They traveled through various human cities and monster forests before finally reaching the Sanctum Aurea.
There was no problem with the journey except for some monsters who occasionally ambushed them. However, with the Holy Knights, they were easily taken care of.
"Sir Jester, thank you once again! I couldn't have lived without your help!'
"No need to worry about that. I did what I had to do. Anyway, be careful on your way."
Christian and his team bid goodbye to Zero and the Saintess group.
Christian and his team were going to a different location than Saintess'. Although Christian would like to stay together and look after Adeline, Sanctum Aurea does not allow outsiders. He has to return back to his La-Minings territory for now.
As for Zero, Saintess Amelia said that she could give him access to the Sanctum Aurea as a guest. With her status, it was nothing that difficult, especially considering that he saved her.
As Zero made his way through the Sanctum Aurea, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the grandeur of the place. The Sanctum Aurea was the sacred place where the Holy Knights and Goddess devotees gathered to worship and train. It was a massive complex that spanned several acres, with towering spires, sprawling courtyards, and winding corridors.
The Sanctum Aurea was a place of great significance to the Holy Knights and other members of the church, and only the most devout and skilled members were allowed to enter. The training and discipline required to become qualified enough were rigorous, and only those who showed exceptional skill and dedication were accepted into their ranks.
As Zero made his way through the complex, he saw Holy Knights, each one adorned in shining armor and carrying a weapon of their choice. There were also many priests meditating on the ground.
The Sanctum Aurea was also home to some of the most advanced magical technology in the world. The Holy Knights had access to powerful spells and enchantments that were capable of protecting entire cities from harm.
They also had access to vast libraries filled with ancient tomes and scrolls, which contained the knowledge and wisdom of the greatest mages and scholars who had ever lived.
Zero was particularly impressed by the Sanctum Aurea's grand cathedral, which was the centerpiece of the complex. The cathedral was a massive structure with towering pillars and soaring arches, all adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes. The altar at the front of the cathedral was made of pure gold, and it sparkled in the dim light of the candles that lined the walls.
As Zero walked through the cathedral, he felt a sense of peace and tranquility wash over him. He had never been a religious person, but there was something about the Sanctum Aurea that made him feel like he was in the presence of something greater than himself.
However, despite that, there was also a sense of great anger from inside him. He hated this kind of hypocritical organization and felt anger in his heart. It was the Emperor Of Destruction's hatred!
His other self had fought fiercely against the Church for many years. The Church in his world was supported by angels and gods, however, he managed to make them submit to him after the course of many years.
Anyway, these memories made it difficult for him to fully appreciate the Sanctum Aurea's beauty and grandeur. He couldn't help but feel a sense of disgust at the hypocrisy and corruption that he believed lay beneath the surface of the church.
He wondered whether it was the same for the church of this world. Thinking about the possibility, it was not impossible as the bigger the organization, the more greedy they are for more power.
It was also one of the main reasons that Zero decided to accompany Saintess Amelia. To find out whether she would be safe here or not.
"You don't look good? Are you okay?"
Adeline asked. She seemed to sense the discomfort that Zero had of the church. For Zero, who has mastery over Dark Energy, even though Holy Energy doesn't affect his power, it seems to affect his mood.
Zero answered. He got hold of himself and contained the hatred of the Emperor Of Destruction. Adeline didn't ask for anything further.
Saintess Amelia said. She led the Holy Knights and entered the Sanctum Aurea. The Holy Knights guarding the place didn't stop her as they knew who she was. Nobody who serves the church wouldn't know who Amelia is.
There were lots of people chatting when they saw Saintess Amelia. Some were happily pointing their fingers at Saintess while others were excited and looking at her. Some even went to the extent of kneeling in front of her.
For them, the Saintess is the person closest to the Goddess. Seeing a Saintess is almost equivalent to seeing the Goddess.
Saintess Amelia just smiled and waved at them.
As they walked deeper into the Sanctum Aurea, the crowds began to thin out, and they entered a quieter and more peaceful part of the complex. The walls were lined with stained-glass windows, which let in streams of colorful light that danced across the floor.
They arrived at a large silver door, which was guarded by two heavily armed Holy Knights. Saintess Amelia exchanged a few words with them, and they nodded and stepped aside, allowing her to enter.
Inside the room, Zero saw a large circular table with several chairs around it. Saintess Amelia took her seat at the head of the table, and the Holy Knight who had accompanied them stood guard at the door.
"Welcome, Zero. Please have a seat."
Saintess Amelia said, gesturing towards one of the chairs.
Zero took a seat and looked around the room. The walls were lined with bookshelves, and there were several maps and charts spread out on the table. It seemed was some kind of meeting room.
"Thank you for allowing me access to the Sanctum Aurea, Saintess Amelia."
"It was the least I could do. You helped us in our time of need, and for that, we are grateful. Rather I should thank you for accompanying me."
Saintess Amelia said. She talked with Zero for a bit, explaining the history and different places in the Sanctum Aurea. The servant also brought tea for them.
"I should probably go and report to the pope."
Saintess Amelia said before standing up to leave.
However, before she left, the door to the room was busted open. Entering was a woman with many followers. She appeared to be some kind of priest with a very high ranking.
Saintess Amelia's expression changed and she doesn't seem to welcome the guest.
Zero observed the situation with interest, wondering who this woman was and why her sudden appearance seemed to have unsettled Saintess Amelia. He watched as the woman strode confidently towards the table and took a seat in one of the chairs.
"Greetings, Saintess Amelia. I hope you don't mind me dropping in at your meeting with the gentleman."
The woman said with a smirk.
"What do you want, Priestess Helena?"
Saintess Amelia asked, her tone cold and clipped.
"Oh, nothing much. Just thought I'd come and see what all the fuss is about. After all, you don't often invite outsiders into the Sanctum Aurea."
Priestess Helena said, her eyes flickering over to Zero.
"He saved my life, and I felt it was only right to extend my gratitude and offer him a chance to see our sacred halls."
Saintess Amelia replied, her voice still icy.
"Of course, of course. No need to get defensive, my dear. I'm just here to pay my respects."
Priestess Helena said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Zero could sense the tension between the two women, and he wondered what their relationship was. It seemed clear that there was some kind of power struggle going on within the church.
"And also the pope is asking for you to come! And no outsider is allowed as you know!"
Saintess Amelia turned around to check for Zero's status. She didn't want to leave Zero alone as he might be bullied or made uncomfortable by Priestess Helena.
However, Zero was casually drinking his tea without any change in his expression. He didn't seem to even bother to be wary of Priest Helena even with all those followers following her. He didn't seem to care who Helena was.
She only felt stupid for worrying about Zero. Zero is a guy who would even infuriate her who is a Saintess, not to mention a priestess. As for being beaten by them, it was impossible as she knew how strong Zero was. It would already be good if Zero didn't bully them.
Since Zero didn't seem uncomfortable, Saintess Amelia decided to go and meet the Pope.
"Sir Jester, I would be going. Call the servant if you need anything."
Saintess Amelia went away. Priestess Helena watched her go with a smirk. And then her attention shifted towards Zero.