Watching the pure white-clad girl descend slowly from midair, every Imperial Knight—including Valante—stood utterly frozen. Sylvia radiated such overwhelming holiness and brilliance that their wills simply couldn’t withstand her divine presence.

Only Kroso gazed up in awe. Beyond marveling at Sylvia’s sacred aura, he keenly felt the massive stat boost now surging through his own body.

*Is this the Archangel’s power?*

Seeing Kroso’s stunned expression, Sylvia smiled slightly.

*Finally, he’s witnessed my strength firsthand.* Though far from her peak, it was enough—she wouldn’t hold the Hero back anymore.

**Hymn of Hope**: Inspires all allies within range (including caster). Instantly purges all crowd control effects, boosts attack and defense by 30%, and grants immunity to charm, stun, and fear. Costs 20% max mana on cast, then X mana per second until canceled or depleted.

A wide-area support skill targeting allies—combining debuff cleanse, amplification, and immunity. Nearly perfect, lacking only healing.

At Sylvia’s current mana level, a full cast would last roughly ten minutes. Ridiculously potent.

But she wasn’t using it for combat. She wanted its hidden effect: group flight.

Per world lore, unassisted flight was impossible before agility reached level 100—except for innately aerial races. Even Kroso couldn’t fly freely now.

Yet with Hymn of Hope active, Sylvia could lift all allies into a spiraling ascent. A devastating surprise against aerial foes in battle—but today, she only needed speed.

“Since this decree comes from the Chief Elder, I must verify its authenticity myself,” Sylvia declared, voice calm yet firm. “You—return to the Holy City and await The Church’s judgment. Should any deception be found… I will not be lenient.”

Ready to leave, she refused to waste another second on them.

She’d briefly considered killing Valante—but realized the Holy City family, while fearing her, would redirect all vengeance onto Kroso. She wouldn’t burden him. The Hero’s grievance was avenged; the rest was his to decide.

She’d already altered the Hero’s early path, nearly triggering a darkened ending. From now on, she’d avoid touching his core storyline. No more surprises—like that sudden kneeling marriage proposal. *Never again.* She had to gently lower the Hero’s affection.

“Thank you for your mercy, Archangel! I’m gone! Right now!”

Valante dropped to his knees in frantic relief, kowtowing deeply. He scrambled onto his warhorse without even pulling on the fresh trousers a subordinate offered, fleeing back the way he came like a man possessed.

He hated Kroso—but toward Sylvia, not a trace of disrespect dared surface.

To Holy City nobles, The Church’s shadow was far more terrifying than Abyssal demons.

“Archangel… if we let them go, Chernost City will surely raise maximum alert soon.”

Watching the Imperial cavalry vanish in disarray and sensing the wyvern riders overhead begin retreating, Kroso frowned in confusion.

He couldn’t grasp her intent. His own plan required no such force.

“If we move at full speed now, they won’t have time to sound the alarm.”

Sylvia had anticipated his doubt.

“You mean… charge straight into Chernost City with you? But—” Kroso blinked, startled—not by fear, but disbelief. *This aggressive approach… doesn’t fit the Archangel I know.*

In his mind, she was pure kindness: relentless against Abyssal demons, yet always soft toward humans. Like sparing the demon-possessed nun who’d nearly killed her. Or releasing Valante just now.

That’s why he’d abandoned the forced-entry plan—he feared her objection. Never expecting *she’d* propose it.

“Though this may deepen misunderstandings… there is no faster way. And I will not delay further.”

Careful not to stray too far from the Archangel’s gentle canon persona, Sylvia chose deliberately vague words.

“I see…”

*She’s worried General Gene won’t hold out.* He shared that fear.

Kroso’s heart swelled with deeper understanding. To save his mentor, she’d risked re-injury healing herself earlier—and now risked provoking the entire Imperial Legion.

*This is the Archangel’s compassion.*

Words failed him. Gratitude choked his throat.

*But Archangel… please don’t be so selfless forever. Villains will exploit that pure kindness… and hurt you.*

He stole a complex, tender glance at her. He knew—nothing he said would shake her resolve.

And he, too, burned to save General Gene.

So for this journey ahead… *I will protect you with my life.*