Chapter 50 - Talk With The Archbishop 3
"What?" Princess Sylphia and Eleine blurted out together.
Aldrian also stunned but he still silent,
"What?" Princess Sylphia and Eleine blurted out together.
Aldrian was also stunned but remained silent.
"Isn't that the sa as the end of the church's legacy? What happened?" Princess Sylphia asked.
"We actually don't know the cause. How could we? That's sothing only the heavens themselves would know. The lack of purity and its continued deterioration have already endangered our church. So of us even believe that the heavens have abandoned us. Now you see how dire our situation is," Archbishop Ravin said.
Aldrian finally understood how grim the church's situation was. A religious group like the followers of the Heavenly Direction Church built their foundation on their belief in the mighty heavens. But what happens if the followers start doubting their foundation? What if the deterioration of their holy energy is because the heavens have abandoned them?
Their power would collapse. Many of their followers would develop inner demons, going mad as those inner demons took control. The church's legacy, which has existed for millions of years, would be cut off.
This situation was also alarming because of the prophecy about the continent and the possibility that the devils were the source of the threat. All of this made the church anxious and impatient, desperate for their ssiah to appear as soon as possible.
"Do you know the prophecy we shared with the continent's powerhouses 14 years ago?" Archbishop Ravin asked.
"The darkness shrouds heaven and earth, the horror of death follows behind it, the peace of the land is no more, and neither life nor death can escape from it," Aldrian recited.
"Yes, and as you know, darkness is often associated with the devils. We suspect it has sothing to do with them. We only shared this prophecy with those who wield power, like emperors and high-ranking nobles, to avoid causing chaos among the populace and to avoid alerting the enemy."
Aldrian nodded. He also suspected that the devils were planning sothing for the future.
"We've already prepared for the unexpected, but it's not optimal. Our power isn't what it used to be. Things have worsened in recent years, and the foreign elent in our holy energy has truly tainted it. At tis, our holy energy can't even fully repel devil energy because of this."
"Then what is my role in your prophecy? What does my golden energy have to do with it?" Aldrian asked.
"This is where you, Sir Aldrian, might play a crucial role. We received another prophecy after the phenonon 12 years ago that we've never shared with non-mbers. Even those below the rank of bishop don't know this. Our Saintess received a revelation that said, 'The light will descend, and at that ti, the darkness will tremble, and the light will shine upon the land. Those who do not follow the light will perish.'" Archbishop Ravin looked at Aldrian intently.
"You, with the purest holy energy and its imnse power, appeared suddenly when we were in the midst of confusion and uncertainty. Your existence might be a sign that the heavens have not abandoned us."
Aldrian began to connect the dots.
"The sudden appearance of soone like
would boost their morale and faith in what's to co. The ergence of the purest holy energy would be seen as a sign that the prophecy of the light is their ssiah. They'll find salvation, and the church can maintain its existence."
"Now that I've explained all of this, you understand how important your existence is to us. There may be a chance for our holy energy to be purified as it once was, or perhaps even for our holy energy to beco like yours," Archbishop Ravin said.
"What an optimistic thought," Aldrian mused.
"Then, what do you want
to do? You don't expect
to beco your leader or sothing like that, right?" The entire church delegation nearly choked at Aldrian's joke. Asking him to be the Pope? Normally, they would be furious at soone for joking about such a position, but they knew the person in front of them was not soone they could afford to offend.
"You jest, Sir Aldrian. We simply wish to ask you to co to our headquarters in our main territory and demonstrate your abilities to the believers. What we need right now is a morale boost for our followers. We must quell their anxiety and prevent them from being consud by doubt. The mbers of the church will surely be thrilled if they see soone possessing holy energy with such purity and strength—sothing never seen before," answered Archbishop Ravin.
"So, I'm to reveal myself at the headquarters, and eventually, the entire continent will know of my existence?" Aldrian asked.
"Yes, we'll arrange it so that you co at our invitation, under the pretense that we found you through guidance from the heavens. This will prevent any mbers who aren't yet aware of your identity from questioning your legitimacy. The person with the purest holy energy will demonstrate his capabilities. It will also serve as a deterrent to the devils, should they beco aware of your existence."
Aldrian began to ponder the situation, unaware of the anxious expression on Eleine's face behind him.
