<p>Chapter Seventy-Two: Judgment Day, Moment of Divine Descent!</p>
<p>The time shifts back to just before Shaya left the Abyss Palace.</p>
<p>Feeling the residual holy aura within the palace, Octave, clutching the blood vial, shrank her delicate shoulders and shivered slightly.</p>
<p>“What, what is that?”</p>
<p>She hurriedly took a sip of Shaya’s clone blood to calm her nerves and then timidly asked.</p>
<p>During her days in the Abyss Palace, the pride and aloofness that belonged to the Bloodsucker had completely vanished, her sharpness entirely worn down, replaced by a trembling crouch in the corner.</p>
<p>After all, the existence before her held such high status that even her ancestor Kaeres was unworthy to serve them.</p>
<p>Agnes glanced at the little Bloodsucker, then looked away and gently waved her hand.</p>
<p>Immediately, the remaining aura of light in the palace dissipated.</p>
<p>Just moments ago, the Witch Miss had integrated a circular light orb into Shaya’s heart and then killed him.</p>
<p>The holy aura contained within that orb was overwhelming enough to make even her, as a Bloodsucker, feel a visceral shudder, as if it were a suppression stemming from status.</p>
<p>“Whew—”</p>
<p>Feeling the unpleasant aura of light disappear, the little girl breathed a sigh of relief and gratefully glanced at the Witch Miss.</p>
<p>After being pierced by the [Light Anthem] at her shoulder, her wound couldn’t heal, and that orb beneath her feet was far more formidable than it.</p>
<p>“That is the Great Light Core, the source of power before the Goddess of Light ascended to divinity, containing the purest light force in the world,” the Witch Miss said as she sat back on the sofa, her legs gently crossed, “And that woman Beatrice fears light above all else.”</p>
<p>“As a child of the moon, Kaeres naturally inherited this fear and suppression.”</p>
<p>This is why the pure light power can exert a soul-derived suppressive force on the Bloodsuckers.</p>
<p>Octave nodded in a daze.</p>
<p>It felt like the topic of deities was a bit too grand.</p>
<p>“So… what does the Great Light Core do for Shaya?”</p>
<p>Agnes looked at her, seemingly in a good mood, resting her delicate chin in her hand as she lightly answered: “To gain the blessing of light, to attract His attention.”</p>
<p>“If that’s the case, then that woman Beatrice wouldn’t dare to target him.”</p>
<p>“Who is He?”</p>
<p>“…The Goddess of Light, Pennyala.”</p>
<p>The Witch Miss’s gaze drifted towards the ceiling of the main hall, as if she were piercing through all obstacles to gaze at the sun above.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>“What is that…?”</p>
<p>The moment the light column connecting heaven and earth burst forth, Judge Nidro, who was about to summon the Holy Fire for divine judgment, instantly lost contact with the Faith Pillar.</p>
<p>That brilliance was so dazzling that even he, a high-ranking member of the Church of Light, found it hard to look directly at it.</p>
<p>He shielded his eyes with one hand, with spots lingering in his retina as if scorched by the sun.</p>
<p>The sense of dominion and elevation sparked an incredible suspicion within him.</p>
<p>He slowly turned his head to look at Shaya, standing before the Faith Pillar.</p>
<p>At this moment, Shaya’s short black hair fluttered in the wind, his tall and muscular body radiating a hazy golden light.</p>
<p>His heart burned hot and strong, like a sun piercing through his chest, thundering with a rapid beat.</p>
<p>An overwhelming divine might spread forth from the light column!</p>
<p>At the same time, in the very center of the Faith Pillar, the silhouette symbolizing the goddess glowed with a similar radiance, the golden light quickly outlining a humanoid figure and the sacred mark unique to the Goddess of Light.</p>
<p>Soon after, that golden-glowing mark and figure resonated in frequency with the Great Light Core at Shaya’s heart, emanating a harmonious vibration.</p>
<p>Witnessed by Judge Nidro and the high-ranking members of the Church of Light accompanying him, the mark transformed into a soft golden light that slowly drifted out of the Faith Pillar.</p>
<p>Shaya seemed to sense something, and a force lifted him upwards, towards the level of that mark.</p>
<p>The soft golden light trembled twice, and then, under the collective gaze of many, gradually transformed into a somewhat indistinct humanoid figure.</p>
<p>That figure bore a striking resemblance to the one in the relief, filled with an aura of sanctity and compassion.</p>
