"Good evening."
When he heard the call connect, York spoke first.
"Old man, still awake at this hour?"
Vatican.
The voice came through the phone; hearing what sounded like a cheeky remark, the old man narrowed his eyes in a smile.
"I'll sleep after I hear your story. I'm curious how you managed it…"
York chuckled, laced his fingers behind his head, turned to the night outside the window, and said easily,
"Old man, before that, may I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"How did you know Novice Sister Irene could help me?"
The old man's smile didn't waver. "It was the Lord's arrangement, York."
Hearing the line again, York gave a soft laugh.
"Sure enough, you must have had a word with God before you knew Novice Sister Irene could lend a hand."
The old man merely smiled, offering no real reply, and York took the silent affirmation in stride.
"Old man, coincidence—I smashed the Gates of Hell by borrowing the old man's power too. Know how it happened?"
Recalling the crater in the photo and the sacred residue everywhere, the old man looked intrigued.
"The demon trying to come through Saint Kata Monastery's gate was too strong—one of the Seventy-Two Pillars of Hell, number sixty-three, the Blasphemer, Marquis of Serpents, Valac…"
The voice came from the phone; the old man glanced at Cecil, who stood nearby.
Cecil shook his head, indicating he knew nothing of the demon.
York rattled on.
"He was too strong; I couldn't beat him. Guess what—your little novice turned out to be a godsend; she helped me find the remnants of the sacred relic, the blood of jesus…"
The old man's brows lifted slightly, the corresponding images flashing through his mind, but the next words from the phone left him stunned.
"Then, to defeat Valac, I drank the blood of jesus before entering the stone chamber that seals the Gates of Hell."
Fabricating the tale cost York no conscience; he'd done too much to feel anything now.
"The incarnation of God arrived and, with a casual wave, obliterated everything—including the Gates of Hell…"
The voice over the phone made the old man and Cecil's eyes snap wide.
"So it wasn't me; it was the old man upstairs."
Silence fell across the cathedral; no answer came, and York narrowed his eyes.
Several quiet seconds passed.
"Did you truly see God, my child?" the old man asked, beaming.
York's gaze was calm.
"Of course. All of it was God's plan."
"Heh."
The old man laughed again, looked up at the image of jesus that had remained unchanged for millennia, and nodded.
"Yes, all of it is God's plan. Thank you for the story, child; I should sleep well tonight."
"Good night, old man," York said, still lying lazily in bed.
"Sweet dreams."
"Good night, child. I will."
The old man hung up, still smiling at the image of jesus above.
"Cecil, did you hear what York said?"
Cecil lowered his head slightly.
"I did, Your Holiness."
The old man pushed against the armrests, forcing himself up; Cecil hurried to support him.
"Your Holiness!"
Hearing the worry, the white-haired old man smiled serenely.
"I'm fine, Cecil. I'm happy—my choice wasn't wrong, and I still have time enough to wait for that child's choice…"
Watching the elderly man's slightly bent spine, Cecil's face flickered with unseen sorrow.
"Yes, Your Holiness."
"…Sigh, might as well keep muddling along."
Hearing the disconnect tone, York tossed the phone aside.
Of course, he didn't forget to confess.
At least he was sincere—especially after this mission, now that he was sure God existed. An omnipotent, omnipresent God would know exactly what he was doing.
"Lord,"
York sat upright, closed his eyes, and clasped his hands.
"I confess to You: forgive me for borrowing Your name and telling a lie…"
"…"
Time slipped by; the night grew deeper, leaving only the broad-shouldered priest, no longer treating faith like a game, earnestly confessing.
The night passed without another word.
The next day, sunlight bathed the Lutheran Cathedral as a farewell took place.
Wearing episcopal robes, Bishop Rolfshang looked at the sturdy young priest and the novice deaconess assigned to him, feeling sentimental.
"York, after this, who knows when we'll meet again."
Having finished his daily tasks and deciding to leave today, York pressed his lips; he sensed the sorrow in Bishop Rolfshang's words and knew why.
In this parallel world, the Church was nothing like the one he'd known before—its power stretched everywhere, and its clergy were legion.
Once assigned to a parish, unless something urgent or a headquarters order came up, priests and bishops rarely moved, let alone traveled abroad; many simply grew old and died in their own churches… Thinking of this, York smiled gently.
"Take care of yourself, Bishop Rolfshang. Maybe in two years we'll stand on that terrace again and enjoy the view."
The memory of their earlier balcony talk made the bishop chuckle, wrinkles deepening.
"Heh."
The old man waved, signaling goodbye, then his expression flipped.
"Get lost already. Seeing you gives me a headache every time."
The surrounding clergy exchanged glances, surprised to see the ever-gentle Bishop Rolfshang speak so bluntly.
"Farewell, Bishop Rolfshang."
York's smile never faltered; he crossed himself, bowed to the old man, then turned away.
"Come, Ailin, we're going home."
At his words, the novice—already awake and having bid the monastery farewell—lowered her head to the clergy, hoisted her heavy backpack, and hurried after the priest.
The same sedan was waiting.
Brother Isas was again at the wheel; watching the priest settle into the back seat, he recalled the vast crater, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
"Father Yorkes, today I'll drive you to Bucharest International; we've arranged a private plane for you there."
"Mm."
York answered calmly, glanced at Ailin as she hauled her bag into the back, and casually lifted the pack from her hands.
Ailin exhaled almost inaudibly and slid into the seat.
York's mouth curved slightly as he addressed the waiting Brother Isas.
"Let's go, Brother Isas."
Note:
Happy Lunar New Year 2026!
First of all, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for always being by my side and supporting me throughout this journey.
To ensure the quality of upcoming stories, I've decided to take a week off during the Lunar New Year (February 15th to 22nd) to rest and spend time with my family.
I will return on February 23rd, 2026. During this break, I will prepare many new chapters to post regularly upon my return. So please look forward to it!
Wishing you a warm, joyful, and wonderful holiday season!