[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-became-the-patron-of-villains":3,"chapter-became-the-patron-of-villains-became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-268":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Became the Patron of Villains",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},759558,1006,"Chapter 268","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-268",268,"\u003Cp>A little away from Rosario, on the outskirts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small cave situated atop a cliff overlooking the capital city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That place was the secluded chamber where the current Pope resided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Pope, who hadn’t shown himself for years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surrounding him were the cardinals and Roman, who had been in the Chamber of the Holy Spirit just moments ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And they weren’t the only ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Holy Knights led by the cardinals were present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So were the Inquisitors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless other clergy members had also gathered by the cliff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was only one reason why everyone had come here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was because of the door to the secluded chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, to be more precise, because of the symbol that had appeared on the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone silently stared at the symbol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, the symbol should have been radiating a pure white divine light at all times, and in fact, it had been when the cardinals first arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until the cardinals had used their divine power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone gazed at it with grave expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The symbol was now oozing a bizarre, malicious energy, dripping dark mana onto the ground as if pulled from the depths of the abyss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment divine power was used, the symbol had changed suddenly and violently, which led them to rush here with nearly all available forces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just the transformation of the symbol alone was enough to alert them to the seriousness of the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, since everyone seems to be here, I’ll begin opening it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yutia, who had just been urgently summoned from Rosario, raised her hand toward the symbol dripping with thick darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll help as well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuman also raised his hand beside her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From their hands, divine power flowed forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ooh—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the clergy murmured in awe, the divine power swiftly enveloped the abyss-tainted symbol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then the symbol began to absorb the divine power at a frightening rate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drrrrrrrk!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a hideous grinding sound, the symbol twisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It began to vanish slowly, bubbling like molten metal being scraped away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sound like something being shattered, the symbol was completely destroyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It scattered into the air and disappeared as if it had never existed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everyone, prepare yourselves!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Holy Knight shouted loudly as he drew his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air was tense with suffocating silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that silence didn’t last long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason why—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well now, it’s been quite a while.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From within the abyss-like cave, a man—no,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Holiness, the Pope?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Pope Villaniart who stepped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps due to years of seclusion, his face was gaunt and a long beard hung down to his navel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But those present clearly recognized it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man before them was undoubtedly their Pope, Villaniart, who had vanished years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Y-Your Holiness! Are you alright?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the cardinals approached to ask after his wellbeing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Villaniart let out a hearty laugh, as if in good spirits for the first time in a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course I’m alright. I’ve gained a new enlightenment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Th-That’s a relief.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, it’s indeed fortunate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his aged body, the Pope laughed heartily as if to show off his health, putting everyone at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the ominous symbol that had been drenched in darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Pope looked perfectly fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them, one person—Sergius—felt something was off about the Pope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Something’s definitely strange…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of those gathered here had never seen the Pope up close before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So they didn’t sense anything unusual about him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Sergius was well aware of the Pope’s disposition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Villaniart was a man who upheld rules and principles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how urgent a matter was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the symbol outside had turned murky and dark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If his seclusion had been interrupted—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would have first expressed his fury—that was the kind of Pope Villaniart was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet this Pope—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t even verify the situation upon stepping outside, nor did he frown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t question why so many soldiers were gathered?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it could be that he was simply too happy to be outside and decided to ask questions later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was something else strange too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘......He should be seeing that cardinal for the first time.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing Villaniart’s personality, if he saw someone he didn’t recognize wearing cardinal robes, he would’ve pointed it out immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet there was no reaction at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was so strange that Sergius tilted his head in doubt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everyone, may I have your attention for a moment?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Pope, Villaniart, spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All eyes turned to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Pope, now smiling as if pleased with the situation,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>slowly began to grow younger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wh-What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as the clergy looked on in confusion, the Pope’s body continued to regain its youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His snow-white hair rapidly fell away, replaced by black strands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wrinkled skin beneath his fallen beard became smoother and more vibrant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His once thin frame now filled with firm muscles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a transformation that couldn’t be achieved even with divine power—a true miracle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone’s eyes widened in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, at the final moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwoosh—fwoooosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the Pope’s back, brilliant white wings burst forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-What is...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Voices of awe mixed with confusion filled the air, giving rise to a strange reverence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wings that sprouted from the Pope’s back gleamed with dazzling purity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As everyone stood frozen, staring at him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The now youthful Pope spoke in a calm voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned around slowly, as if showing off his body, and then pointed at one priest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You there—what do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pardon...? What do you mean—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m asking what thoughts came to your mind when you saw me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The priest, flustered, quickly opened his mouth to respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I... I thought it was truly holy. Especially the wings on your back—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, that’s not it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Pope firmly shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if that wasn’t the answer he wanted to hear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not what I’m asking. I’m asking what your personal thoughts were when you saw me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh, holy...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I’m not looking for some dressed-up impression. I want to hear your unfiltered, honest reaction.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confused, the priest hesitated before answering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I... I thought to myself, ‘I wish I could be like that someday.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He murmured reluctantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he had said it himself, the priest wore an expression of disbelief, as if he didn’t understand what had just come out of his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because his usual self would never have said such a thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the priest, who was engulfed in confusion, the Pope, wearing a satisfied smile, continued asking questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, what else did you feel?