Into the Night
Mithra led Nino and Nie Hong to where the darkness aura was strongest.
They arrived at a bustling area of protestors.
However, there were no obvious signs of darkness; Mithra's exceptional sensitivity to darkness confirmed her suspicions.
"Mithra, is there anything significant here?" Nie Hong and Nino, unsure of her intentions, scanned the area.
Mithra didn't answer, but after a moment, recalled a Miracle.
Twilight.
She activated the Miracle, specifically for detecting Eternal Night rifts, and the surroundings blurred into a twilight scene.
The large crowd of protestors seemed to swirl like a chaotic mass.
Mithra quickly spotted a barely visible Eternal Night rift on the side of the road.
"Nino, was there a Xyrin node here?" Mithra asked.
"No. The historical locations of Xyrin nodes have changed little; there haven't been any shifts in recent years," Nino replied immediately.
Mithra nodded.
Theoretically, this Eternal Night rift wasn't blocked by a Xyrin node, but rather opened due to other reasons.
Currently, it was barely visible; no monsters had emerged, implying it wasn't yet connected to this location.
But the rift was expanding, and the darkness within was intensifying.
It was only a matter of time before the rift fully opened.
"Seal off the area," Mithra instructed.
"Why?" Nino asked.
"We might find clues leading to the mastermind. The sooner we act, the better," Mithra replied.
The aura hadn't spread long; the rift had just been opened; the culprit might still be nearby.
Though Mithra didn't explain, Nino took the mention of the mastermind seriously, giving orders to seal off the area immediately.
However, there weren't many guards present. As they attempted to forcefully secure the area, some believers among the protestors fought back.
"Waste of time," Mithra said before charging forward, pulling out a mace and knocking a civilian believer to the ground.
The believer cried out, clutching a broken arm.
"What are you doing?! The council refuses to negotiate; are you resorting to violence?!"
"No violence! Violence is a sign of weakness…"
Bang!
Mithra knocked another protester down.
"I'm not from Sun City."
Before Nino could react, Nie Hong followed suit, radiating crimson light.
Nie Hong and Mithra swiftly used mass control to subdue many protestors, seamlessly switching to Ki Attraction, redirecting the pull from their hands to the protestors' feet.
With greater skill, a single mass control could force immediate submission.
But this was sufficient; the protestors, unharmed, were forced to kneel.
Only one believer, close to Nie Hong, resisted, breaking free from the control and charging.
As the believer lunged at Nie Hong, he was caught, thrown to the ground by a series of punches.
Nino regained his composure.
Though his views on the public were complex, this wasn't the time for contemplation. He was no longer the chief of the border guard.
"Form a wall of fire, seal off the street!" Nino commanded, his authority still potent.
The guards instantly responded, acting without hesitation.
Whoosh!
Walls of fire sprang up, leaving only an opening behind Nino, which he guarded.
At the sight of the flames, most protestors fell silent.
The tall flames and heat calmed their fervor. Not everyone was a fanatic; many were simply naïve and easily swayed.
Mithra, wielding the Crushing Hammer, moved slowly through the silent crowd. People avoided her; no one dared approach the ruthless killer.
Hunting activated silently.
Mithra replenished Stabilize, mentally urging "dog" to remain calm. The Eternal Night could wait; there was work to be done.
After a brief struggle, "dog" relented, sharing its sense of smell.
Ignoring the strong Eternal Night scent from the rift, she searched the crowd.
Mithra quickly focused on a target, approaching casually before suddenly charging into the crowd, seizing the individual.
The person, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, reacted quickly, launching a fireball.
Mithra, engulfed in flames, endured the blast and caught the individual, smashing her mace into the person's chest.
The figure fell, clutching their chest, almost unconscious.
"Not bad; I didn't hit their head this time. Life saved," Mithra said, turning to Nie Hong, who had arrived, still engulfed in flames.
Nie Hong glanced at the injured person on the ground.
Even without a head injury, delayed treatment could prove fatal.
At least they'd caught a suspect.
Nino immediately had someone treat the suspect. Although their chest was heavily bandaged and in a thick cast, they were still alive.
Mithra and Nie Hong didn't question the suspect's identity.
After the fire died down, the protestors scattered. Mithra and Nie Hong lingered by the Eternal Night rift.
Nie Hong, unable to see the rift, simply followed Mithra.
