Free Web NovelChapter 374: Chapter 81: Blast
The thought was so blasphemous, so horrifying, yet so utterly irresistible.
He clapped a hand over his mouth, as if to stifle the blasphemous words that threatened to escape.
But deep within his eyes, in a gaze steeped in years of venom and despair, an uncontrollable flicker of faint yet incredibly real rapturous joy ignited!
Yes, rapturous joy!
He knew it was inappropriate. He knew such a catastrophe would mean the deaths of countless people, turmoil in the Holy City, even a crisis of faith. But the thought that the source of his misery—the one who had tortured him for most of his life and destroyed everything he had, that high and mighty Pope—might be gone for good was like a potent poison, instantly setting his long-frozen, numb heart ablaze.
He huddled in the shadows in a corner of the shop, his body trembling violently from fear and this sudden, guilty excitement.
The ringing in his ears began to fade, and the chaotic cries of the world outside started to filter in.
But all that remained in his mind was that one, madly echoing thought, and the smile that twitched uncontrollably at the corners of his mouth.
...
On the Albion Islands, deep within the Duke’s Mansion of the Golden Coast, in a perfectly soundproof secret chamber.
Ostun, now the chief military advisor to the Golden Coast Duke and commander of the Islands United Trade Association’s forces, sat in the seat of honor.
He wore a tailored, deep-blue, silver-trimmed robe, covered by a light, dark gold armored vest that symbolized his status as a Legendary Knight.
Compared to ten years ago, time had left few marks on the arrogant middle-aged man’s well-maintained face. If anything, he had grown even more arrogant, exuding a confidence born of absolute control and unquestionable authority.
Before him stood a man in a gray cloak, his face completely hidden in the shadow of the hood. His aura was indistinct. This was the Wizard liaison responsible for coordinating with the Islands.
"Holy City, Sanctuary entrance zone. We’ve confirmed a massive Energy blast. Intensity... extremely high," the voice from under the cloak was hoarse. "Our ’eyes’ were destroyed an instant before the shockwave hit, but they transmitted final image fragments. Half of the Cathedral of Truth’s side tower is gone. The blast radius covered at least seven city blocks. The Church Court’s core defensive Barrier is in widespread disarray."
Ostun’s face remained impassive, though a corner of his mouth seemed to twitch almost imperceptibly.
"They certainly caused quite a stir," he said slowly. "To completely get rid of a Pope who’s been in the Sanctuary for ten years... those Cardinals are truly ruthless. Absolutely merciless."
The Gray Robe Wizard gave a short laugh. "Ruthless? Perhaps. But for us, this is the best possible outcome. Those old fools from the Inheritance Sect, clinging to the legacy of the Old Realm and refusing to let go. They’d rather hide away and barely survive in a place like the Old Realm, obstructing the Silver Tower’s plans, than journey to the New Realm in pursuit of true power."
"Whatever our original plan was, the result is this: the Sanctuary’s entrance and the surrounding area have been utterly destroyed. Pope Noe VII and the Wizards of the Inheritance Sect won’t be coming back for the foreseeable future."
Ostun’s gaze fell upon a massive nautical chart hanging on the chamber wall, which marked the spheres of influence on the Continent and across the islands.
His gaze lingered for a moment on the marker representing the Holy City.
"’Won’t be coming back...’" he repeated, a glint in his eye. "The Holy City is in chaos. The Church Court is bound to go through a reshuffling. The Rosenia Grand Shepherd District to the north won’t let this opportunity slip by. The Equalist Sect over in the Empire should also take this chance to fan the flames and muddy the waters even more. And as for us..."
"Our fleets, our trade routes, our... gentle, gradual expansion... With the Holy City’s eyes off of us, many things will proceed much more smoothly. The Cardinals are using us, but we are also using them."
Ostun sneered. "Does the ’Ashen Prophet’ have any other instructions?"
The Gray Robe Wizard lowered his voice. "The Prophet only instructed me to convey that the window of opportunity is now open. We are to push forward with the established plan at full strength, accelerate the consolidation of the islands’ resources, and infiltrate key points along the continental coast. The chaos within the Church Court is our best cover and our chance to expand. As for what exactly happened in the Holy City or who lit the fuse—that isn’t important. What matters is the outcome, and how we capitalize on it."
Ostun nodded slightly, showing he understood. "Reply to the Prophet that the Albion Islands will not miss the opportunity this era has granted us. As for the Holy City..."
He paused, the barest hint of a smile touching his lips.
"Let them slowly digest this ’surprise’ amidst the ruins and their squabbling."
"Relay my orders," he said to a trusted subordinate standing in the shadows by the door. "All core members of the ’Islands United Trade Association’ are to assemble in the meeting hall tomorrow morning. We have a new course to chart."
...
「Rotalia Empire, Imperial Capital Stornostad.」
The atmosphere inside the office of the Minister of Military Affairs was solemn.
Ulysses, the former Commander of the Imperial Guard and now a Legendary Knight and the Minister of Military Affairs, sat behind a wide black ironwood desk. The dark gold tassels on the shoulders of his dark gray uniform glinted faintly in the firelight from the hearth.
Across from him, Third Prince Charles sat in a chair, his posture showing clear respect for this pillar of the Empire.
A soft knock sounded on the oak door of the office.
"Come in," Ulysses said, his voice steady.
The door opened and Colvin, the current Commander of the Imperial Guard, strode in. He gave both Ulysses and the Third Prince a standard military salute.
