https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-348-The-Nightmarish-Space-Created-by-Lanchi/12584502/
Chapter 349: Lanchi's Startling Phone Call
Chapter 349: Lanchi's Startling Phone Call
After an unknown duration of fleeing, the bitter wind of the snowfield brought Anello to the walls of Bonn City, at the northernmost edge of the Snowfield Province.
The towering walls of the city-state were etched with weathered rune seals, blending seamlessly with the snow-covered landscape. Nearby, cavalry patrols kept a vigilant watch, their sharp eyes missing not a single detail.
Anello forged ahead through the snow, the howling blizzard threatening to engulf him entirely. The sky was a dull gray, with only the dancing snowflakes providing any movement.
As he drew closer to the city's walls, the wind and snow gradually lessened, and the heavy cloud cover seemed to part, revealing a slender ray of warm sunlight that pierced through the clouds.
This emerging light, like a beacon, illuminated the walls, casting a golden hue along the ancient stone.
Anello's eyes were drawn to the sight, and his racing heart began to slow. The lingering sense of fear that had clung to him started to give way to feelings of safety and hope. The protective barrier surrounding the city-state seemed welcoming and comforting, like a heavenly haven.
Anello approached the city gate, his previous panic now subdued. When the guards checked him, he produced a unique Imperial military identification card from within his clothes, bearing his name and insignia.
Upon seeing his credentials, the guards immediately saluted and granted him passage.
The gate slowly opened, revealing the inner workings of Bonn City. From their vantage point atop the walls, he could see bustling streets, lively markets, and towering buildings—a stark contrast to the quiet snowfield outside.
Anello took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his anxiety lift from his chest as his heartbeat steadied. Every fiber of his being rejoiced in this moment of peace.
Walking down the main street, he knew that while he had escaped one peril, a more critical mission lay ahead.
The people of the city went about their lives, oblivious to the events unfolding beyond their walls. Their ignorant laughter filled the air.
If it weren't for the fact that High Priest Loren was not far from this Snowfield Province, he would have certainly picked out more lucky ones to slaughter and present as evidence of the heretical teachings of the Dominance Religion.
As they drew closer to the center of the city-state, the architecture became more orderly and stately.
Among the notable structures was the Temple of the Knights of Annihilation, standing proudly at the end of Bonn Square.
Its spire reached high into the sky, each stone a testament to the passage of time.
A slight smile crossed Anello's face as he laid eyes on the temple.
Entering the temple, he immediately sought out the head priest stationed there.
At the sight of Anello, the Holy Son of Annihilation, the head priest's eyes widened in shock before quickly shifting to delight.
"Your presence here, Lord Anello, is an honor for the Knights of Annihilation branch in the Snowfield Province," he said, bowing respectfully.
"Spare me your flattery," Anello replied coldly. "I need to see the governor of Bonn City, immediately."
The head priest was taken aback by Anello's urgency, realizing that an extremely pressing matter must be at hand. Nonetheless, he quickly nodded and gestured for Anello to follow him out of the temple.
"Of course, I will take you to the governor's mansion," he replied.
The interior of the temple was lavish, but Anello remained unaffected as he made his way through the corridors with the head priest, swiftly exiting the building.
The streets of Bonn City were paved with snow-white stones, lined with trees and flower beds. Despite the constant wind and snow, the northern greenery remained lush.
As they walked, pedestrians stepped aside, making way for Anello and the head priest of the Annihilation branch.
Anello paid little mind to the attitudes of the people of Snowfield Province. This was almost like an abandoned province during the war, and only its distant location far from the Northern Border Province and its proximity to the Box Mountain Province had spared it from destruction.
This remote province was filled with stubborn nobles, and it was a mess. Even the imperial capital, Helrom, had been slow to appoint a governor.
However, it was said that a governor with a strong hand had recently been appointed to Snowfield Province. Bonn City had even built a new governor's mansion in advance, and the governor had begun working there immediately upon taking office. As for the original lord of Bonn City, Viscount Blake Bonn, he had been imprisoned for treason and was awaiting further trial in Helrom. For now, the city-state was jointly administered by the governor and several other lords, becoming the new administrative center recognized by the province's aristocracy and citizens alike.
Before long, Anello and the head priest arrived at the other end of the city-state, where an even more magnificent structure stood—the Snowfield Province Governor's Mansion of Bonn City. Their footsteps echoed on the stone path, conveying a sense of urgency.
Crossing a spacious square, they reached the governor's mansion, which stood proudly atop a high set of stairs. Statues of various imperial heroes surrounded the doorway, as if their spirits continued to guard the empire for eternity.
The head priest informed the guards of their purpose, and they were promptly granted entry. The guards also used a communication device to notify the important figures within.
The massive doors of the governor's mansion slowly opened, revealing a grand hall. Elegant tapestries adorned the walls, depicting the totems of the various city-states within the Snowfield Province, illuminated by the soft glow of wall lamps.