Mithra pondered the rift's creation. Sun City's rifts were mostly remnants of past events.
Two Eternal Night crystals could open a rift, but temporarily; separation would cause immediate closure.
After a while, Nino returned.
"What did you find?" Mithra asked without turning.
Nino, seeing her impassive expression, increasingly felt like her assistant.
He sighed inwardly but respected her abilities. "It's complicated. Their background was unremarkable."
"Currently?"
"Yes. They studied Miracles in Sun City's library system but didn't graduate or obtain a position."
Pausing, Nino continued, "Then, someone contacted them secretly, promising a high position in Sun City if they followed instructions. They were tasked with inciting and disrupting the marches. As for the rift… they seemed unaware."
"Hmph," Mithra clicked her tongue.
As Mithra and Nino spoke, someone approached.
They turned to see a young man in a crimson scholar's robe.
"Navida?" Nino recognized him.
"Nino, you look well. I heard about your appointment. Unexpected that you'd involve me so quickly," Navida said confidently.
"Involve me? I haven't started investigating the library yet…" Nino was surprised.
"Oh… didn't you just apprehend a protest instigator connected to the library?" Navida chuckled.
Nino frowned.
He had just obtained information from the suspect; how did Navida know so quickly?
"Seems the unassuming library isn't as docile as it appears," Nino replied dryly.
Navida shook her head. "The library avoids politics. They don't want to get involved; they're timid old fogies."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm handling some library matters. I can't officially become a Grand Scholar, but I'm exploring various avenues," Navida said, smiling.
Nino paused. "So, you're here to take over the investigation?"
"Indeed. If I weren't here, you'd waste time with those old fools. Their knowledge is limited; arguments and gradualism are their specialties," Navida bluntly criticized the library.
Nino didn't respond.
Mithra, however, glanced at Navida, stating, "Excellent. Take over the investigation. I have questions."
"This is the other investigator from Enchanting Land," Navida said, looking at Mithra. "It's surprising Wengerson entrusted this to someone from Enchanting Land, but I'll cooperate."
Before Navida finished speaking, Mithra said directly, "Where did you obtain your Eternal Night crystals, and where are they now?"
Silence fell.
Nie Hong and Nino's eyes widened, and while Navida still smiled, his eyes narrowed, avoiding a direct answer.
As he opened his mouth to speak, Mithra continued:
"'What are you talking about?' Don't waste my time with this act. I don't care about your games. If your next statement isn't satisfactory, I'll remove both your legs."
Navida's smile faltered, though it remained, losing its confidence.
He opened his mouth again, gazing into Mithra's dark eyes.
"I found them in the Eternal Night and retrieved them using my knowledge of ancient texts," Navida said slowly.
With those words, he confirmed his connection to the Eternal Night rift.
Nie Hong and Nino were stunned by the sudden revelation.
They had been struggling to identify the mastermind, and yet, here they were.
Navida's smile turned wry. He nodded slightly. "How could someone from Enchanting Land know about the Eternal Night crystals? Was that why Wengerson chose you?"
"Navida, are you serious?" Nino grabbed his shoulder.
Navida shrugged. "If I lied, that young lady would break my legs."
"Why did you do this? You incited the marches, contacted the Night Hunters… I thought you were a pillar of Sun City!" Nino's face darkened; he couldn't accept this.
Navida looked at Nino calmly. "Nino, do you know why your relationships in the council were strained? You're too naïve. You've seen so little; not everyone wants to improve Sun City. It's not just about words."
"What do you mean?" Nino's eyes widened.
As Mithra prepared to speak, she felt a sudden shift in her senses and turned towards the Eternal Night rift.
She hadn't activated Twilight, yet the rift was clearly visible.
But the darkness wasn't teeming with Eternal Night creatures. A strange calm prevailed.
She felt an intense gaze piercing through the darkness of the rift, fixated on her.
Mithra's eyes widened slightly.
["Herald of Eternal Night"…]
The unexpected information appeared before her; Mithra took a step back.
Nie Hong, noticing Mithra's movement and the rift, was about to shout when Mithra pushed him aside.
Swish!
A long, dark gray tentacle shot out, piercing Mithra's chest.
Blood sprayed. Mithra felt a searing pain, as if her chest was being repeatedly crushed in a cement mixer. She gasped, spitting out blood, then cast Stabilize.
