1035 hours, 2 July 0145...

The Great Pope Enzio Busso's office door was in front of us all, and I could feel a little tightness in my chest since I was about to meet the target of my planned assassination. Asking for permission, Antonio called out from the outside.

"Excuse me, your holiness. The Minerva's Authonoids have arrived."

A refreshing breeze from the air conditioner wafted into the room as Antonio swung open the door. As we approached the Pope's office, we bent our heads in respect.

I observed his luxury office with its two bookcases along the walls, a large exhibition of Christ's cross near the ceiling, an antique light glowing in the corner, and a sinister-looking dark picture hanging on the right wall.

The painting showed a biblically accurate angel with its enormous eye open, its eight black wings flying, and an unsettling sense of dread around it.

Standing in front of the Pope's grand desk, we all respectfully spoke in unison.

"Good afternoon, your holiness."

The old Pope nodded, his long white beard swaying with the motion, and then replied with a hand gesture.

"Good afternoon. Please sit down."

The Pope looked down at us as we sat in our seats. His query to Antonio rang out throughout the room in his elderly, raspy voice.

"So, what is Minerva Authonoids providing us with?"

With his palms cool on the cold wooden surface, Antonio stepped over to the Pope's desk, handed him the papers, and spoke.

"They intended to defend Your Holiness during your June 5th electioneering against the invading Crescent terrorists and their infected army. And they could provide Your Holiness with a thorough explanation of the mission's objective."

The Pope nodded and analyzed the files as he adjusted his glasses on his nose and rustled the pages under his hands.

Commander Katoki sat in reverent quiet in front of Pope Enzio Busso's desk, displaying his laptop and reports that provided explanations for each mission's goal.

"With due respect, this is Katoki Jefferson speaking to Your Holiness as the Commander of the Black Vulture Squadron. Director of Minerva, Nikolai Brezhnev, has proposed a mission to stop Crescent from causing any more casualties during the next three days."

"We must take action to prevent any undesirable losses. But God forbid, those who are in the middle of the dispute will be the ones to suffer the most."

Commander Katoki and I sat side-by-side, the sound of my voice filling the air as I outlined the mission.

"With the utmost respect, I am Tsuyuki, leader of the Black Vulture Squadron, and it is my pleasure to address Your Holiness. We aspired to offer Your Holiness protection to make your election day more tranquil since threats were consistent during the electioneering process."

I took the tablet from my purse and showed the Pope the locations of the Onigashi's infected soldiers, as shown in satellite photographs.

"According to the Kalina Satcom, Onigashi's troop had prepared their weapons in preparation for an attack on a city that was 170 kilometers from its boundary."

"They armed themselves with stolen light tanks, mechanized suits, armored personnel carriers, SUVs, buggies, anti-aircraft guns, stolen mortars, rocket launchers, and small helicopters. The majority of them are former soldiers from the Martonian National Army, which adds to the gravity of the situation."

"But our main concern was that the virus controlled their arsenals instead of humans. The virus was capable of operating autonomously, resembling a sentient entity."

I slid across the screen, displaying him the pictures of Crescent's infected soldiers, their weapons, and their predicted offensive strategy.

Nodding slowly, Pope Enzio Busso squinted his eyes to get a better look at the tablet's screen.

"Additionally, they devised a plan to dismantle the social security system, which resides beneath the squadron's 2nd HQ at the Saint Capriccio Great Church."

"We sought to assist your troops in finding ways to resolve the Frantilos situation without using Christine's Divinocchi. Our examination of her Divinocchi suggested that breaking its seal could unleash a massive apocalypse."

"Her constant exploitation as a resource going forward might prove to be a massive boomerang for your organization. Knowing how unstable she is both mentally and physically during the constant push, I would be concerned."

Antonio turned to me with a piercing look when I said Christine's name. Undeterred, I carried on with my explanation.

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"Perhaps we can come to an agreement concerning Antonio's involvement with her."

"To put it plainly, we will provide help with no compensation or overcompliance with your organization's guidelines."

"And I hope you will comprehend this, Your Holiness."

Pope Enzio Busso nodded in acknowledgement as Commander Katoki and I presented him with the mission's reports and the tablet, allowing him to comprehend the entire situation.

***

The Great Pope completed reading our reports and the tablets describing the mission's goal after a quarter of an hour of nervous anticipation. With arms crossed, he shuffled in his chair and gave a firm elaboration.

"I am honored to accept your offer, Commander Katoki and Tsuyuki."

"But we must politely deny it to uphold our squadron's prestige in securing the future of this city. We will not succumb to the allure of strangers who offer dubious assistance."

"Regarding the Frantilos crisis, although we are lacking the powerhouse of this element, we are not yet suffering from its lack of availability."

"Take into account the technologies, authorities, resources, and many other things we have. Does it seem that we need assistance?"

I carefully lifted my right arm and looked into the Pope's gaze to prove my belief in our strategy.

"My apologies for the little inconvenience. Innovative technology does not imply a lack of intelligence on the enemies' troops."

