Rebirth of the Interstellar Pope <Mecha>

Chapter 25

Chapter 25

[Anno: I am profoundly grateful to Rufeite. He gave me the support I never had and helped me make the decision I had long hesitated over.]

The figure inside the tank shared Anno’s striking features: short blond hair, a handsome nose, and delicate thin lips. An Shuo lay quietly, adorned in a red Tianjiao robe, his serene expression contrasting sharply with the chaos surrounding them.

Anno turned to Rufeite, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Shocked?”

“Not shocked, just very surprised,” Rufeite replied, still trying to process the sight.

Anno nearly laughed at the absurdity of Rufeite’s words, but instead kept his focus on the tank.

“He’s still alive. How can he wake up? Sleeping Beauty?” Rufeite asked, awe mingling with humor.

Anno raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge in his voice. “Do you want to try a kiss?”

Rufeite immediately held up his hands in protest. “No, no, no! I wouldn’t even kiss a donkey!”

Anno nodded in satisfaction, sliding down the outer wall of the nutrient tank. “Wait, he will wake up. His spirit hasn’t been wiped out; he can still recognize me. It’s only a matter of time.”

Rufeite settled beside Anno, glancing at him. “Are you tired?”

Anno nodded, weariness etched in his features. “I’m tired.”

Rufeite hesitated before asking, “If you release him, will you forgive yourself?”

Understanding the weight of Rufeite’s question, Anno replied, “As a brother, I’ve felt guilty all my life. As the Pope, I’ve always believed my decisions were justified. Yet, as a brother, I never fully understood An Shuo’s beliefs. There was always a gap between us. He can see through me, but I can’t grasp his perspective. During the Great Rebellion, it’s hard to fathom the panic his defection caused. The church absorbed the fallout, while the Senate laid all the blame at my feet.”

Rufeite leaned in, curiosity piqued. “What happened next?”

“In terms of consciousness, I’m not as strong as An Shuo. His beliefs stem from places I cannot explore, and they are solid. In terms of combat prowess, however, he’s no match for me,” Anno confessed.

“Because you are rational and tolerant,” Rufeite mused, a thoughtful look crossing his face.

Anno considered this, his gaze drifting back to the nutrient tank. “Perhaps that’s why we never fully aligned. I admired his convictions, but I also feared them. He was always willing to challenge the norms, while I sought stability.”

Rufeite nodded slowly. “That’s a difficult balance to strike. But now, it seems you have the chance to reconcile those differences.”

“Yes,” Anno replied, determination filling his voice. “And I intend to make the most of it.”

As they waited, the tranquil atmosphere hung thick with anticipation. The soft glow from the nutrient tank pulsed gently, as if echoing Anno’s resolve.

Anno nodded, contemplating the weight of the moment. “So he didn’t fight me and surrendered of his own accord.”

Rufeite’s gaze sharpened with understanding. The man inside the nutrient tank, An Shuo, appeared remarkably at ease—his decision was entirely voluntary. This revelation caused Rufeite to frown, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.

“I’m grateful for An Shuo’s choice,” Anno said, bending one leg as he leaned closer to the tank.

“What are you planning to do now? Release him?” Rufeite inquired, his voice low. “His beliefs seem incredibly strong. He has endured thousands of years in captivity without fading. What could be so compelling?”