Countless people gathered in the square beneath the Pure White High Tower, dressed in their cleanest, brightest white clothes. Their gazes were devout, eyes fixed unblinkingly upon the tower.
"O God, please protect Annie and grant her a peaceful recovery."
"My beloved God, please let my child return safely from that forest!"
"O God..."
Countless prayers and pleas rose spontaneously from the crowd.
Hidden among the masses, Qiong looked up and asked softly, "God, are You listening?"
Mu Ran smiled. "With so many voices, even a god wouldn't be able to keep up, right?" He turned to look at Qiong, his eyes curving. "Rather than continuing to pray to a god, it’s better to first break the rigid 'fate' written in those books."
Qiong was slightly startled and was about to ask more when the deafening sound of a bell rang out.
*Dong—*
*Dong—*
*Dong—*
The Grand Ceremony had begun.
The moment the Holy Son appeared, clad in white robes and holding a golden scepter, the crowd below erupted. Just as they were about to scream and cheer as they always had, they were met with a flat, cold glance from the Holy Son.
The crowd fell silent instantly, unsure of how to react. After a moment, people began to murmur incoherent exclamations:
"As expected of... the Holy Son!"
"Truly worthy of being the Holy Son!"
"So this is the Holy Son..."
Among the onlookers, Enoch had been listless, but as the Holy Son turned around, he watched the man’s upright silhouette, and his expression gradually tightened.
That... that silhouette!
Carlos had the same reaction. His first instinct was to turn and look at Mu Ran, but after receiving a feigned look of innocence from the boy, he suppressed his outward emotions. He stared intently at the Holy Son, his eyes unblinking as he fought back his shock.
Did they actually succeed?
Could it be...
Meanwhile, atop the high tower—
"Now, you should attempt to commune with God," a nun in pristine white clothes said respectfully to the System.
The accompanying Bishop, Lance, spoke with a neutral expression. "Nothing has succeeded in the past few hundred years. You needn't worry; it doesn't matter if you fail." After a pause, he added mockingly, "In any case, those old fogies have already shown you what you're supposed to say later."
The youth’s expression remained unchanged. "Understood."
For some reason, Lance felt extremely irritable. However, knowing he could not act out during the Grand Ceremony, he merely turned his ring impatiently.
The System carried the golden scepter to the highest point and closed his eyes as the bell tolled. He didn't care about "talking to God"; he only cared that the intended effect of his plan was achieved.
But now, he inexplicably felt something.
【—】
【Child—】
"Oh—!"
"Heavens—!!"
Exclamations of shock rose from the people below the tower, and the other clergy members inside the tower couldn't help but stand up. The golden symbols originally embedded in the white walls were now glowing as if they were alive.
God...
Countless citizens spontaneously knelt, bowing their heads devoutly toward the high tower.
In this sea of kneeling people, Mu Ran’s group became incredibly conspicuous. But no one had the energy to pay them any mind.
The crowned King felt a shock to his soul. He couldn't help but touch the top of his head, only breathing a sigh of relief when he confirmed the crown was still there. The nobles were shaken to their core, prostrating themselves deeply without regard for decorum, their hearts racing. Bishop Lance stood up abruptly, his emerald eyes locked onto the Holy Son who had his eyes closed. The other bishops kept their heads down, but cold sweat broke out imperceptibly on their foreheads...
Mu Ran was somewhat surprised.
It actually worked?
Could it be that some plot point condition was met, so even with the System standing in that position, the story began to play out?
*Heh,* it seems the identity flaws I intentionally exposed a few days ago were indeed noticed by the protagonist's party!
Mu Ran’s eyes curved as he nudged the still-dazed Qiong.
"Qiong, go ask."
Qiong was dazed for a moment, but after meeting those calm, crimson eyes, she regained her resolve. She nodded slowly. "Alright."
Dressed in black, Qiong slowly stepped into the center of the square. Amidst the sea of white and stillness, she was undoubtedly striking.
The people, gradually coming to their senses, began to whisper.
Those who didn't know Qiong: "Who is she? Why is she wearing black? This is a sign of disrespect to the Ceremony!"
Commoners who knew Qiong: "Ah! It’s the devout and gentle Lady Saintess! But why is she...?"
Believers who knew Qiong: "Qiong? She actually came to the Ceremony... Wait, what’s with that outfit!?"
Guards tried to step forward to stop her, but they were held back by commoners.
"What...! You dare stop me!!" one guard shouted, only to be dragged away by a large, scarred, and wrinkled hand covering his mouth.
Qiong came to a halt in the center of the square and looked up. Her nails dug deep into her palms; the stinging pain helped her forget the hesitation she felt moments ago. But when she opened her mouth, she was momentarily lost for words, not knowing how to make her voice heard.
A bishop atop the tower warned, "Qiong! What do you think you're doing? This is the Grand Ceremony!!"
This warning actually made Qiong smile. Her voice finally found its strength. "I wish to... question God!"
"I ask Him: Does He truly watch over the children and the elderly who die in the wind and snow?"
"I ask Him: Has He ever punished the corruption and sins that have plagued the Church?"
