Diablo traveled through time and became a necromancer

The interior of Light's Hope Cathedral is even more breathtaking than its exterior. Passing through a massive archway, one emerges into an immensely spacious main hall with breathtakingly high ceilings. Massive stone pillars support a dome covered in sacred frescoes. Sunlight streams through the stained glass windows high above, casting iridescent shadows on the ground. The air is filled with the gentle, tranquil scent of incense.

Benches were neatly arranged, and at the end was a tall altar, upon which was enshrined the golden eagle emblem of Zakarum, emitting a soft and pure holy light. The entire space was solemn and dignified, yet it also carried a tranquil power that embraced all things.

Grimm and Juliana were clearly very familiar with the place. While Grimm couldn't hide his excitement at seeing his best friend, he was noticeably more restrained inside the church, his footsteps light and the clanging of armor muted. Juliana, on the other hand, maintained her proper demeanor, walking steadily and calmly as she led Wu Ye and the other two through the side aisles and into the depths of the church.

They passed through several archways, past rooms that seemed to be used by clergy to rest or conduct business, and finally arrived at a heavy oak door intricately carved with holy patterns. Standing before the door were two Crusader guards wearing heavy silver-white armor and holding halberds. Upon seeing Juliana and Grimm, they immediately straightened their bodies and gave a standard military salute.

"Lady Juliana! Captain Grimm!" The guard's voice was low and powerful.

Juliana nodded slightly. "By order of His Holiness the Pope, I am bringing the distinguished guest to an audience."

Upon hearing this, the guard's gaze swept over Wu Ye, Leah, and Vera, and finally paused for a moment on Skeleton Brother. A hint of subtle surprise flashed in his eyes, but he said nothing more. He respectfully stepped aside and pushed open the heavy oak door.

Behind the door is a relatively small room, elegantly and comfortably furnished. It is more like a private reception room than a study or office of the Pope.

Tapestries depicting the deeds of Zakarum saints hung on the walls, thick velvet carpets covered the floor, and several comfortable sofas were placed around a low table, on which was placed an exquisite tea set and a plate of fresh tropical fruit. Sunlight poured in from the arched window on one side, illuminating the dust particles floating in the air.

In the middle of the room, with his back to the door, stood a man.

He wore a simple white robe embroidered with the Zakarum Golden Eagle emblem in gold thread. He stood tall and straight, his short, smooth silver hair meticulously combed. Simply standing there, he exuded a profound and imposing aura, as if the entire room's aura was condensed around him.

Hearing the door open, he slowly turned around.

Pope Colin Sweet looks very young, with a handsome face, fair skin, and a pair of deep eyes like a tranquil lake, full of wisdom and insight.

There was a natural, gentle curve at the corner of his mouth, giving him an approachable air even when he wasn't smiling. However, as his gaze swept over the people entering, the mountain-like, steady majesty beneath his gentleness naturally emanated, instilling in one's heart a sense of respect.

"Your Majesty, Elder Wu Ye and his party are here." Juliana bowed, her voice cold and respectful.

Grimm immediately knelt on one knee and placed his right hand on his chest: "Your Majesty!"

Pope Colin's gaze first fell on Wu Ye. A gentle smile flashed in his deep eyes, and he nodded slightly: "Welcome, friend from afar, Elder Wu Ye." His voice was like a spring breeze blowing across the strings of a piano, gentle and magnetic, with a peculiar power to soothe people's hearts.

Then, his gaze swept over Leah and Vera, nodding in greeting. "Miss Leah, Miss Vera, welcome to Kurast." Finally, his gaze settled on the silent skeleton behind Wu Ye. An indescribable light flashed in his deep eyes: inquiry, surprise, but more than that, a profound understanding, as if seeing through the essence of things. He showed no discomfort or rejection of a living skeleton, simply nodding calmly. "And this... special guardian."

"Your Holiness." Wu Ye, along with Leah and Vera, bowed slightly in greeting, following the common etiquette of adventurers. Skeleton Brother simply stood there quietly, his soul fire burning steadily.

"No need to be so polite, please take a seat." Pope Colin smiled and gestured for everyone to take a seat. He himself sat down on the sofa at the main table, his posture relaxed and natural. His invisible sense of majesty also subsided a lot, more like a gentle elder receiving guests. "Grimm, Julianna, you sit down too."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Grimm and Julianna then sat down on the sofa on the side. Grimm still looked a little restrained, with his back straight.

The young monk standing nearby immediately stepped forward and gently poured everyone fragrant hot tea. Pope Colin picked up the teacup, blew gently on the steam, and looked at Wu Ye warmly. "You've traveled across the Twin Seas, and you've had a hard time. Are you acclimating to the climate in Kurast?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Although it's a little hot and humid here, it has a unique charm." Wu Ye also picked up the teacup, feeling the warmth and fragrance of the tea. "This Holy Light's Wish Cathedral is breathtaking. Your Majesty is able to rebuild such a holy place from the ruins. I admire you."

Pope Colin sighed softly, put down his teacup, and his eyes revealed a hint of complicated emotions: “What we are rebuilding is not only the church, but also the people’s hearts.

Zakarum was once lost in darkness, and Kurast was traumatized. What we need is not just magnificent architecture, but to rekindle the light of hope in people's hearts." His tone was gentle, but it was filled with a heavy sense of responsibility.

