Two figures, one in gray and one in black, one old and one young, stood at the top of the slope in Shouwang Town, facing the lights of the city below, and hearing the laughter and chatter of the people.

The old man gripped the cross to his chest and lowered his head even further: "The holy name of the Father has been exploited by petty people for their own gain. The sheep of the world have long forgotten God's teachings, and all they see are the faces of those in power."

The young man stretched out his palm, blocking the light from his vision: "These days, I have led you through the path of our ancestors' blood, I have shown you the dark hell of the victims. Don't you have even a sliver of pity or sympathy for the injustices and atrocities suffered by the alien race? Don't you have even the slightest doubt about the so-called Heavenly Father?"

The gray-robed elder turned to the young man, whose face was none other than the long-lost Master Myris. He said, “No, throat bone, you have made a mistake. Under the Father’s rule, all beings are equal. Whether they are of different races or ordinary people, in the highest flock, they are only different in color and size. The root of all evil lies in the Church, which uses the name of God. The Father is not at fault.”

The man withdrew his hand expressionlessly: "If you insist on thinking this way, I won't criticize you. Anyway, although we have different ideologies, we are enemies."

Master Myris turned his head back towards the town below the hillside, clasped his hands together, placed the crucifix within them, and silently recited: “You will be betrayed by your father and mother, your brothers and relatives, and your friends; some of you will be killed. You will be hated by all for the name of God; but not a hair of your head will be lost. By perseverance preserve your souls…” (Luke 21:12-19)

“Alright, our little experiment is about to begin. I advise you to find a good spot first, or you’ll regret it for the rest of your life if you miss any of the exciting parts…” As he spoke, the throat bone clapped lightly. The sudden clanging of chains behind him made him turn around, then he laughed happily, “Look, look! Master Myris, your son can’t wait to join this grand carnival!”

The old man slowly raised his head, looking at the huge, distorted shadow in the darkness. Tears of anguish welled up in his cloudy old eyes, and his body trembled, his voice hoarse: "Father! Please forgive my sins..."

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The convoy escorting the crystal stopped at the square at the foot of the town slope.

Some suggested staying at the town's inn, but Knight Alfonso rejected the offer. For safety reasons, he suppressed the complaints and set up camp outside the town.

After dinner, some soldiers from the church's escort team slipped away to Watchtower to "enjoy life." The knight saw this but did not stop them. Instead, he crossed his arms, sat on the ground, leaned against the carriage full of crystals, and laid his greatsword across his lap, striking a pose as if he were on guard duty all night.

After finishing his dinner and saying goodbye to everyone, Todd began searching for Karin in the camp.

After searching for a while, they finally found the girl in the woods at the foot of the hill.

Approaching her slowly from behind, Todd grabbed her hand and said, "Karin, we need to talk."

With a scream, the girl threw the pebble in her hand into the distance. The next second, there was only air in the priest's hand, and the other person appeared ten meters away.

This damn "attachment" ability!

Todd cursed inwardly, but put on a hurt expression: "Karin, what did I do wrong that you're avoiding me like this?"

The girl bit her lip and remained silent.

The priest stealthily took a few steps closer, but said aloud, "If you don't want to see me, I can simply disappear from your sight."

"No!"

Karin's urgent denial gave him a glimmer of hope.

Taking a few more steps forward, Todd spoke in a sorrowful tone, pouring out his heart: "I always thought there was an understanding, a trust, between us. Was it just wishful thinking on my part?"

“No. I trust you unconditionally, Todd…”

He quietly moved forward two or three meters, the girl's body was now within reach, but it was precisely at times like this that he had to slow down: "Then why are you distancing yourself from me?"

Karin lowered her head, looking at the grass at her feet, and said haltingly, "Am I... stupid?"

The priest, who wanted to get closer, was stunned by these words: "Idiot? What are you talking about?"

"At the cathedral, the time we tried to save you, I messed up something so simple. Later, in Twilight Harbor, I couldn't help much either. But you're different. Wherever you go, people admire you and praise you..."

Is this considered...inferiority complex?

Todd touched the bridge of his nose. Even that carefree, free-spirited girl had a side of inferiority.

Approaching Karin, taking advantage of her momentary sorrow, he carefully took her hand, looked into her dark eyes, and said gently, "I have no family in this world, but from the first moment I saw you, you were by my side. Even if you did nothing, just watching me quietly made me feel familiar and warm. To me, you are a special person..."

Hearing this, a soft spot in the girl's heart warmed instantly, and a feeling of happiness filled her chest.

They looked into each other's eyes and held hands.

Just as this beautiful moment was about to be frozen in time, a shrill scream came from Watchtower Town.

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