"The Rose Squad is the most elite force in all of France, and their combat power is not even inferior to our Knights of Light!" Archbishop Berkeley said flatly. "To think that the Freedom Organization could silently steal the map right under their noses is nothing but wishful thinking!"

Ling Feng was a bit surprised in his heart. He had never realized that the Rose Squad possessed such strength.

"Then, what does the Saintess mean by 'allies' earlier?" Ling Feng couldn't help but ask. "Could it be that you're planning to collaborate in seizing the map?"

The Saintess and Archbishop Berkeley exchanged a glance, and the Saintess smiled and said, "I mentioned before, being our ally is absolutely a good thing for you. Naturally, that's not what I meant."

"Actually, the situation is like this!" Archbishop Berkeley continued, "The foundation of our Papal Court of Light is still in Europe, and the strength of the Rose Squad cannot be underestimated. It's not convenient for us to directly make a move to seize the map. Doing so would pit our Papal Court of Light against the Freedom Organization and the Rose Squad, and that wouldn't align with our Church's interests!"

Ling Feng nodded. The Freedom Organization aside, the Rose Squad represents France, and France holds a pivotal position in Europe. Therefore, the Papal Court of Light would have no reason to create such a powerful enemy for itself without cause.

"Moreover, our Church already has one map!" Archbishop Berkeley remarked casually. "Unless all nine maps are assembled, whether one holds one map or two doesn't make much of a difference. Either way, one would still need to ally with other factions for a chance to uncover the secrets of the Atlantis Continent!"

"Hence, we've decided to seek an ally. Our objective is to assist our ally in obtaining the map, and when the Atlantis Continent opens, we'll form a defensive alliance!" The Bright Saintess gazed at Ling Feng and said, "Do you understand now? If you accept the goodwill of our Papal Court of Light, we can help you acquire the Atlantis map. What do you think?"

Ling Feng's eyes shifted slightly. "Do I have the option to refuse?"

Archbishop Berkeley said flatly, "Of course. Our Papal Court values mutual willingness and wins people over with virtue! Moreover, you are the apprentice of the new Dragon King of the Dragon Group. Naturally, our Church wouldn't do anything to you."

"However..." Archbishop Berkeley added, "to prevent any potential information leaks, if you refuse, we hope that you can stay as our guest here for a few days. That would be mutually beneficial, wouldn't it?"

The nine maps are akin to nine tickets. Concerning the matter of Atlantis, though it has already caused an uproar in the Underworld, the number of factions capable of personally investigating the mystery is at most nine!

No one would want additional factions vying for their slice of the pie, so forming alliances to ensure safety on the Atlantis Continent becomes a top priority!

From this perspective, the Papal Court of Light's decision, while seemingly absurd, isn't entirely without merit. Furthermore, Ling Feng understood why he was chosen. Firstly, because of his identity—as the apprentice to the Dragon King. Secondly, due to his strength. From the oppressive aura Ling Feng had demonstrated earlier, Archbishop Berkeley clearly recognized Ling Feng's formidable ability. Most importantly, Ling Feng had little foundation in Europe!

Even if a future alliance were to form, someone as newly established in Europe as Ling Feng would only be able to depend on the Papal Court of Light. This was undoubtedly advantageous for them.

From the current situation, becoming an ally of the Papal Court of Light held more advantages than disadvantages for Ling Feng. Besides, even if the Papal Court harbored ulterior motives, Ling Feng wouldn't be overly concerned; after all, he was confident in his own abilities!

In the face of absolute power, all schemes and plots would dissolve into nothing!

"So, it seems I have no other choice?" Ling Feng shrugged toward Archbishop Berkeley and said, "I hope our collaboration will be pleasant then!"

A warm smile appeared on Archbishop Berkeley's face. "Ling Feng, you've made a very wise choice. You won't regret it!"

Afterward, Ling Feng left the church under the guidance of the Bright Saintess.

However, no one noticed the look of jealousy and murderous intent in Harriet's eyes as he stood in a corner of the church.

"Harriet!" Archbishop Berkeley's voice sounded in Harriet's ears.

"Uncle!" Harriet quickly repressed the aura emanating from him and turned around respectfully.

Archbishop Berkeley looked at Harriet with a deep gaze. "Harriet, I've watched you grow up. Among your peers, you are among the best, and that has always been the reason for your pride. But I hope today's events have taught you the lesson that there's always someone better, and mountains beyond mountains."

Harriet lowered his head and remained silent for a while before saying, "Uncle, I understand. I will work even harder in the future!"

Disappointment flashed in Archbishop Berkeley's eyes. "You still don't realize what your mistake is, do you?"

Harriet looked at Archbishop Berkeley with some confusion.

Archbishop Berkeley sighed. Harriet was the family member he valued the most, and he was clearly aware that Harriet was heading down the wrong path.

But for geniuses like him, the more elders try to advise them, the less they take it seriously. That was precisely why Archbishop Berkeley had Ling Feng intimidate Harriet this time!

But now it seemed that Harriet still hadn't grasped his true mistake!

"Think about it carefully!" Archbishop Berkeley said. "Some realizations can only come from self-reflection. This time, you won't participate in the mission. Return to the Holy City immediately and reflect in seclusion. When I return, I hope you'll have an epiphany!"

"What?!" Harriet's eyes widened in shock. He couldn't believe that his uncle would send him back to the Holy City!

Harriet's heart surged with boundless anger. This mission, jointly led by Archbishop Berkeley and Her Holiness the Saintess, was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Harriet. Yet, his uncle wanted him to return to the Holy City?

Was it all because of that guy named Ling Feng?

"Damn it! I must kill you, Ling Feng!" Harriet raged in his heart.

"You didn't mishear!" Archbishop Berkeley said. "Your heart is in turmoil right now. You're not suited to stay here any longer. Go back and reflect on this; it will be better for your future!"

After finishing, Archbishop Berkeley turned to leave. "Oh, one more thing—here's some advice. Don't waste your time scheming revenge for today's events. Once you've had an epiphany, you'll find yourself grateful to Ling Feng!"

With those parting words, Archbishop Berkeley's figure disappeared from Harriet's sight.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.