80 System of Divine Incantations 1 (1/2)
The last mask that Kelly possessed surprised them even more. Hodap, who knew very well the history of the Church, as well as its myths, quickly recognized the mask. His face changed immediately.
Hodap stuttered, ”This, this wouldn't be?”
Saintess Kelly unveiled the mask. ”This is the Mask of His Lord Faross.”
Kelly raised the divine artifact into the air. The white mask sparkled, sending a dazzling rainbow halo into the light, causing all the people at the scene to look away with a sense of blinding dizziness.
All of the people at the scene fell to the ground. Everyone, including the Pope, started kissing the ground. Kelly spoke solemnly. ”God pities humankind. After my ardent prayers, God not only granted me his artifact, but He also gave me the method of passing on divine incantations. Only faithful believers can master divine incantations to enter His Kingdom after death.”
The Pope was beyond himself. As he stood up, he couldn't even hold his staff properly, as his entire being seemed to shudder. ”Can I also use these divine incantations of God?” he wondered aloud.
Though Kelly did not like Pope Hodap, whose mind was permanently filled with filthy thoughts, his dedication to God was unquestionable. ”Of course, as you are God's representative on Earth, Pope of the Church of Light. But, this would require a grand ritual and many sacrifices. Though our sacrifices are nothing in the eyes of God, God has still expressed his pity and magnanimity towards us. Hence, it is out of the question for us to dedicate any less than our very best to Him.”
Only the faintly shimmering mask remained within Pope Hodap's eyes. As he approached the mask, it was as if he could feel the eyes and presence of God. The Pope shouted loudly. ”Of course. Praise the generosity of God. May your Kingdom prosper on Earth, as it does in Heaven. This is your nation. We will announce your existence to the world. The eyes of God have never left us, and He will continue to watch over humanity.”
”Divine incantations can only be controlled by the most dedicated believers. Disloyal believers will be roasted to death within the sacred flames, their souls doomed to eternal suffering in Hell. Your Eminence, please choose a list of your most dedicated believers to undergo this Saint Baptism ritual. Other than you, the first group of God's Saints will number twelve people.”
Saintess Kelly put the mask back on and left. All of the clergy were beyond themselves. The usual displays of power from the Saintess were already overwhelming. Now that she had exhibited even greater divine abilities, and said that these divine incantations could now be shared with other disciples.
Everyone wanted to become one of the Twelve Saints, to become the true messengers of God, with existences that wielded the power of divine incantations, who were much closer to the divinity of God. These figures could even be guided to God's Heavenly Kingdom after death!
The Saintess never interfered with the politics of the Church of Light, so Pope Hodap held the sole right over the list of candidates. Everyone started to devise their own plans immediately.
News about the Saint Baptism ritual immediately spread everywhere. It went beyond St. Sarl City itself, out into the entire Kingdom of the Church of Light, and to all the Cardinals, who were spread throughout many different countries. All of the people who received the news then began speeding back to St. Sarl City, in order to vie for the candidacy positions.