#Episode 313
An office covered in thick navy blue brocade.
The bright sunlight illuminated the interior, creating the shapes of the windows along the walls on both sides.
“I guess you finally left. “I haven’t even set foot in the Holy Land, let alone the Great Church.”
At the end, a middle-aged man sitting at a luxurious wooden desk muttered.
He had gray hair neatly combed and wore luxurious robes with a prayer and the symbol of Lu Solar engraved in gold thread.
There was also a golden circle hanging on the wall behind the antique wooden chair he was sitting on.
“That’s right. “Vicar.”
The one who answered was the priest sitting across from him. He was wearing a pure white hooded cloak with a golden circle engraved on it.
A soft smile appeared on the white face beneath the hood.
The middle-aged priest, the parish priest, clicked his tongue and wrinkled the bridge of his nose.
“You choose to ignore the church and become the emperor’s dog. It’s so disrespectful. “He is the agent of a monster full of deception.”
The smile on the hooded priest’s lips grew deeper.
“They probably hope to increase the confusion within the church. “There will be different interpretations of his actions.”
“The person who is recognized as the representative of the saint has not even set foot in the holy land and has not even met the Holy One. Is there any part that can be interpreted positively?”
“He always searches for the darkest places. It’s no wonder I never set foot in this place filled with brilliant light. “Vicar.”
The priest, who spoke softly as if he was reciting, paused for a moment. His eyes drew a soft arc as he looked at the parish president.
“Besides, the place he headed to was the Northern Front. Now that erosion is imminent, he has made the noble choice to throw himself into the darkness again. With his back to the light.”
“what…?”
The parish priest frowned. It was a natural reaction. The secret conversation between him and the emperor was not yet known even to the Holy Emperor.
The Hooded Priest nodded.
“I also found out today. If you discuss disrespect and blasphemy, you will face backlash. “That’s probably why we’re delaying the announcement.”
“Those traitors who flatter the Emperor will be delighted. Foolish ones who do not know what the true path to serving the splendid Goddess is… .”
The parish priest sank into a low sullen silence.
Ian Hope. After the false prophet appeared, all plans went awry.
Of course, darkness was gradually covering the world, but at some point, the people began to believe that he would save them.
The purest faith that should be directed towards the splendid Goddess has lost its way.
Opinions were divided within the church, and the same was true in the National Assembly.
Originally, they should have taken control of the origins of the religious order by now, and based on that, they should have also been leading the Round Table Council.
Moreover, since Ian Hope had taken the Emperor’s hand and the Emperor had sent him to the front, there was no longer any justification for the Church to accuse the Emperor of his incompetence and impiety.
Not only the internal balance of the church, but also the balance between the imperial family and the church was broken.
“… Indeed, it is a gait befitting the chaos that walks. Wherever he passes, only the blind and chaos are left behind. I wonder why no one has noticed this obvious fact… .”
“Don’t hate them. They are just blind and deaf. “Doesn’t the parish priest know?”
“You, at some point, have often defended him.”
The vicar’s brows narrowed.
“Because I want him to fly higher.”
“What… ?”
The words the priest uttered created a deeper furrow between the vicar’s eyebrows. The Hooded Priest, who smiled regardless, continued speaking.
“That way, everyone will know for sure when he falls.”
“… … !”
“Who truly chose the thorny path for the bright light? Who sacrifices for the era of light? And how full of contradiction and hypocrisy that being is.”
As the words continued, the vicar’s expression softened.
“…That is correct, Bishop.”
Finally, he nodded and looked at the priest.
“But reaching that glorious moment will only be possible if we remain in this position.”
“You are right.”
“So, that false savior must disappear. The true nature hidden behind that mask of deception must also be revealed.”
The priest’s smile hardened.
“… Conflicting with that person is not a good decision. Parish priest. Especially now.”
“There will be no conflict. Chaos must be dealt with by greater chaos.”
“… “Hoo.”
Finally, the bishop let out a low exclamation. At the look that seemed to ask him to continue, the vicar continued.
“We will bring in the northern crusaders and purification party. First of all, those under our influence. “Your Holiness, let me convince you.”
A meaningful smile spread across the vicar’s lips.
“What is there to worry about when the Northern Adept is in the North? Besides, the front line is always short of hands.”
“If the justification is to distribute power evenly across the wires, it seems quite possible.”
The bishop shook his head and faced the diocese.
“If I were you, I would send our knights to the south. Wouldn’t it be more effective in persuading Your Majesty if we gave up the eastern front?”
“As expected, you are wise… I see. As expected, your advice always lights the way.”
The vicar leaned against the back of his chair and chanted. The bishop slowly tilted his head.
“I didn’t come here just to give you advice today.”
“I guess you have something to suggest.”
“Wasn’t his sword in the Great Church?”