"The church's main territory borders the Vindas Empire, the Doria Empire, and even the territories of the Grand Duchy of Rivas and the Grand Duchy of Flacrest. I'm afraid that if Young Master Aldrey or Lady Irene catches wind of this, they might follow us," she thought.
If news co out that the church has invited soone with the purest and strongest holy energy—energy that surpasses even that of high-ranking mbers or the Pope—she feared it would cause imnse trouble for Aldrian.
The information would undoubtedly reach Irene and Aldrey, and since their families have connections to the church, they would seek out the person in question. Even with their disguises, Eleine couldn't underestimate the instinct of parents. And then there was Aldrian himself. With his intelligence and resourcefulness, he could easily discover the origin of his parents and pursue them.
She could only imagine what would happen if Aldrian's existence were revealed to his family. Given the capabilities and personalities of Aldrian and his parents, she feared it would lead to chaos between the two grand duchies—and possibly even the two empires.
While Eleine was thinking about how to convince Aldrian to decline the church's invitation, Aldrian's thoughts were elsewhere.
"If the church's plan is to make my appearance known across the continent, that will cause
problems," Aldrian mused. "Even now, many are still searching for the person who defeated the hydra, and if soone with the purest holy energy suddenly appears, it will create another sensation. Not to ntion, if they realize it's the sa person who defeated the hydra, the devils will be alard about my presence. It's still too early for them to know I exist." He sighed deeply.
Eleine was about to send a voice transmission to him, but Aldrian spoke first.
"It's not that I don't want to help, but I have my own circumstances. The way you're planning to announce my appearance will only bring
trouble. It's like painting a target on my back. I don't want to be in the lilight right now—"
"You don't want to be in the lilight? If that's the case, then we can discuss further—"
"Let
finish," Aldrian interrupted with a sigh. "I also have an agreent with the Evergreen imperial family, so I'll need to inform them about this matter. They'll have their own perspective on it, and you'll also need to discuss it with them."
When the delegation heard this, they realized the situation was more complicated than they had anticipated. From the way Aldrian spoke, it seed that the Ivory Empire also had an interest in this 'young man' and would likely support him. Archbishop Ravin felt a wave of frustration; dealing with the Evergreen family would be tricky, but they still needed Aldrian to co to their headquarters and demonstrate his golden energy and capabilities.
As Aldrian waited for their decision, he sensed an intense gaze fixed on him, like a hawk watching its prey. He turned to find the source of the stare and t the piercing blue eyes of a handso young-looking man.
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Arthur Maximilian
Age : 36.264 years
Race : Human
Cultivation : Peak King
Cultivation technique : Heavenly Light Enveloping The World
Attack techniques : Sword's Judgnt, Guardian Angel, Heavenly Slash, Heavenly Stab, The Heavenly Sword of Destruction.
Defense technique : The Light of Guardian
Supporting techniques : Heavenly Aura, Heaven's Blessing
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"He's quite 'young' to be at the Peak King stage. He must be a talented genius," Aldrian thought to himself.
"Do you have sothing to say to , knight of the church?" Aldrian asked, catching everyone off guard. The others turned to look at Arthur, the one Aldrian had addressed.
"I'm just here as a guardian. I don't deserve to give my opinion," Arthur replied.
"Is that so? Then why, after all this discussion, do I still sense your doubt about ?" Aldrian's voice was calm but probing.
Arthur was stunned. Could this 'boy' read his thoughts? He remained silent for a mont before finally speaking.
"To tell you the truth, I'm not entirely convinced that you're the one who defeated the hydra. Even though you possess the purest holy energy, the sword will I sensed at that site was complex in comprehension yet rooted in a simple concept—truly remarkable for producing such a slash technique. But you... I really can't see how you did it. I've tried repeatedly to see your true self, but all I see is a Viscount stage boy with so tricks."
Archbishop Ravin and the others from the church were shocked by Arthur's bold words. The Archbishop hurriedly began to apologize, "Sir Aldrian, I'm sorry about Art—" He stopped abruptly as Aldrian raised his hand, signaling for him to stop. Aldrian continued to look at Arthur, a smile appearing on his face for the first ti during this eting.
"So, what does Sir Knight want to do since you don't believe this 'Viscount stage boy' could have created that sword will? Do you have a suggestion?" Aldrian asked.
Arthur held Aldrian's gaze, unflinching.
"Fight ."
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