Chapter 458

Chapter 458
A considerable amount of time had passed since his previous arrival at the Pantheon base of operations—dating back to his mission to eliminate the archivist.

The facility occupied a spot on the fringes of San Francisco, constructed upon land that had once been a sprawling woodland.

Such a layout was necessary, considering it brought together clergymen devoted to deities from completely different realms, each possessing contradictory traits.

The demands of every individual faction were incredibly distinct, after all.

It was impossible for a sanctuary dedicated to a deity of flame to exist alongside a shrine for a deity of water when their core attributes were entirely conflicting.

Acquiring the massive amount of space required by these various denominations was out of the question in the center of the metropolis, where property values were astronomical.

Yet, despite being erected on cleared forest land—and with the Pantheon having been formed less than two decades prior—the base lacked nothing in terms of development.

On the contrary, the surrounding zone had flourished remarkably fast, given the brief period that had elapsed since its initial construction.

‘It has practically transformed into a miniature metropolis. Beyond the mere worshippers of the various faiths, ordinary citizens hunting for the advantages of sacred blessings have gathered here, establishing housing sectors and trading zones.’

Observing this bizarre landscape once more after such a long interval brought back a wave of old memories.

However, the thing currently drawing his focus was something else entirely.

‘The conditions were completely different during my previous visit.’

Heinrich peered out to observe the surroundings through the vehicle’s glass window.

‘d already passed over a dozen p

Furthermore, these protective wards were so sophisticated that even supreme entities would struggle to notice them.

‘And our vehicle hasn’t even crossed into the main facility grounds yet.’

The peripheral sectors allowed entry to civilians, meaning they possessed firm security measures even in the past.

That was precisely the reason the intended victim had been enticed to leave the protected boundaries prior to the assassination plot executing.

“Well, since you hail from an entirely different realm, Brother Heinrich, you might be unaware… but a major crisis occurred at our main office not too long ago. I was stationed in Korea during the event, so I am seeing these changes for the very first time myself.”

The cleric named Jason released a heavy breath and began to recount the details of the event.

The information he shared was grim, revealing that a representative from the twelve committees—the individuals managing the Pantheon governance—had been ambushed and taken, the work of a notorious syndicate of lawbreakers.

“…Following that incident, they have substantially elevated defensive protocols everywhere. It feels like securing the stable after the prize stallion has escaped, but there is no alternative if we want to avoid additional casualties.”

“Ah, I believe some rumors of that reached me while I was carrying out tasks in Korea.”

“The situation caused an absolute uproar. It wasn’t just our people in the Pantheon; various external groups have also fortified their defensive measures since the incident occurred.”

Jason released another sorrowful breath, clearly distressed by the topic. He mentioned that he had been acquainted with the abducted cleric.

Heinrich adopted an expression of shared grief and murmured a brief word of remembrance for the lost individual.

‘Incredible. So my own actions caused all of this?’

He felt a bit shameless as he appreciated Persona for ensuring his genuine reactions remained completely masked during the conversation.

“Is that you, Priest Jason? It has been quite a while. In that case, the individual traveling alongside you must be…”

“Ah! We received the authorization details beforehand. Proceed straight inside.”

The vehicle transporting Heinrich moved past multiple security gates before making its way directly into the interior sector designated solely for ordained ministers.

As they traveled along the path, they crossed paths with various superhuman entities possessing unique gifts—not merely spiritual figures.

A particularly striking detail was the incredibly bizarre attire they displayed.

“America is the land of the free, after all. Ur course, that comes with a certain level of res ero activities are permitted here. Of”

The figures ranged from a massive juggernaut clad in a vibrant green bodysuit that emphasized his muscular frame, to a warrior woman outfitted in protective gear resembling high-defense bikini armor from a fantasy video game.

‘A nation of unbridled liberty, indeed…’

wakened individuals definitely had

This reality implied that these superhumans wielded immense social power, a factor that heavily influenced both the Pantheon and the World Returners’ Association when they selected the United States for their global headquarters.

“The negative aspect is that such freedom provides a perfect breeding ground for gifted outlaws to cause chaos.”

To counter this, the figures known as ‘heroes’ entered the picture.

Befitting a country where citizens routinely owned firearms, the system pushed past basic self-defense using supernatural gifts, granting official authorization for vigilante operations to preserve societal structure.

‘Inflicting unnecessary fatalities during a mission reduces the score required for obtaining or keeping a permit, if my memory serves me right.’

Though designated as champions of justice, their compensation was entirely commission-based—resembling the lifestyle of mercenaries tracking bounties.

Even so, the concept resonated deeply with the local populace, who grew up idolizing comic book characters.

The most famous figures frequently sold themed merchandise or transitioned directly into show business careers.

The entire system had effectively merged with the entertainment sector.

“We have arrived. Before us is the operating committee, the body responsible for determining the primary and secondary policies of the Interworld Religious Alliance, the Pantheon.”

