Myths Reawakened

Wayne reached Senna with his thoughts. Weaving’s timing is perfect. Back him as the leader. He’s what everyone wants for the job.

Weaving may not be able to lead us, but he can certainly be the lead troublemaker!

Senna immediately understood. She considered how they could make Weaving willingly charge headfirst into the fray. “I’m sorry. This is too important a matter. I still can’t trust you.”

“Is it not enough for me not to report tonight’s gathering to the Pope?”

“We could shut you up.”

“I risked my life to be here. Is that not enough?” Weaving softened for a moment before saying in a hardened tone, “You can kill me, but that would alert headquarters. Ludwig would have time to prepare and could charge you for the persecution of a loyal member of the church. Then, you would end up with nothing.”

Politics was about compromises. Weaving could tell that Senna was wavering. She was simply trying to make him shoulder more of the risk, which he could do nothing about.

Pope Ludwig had Baker and McCarey as his loyal dogs and had no use for Weaving; in fact, he wanted Weaving dead. Senna’s faction didn’t trust Weaving, either. If he wanted to survive the coming reshuffling of power, he would have to make the first move.

But whoever moved first would be at a disadvantage.

He had steeled himself for that. As long as Senna didn’t make unreasonable demands, he would go along.

“Weaving, let’s be open to each other,” Senna said. “The evidence you brought—I’ve already had it gathered and compiled.” She gestured at Wayne. “I recruited this Prussian gentleman. The evidence he’s provided me is more extensive and detailed than yours. It includes materials against Ludwig, Baker, McCarey... and even you.”

Weaving’s pupils contracted sharply. Suppressing his alarm, he said with a sigh, “Senna, you’re ruthless. How could you investigate everyone? What happens when you dig up dirt on yourself?”

“That’s none of your concern. I’ll find a way to have the Nature Knight pardon you. As you should know, he’s my student’s student. We have a rather special relationship.”

So you’re dressed like this to seduce your student’s student? Shameless. You really are going to become the pope!

Weaving looked around and said in a lowered voice, “Senna, am I right to assume that the Nature Knight is in Wien?”

“You’re welcome to think that. I respect your opinion.”

“...”

Senna neither confirmed nor denied the speculation, which left Weaving uncertain. He tentatively concluded that the Nature Knight was at headquarters, but, unable to openly interfere with the internal affairs of the church, he had been waiting for the right moment to show himself.

After all, the Nature Knight wasn’t like the higher-ups of the church. Politicians could afford to be shameless, while knights had a reputation to uphold, at least to some extent.

If the Nature Knight was here, Senna’s faction would be able to handle Ludwig on their own, which would make Weaving’s involvement unnecessary.

Thinking of the power he currently held and Senna’s overwhelming ambition, Weaving cursed silently and lowered his bottom line further.

“Moreover, we’ve had a discussion,” Senna doubled down. “I frankly have no reason to let you off the hook after getting evidence on you...”

“That was then. I came here in good faith!” Weaving interrupted.

“Your good faith isn’t worth much,” Senna said, unfazed. “I told you, we already have everything you offer and more.”

“I’m still an Oracle High Reverend. My position alone is a good enough leverage.” Weaving’s tone became steely. “Just tell me what I have to do to be part of your group.”

After the assassination attempt, Weaving had given up on Ludwig and couldn’t stand the sight of Baker or McCarey. He suspected that Ludwig was paving the way for his successor, and he was on the kill list because he wasn’t one of the candidates. He had been in hiding for precisely the reason.

Who knew where the three devils were lurking? He couldn’t afford to be careless.

“Weaving, we’ve already hashed out the details. There’s no place for you on the team.”

“Senna, don’t push it. I’ve already made a compromise. Would you not be satisfied unless I die?”

“No, I’m not pushing you. I’m being completely honest here.” Senna pointed at Tubert and Desiree. “The High Prophet and the Holy Maiden will provide the oracle: the current Pope has deep ties with Prussia’s demon vessels. He’s himself a demon’s instrument on Earth and has orchestrated the church’s corruption...”

“I’ll be the one to take action, leading the charge to denounce the Pope as a demon’s puppet and drive him out for the sake of the church.”

I’ll do the heavy lifting, and everyone gets a cut, was what she was saying.

The Nature Knight must be around, Weaving thought. Otherwise, you would never be this bold. You’re no match for Ludwig on your own!

Weaving’s resolve solidified. He wanted in. He replied with a sneer, “And you want me to believe that you’re taking on the responsibility out of your good heart?”

“I put in the most work and take on the most risk, so I’ll get the most return.”

“Am I on the menu, too?”

“What do you think?”

Wretched woman!

Weaving’s eyes twitched. He was staggered by the sheer magnitude of her ambition. Not only did she want the Pope gone, but she also wanted all three Oracle High Reverends to be kicked out.

“I know what the High Prophet and the Holy Maiden want,” he said slowly. “But you’re too ambitious. The Pope and the authority of four Oracle High Reverends? Aren’t you worried about choking on it?”

“Eat first, worry later.”

“...”

Weaving was at a loss. He strongly suspected that Senna had already seduced the Nature Knight and secured his full support, which would explain why her ambition had become so unchecked.

He envied her. He also had the ability to sleep his way to promotion. He wondered if the Nature Knight would take him.

He knew that the odds of Senna introducing him to the Nature Knight were zero. Left with no alternative, he asked, “Just tell me, what do I have to do to keep my position and authority?”

“I don’t think you really have—”

“Stop already,” Weaving said with a wave, raising his voice with bravado. “A new pope will need the support of at least one Oracle High Reverend. Otherwise, how are you going to rule over the Church of Nature?”

