"Did I hear that correctly? I heard it too. Something about Kunichiwa? Is it related to that Abraham? Has it broken free?"
A Cardinal, leaning in to get a good look at the screen displaying the football match, glanced sideways and asked.
Instantly.
The Vatican attendant who came to deliver the news felt his scalp tingle, finding himself stared at by the Pope and several Cardinals.
However.
He quickly composed himself and nodded, saying,
"Yes, Your Holiness, esteemed Cardinals, the Blasphemy Association has sent a notification. It concerns the Kunichiwa Mental Hospital and mentions something about Abraham that they wish to discuss with Your Holiness."
"Go and connect the call."
For any other matter, the Pope might have waited until after the World Cup to respond to the Blasphemy Association. But when it involved Abraham of Kunichiwa Mental Hospital, he had to take it seriously.
Subsequently.
The Pope picked up the remote control for the screen and switched the connection to the Blasphemy Association's video call. As the call connected, the President appeared on the screen.
At that very moment.
When the President saw not only the Pope but also several Cardinals sitting in serious attendance on the video feed, he was taken aback. Unaware of the full situation, he instinctively assumed that Abraham was so highly regarded by the Vatican that several Cardinals had been summoned.
"Your Holiness, greetings. It has been a while. I heard that there have been many supernatural occurrences in Europe recently. I hope I am not disturbing you."
"Mr. President, it is good to see you again. Not at all, not at all. Europe has indeed been experiencing numerous supernatural events, but we must thank your country for attracting a demonic force from Italy, which has significantly eased the pressure on our side."
The Pope replied with a smile, offering polite, business-like pleasantries.
"Although it was a person from Great Xia named Zhang Wei who resolved it, I am sure that if Mr. President were aware of the demon's strength, you would certainly be able to help eliminate it."
Mentioning Zhang Wei, the President's lips twitched slightly as he chuckled and said,
"That is certainly true. If any demons appear, regardless of their origin, our Blasphemy Association will intervene, just as we did at the Kunichiwa Mental Hospital back then."
With that said.
The Pope picked up on his words and stated directly,
"Speaking of which, Mr. President, the attendant mentioned that you are contacting me regarding the Kunichiwa Mental Hospital. Is something wrong with Abraham? Has his seal loosened? Or has Abraham sincerely repented to God?"
"Yes, it is about Abraham that I wish to speak with Your Holiness. However, it is not about those matters. I am contacting Your Holiness today to discuss something."
Without further ado, the President revealed his intention to go with Zhang Wei to test Abraham with a national-level artifact.
In his words.
The President continued with a slight cough,
"After all, Abraham was sealed by Your Holiness, and he seems to be very important to the Vatican, given his name. Therefore, I wanted to ask Your Holiness if it would be alright for me to bring Zhang Wei to conduct the test?"
"So that's how it is."
The Pope was momentarily stunned, his face showing surprise. He had not expected anyone to dare approach Abraham, given his fearsome reputation.
Not only him.
The other Cardinals were equally astonished, exchanging surprised glances and murmuring amongst themselves:
"To test a national-level artifact on Abraham? The people of Great Xia are always so audacious."
"Hmm? Zhang Wei? I feel like I've heard that name somewhere before. Ah—I remember now. Is it that Zhang Wei who eliminated the demonic forces in Italy?"
"It must be him. If someone is called Zhang Wei and possesses a national-level artifact, it can only be him."
"No wonder he dares to provoke Abraham. So it's that Zhang Wei. He is indeed very powerful. I have heard of him. The delegation from the Vatican that visited Great Xia last time, I recall the youngsters spoke highly of Zhang Wei upon their return."
Their voices were not hushed, and the President on the video call could hear them. He was somewhat surprised, realizing that the Vatican's knowledge of Zhang Wei seemed to precede his own.
However.
He had no time to dwell on such matters. The Pope's voice came through:
"Mr. President, Zhang Wei is indeed quite powerful. With a national-level artifact, he might be able to deal with other spirits or demons from hell. But to deal with Abraham, it is very difficult. Abraham bears the blessing of God's name, and only artifacts bestowed by our God can contend with him."
The Pope, unaware of the animosity between the President and Zhang Wei, offered his advice in good faith:
"Your testing Abraham is also a form of self-atonement for Abraham. I believe the merciful God will approve, and we will not object, as it will not damage the seal. However, such a test might be meaningless and unable to gauge the artifact's true capabilities."
"Oh? Your Holiness means that Abraham can nullify national-level artifacts, and only specific artifacts will be effective, is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Alright, alright. I will convey this to Zhang Wei. Whether he agrees, however, is up to him. I did mention it to him, but he seems quite confident and insistent on going. Since acting against Abraham will not affect the Vatican, then that is good."
The President said with a smile, feeling even more reassured. With the Pope's assurance, Zhang Wei was bound to make a fool of himself.
Following that.
Having obtained the desired response, the President did not rush to end the call. For the sake of caution, he asked,
"I have one more thing I would like to ask Your Holiness. If, while testing the artifact on Abraham, we accidentally touch the seal, how should we deal with Abraham?"
"Or if Abraham proves too powerful and we are unable to escape the Kunichiwa Mental Hospital immediately, Your Holiness, could you provide a way to restrain Abraham so that we can leave the mental hospital? After all, Zhang Wei is a guest who has traveled a long distance, and we, the Blasphemy Association, do not wish for him to come to harm."
The Pope heard this and replied,
"Mr. President, you are truly thorough in your considerations. Indeed, there is a way. To allow Abraham to atone and to prevent him from breaking free, I have implemented a dual safeguard. As long as the seal is not broken and remains intact, you can recite the fourth verse of the sixth chapter of the Bible..."
Subsequently.
The Pope informed the President of the method to suppress Abraham at the sealing site.
Upon learning the method, the President was overjoyed, his lingering worries completely dispelled...
This was perfect.
With a way to suppress Abraham, there was no need to fear him. He could now properly witness Zhang Wei's humiliation.
At this point.
"Does Mr. President have any further matters? I may have some urgent matters to attend to now."
The Pope glanced at the time. The World Cup had already begun, and he did not want to miss too much.
As he spoke.
The President did not linger. After a few pleasantries, he ended the video call.
Immediately.
The Pope quickly grabbed the remote control for the screen, switched the broadcast to the World Cup, and exclaimed happily,
"Oh, my God, we're finally done with the conversation. Let's watch the match, everyone."
"Your Holiness, what about Abraham's situation? Are we just going to ignore it? What if Abraham kills the President and Zhang Wei? With his abilities, he is capable of doing so."
"Well, there is that possibility. After all, they are certainly no match for Abraham. Zhang Wei and his companions have not embraced God, so they do not understand the power of God's blessings. However, I have provided a method, so it should not be a major issue."
Before he finished speaking.
The Pope said with a smile,
"And I have another contingency, so there is no need to worry. This will be a good opportunity for Zhang Wei and the others to understand Abraham's power and realize how great God is. Perhaps it will even lead Zhang Wei to embrace God. Oh, I believe God will be delighted to have a powerful believer join."