"Is someone casting the Rain Summoning spell?" Bishop Michael also caught sight of the raindrops outside the window, and it was evident to him that someone was deliberately invoking the spell.

  "Perhaps it is Puffman summoning the rain... However, for a rainfall of such magnitude, it would have been proper for him to notify the Church and the royal family in advance. Puffman is being rather imprudent..." Terence, the Chief Judge beside him, furrowed his brows in displeasure.

  "We shall inquire about this matter later. Terence, have you ascertained the recent movements of the Black Sheep Heretics within the city? The Pope has written to us for the second time today," Michael inquired solemnly, as he leafed through a letter in his hand.

  Terence shook his head."These heretical scourges are deeply entrenched and well-hidden. It is a pity that all we retrieved that day was a corpse. Had there been a survivor, we might have been able to uncover more valuable clues."

  "Do not disappoint the Pope, Terence. The Ruby has already sent disconcerting news from the Northwest Wasteland. Those individuals are beginning to stir restlessly," Michael said, rapping his knuckles on the table.

  "What? How could it be so soon?" Terence exclaimed, slightly taken aback.

  Terence was well aware of the Ruby. It was a specialized investigative team of the Church, codenamed Ruby. Its members were all elite among elites, including priests, warriors, magicians, and others, forming a team of precisely twelve individuals.

  They had been nurtured with the Church's most superior resources and were equipped with the highest quality armaments. They were also the Church's designated successors of future heroes, each possessing strength at the Silver level or above.

  As far as he knew, the Ruby had been conducting investigative missions in the vicinity of the Doomsday Volcano. Its primary objective was to monitor the movements of the Demon Race and report back to the Church in real time.

  Michael nodded, his brows knitted tightly."Freund, one of the Ten Great Demon Kings, has begun to secretly amass his forces. An unceasing stream of demons is emerging from the molten lava. Although there are no clear indications of a southward advance yet, the Beastman Tribes, neighbors of the Demon Race, have started to gather a substantial number of troops, as if they have received some sort of command."

  "It is not uncommon for the Beastmen to invade human territories in the south each winter. What truly concerns us is the movements of the Demon King," Terence remarked.

  "No, this time is different, Terence."

  "In what way?"

  "It appears that the Beastmen have secretly entered into some sort of pact with the Demon Race. The Ruby is currently investigating the specific details. However, it is likely that the pact involves the Beastmen and the Demon Race joining forces with the intention of invading the Aude Continent," Michael said in a grave tone.

  "What about the Subhuman Tribes? What are their recent movements?" Terence posed a crucial question.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  "You know, the Subhuman Tribes have had ideological differences with the Beastmen for many years. The Church's divide-and-conquer strategy has been successfully implemented, and the Subhuman Tribes are more inclined towards the side of light, maintaining a respectful distance from the Demon Race."

  "I maintain a stance of surveillance towards the Subhumans. With half of the Beastmen's blood coursing through their veins, they cannot be entirely trusted," Terence cautioned.

  "I understand your concerns, Terence. However, this situation is different. The Pope has sought a prophecy from the Sun God, and the prophecy has been successfully bestowed. Although His Holiness the Pope cannot disclose the content of the prophecy explicitly, the recent actions of the Church as a whole have made it clear that a great war is imminent! Terence, we need to unite all available forces, even the Subhumans," Michael said, handing the letter in his hand to Terence.

  Terence took the letter and his expression shifted slightly upon reading it."Suffering is on the horizon. Perhaps this is a trial left for us by the Mother Goddess."

  "Then, Teacher Green, Mr. President, we shall take our leave for now," Kenley said, bowing to the two who stood there as if turned to stone.

  "Wait, young man, you cannot depart in such haste!" Puffman seemed to snap out of a trance upon hearing Kenley's voice, as if what he had just witnessed was as illusory as a dream.

  "What is the matter, Mr. President?" Kenley asked, looking puzzled.

  Green interjected,"You! Do you have any idea what you have just done?"

  "What exactly do you mean?" Kenley asked, a look of bewilderment on his face.

  "You..." Green was about to speak when Puffman cut her off."Green, hold your tongue!"

  Then Puffman said,"Young man, I have something to give you, and you must keep it with you at all times! Without fail!" With that, he produced a stone that sparkled with a purple hue and thrust it into Kenley's hand.

  "The Philosopher's Stone?" Kenley exclaimed, startled. Green stared at the stone in disbelief, and Tia covered her mouth in surprise.

  "Mr. President, this is far too precious. I cannot accept it!" Kenley immediately objected.

  "No, you must accept it, young man," Puffman said, pushing the stone firmly into Kenley's grasp.

  "I do not understand, Mr. President," Kenley said, furrowing his brows.

  "The ancient prophecy goes thus: Only he who brings a tempest to this world can put an end to the suffering wrought by the twisted gold. Young man, I am certain that one day you will come to understand," Puffman said, his eyes filled with unwavering resolve.

  "This prophecy is..." Kenley paused, taken aback. He seemed to have heard this prophecy somewhere before. Why did it sound so familiar?

  "Accept it, young man. The suffering of the world is like the reflection in a lake. Even if you know that this may be a hopeless war," Puffman said, his gaze resolute.

  Kenley remained silent. He felt the firmness and conviction in Puffman's eyes. Puffman, who had endured countless years, had an unknown lifespan. It was rumored that Puffman had existed since the Second Age. His words held a hidden significance...

  "Very well... I will do everything in my power to understand the true meaning of the prophecy," Kenley said, finally accepting the stone.

  [The Philosopher's Stone· Holy Relic]

  [Attributes:???(Unable to be identified)]

  [Description: Among all beings in the world who understand the magical elements, none do not yearn to possess it. By obtaining it, you shall wield formidable power.]

  Green cleared her throat. She could never have imagined that Puffman would bestow such a precious item as the Philosopher's Stone upon Kenley. There were only twenty-seven such stones in existence, and there would be no more.

  According to legend, when the Mother Goddess witnessed her children's suffering in the world, she wept twenty-seven tears of sorrow. These twenty-seven tears became the Philosopher's Stones. It was said that by possessing a Philosopher's Stone, one could gain access to boundless magical power. For any professional capable of manipulating the elements, the Philosopher's Stone was a sacred object beyond their wildest dreams.

  A glimmer flashed in Kenley's eyes. Suddenly, the tear slot on his character attribute interface changed from 0 out of 27 to 1 out of 27.

  "Could it be that the Philosopher's Stone is what the tear slot represents? Indeed, the Philosopher's Stone is said to be the tear of the Mother Goddess," Kenley mused.