His abrupt interruption of the prayer segment that was supposed to continue the gathering was abruptly interrupted.

His face appeared expressionless, but his eyes clearly burned with anger as he stared directly at the woman on the stage.

The sudden turn of events did not displease the woman in red, who appeared to be the high priest, nor did it evoke any other emotion. Her delicate face still wore that compassionate expression as she spoke earnestly:

"You must be Akiyama Seiya, the son of Akiyama Kazuyoshi. Is there a problem?"

The woman immediately identified the man, demonstrating her professional competence as a high priest of the sect.

Although Toru Kujo didn't know how large the Salvation Society had grown to, the fact that he could recognize someone so quickly was enough to tell a lot.

Even the owner of a company is unlikely to recognize all of his employees.

Not to mention, judging from what she said, this man wasn't even a member of the Salvation Society, just a family member.

If someone can remember even this kind of relationship, even without any other power behind them, they could easily build a sect on their own.

With such a high priest, it is entirely understandable why the Salvation Society was able to expand to such an extent in just one week.

However, just because she didn't care about the men interrupting the gathering doesn't mean that others didn't care.

"Damn it! Couldn't you have waited until the confession session to say something?!"

"This is disrespectful to the High Priest, and also to the Purification Deity of Mijima!"

The believers who were devoutly praising God in the audience immediately began to express their dissatisfaction and condemn.

Of the eleven masked figures who had been standing behind the woman in red, two stepped forward, seemingly intending to handle the matter.

However, the woman gave them a look, stopping them.

Her arms were spread out to the sides, as if she wanted to embrace everyone.

Her movements seemed to possess an inexplicable magic, effortlessly drawing the attention of others.

The venue fell silent; everyone shut their mouths and watched the woman in red in silence.

The candlelight flickered, and candle wax rolled down.

The golden crown seemed even more dazzling under the bright lights.

Her clear voice was full of love and tolerance, and her eyes gazed tenderly at Akiyama Seiya, who had stood up.

"There is no need to be so harsh. Mijima Jōfu no Mikoto is a god who saves the world. He will redeem us and forgive everything, as long as we sincerely offer our faith."

Those who had just been criticizing immediately lowered their heads in shame.

I began to reflect on my behavior.

The high priest spoke again:

"Come on, Akiyama Seiya, please tell me all your questions."

"My mother, Yukie Akiyama, passed away yesterday."

The man stared intently at the woman in red on the stage, speaking each word slowly and deliberately.

“I had already contacted a doctor and scheduled the surgery, but she secretly transferred all the medical expenses to the Salvation Association’s bank account.”

He seemed to be making an accusation, yet he also seemed to be simply stating a fact.

After that, Akiyama Makoto remained silent, his gaze fixed on the High Priestess's face, awaiting her reaction.

The venue quieted down.

Kujo Toru did not move, but simply watched quietly. The gaze that fell on him seemed to carry an even stronger sense of mockery.

There was no doubt that the guy was provoking him, and also watching him closely.

If he were to make any move to investigate, Kujo Toru believed that, given the guy's clandestine style, he would definitely go into complete hiding.

It will be even more troublesome to find out later.

but……

Kujo Toru turned to look at Kikyo, who was focused entirely on her fingers, still writing and drawing on the wooden floor.

Ryoko Yamagami was touched by Seiya Akiyama's experiences, which were extremely similar to her own. She was about to stand up and say something when Hiyori Iki pulled her back.

Although she was also very angry, she remained calm.

Neither Lord Kujo nor Lord Kikyo made a move, which means it's not the time to intervene.

Finally, the woman in red spoke, her voice echoing throughout the venue and reaching everyone's ears:

"I feel both saddened and joyful about the passing of Yukie."

Akiyama Seiya gritted his teeth, his body trembling slightly with extreme anger.

He never expected that this damned Salvation Society leader would say such a thing at this time.

He reached his right hand into the pocket of his work pants and gripped the hard, cold object tightly.

My initial hesitation vanished, and I made a decision in an instant.

He felt he was incredibly wrong to even think of giving these people a chance, hoping that his mother's death could awaken their remaining conscience and make them realize their mistakes.

Looking back now, someone who could do that must have long lost their human heart.

They're just monsters in human skin!

The high priest seemed oblivious to the murderous glint in his eyes and continued speaking:

"The sadness comes from the fact that yet another member of our church has been unable to continue our journey and has chosen to leave us forever."

"The joy comes from the fact that she has finally escaped this world that is about to perish and gone to the side of Mijima Jōfu no Mikoto. She will be born into a new era and far away from Avici Hell."

