https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-362-Cardinal-Lanchi-s-Protection/12584527/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-364-Lanchi-s-Northern-Journey-Comes-to-an-End/12584529/
Chapter 363: Lanchi's Emotional Investment in Sigrid
Chapter 363: Lanchi's Emotional Investment in Sigrid
With the arrival and resumption of command by the Son of Oblivion, the transfer gate at Rock Junction Station seemed infused with a new vigor. The previous oppressive stagnation had been replaced by an indescribable fluidity under the bright lights, reflecting off the white tiles as hurried travelers rushed by, now orderly and calm.
The inspectors at the security checkpoint began to take over the work of the high priest, and under the watchful eye of the Son of Oblivion, their once-lackluster performance transformed into decisive and swift actions, greatly improving the efficiency of the checkpoint.
Lanchi, standing amidst the bustling crowd, seemed detached from it all, yet his gaze alone served as a conductor's baton, quietly reorganizing the order around him.
Having released the two students from his school, Lanchi, now in his guise as the Son of Oblivion, turned his attention back to the high priest beside him.
"Lord Agnello, do you require our company on your journey to the Imperial Capital?"
Sensing the weight of Lanchi's gaze, the high priest inquired with trepidation.
Though disheartened by the earlier setback, the high priest found solace in the Son of Oblivion's stern reprimand, which seemed to imply that a new task awaited him.
Without a nod, Lanchi merely gestured with his eyes for the high priest to walk and talk. Taking a step forward, he gently tugged on Sid's handcuffs, prompting the latter to follow like a puppet in his wake.
"..."
The high priest quickly fell into step beside the Son of Oblivion, heading toward the spacious platform layer road behind the checkpoint.
Even the high priest could sense the terrifying power of the curse seal upon the woman beside the Son of Oblivion. It was evident that she had been molded into submission by the Son of Oblivion, her spirit and will seemingly sealed away.
"There is a more important task that I must entrust to you. I have gathered the other high priests, and you shall return to the temple later today to prepare for your departure."
Lanchi issued his concise instructions.
Having come from the Temple of the Order of Oblivion in the city-state, Lanchi had now concluded his business with the last of the high priests at Rock Junction Station.
Soon, Lanchi would ascend to the platform layer to board the magi-rail train that was soon to arrive, bound for the Imperial Capital of Helrom.
The interview was imminent, and time was of the essence.
His interview would be broadcast across Helrom on numerous screens, including the massive sky-high screen in the Helrom Plaza commercial district. If Hyberrian had already reached the Imperial Capital during his northern journey, there was a high probability that he would witness this interview.
As the old adage goes, if you ever get separated from your companions, always wait for them in the most conspicuous place possible.
Lanchi and the high priest strode through a spacious hall, the giant clock atop Rock Junction Station ticking softly, its echoes reverberating beneath the high dome, each tick and tock resounding with exceptional clarity.
In this concourse where the new order had already been established, the further they ventured, the sparser the crowd became.
Until they entered a passageway, leaving the hustle and bustle behind. Like the receding tide, only faint traces remained of the once-boisterous sounds, and their elongated shadows stretched across the walls, swaying with their footsteps.
"Aside from me, Askhsan has also summoned all the direct troops and high priests in the north. You must depart for the Northern Border Province with utmost haste."
At last, Lanchi divulged the crux of the mission,
"Lord Askhsan may be severely injured, and I have a more pressing task that requires my presence in the Imperial Capital, preventing me from aiding him personally."
At this, his voice dropped to a near whisper, and his usually composed demeanor betrayed a sense of unease.
"Lord Askhsan is injured?"
The high priest's eyes widened in surprise, never imagining that the Bishop of Oblivion would require assistance. It felt like they were facing a formidable challenge.
"Do not speak of this to anyone."
Lanchi's warning carried an air of finality.
"Understood."
The high priest nodded vigorously, though his heart stirred with unease as he grasped the gravity of the situation.
Askhsan had entrusted the Son of Oblivion with another task, sending him far from the Northern Border to the Imperial Capital of Helrom, while summoning numerous high priests to provide support in the north.