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I felt envious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you feel jealous?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jealous? That’s not…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I’d like you to express your feelings honestly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I asked because I wanted to hear your heartfelt truth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go ahead, speak.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Pope urged gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, the priest confessed,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Yes, I did feel jealous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, he uttered something he normally would never say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in response—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the Pope, who now smiled brighter than even his pure white wings,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Squelch!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another pair of wings sprouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“O… ohh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clergy murmured in astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Pope paid them no mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, thank you for your answer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That was exactly what I wanted to hear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave the answering priest a pat on the shoulder, then raised his hand as he looked around at everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is there anyone else willing to confess their emotions like this brave soul?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no immediate answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“M-me too—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silence did not last long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When I saw the Pope, I initially felt something holy… but at the same time, I was jealous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Holy Knight confessed, as if in a confession booth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that as the start—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“M-me too…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I felt the same.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So did I—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if bewitched, those gathered began to reveal their feelings upon seeing the Pope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Pope had performed an unbelievable miracle before their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had become a young man from an old one, and angelic wings had sprouted from his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet even in the face of such an incomprehensible miracle, no one voiced suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a strange fervor of faith continued to rise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good, very good!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everyone, speak freely and bare your hearts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That is the path to the next enlightenment~!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Squelch! Squelch—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wings began to sprout continuously from the Pope’s back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One pair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The steadily growing wings soon became more than three pairs—then four.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From four to five pairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With wings like a great archangel, filled with holiness, the faces of everyone there began to shine with reverence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Squelch!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More wings sprouted again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From five to six pairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From six to seven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From seven to eight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten pairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fifteen pairs—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wh-what—?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twenty pairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twenty-five pairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wings multiplied aggressively, devouring the Pope’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So much so that even his human form was no longer distinguishable, buried under the sheer number of wings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eyes of the clergy that had shown reverence were now filled with horror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confusion and tension began to cloud the eyes of the Holy Knights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Yuman tried to unleash divine power toward him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Pope—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ahh—my dear lambs, you have spoken your hearts truthfully.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>was already floating in the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuman looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There in the sky was a bizarre creature, no longer anything one could call a Pope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A being with a massive eye at its center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With over hundreds of pairs of wings, it hovered in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Do not fear me, for I shall grant you enlightenment.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if mocking those present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The holy voice pierced their ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Now rise, my children.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at that moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A priest began twisting his whole body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man who had first responded to the Pope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if in agony, his body contorted unnaturally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he bent over,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack—crackkk!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a larva hatching from its egg, his human skin and flesh burst apart—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!!!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pure white being was born from within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was many times larger than a human but had the same general form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet it was grotesquely thin, like a starving creature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that marked the beginning—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gyaaaah—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“N-no! This can’t be! It can’t!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aaaaaahhh—!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One by one, the people present began to transform into grotesque, creature-like beings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Now, cultivate the earth into a paradise.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice that deceived them echoed again over the land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The massacre had begun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-What on earth is this—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sergius trembled with fear as he lifted his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, chaos had erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Massive, white beings several times the size of humans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They pulled out spear-shaped crimson weapons from their bare hands as if they’d always had them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>SHHHING—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They began slaughtering every living thing on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the Inquisitors and Holy Knights quickly regained composure and launched a counterattack,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sergius couldn’t hide the terror on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘They keep multiplying…!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those killed immediately transformed into new white beings, joining the massacre of the priests and knights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The situation had spiraled into utter catastrophe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sergius turned his gaze immediately toward Yutia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“L-Lady Yutia? Sh-shouldn’t we do something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice trembled in urgency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Yutia simply stared—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, glared— at the eye surrounded by wings with an expression of distaste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frustrated by her silence, Sergius called again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lady Yutia…??”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He called desperately once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Yutia’s red eyes remained locked on the grotesque angel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when the newly transformed white creature raised its spear to strike her did—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haa…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She let out a small sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sigh that sounded like she was annoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Scheduled.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yutia muttered quietly as she began to raise her hand slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hand signs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She saw it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>God of Flashing Thunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The head of the white being that had aimed its spear at her— burst apart without warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…My Lord? How are you here—?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yutia, startled, couldn’t finish her sentence as she looked at the familiar man who stood in front of her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I sensed a commotion and thought I’d come up, just in case.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alon’s voice echoed calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no need for you to handle this yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yutia’s crimson eyes widened like a full moon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if something had been exposed.\u003C\u002Fp>",2036,"2026-06-02T12:43:45.412Z",1,"novelbin.me","a29e47a938719cc1d54a4a1e9c7d6f47baad3415c2dc7f6e8af690649efbdb9c","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-269","became-the-patron-of-villains-chapter-267",479,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbecame-the-patron-of-villains-cover.jpg"]