Chapter 84 - 42: The Succession Ceremony, A Sudden Turn of Events! (Part 2)

Chapter 84: Chapter 42: The Succession Ceremony, A Sudden Turn of Events! (Part 2)

"The position of the Sanctuary’s Pope has never been about bearing power, but rather a shackle. Once you don this crown, you will lose your name and your self. For the rest of your life, you will possess only one identity: Athena’s representative in the mortal realm. From this moment forth, your name shall be Pope!"

As expected, the shackles of Athena’s will were hidden within this crown. Once he put it on, he would be just like the monkey wearing the tightening headband, forced to walk step by step entirely according to the arrangements of fate.

Alex kept his head bowed, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly, holding off on making his move for the time being.

’Wait just a little longer. It’s not time yet!’

Shion continued to chant in a resonant, singing voice.

"You shall adjudicate the disputes of the Sanctuary, lead the Saints to guard the barrier between the mortal realm and the Underworld, and risk everything to protect the safety of humanity!"

Shion removed the golden crown from his head.

This crown was forged from the exact same material as the Gold Cloths. Golden olive branches were embroidered onto its purple velvet surface, and the star-like gemstones lining its rim refracted fragmented light under the morning sun.

"Alex, are you willing to don this crown and succeed me as the Pope of the Sanctuary?"

The scene was dead silent. Everyone’s gaze converged on Alex, who remained kneeling on one knee.

According to the standard procedures of the coronation ceremony, at this exact moment, Alex was supposed to answer,

"I am willing!"

Seeing Alex waiting quietly for the crown like a statue, Shion let out a massive sigh of relief inwardly. Regardless of what Alex had thought before, as long as he put on the crown, he would become the Goddess’s most loyal warrior, utterly incapable of harboring a second thought.

He knew this better than anyone else.

He slowly moved the crown toward Alex’s head, continuing his speech.

"From this moment on, you are the new Pope of the Sanctuary. You must remember: the radiance of a Gold Cloth is never meant to flaunt power, but to illuminate the path forward for all living beings. The Pope’s scepter is never meant to command others, but to shoulder the heavy burdens that no one else can bear."

Seeing that the ceremony was about to conclude, the Gold Saints present simultaneously struck their chests over their hearts with one hand, dropped to one knee, and lowered their proud heads!

They were about to witness the birth of a new generation’s Pope!

Hum!

The spatial fabric of the Pope’s Palace trembled violently, like ripples on water!

A massive, gentle Cosmo descended from the sky, spreading through the Pope’s Palace like a golden tide.

The overwhelming divine majesty sketched out the phantom image of a woman holding a scepter within the great hall.

The hearts of the many Gold Saints jolted. They knew this was Athena’s divine consciousness descending upon the Pope’s Palace, making them even more terrified to raise their heads and look directly at the succession ceremony.

Shion’s gem-like purple eyes shifted into a deep, oceanic blue.

A look of boundless compassion appeared on his face as he moved to place the infinitely radiant crown onto Alex’s head...

Smack!

A crisp sound jolted all the Saints awake. They raised their heads, looking toward the source of the noise.

In the next instant, everyone’s pupils contracted to the size of pinpricks.

They saw that Alex’s head, which should have been wearing the crown, was completely bare. His right hand, covered by the Gold Cloth, had firmly grabbed Shion’s wrist. The gazes of the two men locked in mid-air.

Alex’s eyes were filled with absolute resolve and icy coldness, while Shion’s eyes brimmed with shock and sheer disbelief!

Alex gently released Shion’s wrist.

Shion stumbled backward a few steps, his expression gradually shifting from astonishment to fury.

A cold, profound voice echoed through Shion’s vocal cords.

"Alex, what is the meaning of this?"

The corners of Alex’s mouth curled up slightly as he spoke flatly,

"Your Holiness, I feel that my skills and knowledge are insufficient, and I am not qualified for the position of Pope. Please choose someone else!"

The entire hall erupted in an uproar, and looks of absolute shock filled the eyes of the many Gold Saints.

The position of Pope was the very pinnacle of power that countless people dreamed of. Yet, Alex had actually... refused it?

_____

T/N:

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