Chapter 196 - Harbinger (1/2)

Chapter 196: Harbinger

Shang Jianyao fell silent when he heard Jiang Baimian.

After a few seconds, he suddenly smiled and said, “But ‘They’ won’t save all of humanity.”

Jiang Baimian was stunned for a moment before she heaved a sigh of relief for some reason. She then smiled and said, “Yeah, we can only rely on ourselves, just like the song you often play.”

Compared to the monster in Swamp Ruin 1’s laboratory, the gaze she felt just now was even more unimaginable. It completely exceeded her understanding, making her emotions rise and fall in a moment of panic.

After all, the knowledge she had learned and the life she had experienced made her believe in science more. She believed that everything could be analyzed, understood, hypothesized, verified, grasped, and replicated. The so-called deities and Kalendarium did not exist. Even if they did exist, they were only stronger mutated creatures.

The experience just now overturned her worldview. But after chatting with Shang Jianyao for a while, she escaped this emotional state and became excited again. Even if there really are Kalendarium and deities, we don’t see ‘Them’ saving all of humanity. Therefore, what do ‘They’ have to do with us? Besides, why can’t the Kalendarium be analyzed, understood, hypothesized, verified, grasped, and replicated?

Jiang Baimian knew that such thoughts carried the spirit of self-delusion, but in the current situation, this was the best way to help her recover as quickly as possible.

In the brief silence, they heard footsteps coming from outside.

Baz and a middle-aged man in a black robe quickly entered Bishop Renato’s room.

The cathedral guards—who had all kinds of weapons—scattered themselves in the corridor, blockading the area.

“I’m Harbinger Song He.” The middle-aged man in the black robe glanced at Bishop Renato—who was restrained by Shang Jianyao—and introduced himself.

In Redstone Collection, where masks flourished, it was a rare occasion for him not to wear any disguises. He was Ashlandic, and his eyebrows were slightly sparse. His sideburns were a little white, and there were no wrinkles on his face. It was difficult to determine his exact age.

At a glance, Jiang Baimian first remembered his square face and clean-shaven face.

“Harbinger?” she asked in confusion. This sounded like a rank within the Vigilance Church.

“A clergyman that’s directly subordinate to the bishop and is in charge of daily proselytizing and preaching,” Song He explained simply.

Jiang Baimian didn’t ask any further. “Quick, take a look and see if it’s Bishop Renato.”

Considering the existence of Baz and the others, their conversation was in the Red River language to show their sincerity.

Song He walked to Shang Jianyao’s side and squatted down. His expression became increasingly solemn as he looked at the Heartless, who was trying his best to raise his head.

After a few seconds, he sighed. “It’s the bishop. He contracted the Heartless disease.”

Song He then instructed the cathedral guards outside the door to bring in handcuffs, rope, and other items. After that, he tied Heartless Renato up tightly.

After doing this, he turned around and said to Shang Jianyao and Jiang Baimian, “Please wait a moment. I have to report the bishop’s situation immediately.”

“Alright.” Jiang Baimian expressed her understanding.

Song He immediately walked to the door and said with a serious expression, “Everyone, stay here. Nobody is to leave or tell anyone about the bishop’s illness.”

“Yes, Harbinger,” the cathedral guards replied respectfully.

After watching Song He leave, Jiang Baimian turned to look at Baz. “You seem to trust Harbinger Song?”

“Yes.” Baz nodded. “He was one of the first Harbingers that came to Redstone Collection.”

“How old is he?” Jiang Baimian immediately sensed a problem. Superficially, Song He’s age didn’t seem compatible with being the first to proselyte in Redstone Collection. How could a person—who is clearly not more than 50 years old—come to Redstone Collection to proselytize at the beginning of the New Calendar or the end of the Chaotic Era? Could it be that he was talented and could be a preacher at a young age, allowing him to take on the position of Harbinger?

“I’m not sure; he should be about the same age as my late grandfather. Even if he’s not 70, he’s very close,” replied Baz thoughtfully.

Jiang Baimian was slightly surprised. “He looks very young.”

“Yes, his age doesn’t show. He says that he has the blessing of the Kalendaria.” Baz indicated that he felt the same.

Shang Jianyao interrupted in a deep voice, “Maybe this is already the nth generation of Song He. Every time Song He ages, a new Song He will replace him.”

“…” Baz—who lacked the influence of entertainment programs—was confused. However, he felt that Shang Jianyao’s description of the situation was very terrifying.

“Don’t listen to him; he likes to tell horror stories.” Jiang Baimian reprimanded and asked, “Then, why didn’t he become the bishop?”

After being a Harbinger for so many years, it had to be worth something even if he didn’t make any significant contributions.

Could it be that the Vigilance Church stipulates that only those who have received the Kalendaria’s grace and awakened their abilities can be bishops?

“Harbinger himself rejected it. He always says that he has already gotten enough and is very satisfied. Any extravagant hopes of becoming a bishop would only make him appear greedy and no longer be favored by Eidolon Nun.” Baz repeated Song He’s words.

At this moment, Bishop Renato—who was inflicted with the Heartless disease—had his mouth stuffed. He couldn’t let out any beast-like cries and could only twist and turn in an attempt to break free.