tree elf with the same slender figure and long green hair, and I don't know if it's an illusion... I always feel that she is similar to The Technology Pope seems to be somewhat similar in appearance, but his face is softer. Is it possible that they are still brother and sister?

The passers-by A, B, B, and D behind the Pope have nothing to introduce. There are five elves in total, four of them are almost out of shape, and the last woman looks too young. She seems to be younger than the Magic Pope, but considering that the Pope They only have a lifespan of a hundred years, so the youngest here should still be the two popes. Three of the five elf bishops are tree elves (including the young one), and the remaining two are other elf species. Sandora and I are quite familiar with tree elves, so we can see this from the details. . The appearance of other species of elves among the high-ranking bishops seems to confirm one thing: the tree elves are not the only race that knows the ancient secrets. Other long-lived species also participated in the establishment of the church. The decision to abandon civilization was indeed a joint decision of multiple races. of.

"Welcome, sisters from afar, and two distinguished adventurers who have made great achievements," the Pope and several high-ranking bishops took the initiative to greet them. It was the Technology Pope who spoke, "Tonight's summons may be a bit hasty. After all, you have been through two days of hard work, but the heresy incident is really serious. I hope you can understand it."

Celine quickly and respectfully saluted: first she drew a strange symbol on her chest, then bowed in greeting, and then spoke slightly nervously: "It is my honor to meet the Pope, we... Hey, Mr. Scholar, you don't want to salute. What?"

I didn't think about it at all. At this time, I was busy studying the mural on the opposite wall. He didn't even react when he heard this: "What did you say?"

"Don't be formal, don't be formal, just treat it as a private meeting," the Magical Female Pope waved her hand with a smile, and then took us to sit down at the long table. After everyone sat down, she looked curiously at the imposing figure lying on the table. Sandora ball on the table. "This...is the Miss Sandora who is said to have suffered an ancient curse?"

"Yes, Miss Sandora was transformed into this by strange magic while exploring ancient ruins." Celine never forgot to help us find a way to "remove the curse." At this time, he immediately seized the opportunity to mention this matter, "I hope His Majesty the Pope can help these star-crossed lovers. Miss Sandora has not eaten for two years..."

My voice was out of tune at the time: "Don't mention this!"

Okay, it’s really touching that Celine is worried about this just because of an excuse that Shandora and I casually mentioned. But don’t you know that what Shandora hates the most now is the problem of eating. It’s not easy for me to let her do this. I haven't paid attention to this matter for two days. Why don't you mention something?

"Ancient magic that turns people into balls of light?" An old elf bishop who looked almost human-like spoke slowly and hoarsely. There seemed to be a flash of light in those cloudy old eyes, and the robe with the six-pointed star and eye symbols on his body showed that this high elf (not the tree elf) was a member of the magic sect. "I don't remember anyone in ancient magic who can It turns people into such a curse, but I have never seen such a life form... Is this really a magical effect?"

"That's indeed what happened. If you don't know the reason, then I don't know either." I waved my hand, and then confirmed with Sandora in the spiritual connection, "What's going on with those two popes? It's true that they only have a lifespan of a hundred years. Or should we reincarnate once every hundred years to maintain immortality?"

On the way, I suddenly thought of a situation that could explain the Pope's hundreds of years of life, and that is to maintain immortality through continuous reincarnation, because I had encountered similar examples in the Gemini world. It is true that in order to undertake a certain mission that must last forever, She had to let herself live forever, but after scanning the physical and mental conditions of the two young elves, Sandora finally denied this speculation: "Their souls have not been reincarnated, and their bodies are indeed aging rapidly. As elves, their lifespans are really just drastically shortened.”

"What's the reason? Can you find out the 'cause'?"

"A hidden implanted device was detected in their bodies. This implanted device is connected to the brain and acts on the soul at the same time." Sandora's tone was serious. "It should be that this device over-consumes the energy of their bodies and souls." Only elves can barely withstand the dual power of this thing. If it is installed on a short-lived species, it may be able to drain a person dry in a few months. It would not be surprising to even die on the spot. But I don’t know why their lifespan will be compressed. By exactly one hundred years, this set of equipment does not seem to kill its host regularly. How long the host can survive should depend on their own strength. The equipment only shortens the lifespan...but these problems are all details."

So this is the reason why all previous popes were so short-lived? Do they still have such a set of things in their bodies? !

I couldn't help but look curiously at the two young elves across the table who looked like brothers and sisters. There was nothing unusual about them from their appearance. They spoke normally, frowned, and talked to Celine about strange things. Regarding the believers, it seems that the implanted devices rooted in their brains have not caused them any pain, but they should be well aware of what is happening to them. Even if they do not understand the device, they should know about themselves. They can only live a hundred years - a normal lifespan for short-lived species, but for elves it is not even a newborn cry. They are selected from the sequence of saints and wear the robes of the Pope. , they will die before they can experience life as an elf, and they don’t even know who their parents are! What on earth deserves them to do this? Something to do with the Celestial Forge?

