"S-Sylvester?!" Gabriel murmured as his body stood up on its own. Overcome with warm emotions, he stepped down without a second thought and reached for his best friend. "Is that really you?"
"In the flesh," Sylvester responded and surveyed the crowd. The moment his gaze fell on Xavia, he felt sorrow. In her late middle age, she had grown older with wrinkles on her face. Although the beauty remained, the signs were clear.
Even Gabriel looked older, but to a much lesser extent. He was still an Arch Wizard and had more than a century ahead of him.
He welcomed Gabriel's brotherly embrace. His good friend was emotional. "It must have been hard being the Pope."
"That's why I'm crying. I can finally step back." Gabriel whispered into his ear.
Sylvester chuckled and dropped the bomb. "What gave you that impression? Buddy, I'm the Holy Sovereign. You're the Pope and will remain that."
"..." Gabriel was speechless.
Pat!
