"You are my ideal maiden, you know? All along, I've wanted a bride similar to the Witch of Envy."
Regulus looked delighted, unable to stop glancing at Emilia. The more he looked, the more satisfied he seemed.
"Thank you for the compliment."
Emilia replied coolly, her expression utterly blank.
Her icy attitude not only failed to anger the Sin Archbishop, it made him even more pleased.
It seemed Regulus had some peculiar taste—he especially enjoyed being treated coldly by others, believing that such indifference was a form of love.
"Alright, we've talked long enough. It's time to change you into a new outfit. Come in—Number 184."
Regulus clapped his hands. A blonde girl dressed entirely in white walked in.
The girl was expressionless, her demeanor cold and lifeless, like a doll devoid of vitality.
"Help Number 89 change her clothes. Prepare her for the wedding ceremony with the others."
Regulus gave the order sternly, his face full of confidence.
"Yes." The blonde girl nodded promptly, her face still devoid of emotion.
After being led into a room by the blonde girl, the girl referred to as Number 184 remained just as cold.
After some conversation, Emilia gradually melted the ice in the girl's heart and temporarily became her friend. However, she also received a warning—not to resist Regulus' wishes.
Boom!
Just as Emilia had changed into her new clothes and was about to speak, the roaring crash of rushing water caused the entire district to tremble.
"What? What's going on?"
Sensing that something was wrong, Emilia immediately leaned out to observe the situation outside, only to discover that one of the watergates had been opened.
In an instant, a massive surge of water poured through, rushing toward the lower areas. If this continued, the entire city could be submerged.
The watergate itself stood on higher ground, while the other districts were lower. It would be easy for the floodwaters to backflow into the streets. A trace of worry flickered in her eyes.
I hope Sister Shendu can handle this trouble.
Seeing the scene outside, Emilia could only pray that Shendu would deal with the matter in time and prevent things from worsening.
Watergate City had fallen into complete chaos. Knowing how terrifying Shendu's strength was, the Sin Archbishops had almost certainly mobilized together.
They gave Shendu no time to deal with them one by one, which resulted in this situation. It was unavoidable.
Meanwhile, at the location of the city hall, just after Shendu had reclaimed the magical device, an unexpected change occurred.
At the top of the city hall, seeing the surging water sweeping in, Crusch grew visibly tense. If this continued, the entire district would be flooded.
No—worse than that, the whole city could be reduced to ruin.
"Lady Shendu, please stop the flood. I will work with the others to retake the city hall. Go and close the watergates."
Crusch knew that if this continued, they would soon be forced to wade through water. This had to be stopped.
"Very well. I'll leave this place to you."
Watching the rushing flood already swallow the lower streets, Shendu did not object. As soon as she finished speaking, she transformed into a streak of light and shot toward the watergate district.
Shendu's flying speed was astonishing. Using the power of the Rabbit Talisman and the Rooster Talisman, she hurried to the destination and landed swiftly.
Just in front of the watergate stood a golden-haired girl with red eyes and black bat-like wings.
On both sides of the gate were Witch Cultists guarding the area, surrounding it tightly to prevent anyone from interfering with their plan.
"You've come. I haven't forgotten what happened earlier, so I opened the floodgates myself."
Capella sneered at Shendu, determined to punish her.
"Oh? You may leave now."
Seeing Capella before her, Shendu released a slash of sword pressure, instantly shattering her—but she quickly regenerated.
Shendu descended to the ground, lightly stepping into the flowing water. Touching her shadow, she spoke softly.
"Come forth, Shadowkhan."
Without further words, countless Shadowkhan emerged in an instant, clashing with the Witch Cultists.
Within minutes, everything settled. The battle-hardened Ninjakhan effortlessly slaughtered the Witch Cultists.
Shendu then approached the watergate and shut it successfully, preventing the flood from continuing to surge in and resolving the crisis of the city being submerged.
"Hahaha! You truly are powerful. We'll have another chance to face each other. I'll be waiting for the day you slip up."
Realizing she was no match for Shendu, Capella left behind a harsh remark before fleeing.
"How troublesome. It seems I'll have to use the Shadowkhan to monitor the nearby watergates."
After handling the situation, Shendu left behind a large number of Ninjakhan to guard the surrounding gates.
Of course, if the control towers were compromised, then even guarding the watergates would be meaningless—the city would still be flooded. There was no doubt about that.
As for the battle at the city hall, Shendu could only entrust it to Crusch and the others. As long as they advanced steadily, it should not be a problem.
