The statue was found, and Victor gradually became acquainted with the little boy, learning that he was the only son of the current pope.
The position of Pope... This position was not only his mother's obsession, but also, under her guidance, became his obsession.
For reasons unknown, he and Phil Gray became best friends through their daily interactions.
They attended classes together, prayed to the gods together, and discussed theories and legends about fate under the trees in the afternoon.
After witnessing Phil Gray's piety day after day, he developed a deep respect for him. No one can remain unmoved by the devotion of a believer, especially one whose motives were not pure to begin with.
Inspired by Phil's piety, he also began to have a heartfelt faith in destiny, and at the age of eleven, he was promoted to the Blessed level.
He was overjoyed that his excellence was known to all the chosen ones in the Papacy, and some even asserted that his future achievements would be no less than those of the current Pope Darcy, which meant he was one step closer to the papacy! Phil was also happy for him, but he could not ignore the fleeting sense of loss and envy in those blue eyes.
He could only comfort his friend, saying that such a devout believer like him would one day be noticed by the gods, and that he just needed to wait a little longer.
Three years passed in the blink of an eye. The children who had become God's chosen ones went to colleges specially prepared for God's chosen ones to learn relevant knowledge, while ordinary children continued to study at church colleges.
On Pentecost that year, the Vatican selected three children who were already chosen by God and had outstanding academic achievements to be canonized as Sons of God. The most outstanding was, of course, Victor, while Phil Gray, being the son of Pope Darcy, was also canonized as a Son of God. No high-ranking members of the Church expressed dissatisfaction; they believed that this member of the Gray family bloodline, the only son of the current Pope, would one day become a chosen one of God, perhaps it just needed a little time.
For ordinary people, they may not know about the existence of the Chosen Ones, and it seems like a matter of course that the Pope's son becomes a Holy Son.
Victor could no longer study at the same academy as Phil, but their friendship did not fade. Victor would regularly teach Phil what he had learned at the Academy of the Chosen, and Phil would also take him along to offer the most beautiful Flower of Destiny to the gods.
When Victor was sixteen, Pope Darcy learned of his true parentage.
After all, he looked so similar to the members of the Gray family, with the same gray hair and the same blue eyes; he and Phil looked like brothers.
However, his mother was no longer afraid of his true identity being exposed, because the Vatican had no more outstanding young people than him, and he was already a prominent figure at that time.
It's almost a certainty that he will become the next pope.
When her mother arrived at the Grey family mansion, she showed off her prized creations. Her older brother and younger brother, whom she hadn't seen for over a decade, easily forgave her for leaving in a huff years ago. However, she disdained to return to the family and refused to acknowledge them.
Regardless of what the adults thought, Victor felt a huge weight lifted from his heart. He no longer had to hide it from Phil, and he could let Phil know that they were blood relatives and true family.
Two more years passed, and they turned 18. The Vatican held a coming-of-age ceremony for these two holy children.
However, on the day of his coming-of-age ceremony, Victor heard some shocking news.
That morning, he was awakened by the sound of two people talking.
It turned out to be Pope Darcy and his knight commander speaking.
He then realized that he had fallen asleep while copying hymns at the Cathedral of Destiny the night before, and that he was in a small cubicle on the side of the cathedral where people could rest and tidy up.
He was somewhat embarrassed and was about to go out to pay his respects to His Holiness the Pope when he heard them vaguely mention his name.
Their voices were so low that even Victor, who was already a prominent figure, had great difficulty hearing them.
"This is the arrangement of fate..."
“You want…Victor…but…maybe it’s Phil…”
"One must be of noble blood, of high status, and of devout faith... No one else will do."
"Do we really have to do this?"
"Gods need offerings, they need their bodies to support the future saviors."
"Have you decided who it is yet?"
"To sacrifice oneself for God will be His glory, and we will be proud of Him."
"What time?"
"The contract will be signed on the day of God's Descent next year, the day of the actual descent..."
"The papacy... perhaps..."
"It's a request from the god of fate..."
Victor held his breath, his body trembling slightly, unable to contain his shock.
Unfortunately, Pope Darcy and the Knight Commander only spoke for a very short time before leaving, preventing him from obtaining more information.
But it was enough for him to understand that Pope Darcy and the Knight Commander, under the guidance of the gods, planned to sacrifice themselves and one of Phil as offerings, offering their bodies to the so-called savior, possibly on the day of Descent of God next year.
His eyes turned red. Why did he have to learn this news on such an important and happy day of his life?
He really didn't want to die; he hadn't yet ascended to the papacy.
But who will Pope Darcy choose between him and Phil?
There's almost no doubt about it: a child from an annoying sister, or one's own child—any normal person would make the right choice.
He remained stunned for a very long time, so long that Phil Gray anxiously found him sitting there and questioned him about why he was hiding here when the coming-of-age ceremony had begun.
Victor stood up, looked at Phil who had been by his side since he was eight years old, and patted his head. "We've both grown up. It's a pity I've never heard you call me 'brother'."
Phil didn't understand what was wrong with him. "We should be the same age, and according to seniority, your mother is my father's sister, so you should call me brother."
Victor shook his head and said nothing, simply following Phil to the coming-of-age ceremony.
Looking at Pope Darcy, who was surrounded by believers and standing high above them, and seeing the position where his image had been for over a decade, he suddenly no longer wanted to be pope.
If I had to sacrifice one of them, him or Phil, I'd choose myself.
Of course, Pope Darcy has certainly already made his choice.
So let him use the remaining time to give Phil a gift, a reward that this devout believer deserves. Since the gods have not favored Phil, let him make amends.
That same year, he plotted to kill another holy son and a holy daughter, leaving only himself and Phil as the candidates for pope.
He could no longer ascend to the papacy, but he hoped to see the day when Phil sat on the papal throne.
The truth always comes out eventually. Coincidentally, on the day before the Descent of God, the Knights of Fate surrounded the residence of Holy Son Victor. Pope Darcy, his face contorted with rage, questioned him: Why did you harm the Holy Son and Holy Daughter? They were clearly no longer a threat to you, were they? Was this position so important to you? Why are you so much like your mother!
Yes, but they are a threat to Phil. With these two chosen ones around, Phil cannot become Pope.
Victor simply said, "I am willing to be that sacrifice."
Pope Darcy and the Knight Commander were both stunned, clearly not knowing how he knew this news.
Everyone else was removed, leaving only three people facing off inside the Cathedral of Destiny.
"So, that's why you killed those two holy sons?"
“Yes, I am willing to be a sacrifice, but I hope Phil will become the next pope,” Victor said frankly.
"But he's just an ordinary person."
"I think the gods don't care."
"Fine, just come to the cathedral tomorrow, Pentecost."
"good."
Watching them walk away, a faint sneer appeared on Victor's lips.
The following day, Pentecost, the cathedral was unusually quiet and cold.
Inside the church, a newly erected altar was set up, upon which lay a contract written in black and white.
Pope Darcy had a stern expression, and the knight commander beside him also looked solemn.
"Phil, I hope my body can witness the moment you become Pope," Victor thought to himself as he stepped onto the altar.
However, when he saw the contract, he was completely dumbfounded.
Why was Phil Gray's name written on that piece of paper?
He suddenly looked up at Pope Darcy, only to hear the other say, "The next pope will be the sacrifice chosen by the gods."
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