Chapter 484: Solution

Chapter 484: Solution

Staring at the steamships that filled the surrounding waters and the orderly rows of Divine Light Order followers on their decks, a shiver of dread traveled down Charles' spine. Instinctively, he knew something monumental, something truly horrifying, was about to unfold.

He was uncertain of the Pope's next move, but the only thing on his mind at this point was to stop the charlatan. After all, he had once sacrificed over ten million people to summon the Feaster; what was going to happen would definitely not pale in comparison.

Charles turned around and saw the four offerings lying quietly within the concentric circles. In the middle of the array was a rope. The hemp rope was as thick as a giant tree and was woven from blood, flesh, light, and shadow.

Taut and stretched, the massive rope laid across the floor and led toward the sea. It slowly retracted, seemingly tugging something with it.

Recalling the scene from earlier, Charles realized what was on the other end of the ropethe sacrificial ritual was incomplete. This revelation sparked a sliver of hope that the escape of the Light God might still be averted.

As soon as Charles took a step forward, the Pope swiftly turned his gaze toward the former. Instantly, Charles found himself unable to move.

Though Charles felt physically capable of movement, an overpowering reluctance seized him and rendered him motionless against his will.

Move! Come on! Move! Charles struggled desperately, but his mind and body seemed to be at loggerheads with each other.

"Charles, you always think you are capable of doing many things. Yet, in reality, you're merely a puppet, controlled and manipulated by others," the Pope remarked, his gaze returning to the rope.

"Why are you always suspicious of me? Are those really your own thoughts? If so, then why do you always cooperate with me and yet never guard against me? Are those your thoughts too? Your mind is riddled with contradictions.

"The Dioite named Anna and Project 177, Tobba, all their warnings are within my control and plans."Updated from n0velbIn.(c)o/m

The Pope then turned his attention back onto Charles.

"Do you think I'm busy doing things just to guard against you? How naive. There are many more adversaries obstructing my plans, and they are far more terrifying than you. I've made many preparations for today. That's why they don't have the time to bother me."

Hearing the Pope's words, Charles stopped struggling. He lowered his gaze and looked at this hand, not in defeat but in thought about how the other could be manipulating his thoughts.

Charles could hardly have foreseen that he would be the one to order the release of the Chalkboard Eraser confined within 068.

"Say, if at this point, I, the sacrifice were to be killed by the 'chalkboard eraser' or taken to another perspective, then the entire door-opening ritual probably wouldn't succeed, right?"

A resounding crash followed Charles' words. A triangle that seemed to be encased in a transparent bubble materialized just thirty centimeters in front of Charles.

But it ultimately could not overcome the defensive barrier encircling Charles and slowly retreated. The barrier served a dual purpose: it trapped Charles within while also keeping external forces at bay.

The next moment, two massive triangles manifested. This time, they were less than a centimeter from Charles. The "chalkboard erasers" would soon reach Charles.

Witnessing the scene, the Pope could no longer sit idly by. Raising his hands, the light that formed part of the rope surged back into his body.

"No one! Absolutely nothing can disrupt my plan!" The Pope proclaimed. A dazzling golden light burst forth from his body, revealing the presence of two elongated, distorted creatures forced into visibility.

Being on the receiving end of an attack, the "Chalkboard Erasers" swiftly shifted their targets and charged at the Pope.

Just then, there was a flash of white light, and Sparkle suddenly materialized beside Charles. "Daddy, Mommy sent me to save you."

Charles' heart skipped a beat at the sight of Sparkle appearing in such a perilous situation. "What are you doing here? Run!"

"I can teleport living beings now. I'll get you out now," Sparkle said and immediately grabbed Charles' hand. In the next second, the two materialized on the deck of the Narwhale,

The moment Charles escaped from the array, the black element that formed the massive rope disengaged and reattached itself to Charles' feet, becoming his shadow once more.

Sparkle flashed a sheepish smile, "Daddy, I'm still practicing. But don't worry. When I grow a little older, I can teleport you faster and farther."

Charles scanned the empty deck and was just about to speak when a shadow pounced on him and hugged him tightly. It was Anna. She didn't speak a single word, but Charles could feel her intense emotions from the trembling body pressed against him.