After resolving the flooding issue, Shendu prepared to return the way she came. However, as she passed through an alley, a girl in a blood-red gown holding a folding fan appeared before her.
Not only that, but the bard Liliana was also nearby. As the three met, Priscilla revealed a delighted expression.
"Hehe, as expected of the dear friend I've chosen—Miss Shendu. It's wonderful that you're unharmed. How is the situation at the city hall?"
Having heard the broadcast, Priscilla already knew something was wrong. She raised her fan and asked curiously.
"There's a chaotic battle underway there. The situation is far from optimistic."
Shendu gave a simple explanation, prompting the crimson-clad noblewoman to nod slightly.
"Lady Shendu, did you know that a flood just rushed through? The low-lying areas were completely submerged. Those who ran fast escaped in time, but those who were slow were swept away."
Liliana pointed at the water flowing through the surrounding alleys, her voice trembling with fear.
When the great watergate was opened earlier, nearly half the district had almost been flooded. Fortunately, someone had closed it in time, or the consequences would have been even worse.
After speaking, both Priscilla and Liliana looked toward Shendu, seemingly waiting for her answer.
"I closed the watergate. The moment I noticed it, I rushed over. Fortunately, I made it in time. However, all four control towers of the city have already fallen into their hands."
Shendu raised four fingers thoughtfully.
"Whether they open the watergates directly or activate the control towers, the result will be the same—the city will be submerged."
She reminded them calmly of the severity of the situation.
"I see. So it has become this complicated? It seems I have missed quite the spectacle by not being there."
Priscilla chuckled lightly. There was not a trace of fear in her eyes, as if such chaos were nothing unusual.
"By the way, where is your knight, Al? I recall he went to find you directly. Has he reunited with you?"
Suddenly, Shendu remembered the helmeted man and asked.
"Hehe, I'm not entirely sure. But that man is clever—he knows what he should be doing. I shall allow him to act as he pleases."
Priscilla replied indifferently, seemingly confident in Al's strength.
"That's good. As long as you're confident."
Shendu answered calmly and began walking forward. The two girls followed.
"Miss Shendu, are we going to regroup with them?"
Liliana asked as she hurried after her.
"Yes. I intend to return and assess the situation."
Shendu replied evenly.
"Hehe, then allow me to accompany you. At the very least, we can lend a hand."
Priscilla smiled. Shendu had no reason to refuse and agreed without hesitation.
...
Watergate City, First District.
After Shendu reunited with Priscilla, the two of them immediately headed toward the city hall. They had barely taken a few steps when a sudden sense of danger surged up.
Without hesitation, Shendu performed an over-the-shoulder throw, slamming Liliana to the ground. Before the girl could even protest, three black shadows lunged at them.
The two that targeted Shendu were unlucky—she sent them flying with a single slap. They crashed into the ground, leaving behind two deep craters. As for Priscilla, she handled her side effortlessly, knocking the creature away with a strike of her folding fan.
"Oh? Demi-beasts. The Witch Cult truly is disgusting."
Seeing the black shapes clearly, Priscilla revealed a look of disdain.
"Yes. It should be the Authority of the Archbishop of Lust."
Shendu made a quiet guess, her eyes fixed on the demi-beasts sprawled across the ground.
So-called demi-beasts were monsters that hovered somewhere between humans and witchbeasts.
The creatures before them had short limbs and razor-sharp fangs. More disturbingly, blades and spear-like protrusions jutted from their backs, resembling living biological weapons.
"Grrr...!"
After being knocked away, the three demi-beasts rose again, preparing to attack once more.
"Miss Shendu, how about you take two and I'll handle one?"
Priscilla smiled faintly. With a gentle motion of her right hand, a deep crimson longsword appeared in her grasp.
"Very well."
Shendu did not refuse. It was rare to coordinate with this woman—this was a good opportunity to eliminate trouble together.
The two demi-beasts lunged at Shendu again, but before they could reach her, two small fireballs materialized in her hands and struck them midair.
"How pitiful. Allow me to grant you release."
Facing the beast charging at her, Priscilla's expression did not change. She lightly swung her Yang Sword.
In that instant, all three demi-beasts were engulfed in blazing flames and reduced to ashes. Liliana, still on the ground, stared in astonishment.
"You're both amazing. It seems my safety is guaranteed."
Seeing them resolve the danger so easily, Liliana's face lit up with joy.
"Enough chatter. Let's continue forward. We can't afford delays."