The smoothly moving car came to a halt, cutting off Heinrich’s train of thought.

Stepping out of the vehicle right behind Jason, he shifted his gaze toward the structure ahead, feeling a sense of astonishment.

In stark contrast to the uniquely crafted shrines they had driven past, this specific facility looked completely unremarkable.

“This location functions as common ground. The architects chose a plain design because broadcasting too much denominational identity would cause friction among the various factions.”

Simply listening to the explanation made him feel a sense of exhaustion.

Then again, managing to unite such a massive array of diverse belief systems was bound to be a monumental challenge.

Operating as a minister devoted to a deity himself, he comprehended the dilemma perfectly.

Channelling spiritual energy naturally aligned your mindset with your patron deity’s core traits, frequently resulting in an unyielding and rigid perspective toward alternative faiths.

“Well, well. Is that Jason? I assumed you had finally perished since you vanished from the scene. It appears you are still drawing breath.”

As if to validate that exact reality without delay, an unfamiliar voice obstructed their path right as they prepared to step inside the operating committee facility.

The tone was filled with mock hostility—accompanied by a click of the tongue that could easily be misinterpreted as a playful greeting.

Despite his clean-cut features, this newcomer wore rumpled attire, possessed unkempt hair, and carried the subtle aroma of spirits.

If one overlooked the glimpses of a highly conditioned physique beneath his garments and the intensity in his gaze, he could easily pass for a superficial socialite approaching them.

s a former Holy Knight too. Com

Heinrich observed with deep fascination as the individual addressed as Walter exchanged tense looks with Jason.

From his evaluation, their combat capabilities appeared to be on the exact same level.

Given that the supernatural attributes of their respective deities were completely polarized, it was entirely logical that they would instantly clash like this.

‘This type of political discord isn’t an issue for a visitor like myself to get entangled in.’

He was present merely because he had been requested to attend.

Choosing a side simply due to his familiarity with Jason might wind up escalating the conflict.

As was his usual practice, he intended to stand back and let them resolve the issue between themselves—

“Ha! So that individual over there must be the highly praised saint?”

—or at least that was his plan, until the verbal attacks suddenly shifted toward him.

“He looks capable enough, certainly. Though I question if he truly merits the effort required to escort him to this facility. Then again, it matches your standing perfectly—acting as a courier to some obscure, minor nation that nobody recognizes.”

“…He is a dignitary visiting at the request of the collective Pantheon, Walter. Regulate your conduct.”

“The collective Pantheon? Since when did you receive the authority to speak for everyone? I know for a fact that our Quilladia Church never gave its consent.”

“Walter.”

The newcomer was deliberately triggering an altercation from the very beginning, projecting an open sneer.

Heinrich had been aware of this reality for a long time.

Not every single spiritual servant possessed a benevolent nature.

The entities they worshipped could be aggressive themselves, and dedicating oneself to a single deity did not guarantee that every follower would mirror the same temperament.

Mortals frequently displayed brutality toward strangers while showing tenderness to their own offspring—such internal contradictions were entirely normal.

How much more pronounced would that duality be for cosmic entities existing on an elevated tier of reality?

“Spending your time performing charitable acts like a basic helper, are we? It seems you have done some physical conditioning. Attempting to impersonate a Holy Knight? Ah, right, I believe your title was the White Knight or something along those lines.”

“Walter, this is your final notice.”

Heinrich had donned the official vestments of the Church of the Main God for this formal introductory gathering, which likely caused the antagonist to misread his background.

And this criticism was originating from someone who clearly possessed a lower quantity of spiritual energy than himself.

‘Regardless of the devotion he has demonstrated, I am merely a servant of a different deity to him, is that it?’

s such a novel experience that h

In a sense, he resembled a high-ranking commander belonging to an entirely separate military branch.

No—the distinction was even vaster.

They did not merely originate from separate lands; they hailed from entirely separate realities.

“You appeared reasonably sturdy in the video broadcasts, judging by your frame. Ha, so it was all just the visual trickery of your gear, then?”

…However, that comment marked the conclusion of his indifferent mindset.

Whether the individual was agitated because Heinrich refused to show anger, the arrogant fool had finally gone too far.

“I informed you that it was your final warning. A challenge, Walter. This very day, I will correct your behavior permanently…”

“…Pause for a moment, Priest Jason. Allow me.”

“Brother…?”

He reached out to restrain Jason, who was preparing to advance with an angry expression, and took a slow, deliberate breath.

He could not simply overlook an insult of this nature.

The comment had directly struck Heinrich’s ultimate boundary.

Heinrich cast his gaze down toward his arm.

Then he examined his torso, his midsection, and his lower limbs.

Verifying the undeniably diminished physical scale compared to his previous condition, he squeezed his eyes shut.

‘Who could have predicted that transitioning into an angel would carry this particular consequence.’

An angel.

A divine emissary of the higher powers.

The physiological shift occurring within him at this moment was an inherent trait of his new state of being.

