Chapter 383: To Think You’d Be Here. (5)
Dark, whose consciousness was linked with Ghislain, groaned dramatically.
― “Damn it! The energy inside this guy keeps trying to push me out! I can barely hold on!”
‘Hang in there somehow. He won’t be able to focus on the wound while fleeing.’
― “Got it. I’ll split the mana into tiny fragments and stay as inconspicuous as possible.”
Ghislain severed Lavierre’s arm and embedded a fragment of Dark into the wound.
Given the severity of the injury, it would be difficult for Lavierre to distinguish between the rampaging energy remnants and the intrusion.
‘I need to confirm this, as much as possible.’
The Salvation Church was an organization whose identity remained entirely hidden at this point in time. Even Ghislain had limits to what he knew about them.
Despite preparing with future knowledge, acquiring even a shred more information was vital. That was why he deliberately let Lavierre go while attaching Dark.
‘Could those guys really be the masterminds? Not just mere accomplices?’
In his previous life, the Duke of Delfine had officially recognized the Salvation Church as a legitimate religion. Ghislain had thought it was merely to provide support.
However, seeing that they were already colluding, it wasn’t out of the question that the church was the true puppet master.
‘What could the Duke of Delfine possibly lack?’
The power of the ducal family wasn’t so feeble as to rely on a mere religious sect. Even now, they possessed the strength to topple the kingdom. Then why? Why would they join hands with a cult?
‘There must be something they’re aiming for, be it here or beyond the kingdom.’
This is a mystery even to a regressor like Ghislain. But knowing that the tumultuous times, the Salvation Church, and the Duke’s rebellion were all connected was a significant discovery.
It was almost a relief. From now on, he could act under the assumption that they were all playing the same game.
“Phew… Still, this won’t be easy.”
Though he hadn’t used his full power, the same could be said for Lavierre. The strength Ghislain had witnessed in his previous life was far greater than what Lavierre had just displayed.
Despite not being a combat priest, Lavierre had been strong enough to face masters in direct combat. And there were dozens like him within the church.
Although powerful individuals would later emerge to fight the Salvation Church, Ghislain couldn’t rely solely on waiting for their intervention. As someone who had already made an enemy of the Salvation Church, he needed to prepare more thoroughly.
“Count! Are you all right?”
Toleo rushed over in a flurry, his concern palpable. Ghislain pushed his thoughts to the back of his mind and nodded.
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“What on earth were those monsters, and who was that person? Flying through the sky like that…”
Toleo, a seasoned knight, had held his composure even when faced with the sudden appearance of monsters. But now that the situation had calmed, curiosity overwhelmed him.
“They’re creatures created by the rebels, prepared for the planned uprising in the capital.”
“W-What?”
“They were made by a group called the Salvation Church. I think… it’s time I provide some explanation. First, let’s head to the Marquis.”
Ghislain immediately went to meet the Marquis of Branford, forcefully dragging Porisco along.
The Marquis of Branford was flustered by the abrupt chaos. What had started as a simple attempt to sever the hidden ties of the ducal family had spiraled into an encounter with unheard-of monsters.
After hearing the knights’ lengthy reports, the Marquis turned to Ghislain and asked,
“The Salvation Church? What is that?”
“Think of it as a cult that’s joined forces with the ducal family.”
“The kingdom recognizes no religion outside the four major goddess temples. Where could such a group have gained a foothold?”
“That, I do not know. My guess is they intended to incite and fool the people during the civil war when the ducal family finally started moving.”
Ghislain spoke as though speculating, though he had seen the events unfold firsthand.
In his past life, organizations under the Duke of Delfine had incited rebellions in the capital and royal faction territories as soon as the civil war began.
People’s lives were already destitute due to the ongoing drought. The lords prioritized their armies, leaving civilians to suffer even more.
The Salvation Church exploited that desperation, distributing food to win the people’s favor and spark uprisings.
In particular, groups disguised as charity organizations, like the one Ghislain had encountered with Lavierre, found it even easier to manipulate public sentiment. This forced the royal faction to contend not only with the ducal family’s attacks but also with internal rebellions.
‘But even then, the Salvation Church never revealed itself.’
Looking back, it was strange. It was as if they were deliberately hiding their identity and strength until the height of chaos.
Ghislain spoke casually to mask his deeper thoughts.
“They possess formidable power but seem reluctant to reveal themselves yet. I only discovered them by chance during this operation.”
“That… individual who fled into the sky, was he a mage?”
“He seemed to be a priest of the church. Based on our fight, he has the power of at least a 7th-circle mage.”
“…”
The Marquis of Branford fixed his gaze on Toleo, who nodded in affirmation.
“What the Count of Fenris says is true. Even when all of us, including the knights, charged at it, we couldn’t inflict any real damage.”