After doing so, she turned to Nino, breathing evenly, coughing up some blood before speaking: "Intensified faith…"
The tentacle, having pierced Mithra, coiled, binding her before pulling her into the rift, which destabilized and vanished.
Nie Hong, Nino, and Navida remained, stunned.
...
Pulled into the Eternal Night, Mithra returned to the lightless world.
But shortly after entering, before she could react to the monstrous creature that had seized her, the binding tentacles vanished.
Mithra began a freefall.
"The Maw."
Her chest, rapidly regenerating, formed flesh and a gaping maw; countless long, tentacled tongues emerged, enveloping her before she landed.
Thud!
Dust flew as Mithra struggled to move. Her wounds rapidly healed. She felt as if her entire body, not just her chest, had been in a cement mixer.
"That rift… wasn't to expand the Eternal Night, but to draw out that being…" Mithra murmured, shifting her focus to ease the pain.
The special rift directly connected to the "Herald of Eternal Night," but not to target her.
Judging by Navida's actions, his target was the Xyrin; he likely intended to use the Herald's power to destroy it.
But the Herald's attention was diverted to Mithra; it failed to destroy the Xyrin, only kidnapping her.
She had saved the Xyrin…
And the "Herald of Eternal Night" didn't seem very intelligent.
It could manifest outside the rift created by Navida, but within the Eternal Night, it remained dormant, requiring Mithra's Auxiliary Light Lantern to appear.
So, she was pulled in and then discarded.
Mithra crawled a short distance, the intense pain finally subsiding slightly. She lay down calmly.
Such terrible luck.
Perhaps her sponsors should focus more on positive reinforcement.
Regarding Sun City, she had almost figured things out; unfortunately, she hadn't had the chance to warn Nino.
But he'd be fine; he might be simple-minded, but he wasn't stupid.
Mithra slowly closed her eyes, listening to the sounds of the dark world.
Next, she needed to consider how to escape this accursed place.
...
Nie Hong sat on a chair, silently staring at the ground.
Footsteps approached; he didn't look up.
"Navida said… it was an accident," Nino said somberly.
"Hmm?" Nie Hong responded in a low voice.
Nino sat beside him, staring ahead. "Herald of Eternal Night… He said that's what the ancient texts called it. The ones who carry the burden… the beings most closely linked to the Forty-Four Pillar Gods, even called the shadows of the Pillar Gods."
"…" Nie Hong remained silent.
Nino continued. "Navida, for his goals, found a way into the Eternal Night World. He spent a long time searching for an Eternal Night crystal. Then, using the crystal as a focal point, he sought a way to use the Eternal Night's power to destroy the Xyrin… The Herald of Eternal Night was his answer."
"But the answer attacked Mithra," Nie Hong said dully.
"Navida didn't expect that. He eliminated suspicion, seeking help, devising a plan involving the Night Hunter Church. But Mithra exposed him; his plot was discovered. He tried to confuse things, but it backfired. All because the Herald briefly appeared, posing a threat to the Xyrin, but Mithra became the target."
After a long silence, Nie Hong lifted his head slightly, "What will you do with Navida?"
"Temporary detention, pending Wengerson's decision. Likely public execution," Nino said.
Mid-sentence, a retainer approached.
Wengerson had arrived.
Nino stood, glancing at Nie Hong, who remained impassive, unaffected by the commotion. Unskilled at offering comfort, Nino could only say, "I'll do my best to rescue Mithra. I'm sorry."
After all, Mithra was helping him.
She had even uncovered the mastermind, saving the Xyrin in the process.
Sun City owed her the utmost respect.
Even if Mithra didn't return, Nino would erect a monument in her honor in Sun City.
Nino turned and left.
He met Wengerson in front of the guardhouse.
Wengerson had just emerged, frowning.
"Wengerson, have you met Navida?" Nino asked.
Wengerson looked up, suppressing his gloom. "Nino, I didn't misjudge you. Thanks to…"
"Thanks to Mithra," Nino interrupted solemnly, unable to smile.
He didn't feel worthy.
Wengerson's smile vanished. He sighed. "I know about Miss Mithra. But venturing into the dangerous and unknown Eternal Night to rescue someone… we lack the resources."
"Now that Navida is apprehended, my task is complete. Let me find Mithra. Just provide the necessary support to gather personnel," Nino said.
Wengerson paused, slightly hesitant. "Very well. You deserve credit. I'll provide financial support. I hope you succeed."