<p>The woman’s features were hard to see clearly, but everyone witnessing this scene felt, in unison, as if she was smiling at them.</p>
<p>It was a feeling of being enveloped in a warm aura.</p>
<p>This included high-tier powerhouses like Nidro, Mevis, and Rod.</p>
<p>They collectively stared at the scene before them, and upon realizing something, their hearts momentarily ceased.</p>
<p>“Goddess, Your Grace?”</p>
<p>Nidro stared blankly at the figure formed by the light mass, his voice hoarse as he spoke.</p>
<p>Before executing the judgment today, he never expected that events would unfold in such a manner.</p>
<p>Not only had they deviated from the original course, but they had even exceeded his control.</p>
<p>This guy, wasn’t he supposed to be a Blood Moon Cultist?</p>
<p>Nidro staggered back a couple of steps, yet his gaze wouldn’t shift even a little.</p>
<p>Because he knew very well, though reluctant to admit it, that perhaps this was the closest he would ever come to divine onset in his life.</p>
<p>“It was supposed to be just a heresy trial…”</p>
<p>At this moment, even Nidro, no matter how dull he was, could sense the situation occurring before his eyes.</p>
<p>Why had it become like this?</p>
<p>He recalled Shaya’s accusation against the Faith Pillar moments earlier, especially the last line where he accused this city.</p>
<p>“Could it be?!”</p>
<p>Nidro instinctively associated this event with the ancient god descent incident from two weeks ago.</p>
<p>Then, with wide eyes, he looked at Shaya as if he had seen a ghost.</p>
<p>He noticed the incarnation of the Goddess of Light floating forward a short distance, arriving before Shaya.</p>
<p>She quietly gazed at Shaya, then slowly extended her hand, as if to cradle her child, gently enveloping him in her embrace.</p>
<p>Then, under the astonished watch of Nidro, the figure transformed by the light power quickly dissolved, outlining the holy mark symbolizing the Goddess of Light, which slowly hovered behind Shaya’s head.</p>
<p>“Say hello to Agnes for me.”</p>
<p>Just before that figure completely vanished, it left behind those words in his ear.</p>
<p>Shaya slowly opened his eyes, his golden pupils majestic and serene.</p>
<p>In that moment, Shaya, like a golden blazing sun suspended before the Faith Pillar, seemed almost saintly.</p>
<p>Three feet above him, a deity resided.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>Observing the scene before them, the crowd in the Light Square erupted in a chorus of murmurs.</p>
<p>“No way?”</p>
<p>Among the crowd, Sergey stared blankly at the scene unfolding.</p>
<p>He instinctively recalled the moment that had transpired in the academy’s duel arena.</p>
<p>Having clearly fallen into despair.</p>
<p>Yet that boy’s indomitable figure had consistently erupted with a stunning power at critical moments.</p>
<p>Initially, he had thought that such power was gained through improper means like cultish sacrifices, which almost made him breathe a sigh of relief.</p>
<p>But before he could exhale, another slap landed back on his face.</p>
<p>Sergey staggered back two steps, gazing at the surrounding believers who were devoutly prostrating on the ground, reciting the revered name of the Goddess of Light.</p>
<p>He did not believe in light but in the God of Wisdom.</p>
<p>“It can’t be, it can’t be…”</p>
<p>Sergey murmured to himself.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>When the light column ascended, the entire royal capital, including over a million citizens in the lower city, instinctively looked up, wanting to see the heavenly radiance but were burned by its intense light.</p>
<p>They felt a source of awe and trepidation from their souls.</p>
<p>Just moments ago, many of them were still struggling to survive, sweating to provide for their families.</p>
<p>If they followed the original trajectory of life, they might have lost hope under the burden of their bodies or the pressures of life, possibly living without a future for an entire lifetime.</p>
<p>Such situations were not uncommon in the lower city and had even become a normalized trend.</p>
<p>Every day, people were dying, falling into despair repeatedly.</p>
<p>Until life had worn down their edges and eroded their once-pure faith.</p>
<p>But today, they saw the light.</p>
<p>Uncontrollably reminiscing that there were indeed deities in this world.</p>
<p>“The deity… has descended.”</p>