“Good grief…”
The Marquis of Branford rubbed his forehead. It was troubling enough that unknown entities were colluding with the ducal family, but to hear that superhuman-level individuals were among them?
And worse, no one knew how many of such beings existed. If they appeared on a battlefield without superhumans on the opposing side, the damage would be catastrophic.
Ghislain spoke to the deliberating Marquis.
“There’s no need to worry too much. We can bolster our forces with alternative means.”
“Alternative means? From where? Anyone willing to take a side has already done so.”
Thanks to Ghislain’s efforts, the number of nobles defecting from the royal faction had decreased. Aside from those claiming neutrality, most nobles had already chosen their allegiances.
In response to the Marquis’ question, Ghislain turned his eyes to Porisco.
“The temples of the goddesses must participate in this war. Don’t you agree, Bishop Porisco?”
“W-What? Us? Why should we get involved in a civil war…?”
The temples were forbidden from involving themselves in politics, let alone territorial disputes or civil wars.
However, Ghislain spoke as if it were no big deal.
“This isn’t a mere civil war. It’s a fight to punish the ducal family for colluding with heretics. Isn’t combating evil the duty of the temples?”
“T-That’s true.”
As Ghislain pointed out, battling the heretics was indeed the temples’ mission. According to their doctrine, nobles or commoners alike were to be slain without mercy if they were associated with heresy.
In fact, in his previous life, all the goddess temples were desperate to eradicate the Salvation Church.
“So, this isn’t a civil war; it’s a ‘holy war.’”
“A holy war…”
Porisco’s nose flared at the thought. A holy war! The phrase alone was exhilarating.
To participate in a holy war was a once-in-a-lifetime honor worthy of eternal pride, though it was an exceedingly rare occurrence.
Suddenly, Porisco pounded his chest and shouted at the Marquis of Branford.
“I, the Bishop, and the temple knights witnessed that devil’s form with our own eyes! Our Juana Temple will join this ‘holy war’ and inform the other temples immediately!”
“…A devil, you say?”
“That’s right! The devil’s figure matched precisely with the one described in the scriptures as a harbinger of the end times! Of course, we must intervene to stop it!”
“…Ahem, I see.”
The Marquis of Branford cleared his throat several times. Truthfully, he didn’t believe in devils or apocalyptic signs.
But this was an excellent opportunity. Attaching the label of heresy to the ducal family and giving the temples a valid reason to intervene was a significant advantage.
‘This will shake public opinion even further before the war begins.’
With such a scandal, even some nobles aligned with the ducal family might defect.
Being branded heretics would be an enormous burden, even for powerful nobles. Especially if all four major temples denounced them as heretics.
The Marquis turned to Ghislain and asked,
“Are you certain those monsters were created by the Salvation Church?”
“Yes. But whether it’s true or not doesn’t matter. What’s important is to use the current situation to our advantage.”
Ghislain, who had been steadily weakening the ducal family’s power, had no intention of wasting such a prime opportunity.
When Ghislain responded with a sly grin, the Marquis of Branford smirked in turn.
It didn’t matter whether the monsters were created by the Salvation Church or the ducal family. What mattered was that many people had already seen them.
Spreading rumors that these creatures were experiments created through the power of heretics collaborating with the ducal family was enough. They had ample evidence and witnesses to support their claims.
The Marquis, donning a stern expression, declared resolutely.
“Summon all archbishops of the capital’s temples and the nobles. This incident is to be regarded as a grave threat to the kingdom, and all those involved will be punished.”
A chilling murderous intent gleamed in his eyes.
“Furthermore, designate the Salvation Church as a heretical cult and root out all associated individuals. Any bearing the symbol of the Black Sun are to be arrested on sight or killed if they resist. Inform all the kingdom’s nobles and neighboring nations of this decree.”
Once his course of action was decided, the Marquis moved decisively.
“Lastly, declare the Duke of Delfine and his house as national enemies for colluding with heretics. Nobles aligned with the ducal family shall be treated likewise. We will join forces with the temples to punish them. Those who claim innocence must prove it themselves.”
Though he had been uneasy about targeting the Duke’s faction without a clear pretext, the situation had taken an unexpectedly favorable turn. Thanks to Ghislain, they now had an opportunity to completely destabilize the Duke’s camp.
In an ordinary civil war, siding with the powerful ducal family would be advantageous. However, with the temples aligning with the royal faction, the dynamics shifted significantly.
The nobles backing the Duke’s faction would now have to make a definitive decision.
The Marquis’ retainers were busy at work. Not only in the capital, but also in other territories, they were targeting the Duke’s hidden allies.
This would inevitably lead to more evidence of monstrous creations and connections between the Duke’s faction and the heretical Salvation Church.