"Because the enemies that your squadron will encounter are more intelligent than your holiness may expect."

"Crescents deliberately positioned their forces close to the border to mimic ordinary immigrants. When the opportunity presents itself during their strolling time in that city, they will quickly surround all of us with it, leaving us vulnerable."

But Pope Enzio Busso interrupted me mid-argument in a forceful but polite tone.

"We are aware of your concerns, Mr. Tsuyuki. However, you always put the needs of others before your own. Giving to the less fortunate is, in fact, a common charitable activity. But not everyone is in dire need of assistance."

"We will undoubtedly assist someone who finds himself in a difficult situation. But if someone can manage on their own, why bother helping them?"

Abruptly, I found myself in a rhetorical duel with Pope Enzio Busso, making sure he felt the weight of my claims.

"Does this not go against the oath that binds Your Holiness? It is your responsibility as the Great Pope to bring light to any darkness."

Abruptly grabbing my left arm, Commander Katoki prevented me from making a useless dispute with Pope Enzio Busso. Antonio pointed a finger at me, his expression stern as he delivered a warning.

"Mind your words carefully, Minerva Authonoid!"

Pope Enzio Busso lifted his right hand, causing the tense situation to suddenly calm down. He continued toward the diminishing sounds of the chaos.

"I have the utmost admiration for you doing the correct things. However, we are a self-governed squadron that can take care of everything on our own."

"The Father advocates for all individuals to prioritize their own wellbeing before anything else."

"I would like to express my appreciation for bringing Christine back to us, as she has strayed into the heretic path."

"And when we unseal the Divinnochi, our professional catharsis can prevent an immense cataclysm."

But out of the blue, Christine spoke in a slightly louder than usual manner while looking down on her skirt.

"I refuse!"

Henceforth, Axel comforted Christine by giving her a gentle shoulder pat after her sudden outburst that jumped everyone in the office.

"Christine? What's wrong?"

She tightly squeezed her hand over her knee, with tears welling up in her eyes as she stammered through her speech. And her resentment was evident as she went on.

"I've… had... enough... with this!"

Kyouko cautiously approached Christine, offering comfort mixed with a gentle scolding as she reached out to stroke her back, trying to soothe her distress.

"Christine, don't you forget who you are speaking with?"

But it wouldn't stop Christine from unleashing her furious frustration, as she got up from the couch and spoke in a fiery voice that startled everyone in the office.

"I DON'T FREAKING CARE!!!"

Christine's anger was becoming more focused and strong. And there was a hint of tears in her voice.

"I'D RATHER DIE INSTEAD OF KNEELING FOR YOUR STUPID ORDERS OF NOTHING!!!"

Clinging her eyelids tight, she cast a downward glance. Tears quietly trickled down her cheeks and onto the floor as I heard her muffled cries.

"Because… if being free... was considered a heretic for you, then let me be!"

When she approached the door, Antonio's firm voice echoed to stop her from leaving the office by grabbing her hand.

"Christine?! Christine!"

But she was ahead of the latter and departed with a loud thud as she slammed the office's door behind her. Just as Antonio was about to catch up with her, Commander Marisa approached him with a negotiation.

"Your Holiness and Antonio, please accept our sincere apology. Let us take responsibility for her with the utmost respect."

Antonio couldn't help but acquiesce. And in a minor haste, Commander Marisa exited the office to follow the irate Christine.

I understand that the demands of this squadron have had a detrimental effect on Christine's mental state. Normally, she responds calmly. But when things went south, she couldn't contain her inner demon.

This is in line with what Florent previously told me. When the evils no longer exist, one shall make another evil.

As the awkward situation suddenly calmed down, Pope Enzio Busso rose from the chair as he spoke.

"Regretfully, I have to attend a crucial meeting with Grande Maria's governor regarding the electioneering. And if I had the chance to talk about this mission once again, I would be quite thankful."

As a final gesture of respect, we kneeled before the Great Pope, expressing our deepest gratitude for his consideration.

A collective sigh of relief swept through the office as negotiations with the Great Pope concluded, creating a palpable sense of lightness as he exited the room.

I am unsure of Pope Enzio Busso's position on the issue. I am aware that both parties must listen to each other and carefully consider their choices before abruptly concluding any discussion.

Antonio's firm hand tapped my shoulder as it abruptly halted my movement toward the door, and his words rang with menace.

"What did you do to her?"

Looking over my shoulder, I saw his face contorted with seething hatred. Even though I was speaking softly, my intense glare conveyed my resolve.

"If you wish to look for guilt, I reckon you should look in your own mirror first!"

I left the office to follow my friends' leads and attend to the frustrated Christine. But Antonio's words crackled behind me like raging electricity, sending a jolt of tension down my spine.

"You, heretic Authonoid scum!"

Yes, I am a sinner for standing up for someone whom the drunken religious group continues to persecute. The irony of the situation was impossible to ignore, leaving a bitter taste of truth lingering in the air. These "anti-heresies" were more heretic than they had set out to destroy.

The never-ending hypocrisy of mankind is why God has forsaken all of us.