<p>Many devout believers of light, upon perceiving this power, were brought to tears, slowly bowing to kiss the ground, murmuring to themselves.</p>
<p>In the future historical annals, human scholars would surely comment on this day with vivid strokes.</p>
<p>The Day of Divine Descent.</p>
<p>On that day, they beheld the light.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>So noisy.</p>
<p>As Shaya regained his senses, he felt the sound of prayers flooding in like a tide.</p>
<p>Instinctively, he covered his head and waved his hand.</p>
<p>Immediately, a wave of peaceful, holy light power descended from the sky, like sweet rain slowly showering into the bodies of all present believers.</p>
<p>In an instant, all the blessed believers felt a warm power flooding their bodies.</p>
<p>That power rapidly alleviated their ailments, making them healthy.</p>
<p>Moved by the changes coursing through their bodies, the believers wept with joy.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the prayers resonating in Shaya’s mind began to diminish somewhat.</p>
<p>He finally regained some energy to contemplate the events that had just occurred.</p>
<p>Recalling his bold inquiries before the Faith Pillar, which had indeed summoned an omen, even garnering the blessing of the Goddess of Light.</p>
<p>What did the Witch Miss truly grant me?</p>
<p>Reflecting on the round object that had integrated into his heart when he left the Abyss Palace, Shaya felt a headache coming on.</p>
<p>He had only thought it sufficient to create some abnormal phenomenon during the trial to prove his position.</p>
<p>But now it seemed the commotion was a bit much.</p>
<p>Moreover, before the Goddess of Light departed, she seemed to have faintly left behind a line, “Say hello to Agnes for me.”</p>
<p>Shaya opened his eyes, gazing at himself, who was suspended like a holy figure in the air, and sighed.</p>
<p>At this moment, bathed in the power of light, he appeared both majestic and sacred, with the holy mark symbolizing the Goddess of Light hovering behind his head.</p>
<p>Just slightly sensing it, even his power had significantly increased.</p>
<p>Though Shaya estimated that this power would soon dissipate, at which point he would revert to his original status, even so, during this brief buff, it was enough for him to accomplish a great deal.</p>
<p>Shaya was not one to be timid.</p>
<p>Since the events had already transpired, it was time to bring this farce to a complete conclusion on the predetermined path.</p>
<p>With that thought, he turned around, looking down from above at Judge Nidro seated at the judgment stand, and smiled lightly.</p>
<p>“Will you absolve my sins, Your Honor?”</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>I knew it.</p>
<p>I knew you wouldn’t deceive me.</p>
<p>At that moment, beneath the judgment platform, Selly, holding her hands, was in tears.</p>
<p>Though her eyes had clearly been burned by the unprecedented light power, she stubbornly refused to look away, staring at the tall figure bathed in light, her voice choking.</p>
<p>At the same time, the large stone in her heart fell with a thud.</p>
<p>So good.</p>
<p>Selly cried while smiling shyly.</p>
<p>“Will you absolve my sins, Your Honor?”</p>
<p>Shaya, who hovered like a saint in the air under Selly’s gaze, calmly asked.</p>
<p>Judge Nidro staggered back two steps in a daze and then stumbled to kneel on the ground.</p>
<p>After a long silence, with his head lowered, he spoke in an extremely humble tone, “All of this is my sin, Your Highness the Holy Son.”</p>
<p>Having received the blessing and care of the Goddess of Light before everyone’s eyes, Shaya certainly had the right to be called the Holy Son.</p>
<p>It is no exaggeration to say that after today’s events, among the intricately intertwined factions within the Church, a force absolutely loyal to the goddess and to Shaya would soon emerge.</p>
<p>They all understood what the actions of the long-absent Goddess of Light, who had never descended miracles in a thousand years, signified.</p>
<p>It would be a great fortune not to pursue the negligence and slander of those like Judge Nidro.</p>
<p>“From now on, I will resign as the judge, becoming an ascetic to spread the faith of light in the Northern Earth Duchy, to refine my mind and eliminate distractions.”</p>
<p>Before Shaya could actively speak, he had proposed his own form of punishment.</p>
<p>Shaya nodded, “Very well.”</p>
<p>Then, to Selly’s astonishment, he flashed and instantaneously appeared in front of the purple-skirted girl.</p>
