Time has passed through the glorious rainy season, and the sky on Long Island has become clearer and clearer.
In the summer after the storm, the temperature rises rapidly, and the blazing sunshine shines on every corner of Long Island. Hot, dull, and depressing have become the theme of Long Island.
The TV station has been broadcasting news about the Changdao military exercise. At nine o'clock in the morning, when the news channel once again spread the news to every city in the East Island, there were still six days before the 'Changdao military exercise'.
This is like a notice, but for some thoughtful people, this is the most straightforward countdown.
The war is approaching.
Under the dull and hot weather, a large area in the southwest of Long Island has been completely emptied out. This is an area of about 100 square kilometers. Most of it is mountainous. It is sparsely populated on weekdays. On the East Island, the military has moved this area After being designated as an exercise area, some scattered civilians and a small village living here have all been evacuated. At this moment, under the bright and clear sky thousands of miles away, although the mountains and rivers in this area remain the same, the residents are not. It has completely disappeared, like a dead area that is full of life but without human habitation.
People who don’t understand will never understand, but those who understand understand that this is the battlefield scheduled by Dongdao officials on Changdao. It covers an area of 100 kilometers. It is so majestic and magnificent.
And this area has now become a place that all major forces are studying.
The map zooms and expands on the screen, and the satellite images are transmitted in real time. Every corner of southwest Long Island is clearly presented as the screen images continue to shrink and enlarge.
The shabby curtains in the room were randomly covered, blocking the hot and dazzling sunlight from the outside world. An LCD screen that almost occupied the front wall flashed images of jungles, mountains, rivers, lakes, parks, clubs...
The satellite captured all the terrain within a hundred miles radius and transmitted it to the screen. As the camera moved bit by bit, every terrain became fully visible on the screen.
The light in the empty room was dim, with only the misty light on the screen flickering, reflecting the entire room.
The LCD screen that occupies the front wall can be said to be a very advanced device, but it looks very uncoordinated when it appears in the room. In terms of area, this is a quite large room, it can even be said to be a hall, but there is no luxury inside the hall. The decoration, the curtains beside the windows are dirty, there is a set of shabby sofas that seem to have been abandoned in the center of the room, there seem to be some spider webs in the corners, and in the dim environment, the surrounding wall coverings seem to have fallen off. For the most part, such an environment, coupled with an advanced and luxurious LCD screen connected to satellite, is a bit weird no matter how you look at it.
Several tall and short figures stood quietly in the hall. The hall was not small. The figures did not stand together. Instead, they kept a safe distance calmly. Although they were all on guard against each other, But no one showed any hostility.
The pictures on the screen changed and there was silence.
Several figures in the hall also stood silently, soundless, like dead things.
Time advances with the constant switching of screen images. The lights and shadows flicker in the dim hall, and several figures are motionless, looking eerie and strange.
"This area is the battlefield left to us by East Island."
In the oppressive and breathless silence, a person standing in the hall suddenly spoke, breaking the silence in the hall.
He was the closest to the screen, and the light and shadow in the screen shone on him, and his extremely thin figure became clear in the light and shadow. From the sight of several other people, he looked like a skeleton wearing a black robe. , the body under the black robe was empty, and there was an indescribable coldness.
"It looks huge. It also includes where we are now."
Another hoarse voice sounded. This voice was hoarse and strange, as if someone had torn the vocal cords to pieces. It was a little vague. It was not only unpleasant to hear, but also terrifying to the ears: "But I still like to choose my own battlefield. In this place, I I don’t like it. Ben, are you heroes willing to accept Dongdao’s arrangement?”
class.
The vice-president of the American Heroes Association, and the first vice-president, he is the most powerful person in the entire dark world.
The Heroes Association can be said to be one of the oldest superpowers in the dark world. Its internal structure is extremely complex and its strength is also extremely strong. At its peak decades ago, its power could be said to cover the sky with one hand in America, and it was the entire darkness. The world's most powerful super organization.
Although the Heroes Association is no longer as dazzling as it was at its peak, it has never declined. In the past twenty years, the Heroes Association has continued to expand its power. It expanded into Africa ten years ago and entered Northern Europe five years ago. Its scope of influence has expanded. The Heroes Association has grown bigger and bigger, and in the Americas where they first made their fortune, whether it is South America or North America, the Heroes Association maintains a rather detached status. This time the plot of Middle-earth has affected the entire dark world, the Heroes Association has already regarded the Battle of Long Island as their infiltration An opportunity in Asia, Ban, the first vice-president, led the team to Long Island, which shows the caution of the Heroes Association in this battle of Long Island, and also the caution of the Heroes Association.
