Rebirth of the Interstellar Pope <Mecha>

Chapter 38

Chapter 38

[Anno: Two years ago, the Taurus Galaxy was under heavy political and economic pressure from the United Nations, with the added weight of religious influence. At the time, the religious mechas were being reformed under Anshuo's guidance, and a major purge was underway within the sect. The responsibility for supporting the Taurus Galaxy fell on Rufeite. He led the few Yin Churches in battle against both the bishops and the United Nations. In the end, the United Nations unleashed an aircraft carrier from the ruins of the Milky Way, something unprecedented.

I had lived through wars in my time, soaked in the blood of conquest and death. But 3,000 years later, these so-called wars were nothing more than skirmishes, like disputes on Light Earth. Interstellar civilizations hadn't experienced true bloodshed in so long that even Rufeite seemed uncertain.

He asked me, "What have these ordinary people of Taurus Galaxy done to deserve this? A war has stripped them of everything-their homes, their land, their lives, their wealth, even their loved ones."

I didn't know how to comfort him. In my time, war had a clear purpose-to achieve peace. I believed that and kept on killing. Rufeite wanted me to come back to help him, but I refused. I no longer had a stance. Three thousand years ago, I knew what I was fighting for, but now, their wars seemed only to be for power.

Rufeite said, "But the people are innocent." His eyes were vulnerable, like a stray kitten or puppy.

I told him, "You can stop fighting and integrate the Taurus Galaxy into the United Nations. But you won't, because people are contradictory. Just like me, who once caused a particle explosion to protect religion, almost destroying it in the process. You won't stop because you won't give up the power religion provides."

That was the weakest I'd ever seen Rufeite.

After I said this, his sea of consciousness fell into a dead calm. His faith shattered. His consciousness disappeared.

A few days later, Rufeite used black jade to steal my consciousness. I didn't resist, but I told him, unless his faith was restored, he should never come to me again.]

When Rufeite appeared now, Anno immediately knew his consciousness had been restored-a new, unfamiliar, yet powerful force. It was all too familiar, though. Anno recognized the touch of Anshuo, who must have helped Rufeite regain his strength.

What kind of heart you have determines the kind of consciousness you hold. Anshuo's consciousness was like a sharp black feather, brimming with the force and readiness of a blade. Now, Anshuo's shadow lingered within Rufeite's restored consciousness.

Anno didn't budge. "I'm glad you've regained your consciousness. Are you here to return something today? Just leave it and go. Head downstairs, turn right, and you'll find the main door. Thanks."

Rufeite: "..."

Two years of distance and a rift even older than that stood between them, but Rufeite hadn't expected this. Turn right? Isn't that... the bathroom?

Rufeite again: "..."

It was clear that Anno had settled into a much more relaxed life in the Blue Water Galaxy. In just a few years, he'd become someone who could say things like this.

Rufeite was momentarily at a loss for words. Just as the tension between them mounted, there was a loud "bang" from downstairs, followed by Liu Yian's shout, "Turn right at the stairs for the main door. Goodbye, don't mention it!!"

That... was still the bathroom.

Rufeite: "..."

Blue Mercury was a closed-off planet to begin with, and news traveled slowly, especially in Lolita, the most backward planet in the entire galaxy. Neither Liu Yian nor Anno fully grasped what Rufeite and Kewei's arrival signified. Had military and religious forces reached this far? Or were they here on some personal errand?

Regardless, both Anno and Liu Yian, as if in silent agreement, chose to completely ignore the presence of the two newcomers.

Liu Yian darted downstairs to wash the dishes. When Kewei took a step forward, Liu Yian casually stepped aside, as though he were avoiding a piece of furniture, never even glancing in his direction.

Anno sat in his rattan chair, legs crossed. Rufeite sat opposite him, watching with a slight, mischievous smile as Anno swung his legs. Unfazed, Anno kept swinging his legs as if Rufeite wasn't even there.

Liu Yian finished the dishes and came back upstairs. Kewei followed behind him closely. As Liu Yian settled in beside Anno, he asked, "What do you want to eat tomorrow?"

Anno, always soft when it came to food, muttered, "Nutritious... noodles?"

Liu Yian smirked. "Forget it. I'll change it up tomorrow. Still going to see the old man at the church this afternoon?"

Liu Yian sat next to Anno, and Kewei, with a stony expression, sat next to Rufeite on the opposite side. For a brief moment, Rufeite and Kewei turned to look at each other, then immediately looked away, their faces devoid of emotion.