If the Bishop of Oblivion was now weakened to the point of requiring precautions against the Son of Oblivion...
Could the high priests band together and seize this opportunity to eliminate the Bishop of Oblivion?
However, as the high priest lifted his gaze once more, he found the Son of Oblivion staring directly at him, those piercing eyes seeming to see right through his thoughts. It sent a shudder through his soul.
"I advise you against entertaining such notions," the Son of Oblivion said, his voice steady. "Lord Askhsan would not have called upon you if he intended to leave room for your treachery. Should he detect any hint of disloyalty, he will move to annihilate you as his mortal enemy without hesitation."
"That was a heartfelt reminder from me, and also a stern warning," Lanchi added, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Of course, of course," the high priest replied, his back breaking out in a cold sweat.
Their footsteps echoed loudly in the passageway, occasionally illuminated by the flickering outlines and texts on the magic crystal screens.
This particular corridor was rarely traversed, and with each step, the bustling noise from the main concourse faded, eventually giving way to a desolate darkness.
"Alright, let's go back."
Lanchi's bright instruction echoed clearly in the hallway.
The high priest bowed to Lanchi in acknowledgment and then turned to walk toward the dimly lit corridor, his figure gradually fading into the distant lights and shadows.
Lanchi watched him leave for a moment before continuing forward with Sid in tow.
"I meant well with my reminder, but whether he heeds it or not is another matter," Lanchi said, shaking his head.
Even though Bishop Askhsan was severely injured, he had no sealing restrictions on him. With so many days to recover, it wouldn't be a problem for him to regain his strength to deal with seventh-order enemies. If this group of high priests wanted to gang up on Askhsan, they would still be no match for him, even with their numbers.
"... "
Sid, who had been walking with her head down, remained obedient like a puppet, but she was struggling to keep up the act.
As they walked, she had quietly listened to Lanchi's interactions with each of the high priests.
She was certain that with the information Lanchi had revealed, combined with the earlier series of events, this group of high priests would suspect Askhsan's true condition. They would also covet the opportunity to get their hands on the original stone tablet and seals that Askhsan possessed, as well as the pink sacred and purple rare artifacts that could enhance their resurrection proofs and provide a chance to break through to the seventh order.
Especially since Lanchi took the time to reprimand each high priest for their failures, such as the one overseeing the Milford territory, who was already in hot water.
In such a situation, it would be wiser for the high priest to try to curry favor with the others and see if they could band together to seize the opportunity to betray Askhsan.
If this group of high priests, each with their own agenda, teamed up and headed to the Northern Border Province to find Askhsan...
However, Askhsan, recuperating from his injuries in the Northern Border Province, had never given the order for them to come find him.
The moment Askhsan saw this unexpected group of high priests pursuing him, he would undoubtedly go on high alert! And the high priests would interpret this as Askhsan seeing through their hidden motives.
Already feeling guilty, the high priests knew that Askhsan would show no mercy if he detected any hint of betrayal. Cornered, they would have no choice but to rebel.
The outcome seemed inevitable—Askhsan would end up killing each of his high priests with his own hands.
In the end, Askhsan might never understand why his trusted followers had turned against him, as he had never even revealed his injuries to the Son of Oblivion, nor should the Son of Oblivion have betrayed him like this.
This would further weaken Askhsan.
The thought brought a smile to Sid's face.
As they strolled through the corridor, bound by handcuffs, Sid finally tugged on Lanchi's handcuffs.
"To be honest, I've discovered another shining quality about you that is irreplaceable to me," she whispered.
"Oh? Do tell."
Lanchi leaned in slightly, listening intently but maintaining a neutral expression.
He enjoyed hearing sincere compliments.
"In the future, if I ever want to do something bad and feel a little guilty about it, talking to you will reassure me that I'm still a good person, and I can just go ahead and do it without hesitation," Sid confided, her voice a mere whisper as if sharing a secret with a classmate during class.
"..."
Lanchi's expression remained politely smiling, as if he hadn't heard Sid's words, and he continued to lead her toward the platform layer.
(End of Chapter)
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