The situation in the dark world in Asia has been stable yet weird for countless years. West Asia has been in constant war and can be said to be the paradise of the dark world. South Asia is full of intrigues and interests, and the dark world and politics are extremely closely involved. , complex and sensitive. In these two places, West Asia means chaos. Although this word is an eternal theme in the dark world, for the major dark forces, excessive chaos also means limited benefits and possible expectations. external losses.
But South Asia means trouble. The combination of political factors, religious factors, ethnic hatred, and historical grievances makes the entire dark world of South Asia reveal an extreme madness.
Although the major forces in the dark world are unwilling to give up these two areas, they have not been too careful in their management for many years. As for East Asia and North Asia, this is the place where the situation is the most stable.
There is a large area of Snow Country in North Asia and Eastern Europe, which is the sphere of influence of the Polar Alliance, the super power of the dark world. In the entire North Asia and Eastern Europe, the Polar Alliance can be said to be the dominant one. In addition, the political situation in Snow Country has been stable in recent years, and other forces are also looking for If there is no chance to enter North Asia, even if there is a chance, the Polar Alliance, which comes from a fighting nation, will often take the initiative to intercept all threats outside its sphere of influence.
As for East Asia, this land seemed to have always been out of the sight of the major forces in the dark world in the past.
Because here is located the world's most powerful country in terms of economy and military, Zhongzhou!
No matter in the past or now, there is only one superpower in the dark world in Middle-earth.
That is the Beihai Wang family.
Whether it was the Kunlun Xuanyuan Terrace before, or the current Kunlun City or Sighing City, although they can all be said to be dark forces, more often than not, in people's minds, these forces are part of the Central Continent's special warfare system, leading to has a very strong official position.
Zhongzhou Beihai Wang Family, Zhongzhou Special Warfare System.
The two major forces sit in Central Continent, which is enough to shut out any super power that attempts to enter Central Continent.
It is not that major forces have never competed with Zhongzhou before, and this kind of competition still exists today. More than 20 years ago, at the peak of the Heroes Association, they united with the Fantasy World and the Polar Alliance to invade Zhongzhou. The old patriarch of the Beihai Wang family and Zhongzhou War God Li Honghe They joined forces to intercept several invincible masters outside the national border. In that battle, the old patriarch of the Wang family in Beihai refused to retreat in the face of the siege of three invincible masters. After fighting to death two invincible masters, he returned seriously injured. He died of illness a few years later, and the Heroes Association, which had been greatly reduced in power, also slipped from its peak period.
Fifteen years ago, the Eidolon invaded Central Continent. Wang Tianzong, the Sword Emperor of Central Continent who had just entered the Invincible Realm for the first time, held the Human Emperor in his hand. He shot Tianling, the master of the Invincible Realm of Eidolon, to death on the border, shocking the entire dark world.
After a short period of silence, the Chiang clan in South America began to operate in Central China again, but it was always difficult to achieve success.
Five years ago, Samsara and Zhongzhou began to cooperate, but they were guarded by Kunlun City and Beihai Wang Family. Although the three parties never had major conflicts, they often had confrontations in secret.
Central Continent is the most powerful overlord country in the world today and the center of the dark world, but it is also a rare pure land in the dark world.
Under the deterrence of Zhongzhou, the whole of East Asia is a calm scene. The position of Gaoshan Country is ambiguous, wavering between the Western powers and Zhongzhou. Although Dongdao has great strength, most of their forces have always been on guard. The invasion of Central Continent and the peaceful situation have always been under the control of Central Continent. For the major dark forces in the world, this is not what they want to see.
Because it means too many interests and concerns.
The dark forces in Central Continent are the most aggressive forces in the world. Among them, the Wang family of Beihai is the most aggressive, followed by Sigh City, and then Kunlun City.
This is not just because the Beihai Wang Family has the Sword Emperor of Central Continent, Tianzong, who is known as the number one master in the Dark World. The more important reason is that all the forces in Central Continent have an extremely stable rear area.