Nino nodded.
"Also, completely restrict Navida's external contact," Wengerson added.
"Huh?" Nino was surprised.
"He's a future leader of the library, holding countless forbidden secrets, some of which could be extremely dangerous. For safety reasons, he's restricted from meeting anyone until his execution," Wengerson explained.
Nino nodded; that made sense.
Wengerson looked at Nino, sighing again, patting his shoulder before leaving.
Nino watched his back.
The older man seemed much older; despite the slight age difference, Wengerson appeared far wearier.
Nino sighed and shook his head, turning to arrange Mithra's rescue.
"Intensified faith…"
Mithra's words before being taken by the Herald of Eternal Night echoed in his mind.
His steps slowed, then stopped completely.
Was the Sun City mole situation really over?
He turned, wanting to say something to Wengerson, but he was gone.
...
Nino and Nie Hong, heading towards the Sanctuary, encountered Salomo.
"Nino, I need you! You're just in time," Salomo said urgently.
"What is it?"
"What is it?! Mithra's gone! Stop moping and find her!" Salomo blurted out.
"You know?" Nino was stunned.
"Wengerson leaked the news about apprehending the mole and Mithra being pulled into the Eternal Night. You came to ask for help, didn't you? Stop looking so distraught!"
Salomo, clearly agitated, abandoned his usual formality, revealing his worry.
"Yes… yes… I came for help," Nino stammered, abandoning his cautious approach.
Salomo led them into a reception room. "Sun City will provide aid; the Sanctuary will also contribute. We need to gather personnel before nightfall; we'll enter the Eternal Night World then!" Salomo immediately laid out the plan.
Despite Mithra being taken right before him, Salomo, the supposed rumor-monger, was more urgent than Nino himself.
"Um… right. But why is the Sanctuary so…" Nino still asked.
"Damn it!" Salomo swore, using a concise, yet impactful curse. "A Sanctuary hero has gone missing in my jurisdiction! If I'm late, I'll have to report to Andemiriya this weekend. Miss Orph is already on her way!"
Nino was truly shocked.
"Orph, the Aurora Saintess? What… what's Mithra's relationship with her…?"
"Ah, it's complicated," Salomo sighed.
He thought: The Sanctuary in Gross town needs Mithra. Miss Orph happened to be there, a seasoned official; any proper member of the Sanctuary would have reservations, especially as Orph, the Aurora Saintess, considered herself a face of the Sanctuary. She would be concerned.
Mithra's achievements magnified the Sanctuary members' respect and admiration for her; it was unstoppable. Salomo was one of them.
But he kept his thoughts to himself.
Nino's mind went blank for a moment before thinking of a more personal "complicated relationship."
If mishandled, this could escalate into a conflict between Andemiriya and the Xyrin Empire!
Of course, he was overthinking.
Even if Orph was involved, it wouldn't be discussed openly.
"I'm going too," Nie Hong said calmly.
"Nie Hong? The Eternal Night is dangerous," Salomo hesitated.
"Mithra described it. Aside from the core area, the monsters aren't as dangerous as imagined; the inner city defenses prove that. My Ki sensing will be useful… honestly, I'm not worried about Mithra, but I should go find her,"
Nie Hong's calm demeanor was startling, unlike his usual self.
Since the incident in Gross town, Nie Hong had become more focused. Though outwardly unchanged, he might even appear more dazed.
This was due to Mithra and Leo Duncan's influence. Now, those influences were absent, coupled with the image of Mithra pushing him away, and Nie Hong was increasingly aware.
Salomo and Nino were persuaded.
"Also, Mr. Nino, I have some thoughts about Mithra's final words; could we discuss them now?" Nie Hong asked Nino.
Nino was stunned.
Mithra's final words?
That was what had been bothering Nino.
"What are your thoughts?" Recalling Nie Hong's previous contributions with Leo Duncan regarding the Chrysalis incident, he didn't dismiss Nie Hong's ideas.
Salomo's gaze shifted, intrigued.
"'Intensified faith'… That's what Mithra said last. Considering her actions, and basic Miracle knowledge, I've found a blind spot," Nie Hong's gaze remained fixed on the table, his tone slow and deliberate.
"Sun City, to avoid Xyrin activation, has historically avoided treating it as a deity; all related religious activities were banned. They sought to integrate the Xyrin into daily life rather than create a separate patron deity,"
Nino and Salomo nodded.