<p>“Crying?”</p>
<p>Looking at the somewhat slender and charming girl before him, Shaya smiled slightly and gently wiped her tears away with his hand.</p>
<p>“No.”</p>
<p>Seemingly unwilling for Shaya to see her with tear-streaked cheeks, Selly turned away, sulking.</p>
<p>Estimating the remaining light force within his body and realizing he still had many things to accomplish, Shaya did not delay.</p>
<p>He gently embraced Selly, then recited, “May the power of light always bless you.”</p>
<p>In an instant, a golden, holy mark began to manifest on Selly’s forehead.</p>
<p>A warm force washed over her, making her even more transparent and flawless; even the previously stagnant realm within her at this moment made significant strides!</p>
<p>“You…”</p>
<p>Bathed in the power of light, Selly was somewhat dazed.</p>
<p>Unexpectedly, this guy hovered before her in front of everyone just to grant her a blessing.</p>
<p>This made her, who considered herself a bad woman, involuntarily feel a bit spoiled.</p>
<p>Feeling countless envious and jealous gazes around her, Selly’s face turned red.</p>
<p>This, this guy, how could he be so charming?</p>
<p>Oh no, what should I do if I want to kiss him now?</p>
<p>Surely doing such a thing in public would be exhilarating, right?</p>
<p>Selly instinctively recalled the scene that had transpired during the ball that night.</p>
<p>“If you have something to say, let’s talk later.”</p>
<p>Shaya smiled, giving her hand a gentle squeeze, unknowingly stirring the strings of the girl’s heart.</p>
<p>His reason for this gesture was simple.</p>
<p>As the ancient god incident gradually unraveled among the major powers, Count Violet would inevitably be made scapegoat.</p>
<p>At that time, as his daughter, Selly would also become very dangerous.</p>
<p>And Shaya’s action here directly told everyone witnessing the situation that she was a blessed girl of the light; no one could touch her!</p>
<p>After doing all this, Shaya once again flashed, rising into the sky, his surrounding light power becoming purer and more intense.</p>
<p>He hovered at the highest point of the royal capital, seeming like a small golden sun.</p>
<p>At that moment, countless prayers from the believers of light drowned over Shaya.</p>
<p>He calmly gazed down upon all beings, as if absorbing all the suffering of the world into his sight.</p>
<p>At that moment, he was the agent of the deity.</p>
<p>Thus, Shaya’s calm voice echoed over this city.</p>
<p>“I’ve said it before, I do not blame you, I pity you, for since your birth, you have not had the power of choice.”</p>
<p>He waved his hand gently.</p>
<p>Instantly, the light power emanating from his body transformed into a golden fine rain, encompassing the entire lower city of the royal capital!</p>
<p>That place was where prayers were the most fervent, and the one he sympathized with the most after personally experiencing it.</p>
<p>Feeling the heartfelt gratitude flowing from the light’s believers, Shaya sighed.</p>
<p>Then, he shifted his gaze to a point in the void.</p>
<p>The blessing power of the Goddess of Light still had some remainder.</p>
<p>Next, it was time to settle old scores.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>“Damn it!”</p>
<p>Mevis desperately traversed the void, attempting to quickly escape the royal capital, to flee from that place that filled her with immense fear.</p>
<p>Why!</p>
<p>Why would a Blood Moon Cultist simultaneously be favored by the Goddess of Light?</p>
<p>Were those deities blind?!</p>
<p>Recalling the power that she and her organization had sought for so many years, only to have it so easily attained by Shaya sparked an intense jealousy within her.</p>
<p>But at this moment, she had only one path: escape.</p>
<p>For she understood well the kind of irreconcilable hatred that existed between her and Shaya.</p>
<p>As long as she could escape the borders of Hiren…</p>
<p>Feeling the distance from the capital widening, the stone in Mevis’s heart gradually lowered.</p>
<p>“It seems that isn’t a power that can be used for long; in that case, I still have a chance.”</p>
<p>After once again traversing the void, returning to the sky above a forest, Mevis paused for a moment and sighed with relief.</p>
<p>At this moment, she was already somewhat exhausted.</p>
<p>Even a Sorcerer, after traveling a large part of the empire’s territory in a short time, could feel fatigue.</p>
<p>But just then, a voice that sent shivers down her spine gently resonated in her ear.</p>