Her words once again ignited the faith below the stage, and immediately, a chorus of praises for Mijima Jōfu no Mikoto rose and fell.

This woman...this woman!

Akiyama Seiya gritted his teeth, his rationality about to snap; he couldn't take it anymore.

He took a few quick steps forward, as if preparing to rush onto the high platform.

Conflict is imminent.

then……

"Akiyama Seiya, do you want to see your mother again and say goodbye to her one last time?"

The high priest faced Akiyama Seiya, seemingly oblivious to his thoughts.

With a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth and a curved eyebrow, he resembled a child waiting at the door for his wandering son to return home.

Her beautiful face was illuminated by the candlelight, and her bright red hunting robes stood out vividly.

The sudden words interrupted Akiyama Seiya, who was about to explode in anger, and calmed him down.

He exhaled softly as his gaze swept over the restless figures behind the woman, all wearing white eyeball masks.

He was actually somewhat relieved that the high priest had spoken up.

I was still too reckless.

If you just rush onto the stage like that, you'll probably be pinned down before you even get close.

We need to get close in a legitimate and justifiable way.

As for seeing his mother again, it's nothing more than a religious charade, and Makoto Akiyama has absolutely no expectations for it.

So he agreed, and pretended to be excited:

"Really?, High Priest?!"

"real."

The smile on the woman in red's face did not fade at all as she turned to look at the audience:

“Not only you, but all of us can see that this is the divine power bestowed upon me by Mijima Seifu.”

As soon as the words were spoken, a blazing light appeared in the eyes of all the believers.

Who doesn't have words of longing to convey to their departed loved ones? Who doesn't want to talk to those they'll never see again?

It's important to understand that although the Salvation Society promotes its message indiscriminately, most people's attitude towards it is actually similar to that of a florist.

They are simply trying to buy peace of mind with money and would never truly believe in this obviously problematic new religion.

Those who actually attend the gathering are mostly from families with less-than-perfect relationships, like those of Ryoko Yamagami or Seiya Akiyama.

Rather than saying they were seduced by the Salvation Society, it would be more accurate to say they actively chose the Salvation Society.

Moreover, the second sun that suddenly rose in the sky last night and the devastating winds that destroyed everything are still vivid in my mind.

The high priest of the Salvation Church also demonstrated the divine power she received from Mijima Seifu no Mikoto.

They became even more convinced of it.

However, just like Ryoko Yamagami, Makoto Akiyama didn't believe any of this at all.

All he wanted was a chance to get close to this woman.

What should I do?

"Just stand here."

The high priest stepped out from the circle of candles, the hem of his crimson hunting robe almost touching the flickering flames.

He spread his right hand, pointing inwards, and looked at the now calm Akiyama Seiya with a smile.

With his right hand clenched tighter in his pocket, Akiyama Seiya's face was tense as he quickly walked up to the platform.

Looking at the high priest who was only two or three meters away from him, he really wanted to make a move right now, but reason told him that it wasn't the right time.

Because there were two masked men who were closer to the high priest than he was.

If an attack were launched at this time, there is a high probability that it would be prevented.

There were twelve opponents on the high platform, and he only had one chance.

You must be absolutely certain!

Before that, let's be patient...

He took a deep breath, stepped into the circle of candles, and took the place of the high priest.

Looking intently at the other person, he spoke again:

"and then?"

The high priest smiled, but instead of answering his question directly, he turned to look at the many believers below the stage, his gaze landing on Kujo Toru.

"The calling ceremony also requires the assistance of a devout believer in the Mijima purification ritual. Is there anyone willing to come up on stage?"

A faint ripple of foul air spread along with the sound.

The believers throughout the hall seemed to be hypnotized, their previous excitement completely gone, and no one spoke.

"Lord Kujou..."

Hiyori Iki looked at Toru Kujo.

Although it's unclear how the other party figured it out, it's obvious that they were targeting them.

"I'll go."

Ryoko Yamagami let out a long breath and was about to stand up when she felt a large hand grab her wrist and pull her back.

"I'll help."

Kujo Toru stood up and loudly opened his mouth.

Then his eyes narrowed, and a glimmer of light appeared in their depths.

In his view, all the believers in the entire stadium were surrounded by rising black, foul air.

However, the most foul stench came from those wearing white eye-shaped masks standing behind the high priest.

Black mist intertwined with specks of crimson resentment, gathering above the entire stadium ceiling.

Like dark clouds before a storm, they could collapse at any moment.

What attracted his attention most were the lit candles.

He smelled the scent of the underworld.

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