This is the most unique phenomenon in the dark world.
Heroes will travel across the Americas, but there is the Chiang family in South America and the Fantasy World in North America. While the three major forces are entangled with each other, they also have to face other forces.
Europe can now be said to be the most lively place in the Dark World. The Remnants of the Eidolon, the Palace of Reincarnation, the Dark Knights, the Temple, the Holy See, and major financial groups are entangled with each other. There are many conflicts, and even the parties involved cannot explain what happened. .
The Polar Alliance is the only one in the Snow Country and Eastern Europe, but too many historical reasons are destined to make the Polar Alliance face a lot of troubles. Political issues and racial issues have made the development path of the Polar Alliance extremely bumpy, and the dark world of Northern Europe is daily It's all so chaotic that people are stunned, and the Polar Alliance doesn't have a chance to come out.
Only Middle-earth.
They are the only people in the most powerful country in the world. Although other major forces are stationed in Central Continent, they are not a climate at all. When they expand externally, an extremely stable rear becomes their most important thing. There are unscrupulous reasons, but other big forces dare not take full action because the backyard is not very quiet. This kind of frustration has been felt by almost every super power in the dark world, including the Palace of Reincarnation.
Behind this kind of frustration often means concessions and compromises, which means absolutely great interests, or power, or wealth, or resources. In short, these are the things that the superpowers in the dark world pursue.
Over time, as they make more and more compromises and concessions, all aspects of Central Continent will become suffocatingly powerful. How can the giants of the dark world be willing to accept this
Invading Central Continent, at the very least, the Wang family of Beihai and Kunlun City must be contained in East Asia.
This is the bottom line for everyone.
Therefore, for many years, whenever there is an opportunity, the eyes of major forces will always focus on East Asia.
While the major forces are enemies of each other, they do not mind occasionally cooperating when facing Central Continent. They appease the Gaoshan Kingdom, win over the East Island, flirt with some important figures in South Asia, and even directly invade Central Continent. All this is to restrict Central Continent. Power in the dark world.
Twenty years ago, the Heroes' Association traveled eastward, fifteen years ago the Eidolons invaded, ten years ago the South American Chiang Kai-shek entered Central Continent and then quickly exited. Actions were taken again and again, big and small, but each time they ended in failure.
As time went by, after Samsara established a cooperative relationship with Zhongzhou, the major forces in the dark world gradually became quieter.
They all thought that they had missed the best opportunity, but they never thought that Zhongzhou would use a decisive battle to directly target the East Island when it attracted all the attention of the dark world.
The East Island is in danger. Both the economy and the special warfare system can be said to be miserable now.
But the major forces in the dark world suddenly discovered that while the East Island was miserable, Central Continent also gave them a huge opportunity.
Unprecedented opportunities and unprecedented crises.
This is the situation that the major forces least want to see, but it is also the opportunity they have been waiting for a long time.
Similarly, this is also the reason why several people from various dark forces gathered in a dilapidated house at this time.
"How about using the East Island as the border, cooperating abroad and fighting within the border?"
Ban, who was wrapped in a black robe and looked like a skeleton, ignored the voices around him. He looked at the screen quietly and was silent for a long time before suddenly speaking.
He turned around. In the dark environment, his face was blurry, but his eyes were extremely shining, revealing a strong sense of mystery and cunning: "We have been waiting for this day for a long time, haven't we?"
Being able to become the first vice-president of the Heroes Association, there is no need to say much about Ban's strength. He is definitely a figure who can be ranked among the strong men in the half-step invincibility realm, but his fame does not come from him. His strength comes from his insidiousness and cunning.
Ban's code name in the dark world is Ghost Fox. He is good at deception, disguise, concealment, assassination and escape. In the dark world, the legends about Ban are rarely about his strength. He always acts as a think tank of the Hero Association. Appeared, playing the role of a conspirator. From the decisive battle of Central Continent to the Battle of Long Island, although the Heroes Association did not send anyone to watch the ceremony, the Heroes Association can be said to be the first superpower to enter the East Island, and he is here today. I met with a few people, which may not prove anything, but it is enough to show that Ban has an extremely keen sense of the general trend.
"I agree with what Crow said."