“Saint’s Knight… . “He had some business to attend to.”
The priest’s lips curled up crookedly. He turned his gaze to the sunlight-filled hall and muttered.
“I have nothing to say other than that the Goddess is truly merciful. God gives grace without discrimination even to the blind who serve false saviors. And that in front of everyone. “She is currently undergoing a ceremony.”
“you’re right. “They said he was very humble and faithful.”
“If you’re suggesting we exclude him, it’s difficult. As you probably know, he is already attracting the attention of many people. “I can’t give them a justification.”
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“I’m not saying we should rule it out.”
At the bishop’s subsequent words, the parish priest’s eyebrows furrowed.
“then?”
“Couldn’t we make him one of us?”
The parish priest paused and stroked his wrinkled chin.
“You are qualified enough… . I don’t think it will be easy either. “It has been known for a long time that he followed a false savior.”
“You can try. “He is with us now, and even if he fails, we can just let him go.”
Only then did the vicar’s eyes change.
They quickly realized that it was a plan they had nothing to lose if they proceeded with it secretly and cautiously.
The parish priest recited.
“If only he could open the eyes of truth… . Instead of guarding the false prophet, he would be a sword that pierces. From the closest.”
The bishop’s gaze turned upward. The golden circle on the wall shimmered in his eyes.
He kissed his lips as if whispering.
“And it will become the most brilliant sword that will prove the purity of the church.”
***
A flash of light spread from the far east, turning the gray clouds covering the sky bright red.
Krrrr… Krrrr…
The sound of thunder followed.
A roar that could sound like the howl of some giant monster. Actually, it wasn’t wrong at all. This was no different from the roar of a black wall.
At the next flash of light, the white horse, Nilla, who was advancing over the canal, snorted and panted.
“not a big deal. calm down.”
Ian slowly stroked the back of the guy’s neck, which was exposed between the long sleeves. Neela shook her head, shaking her head.
In fact, it was admirable that they didn’t lose their minds and run wild. Aren’t horses originally very timid animals?
Ian felt Nilla’s breathing stabilize and raised his head, absentmindedly chewing on the jerky.
His eyes stopped on the gray castle wall rising in front of him.
‘It’s so dirty… .’
But I wasn’t dissatisfied with that fact.
It was the first proper city I encountered a week after leaving the island.
As we entered the road leading to the border and the north, it became almost impossible to find any pedestrians, as if it were a lie.
This was especially true after I misread the map and went deeper into the northwest than planned.
After barely regaining our bearings, we finally arrived in Burdin.
‘… maybe.’
The only city he encountered on his way here was a small town with only a low wall instead of a castle wall. It was even a ghost town, with only empty buildings remaining.
As the threat from the frontier became more and more visible and entry was banned, the village was completely closed off.
The inhabitants were forced to move west, and the abandoned town was used as a border patrol outpost.
It was a fact I learned from seeing the order posted on a bulletin board in the middle of an empty village.
Relocating an entire village overnight would have been possible only for an empire. Of course, rebuilding the West was equally important.
Of course, Ian didn’t feel particularly dissatisfied with that fact.
Anyway, it wasn’t a problem for him to spend the night.
Unlike refugees on the frontier, he did not have to be afraid of encountering patrols, and it was even easier to get firewood.
Even the preserved food that Elijah had prepared for them was better than eating the poor food.
‘It would have been perfect if only the church had been intact.’
Ian snorted as he recalled the empty church where even the candlesticks had been taken away, let alone the signs.
Anyway. The past week has been peaceful, lonely, and light, and at the same time, it has been enough time to remind me of the familiar dark ages.
It was also a sight that had to be re-accustomed. Not only the north, but even the central part after erosion would no longer look the same as before.
“Stop.”
The guard standing leaning diagonally in front of the castle gate spat out. The guy even wore his helmet crookedly. He glanced at Ian and Nila who stopped and blurted out.
“Are you a mercenary?”
“I am a traveler heading north. I will stay for one day and then leave.”
“As a traveler… at this time.”
The guard stroked his chin, his expression seeming to be contemplating whether he should ask for identification.
Of course, Ian read another meaning in his expression. Ian, who had been reaching into the guard’s arms, snapped his fingers, and a silvery trajectory traced a parabolic arc into the guard’s arms.
“Looking at how skilled you are, you are clearly a traveler.”
The guard who quickly accepted it smiled, showing his yellow teeth. It was a smile that made me realize once again that I had entered a border area.
He nodded with a much more generous expression.
“Is this your first time in Burdin? If you have any questions, please ask.”
You’ve come to the right place.
Thinking inwardly, Ian blurted out.
“Where are the stables and the church?”
“The stables are just past the gate on the right. The church is at the crossroads in the center of town. It has a steeple, so you can easily find it.”
“What about the inn?”
