https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-481-Lanchi-s-Growing-Support-and-Dwindling-Allies/12584674/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-483-Loren-the-Eternal-God-of-Helrom/12584676/
Chapter 482: Have You Ever Heard the Wind's Whisper?
Chapter 482: Have You Ever Heard the Wind's Whisper?
Time and airflow seemed to freeze within Franklin Hall, as the nobles tightly gripped the armrests of their seats. Many of their knuckles turned white from the tension, and their faces were contorted with fear.
The light reflecting off the distant floor-to-ceiling windows dimmed, isolating this place from the outside world.
The cowardly aristocrats bowed their heads, avoiding eye contact with Morotien, fearful of being the first to catch his gaze.
Though they were all nobles of the Empire, they were keenly aware that Morotien was, on a fundamental level, different from them—a terrifyingly powerful being closer to a deity.
"I never thought it would come to this today," Morotien said, still wearing that smile, though his aura had completely changed.
In this most sacred place of the Protoss Empire, the ancient crystal beam roof, the spacious hexagonal interior, and the ornate mosaic floor all paled in comparison to the otherworldly aura that Morotien, Duke Berenhald, now exuded.
The air was thick with the stench of death, as if a portal to the abyss of hell could open at any moment, consuming everything around it, even light, like a black hole.
And for those below the seventh rank, being engulfed by it would likely leave nothing but their bones in the next second.
In this oppressive, dimly lit barrier, the sound of corrosion occasionally crackled, and everyone could sense the powerful and irresistible primordial breath of Morotien's necromancy.
The former Duke Morotien Berenhald may have been slightly inferior to the cardinal of the Resurrection Church.
But in just a short time, his true strength had, for some reason, advanced by leaps and bounds to the point where he could even erode the barrier of Grand Sage Isis!
"Bishop Yamileis, are you going to intervene on behalf of the Resurrection Church or the Mourning Branch?" Morotien asked, glancing at Bishop Yamileis.
"The Resurrection Church will not interfere in the internal affairs of your Empire. Sigrid represents herself, and I represent His Holiness the Pope," Yamileis replied with a shake of her head, her tone cold and detached.
She believed she had made herself clear, and the imperial nobles could see that today's outcome, whatever it may be, would not implicate the Resurrection Church as a whole.
At this point, the mess that was the Protoss Empire held no benefit for her, whether she intervened or not, and whom she chose to aid.
If Duke Morotien won, the Resurrection Church would have no further cooperation with the Empire, and she was not a fool like Askesan, who enjoyed courting danger.
If Duke Morotien lost, the winner of the papal election would still be Sigrid, and she saw no reason to risk aiding Cardinal Sigrid, who had already shown signs of rebellion against the Pope.
"Very well," Morotien said with a nod, indicating that he would not interfere with Bishop Mourning.
Bishop Mourning remained silent, her body dissolving into water and disappearing within the Franklin Congressional Hall.
After a long while, all the powerful beings present fixed their gazes on Duke Morotien, resulting in a stalemate. They could all be certain that the unstable factor of Bishop Mourning had removed herself from the equation.
Veins popped out on Sigrid's clenched fists, her jaw set in determination, yet she hesitated to make a move.
Grand Sage Isis, on the other hand, maintained a solemn expression as she continuously reinforced the barrier, protecting everyone seated within the hall.
Defense was always more challenging than offense, especially when safeguarding so many people.
At this moment, the only ones with the leeway to fight against Morotien were Sigrid and her three demon summons.
However, the problem was that once the battle commenced, even if Isis exerted her utmost effort, the barrier might not hold.
Among the three demon summons, only one excelled in defense, and she was no match for Duke Morotien's assault.
If they engaged in combat, even if Sigrid and her other two summons could join forces to defeat Duke Morotien, the outcome would be catastrophic, not just for the Congressional Hall but for all of Helrom!
At this moment, all the aristocrats and residents in the highest part of the imperial capital, Helrom, had become Morotien's hostages!
"Isis, swear to me with your spirit contract that you will let me leave today and stop anyone who tries to hinder me. Additionally, you must also swear that as long as I spare the people in this Congressional Hall today, you will never attack me again in the future."
Morotien stared at Isis, a cruel smile playing on his lips.
"...'
Isis maintained a calm expression, but her magical aura became increasingly unstable, clearly indicating her anger.
Morotien's conditions were blatantly unfair.
Especially the second condition, which meant that if she ever faced Morotien again, she would have to submit to his mercy.
However, if she refused, Morotien would kill everyone present without hesitation!
And Isis, the protector of the Protoss Empire, would fail to uphold her promise to Franklin the Great, unable to protect the descendants of the empire.
"Don't agree to his demands, Grand Sage Isis!"
A passionate cry rose from one of the imperial nobles.
From a broader perspective, it was clear that they couldn't agree to Morotien's conditions.
The next second, the noble's neck was gripped by Morotien's invisible force, as if it could be snapped at any moment.
"Grand Sage Isis, I don't want to do this either, but my patience has limits. I'll give you ten more seconds to consider."
Morotien's gaze locked with Isis'.
He knew exactly what kind of person Isis, the protector of the Protoss Empire, was.
Although she appeared cold and indifferent,
in truth, she valued the fleeting lives of humans more than anyone, and her sense of honor bound her to her promises.
He was confident that Isis would agree to his demands.
Below the Congressional Hall, as the top floor was engulfed in deep purple, the surrounding officers began evacuating the citizens and journalists.
"Nine..."
"Don't be foolish, Grand Sage!"
"Morotien, you disgrace of the Protoss!"
"Is there anyone who can save us...?"
At this moment, amidst the chaotic crowd, there were still those who pleaded desperately, shouting with clenched fists, or even praying with clasped hands.
If only there were another Cardinal-level powerhouse present at this moment.
The balance would be instantly broken, and Morotien's conspiracy and momentum would be halted!
But they couldn't think of anyone who would come to their aid.
At the top of the Congressional Hall, seconds ticked by.
"Three..."
Morotien lowered his voice, standing in the center of the hall like a black monarch, ruling over this domain shrouded in fear.
His countdown tolled like a funeral bell, heavy and ominous, striking at the hearts of all present.
And every person within these walls became his captive, unable to escape, feeling the approaching omen of death in the depths of their souls.
"Two..."
Morotien's countdown finally made Isis, whose fingers were about to dig into her palms, lift her head.
Her eyes conveyed an apologetic helplessness.
But this look wasn't directed at the group of imperial hostages; instead, it was aimed at Cardinal Sigrid, conveying the message—I'm sorry, but I can't help you defeat Duke Morotien today.
Although Cardinal Sigrid's heart was pounding with fury, she could only return Isis' look with respect. She understood and respected the Grand Sage's choice.
At this critical juncture, Duke Morotien's eyes shone with the confidence of imminent escape, a perfect calculation flashing in his gaze. Each step he had taken was carefully planned.
From the moment he set foot here today, victory was assured. His identity, status, and power had already laid the foundation for his success.
Meanwhile, within the Congressional Hall, the initial shock and fear of the others were gradually being replaced by anger.
They were outraged by Duke Morotien's crimes, but they felt powerless in the face of his overwhelming strength. They also felt guilty and regretful for burdening Grand Sage Isis.
All they could do now was watch helplessly as he prepared to make his escape, unable to stop him.
"I..."
Just as the Grand Sage clenched her teeth and was about to speak, Morotien finally revealed a smile.
And then, for some unknown reason, a gentle breeze blew through the enclosed Congressional Hall.
---
There's one more chapter, and I'm almost done with it. It will be ready by 9:30 pm.
(End of Chapter)
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