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Chapter 359: Here Comes Hiberlian
Chapter 359: Here Comes Hiberlian
Two days later, at dawn.
In the northern region of the Protoss Empire, Box Mountain Province stood like a brilliant pearl in the vast northern plains. It was not only the most prosperous province in the north but also a bustling hub for trade and transportation.
The surrounding mountains, like vigilant guardians, formed a natural barrier, and at their feet, snowmelt trickled down, forming meandering streams that wound their way through the city. With the arrival of spring, the moat brought silent vitality to the city, infusing it with boundless energy and vigor.
Upon arriving in this province, one would notice that the architectural style echoed that of the ancient imperial capital, Helrom, with a preference for natural stone and wood. The buildings seamlessly blended with the majestic mountains in the distance, creating a stunning landscape where stone, wood, and nature intertwined to form vivid, three-dimensional tapestries.
However, the flow of time had been disrupted, and the chill lingered unusually long. Even the southern lands of the Protoss Empire, known for their milder climate, were blanketed in winter snow.
In the northern provinces, even as mid-April approached, spring hesitated to show its face. The capricious weather occasionally brought snowstorms, sweeping away any traces of warmth and leading the residents to wonder if this frozen world would persist until the next winter.
South of Box Mountain Province, on the western side of the main city, lay the magitrain station known as "Rock Junction," the gateway to the empire's southern regions. This station, the largest of its kind in the entire northern empire, was a testament to the ancient artisans' craftsmanship and the power of magic.
With each braking sound and spark created by the iron wheels grinding against the tracks, the magitrain station echoed with the heavy notes of a mechanical symphony.
At the far end of the station, a magitrain, its roof frosted with a thin layer of snow, sped towards the elevated platform, carrying with it the frigid breath of the north.
On the slender crystal screens along the train's sides, scrolling imperial characters indicated that this train had originated from Milford Dominion in the northwestern province and was bound for Rock Junction.
In one of the forward compartments, a space that blended elegance and comfort resembled a hotel suite.
The ceiling of this private cabin featured a handcrafted, embossed design, while the walls were paneled with dark veneer wood, exuding a subtle sandalwood fragrance. Artistic paintings with golden frames adorned the walls, complementing the spacious chairs and beds upholstered in fine leather and velvet. Soft pillows and blankets offered additional warmth.
Hiberlian entered and took a seat by the chair, gazing quietly out the window.
She had awakened before the sky outside had lightened, and after an early morning wash and a thorough check of her luggage, she remained cautious throughout the journey.
Ever since leaving Milford Dominion, she had sensed an eerie atmosphere permeating the empire, as if it were constantly shrouded in a thick, dark mist that prevented her from finding peace of mind.
"Sister," came the voice of Mishula, who had just finished her own preparations after waking up. She sat down across from Hiberlian, conveying that she was ready to depart at a moment's notice.
"I heard from the conductor that the platform at Rock Junction has been filled with Extinguishers these days," Hiberlian sighed as she spoke to Mishula. "They're on constant alert, as if ready to strike at any moment, creating an atmosphere of fear and tension."
Though she had anticipated that the incident in the northwest province would prompt a significant response from the Extinguishers, the current situation suggested that something more profound was brewing within the Protoss Empire, something a foreigner like her couldn't fully grasp.
And the unknown was always a source of fear.
"...When those guys were searching for spies from the Church of the Goddess of Fate and the Kingdom of Aethertalan in Milford Dominion, they didn't go to such extremes to blockade the station," Mishula added, her tone reflecting her clear displeasure with the Extinguishers. "Sister, don't worry. As long as we've done nothing wrong, there's no reason for the Extinguishers to target us."
Mishula asserted confidently.
"Indeed..." Hiberlian nodded in agreement.
"The most ridiculous thing is the upcoming bishop election in a week or so. Father will also be going to the imperial capital, Helrom, and he'll probably vote for Bishop Askesan of the Extinguishers. After all, no northern noble dares to go against them these days." Mishula's eyes flashed with disgust as she mentioned the Extinguishers. She loathed the idea of those heretical cultists gaining a foothold in their dominion.
If, at a critical moment, they failed to support Askesan, and he still emerged victorious, he might not take any overt action, but one day, he would surely exact a cruel revenge on the northern imperial nobles who had betrayed him.
Everyone knew the kind of person Bishop Askesan of the Extinguishers was.
Soon, they would disembark at Rock Junction, a place swarming with Askesan's lackeys. Mishula would have to hide her true feelings, so this was their last chance to speak freely.
"This election is inevitable for the empire, but I hope that the three evils will balance each other out, and that a victory for either the Dominators or the Mourners would be slightly better than the Extinguishers winning." Hiberlian shook her head, acknowledging her limited understanding of the cardinals' styles in the northern continent.
According to the Ice Snow Witch, the best outcome would be for Bishop Mourner to win. Compared to the extreme ambitions and selfishness of the Extinguishers and Dominators, the Mourners leaned more towards conservatism and neutrality.
However, such matters were beyond her control. Her goal for this trip was to rescue the great demon, said to be her aunt's close friend, from the underground prison in Helrom. That, in itself, would be a significant success.
"The Dominators and Mourners are no saints either," Mishula continued, her concern evident. "When we get to Helrom, we might encounter clerics from those two factions as well, and who knows if they've infiltrated the school... Regardless, don't believe a word those heretics from the Church of Resurrection say. They're all wolves in sheep's clothing."
Mishula's worry for her sister was palpable. She feared that someone from the higher-ups in the Church of Resurrection might take an interest in Hiberlian's talents and her status as a member of the Milford family and try to manipulate or seduce her, using this critical juncture to pull their family towards the southeastern cardinal branch.
"Rest assured, Mishula," Hiberlian smiled reassuringly, her voice as soothing as it was during morning prayers at the temple. "We stand firmly against those heretics, and we will never associate ourselves with the Church of Resurrection."
Hearing her sister's words, Mishula's anxiety eased.
Seeing Hiberlian's upright and virtuous demeanor, she firmly believed that her sister would never fall into the clutches of those depraved heretics.
(End of Chapter)
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