“The inn is located just west of the church and down the alley. “There will probably be one or two rooms left.”
“I guess there are quite a few travelers like me.”
The guard snorted softly.
“Most of them are people who came here to make money and then sat down, or are going to make money soon. Secretly, of course. “It’s illegal to cross the border these days.”
Oh yeah. They’re mercenaries.
As Ian nodded, the guard added:
“You’re lucky. These days, the gates close as soon as the sun sets and don’t open until morning. Especially on a day like today. You saw it a little while ago, right?”
“Are there any monsters appearing?”
“Not yet. But there are many rumors that it is not far away, so everyone is anxious. “Although there are people like Seungnyang who are waiting for it to become reality.”
Ian laughed softly. It was like this now, but in a few months I would be grateful to be far away from the black wall.
“Thanks for the information.”
Ian passed through the gate leisurely. A panoramic view of the city, almost colorless, was clearly revealed.
As expected, the center is the only place for people to live.
Muttering inwardly, Ian headed toward the stables. It was a fairly large stable. It must have been quite crowded when there were many travelers traveling between the north and the outskirts. There didn’t seem to be that many horses in storage right now.
“That sounds great. lily.”
A skinny stablehand approached. Ian got down from his horse and threw a silver coin at him, adding:
“Feed him the best food and let him sleep in the cleanest place. “He’s a smart guy, so he won’t cause trouble even if you don’t tie him up.”
“Yes. How many days will you be staying?”
“day. “Please keep the change.”
“You will be blessed, Nari.”
The stable boy turned around, grumbling. Neela looked back at Ian and grumbled softly. It seemed as if she was telling him not to worry.
“See you in the morning.”
Ian patted the guy’s thigh and turned around.
A panoramic view of a cool, damp, dark street unfolded.
The fact that the days get shorter as winter approaches is not a phenomenon that only existed in the original world. Although the humans of this world consider it a period of rest for Lu Solar.
Anyway, there were hardly any pedestrians on the street.
As the guard said, it was probably because of the erosion that had occurred earlier. The anxiety and worry that had spread throughout the city was palpable.
Compared to the peaceful and lively system, the atmosphere felt much more realistic.
Perhaps this city too would soon be relocated, for the central bureaucrats at least knew the importance of the people.
‘There you are.’
Ian did not head straight to the inn. There were probably assistants sent by the Emperor waiting there. There was still work to be done before meeting them.
“Glory to the brilliant light… .”
Ian stepped into a church. It was an old brick building with a pointed spire.
As I entered the hall, an old priest approached me with his hands clasped in front of his chest. Since I had come after dark, I could tell he had some other business to attend to.
“I’d like to rent an entire large, quiet room, whether it’s a prayer room or something.”
Ian said, handing him what he had in his hand. The priest accepted it politely, then immediately bowed his head to the golden light spreading from his hand.
“Follow me.”
“Please do not let anyone come near you. I have a very important prayer that must be said quietly.”
The priest nodded with a smile and turned around. Ian followed him leisurely into the church.
‘As expected, there’s nothing money can’t buy.’
It was one of the few advantages that frontier and border areas had.
“This is the largest prayer room. You can lock the door and close the windows from inside.”
Beyond the dilapidated hallway, the priest spoke as he opened a thick wooden door that looked more like torture than prayer.
Ian nodded, looking at the spacious interior.
“How long can I use it?”
“Please leave by midnight.”
The priest who answered turned around.
Shouldn’t the Golden Screen be emptied by tomorrow morning? Ian thought to himself as he came inside, immediately closing the door and locking the window above it.
Light seeps in dimly from a small window in the wall. And the three candles hanging from the candle holders on the wall lit up the spacious hall where only an old desk and two chairs were placed.
This is just the right space.
Nodding, Ian took out a small talisman from the subspace.
Then sparks flew from his palm.
Hwaruk-
The flame was transferred directly to the talisman.
Ian threw the amulet into an empty space in the room. The amulet flew in a long trajectory, scattering golden sparks in all directions for a moment.
Shh …
A mantra spread amidst the sparkling sparks. A halo of light spread around Jineon like a curtain.
Ian walked on without paying any attention to the series of events, and only after sitting down on the chair did he furrow his brows.
‘Why aren’t you showing up?’
Because nothing could be seen in the swirling halo of light.
The light of the mantra was gradually fading. Beyond it, a hazy silhouette appeared, indicating that the mantra was on the verge of losing its light.
Beyond the brightening halo of light, a golden glow spread.
“… You always defy my expectations, Ian. I didn’t expect you to find me this quickly this time.”
A faint voice that sounded both male and female followed.
Platinum Dragon, Archeas. Ian finally raised the corners of his mouth as he looked at him, wearing pure white clothes and carrying a bundle on his back.
“I thought you couldn’t come because you were sleeping.”
fantasy,
