Time: 8:30 PM.
Having confirmed that the monsters could not overcome the human military, York, along with Erin and Xili, dedicated himself to conducting a thorough Mass for the congregation at Ellis Cathedral, who had come for the gathering or to participate in the midnight Mass.
Traditionally, many believers attend the midnight Mass or gatherings on Christmas Eve, typically held in churches around the world to mark the beginning of Christmas. Some churches hold a candlelit service earlier in the evening, featuring Christmas plays and performances centered on the birth of Jesus, and enjoy a feast with turkey or ham as the main dish.
All was harmonious this evening.
York was particularly engaged, as this might be his last night in the real world before he entered the rift on Christmas Day to begin his journey of sealing and exploring the new world.
The next day.
A group of clergy gathered in the ancient hall where the rift was to be sealed. Everyone was silent, the atmosphere somber and tense, as they stared at the young archbishop in front of the ominous rift.
The rift, wide and vast, shimmered with a red light, like a gigantic dragon. The vivid red color emitted strong energy fluctuations, burning fiercely like a flame. The space on either side seemed twisted and stretched, forming a red vortex that continuously rotated and writhed like fractured ice.
The red light flickered at the edges of the rift, like burning flames, casting a red halo over everything nearby.
It was no different from the rifts in other countries.
The difference was that the young archbishop had shed his clerical robe for more casual attire. There's a saying that "clothes make the man, and gold makes the Buddha," suggesting that both idols and people rely on external adornments to enhance their image.
However, this theory apparently failed on York; the clothes could not fully complement the dignity he naturally exuded. Nonetheless, he was tall, handsome, and the only oddity was the large satchel he carried.
"Archbishop."
Erin's voice suddenly broke the silence.
York turned to see the young nun handing him something. He took it— it appeared to be a tablet computer.
"This is a video from Pluto Church, specifically sent for you. It just arrived."
Erin explained as York looked on in surprise.
"Is that so."
York smiled and activated the device, viewing everything from Pluto Church. All the familiar old congregants had completed a prayer session under the guidance of Father Archibald.
Then, the scene shifted to personal videos from the congregants. Essentially, they used the occasion of Christmas to express their gratitude and remembrance of him.
York's heart softened as the images flashed before his eyes.
One after another, the videos showed Mrs. Mozan, Robert the gatekeeper who opened the gates every morning and evening, Bridget from the Reed Apartments, a survivor, and Kelly Russell from the mirror incident. Surprisingly, there was also Little Red Riding Hood, Hailey, dressed in volunteer clothing, showing what she had been up to recently.
Moreover, there was Liz Murray, who had been diligently studying and even joyfully displayed an acceptance letter.
"Harvard University?" York raised an eyebrow, knowing that Liz had fallen significantly behind her peers when she had reenrolled, lagging several years behind in her studies.
"She has been studying very hard, constantly, saying she doesn't want to disappoint your expectations," Erin added with a gentle smile, a hint of pride in her voice from their time living together.
"Good," York rarely praised, but he did now.
After all, Harvard was a top-tier institution, ranking among the best worldwide. Earning a place there on merit carried significant value.
Although the video seemed lengthy, York did not shut it off out of respect.
In the video, he saw Mrs. Camille and her family, a healthy Saxton and Amelia returning, and the adorable, seemingly taller Bellamy.
After Mrs. Camille expressed her thanks and missed him, she also conveyed a request for York to officiate Saxton and Amelia's wedding.
But when it came to Saxton and Amelia expressing their gratitude, little Bellamy blurted out a statement that embarrassed his mother by saying Mrs. Camille liked him, ending the video abruptly with her blushing face.
York smiled lightly, "Tell Mrs. Camille, if she can wait until I'm free, I can officiate Saxton's wedding."
"Yes!" Erin acknowledged.
York nodded and continued watching, but noticed the absence of a tough character he liked from the past, John Wick.
"Archbishop, Mr. John left Pluto Church not long ago."
Erin, observing her archbishop's mood, knew what he was thinking.
"He said he had something to do, and after that, he'd look for you to continue working for you, as Father Archibald told him."
"Is that so." York shook his head after finishing the video.
"Everything will wait until I return."
Having said
that, York handed the tablet back to Erin.
"Tell Father Archibald I appreciate it, and I'll remember. If he finds any clues about his nemesis, he can ask me; perhaps I can provide an answer."
Erin cradled the tablet in her arms, realizing this was likely her archbishop's final instruction. She took a deep breath and saluted earnestly.
"Yes, Archbishop, I will convey your message to Father Archibald, and I will also wait here for your return."
York heard the resolve in the young nun's voice, understanding that she might wait here for a lifetime until her death if he did not return.
"Don't worry, I will come back."
York smiled and glanced at Xili.
"Behave yourself, the incident in H-country cannot be repeated; if you die, I can't explain it to Father Mike."
Xili grinned and saluted seriously, "Yes, Archbishop."
"That's it, then."
York faced the rift and stepped forward.
A terrifying energy assaulted him but was blocked by an invisible barrier.
With each step toward the rift, the unanimous and resounding voices of the clergy echoed behind him.
"Godspeed, Archbishop. We will guard this place until you return."
Through the 3D imagery, York could see the clerics kneeling behind him.
"Stand up."
He said, then stepped into the rift and disappeared from sight.
___________________
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