In the darkness, a low voice sounded: "I reserve my opinion. I'm not as smart as you. I can only see what's in front of me. The situation in front of me is that Dongdao has treated this area as a battlefield. As for overseas cooperation, I don't care. , but I will report it up."
In the shadows, a burly bald man walked forward and spoke in an indifferent tone.
"So what does King Bear mean?"
Ban's tone didn't change at all, and he asked softly.
"The order I received was to attack the Palace of Reincarnation and establish a branch of the Polar Alliance on the East Island."
The bear king's body moved irritably in the hall. In the shadows, he looked like an angry monster: "The attack on Zhongzhou has nothing to do with the order I received, so..."
"No, Mr. Xiong Wang, I must tell you that our cooperation does not conflict with the orders you received."
Ban smiled. The Bear King of the Polar Alliance can be said to be one of the most famous powerful men in the dark world. He has thunder veins, and he has developed thunder veins several times with the advancement of martial arts. His power is... Mighty and majestic, he is no less generous than the average invincible realm strongman, but the Bear King has a more upright temperament. To put it bluntly, as he said himself, he is not too smart, so in the Polar Alliance, although he is also He has a high position, but every time he goes out for action, he will be accompanied by a top staff member. Today, the Bear King came alone, but his staff was nowhere to be seen, which is a bit strange.
"I cannot guess the thoughts of His Highness the Alliance Leader, but I think that no matter what, His Highness will not let go of the opportunity to weaken Zhongzhou. Attacking the Palace of Reincarnation and even establishing the headquarters of the Polar Alliance on the East Island have the intention of containing Zhongzhou. "
Ban's skinny body like a skeleton floated slowly in the hall, and his tone became more soothing: "I know you and Crow have doubts about this battlefield, but in my opinion, this battlefield is the most suitable place for us to perform. From what I planned, what Dong Dao did was perfect.”
"Is it perfect?"
Crow sneered hoarsely. He was the leader of Huanshi who entered the East Island this time. Although his status was not as good as those in the Hero Association, it was not much different, so he spoke without any scruples: "Sorry, I can't see where. Perfect. I only see the stupidity of Dongdao. I admit that this is their home field. We come to Longdao to respect them, but these stupid guys still want to plan a battlefield? Who are they? Longdao The war is right in front of us. When and where will it happen? Can Dongdao completely control it?"
"Can you fly?"
Ban asked suddenly.
"What?"
Crow was stunned subconsciously.
"Yes, it can fly. But how far can you fly? This is Dongdao's home field. It is not difficult for Dongdao to roughly lock our position here. Why do you think they can't define a battlefield for us?"
Ban's tone was cold: "Didn't you watch the news? The Dongdao military spokesman was talking about military anti-terrorism exercises, Crow, don't you understand?"
"Military anti-terrorism exercise?"
Crow murmured to himself, and his expression suddenly changed.
Military exercises naturally involve troops. This is common sense that everyone knows.
"Maybe you should go outside and take a look?"
Ben narrowed his eyes, smiled and said.
Crow's face was gloomy, his figure flashed, and the person had appeared at the window.
The location they are currently in is an old city that is about to be demolished, just in the suburbs. Dongdao directly included this area when planning the battlefield. Judging from the satellite chart, this old city is right on the battlefield. edge.
At this moment, in Crow's sight, a large amount of ordnance has been transported here. Soldiers wearing Dongdao military uniforms are slowly coming from a distance. The shadows of armored vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles can be seen everywhere, completely surrounding this place. posture.
"them... "
Crow's face was cold, and his whole person was filled with undisguised murderous intent. His throat was injured ten years ago, and his throat was almost sealed with a sword. The instigator was the current top master of the East Island, who was trapped in Tianhai Wuji in Central Continent. , so Crow didn't have any good impression of the Dongdao people. Looking at the approaching army, his eyes gradually became frantic, with a crazy killing intent.
"Dongdao dares to send troops to the conflict in the dark world?"
Crow's smile was cruel and gloomy: "Are they crazy?"
"They are just practicing and will not blatantly join the war."
Ban shook his head. No one can become a giant-level superpower in the dark world. There are more or less political factors behind any superpower.
In Zhongzhou, the Beihai Wang family is the leader of the Southeast Group.
Kunlun City is the highest special operations organization in Central Continent.
The City of Sighs can also dominate Taibai Mountain in the northeast.