"I ask Him: Does He truly care about those—"
*Whish—*
Qiong’s words were interrupted by silver projectiles thrown by the bishops. She tilted her head; severed black hair fell along with a drop of blood from her cheek.
The bishops spoke with warning in their voices: "You were raised and nurtured by the Church!"
Qiong smiled as she spoke. "I feel ashamed because of it."
"The rest of my life will be spent atoning for the evils I unintentionally participated in and the justice that was absent."
The moisture on her cheek was a mixture of tears and blood. Yet, she spoke calmly: "But today, let me finish my questions."
As she spoke, Qiong sensed several people suddenly appearing around her, and her expression faltered.
Loria was furious. "Those old geezers actually launched a sneak attack! Disgusting! Truly disgusting!"
Ronald summoned his spirit; the giant dog bared its teeth, staring at the bishops with ill intent.
Erwin spread his hands. "Sorry~ but I’m very protective of my teammates!"
Carlos summoned his swimming fish, their movements gentle as they healed the wound on Qiong’s face.
Mu Ran looked at Qiong, his expression tender. "Continue, Qiong."
Thus, the bishops could only watch helplessly as Qiong finished her questions with a firm voice. From the sins of remote border towns to the dealings between the nobility and the monarchy... how could these possibly be answered!
But as they looked at the Holy Son, who remained calm throughout, their hearts settled slightly. Only the Holy Son could communicate with God. This madwoman’s words would never reach God’s ears anyway! Besides, their authority wasn't built in a day; how could it be destroyed by a single person?
Just as they were thinking this, a masked youth in the square suddenly looked up and removed the mask from his face.
"Lord~ Holy~ Son~!"
The youth’s eyes curved. Under everyone’s gaze, he shouted cheerfully and loudly, "Help us pass on a message~!"
To everyone’s horrified eyes, the Holy Son, who had his eyes closed, gave a slight nod.
The Church and the Royal Family went mad:
"What are you doing!? Stop!!"
"Lance Adam!! Look at the person you chose! Stop him quickly!"
"Why hasn't anyone dragged them down yet!!"
The clergy members inside the tower who still had their wits about them tried to rush up to stop the Holy Son, but they suddenly felt a terrifying wave of heat. Tongues of fire spread from the top down, lunging at them like demons intent on devouring everything.
"Heavens—!!"
The high tower was on fire!
The citizens had already looked up during these successive spectacles; now, they could only gasp wave after wave at the events unfolding. Their minds were blown blank by the massive influx of information.
The team members looked at the burning tower in a daze. Only the survivors of the Northern Tower, hidden among the crowd, trembled at this familiar and ancient scene.
Enoch turned to look at Mu Ran, who had revealed his true face. His expression was dazed. "Are you... that Highness?"
Mu Ran’s eyes flickered slightly.
Which one? Highness?
Whatever. Since it’s a ready-made Northern Tower identity card, I’ll take it! Maybe I can even fool the World Consciousness that’s watching this.
"Shh." Mu Ran’s eyes curved, his expression mysterious and playful. "Don't expose someone's identity so quickly."
Enoch’s breath nearly stopped. His finger trembled as he pointed toward the Holy Son listening to the divine oracle atop the tower. "Then, that person is...?"
Mu Ran continued to nod with perfect composure.
[Mu Ran: I feel like he’s filled in some incredible backstories for the two of us.]
[Mu Ran: I wonder if the World Consciousness can fill in the gaps to that extent...]
[System: It’s about to end.]
Mu Ran hadn't expected to get a reply from the System.
[Mu Ran: Ehhh! Aren't you communicating with God?]
[System: The 'God' of this world is, in my eyes, merely a string of preset data.]
[System: Thanks to your efforts within the protagonist's party, its port is now completely open.]
[Mu Ran: !! So you're?]
[System: I am rewriting some of its fundamental settings. It’s a bit troublesome.]
[System: Conveniently, the things that Northern Tower survivor is thinking can be used to fill the loopholes.]
[System: I must continue.]
After all the clergy members inside the tower had scrambled out of the sea of fire in a pathetic state, the Holy Son finally opened those cold, azure eyes. Everyone’s breath hitched at his next words.
"God has failed in His duty and has failed all living beings."
"He shall sleep here eternally, and He shall fall here."
The Holy Son raised the golden scepter, his arms entwined by tongues of flame.
"God grants authority to the Holy Son, and the Holy Son returns the fate of all living beings to the people."
He let go.
The golden scepter, symbol of divine right, fell from the high tower and shattered heavily upon the square. Countless swirling points of light erupted from the broken scepter, vanishing into the air. At the same moment, those initial golden, holy runes crumbled and were annihilated in an instant.
God had fallen.
Under the gaze of ten thousand people.
As everyone held their breath, Mu Ran turned his head to look at Carlos, speaking with a silent smile:
"Are you satisfied with our results?"
"Never, never have you needed to confine yourself to so-called fate."
"You don't need to either."
Carlos was shaken to his core. The surging torrent within his heart almost smashed the cage that had once trapped the grey bird.
—No, it had already smashed it.
