So, the contract must be upgraded, from cooperation to a coercive master-servant relationship.
Wayne above, the clergy below, once the contract is reached, the clergy would be able to invoke the Stigmata by borrowing the powers of an Angel.
In this case, whether it’s genuine or not will be clear at a glance!
"If you had this convenient method, why didn’t you use it just now?" Wayne wondered, almost flipping the table if not for the decent meals.
Talk about reasoning, it was you who stubbornly refused to admit it, forcing me to use this tactic!
Gunther was dissatisfied internally, but didn’t utter a single complaint, enthusiastically saying, "The Holy See has a nun with the Holy Spirit Physique, quite suitable for signing the contract, I’ll call her over right now."
Gunther’s actions, aside from gathering evidence to prevent Wayne from quibbling, had another consideration.
He could tell that Wayne, knowing full well he was an Angel yet refusing to admit it, had a somewhat affectation-prone personality. Angels, understandable; the one signed to the contract was also hard to communicate with.
Really foul-tempered!
In such circumstances, it was tough for the Holy See to command Wayne, as the latter had an independent will and couldn’t be cultivated as a mere enforcer; force would only embarrass both parties.
But not using an Angel at all was a waste and went against the interests of the Holy See.
It’s different with a clergy member signing the contract.
Clergy are easy to control; a call of justice, and they charge ahead eagerly without the Holy See having to say much.
Wayne, unaware of Gunther’s wishful thinking, and even if he knew, didn’t care, it was a waste of effort. There were no Stigmata to speak of, he asked, "Can this master-servant contract be torn up, and won’t be eternally binding, right?"
"It can be torn up, but the Golden Rule is fair and just; its witnessing is no trivial matter. The agreement of both parties is required, and the servant must pay a certain price to cancel it," Gunther honestly replied.
This contract is precisely for controlling unmanageable Angels.
Bring the power to me!
Wayne nodded, as long as it wasn’t his loss that mattered, pointing at Mona he said, "Forget the nun with the Holy Spirit Physique, let’s make it quick. She looks pretty good to me."
Mona froze for a moment, then was inwardly overjoyed. Her master finally acknowledged her identity.
Gunther pondered for a moment. Mona didn’t have the Holy Spirit Physique and couldn’t receive more Angelic power; signing a contract with her seemed wasteful. Yet seeing Wayne looking impatient, he gritted his teeth and confirmed the choice.
Mona was talented, devout in faith, hardworking, and tireless. Most importantly, she was easy to control.
"Not okay? If not, I’ll leave."
"Very much okay, her mind bears your thoughts, which simplifies one step, nothing could be more suitable," said Gunther.
Wayne blinked, it seemed to be the case, boldly stating, "I don’t know what you’re talking about. I never planted any thoughts in her. If there are any... it must be a coincidence."
"I think so too, too coincidental," Gunther nodded solemnly.
Wayne fell silent, never expecting a casual experiment to boomerang back on himself.
No, he wasn’t wrong; he did it to protect Mona. If there was a mistake, it could only be the fault of the Thousand-Eyed Demon.
Mona, excited, came before Wayne and, as requested by Gunther, knelt down on one knee.
"Mona, do you wish to become..."
Wayne: What’s the rush, the Archbishop hasn’t finished speaking yet!
The contract resembled a proposal, but Mona hadn’t brought an engagement ring, and Wayne’s hand simply rested on her head.
Gunther unsealed the hidden thoughts within Mona, which immediately sprang to life; simultaneously, Mona heard her master’s voice again.
The voice was as close as if the person was right in front of her, solid proof that Wayne=Bruce=Angel.
He’s really an Angel, indelibly so.
"It still can be whitewashed!"
Wayne, gritting his teeth, urged Gunther to start the contract ritual. The facts wouldn’t lie, justice was in people’s hearts, and once no Stigmata appeared on Mona, he would be vindicated.
Meanwhile, he also committed to dissolving the contract to give Mona her freedom back.
As Gunther began to recite the complex and ancient contract incantations, the Golden Rule Bible slowly floated up, hovering above Wayne and Mona.
Intense Holy Light shone down, activating the thoughts within Mona, eliciting a response in Wayne. He as master above, Mona as servant beneath.
A searing sensation came again, Wayne switched modes, the surging Holy Force was vented, its purity and flawlessness amazed Gunther; it was indeed the glow only an Angel possessed.
The Bible captured the essence of the Golden Rule, recognizing Wayne as master, stripping away part of Mona’s thoughts to be restrained by him. Through this connection, Mona could draw on the Golden Rule Holy Intent within Wayne.
A golden halo materialized as a phantom, wedging tightly and locking in place; the master-servant contract was officially achieved.
Mona’s face shown with piety, her eyes flickering from silver to gold, her aura skyrocketing, and a pair of white wings unfolded behind her.
Breaking through the silver realm, straight into the Golden Domain, the back of her lifted hand bore faint Stigmata, which deepened until fully formed.
Where did those Stigmata come from, borrowed from him? How was he unaware?
Wayne watched, dumbstruck, and after a long while, cursed: