Chapter:118 The Black Pope
The hiss of compressed air echoed as the train doors slid open at Central Park Station—the main arrival gate into the Cathedral City.
Steam spilled out onto the polished marble floor, catching the glint of overhead chandeliers and the soft hum of digital screens above.
From the mist stepped Sakamoto, arms stretched above his head in a long yawn. His face was a mixture of fatigue and curiosity.
"What a long ride," he muttered, rotating his shoulders.
Beside him walked the ever-serene Jayesh, fingers still rolling his news paper that he was reading trying to keep himself updated, and the regal figure of Rajesh, his black-lined coat billowing behind him with every step.
Sakamoto's eyes wandered as he looked around the terminal, then broke into a run toward the glass-paneled wall overlooking the city.
Beyond it stretched Cathedral—a sprawling metropolis of glowing temples, spiraling towers, and ancient stone courtyards fused with sleek modern tech. A river wound through its center, gleaming silver beneath the moonlight.
"This place is beautiful," he said, awe filling his voice.
Jayesh nodded "yes it is,A place of power in world economy"
But the peace didn't last.
The Prayer of Judgment
A low chant echoed behind them.
"Domine, miserere… Et libera animam hanc."
The words were like oil and fire—holy and dreadful at the same time.
From behind a marble pillar, stepped The Black Pope, cloak dragging across the polished floor like a creeping shadow. His hood covered most of his face, but his gloved hand was outstretched, and in it, a set of black prayer beads danced between his fingers.
"I've waited long enough. The Devil's Cross Technique never fails."
Without hesitation, the Black Pope blurred forward, his figure vanishing into a streak of shadow and speed, hand drawn back in preparation for a fatal strike.
"Trouble everywhere," Sakamoto growled, bracing himself.
Rajesh's aura flared flames licking his shoulders—as he began transitioning into his Cloaked Phoenix Form.
But before the Black Pope's hand could land, a single crow descended from the station ceiling—landing lightly on the Black Pope's shoulder mid-charge.
Its X-shaped pupils glowed red.
From within the bird's eyes, a surge of unnatural energy exploded outward.
The Regent Strikes
In an instant, a white, monstrous arm extended from the bird's eye—Cain's elongated fist—smashing into the side of the Black Pope's skull with devastating force.
BOOM!
The Pope was blasted off his feet, sent hurtling across the station, crashing into a nearby train track with a sickening crunch.
He struggled to move.
A whistle echoed.
Then light—a blinding white light.
A train screamed into the station, too fast to stop.
Before the Black Pope could register what had happened, the train plowed through him with mechanical fury.
CRASH!
The ground rumbled. Blood and cloth vanished beneath steel.
Sakamoto stepped back, stunned.
Across the platform stood two figures—both calm, both in complete control.
Knight Óðr, small in stature, teal hair dancing in the artificial breeze, his mask blank but ominous. At his side, towering and still as a statue, stood Cain, his six arms folded, face unreadable.
Óðr raised a hand in greeting—not to Sakamoto, but to Rajesh.
"It has been a long time, former Knight of the S.U.H.A."
Rajesh narrowed his eyes, then offered a short nod.
"Knight Óðr. I never thought I'd see you in the flesh again."
"Likewise, Rajesh."
Jayesh leaned closer to his brother.
"Why is a Knight out here in Cathedral? What do they want?"
Rajesh turned to Óðr.
"To what do we owe this visit?"
Óðr's gloved hands folded neatly behind his back.
"This is an official request from the Sovereign Union. We are to escort the boy—" he glanced at Sakamoto, "—to headquarters. No harm, no judgment. Just a pickup according to what i know "
Jayesh stepped forward.
"We don't trust S.U.H.A. My family The Lockwood bloodline never has."
Rajesh lifted a hand, silencing him.
"I understand… but we cannot take down a Knight. Not Óðr."
He turned toward Jayesh .
"My Phoenix power is fading. The fire is passing on… I feel it every day. If we engage, we die. And Sakamoto is too important. We'll go to Seoul. He'll go with them."
There was quiet.
Sakamoto's gaze flicked between them, uncertain.
Rajesh walked forward, placing a hand on Knight Óðr's shoulder.
"I know your heart. You're a good man. Please take care of him."
Óðr didn't respond with words—but a small, respectful nod.
Suddenly, a crow landed on Sakamoto's shoulder, its eyes flashing.
In an instant, Sakamoto vanished, feathers swirling where he stood.
Knight Óðr exhaled softly, the only trace of emotion.
"Whatever the reason they want him… I hope he doesn't end up in the condemned."
He and Cain vanished into a whirlwind of feathers and shadows, gone without a sound.
Aftermath at the Station
Rajesh remained silent.
Jayesh crossed his arms.
"If he's going to end up in Alcatraz it is no place for a kid. Especially not Sakamoto."
Rajesh sighed, shoulders heavy.
"Let's pray it's not there he's headed."
Jayesh looked around.
"We need to get to Seoul. But we're broke."
Rajesh smirked, reaching into his coat.
He pulled out a black hunter card.
"Unlimited travel funds. Former S.U.H.A agent perks."
Jayesh blinked.
"You're unbelievable."
Moments later, they boarded a private flight, the engines warming as they prepared for departure to Seoul.
Meanwhile: In the Skies Over Europe
A different plane soared through the clouds.
Inside, the captured Rokky, bound in Shen Restrict Handcuffs, sat with arms crossed, flanked by Tito, Madagascar, Chiro, and Ben.
Their mission was complete.
Now, all paths led to Seoul.
End of Chapter 119
Next: Judgment Awaits