<p>“Killing you will be enough.”</p>
<p>The time shifts back to just before Shaya left the Abyss Palace.</p>
<p>Feeling the residual holy aura within the palace, Octave, clutching the blood vial, shrank her delicate shoulders and shivered slightly.</p>
<p>“What, what is that?”</p>
<p>She hurriedly took a sip of Shaya’s clone blood to calm her nerves and then timidly asked.</p>
<p>During her days in the Abyss Palace, the pride and aloofness that belonged to the Bloodsucker had completely vanished, her sharpness entirely worn down, replaced by a trembling crouch in the corner.</p>
<p>After all, the existence before her held such high status that even her ancestor Kaeres was unworthy to serve them.</p>
<p>Agnes glanced at the little Bloodsucker, then looked away and gently waved her hand.</p>
<p>Immediately, the remaining aura of light in the palace dissipated.</p>
<p>Just moments ago, the Witch Miss had integrated a circular light orb into Shaya’s heart and then killed him.</p>
<p>The holy aura contained within that orb was overwhelming enough to make even her, as a Bloodsucker, feel a visceral shudder, as if it were a suppression stemming from status.</p>
<p>“Whew—”</p>
<p>Feeling the unpleasant aura of light disappear, the little girl breathed a sigh of relief and gratefully glanced at the Witch Miss.</p>
<p>After being pierced by the [Light Anthem] at her shoulder, her wound couldn’t heal, and that orb beneath her feet was far more formidable than it.</p>
<p>“That is the Great Light Core, the source of power before the Goddess of Light ascended to divinity, containing the purest light force in the world,” the Witch Miss said as she sat back on the sofa, her legs gently crossed, “And that woman Beatrice fears light above all else.”</p>
<p>“As a child of the moon, Kaeres naturally inherited this fear and suppression.”</p>
<p>This is why the pure light power can exert a soul-derived suppressive force on the Bloodsuckers.</p>
<p>Octave nodded in a daze.</p>
<p>It felt like the topic of deities was a bit too grand.</p>
<p>“So… what does the Great Light Core do for Shaya?”</p>
<p>Agnes looked at her, seemingly in a good mood, resting her delicate chin in her hand as she lightly answered: “To gain the blessing of light, to attract His attention.”</p>
<p>“If that’s the case, then that woman Beatrice wouldn’t dare to target him.”</p>
<p>“Who is He?”</p>
<p>“…The Goddess of Light, Pennyala.”</p>
<p>The Witch Miss’s gaze drifted towards the ceiling of the main hall, as if she were piercing through all obstacles to gaze at the sun above.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>“What is that…?”</p>
<p>The moment the light column connecting heaven and earth burst forth, Judge Nidro, who was about to summon the Holy Fire for divine judgment, instantly lost contact with the Faith Pillar.</p>
<p>That brilliance was so dazzling that even he, a high-ranking member of the Church of Light, found it hard to look directly at it.</p>
<p>He shielded his eyes with one hand, with spots lingering in his retina as if scorched by the sun.</p>
<p>The sense of dominion and elevation sparked an incredible suspicion within him.</p>
<p>He slowly turned his head to look at Shaya, standing before the Faith Pillar.</p>
<p>At this moment, Shaya’s short black hair fluttered in the wind, his tall and muscular body radiating a hazy golden light.</p>
<p>His heart burned hot and strong, like a sun piercing through his chest, thundering with a rapid beat.</p>
<p>An overwhelming divine might spread forth from the light column!</p>
<p>At the same time, in the very center of the Faith Pillar, the silhouette symbolizing the goddess glowed with a similar radiance, the golden light quickly outlining a humanoid figure and the sacred mark unique to the Goddess of Light.</p>
<p>Soon after, that golden-glowing mark and figure resonated in frequency with the Great Light Core at Shaya’s heart, emanating a harmonious vibration.</p>
<p>Witnessed by Judge Nidro and the high-ranking members of the Church of Light accompanying him, the mark transformed into a soft golden light that slowly drifted out of the Faith Pillar.</p>
<p>Shaya seemed to sense something, and a force lifted him upwards, towards the level of that mark.</p>
<p>The soft golden light trembled twice, and then, under the collective gaze of many, gradually transformed into a somewhat indistinct humanoid figure.</p>
<p>That figure bore a striking resemblance to the one in the relief, filled with an aura of sanctity and compassion.</p>