"But now, with the new Xyrin project, the public marches and various organizations, and the spread of the Night Hunter Church's attack… this isn't simply disrupting Sun City's long-standing image; it's awakening the public, making them aware of the Xyrin as a powerful patron deity,"
As Nie Hong finished, Nino's eyes widened.
Salomo, after a moment of reflection, looked shocked.
"But Navida wanted to destroy the Xyrin…"
"If he wanted to destroy the Xyrin, why expend so much effort targeting the old, soon-to-be-obsolete Xyrin, rather than focusing on the new Xyrin project team? The effort was disproportionate. The project team was attacked by mercenaries; the old Xyrin brought forth the Herald of Eternal Night,"
Nie Hong said thoughtfully, changing perspective.
"Mithra checked on the new Xyrin; she said it lacked a crucial component. The craftsmen dismissed her assessment, but I trust Mithra more. If she's right, the new Xyrin is far from completion; it's missing a key element."
"There's more to Navida!" Nino slammed his fist on the table.
"Is there a connection between the old and new Xyrins?" Salomo considered a deeper possibility.
As a member of the Sanctuary, with access to more information, he considered a terrifying possibility based on Nie Hong's words.
Nino clasped his head in his hands. "How could this be?"
Salomo became serious. "Nino, you must stay in Sun City. You can't lead the rescue mission."
Nino looked at Salomo.
"Nie Hong's words made me consider something. This is speculation, it might not be true; don't get excited. But for safety, you must stay to prevent unforeseen events."
Nino looked at Salomo; he was at his limit.
Salomo took a deep breath. "If the Xyrin above us has secretly activated due to accumulated time and decay, some problems become easier to solve. The new Xyrin project has flaws; it might not be new, but a preparation for the old Xyrin to be reborn, to accommodate its physical decline."
"Impossible?!" Nino exclaimed.
"No, it's not impossible. The Xyrin Great Maul's power originates from the second Xyrin. God-killing weapons require a Wandering God's power. Consider the situation with Rising Sun City's second Xyrin," Salomo said gravely.
Nino's face paled.
A Wandering God powering the second Xyrin?!
So, using the second Xyrin as a template… Sun City's new Xyrin project, its physical state, its missing component—it was all preparation for another being to inhabit it…
"I'm going to question Navida!" Nino stood up.
He thought Navida had revealed everything, but he was clearly hiding crucial information.
And it wasn't just Navida.
If Navida was the opposition, then the new Xyrin project…
"Reporting, sir," a knock came at the door.
"What is it?" Salomo asked.
"The council reports a major breakthrough in the new Xyrin project; it's almost complete and expected to be launched in three days, replacing the old Xyrin."
Silence.
"…It seems I can't leave," Nino said after a long pause.
"Share our intelligence with the delegations. The craftsmen will be shocked by this news. We don't have much time. I've summoned people," Salomo said.
Footsteps sounded; a group arrived at the Sanctuary.
Representatives from various delegations.
Tinina, from the Gulan Sacrifice Tower, immediately spoke to Salomo, "Where… where did that person escape to in the Eternal Night?"
Most of the others were there out of courtesy, unfamiliar with Mithra.
But another important figure was present—Kimio. "I'd love to raid the Eternal Night, but you've heard the news; I can't miss the Xyrin transition."
"Yes, but honestly, while the Xyrin is crucial, some of the intelligence is unclear," Salomo said.
He glanced at Kimio. "The second Xyrin shouldn't be a secret for you."
Kimio was surprised but shrugged. "Some in the Empire are sensitive, but I don't mind. What do you want to tell us?"
Salomo nodded and, after a moment, explained the analysis.
Hearing the intelligence, everyone frowned.
Silence fell. Someone spoke, "This information is based on Miss Mithra's investigation, but much of it is her personal judgment."
"Mithra has a Night eye," Salomo said, glancing at Tinina. "Its reputation needs no explanation; her judgment is well-founded."
Everyone exchanged complex glances.
This wasn't directly related to them; it was an internal Sun City matter. The only concern was the potential changes if the Xyrin activated.
An entity of that scale would almost certainly be a Wandering God.
That couldn't be taken lightly.
As residents of Sun City, they would bear the risk.
Of course, this was based on their assumptions.
"Inquire with your craftsmen. If they were involved, they'll likely question the sudden completion," Salomo said.
