September 14, Year 9 of the Crossing


    My tinnitus has been getting worse lately, but the doctor says there’s not much he can do.


    Fortunately, it’s not a major issue. With a bit of patience, it passes. No hallucinations have appeared yet.


    It’s been two months since my conversation with the Pope of the Church of Light. Huen told me they’d arrive in a day or two.


    I had hoped to learn the secret of the Church’s flight ability. If others could acquire it, those mantis creatures wouldn’t stand a chance.


    But to my disappointment, obtaining this ability is extremely difficult. According to him, Skywalkers must be sent to one of their islands from childhood, raised by local natives, to gain this power.


    I’ve found a solution for myself. When they deliver the goods, I’ll try it. Not being able to fly in such battles is a significant disadvantage.


    The island is becoming more prosperous. The dock is under construction, and banana trees are growing. The soil here is fertile. I’m confident next year will bring a good harvest.


    "Woo~ woo~~" The deep sound of a horn echoed. Charles’ heart leapt. "They’re finally here."


    With that thought, Charles put down his pen and quickly left the captain’s quarters.


    Reaching the Narwhal’s aft deck, the scene before him widened his eyes. The sea was almost entirely covered by ships of various sizes.


    Most striking were the sixteen golden ships in the center—all belonging to the Church of Light.


    Without a dock, the ships had to anchor in deep water, their occupants coming ashore in smaller boats.


    All Church of Light followers reacted the same upon seeing the sun. Charles, prepared for this, managed to save them from their suicidal tendencies.


    As their excitement subsided, Charles saw the Pope leading them. His appearance matched the lie-detecting statue exactly.


    "Governor Charles, we meet again. Didn’t expect me, did you?" The Pope, surrounded by his entourage, smiled at Charles.


    "Indeed, I thought you were at the Cathedral of Holy Light. How did you get here so quickly?"


    The Pope chuckled. "The Church’s resources are beyond your imagination. We have our ways. By the way, remember the pirates from Tianshui Island?"


    Charles was taken aback. "What about them?"


    Stolen novel; please report.


    "You’ll never have to worry about them attacking you again. The island now belongs to the Church of Light."


    They’ve taken over 134’s territory?!


    134, with Sodom, isn’t an easy opponent. And who knows how many "Kings" they have. Charles truly understood the Church’s power for the first time.


    No wonder the pirates haven’t been causing trouble here—they’ve been wiped out.


    "Enough of that. Have you found a way to deal with the mantises above?" Charles asked, visibly tense.


    "Don’t worry. To return to the Land of Light, the Church is fully committed. I’ve even invited Governor Swan from England Island to assist."


    A well-dressed, flamboyant man beside him nodded at Charles. "Kid, your island’s impressive. If it weren’t for the Explorer’s Association’s three-year protection, I’d take it for myself."


    His words drew angry glares from Charles’ crew.


    The island was their sanctuary. Hearing someone openly threaten to take it enraged them.


    Charles calmly looked at the Governor of England Island. Known as the Island of Machines, though not the largest, it was the most powerful in the North Sea.


    The first steam turbine in the Underground Sea was invented there.


    But Charles didn’t understand why the Pope had brought him along.


    When Charles asked, Governor Swan smiled smugly.


    "Just wait and see. It’s our latest invention from the Science Academy. Originally intended for the Hefang battlefield, but since the Pope personally invited me, I’ll help you first."


    The Pope chuckled. "Don’t worry, Governor Swan. If you help us reach the Land of Light, feel free to ask for anything in the future."


    Swan nodded, snapping his fingers. A loud roar came from the mechanical steamship in the distance. Charles soon saw the so-called weapon.


    It was a helicopter—more precisely, a prototype.


    Swan stood proudly, watching the stunned crowd. Even he was amazed, let alone the others.


    But he quickly noticed that among the shocked faces, the so-called Governor of Hope Island showed no surprise, which irked him.


    As it approached, Charles’ sharp eyes caught more details. To reduce weight, the helicopters lacked outer shells.


    Their internal structure looked crude, but the externally mounted rotating machine guns significantly boosted their combat power.


    Charles nodded in satisfaction. He had doubts about using airships against the mantises, but with these, success was much more likely.


    One by one, the Church’s airships were brought ashore, and groups of followers donned black rubber suits.


    While they prepared, Charles wasn’t idle. He approached Huen. "Did you bring what I asked for?"


    Huen nodded, presenting a large black rubber suit, distinct from the followers’ attire—bulkier and with wings.


    Seeing them inflating the airships, Charles grabbed the suit and rushed into the sea.


    Soon, a fearsome bat in a black rubber suit emerged from the water.


    As Charles stepped into the sunlight, sizzling sounds came from his body. Though painful, he didn’t burst into flames—the suit worked.


    With this, mobility above would be much better.


    As airships rose and propellers roared, the sky became crowded, casting large shadows over Hope Island.


    Now, there were at least fifty to sixty helicopters and over a hundred airships in the air.


    "Once they’re up, they’ll follow my command, right?" Charles asked the Pope.


    The Pope smiled at the monstrous figure before him. "Of course, child. With such powerful weapons, the outcome is clear regardless of who commands. Huen, relay the order: all ships follow Governor Charles’ command. By the way, I have a question."


    "What?"


    "I heard you came from the Land of Light, is that true?"


    "If I said I came from above, would you believe me?"


    "Of course, I believe you. Don’t you remember? I can tell if someone’s lying."


    Charles’ ears twitched. He warned his crew while retreating. "Everyone, get back! Danger!!"


    As most scattered, a boulder the size of a small mountain fell from the sky, smashing two airships, piercing the grass huts, and crushing those who couldn’t escape in time.