Episode 983 The Gate of Death (7)
It is the mission of the Ruas Theocracy to protect, heal, and embrace humanity with sacred light.Abandoning Qi and magic, they guarded the light of the world with the steadfast valor and supreme miracles of clergy and paladins endowed with the light of Ruas.
But… darkness inevitably follows light.
In the Ruas Theocracy, there are beings who have purified the shadows of the continent and humanity for a very long time. They were classified as a different group from ordinary believers.
Inquisitor
Clergy members responsible for guiding the faith do not appear in public. They conceal their identities from acquaintances for their entire lives and do not form families, signifying that they are dedicating even their purity to God.
When one who has desecrated faith appears, when one who has apostatized appears, when one who has fallen as a human being appears… … only then does the Inquisitor appear, execute the trial and execution, and vanish.Since such enlightenment is his only duty, he usually continues his solitary prayers without even obeying the orders of the upper echelons of the Ruas Theocracy.
Are you worthy to enjoy the light of humanity?Stick out your head.Be judged and prove yourself.If my head is severed, I will gladly drench my entire body in blood alongside you.
This is the Lord’s Prayer of the Inquisitor.
Their philosophy is that warm faith alone cannot lead humanity to the right path. Their resolve is to willingly endure the filth for the sake of humanity.
Shaaaa──────
Leaves and grass carried by the gust of wind brush past the metal armor.
A group of Inquisitors, wearing helmets and full body armor or masks and robes that concealed their skin, formed a silent rank.In front of them, who showed no signs of movement, stood the Legion of the Empire.
The Church’s external forces. The so-called Fanatics of Light.
Grizzwell, the Lord of the Legion—the Deviant—who had planted his massive two-handed axe on the ground, twitched his white eyebrows.
“It looks exactly as described in ancient history. Have they preserved the weapons from that time until now…? What an incredibly ancient group.”
The Inquisitor, bearing the symbol of a golden cross that bore the unmistakable traces of ancient battles, was heavy and sharp overall.
Seongryul Seongdan.
The Legion said to have sacrificed their lives for four newcomers during the First Great Crusade about 642 years ago to clear a path to the Legion’s Archdemon.It was not as if they had merely inherited the Legion name; their momentum was extraordinary.
Regardless of individual strength, if you don’t kill them instantly, they’ll be persistent.
Grizwall, sensing an indescribable madness emanating from the Seongyul Cluster, shifted his gaze, thinking about how to deal with it if a battle were to break out.
The heads of each army faced each other at the center of the Seongyul Seongdan and the Legion.
“I expected the Luas religion to take large-scale action sooner or later. I didn’t expect them to dare to covet the borders of the Arnak Empire, though.”
Grand Duke Leevandale stood precisely on the border, exuding a solemn presence.
Using that line as a reference point, Saint Leonhard of the Ruas Church revealed his divine dignity from a distance of only a few steps.
Although we crossed the border, we had no intention of harming the Empire’s territory. Otherwise, we would have already conducted heresy trials in the surrounding cities.
He had no ill will.
“I admit that I used somewhat drastic methods to summon you. However, the Arnach Empire also bears responsibility for this situation.”“It is because of that demand.”“The letter explicitly stated ‘cooperation.’ It also stated that it would pay a price commensurate with it. I will convey the will of the Light once again right here.”
Leonhardt raised his voice slightly.
“Please deliver the new recruit of Lunesica Anternoa, the second servant of the glory of the corpse and the soul plunderer, to the Theocracy of Luas.”
During the escape from the island in the Hiaremar Inland Sea, the Empire’s War Lord took Lunesica as a prisoner after she lost consciousness amidst the chaos.The unidentified dwarf who was subdued during the sanctuary raid was taken by the Magic Kingdom.
Although both were villains who had attacked the Holy Kingdom, the Holy Kingdom had to secure the information inside their heads at all costs.Large-scale undead outbreaks were occurring across the continent.
It is different from the past.
While there were records regarding the transcendent dolls said to have been created by the ancient king, there was absolutely no description of the undead that emerged from the Demon Realm. Withvarious discrepancies discovered, including this, it became impossible to rely on the history of the Holy Kingdom.
New information about the old king is needed.
The Ruas religion would no longer display the disgraceful behavior seen in the sanctuary. As a world religion, it would reclaim the leadership of the continent and establish its dignity.To an era without modern peace… the Holy Nation was determined to regain its mighty faith.
“I should have conveyed that the second servant has not yet regained consciousness. The Luas followers must also be aware of the characteristics of Verden’s magic. For this reason, I politely declined the Holy Kingdom’s cooperation.”
Grand Duke Rivandale was frustrated.
“Even so, the fact that you have taken such action seems like nothing but coercion.”“In that case, please show me the second servant. With the Holy Kingdom’s highest miracle, we might be able to restore her consciousness to its original state.”“I refuse.”“Grand Duke Rivandale.”
Leonhardt instantly grabbed the holy sword Luens at his waist. The Legion and the Star Cluster simultaneously showed a faint movement.