Priscilla rolled her eyes at her and gestured ahead.
After turning a corner, Shendu spotted a young man collapsed in the water, being attacked by a demi-beast. The youth had already lost consciousness and was defenseless.
Like a wolf, the demi-beast continued biting down on his arm, ferociously relentless.
"Another casualty."
This time, Shendu did not use fire. A single wind blade flashed out, instantly killing the creature before it could react.
"What a tragic ordinary citizen."
Priscilla's eyes flickered with surprise at the sight.
"Indeed. Few can escape being caught in the Witch Cult's wake."
Shendu stepped forward and used the healing power of the Horse Talisman to treat the young man's wounds.
"Shadowkhan."
She summoned a Ninjakhan to carry the injured man, earning an admiring look from Liliana.
If the three of them had to carry him themselves, their movement would be severely hindered. Shendu's preparation reassured Liliana greatly.
"By the way, do you know where the nearest shelter is? We should take him there."
Shendu glanced at the unconscious man and asked.
"Up ahead. It's still some distance away—follow me."
Priscilla pointed forward thoughtfully.
"Good. The situation is temporarily stable, so there's no immediate need to worry. Let's bring him to safety first, then assess the civilians' condition."
Shendu narrowed her eyes, outlining the next step.
Before long, the shelter came into view. Inside, panicked citizens filled the space, fear and unease evident in their eyes.
Some soldiers were present, along with doctors tending to the wounded. Though barely maintaining order, anxiety lingered heavily in the air.
"This is bad. When the Witch Cult moves together, is their influence truly this overwhelming?"
Liliana sighed helplessly.
Having lived in this city for some time, she had grown fond of it. Seeing it plunged into chaos angered her deeply.
"Calm yourself. Life must go on."
Shendu offered gentle reassurance.
Just then, a peculiar emotional ripple spread through the air like a wave. The already anxious crowd suddenly displayed fury on their faces.
A middle-aged man accidentally bumped into a young man. Instantly, both of them looked enraged.
"What are you doing? You ran into me! Do you even know that?"
"It was an accident. What, are you looking for a fight?"
The two began grappling violently, throwing the shelter into further chaos.
"This is the influence of the Archbishop of Wrath's Authority. It affects the human heart. The only way to resolve it now is with song or some other calming method to dispel their anger."
Seeing this, Shendu glanced meaningfully at Liliana.
"Hehe, then please listen to a song from me to soothe your hearts."
At the crucial moment, Liliana stepped forward and began singing a beautiful melody.
Perhaps her Divine Protection took effect. Gradually, those influenced by wrath regained their composure.
Amid the grateful voices of the citizens, the three of them left the shelter. Along the way, Shendu shared the intelligence she had gathered about the Sin Archbishops.
As they walked through the streets, demi-beasts continued to ambush them from time to time, but each was suppressed by overwhelming strength.
Shendu lost count of how many she eliminated. It was astonishing—how had Capella even managed to gather so many wolves?
When three more demi-beasts blocked their path, a purple-haired knight suddenly appeared before them, swinging his sword powerfully.
A rainbow-hued blade of light swept out, reducing the monsters to ash.
The newcomer was none other than Julius, the elegant knight and Second Seat of the Royal Guard.
"Lady Shendu, Lady Priscilla—it gladdens me to see you safe."
Julius stepped forward and offered a knight's salute.
"Indeed. Your appearance suggests that the situation at the city hall has stabilized."
Shendu narrowed her eyes, making a deduction.
"We have reclaimed the city hall. At the critical moment, if Miss Akane had not transformed into her Flame Dragon form, we might have been defeated."
Julius spoke with lingering awe, recalling Shendu's assistance.
"That's good. No casualties?"
Shendu asked seriously, concerned about their losses.
"None. However, Lady Anastasia's company was attacked and forced to retreat."
"Furthermore, the city's backup magical broadcast device has transmitted new demands from the Archbishop of Lust, Capella. In addition to demanding the Witch's remains, she has set three further conditions."
"First, the surrender of the Book of Wisdom. Second, the artificial spirit. Third… that the silver-haired half-elf's wedding proceed without interference."
After listing the demands, Julius' expression darkened.
"Hmph. So it has escalated to this point? There's no need to worry. Emilia is the spy I placed among them. She will handle it. Let us return to the city hall first."
Shendu narrowed her eyes, confidence evident.
The Sin Archbishops had not yet fully gathered. When they finally did, it would mark the moment to annihilate them—the beginning of the Witch Cult's downfall.