“If you insist, we’re missing a person who will take a stand against the Pope. Someone has to speak up and get the ball rolling.” Senna named her condition.

“Absolutely right!” Tubert agreed.

Desiree said nothing since she was in no position to speak, but inwardly, she was rooting for Weaving. An Oracle High Reverend was qualified to take the blame.

“What do you mean?” Weaving asked.

Senna smiled. “You’ll be leading the confrontation, standing up to Ludwig alongside the High Prophet and the Holy Maiden. The morally corrupt Pope has committed countless crimes that are affronts to both gods and men. He is unfit to continue being a pope. You then nominate me as his successor.”

“That’s a death sentence...” Weaving’s ire came out as a laugh. “You’re all going to hide while I lead the charge? I’ll be dead no matter how it goes.”

“You can refuse and find Ludwig right now. I won’t stop you.”

“Senna, do you think you’re my only option?”

“Am I not? Look at the High Prophet and the Holy Maiden. They’re not fighting back, are they?”

“...”

Weaving looked at the two. The mandrake slumped in resignation, while Desiree blinked away barely held-back tears. Both looked helpless in their situations.

Who are you acting for? Do you really take me for an idiot?

Weaving was about to say something when Senna spoke up with a steely expression, “With the Nature Knight’s support, I’ll succeed with or without you. Sit down if you’re willing to, and walk out if you’re not.”

“Fine!!” Weaving said through gritted teeth.

With Senna and Ludwig going head to head, Weaving had to pick a side. Otherwise, the battle between the top two players would destroy the third most powerful player first.

Ludwig wanted him dead. At least he stood a chance to survive with Senna.

“Welcome aboard, Oracle High Reverend Weaving.” Senna took another sip of the juice. She had been holding the glass the entire time, practically polishing it to a shine with her hand.

“Don’t celebrate just yet. I have my condition!” Weaving lowered his voice. “I’m taking an enormous risk here. If you go back on your word afterwards, I’ll have no way of holding you accountable. I need insurance now.”

“Fair enough.” Senna lowered the juice and said solemnly, “With the High Prophet and the Holy Maiden as witnesses, I swear to the Goddess of Nature that if we succeed, I will not touch your position or authority. If I break my oath, may the goddess abandon me, may Her Divine Realm be forever closed to me, and may I fall into the Astral Plane for all eternity.”

Tubert and Desiree gaped. The oath was brutal. Glancing at Weaving, they now looked at him like he was genuinely one of their own.

Weaving hadn’t expected Senna to go that far and swear such a vicious oath.

Crazy woman, he thought, but now he felt assured. “Alright. Since you’ve made your promise, I won’t disappoint you. I’ll be on the front line.”

“Don’t worry,” Senna promised. “I’ll be there, too, so you won’t be alone in the front.”

“That’s all I need to hear.”

Weaving wiped the cold sweat on his forehead. The risks were great, but so were the rewards. He had finally become part of the group, and both his safety and benefits were secured.

“What are you waiting for? Let’s celebrate with champagne!”

***

Headquarters of the Church of Nature.

Just like the headquarters of every major branch, the Church of Nature’s headquarters was not located in the Chosen Land itself, but existed in a separate pocket dimension that shared the same coordinates with Ostarrichi.

It was worth noting that, aside from the Papal State occupying its own space, all other churches followed the same convention. The Church of Darkness’s headquarters was in the Rus Federation. The Church of Sun and the Church of Moonlight were neighbors, both setting up their headquarters on the western coast of the Aegaeum Sea in Graeci.

The Church of Death... No one knew where they had moved to. They had been cut off from the world for a long time, with barely a whisper of activity. They might as well be dead.

Back to the matter at hand. In the space that the Church of Nature’s headquarters inhabited were fluctuating mountain ranges, covered entirely in lush, thriving trees, colorful flowers, and grass.

The complex of buildings sat nestled within the mountains, with numerous white palaces constructed by teams of magical engineers. Their grandeur and magnificence were far beyond anything in the human world. Londan’s short houses would look like countryside cottages in comparison, too humble to even beg for approval.

The white palaces adorned the forests, lakes, and rivers. Combined with the verdant vitality and fragrant flowers, the picture painted was one of serene, harmonious, and balanced beauty. Standing in the midst of it, one would feel both the spectacular wonder of nature and the truth of life that the Church of Nature held sacred. This was a place of refuge from the ruckus of the mortal world.

Unfortunately, wherever people gathered, politics emerged, and the more people there were, the louder the ruckus became.

The Council Hall.

The sapphire dome was a clear sky blue. An amber oval lake rippled gently below. White pillars rose from the ground to hold up the ceiling, creating a fantastical space. Between the lake and the sky, a ten-meter white table stretched across the room, flanked by white tall-back chairs.

The higher-ups of the Church of Nature had assembled fully for a routine meeting. Today’s agenda wasn’t about minor affairs like a Holy Maiden selection, but the authorities of the Oracle High Reverends. Thus, everyone had attended in person.

Pope Ludwig, High Prophet Tubert, and Holy Maiden Desiree were joined by the four Oracle High Reverends: Senna, Baker, Weaving, and McCarey. Even Vice Captain Garvin, who rarely made a public appearance, had turned up.

Wayne attended by hiding inside Senna. He wasn’t in a particular part of her body, but evenly distributed throughout.

Ludwig, as usual, was the coordinator of the meeting. He delivered an opening remark, received half-hearted applause, and set his documents aside, closing his eyes to rest.

The Pope was ready to leave the Chosen Land for the Divine Realm to begin a new chapter of his life. Everyone knew it, so no one was surprised by his silence.

The quieter he was, the more power he let go of. That was good news to all of them.