The Polar Alliance is in Snow Country, and its involvement with Snow Country's energy oligarchs and even military and political parties will only become more complicated.
The fantasy world is deeply rooted in North America, and there is also strong power behind it.
Under such circumstances, if the army were to be used to resolve conflicts in the dark world, it would be tantamount to suicide for Dongdao, whose military strength was not strong to begin with.
Once such a thing becomes a fact, it is a war, and there is no room for maneuver.
Therefore, it is basically impossible for these soldiers to participate in the war, but if they do not participate in the war, they can block the battlefield. On Dongdao's territory, wherever Dongdao wants to fight, no matter who they are, they must obey Dongdao's will. It is a country’s home field advantage.
"Look, what a spectacular scene."
Ben came to Crow and smiled: "It is completely consistent with my plan. Everyone, I think we can talk about my plan now, um, the blockade plan."
"blockade?"
The corner of Crow's mouth twitched. His expression was not obvious in the dim light of the hall, but the ridicule in his tone was obvious: "Ben, is your plan to lock us all up?"
"You can say that."
Ban said calmly: "At least on this battlefield, we can't get out, but the people in Central Continent can't get out either."
Crow and King Bear were stunned for a moment at the same time.
"The power of Central Continent is too scattered and too confident. East Island, Northern Europe, North America, and their own base camp are indeed powerful, but this does not allow them to squander their power so much. If, I mean if, East Island The people trapped the elites of Central Continent here. If the Temple and the Fantasy World begin to counterattack against the power of the Snow Dance Legion in North America and Northern Europe, what will happen to Central Continent?"
Ben asked with a smile.
"They will definitely support."
The Bear King said without hesitation, this is a truth that everyone understands. As a newly established super elite army in Central Continent, the Snow Dance Legion has a gorgeous internal lineup that is completely jaw-dropping. However, according to the news they received, the three young people in Central Continent have The geniuses, two invincibles, a large number of young geniuses, and the backbone of the special service generation, including super assassins like Zed.
This force can almost be said to be the most reliable force in Zhongzhou. Using them to come to Dongdao Island shows how determined Zhongzhou is this time. However, no matter how great the determination is, Zhongzhou cannot watch them fall into despair.
Once the elite of Zhongzhou were trapped and killed on the East Island, and Huanshi and the Holy Temple exchanged battlefields and attacked Situ Cangyue and Gu Qianchuan, Zhongzhou would definitely support them without any hesitation.
"Oh, support."
Ban nodded: "But what if there is a reason why they can't support?"
"What's the meaning?"
Crow's tone was cold, but his eyes gradually brightened.
"For example, here."
Ban straightened up and switched screens.
A map of Central Continent appeared on the screen, with vast mountains and rivers and beautiful mountains and rivers.
Ban pointed his finger at the border and said calmly: "Who is more important to Zhongzhou, the Snow Dance Legion or the Border Guards Legion?"
"Border Guards Corps?!"
The expressions of Crow and Bear King changed at the same time.
"It's true that we are enemies of each other. But there are times when enemies pursue common interests. On the matter of Zhongzhou, our positions are consistent. Therefore, we may be able to truly cooperate for once. Zhongzhou and Samsara dare to spread their strength. How can we Don’t the five alliances dare to spread their strength?”
The crow's eyes were shining and hesitant, as if hesitant and fearful.
"This is the best opportunity, and perhaps the last opportunity. After the fall of the Li clan in Central Continent, although Gu Xingyun became the God of War in Central Continent, he has been busy consolidating his position for many years. In the early stage, he had to face other people in Central Continent. In the middle period, the Sword Emperor Wang Tianzong shot Tianling to death and stole too much of his limelight. After a few years of stability, reincarnation appeared again. Kunlun City seemed to be beautiful, but in fact, these years were not comfortable. Otherwise, how could Gu Xingyun do so many transactions with us? But this time is different. Gu Xingyun has almost consolidated his position now. This time Zhongzhou plots the East Island. Samsara is the leader, but Gu Xingyun is Enabler.”
"Obviously, Gu Xingyun needs a huge victory to completely ascend to the altar. If Zhongzhou wins this time, Zhongzhou will not only open a gap in the East Island, but none of us will be able to think about it in the future. Now we have such a good opportunity You can give Zhongzhou a fatal blow, I don’t understand, what are you hesitating about?”
