As the performance of the choir came to an end, the most solemn segment of the ceremony concluded, and the atmosphere began smoothly transitioning toward that of an ordinary banquet...

However, an invisible undercurrent began to surge more intensely through the room.

Although this was the Church's territory, under the watchful gaze of the Goddess, no one dared to indulge in extraordinary thoughts or carry out overtly inappropriate actions. Yet, everyone qualified to attend this ceremony was, without exception, a representative of various factions and nations—a dazzling array of talents and elites.

Many of these individuals were already famed far beyond the confines of their own regions or countries. Their reputations had spread across the entire continent, and they had become rising stars, burdened with great expectations.

And naturally, among elites, the conduct befitting elites prevailed.

Such an excellent opportunity surely wasn't about actually listening attentively to hymns, feasting on complimentary wine and crackers offered by the Church, or sneaking glances at the legs of nuns.

This was one of the rare occasions—perhaps the only one—when all key participants were gathered under the same roof. How could it not be augmented by tests of strength, the exchange of intelligence, alliances and betrayals, backstabbing, and even subtle schemes long plotted in advance?

To put it simply, everyone was engaged in some form of ruthless competition.

But of course, all of this had nothing to do with Moen anymore.

Ever since deciding to stay out of this mess, Moen had gladly relegated himself from the center stage of confrontation to the passive spectator's seat in the audience. Given that he'd likely remain in the Church for his upcoming Holy Light baptism, he even scored a free VIP seat.

As long as I stay as utterly uninvolved as possible, none of you can drag me into your drama. *(^_^)*

So, far from feeling anxious about the scene unfolding before his eyes, Moen actually felt a tinge of hunger. If someone handed him a bag of the finest snacks from Holy City right now, he’d happily settle as a contented spectator.

Come on, just start the fight! The uglier it gets, even to the point of spilling blood and brains, the more entertaining it’ll be.

Ordinary drama no longer aroused his interest; he wanted carnage.

As for the not-so-subtle pit traps that Pope might have been silently digging...

Heh, I'm well aware of your pits. Only a fool would jump straight into one.

Let alone the supposedly irresistible trials followed by lucrative rewards. Even if the Pope placed a hundred pairs of long, slender legs clad in black silk in the pit to tempt him… Fine, perhaps that particular scenario might give him pause.

But anything short of that? Not a chance.

Even if I, Moen Campbell, had to starve to death, jump off a cliff, or die stabbed in the back by a crazy axe-wielding lunatic, I would never set foot in that pit!

“Ugh. Gross.”

A voice came from beside him as Pink Bear, watching Moen suddenly flash an evil grin, rubbed his chin and said, “You’re not seriously planning a midnight raid on the nuns' dormitory, are you? Let me tell you, that would be a crime! If Celicia finds out, trust me, she’ll shove her high heel straight into your mouth!

…Wait, actually, that might count as a reward for you, wouldn’t it?”

“Do you think I’m as perverted as you are?” Moen rolled his eyes. “I only like Celicia’s long legs in black silk.”

And those of his Senior, too.

Ann's legs were impressive as well.

Moen indulged in a moment of delightful contemplation about those divine visions and absentmindedly scooped up a cracker with his fork, popping it into his mouth.

Hmm, when one’s mood improves, even the Church's complimentary communion snacks become delicious.

“But seriously, why has the Church gathered all these people? Surely they’re not just here to have a good laugh and watch the chaos from the sidelines too, right?”

Moen took another sip of red wine, casually posing the question.

“Moen, you’re telling me you don’t even know this?”

Senior sister Fannie looked at him as if he were a caveman who had just stumbled out of a museum.

“Tonight is the night when the Church will officially reveal the identities of the five saintess candidates! Even without invitations, we’d have done everything in our power to attend!”

“Reveal... their identities?”

Moen froze, then sudden clarity washed over him.

Oh, right. How could he have forgotten?

Despite this gathering turning into a scene for young geniuses and elites to mingle, none of them—even with all their brilliance—were the true protagonists of tonight's event.

Whether it was tonight’s ceremony or the subsequent trials, the real protagonists were none other than those five saintess candidates. Their hidden identities had finally concluded a period of earthly trials. Now they were returning to the Church and facing their final test.

