Chapter 659 - 657: Divine Relic?
"You saint candidates from this generation, why is every one of you so worrying?"
Melina Phil’s projection appeared somewhat amused and helpless.
Phil’s father, Duke Pharos, was not part of any radical faction, but this didn’t mean Melina had a poor attitude towards Phil.
Although currently, Hilia has a greater probability of achieving her goals, the other candidates, even if they do not become saints, will likely be high-tier mages in the future. Given Phil’s personality, she might not get involved in faction disputes, and her Holy Priest faction does not want to offend anyone.
Of course, even if involved in factions, Melina wouldn’t adopt a cold attitude.
"So... Archbishop Melina, is it possible?"
Phil asked earnestly.
She was referring to letting Hilia go to the Elf Forest to assist her with this matter.
Melina glanced at Hilia, who was smirking faintly, feeling a bit of a headache.
After pondering for a moment, she said, "Phil, I still suggest you return immediately. The Elf Race won’t easily let the Beast Tide assault the cities. Given the current situation, they are likely to guide the irrational demons, directing them to other places, such as the Star Spirit Forbidden Land or our borders, so please, come back."
"This..."
Phil showed a conflicted expression.
After a while, she shook her head and refused, "Archbishop Melina, I’m sorry, I have some matters to attend to and cannot leave now."
"Alright."
Melina did not insist.
The matters Phil was currently handling were relatively minor and unlikely to draw attention. Being a Tier Four Mage, she doesn’t need to overly worry about her safety.
But Hilia is different.
Melina looked at Hilia and shook her head.
Hilia smiled faintly and said, "Bishop Melina, actually, I can go. As long as I don’t deliberately expose myself or cause trouble, it’s quite difficult for anyone to notice me. If I’m just helping Phil secretly, I think it’ll be fine, right?"
Melina, not amused, said, "You think you can go without causing trouble?"
"I think I can."
Hilia blinked.
Actually, whether she goes or not doesn’t matter to her.
But she’s curious as to why Phil suddenly needs someone to go over and help.
Moreover, after much deliberation, the candidate turned out to be herself.
This curiosity, Hilia already had an answer in her heart.
It’s probably Rose’s request.
But since Rose hasn’t spoken, she can’t confirm it.
Right now, she’s unsure if Rose wants her to go or not, since he hasn’t said anything.
"Why must Phil insist on Hilia entering the Elf Forest?" Melina studied Phil’s projection. "Though I’m not supposed to restrict Melina’s freedom, Hilia entering the Elf Forest recklessly might be dangerous. Previously, she survived two assassination attempts. It’s hard to guarantee a third won’t happen. Phil, if you can’t convince me with your reasons, neither I nor the Holy Master’s side will allow you to risk Hilia."
Phil seemed conflicted.
After a long while, she lowered her head slightly and said, "I... discovered a Divine Relic in the Elf Forest which requires Hilia, who possesses divine blessings, to help."
"What?"
Melina immediately became serious, her expression grew solemn.
"Are you sure?"
Phil hesitated for a moment and nodded.
"Can someone else go instead?" Melina asked.
Phil looked troubled.
"I’m afraid... not."
"Why?"
"I don’t know why, just like how I discovered the Divine Relic. It’s a kind of instinct... Ever since I arrived at the Elf Forest, there’s been a premonition, as if a God is calling out to me."
"What does this have to do with needing Hilia to go?"
"It requires someone with a high divine covenant... Originally, I wanted Benovia to come, but Benovia is currently helping to purify pollution and cannot come for long. She said Hilia could come, only then did I seek her out."
"I see."
Melina nodded, unable to refute this reason.
Indeed, those blessed with a high divine covenant are more likely to be favored by Gods.
This matter relies solely on talent, impossible to achieve through effort after birth.
Melina was convinced.
"If it’s a Divine Relic, then that’s plausible. Stay where you are, and I’ll first consult the Holy Master. The current situation is complex, and after discussions, we can provide assistance to you and Hilia."
"Alright, please hurry."
Phil nodded.
Upon learning it was a Divine Relic, Melina became immediately attentive.
Aside from everything else, any nation would covet a Divine Relic.
The Elf Race had a fortunate individual who brought back a Divine Relic from a God; it’s still unclear what relic they obtained, but the mere impact of the relic allowed the fortunate one’s strength to boost swiftly, effortlessly winning first place in the Mage League.
And this is just the ancillary effect of the relic, the most basic effect.
Various nations learned from insiders within the Elf Race numerous benefits, such as the Holy Tree growing once more—signifying an increase in their high-tier mages in the future.
This alone makes all nations envious.
Unfortunately, this is hard to come by. Were it not for the Elf Race obtaining the Elf God’s relic, they might not have been able to preserve these items, likely succumbing to other nations’ schemes.
Relics of the Elf God are essentially limited for use by the Elf Race; everything from this God, named after the race, is a gift to the Elf Race, and a curse to others.
Though Melina doesn’t know which God Phil referred to regarding the Divine Relic, whoever gave Phil enlightenment, it surely cannot be any God outside of those worshipped by the Holy Court Pantheon.
Thus, Melina acted swiftly, contacted the Holy Master via emergency communication, and quickly returned to Huijin City, where twelve Archbishops gathered for a secret meeting.
After it concluded, Melina returned and reached out to Phil.
"The Holy Master has agreed to let Hilia assist you in acquiring the Divine Relic. Besides Hilia, can anyone else help? Like the current Holy Daughter Anna, or other bishops with a high divine covenant, can they provide assistance to you?"
Phil hesitated for a moment and shook her head, "During the process of obtaining the relic, perhaps... it’s impossible. But after acquiring the relic, they should be able to help, right?"
"Alright, we will find a way to let people into the Elf Forest to protect you and Hilia, you two be cautious." Melina nodded.
Hilia said, "I suspect the Divine Relic is underground in the Elf Forest. There, Tier Six Mages might encounter problems, so in the end, it may depend solely on Phil and me."
"I see." Melina nodded, "Those demons indeed have special traits; when hit by Tier Six Mage’s unique attacks, they attempt to learn. Unless necessary, indeed, Tier Six Mages should not enter."