In the Name of Empress-Chapter 618 - 358: Heartbeats at Zero Distance (Part 2)

Although Roland wanted Christine to shut her mouth, when she began to speak, he couldn't muster a single thought of interrupting her.

This is the power of Holy Sound Possession.

Christine introduced the breakthrough of the Holy Hall of Light since the new era.

In previous years, having a dozen ordinary sanctuaries annually was considered a success, while high-tier sanctuaries were more of a matter of chance.

But this year, within just three months of the beginning, more than a hundred ordinary sanctuaries were born; even under the strictest standards, seven individuals could ascend to high-tier sanctuaries.

The annual quota for high-tier sanctuary promotions is not that large, so Christine had to make them preparatory sanctuaries, waiting for the opportunity to mature before promoting them.

"It's evident that the Great Goddess's will is strengthening, and the power projected to our homeland is also growing."

Christine's conclusion made Roland's heart leap and accelerate fiercely.

Seeing Roland's conflicted expression, Christine asked softly, "Roland, can't you still make a decision? Sofia is beyond saving, eternal divine punishment is her inevitable fate, but you can still be rescued."

She lowered her voice and reminded, "Roland, physical and spiritual destruction is not the harshest divine punishment; it is even a merciful outcome. The true divine punishment is letting the blasphemer live, forever enduring the endless pain of soul burning until the end of the world."

Roland's lips trembled slightly.

Compared to that kind of outcome, annihilation is indeed merciful.

If he fails, he must self-explode ahead of time, not giving Tiya a chance.

If Christine knew Roland's thoughts, she'd probably faint with anger, but fortunately, she doesn't know.

Seeing Roland's expression, she's convinced that Roland's really listening.

She smiled and reminded him, "The Lord of Light is merciful and kind. As long as you make enough merits, even the blasphemer can be redeemed."

Perhaps afraid Roland might misunderstand, she hastily reminded, "Roland, redemption is a gift. The redeemed can escape the cycle of suffering on the Material Plane, indulging in the paradise of the Divine Realm. Not everyone can be redeemed, at least Sofia cannot."

"Roland, even if you don't think for yourself, you still have a wife, and there's a future with children; you need to think for them."

Facing Christine's sincere gaze, Roland's expression finally showed a hint of relaxation.

He increasingly understood why bosses fear their employees not marrying.

With attachments, you can't act without consideration.

On Descent Day, Sofia dared to bring destruction to the whole world, but he couldn't.

Sofia's greatest strength is not her power but the fact that she's not bound by anything.

Facing Christine's fervent and expectant gaze, Roland found it hard to continue being evasive.

"If Sofia wants to destroy everything, I will stand against her. But she's still my ally for now."

Christine let out a long breath, her eyes bursting with an unprecedented glow.

She softly murmured, "I know, her power is too strong, we can't force it."

"Roland, don't feel guilty; as long as your heart is towards Light, even temporarily joining other camps doesn't count as betrayal."

This is the usual tactics of religious washing.

If you want to save someone, he/she is forced by circumstances to compromise.

If you want to kill someone, he/she is the rotten scoundrel from head to toe.

As long as there's a need, they can fabricate any reason.

Roland cast his gaze out the window and spoke softly, "The concert hall is here."

He didn't meet Christine's gaze; he was somewhat afraid of being exposed.

With Christine's devotion to the Goddess, she shouldn't have made such concessions, but she still did.

Her regard for him was evident.

Roland understood Christine well, her likes and dislikes were extreme.

If Christine eventually finds out that he chose to stand in opposition to Tiya, she might become his most extreme enemy.

Roland's palms were slightly sweaty.

Thinking of having so many crazy enemies, he felt a bit concerned.

If they really become enemies, can he take action?

While Roland was lost in thought, his somewhat cold hand was enveloped by soft light.

Christine held his hand, conveying warmth and light.

"Roland, I know you're struggling, but please persevere. As long as you bravely face it, the darkness before dawn will eventually dissipate, and we will embrace the light."

Christine's voice possessed an indescribable magic, even as Roland's will remained firm, he began to imagine the dawn after the darkness under her guidance.

He suddenly awakened from his fantasy.

Tiya's light was completely different from the light Christine envisioned; she just happened to ascend to the Divine Domain via the path of Light.

She doesn't represent Light.

This time, Roland did not evade, he looked at Christine firmly and said in a deep voice: 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"Anyone who obstructs Light is our enemy, and I will defend the Light alongside you."

No one can stop Roland from defending Light, not even the Goddess of Light.

But Christine doesn't know what Roland is really thinking; she looked at him with surprise, unable to hide the smile at the corners of her lips.

She reached forward with both hands, crossing them into a cross, her passionate gaze penetrating into Roland's heart.

Roland knew this was the Light Cross Oath.

Anyone who breaks it will eternally fall into darkness, never to rise again.

Without hesitation, he moved forward, threading his arms under Christine's, likewise crossing them into a cross.

Hands crossed in a ten, resting on the other's chest, feeling each other's heartbeat.

Fast, somewhat chaotic.

They were both a bit nervous.

Even though his hands rested on Christine's chest, Roland had no amorous thoughts, only felt a piercing pain.

Christine was originally somewhat barren, at least there was a bit, now there was nothing left.