“I remember the favor you showed me that day by helping the Ruas Religion alongside Eon and the Kingdom of Magic to subdue the Bone Dragon and the Undead forces. Although we could not secure the Bone Dragon’s skeletons because they had melted away, the Holy Kingdom has not forgotten your kindness and will repay you in the future. The same goes for the new prisoners. The Holy Kingdom believes it has shown you sufficient courtesy. So why are you refusing the proposal in such a manner?”“It is because I have doubts about whether the Ruas Religion can protect the prisoners.”“Doubts… if you mean.”“Even if you assembled Inquisitors to fill the gap in forces under the pretext that a traitor was hiding, and even if you hunted down and executed hundreds of traitors in a single city as part of a massive trial against heresy, the current Holy Kingdom is unstable.”
There are currently two ways to identify a traitor to humanity.
The Inquisition of the Luas Church.The Covenant of the Oath-taker.
The Oathbreakers claim to be the driving force of the Alliance of Transcendents and are consolidating the nations of the Central Continent. The Theocracy rejected the Oathbreakers’ methods and put forward Inquisitors instead.Their respective strategies had their strengths and weaknesses, but they never truly aligned.
The question of whose method was more effective was part of the conflict, but the decisive reason was that they could not concede influence over the world.
In other words, the Alliance of Transcendents and the Ruas Theocracy are in conflict. The two forces are purifying non-overlapping zones using their respective powers.
“There is still no news of the Saint, and I heard that the Pope has not fully recovered and cannot stay awake for long. You are the only newcomer leading the Theocracy of Luas.”“…….”“If the Glory of the Dead targets the Sanctuary again, can you guarantee that you can stop it?”
Only then did Leonhardt understand what Grand Duke Rivandale was trying to say. It was not only because the second servant had not woken up that he had refused the Holy Kingdom’s offer.
Disbelief.
The Empire is doubting the capabilities of the Theocracy due to a series of events. They believe all of this was caused by the Theocracy, which concealed information about the former king for hundreds of years.Moreover, the one who has come to the Empire is a transcendent being of the faith realm who was recently chosen.
If only there had been a saint instead of me…
Leonhardt gritted his teeth inwardly, blaming himself for his inadequacy. If only he had been a little stronger, he could have stopped the first servant.
“The Seongyulseongdan was not organized merely for show.”“Even so, the Church has lost its main military strength.”“I will prove it right here.”
Srrrr.
The sunlight reflected off the sacred sword blade.
That the religious state is still intact.
Leonhardt, who was more disciplined than at the World Conference, aimed his will at Grand Duke Rivandale.
“In that sense, let me ask you. Why isn’t the Arnak Empire rooting out the traitors? A traitor has been discovered even within the Empire itself.”
At the fact-finding committee of the Iderat Alliance, traitors who had been concealing their identities to avoid the oath-taking contract committed suicide in an instant.Among them was one who had served Grand Duke Lucent of the Empire.
However, just like the Magic Kingdom, the Arnak Empire did not require the contract of the Alliance of Transcendents or the heresy trial of the Luas Theocracy.It was Emperor Zeracl’s decision.
“Wouldn’t it be necessary to prove whether the Empire is truly still intact…?”
Leonhardt signaled his intention to launch an Inquisition across the entire Empire. The air seemed to stiffen, colder than midwinter. His lips trembled briefly.
Grand Duke Rivandale, who had been gazing intently at Leonhardt, opened his mouth.
“There is a condition instead of ‘sharing’ the second servant’s new recruit.”“What?”
As the phenomenon suddenly escalated, Leonhardt was startled but immediately hardened his expression. Not as a boy befitting his age, but as a great saint.
“What are the conditions?”“There is a dwarf in the Magic Kingdom who aided in the Glory of the Dead. You are already in negotiations to take custody of that recruit, just as you are now, aren’t you?”“That is true, but…”“The Empire will also attend the interrogation of the dwarf.”
It means that if the Magic Kingdom produces a dwarf, the Empire will also produce a second servant.Is it because of information?That is highly likely. No, there couldn’t be any other reason besides that.
Although it involves the sharing of prisoners, it is still an acceptable condition.We don’t have to fight.
Click!
Leonhardt nodded as he sheathed the holy sword as if to show off.
“I promise. In the name of the Saint.”
The negotiations were concluded.
The Theocracy of Luas, which had been confronting the Empire, withdrew from the border.The heavy footsteps of the Inquisitors faded into the distance.
* * *
Arnark Empire Imperial City, Elbor.
“What was the saint like?”“Young.”
Grand Duke Leevandale said.
“He was crushed by a sense of responsibility; he looked like he was about to burst into tears at any moment. Since he became a transcendent being through the power of the Holy Sword, it is only natural that he is still soft-hearted. He must find it difficult even to watch the executions carried out by the Inquisitors. And yet, he was striving to prove himself as a saint.”“Is that so? As expected.”
Emperor Geracle smiled faintly.
As expected.
Sitting in the seat of honor, he leisurely stirred the warm tea with a teaspoon.