The Marquis of Branford smiled contentedly and spoke to Ghislain.
“Thanks to you, things are progressing smoothly once again. The involvement of the temples will be a tremendous boost to our efforts.”
If priests from the four major temples openly joined the war, soldiers would be able to recover their strength and heal wounds while fighting. For knights, it would be even more advantageous.
Priests who served the Goddess of War, in particular, were nearly as formidable as knights themselves.
The royal army’s strength would be unmatched compared to the involvement of ordinary forces.
Furthermore, if news of a powerful heretical sect spread, even foreign nations might send aid.
Things truly couldn’t have gone better.
The Marquis of Branford acknowledged inwardly that this time, Ghislain had proven to be an incredible asset. With that thought, he took the initiative to ask,
“You’ll be returning soon, I presume. Is there anything else you need before you leave?”
“I hadn’t planned on it, but after this fight, I’ve realized there’s one more thing I’ll require.”
“What is it? If it’s within my power, I’ll see it done.”
“I need more Dragon Hearts. In fact, just give me all the remaining ones.”
The Marquis silently cursed his earlier moment of bravado and asked again,
“…Are you asking for all of the royal treasure?”
“This is no time for hoarding. We need to enhance our strength as much as possible. Besides, there’s not much left anyway, is there?”
“Even so, why must it all go to you…”
“This is no time to fret over treasures. We don’t even know how many superhumans the enemy has. And… haven’t the Dragon Hearts already been used on the promising talents of the royal faction? I know they failed.”
“Hmm…”
It wasn’t an incorrect statement.
Even with the participation of the temples increasing their strength, the unknown number of superhuman enemies posed a problem. Enhancing their side’s power was indeed necessary.
However, as Ghislain pointed out, the royal faction had already exhausted its means of creating new superhumans. Small fragments of Dragon Hearts had been given to talented knights and mages, but none had successfully ascended to a higher level.
This had caused a wave of regret among nobles, lamenting the wasted Dragon Hearts.
After a long deliberation, the Marquis sighed and asked,
“Do you truly have people in your territory capable of breaking through if they use them?”
Dragon Hearts were the most precious treasures, given only to a trusted few with proven loyalty. Wasting them without advancing to a higher level would be an unbearable loss.
They weren’t meant to merely increase mana or magical energy. While that was a benefit, it paled compared to the value of ascending to a new realm.
Even now, the royal court mage was being harshly criticized for the waste.
Ghislain replied confidently, “I can make full use of them.”
The Marquis of Branford could only nod in the end. It wasn’t that he didn’t feel like he was being overly generous, but the gifts Ghislain had brought were equally excessive.
In particular, tying the Duke’s faction to heresy was a gift greater than any material support. It had the power to completely turn the tide of public opinion.
‘If we lose the war because we held back, then all the hoarding means nothing.’
They had already used the available resources on all capable individuals.
Finally, the Marquis resolved to back Ghislain further.
“Very well. Take all that remains and use it to strengthen our forces.”
“Thank you.”
Ghislain’s joyful smile spread across his face. With the Dragon Hearts, the power of his territory would leap by several levels.
By sheer fortune, his involvement with the Salvation Church had allowed him to gain more of the rare treasure than he had initially planned.
‘Once they openly appear in the playing field, the other opponents that we will have to face will emerge as well.’
Perhaps that was why the Salvation Church had remained hidden for so long. However, Ghislain chose to keep this thought to himself.
Since the future was uncertain, they needed to maximize their strength while they still could.
‘Good. It doesn’t seem like there’s anything more to gain for now.’
Taking everything available without leaving anything behind was Ghislain’s unshakable principle.
* * *
Deep in a forest surrounded by lush trees, sunlight filtered through the branches, scattering across blooming flowers and bathing the area in a mystical beauty.
At the heart of the forest stood a towering, colossal tree, its height reaching unimaginably far into the sky.
The tree’s base was so vast it could rival the size of a small village.
Before the tree, an elven woman sat with her eyes closed atop a vine woven into a chair-like structure.
Her arms and legs were entwined with vines, leaving her seemingly unable to move. Yet her expression was one of utter tranquility.
Birds chirped all around, flocking to her as if drawn to her presence. They perched on her body, their melodious chatter filling the air.
The elf smiled, quietly listening to the sounds.
Soon, a gentle breeze swept around her, caressing her form. Energy from the earth surged up to her feet, pulsing faintly.
The sound of a nearby stream trickled softly, and the rustling of leaves sent sparkling light dancing across her face like playful whispers.
It was as if the entire world around her was sharing its stories.
After some time, the elf’s serene smile faded. Her eyes suddenly opened.
Flash!
A brilliant green light flickered across her gaze.
The elf, now expressionless, spoke softly.
“You were there, after all.”