The Ritual

Gurgle, gurgle—

Xia Jin devoured the few demons before her with ease.

Feeling the changes in her body, she immediately found a secluded spot nearby and closed her eyes to digest.

She sensed a few demons approaching halfway through and moved to avoid them.

Until two hours later...

A surge of energy erupted from her.

She had broken through.

“Tier 11.”

Rising to her feet, she prepared to continue looking for opportunities to launch ambushes on other nearby demons.

Although she had reached Tier 11 and was exceptionally powerful for that level, her targets remained primarily those below Tier 11.

A portion of the demonic energy was transmitted to her true body and other projections to help them break through to Tier 11 as soon as possible.

Another portion of the energy was absorbed by her to stabilize her strength at this rank.

As for breaking through to an even higher rank, that would still take time.

With more Tier 10 powerhouses appearing on the front lines of the Dawn Empire, the difficulty of the battles had increased. She felt it was better to raise the level of her projections sooner rather than later.

After all, the gap between Tier 11 and Tier 10 was significant. Using the method of overwhelming enemy powerhouses with sheer numbers of ultralisks came at a cost that was simply too staggering.

...

The West Continent, the capital of the Dawn Empire.

“Your Majesty, in yesterday's battle, the front line lost another three corps. Our forces launched a counter-attack at the border between Gexilu and our own country, deploying over two million troops. However, the strength of the enemy in this battle seems to have improved alarmingly. Not only has the strength of the small bugs increased from Tier 3 to Tier 4, but many other creatures have also seen a massive surge in power. Most critically... they have deployed two new types of biological units we have never seen before. Especially one that can spray a red mist; as soon as it exhales it onto the battlefield, our low-power weapons can hardly inflict any damage.”

Inside the hall, the Military Minister personally reported the new day's battle report. Looking at the Emperor's expressionless face, his state of mind was exceptionally complex.

When this war against the Zerg began, no one could have predicted it would turn out like this.

“Very well, I understand,” the Emperor nodded.

“Your Majesty, has the Goddess given a response?”

“She has.” Speaking of the Goddess, the Emperor's expression finally softened slightly. “The Divine Messenger is prepared to descend. I have already instructed those below to construct the landing facilities. You may go to the plaza and wait.”

“Is that so?”

The Military Minister showed a look of joy. After performing a salute, he turned and withdrew.

Several hours later, at the capital's great plaza.

The scene was already a sea of people. Countless civilians crowded around to witness the solemn plaza and the nearly hundred meter tall Goddess statue.

This statue had no facial features and was draped in a robe. In truth, other than being humanoid, it was difficult to see any details.

Most of the time, this statue stood silently at the very center of the plaza.

But during special times, such as this ritual, the statue served as a medium to communicate with the Goddess.

At this moment, on the platform in front of the statue, the Emperor himself had donned the robes representing the Pope. Holding a scepter, he walked slowly to the front.

A wave of pressure suddenly filled the entire square.

Standing on either side of the Pope, two powerhouses with strength reaching Tier 10 suddenly released a terrifying aura.

All the civilians fell silent.

“We welcome the descent of the Divine Messenger!”

The Pope knelt on one knee, and everyone at the scene followed suit.

A few seconds later...

A beam of golden light suddenly pierced through the clouds, descending from the sky and landing on the platform in front.

When the light dissipated, a figure radiating a profound aura appeared, suspended in mid-air.

This person's body was covered in silver-black armor, with everything concealed except for their eyes. As their feet touched the ground, a heart-palpitating sensation surfaced in everyone's hearts.

“Tier 12.”

Monitoring through an Overlord suspended dozens of kilometers away, Xia Jin immediately perceived the other party's strength.

“They aren't hiding it at all.”

Even the nearby scouting mosquitoes could clearly feel that terror.

“Good grief.”

The power behind this Church was indeed not that simple.

The Overlord's scan just now clearly perceived that the light had come from space above.

Could it be an alien?

Or did this planet once produce some ancient powerhouse who crossed the void into space to establish a base?

After the Divine Messenger opened his eyes, a look of joy appeared on the Emperor's face.

He immediately rose and said, “Lord Messenger, please follow me to the main hall.”

“Mhm,” the Divine Messenger responded coldly. “There is no need for superfluous talk. I have already been informed of most of the situation in advance. Just tell me what needs to be done.”

“Yes.”