Chapter 1639: The Brave and the Child of Darkness
Actually, I wasn’t that surprised about receiving the favor of multiple gods, as there was someone very close to me, Older Brother Jayad. In terms of divine favor, he currently had four gods favoring him. While not all of them might have reached the level of divine favor, it was understandable.
“What reason do they have? To select a new Child of Darkness, they must provide a reason,” Lavias asked.
“The letter stated that the prophets of the houses of Envy and Sloth made separate prophecies. They said a turbulent era has arrived, and a Great Cataclysm might sweep across the world. We must select a Child of Darkness in advance to lead and unite us to overcome this difficulty,” the Pope explained further.
The previous Child of Darkness was over three hundred years ago. It was said that a legendary Brave emerged then. He was exceptionally talented and powerful. While training in Africa and the Americas, he swept through many powerful monsters and cultist strongholds. He even attacked the headquarters of the Samael Church at the time and killed the Pope of Anger.
The high-levels of the Seven Demon King Church were terrified. Several attempts to assassinate the Brave failed. A feud had been ignited, so the Seven Demon King Church, uncharacteristically, stopped bickering and seriously sat down to discuss how to deal with this Brave.
Finally, a new Child of Darkness was selected. He was the most talented. Each of the Seven Demon King Churches had its own secret rituals and magic that could forcefully bestow Divine Favor upon a chosen individual.
Thus, a child of demons favored by the Seven Great Demon Kings was born. He embodied all Seven Deadly Sins and possessed immense power. He led the experts of the Seven Demon King Churches to ambush the Brave in Central America as he was preparing to travel from South America to North America.
That battle was earth-shattering, obscuring the sun and moon. The Seven Demon King Church had even prepared to withdraw the barrier shielding their aura and bring down Divine Punishment to ensure mutual destruction if the Child of Darkness couldn’t defeat the Brave.
In the end, the Child of Darkness lived up to expectations. After sacrificing many high-level believers, the Child of Darkness finally killed the Brave but was also severely wounded.
Central America was torn apart by this great battle. Continents spanning hundreds of miles were destroyed, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
That’s right, there was no Panama Canal in this world. It was no longer a canal but a wide strait created by two super-powered individuals.
Because the reputation of the Brave being killed by the child of demons was too disgraceful, all countries unanimously hid this history. However, the news of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans connecting couldn’t be concealed, so the story was altered to say that two unknown mages fought a decisive battle there, and their cataclysmic combat destroyed the Panama region.
Of course, although the Child of Darkness killing the Brave was not glorious in terms of reputation, what did it matter to the countries that the Brave was killed? The government suffered no losses; they just lost a useful super-mercenary.
The most useful benefit left behind was the new trade route opened up in the destroyed Panama region. From then on, ships could travel unimpeded, no longer needing to go around South America.
Although they had to verbally condemn the wicked Seven Demon King Church, people still used the shipping route. They felt at ease using the legacy left by the Brave. Besides, outsiders didn’t know that the Brave and the Child of Darkness had fought there; only rumors were circulating.
This was the story of the previous Child of Darkness. Shortly after, the wounds sustained from the battle with the Brave could not be healed and relapsed, and the Child of Darkness passed away.
In the years since, the Seven Demon King Church had not produced another Child of Darkness. Although occasionally a few individuals received the favor of three or four Demon Kings, without the full support of all Seven Demon King Churches, it was difficult to obtain the divine grace of all the Demon Kings.
“A turbulent era. Regardless of whether they genuinely intend to select a new Child of Darkness or not, we will definitely attend the Feast of the Seven Sins,” the Ghoul King said.
“Yes, they are counting on our Church of Gluttony to send someone, which is why they only sent one letter. Their main focus should be on persuading churches like the Church of Lucifer, which might not be willing to participate,” the Pope stated.
The Church of Lucifer represented pride. All their members were arrogant and looked down on others. Theoretically, the Church of Lucifer was the leader of the Seven Demon King Churches and possessed the greatest strength. However, they always disdained other churches and were uninterested in common issues, making it difficult to persuade them.
“Your Holiness, do you believe that this exceptional Feast of the Seven Sins can be held this time?” a cultist dressed as a rich merchant asked the Pope.
“Yes, because I have also received a Divine Revelation, indicating that an unprecedented shift in the world is about to occur. I believe other churches will also reach similar conclusions through different means. Regardless of whether they want to select a Child of Darkness or not, they will at least send representatives to this meeting,” the Pope said.
Everyone was silent for a moment. The previous focus had been on the Child of Darkness and the Feast of the Seven Sins, almost overlooking the core reason for all this: the turbulent and transformative era.
Since the Pope had clearly stated that this was confirmed by a Divine Revelation, it must be true. They also had to consider how they would face the future.
“Since it’s decided that we will participate, we need to consider who will go. I intend to attend personally. I estimate that other churches will also have a few Popes attending, and those who don’t attend in person will send proxies or participate via projection,” the Pope said. He needed to be there to anchor the situation.
“Count me in. I have a few friends in those other churches,” Lavias volunteered. Having many connections was his advantage.
“Then I shall also go. This matter is of great importance, and I need to record it. Furthermore, you will need someone who understands ancient texts and history,” the Old Scholar also recommended himself. Having an elder at home was like having a treasure; he was the brain of the Church of Gluttony.
“Finally, Saintess, you will accompany us,” the Pope directly named me.
“Huh? Why?” I was stunned. Although I was somewhat interested in the Feast of the Seven Sins, there was no need for me to attend, especially to face a group of notorious arch-demons.
“If they truly want to select a Child of Darkness, then they will likely need the Saintess to perform her duties. You will need to baptize the Child of Darkness and bestow the power of Gluttony upon him,” the Pope explained.
He was serious. I initially thought the Child of Darkness was just a concept, but now it seemed that at least the Pope, if not other churches, supported the selection of a Child of Darkness. He had even prepared what should be done after the selection.
“But I don’t even know where the event will be held, and I have too many things to do to leave Castile conveniently,” I started making excuses, truly not wanting to go.
“There will be no problem. The Saintess only needs to attend in Spirit Body form. You just received the bell,” the Pope said.
Damn it, I was tricked. Did he deliberately give me the bell and make me sign it earlier just to lure me into attending the Feast of the Seven Sins?
There was no other choice, so I had to agree.