"The Technological Renaissance Faction has not been very active in the past two years. We have been guarding against their secret development and growth. However, we did not expect that no matter how strict the precautions are, loopholes will still appear. They have penetrated into such a wide area, even near an ancient ruins. "Built a stronghold," the male pope is very young (especially among elves), but he speaks with a sense of calmness and reliability, his tone is soft but not exaggerated, and he is also very knowledgeable about church affairs in his speech, which is not what I imagined. Because he is just a showman pope because he is too young, "so many people will not disappear out of thin air, but they may use forbidden knowledge to hide from the first level of encirclement. I have arranged for the knights and discipline monks to gather and disperse at several possible locations." Click to investigate the situation, as long as they are still in this world, their flaws will definitely be revealed."

"Why are the technological revivalists so persistent?" Celine finished reporting what she knew and couldn't help but express her own questions, "They called aliens. They made flying tools and tried to dig out the 'origin equipment' from deep underground. . But none of them succeeded. Facts have proved that they have no strength to fight against the church, so why are they still wasting so much effort?"

"Perhaps our attitude is too mild?" The female pope (the magic pope) shrugged. It seems that she is more lively than the technology pope and speaks quickly. "After all, they have many connections with the church. But we still have to Suppress these guys, they know nothing. They have no idea how this world is walking on thin ice..."

The Technology Pope immediately looked sternly at the fast-talking female Pope: "Morrowind, this is not what we are talking about."

The female pope named Morrowind spread her hands: "I know, brother, don't be so nervous."

I was stunned immediately: I just said it casually before. Turns out this is really a brother-sister combination? !

"Pay attention to your identity and don't call me brother." The Technology Pope looked at his sister sternly again. I immediately thought that his next sentence must be "Call me Pope in formal situations." But as a result, he opened his mouth like this, "You have to call me Pope." My brother!"

Me: "..." Why do I suddenly feel that instead of worrying about the safety of the world, I should consider whether there is something wrong with these two popes?

There were only so many things that Celine had to report. She soon explained the circumstances of the incident and told her about the situation she found in the underground stronghold. The two popes looked at each other and nodded, and Morrowind was curious. He turned his attention to me: "Now it's time to listen to your...our deeds, the mysterious Mr. Scholar. It is said that you and this...Miss Egg bravely tracked down a heretic with a holy robe. A whole night? This is beyond the courage of ordinary people. You are currently the only two people who have seen the appearance of one of the heretics with your own eyes, and your information is crucial."

Sandora's ball slowly floated up. She had completed scanning the Pope's body and had just discovered some very concerning situations underground in the Holy City. Now we have met the person who theoretically knows the secrets of this planet. Time to get down to business.

"What we are talking about is not about pagans," Sandora's calm but majestic voice came from the light ball, "What is going on with the technological blockade? There is also the shielding of this world and that weird god. Forge...who of you is the insider?"

I glanced at Shandora. Just now I thought she was at least trying to set the scene and find a starting point for the topic. I didn’t expect that Her Majesty the Queen is Her Majesty the Queen. Once she started working, her resolute and resolute style was immediately revealed - she asked It was so direct that after just one sentence, four old men at the scene were ready to draw their guns: Can such a sensitive issue be discussed directly?

However, Sandora's resolute actions saved me a lot of trouble. At least I didn't have to worry about how to sort out these annoying problems in order. Celine found that the atmosphere at the scene suddenly became angry and weird. More importantly, she was vaguely aware that we seemed to have asked some incredible questions, and she immediately looked over in surprise: "Mr. Scholar, this is..."

"Don't be nervous, don't be nervous," I waved to Celine and also said to the four old elves present who were about to have a heart attack. "We are not a technological revivalist. We are much more complicated than them. This has never been the case. Where to start... Celine, why don't you go out first?"

Celine is just a very ordinary grassroots employee. She will not play any role here. On the contrary, she may make it difficult for the Pope and the archbishops to speak, so it is better to invite them out directly. But obviously the people opposite have not thought of this yet. , an archbishop with a beard that almost reached his chest stood up tremblingly: "Celine is a member of my church, but you two...it seems you are not the so-called adventurers or scholars?"

"Are you really sure you can let Celine listen here?" I have often faced this kind of scene over the years, so I don't have any stage fright. Anyway, it is definitely right to throw out a lot of information before the other party can think about it. The person who is confused will be the most confused. It's easy to talk, "Then let me tell you: there is a space base at the edge of the Milky Way. This universe is blocked by something. All or part of you are from other universes. As far as I know, at least the tree elves ran out of the Empire area. , the God of Technology and the God of Magic are actually basically..."

The four old men opposite (it seems that at least the four oldest bishops are insiders) suddenly said in unison: "Celine! Get out of the way first!" (To be continued...)