<p>The woman’s features were hard to see clearly, but everyone witnessing this scene felt, in unison, as if she was smiling at them.</p>
<p>It was a feeling of being enveloped in a warm aura.</p>
<p>This included high-tier powerhouses like Nidro, Mevis, and Rod.</p>
<p>They collectively stared at the scene before them, and upon realizing something, their hearts momentarily ceased.</p>
<p>“Goddess, Your Grace?”</p>
<p>Nidro stared blankly at the figure formed by the light mass, his voice hoarse as he spoke.</p>
<p>Before executing the judgment today, he never expected that events would unfold in such a manner.</p>
<p>Not only had they deviated from the original course, but they had even exceeded his control.</p>
<p>This guy, wasn’t he supposed to be a Blood Moon Cultist?</p>
<p>Nidro staggered back a couple of steps, yet his gaze wouldn’t shift even a little.</p>
<p>Because he knew very well, though reluctant to admit it, that perhaps this was the closest he would ever come to divine onset in his life.</p>
<p>“It was supposed to be just a heresy trial…”</p>
<p>At this moment, even Nidro, no matter how dull he was, could sense the situation occurring before his eyes.</p>
<p>Why had it become like this?</p>
<p>He recalled Shaya’s accusation against the Faith Pillar moments earlier, especially the last line where he accused this city.</p>
<p>“Could it be?!”</p>
<p>Nidro instinctively associated this event with the ancient god descent incident from two weeks ago.</p>
<p>Then, with wide eyes, he looked at Shaya as if he had seen a ghost.</p>
<p>He noticed the incarnation of the Goddess of Light floating forward a short distance, arriving before Shaya.</p>
<p>She quietly gazed at Shaya, then slowly extended her hand, as if to cradle her child, gently enveloping him in her embrace.</p>
<p>Then, under the astonished watch of Nidro, the figure transformed by the light power quickly dissolved, outlining the holy mark symbolizing the Goddess of Light, which slowly hovered behind Shaya’s head.</p>
<p>“Say hello to Agnes for me.”</p>
<p>Just before that figure completely vanished, it left behind those words in his ear.</p>
<p>Shaya slowly opened his eyes, his golden pupils majestic and serene.</p>
<p>In that moment, Shaya, like a golden blazing sun suspended before the Faith Pillar, seemed almost saintly.</p>
<p>Three feet above him, a deity resided.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>Observing the scene before them, the crowd in the Light Square erupted in a chorus of murmurs.</p>
<p>“No way?”</p>
<p>Among the crowd, Sergey stared blankly at the scene unfolding.</p>
<p>He instinctively recalled the moment that had transpired in the academy’s duel arena.</p>
<p>Having clearly fallen into despair.</p>
<p>Yet that boy’s indomitable figure had consistently erupted with a stunning power at critical moments.</p>
<p>Initially, he had thought that such power was gained through improper means like cultish sacrifices, which almost made him breathe a sigh of relief.</p>
<p>But before he could exhale, another slap landed back on his face.</p>
<p>Sergey staggered back two steps, gazing at the surrounding believers who were devoutly prostrating on the ground, reciting the revered name of the Goddess of Light.</p>
<p>He did not believe in light but in the God of Wisdom.</p>
<p>“It can’t be, it can’t be…”</p>
<p>Sergey murmured to himself.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>When the light column ascended, the entire royal capital, including over a million citizens in the lower city, instinctively looked up, wanting to see the heavenly radiance but were burned by its intense light.</p>
<p>They felt a source of awe and trepidation from their souls.</p>
<p>Just moments ago, many of them were still struggling to survive, sweating to provide for their families.</p>
<p>If they followed the original trajectory of life, they might have lost hope under the burden of their bodies or the pressures of life, possibly living without a future for an entire lifetime.</p>
<p>Such situations were not uncommon in the lower city and had even become a normalized trend.</p>
<p>Every day, people were dying, falling into despair repeatedly.</p>
<p>Until life had worn down their edges and eroded their once-pure faith.</p>
<p>But today, they saw the light.</p>
<p>Uncontrollably reminiscing that there were indeed deities in this world.</p>
<p>“The deity… has descended.”</p>
<p>Many devout believers of light, upon perceiving this power, were brought to tears, slowly bowing to kiss the ground, murmuring to themselves.</p>
