[With this approach, she could shift all the blame for any failures onto these greedy clergymen, while she only needed to perform slightly to remain a respected Pope in the eyes of the believers.]

[Alice returned to the church, satisfied with the knowledge she had learned from Catherine.]

[Alice began to review the files of various clergymen.]

[Alice announced a purification campaign against the Thunder Church.]

Upon seeing the list of clergymen Alice sent out for the purification campaign, Shen Sui realized they were all incredibly corrupt individuals.

The consequence of having these talents lead the purification campaign was obvious.

Of course, the outcome of this matter would not be apparent in the short term, as Alice had more pressing issues to address: Aivia had come to visit.

The invitation from the War God Church had already been delivered to both the Daylight Church and the Thunder Church.

In recent years, conflicts among these three most powerful churches at the center of the Dawn Continent had been ongoing, initially mere disagreements but now subtly becoming sworn enemies.

At such a critical moment, inviting key members of two rival churches to one's own territory for a ceremony seemed suspicious.

There were many voices of doubt within the Thunder Church, but Alice suppressed them all.

The Daylight Church, seeing the Thunder Church accepted the invitation, feared an alliance between Thunder and War God, possibly resulting in a contract unfavorable to the Daylight Church, felt compelled to accept as well.

At this time, Aivia had already become the Daylight Pope.

The former Daylight Saintess easily ascended to the position of Daylight Pope due to her unparalleled prestige within the church.

Generally, attending such ceremonies should be the responsibility of the church's image representative, the Daylight Saintess, but since Aivia's departure, the position of Daylight Saintess had remained vacant, so Aivia had to resume her former duties.

Alice had long since obtained this information through Oshana's intelligence network.

Alice was surprised to learn that Aivia was genuinely planning to personally go to the War God Temple.

It was known that the Pope was the most critical position within the church, and they generally could not leave their post unless instructed by the gods, a reason Alice used to stay in Roland City.

Now that Aivia was the Daylight Pope, even without the Daylight Saintess, she should not personally attend.

Moreover, Aivia going was one thing, but going out of her way to visit Roland City was another.

This act of the Pope visiting with no prior notice was dangerous regardless of the era.

Any conflict could potentially trigger a Divine War.

Both sides were the closest to their respective gods.

Aivia had not revealed too much information in the visiting card, making Alice hesitant.

She was unsure if her disguise could fool Aivia.

Unlike others unfamiliar with her, Aivia had frequent contact with Alice, often showing favoritism, making it hard to say she had no special means of identifying Alice.

Yet, after much consideration, Alice decided to meet Aivia.

If Alice did not agree to the meeting, Aivia might sense something amiss and not go to the War God Temple after all.

Though not necessary to resolve the Daylight, if she could take this opportunity to solve it, that would be excellent.

With a hint of luck, Alice met Aivia in the Pope's reception room.

Aivia still dressed as she did as a Saintess, with little change.

Alice immediately noticed Oshana behind Aivia.

Ultimately, Oshana chose to accompany Aivia as well.

Now, Oshana was Aivia's personal Knight tasked with safeguarding Pope Aivia. Getting this position indicated Oshana's strength was significant.

Indeed, that was the case. Although not as exaggerated as Alice's ninth rank, such a young eighth-rank Knight of Daylight was truly a rare talent.

At the moment Alice saw Oshana, an Alternate Art Card of Oshana appeared before Shen Sui's eyes.

[Ding! Your follower has acquired a new Alternate Art: Daylight Guard Knight Oshana]

[Aivia looked at Alice, revealing an amiable smile: "Hello, Lady Adoma, it's been a while."]

[Seeing Aivia's demeanor, Alice was taken aback and quickly recalled the impropriety of this meeting.]

[Oh crap! I forgot, Adoma was someone I teamed up with Aivia to eliminate!]

[Alice immediately adjusted her expression, speaking coldly: "Indeed, it's been a long time, Aivia Saintess."]

["I am no longer a Saintess." Aivia sat across from Alice, appearing at ease, not a bit reserved.]

[Aivia's powerful aura exerted immense pressure on Alice.]

[Fortunately, Alice was seasoned enough that, despite the vast strength disparity with Aivia, she did not reveal many flaws under such overwhelming pressure.]

[Aivia was puzzled internally.]

[Did I really fail to kill Adoma back then?]

[This trip to Roland City wasn't just about the task given by the Lady of Daylight; it was crucial to verify Adoma's identity.]

[If this Adoma wasn't impersonated by someone else, it wouldn't be good news for the Daylight Church.]

[After all, Aivia was someone who staged an assassination against Adoma, someone she attempted to kill.]

[It was easy to imagine Adoma's attitude towards the Daylight Church.]

[Indeed, this trip was worth coming.]

[Had I not risked this visit, Adoma might really ally with the War God Church due to the hatred between us.]

[Aivia's mind raced.]

[She began to explain her purpose to Alice.]

[The reason Aivia personally went to the War God Temple was because of the divine decree from the Lady of Daylight.]

[Aivia was confident that once this news was shared with Adoma if she was loyal enough to the Master of Thunder, she would temporarily set aside her grudge against Aivia.]

["What?" Alice looked at Aivia in shock, "Are you saying the War God is dead?"]