“The Kingdom of Sorcerers was desperately refusing to show the dwarves, so I was at a loss as to how to persuade them, but it looks the Holy Kingdom will take on that role.”“The Kingdom of Sorcerers’ requirement is Eon’s presence. Without Verden, they won’t hand over the worst dwarf on earth.”“The Empire has already shown its willingness to negotiate. Now, it is up to the Holy Kingdom to resolve this on their own. We just need to watch the situation without wasting manpower and resources.”
Slurp.
“It is a great gain to have grasped the Saint’s disposition this time. If the Old King returns as the Lefragium Magic Tower announced, the Saint will surely not sit idly by. Since he wants to prove that he is not lacking, he will likely be the first to try to stop the Old King. This is a good opportunity to gauge the Old King’s power.”“Hmm, even if the Saint does not return, wouldn’t that not happen if the Pope just knows how to give orders?”“The Saint and the Pope have an equal relationship. If things don’t work out, he can simply manipulate the situation and secretly egg him on. If that still doesn’t work, it would just be a bit of a disappointment.”
As the Ruas Theocracy suffers damage, the Old King’s military power will be diminished, and the power possessed by the veiled Old King’s forces will be revealed.
Minimum loss.Maximum gain.
No matter how the other forces screamed, Emperor Zeracl cared only about the Arnak Empire. He would do anything to reduce the bloodshed of the Empire.
Politics is essentially the work of governing a country.
This was Emperor Zeracl’s specialty.
“That damn politics…”“Anyway, now we can get Aerodon to speak.”
The Sky Dragon Aerodon declared that he would provide information about Lunesica Anternoa’s soul if he was shown the actual appearance of the worst dwarf on earth… but due to the stubborn Seven Great Demon Kings, Aerodon’s demand had not been granted for dozens of days.
If the Ruas Theocracy works hard to reach an agreement with the Magic Kingdom, the Empire just needs to jump on the bandwagon.
“By the way, is Aerodon still sulking?”“It roars whenever I approach. Especially loudly when I get close.”
Previously, the two had a conversation like this.
Aerodon demanded verification of Grimmel Gromfar in exchange for the advice. He said he would keep his mouth shut unless he saw the dwarf for himself.
“Hmm, since this is a matter that requires consultation with Eon and the Magic Kingdom, it should take some time. We could have shortened the process if Verden were here. To think you would be so finicky even in the midst of this. I think Aerodon needs to be taught a lesson at least once. Is that necessary?”
Since the dragon is so haughty, whatever you say will likely backfire.
At that time, Emperor Geracle made a subtle remark.
Just pass by, pretend you don’t know, and give them a good smack on the head.
and.
Grand Duke Rivandale really did smack Aerodon on the head not long ago. It was when the fellow was grumbling for more snacks.
“See, I told you to hit me moderately.”“……?”
Grand Duke Rivandale blinked and then furrowed his brow in displeasure.
Don’t play games with me.
* * *
Black Hour Hall.
“Seeing as the Luas Church withdrew quietly, they must have struck some kind of deal. I can tell without even looking that it is a matter related to the second servant the Empire captured.”
Verden tossed the information document down. The way he returned and surveyed the political situation as if nothing had happened was so natural.So natural that it was difficult to ask him questions, even if there were many things one wanted to ask.
Melard spoke up first regarding the situation in the Western Continent.
“The Archenad Sorcerer Kingdom is periodically contacting us regarding what to do with Grimmel Gromfar, Holy One. What should we do?”“Announce my return, and if they ask if we should publicly share Grimmel’s interrogation with other nations, agree. I will leave everything else to you. Melad, you shall take my place.”“Holy One?”“I will go to the Kingdom of Ronia.”
Verden showed the special magic stones that Hares had brought. Their magical power, such as that of Grave or Cain, was stored in them.They were made in advance and kept in the Great Hall to be used for the [Black Hour Compass], which tracks living beings using magical power.
It is a magic stone that exists only once in the world.
I did not produce more than two.
Because if there are two or more targets, the compass’s function will get confused.Just like when chasing Gluttony’s transplanter.
Verden had gone to great lengths to return to the Great Hall not only to look after everyone’s safety. Thus, he prepared to go to the Kingdom of Ronia.
“I have completed the new central signaling device, so I will leave it behind. Communications with other continents are scheduled to be established within a few weeks at the latest. I entrust this place to you while I am away.”
Aldanis looked bewildered.
“S-Sir, that explanation is far too insufficient, Lord Verden.”“Alpha will explain the rest.”
[Information conveyed. Ready.]
Just as Beta remains in the ownerless land, Alpha will stay in the Great Hall. Their very existence is like Verden being by their side.
I’ll be back.
Verden left his seat and headed toward the pier of the Great Hall. Black Sea Tearel and Lito Barslan, who were nearby, waved their hands.
“Already… Huh? What’s with that sniper shot?”“Tsk tsk, just as I expected, you’re safe!”
Leaving Rito’s laughter behind, Verden arrived at the harbor’s cavity. Then, opening the Infinite Magic Path, he twisted the spatial coordinates.
Crunch crunch!
It is time to go to the Kingdom of Ronia to find Adrian and the Phases.