"Due to security, we're separated from them until the Xyrin transition…" someone said, their faces grim.
The situation was increasingly concerning.
Nino said, "I'll investigate further. Please await the results."
That seemed to be the only course of action.
The delegations, representing their factions, couldn't easily interfere. Even with certainty, they could only inquire, not directly intervene in Sun City's affairs.
The Xyrin situation had preoccupied everyone; rescuing Mithra was a low priority. Venturing into the Eternal Night was risky and unlikely to yield results, especially for someone relatively unrelated.
Nino's expression remained grim.
Due to the Xyrin situation, he couldn't freely leave to find Mithra.
Sun City's situation was critical, and rescuing Mithra seemed impossible…
Nie Hong opened his mouth, then slumped back in his chair.
It seemed that analyzing the situation had somehow hindered their efforts to rescue Mithra.
"She won't die easily. She's probably doing fine there. If you're worried, I'll scout ahead," Tinina said coldly.
Maikon, her senior Priestess, looked at Tinina. "The Eternal Night affects bestial natures; beast-type believers must be careful in the Eternal Night."
Tinina glared at Maikon. "I know."
"I'm going too," Nie Hong immediately volunteered.
Salomo sighed. "Let's prepare an advance team. The Sanctuary will send some people to assist."
With that, the meeting concluded.
Tinina remained.
"Miss Daphne…" Nie Hong said.
"I am Tinina," Tinina replied coldly.
"Ah, Miss Tinina, thank you," Nie Hong expressed his gratitude.
Tinina snorted. "That person shouldn't die silently in the Eternal Night; my things are still on him."
Salomo and Nino exchanged glances before turning away.
Salomo looked at Nino seriously. "I'll have them provide you with equipment. Returning might be dangerous; Sun City is on the brink of chaos, but don't pressure yourself. Miss Orph will arrive in two or three days; she'll provide support. You won't be alone."
At sunset, Nie Hong, Tinina, and several Sanctuary members set off for the Eternal Night World, entering through the rift in the inner city defenses.
Nino left around the same time, heading to the guardhouse to question Navida.
As a worst-case scenario, he'd visit the council.
Nino nodded. "Thank you… but… please apologize to Mithra for me."
He felt more guilty towards Mithra than towards Sun City.
Salomo patted his shoulder. "You should be thanking her."
Nino looked dejected. "I chose Sun City over her. I won't hide behind excuses. I owe her too much."
Salomo chuckled. "She's not that kind of person. If you feel guilty, take her fishing when she returns."
Nino nodded resolutely.
Preparations were rushed, taking little time.
...
Mithra activated her Auxiliary Light Lantern, lying on a pile of Eternal Night creature corpses, enjoying the temporary comfort.
She felt a pang of hunger, but suppressed the urge.
Tentacles emerged from her chest, collecting flesh from the corpses and stuffing it into her maw, which happily feasted.
Only when it had eaten so much that it collapsed Mithra's makeshift bed did she restrain it with a bite to the tentacle-tongue.
She hadn't had such a feast in a long time.
After cleaning up, Mithra stood, illuminating the path ahead.
Rested, it was time to continue.
Though she was completely lost.
Previously, her anti-lost pouch had allowed her to find her bearings using city wall gaps, but the Herald of Eternal Night had brought her to an unfamiliar location, seemingly outside the city walls.
She wasn't sure which side. She would head towards the city walls and decide from there.
A group of lost wanderers appeared, all sweaty.
Due to the Herald of Eternal Night's proximity, she didn't dare shine her light too far. But it wasn't a major problem; she was close to the city walls.
Mithra reached a paved road, a sign that she was nearing Sun City.
A few steps later, she stopped, looking down at the cobblestones.
She crouched, sniffing at a crimson stain on the ground.
Although "dog"'s sense of smell was almost useless in the Eternal Night, the overwhelming scent of darkness was still present, but physical proximity was still effective.
"Human blood, fresh," Mithra raised her head, scanning her surroundings.
Aside from Navida, only the Night Hunter Church members were active in this area.
Mithra recalled this, drawing the crescent blade from her waist.
She remembered that two branch bishops had been with Livnis. Another had been previously pushed into the Eternal Night.
Branch bishops and Eternal Night crystals were equivalent.
That equation hadn't failed her yet.
She could handle other matters later; first, she would deal with the remaining bishops.