Walking amidst the dilapidated ruins, urged by the sub-key, the Hero blinked, with the objective of the journey surfacing in their mind.
"The location of the Four-winged King, the palace group in the Central Region... the cathedral with murals that my brother mentioned—"
The influx of information tilted the Celestial Scales in her heart, prompting the Hero to purse her lips and hesitantly give an answer.
"Is it... for religious purposes?"
"—Correct!" The Key Changing clapped with a smile, offering a cheerful congratulations.
"As expected of a Hero, you got it right on the first question! The source of this content ɪs noveⅼfire.net
"Then, as a reward, I'll tell you about this lost history."
The tone of the Key Changing lowered slightly, as if mimicking an old scholar on a podium, but it still sounded soft and somewhat pretentiously mysterious.
However, if the village chief grandma were present, she probably wouldn't miss a single word of what came next.
"This Sky City was built as a symbol of religion.
"In the era when humankind was still in ignorance, the Angels, with unparalleled wisdom and strength, built this Floating City, which was considered a miracle by humankind. It stood amidst the clouds, making the humankind below reverently admire and aspire to it from the heart.
"At that time, the Church on the ground held weekly mass ceremonies offering prayers to the Royal City, and residents would pray towards the Floating City in almost every meaningful moment before eating, sleeping, and so forth.
"Back then, humankind sincerely thanked the Angels, as it was the Angels who brought them peace, food, and all happiness and love.
"More importantly, the Angels would guide those recognized by them, as well as the dying believers, to this Floating City to live in a life of ease and comfort until they passed away peacefully, which fortified the world's faith even more."
The Hero listened intently, seemingly able to visualize the scene: devotees bowing towards the divine residence in the sky, with each prayer filled with devotion and each pilgrimage full of longing.
"So, this city was also known at the time as the Heavenly Capital."
The Hero couldn't help but glance around.
The sound of the Magic Cloud's howling was undiminished, with only ruins and broken walls surrounding them, life traces completely vanished, with even weeds failing to grow in this wasteland, where countless deaths and killings recently occurred.
The countless wishes that this land once bore have now turned to dust.
Yet, the Key Changing peacefully stated this fact — this place was once Heaven.
"It's crucial to know that even during the rampant Great Demon era, for the Angel Clan to let such a large target stand securely in the high heavens wasn't an easy task.
"Did the Angels really build such a city out of mere kindness and compassion?"
Is this another riddle? The Hero was about to ask, but the sub-key revealed the answer instead.
"Of course not." The sub-key shook its head, "They didn't build this city to make it a paradise in mortal eyes, but because of their faith.
"The city's primary function was indeed for religious needs, but not for humankind's religion, rather for the Angels'.
"Through this Floating City, the Angels gathered countless lives' faith and gratitude, even the purest thoughts at the brink of death, condensing them into the supreme crystal of Spirit, thus forging a Gate to the true 'Heaven.'
"This city is actually a gigantic altar."
"Altar..." Hearing this somewhat shocking answer, the Hero silently organized her thoughts.
'What altar, speaking nicely, this is just a breeding farm.'
Another self's mocking voice arose.
'I said that birdman wasn't anything good, it's ridiculous for them to expect humankind to lay eggs when they are the ones with wings.'
'You can't say that... and didn't you insult yourself too?' the Hero helplessly replied.
1. About the Divine Knowledge Saintess
2. About the Four-winged King
3. About the Key Changing
10. Great Success/Extreme Failure
Yet, the Hero was not granted much time to ponder, as the sub-key continued:
"Now that you understand the origins of this Royal City, let's discuss the second issue: Goblins."
"Hmm?" The Hero's gaze instantly sharpened.
"Hero, don't clench your fists so tightly, there are none of those lowly Green Skins here..."
After casting a glance at the Hero, a look filled with anger and displeasure transformed on the sub-key's face as it spat out its disgust for the Goblins gritting its teeth.
"Ugh, not good, if this continues, I'll end up wanting to hunt Goblins."
But she naturally shifted her gaze, avoiding the Hero's eyes as her demeanor quickly returned to calm.
"Nonetheless, since you despise Goblins so much, I assume you have some understanding of this magic creature as well?"
"Well then, Hero, listen to the question: Which of the following types of Goblins cannot exist?
"One, an intelligent Goblin.
"Two, a powerful Goblin.
"Three, a kind Goblin.
"Four, a Goblin uninterested in women."
Upon hearing the question, the Hero who had been confident about answering immediately froze and came to a standstill.
"...Is this a multiple-choice question?"
"Single choice." The Key Changing gently shook its head.
"Do you need a hint?"
The Hero struggled for a while, finally shaking her head.
"So, tell me your answer then?"