Was the cloaked figure Gao Ying?

Could there be some secret plot between them? Dressed like that, did Shirley not realize this man was the Hero she intended to assassinate?

But on second thought, it didn’t make sense. Gao Ying had just arrived in this world—how could he have teamed up with Shirley so quickly? Besides, Heretics were hell-bent on killing the Hero!

So, was Gao Ying secretly hunting Heretics too?

If he confessed, both she and the Pope would definitely stop him!

Idiot, what are you thinking? Don’t assume the Hero title makes you the world’s protagonist. Reality isn’t a manga or novel—there are no convenient coincidences!

Shirley was dangerously unpredictable!

Silphiel signaled the Knighthood members behind her to hold their positions. After a careful glance, she spotted Elise and Stella lying in ambush nearby.

Hmm, so he really was planning to capture a Heretic!

Once Shirley let her guard down, she’d order a surprise attack. If Elise and Stella pinned her down, the clash would draw nearby patrols. Numbers would snowball until Shirley, no matter how skilled, couldn’t escape!

A solid plan. Silphiel would flank her, wrapping up the Heretic capture mission.

Hmm—

Silphiel nodded slightly, then paused. She didn’t want it to go too smoothly.

Gao Ying would steal part of the credit. Worse, remembering what he’d done to her in the basement made her uneasy, a strange tingling spreading through her body.

Her eyes darted around. A mischievous idea struck!

She’d give Gao Ying a good scare. Since she’d caught up, catching Shirley was only a matter of time!

With that thought, the Holy Maiden called out loudly: “Gao Ying, stay away from her! She’s the Heretic High Priestess—you can’t handle her!”

Silphiel’s voice echoed across the empty street, startling Gao Ying. Silphiel? How did she get here?

This wasn’t part of the plan!

Logically, Lelia would seek revenge on Silphiel. And Silphiel never backed down from a “weakling’s” challenge.

Before leaving, he’d instructed Rodrika to conserve strength and act as pursuer.

Why bring so many people?

Silphiel hated sharing credit!

Gao Ying was stunned, but Shirley reacted instantly. Her expression shifted. Twin daggers slid from her sleeves into her palms as she charged at Gao Ying without hesitation. “Hero? I almost fell for your trick!”

The moment Shirley lunged, Elise and Stella attacked from hiding!

The daggers gleamed coldly in the night. Just as one aimed for Gao Ying’s throat, a holy spear flew out of nowhere, forcing Shirley to dodge sideways.

As she landed, Elise stood behind her, hefting a massive two-handed sword.

The huge, thick blade filled Shirley’s vision.

It crashed down with meteor-like force. Shirley twisted impossibly, crossing her daggers to block the full-powered strike!

Her attacker sighed admiringly: “Worthy of an instructor. Your skills still leave us in the dust.”

The impact knocked Shirley back. She shook her numb wrists, glanced at the approaching Silphiel, and frowned slightly. “So fast…”

Pushing off the ground, she leaped onto a nearby rooftop. Her elegant silver hair fluttered in the evening breeze as her golden eyes fixed on Elise. “I taught you better—never leak killing intent before a fight.”

After speaking to Elise, she glanced at Silphiel and fled without hesitation.

Silphiel wouldn’t let her escape.

“You few, protect the Hero! I’ll chase the Heretic!”

Silphiel shot Gao Ying a glance before vaulting onto the roof after Shirley. He must’ve been terrified by Shirley’s sudden attack.

His cloak hid his face, but Silphiel guessed his expression perfectly.

If not for the chase, she might’ve stayed to offer comforting words—while secretly mocking him. That’d be fun.

The thought lifted her mood. Her steps grew lighter as she pursued Shirley.

“Silphiel, clinging to me like this? Such a child.”

Shirley’s voice drifted from ahead.

“Instructor, it’s been years. Won’t you stay and catch up with your student?”

Silphiel called back.

She chased Shirley but kept her distance. She knew her instructor’s strength too well—without transforming, defeating her was nearly impossible.

Silphiel maintained a careful gap: close enough to track, far enough to avoid conflict.

She’d learned her lesson. No reckless fights with unknown opponents.

Staying on Shirley’s tail was enough. As she ran, she shot holy light into the sky, guiding her best friend and the Heretic Inquisitors to this spot.

Grace would calculate the perfect encirclement strategy. Shirley would be cornered soon!

They raced across rooftops in the slums. Patrols noticed quickly. Silphiel heard voices gathering below.

Foolish, Instructor—fleeing on rooftops where everyone can see you!

Shirley’s lazy voice floated back: “Skip the reunion. We’ve nothing to discuss. Would you betray Gregory for me?”

Silphiel straightened, her reply crisp and rehearsed: “His Holiness the Pope is the Divine’s mortal voice. His will is God’s will. Instructor, face reality!”

“Heh heh… God’s avatar?” Shirley sneered. “Whose god does Gregory serve?”

“How should I know? I just follow orders.” Silphiel giggled. “But Instructor, after years apart, have you weakened? Or have I grown too strong? You can’t even shake me off.”

Shirley smiled, glancing back. Her silver hair danced in the wind.

“My dear student, you’ve grown dull. Didn’t you consider this was intentional?”

Silphiel’s face paled. She realized instantly.

“You’re using yourself as bait?!”