The grey bird broke free from the water prison, shook the filth from its wingtips, and transformed into a white bird. After a long cry, it vanished into the sky.
"Little White..." Erwin murmured in disbelief, watching helplessly as his own spirit uncontrollably chased after the grey bird that had suddenly appeared. He turned to look at Carlos, the shock in his eyes nearly overwhelming the other man.
*Click—*
*Click—*
Mu Ran raised his hand, and the System lowered his head.
The shackles were broken.
This proved that the plot of this world had been drastically overturned, which also meant they could make their getaway!
Mu Ran’s eyes curved. He glanced at Enoch, then looked at the Holy Son atop the tower, suddenly speaking with a laugh: "Since God has fallen, then the so-called royal power has also lost its sanctity, hasn't it?"
The Holy Son’s voice was flat. "Correct."
The Royal Family couldn't sit still. Just as they were about to stop this conversation between the two who were clearly acting in concert, they discovered that the guards beside them had changed faces.
"Be quiet." The Northern Tower survivors, their faces covered in burn scars, gazed intently at the two figures above and below the tower. Their hands, however, were merciless as they pressed sharp blades against the royals' necks, forcing them to shut up unwillingly.
Mu Ran’s smile deepened. "So, since royal power has lost its sanctity, then anyone can seize this golden crown."
He turned to face the crowd, meeting pair after pair of anxious yet secretly expectant eyes.
"Royal power seized through blood and war can naturally be taken away."
"Only a monarch who truly loves their people can keep the crown upon their head."
"So..."
The people’s heartbeats gradually reached a peak along with the youth’s words. But Mu Ran’s next words were directed at the well-prepared Northern Tower survivors.
"Go! Go and take the ignoble crowns from the heads of the oppressors!"
"Nothing can oppress you anymore!"
Looking at the unrestrained and vivid youth and hearing his call, Enoch suppressed a sob and answered loudly, "Yes! Your Highness!"
The Northern Tower survivors in the crowd also answered loudly, "Yes! Your Highness!"
Some bewildered ordinary citizens were caught up in the atmosphere and actually began to shout as well.
The King tremblingly reached for his head again, but this time, at the slightest touch, the crown fell right off and rolled onto the ground.
Everyone saw it. The last shred of dignity of royal power had vanished.
"Oh—!"
The crowd suddenly gasped again, for the high tower engulfed in flames was swaying, seemingly about to collapse. At the same moment, they realized: the Holy Son was still up there—!
In the next instant, a grey wolf with smooth fur appeared before them.
Mu Ran rubbed the grey wolf’s head. "Go~ come with me to save your master."
Amidst the approaching scorching heat, the rabbit was the first to give up. With a powerful kick of its legs, it escaped the System’s embrace and jumped into a water vapor barrier that carried a slight chill.
Rabbit: *QAQ Waaaah, if I were any slower, I’d be a cooked rabbit... Huh, where are my masters?*
The rabbit and the grey wolf looked at each other, then turned to look back.
The System followed a step behind, dropping down slowly. A startled Mu Ran quickly condensed a water vapor bubble large enough for two people and caught him.
"So hot, so hot..." Mu Ran hurriedly pressed the cool back of his hand against the System’s face, attempting some physical cooling.
It didn't seem like enough. Should he press closer?
Other places seemed to have cooled down, but the back of the cheeks and the ears were still very hot.
Mu Ran, attempting to check the temperature with his forehead, was stopped by the System. "You..."
Mu Ran was confused. "Hmm?"
The System turned his head, his voice tight. "We’re about to land. Don't worry about me; wrap things up."
Mu Ran leaned against the System. "It’s fine, we can leave now. I don't want to be called 'Highness' or anything. It would be bad if my cover was blown!"
He looked at the people below, who seemed both enlightened and confused. His eyes curved. "What happens next depends on them~ We only opened the lock for them."
...
The high tower collapsed in the next second.
Flames devoured the last symbol of divine right.
And the Twin Stars who had subverted everything vanished amidst the embrace of fire and spring water.
Perhaps a long time later, people would still repeatedly recall this incredible Grand Ceremony. After that day, there were no more gods and no more royal power in the world.
People were no longer bound by so-called "fate"; they possessed all unknowns and all possibilities.
Just like the grey bird that had suddenly appeared in the square that day, breaking free from its water prison to soar through the sky, people blessed one another with joy and happiness:
In this new world of freedom, equality, romance, and infinite possibilities, fly to your heart's content!
Rejoice for the pure fragrance of the lilies of the valley!
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 纯白高塔 | Pure White High Tower | The central religious and political landmark. |
| 神子 | Holy Son | Also translated as Divine Son; the System's current role. |
| 大典 | Grand Ceremony | The major event where the Holy Son communicates with God. |
| 兰斯·亚当 | Lance Adam | A Bishop of the Church. |
| 灵体 | Spirit | The manifestation of a character's inner power/soul. |
| 北塔遗民 | Northern Tower survivors | People from a suppressed faction/location. |
| 双星 | Twin Stars | A prophecy term referring to two influential figures. |
| 权杖 | Scepter | The symbol of divine authority. |
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