The transformation had been advancing in a gradual but relentless manner ever since his ascension.

To be fair, the alteration was restricted to a reduction in mass—his actual kinetic capabilities had suffered no degradation whatsoever.

The extreme structural compression had enhanced his force output per unit of surface area, and his muscular system had shifted into an incredibly streamlined configuration. If evaluated objectively, it represented a step forward in development.

Yet, this outcome was far from what he desired.

In contrast to Hali, who possessed the capability to reshape his physical vessel completely at a whim, Heinrich’s musculature was the product of his own relentless physical training from the ground up.

‘The sheer amount of dedication I sacrificed to build that frame…’

hanks to divine power doping, it

“The ultimate reward of my agonizing, relentless training!”

—The presence of Mind Hub ensured the process was devoid of physical agony or mental fatigue.

‘Experiencing the loss of that physique is frustrating enough… but to have someone ridicule it?’

—That reality was undeniable!

Think of the immense difficulties he had faced trying to regain his bulk following the initial shift.

Yet, this persistent genetic trait persistently blocked his physical frame from returning to its peak dimensions.

And now, this individual named Walter was completely dismissing all the dedication he had invested…

“You brought up the concept of a challenge, correct? Would you object if I participated in it directly?”

“…Naturally, that is acceptable.”

“Are there specific protocols we must follow?”

“Every individual here is a servant of the higher realms. Pledging an oath in the name of the deities to contest honorably and abide by the final outcome—that constitutes the entirety of the requirement.”

“Excellent.”

Uncomplicated and straightforward—a method he could appreciate.

This practical approach was likely the underlying reason the Pantheon had managed to survive for such an extended era.

Though, that system depended entirely on forcing the challenger to comply without resistance.

“Hah! A formal challenge? Do you truly believe I would agree to that? Regardless of the outcome, it brings me no honor. Why should I participate?”

Even if the challenger’s spiritual energy surpassed his own, a martial practitioner specializing in warfare contesting against a non-combat support healer was a degrading proposition on its own.

According to the tenets of a Quilladia Holy Warrior, ministers were assets to be shielded—not targets to be struck down.

However, Heinrich, possessing the insights of a Holy Knight, recognized the exact method required to bait him effectively.

“Ah, choosing to retreat out of fear, then? Very well, I understand. It seems the doctrines of your Quilladia Church are remarkably permissive regarding cowardice.”

“What did you say?”

Insulting the core values of an entire faith

e was something you couldn’t ignore.

He propelled his hand straight toward Heinrich’s features with incredible velocity.

purse, he hadn’t really meant to l

He merely intended to demonstrate to this arrogant, deceptive saint the true capabilities of an authentic Holy Warrior—the overwhelming intimidation of a martial practitioner on the absolute brink of perfection.

That was the underlying intent…

Thwack-!

…yet he found himself completely paralyzed by the physical sensation registering at his fingertips.

‘What is happening?’

For the absolute first time since the interaction began, a wave of panic washed over him.

To clarify the situation, his actual plan had been to halt the strike just before contact—not to deliver an authentic blow.

‘Did my calculation of the gap err?’

No, that was out of the question.

His physical perception remained entirely flawless, just as it always was.

Could the target have manipulated his sensory awareness…? No, such a feat should be impossible.

His thoughts raced erratically amidst the sudden disruption.

‘This outcome deviates completely from my intentions.’

The situation had escalated far past his initial attempts at intimidation.

The official contest hadn’t even commenced, and he had just executed an unauthorized strike against an invited dignitary of the Pantheon?

The physical feedback against his hand indicated that a shield of spiritual energy had warded off any critical harm, but the core issue remained that he had initiated the physical violence.

‘…I must back away immediately. I need to re-evaluate the situation. This has turned into an absolute disaster.’

The organization known as the Pantheon was an alliance comprising an immense number of distinct faiths.

As a consequence, internal alliances inevitably manifested among factions sharing comparable attributes and philosophies—a reality that extended to the twelve committees themselves.

A notable period of time had elapsed since Adelaine Schneider, the occupant of the premier position within the committees, had disappeared. A successor was scheduled to be chosen in the near future.

To successfully position a member of their own alliance into that influential position, the preparatory political work had to be executed immediately…

Overwhelmed by confusion, his cognitive processes failed to function clearly.

Kaboom-!

“Gahk!”

sudden physical shock rattled hi

The devastating, superhuman impact temporarily wiped out his ability to think.

“You initiated the physical contact. Therefore, this qualifies as a justified defense of my person, does it not?”

Amidst the slow recovery of his mental faculties,

A distant, echoing voice reached his awareness.

‘By what means?’

A single, profound point of confusion emerged within his mind.

And in short order, the explanation became clear to him,

“Did the thought never cross your mind to ask why I constantly remained clad in protective gear?”

The realization did not originate from his compromised brain,

“I suppose I shall have to teach you the reality of the situation, increment by increment.”

But rather from the visceral feedback delivered by his still-recovering physical form.