<p>In the future historical annals, human scholars would surely comment on this day with vivid strokes.</p>
<p>The Day of Divine Descent.</p>
<p>On that day, they beheld the light.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>So noisy.</p>
<p>As Shaya regained his senses, he felt the sound of prayers flooding in like a tide.</p>
<p>Instinctively, he covered his head and waved his hand.</p>
<p>Immediately, a wave of peaceful, holy light power descended from the sky, like sweet rain slowly showering into the bodies of all present believers.</p>
<p>In an instant, all the blessed believers felt a warm power flooding their bodies.</p>
<p>That power rapidly alleviated their ailments, making them healthy.</p>
<p>Moved by the changes coursing through their bodies, the believers wept with joy.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the prayers resonating in Shaya’s mind began to diminish somewhat.</p>
<p>He finally regained some energy to contemplate the events that had just occurred.</p>
<p>Recalling his bold inquiries before the Faith Pillar, which had indeed summoned an omen, even garnering the blessing of the Goddess of Light.</p>
<p>What did the Witch Miss truly grant me?</p>
<p>Reflecting on the round object that had integrated into his heart when he left the Abyss Palace, Shaya felt a headache coming on.</p>
<p>He had only thought it sufficient to create some abnormal phenomenon during the trial to prove his position.</p>
<p>But now it seemed the commotion was a bit much.</p>
<p>Moreover, before the Goddess of Light departed, she seemed to have faintly left behind a line, “Say hello to Agnes for me.”</p>
<p>Shaya opened his eyes, gazing at himself, who was suspended like a holy figure in the air, and sighed.</p>
<p>At this moment, bathed in the power of light, he appeared both majestic and sacred, with the holy mark symbolizing the Goddess of Light hovering behind his head.</p>
<p>Just slightly sensing it, even his power had significantly increased.</p>
<p>Though Shaya estimated that this power would soon dissipate, at which point he would revert to his original status, even so, during this brief buff, it was enough for him to accomplish a great deal.</p>
<p>Shaya was not one to be timid.</p>
<p>Since the events had already transpired, it was time to bring this farce to a complete conclusion on the predetermined path.</p>
<p>With that thought, he turned around, looking down from above at Judge Nidro seated at the judgment stand, and smiled lightly.</p>
<p>“Will you absolve my sins, Your Honor?”</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>I knew it.</p>
<p>I knew you wouldn’t deceive me.</p>
<p>At that moment, beneath the judgment platform, Selly, holding her hands, was in tears.</p>
<p>Though her eyes had clearly been burned by the unprecedented light power, she stubbornly refused to look away, staring at the tall figure bathed in light, her voice choking.</p>
<p>At the same time, the large stone in her heart fell with a thud.</p>
<p>So good.</p>
<p>Selly cried while smiling shyly.</p>
<p>“Will you absolve my sins, Your Honor?”</p>
<p>Shaya, who hovered like a saint in the air under Selly’s gaze, calmly asked.</p>
<p>Judge Nidro staggered back two steps in a daze and then stumbled to kneel on the ground.</p>
<p>After a long silence, with his head lowered, he spoke in an extremely humble tone, “All of this is my sin, Your Highness the Holy Son.”</p>
<p>Having received the blessing and care of the Goddess of Light before everyone’s eyes, Shaya certainly had the right to be called the Holy Son.</p>
<p>It is no exaggeration to say that after today’s events, among the intricately intertwined factions within the Church, a force absolutely loyal to the goddess and to Shaya would soon emerge.</p>
<p>They all understood what the actions of the long-absent Goddess of Light, who had never descended miracles in a thousand years, signified.</p>
<p>It would be a great fortune not to pursue the negligence and slander of those like Judge Nidro.</p>
<p>“From now on, I will resign as the judge, becoming an ascetic to spread the faith of light in the Northern Earth Duchy, to refine my mind and eliminate distractions.”</p>
<p>Before Shaya could actively speak, he had proposed his own form of punishment.</p>
<p>Shaya nodded, “Very well.”</p>
<p>Then, to Selly’s astonishment, he flashed and instantaneously appeared in front of the purple-skirted girl.</p>
<p>“Crying?”</p>
