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Chapter 471: Sigrid's Battle of Destiny
Chapter 471: Sigrid's Battle of Destiny
The council chamber was filled with tension and worry. Not a soul dared to respond to Bishop Askesan of the Extinction Sect. All eyes were on Sigrid, awaiting her reply.
The unexpected personal involvement of two cardinal bishops had piqued the interest of the imperial nobles and ministers present, but as the situation escalated, many began to feel apprehensive. Despite the barriers in Franklin Hall and the presence of Grand Sage Isis, they feared that should these two formidable forces truly clash, the aftermath might affect them even at a distance.
Isis listened quietly, her very presence as the Imperial Grand Sage an embodiment of authority and power. She had no intention of intervening in the internal affairs of the Resurrected Church. Unless the issue could not be resolved by the church itself, she preferred to let them handle it.
"Different identities and occasions call for different actions," Isis remarked. "Some people never learn to resolve issues through rational means. Despite their age, their minds and behavior remain akin to that of a toddler." She directed a faint smile at Askesan as she spoke.
"Sigrid, don't try to deflect the topic," Askesan continued, unfazed by her implied insult. "Earlier, you accidentally killed several of my priests, and now you seek to challenge me. I've given you the opportunity to try and take my life, yet you hesitate. Are you feeling guilty?"
"I have no need to accept your challenge," Sigrid replied, her gaze conveying her disdain for Askesan. "As I said, in a month's time, when we meet again, you will only have the option to flee like a cornered rat."
Askesan's words were a blatant provocation, his tone dripping with scorn as he pressed further. "All your posturing is for naught. Look at the expressions of the Protoss Empire's representatives here. They have already begun to question your strength. For someone like you, demonstrating your power should not be difficult. Are you so intent on hiding your abilities that you would rather lose this election, which you have painstakingly prepared for?"
His words caused unease among the imperials present. Each word seemed to be testing Sigrid's limits. In the face of such provocation, Sigrid's fingers trembled slightly, and she appeared to be doing her utmost to maintain her composure and prevent the situation from escalating further.
Everyone knew that once violence erupted, the consequences would be unpredictable. However, Sigrid's continued avoidance of conflict and her accommodating attitude elicited varied reactions from the nobles and ministers seated in the chamber.
More and more people began to doubt Sigrid's true strength, and the whispers of speculation in the council chamber grew louder. The looks of skepticism and doubt were becoming harder to ignore, placing immense pressure on Sigrid.
The High Priests of the Dominance Branch could clearly sense that regardless of the truth behind Askesan's words, he had already achieved his goal. Askesan's goading struck a chord, and if their Southern supporters were to waver entirely, it would deal a devastating blow to Sigrid's chances in the upcoming bishop election.
If this continued, the Dominance Branch would undoubtedly lose.
"Sigrid," Askesan said with feigned patience, "it's time to prove yourself. We of the Resurrected Church cannot afford to deceive the Protoss Empire." His posture conveyed that he was ready and willing to spar with Sigrid to demonstrate her strength to the powerful figures of the Protoss Empire.
As the stalemate continued, Askesan surveyed the upper tiers of the council chamber. No one dared to speak up for Sigrid.
Although the identity of the Dominance Saint, whose background remained shrouded in mystery, might be that of a Protoss Empire noble, it was possible that he was an upper house member in attendance at today's election, explaining his absence from the Dominance Branch's seats.
However, wherever the Dominance Saint was hiding, Askesan was certain that he was present in the chamber, ready to aid the isolated Sigrid.
"Askesan," Sigrid said, her voice growing colder, "what I wish to demonstrate to the Protoss Empire is not the intimidation and brute force that you so commonly employ, but the possibility of cooperation and coexistence. However, if you insist on me proving that my power surpasses yours, then so be it."
Sigrid stood at the center of the council chamber, her figure exuding an air of resoluteness amidst the tense atmosphere that was fast approaching its boiling point. Under the gaze of all present, she lifted her head to address Isis, who occupied a high position, her voice carrying a mixture of resignation and determination.
"Grand Sage Isis, I request your presence as a witness to a fair contest between bishops. Let everyone here see if I, Sigrid, possess the strength befitting a cardinal bishop at this very moment."
Sigrid's acceptance of the challenge caused an uproar in Franklin Hall. Although they still couldn't be certain who was telling the truth—Askesan or Sigrid—at the very least, Sigrid was willing to fight!
Askesan's expression shifted slightly at her words, the curve of his lips softening. He was ready to kill his longtime rival.
At the seat beside Emperor Franklin III of the Protoss Empire…
"…," Isis tapped her fingers lightly on the armrest, contemplating without immediately giving her consent. The restrictions in this place could not be lifted, lest Askesan and Sigrid end up killing many of the empire's high-ranking officials in their clash.
Changing the venue would also present challenges during the journey, given the high population density of Helrom, the heart of the Protoss Empire. Although there were multiple potential battle sites with ancient barriers, ensuring fairness while allowing the two cardinal bishops to fight with their full strength would require Isis' barrier control and lockdown. Each option needed to be considered carefully to minimize the impact of the battle.
She also had to think about how to determine the winner and, if necessary, intervene to stop the fight. Otherwise, should a cardinal bishop perish on Protoss soil, there might be trouble in the future when the Pope returned. If he insisted that the Protoss Empire had instigated and assisted in the internecine struggle within the Resurrected Church, the church would undoubtedly hold a grudge against the empire.
Humans were so troublesome. She regretted agreeing to help Franklin the Great protect the Protoss Empire. If she ever encountered a historical projection of that ancient holy war in the Shadow World again, she would give herself this advice.
Isis rested her chin on her hand, her legs crossed as she sat in the high-backed chair, her gaze filled with vexation as she surveyed the hall.
(End of Chapter)
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