-1524- I suddenly remembered....

Perhaps to prevent collapse, the entire underground city was covered with reinforced material, the same as the armor used on airships.

Countless lighting fixtures were embedded in the ceiling, illuminating the entire underground space.

The appearance of the buildings was predominantly white.

This was likely to make the residents here less conscious of the fact that they were living underground, cut off from the sun.

Rozen could see a significant amount of spiritual energy flowing throughout the underground city, indicating that the people here were living well.

However, why were these people living here in the first place?

Although this environment seemed to be well-developed, living underground was far from comfortable. Food supplies would often be scarce, and people would easily suffer from endocrine disorders caused by a lack of sunlight. This underground city was not suitable for long-term living, so most people likely resided here out of necessity.

If that was the case, why were they still living here?

Rozen began to ponder.

Perhaps sensing Rozen's question, a now calm River stepped forward.

"This underground city was originally built during an emergency in Vebel, intended to provide a refuge for Her Holiness the Pope and important officials," River explained.

"However, after the rise of Zeth's faction and the discovery of humanoid Armored Beetles, this place became the refuge for the Pope and those allied with him."

Upon hearing this, Rozen understood.

Just as Zeth viewed the Pope as an obstacle to his ambitions, there were undoubtedly many others within the human race that Zeth considered threats, or individuals who had learned about the humanoid Armored Beetles and other secrets, making them targets for Zeth's elimination.

These people were now being protected by the Pope's faction, hidden away here, alongside the Pope, evading Zeth's grasp.

Additionally, this place likely housed people who were aware of its existence.

Whether they knew about it beforehand or found out unintentionally, those who had learned things they shouldn't have couldn't be allowed to live freely outside. Naturally, the Pope's faction couldn't let them continue living out in the open.

This explained why so many humans were living here.

It also explained why River had such a strong reaction when Rozen discovered this place.

To keep this place hidden, the Pope's faction had gone to great lengths, and even Zeth's forces were still searching for the Pope, groping around like headless chickens. Yet Rozen had found this place with ease, prompting River's strong reaction.

Perhaps among those who had gone missing in Vebel, some were captured by Zeth's forces for experiments, while others were brought here.

And it seemed that those living here were not just ordinary humans.

Rozen's mind raced with thoughts.

But for now, none of that mattered.

There was only one thing that mattered at the moment.

"Take me to the Pope," Rozen said to River.

River, of course, did not refuse.

"That was my purpose in reaching out to you," River said, activating his flight magic and heading forward.

Rozen likewise used flight magic, following beside River as they slowly flew forward.

Their destination was a luxurious palace situated within the underground city.

"This is Her Holiness the Pope's residence—Aries Palace," River said, landing on the roof and looking toward Rozen, who also descended.

"Her Holiness the Pope currently resides here. This is also where a few of his most trusted aides live. If I'm around, I stay here too. Moreover, someone you know is also here."

As River spoke, he subtly observed Rozen's reaction.

However, Rozen showed no sign of surprise.

It was as if he already knew who River was referring to.

And indeed, that was the case.

"Let's go inside," Rozen said indifferently, taking the lead and walking toward the palace.

Seeing this, River clicked his tongue quietly and followed.

…

Aries Palace, Audience Hall.

When Rozen, led by River, arrived here, the first thing he saw was a perplexing scene.

"Say, should I sit on the throne, make Rorelai Arneet kneel, thank him for his hard work and dedication, and then gently persuade him to join us in gratitude? How does that sound?"

The one speaking, spouting such ridiculous ideas, was a young girl with almond-shaped eyes and long, straight, waist-length golden hair.

The girl looked no older than a child in elementary school, with delicate features that suggested she would grow into a great beauty. However, her behavior was full of childishness.

Despite this, the girl was dressed in an incredibly ornate outfit, reminiscent of a high priestess or a saint.

And the person the girl was addressing was none other than Rozen's familiar acquaintance, Cris.

"Please, don't do that," Cris, clad in her Mistgun formal student uniform, responded with a troubled expression.

Indeed, the humanoid Armored Beetle Cris was here, in the underground city, within the Pope's Aries Palace, sighing as she addressed the little girl sitting on the throne, who was striking what she considered to be majestic poses.

"That person isn't someone you can bully easily. Not to mention, he's made significant contributions to humanity. If you make a hero of humanity kneel, you might end up angering him," Cris cautioned.

Upon hearing Cris's words, the young girl puffed out her cheeks.

"But I'm the Pope, the supreme ruler of the floating city of Vebel and the entire human race. Isn't it only natural for people to kneel before me?"

The young girl said something astonishing.

"That's true, but..." Cris hesitated.

The two of them continued to chat nonchalantly like this in the Audience Hall.

At the door, Rozen's mouth twitched as he stared at the young girl, puffing out her cheeks and trying her best to look regal. He recalled her self-proclaimed title as the Pope and felt an overwhelming urge to turn around and leave.

Even River's eye twitched uncontrollably.

The two exchanged a glance.

And then...

"I suddenly remembered something I need to do. I'm leaving," Rozen said, turning to leave.

"W-Wait!" River immediately lunged to stop him.