<p>Looking at the somewhat slender and charming girl before him, Shaya smiled slightly and gently wiped her tears away with his hand.</p>
<p>“No.”</p>
<p>Seemingly unwilling for Shaya to see her with tear-streaked cheeks, Selly turned away, sulking.</p>
<p>Estimating the remaining light force within his body and realizing he still had many things to accomplish, Shaya did not delay.</p>
<p>He gently embraced Selly, then recited, “May the power of light always bless you.”</p>
<p>In an instant, a golden, holy mark began to manifest on Selly’s forehead.</p>
<p>A warm force washed over her, making her even more transparent and flawless; even the previously stagnant realm within her at this moment made significant strides!</p>
<p>“You…”</p>
<p>Bathed in the power of light, Selly was somewhat dazed.</p>
<p>Unexpectedly, this guy hovered before her in front of everyone just to grant her a blessing.</p>
<p>This made her, who considered herself a bad woman, involuntarily feel a bit spoiled.</p>
<p>Feeling countless envious and jealous gazes around her, Selly’s face turned red.</p>
<p>This, this guy, how could he be so charming?</p>
<p>Oh no, what should I do if I want to kiss him now?</p>
<p>Surely doing such a thing in public would be exhilarating, right?</p>
<p>Selly instinctively recalled the scene that had transpired during the ball that night.</p>
<p>“If you have something to say, let’s talk later.”</p>
<p>Shaya smiled, giving her hand a gentle squeeze, unknowingly stirring the strings of the girl’s heart.</p>
<p>His reason for this gesture was simple.</p>
<p>As the ancient god incident gradually unraveled among the major powers, Count Violet would inevitably be made scapegoat.</p>
<p>At that time, as his daughter, Selly would also become very dangerous.</p>
<p>And Shaya’s action here directly told everyone witnessing the situation that she was a blessed girl of the light; no one could touch her!</p>
<p>After doing all this, Shaya once again flashed, rising into the sky, his surrounding light power becoming purer and more intense.</p>
<p>He hovered at the highest point of the royal capital, seeming like a small golden sun.</p>
<p>At that moment, countless prayers from the believers of light drowned over Shaya.</p>
<p>He calmly gazed down upon all beings, as if absorbing all the suffering of the world into his sight.</p>
<p>At that moment, he was the agent of the deity.</p>
<p>Thus, Shaya’s calm voice echoed over this city.</p>
<p>“I’ve said it before, I do not blame you, I pity you, for since your birth, you have not had the power of choice.”</p>
<p>He waved his hand gently.</p>
<p>Instantly, the light power emanating from his body transformed into a golden fine rain, encompassing the entire lower city of the royal capital!</p>
<p>That place was where prayers were the most fervent, and the one he sympathized with the most after personally experiencing it.</p>
<p>Feeling the heartfelt gratitude flowing from the light’s believers, Shaya sighed.</p>
<p>Then, he shifted his gaze to a point in the void.</p>
<p>The blessing power of the Goddess of Light still had some remainder.</p>
<p>Next, it was time to settle old scores.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>“Damn it!”</p>
<p>Mevis desperately traversed the void, attempting to quickly escape the royal capital, to flee from that place that filled her with immense fear.</p>
<p>Why!</p>
<p>Why would a Blood Moon Cultist simultaneously be favored by the Goddess of Light?</p>
<p>Were those deities blind?!</p>
<p>Recalling the power that she and her organization had sought for so many years, only to have it so easily attained by Shaya sparked an intense jealousy within her.</p>
<p>But at this moment, she had only one path: escape.</p>
<p>For she understood well the kind of irreconcilable hatred that existed between her and Shaya.</p>
<p>As long as she could escape the borders of Hiren…</p>
<p>Feeling the distance from the capital widening, the stone in Mevis’s heart gradually lowered.</p>
<p>“It seems that isn’t a power that can be used for long; in that case, I still have a chance.”</p>
<p>After once again traversing the void, returning to the sky above a forest, Mevis paused for a moment and sighed with relief.</p>
<p>At this moment, she was already somewhat exhausted.</p>
<p>Even a Sorcerer, after traveling a large part of the empire’s territory in a short time, could feel fatigue.</p>
<p>But just then, a voice that sent shivers down her spine gently resonated in her ear.</p>
<p>“Killing you will be enough.”</p>