“But, if this is the moment when the identities of the saintess candidates will be revealed..."

“Moen!”

At that precise moment, the bustling chatter around them fell instantly silent for a heartbeat.

A familiar voice cut through the air like fireworks adorning a summer night, splashing hazy brilliance in all directions.

Moen could sense the curious gazes of countless people converging in one place.

And in that very center of attention stood the source of the glowing, dreamlike radiance.

She wore a light-colored ceremonial dress and moved like a nimble butterfly, taking soft, quick steps as she darted across the room.

Breaking through the edge of the crowd, the fluttering butterfly paused firmly before him.

It was Lea.

At this moment, her hem swayed gently, and the waistline of her graceful dress accentuated her exquisite curves. Further upward, her fair neck and shoulders glowed like polished jade, dazzling and beguiling to the eyes.

Her long hair was elegantly tied back, and her cherubic face bore no trace of makeup. Yet, perhaps due to the lighting, her smile seemed even more enchanting than it had just a few days ago.

“Lea, you look especially stunning tonight,” Moen said, taking a deep breath to calm the ripples in his heart. He smiled and praised her.

“Do I? Thank you for the compliment. And you look quite dashing yourself tonight, Mr. Moen... although, honestly, you don’t look much different than usual.”

Lea blinked her bright eyes and let a small, elated grin play on her lips. But then, just as quickly, the smile vanished, replaced by a hint of nervousness. Her gaze roved up and down Moen with concern.

“By the way, are you okay? I mean… earlier...”

Even though her saintess teacher had assured her of Moen’s safety, Lea couldn’t completely shake her worry. After all, the last scene she remembered was Moen fearlessly rushing toward disaster, amidst all the...

“Of course I’m fine,” Moen said confidently, flexing his arm to showcase his strength. “As you can see, I’m in peak condition—eating well, sleeping soundly, and strong enough to easily take down ten of my former selves at once.

“But what about you, Lea?”

“I’m fine too, naturally,” she said, mimicking his arm-flexing gesture. Unfortunately, despite straining her arm as hard as she could, she could only produce the tiniest bulge of muscle, which instantly made Moen chuckle.

For some reason, Lea seemed exceptionally endearing tonight.

“Fannie, Professor Pink Bear, and everyone else—long time no see.”

Lea clasped her hands behind her back and tilted her head slightly to greet the others.

“It’s so good to see you’ve all made it safely to Holy City.”

“Uh… Li—Lea, uh… long time no see. We’re really glad to see you, too...”

Strangely, despite having grown close enough to joke freely with each other during their journey, when it came to facing Lea now, the group found themselves unusually awkward.

Lea didn’t seem to mind, though. Her bright eyes soon landed back on Moen as she offered an apologetic smile.

“Sorry, I still have some matters to attend to with the Church, so I only came to greet you briefly.”

“I understand,” Moen replied.

Since tonight marked the formal announcement of the saintess candidates, Lea could no longer mingle with them simply as a fellow student of Santa Maria College.

She was about to step onto her own battlefield.

Realizing this, Moen clenched his fist slightly and offered a word of encouragement.

“Good luck!”

Light seemed to bloom momentarily in the depths of Lea’s gaze before disappearing so quickly that it almost seemed like a trick of the lighting.

She smiled and nodded firmly. “I will.”

Lea turned to leave.

But no sooner had she taken a single step than she paused as if something had occurred to her.

Her skirt gently flared as she spun back around, like a lily blossoming beneath the morning mist.

“One more thing,” Lea said softly, taking a deep breath as if drawing courage and resolve from the air around her.

Then, she stepped forward. Step by step. Toward Moen.

And without warning, she leaned into his chest.

Her head rested lightly against him.

“Huh?”

Moen’s eyes widened sharply.

The faint, natural scent of the girl filled his senses, and for a moment, his heart seemed to miss a beat.

Though they’d experienced more than their fair share of close encounters during various crises, this was the first time Lea had initiated such closeness.

Before he could respond, however, she pulled away as quickly as she had moved in. Like she was simply confirming something, she took a small step back.

“That’s good to know,” she murmured, patting her chest in relief. Her soft voice carried words Moen couldn’t comprehend.

“No ‘thump,’” she whispered to herself.