Ban took a deep breath, took out a cigarette and lit it, and said calmly: "As long as the five of us work together, no matter what Zhongzhou does, we can't win."
There is no doubt about this.
No one would doubt this. Once they unite to invade Central Continent again, Central Continent will inevitably be in trouble to support the Frontier Corps? The Snow Dance Legion is about to give up.
Support the Snow Dance Legion
Once the Border Guard Corps is forced, it will not be a matter of losing face if the country is invaded.
The Frontier Corps was the most elite combat corps in Central Continent, and Central Continent could not afford to lose either.
Now the Snow Dance Legion operates in North America, Northern Europe and the East Island respectively. Although they all have a tacit understanding with Central Continent, as long as they strangle Central Continent to death, those outside Central Continent will not be able to go back, and those within Central Continent will not be able to get out.
This is the real lockdown.
only...
"Wang Tianzong..."
The crow opened its mouth and spit out a name.
The pressure brought by this name was so great that the crow's tone became difficult and slow.
The number one master on the God List.
The Sword Emperor of Central Continent holds the Human Emperor, the most ferocious soldier in the dark world.
This is not a person's name, it is just a mountain that weighs on everyone's heart.
Zhongzhou is seeking the East Island amid the general trend.
However, the major forces are plotting to enter Central Continent amidst the general trend.
But Wang Tianzong...
How to deal with it
"If Wang Tianzong takes action, someone will stop him."
A peaceful voice suddenly sounded in the corner of the hall.
Deputy Commander of the Knights Templar, Holy Light!
The crow was speechless for a moment.
Thinking of the behemoth behind the Knights Templar, which had a small territory but boundless faith, Crow vaguely seemed to understand something.
"Dongdao cannot give up either."
Shengguang's eyes were firm and persistent and he said: "We are still maintaining a cooperative relationship with Dongdao, and we have even paid a lot..."
"certainly."
Ban said with a smile: "We will all stay in the East Island. As for who goes to Central Continent, that is a matter for the Highnesses behind us."
Holy Light nodded, wearing a white robe that looked out of place in the dark hall, filled with a divine radiance.
The major forces in the dark world are constantly fighting for their own interests.
But the temple has always used drastic means to spread faith.
The road ahead of the temple is holy war.
Never ending.
Shengguang frowned suddenly and said thoughtfully: "Also, if this thing succeeds, I want to be alone."
"Can."
Crow first expressed his position: "If things can succeed, you will contribute the most, and no one who wants to be in the world will have any objections."
"We, the Jiang family, have no objection. It's just that anyone can give it to you except Li Tianlan. This son is related to the fate of my Jiang family for hundreds of years. If the temple wants him, then I can only apologize. "
In the dark hall, there seemed to be a void passing through the eaves and spreading quietly inside.
A vague and illusory shadow walked into the room and said with a smile: "Sorry, I'm a little late."
"evil?!"
Crow subconsciously raised his voice.
"We have met."
In the hall, the only invincible killer in the dark world seemed to chuckle: "But I didn't understand it deeply enough before. To show my sincerity, I am willing to introduce myself again: South American Jiang family, Jiang Qianhua, code name Xie."
Fantasy world.
Heroes meet.
Polar Alliance.
temple.
Chiang in South America.
Five families gathered together.
The living room was eerily quiet for a moment.
Then the Holy Light broke the silence again.
"Feel sorry."
He spoke softly but firmly: "What we want is also Li Tianlan."
"oh?"
Jiang Qianhua's tone was a little playful: "Is this an order given to you by your Highness Chaos?"
Holy Light narrowed his eyes slightly, looked directly at the illusory shadow in front of him, and said lightly, "No. It's His Majesty's prophecy."
Everyone's expressions changed.
Xie's expression instantly became extremely ugly.
His Majesty!
In the dark world, this is an extremely special word.
There are only two people who are worthy of this term and can make them sincerely awe.
One is Tianzong, the Sword Emperor of Central Continent.
In the misty darkness of the Beihai Wang clan, the sword of the Sword Emperor is enough to make people feel the power of despair.
And another.
He is not in the dark world, nor is he an invincible master.
He controls the most extreme and crazy dark power in the dark world, but he always walks in the brightest light, moving forward amidst the praise and praise of everyone.
From light to brighter.
Your Majesty the Pope!