Outside the main gate of the Secret Investigation Department, a magnificent ceremonial stage had been specially erected. It was draped in silk embroidered with the symbols of the Dawn Church, giving it a grand and sacred appearance.

The area around the stage was packed with spectators—officials from the Caster City-State Council, nobles, and commoners. Their faces were mostly filled with passion and anticipation.

"...Thank you all once again for coming. And now, let’s welcome the Dawn Church’s Saintess Candidate—Miss Kali Morris!"

Fuck,

When Wei’en heard the concluding words from Vice Speaker Harlington of the Caster City-State Council, his mood instantly soured.

’Shouldn’t the identity of a Saintess Candidate be a top secret, something to be carefully guarded?’

’Why would they announce it to everyone?’

’If they do this, won’t the fact that I passed false intel to the Liaison Officer be exposed?’

’Unbelievable...’

But at that moment, he was perhaps the only one in a foul mood. The faces of most of the believers in the crowd had already twisted into expressions of extreme fanaticism, and they were chanting nonstop, "Praise the Dawn, Saintess Kali..."

As a melodious hymn of the Dawn Church began to play, the crowd suddenly fell silent, becoming solemn and reverent, as if their previous frenzy was merely a form of praise.

Just then, a magnificent carriage slowly entered Natali District and stopped in front of the ceremonial stage.

The carriage bore the flag of the Dawn Church. The door opened, and Kali Morris slowly stepped down.

She wore a gorgeous, long white formal gown, adorned with golden patterns that accentuated her noble and holy aura.

On her head was a splendid coronet, inlaid with a glittering Dawn Church emblem crafted from gemstones.

[Your Spirit level is greater than 40. You have successfully resisted the corrosion of the Power of Dawn Faith. Evaluation: Be careful... Special Reward: Survival Points +5, Spirit Level +1.]

Wei’en’s heart clenched. ’The panel’s evaluation is "be careful"?’

’Be careful of what? Be careful of who?’

’Is there something wrong with this Power of Dawn Faith?’

At that moment, however, he didn’t dare make the slightest move, because his position was—damn it all—not far from the side of the ceremonial stage.

According to the notice issued by the higher-ups at the Secret Investigation Department, he was supposed to follow Lisi and the others onto the ceremonial stage to await and welcome Kali.

Not only that, but Bishop Andrews himself was scheduled to bestow a blessing upon them.

"What’s wrong, Wei’en?" Lisi, standing beside him, noticed his unease and whispered, "Just hang in there a little longer. The ceremony will be over once we get off the stage."

"Mm."

Wei’en didn’t dare say more. The area around the ceremonial stage was filled with people from the Dawn Church and the Secret Investigation Department, as well as high-ranking officials from Caster City State and... guards.

Among these people were many powerful Extraordinaries.

Long before he’d even arrived at the stage, his panel had been spammed with notifications. There had been no fewer than several hundred spiritual perception scans alone.

Although this had earned him a large wave of Survival Points, it also meant that in a situation like this, he absolutely could not show any unusual behavior. Otherwise, the consequences would be dire...

"Next, let us welcome Bishop Andrews Herzog of the Dawn Church, and Director Ales Kilibali of the Caster City State’s Secret Investigation Department..."

As Kali walked onto the ceremonial stage, Vice Speaker Harlington loudly invited the two main figures, Ales and Andrews, to come up and jointly give her their blessing.

This also marked the grandest part of the welcoming ceremony.

"The night will pass, and the Dawn will last forever."

"May the radiance of the Lord of Dawn forever shine upon the world, may all that is good in the world..."

The Holy Professionals guarding the ceremonial stage bowed their heads and chanted hymns. The Dawn Radiance from their bodies began to rise, making them look like a string of light bulbs.

Farther away, the Dawn Believers holding their Holy Covenants also joined in the chant.

It seemed less like a welcoming ceremony and more like a grand festival held by the Dawn Church to glorify the Dawn...

[Your Spirit level is greater than 60. You have successfully resisted the corrosion of the Power of Dawn Faith. Evaluation: The faith is coalescing; the ritual is proceeding. Special Reward: Survival Points +10, Spirit Level +1.]

[Your Spirit level is greater than 80. You have successfully resisted the corrosion of the Power of Dawn Faith. Evaluation: Be careful, His gaze is turning this way. Special Reward: Survival Points +10, Spirit Level +1, Resilience Level +1.]

’He??’

The ominous premonition in Wei’en’s heart grew stronger. ’The panel can’t be talking about the Lord of Dawn, Orpheus, can it?’

’If Orpheus really is coming, I’m afraid this welcoming ceremony is about to take a disastrous turn.’

Just then, Kali finished receiving her blessings. She turned to face the crowd below, her eyes clear and bright, and began to speak in a gentle voice, "Praise the Dawn. Thank you..."

As she spoke, a holy radiance burst forth from her body.

[You are in a collection zone for the Power of Dawn Faith. Your Spirit level is greater than 100. You have successfully resisted the corrosion of the Power of Dawn Faith. Special Reward: Survival Points +15, Spirit Level +2, Resilience Level +2.]

[...]

’It’s formed a collection zone for the faith?’

At this moment, the faces of those closest to Kali—whether they were from the Secret Investigation Department, the City Guard, or the nobility—all began to show expressions of piousness to varying degrees.

Even the faces of Lisi and the others next to Wei’en began to change... 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

"Enough!"

A furious roar erupted from the ceremonial stage, cutting off Kali’s praise. At the same time, the Dawn Radiance emanating from her body froze.

Everyone in the crowd was stunned. This was especially true for the Dawn Believers, whose eyes had been growing increasingly fanatical. They now stared at the one who had disrupted the proceedings with looks of pure loathing.

Hmm?

On the stage, Bishop Andrews, Vice Speaker Harlington, and the many distinguished nobles and high-ranking city officials all turned to look at the person who had interrupted the Saintess Candidate’s speech—Ales Kilibali.