He paused, his eyes growing serious, his restrained majesty faintly emerging once again. "I've invited you here not only to reminisce about the past, but more importantly, because Kurast, and indeed the entire Sanctuary, is facing an imminent crisis."

The atmosphere in the room suddenly grew solemn. Grimm and Juliana also sat up straight, their expressions solemn.

"Your Majesty, are you referring to... the blood moon?" Wu Ye asked in a deep voice.

"That's right." Pope Colin nodded, a hint of worry flashing in his deep eyes. "The impact of the last blood moon far exceeded our expectations. It not only exacerbated the weakening of the Worldstone barrier, but also directly stimulated those beings deep in Cuifank... who had been corrupted for a long time by the power of the Lord of Hate." His slender fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of the sofa.

"Trevnic, the city completely corrupted by Mephisto, was already a living hell. And after the blood moon, the demons resident within became even more violent and aggressive. No longer content to remain within the ruins of Trevinnic, they have begun to spread and roam the surrounding rainforests on a large scale!"

He looked at Wu Ye, his tone solemn, "Our Knights of Zakarum, along with Captain Ashela's Iron Wolf Mercenaries, have mobilized in full force to eliminate any demons that dare approach the port and main roads. However, the rainforest is vast and the terrain is complex, and those demons are exceptionally cunning, especially some special individuals. They seem to possess some kind of... ability to evade Holy Light detection. Like venomous snakes in the shadows, they lurk deep in the dense forest, attacking lone travelers, caravans, and even threatening villages on the outskirts."

Pope Colin's voice was filled with fatigue and helplessness. "We have limited manpower, and we can't completely clear the entire rainforest. Those hidden demons, while individually perhaps not as powerful and terrifying as the 'Fangs' you encountered in Lugain," he emphasized, clearly aware of Wu Ye and his men's strength, "but their presence is like a thorn in the flesh, constantly spreading fear and corruption, threatening the security of Kurast's periphery and hindering our in-depth reconnaissance and purification operations in the direction of Travink."

He leaned forward slightly, looking at Wu Ye sincerely. "Elder Wu Ye, I know you're here for experience and adventure. I have no intention of dragging you into Kurast's political turmoil or asking you to shoulder responsibilities that don't belong to you." His tone was very calm, with a hint of negotiation. "As a friend and guardian of Kurast, I'm simply offering you a commission, or rather... an unwelcome request."

"Your Majesty, please speak." Wu Ye responded seriously.

"During your upcoming adventures, if you venture deeper into the rainforest and encounter those lurking demons with obvious signs of Travink corruption," Pope Colin's gaze swept over Wu Ye, Leah, and Vera, "could you please eliminate them?" He paused and added, "Of course, this is entirely voluntary. We will provide an atlas compiled from survivors' accounts and the Knights' encounter records, marking the known types of demons that pose special threats or have hidden abilities, as well as their approximate activity areas. At the same time, for each such demon eliminated, the church will give you a corresponding reward based on the threat level - this can be gold coin equipment, or blessed holy amulets or potions that are useful to adventurers."

Grimm couldn't help but interject, his tone expressing absolute trust in his best friend: "Your Majesty! Don't worry! With the strength of our best friends, we can easily take down those elusive demons! It'll be much easier than taking down Fang!"

Julianna glanced at Grimm, who immediately fell silent, but his face was still full of confidence.

Pope Colin didn't blame Grimm for interrupting. Instead, he smiled gently. "Grimm's confidence in you is also a source of my confidence, Elder Wu Ye. Of course, safety comes first. If you encounter a situation beyond your capabilities, please prioritize your own safety, evacuate promptly, and notify nearby outposts."

He leaned back on the sofa, picked up his teacup, and his imposing majesty faded once more, returning to the gentle demeanor of a gentle elder. "This is just a small commission, and it won't affect your original adventure plans. The Kurast rainforest holds countless secrets and challenges. I hope you can find your own opportunities and growth here."

Wu Ye barely hesitated, exchanging glances with Leah and Vera, seeing the same determination in their eyes. He stood up and solemnly addressed Pope Colin, "Your Majesty, we accept. Eliminating evil is the duty of adventurers. Furthermore, it's our honor to help our friends."

Leah and Vera also stood up and nodded in agreement.

"Very good." Pope Colin smiled with satisfaction and clapped his hands. A monk immediately entered, carrying a scroll and a heavy leather bag. "This is the Demon Atlas, the first advance payment, and a few basic Holy Light Amulets. I hope this will be of some use to you."

Wu Ye took the scroll and bag: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"May the Holy Light guide your path and protect your safety." Pope Colin also stood up and gave a gentle blessing. "Grimm, Julianna, please see Elder Wu Ye and the others off for me."

Leaving the Pope's reception room and walking back into the grand and tranquil main hall of the church, Wu Ye's mood was not at ease. The scroll in his hand, marked with the demon's message, seemed to carry the weight of the rainforest's dampness and shadows.

The last rays of sunset filtered through the stained glass windows, tinting the interior of the church with a warm golden-red hue. But Wu Ye knew that beyond this seemingly prosperous port, deep within the vast, perilous rainforest, the shadow of Cui Fank was quietly spreading under the influence of the blood moon. A new adventure had begun.