Anello didn't have to wait long in the hall before a middle-aged man descended the broad staircase. Dressed in a deep brown noble robe, he had apparently been in the midst of work but had taken the time to greet them.
Within the grand governor's mansion, every guard present bowed and expressed their deep respect to the middle-aged nobleman.
"May I ask what brings the High Priest to the governor's mansion today?"
As he walked towards the two, Viscount Levin Kingston's eyes revealed a calm and composed demeanor, inviting them in while inquiring.
"It's not that I'm looking for you, it's our Holy Son of Annihilation who has important matters to discuss."
The High Priest succinctly introduced Anello's identity to Viscount Kingston and said to Anello, "Lord Anello, this is Viscount Levin Kingston, the acting governor of Snowfield Province. In the governor's absence, he can handle many matters on his behalf."
"So it's the Holy Son of Annihilation."
Upon hearing this, Viscount Kingston's face revealed a look of realization and respect.
"If you have any instructions for me, please let me know."
Viscount Levin Kingston's tone was level, and each word was clear, giving a sense of reliability and dependability.
The Holy Son of Annihilation nodded slightly.
"Viscount Kingston, I need to use Snowfield Province's communication terminal immediately to establish contact with the Northern Border frontlines and the imperial capital, Helrom."
There was no extra emotion in Anello's voice.
"However, the communication terminal in Snowfield Province is currently under the control and restriction of the Imperial Army."
Viscount Kingston was taken aback for a moment, then slowly nodded and replied.
"I have the necessary permissions."
Anello glanced at Viscount Kingston with a cold and stern look.
"Of course, we will do our best to accommodate your request as soon as possible. But may I ask, what urgent matter requires you to contact the imperial capital and the frontlines with such haste?"
Viscount Kingston asked with a hint of concern as he walked with Anello and the High Priest.
A trace of wariness flashed in Anello's eyes, but it quickly returned to its usual coldness.
Viscount Kingston was a shrewd man, and his concern for the well-being of Snowfield Province was only natural. Moreover, he intended to spread the news of Loren's presence within the empire to as many people as possible.
"The High Priest Loren of the Southern Continent has arrived. I must use the communication terminal to notify the imperial high command of this urgent matter immediately. As for the rest, we can discuss it after the communication is complete."
Anello replied succinctly.
"Is that true?"
Viscount Kingston raised his eyebrows, surprised and exclaimed.
But he didn't say more and just nodded slightly, his expression grave as he quickened his pace, indicating for Anello to follow, as if understanding the urgency of the matter.
The three of them walked up the stairs to the third floor of the governor's mansion. The corridor's carpet was embroidered with golden insignias and coats of arms, reflecting the splendor and determination of Snowfield Province. This floor housed the meeting rooms and the governor's office, guarded by several elite provincial guards. The lighting in every corner was carefully arranged, and the dazzling chandeliers illuminated the entire corridor, making it as bright as day under the high, arched ceiling.
Viscount Kingston led the group to a large oak door, which he opened to reveal a tastefully decorated office. The walls were covered in dark wood-grained wallpaper, and the shelves were filled with precious ancient books and archives of the city-state.
On the desk were neatly organized pending documents and valuable magic-guided devices.
Among them was the communication terminal connected to the provincial relay hub.
Viscount Kingston gestured towards the communication terminal, "Holy Son of Annihilation, please."
Anello nodded indifferently and then looked at Viscount Kingston and the High Priest without saying a word.
The two men, understanding his intent, bowed and turned to close the door.
Thus, in the spacious office.
Anello was left alone.
His body relaxed involuntarily.
The air was filled with a subtle scent of cedarwood, and the wall lamps illuminated the entire space with ample light. Every detail of the Protoss Empire's style and layout showcased an orderly and steady center of power.
This was what Anello desperately needed during his arduous journey of escape and combat—a sense of safety and reliance.
Walking up to the communication terminal, he inserted the Imperial Army's special [encrypted communication program] into the terminal and began the necessary contacts.
As he waited for the connection to be established, his heartbeat quickened again.
As long as he delivered this message, which was enough to shock the entire Protoss Empire, he would be lauded for his great accomplishment.
He would gain even greater trust from the Protoss high command and unimaginable prestige!
A buzzing sound and a prompt tone came from the receiver, indicating a successful connection.
Anello's mission was finally about to be accomplished. All the pressure and shadows that had been weighing on him dissipated in this moment, replaced by a deep sense of satisfaction and anticipation, as if, after a long journey, he had finally reached the oasis in his heart.
The next second.
A gentle voice, one that surprised Anello, came through the receiver.
"Hello."
Anello had just been immersed in a sense of peace and hope, but as this voice reached his ears.
A chill ran down his spine, and his hand trembled as if he had been electrocuted, wanting to drop the receiver.
This didn't sound like an officer from the Defense Ministry in the imperial capital, Helrom.
What frightened him even more was that he seemed to have heard this voice not long ago!
(End of Chapter)
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