https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-497-Talia-believes-that-no-one-else-will-know/12584690/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-499-Lanchi-s-House-is-About-to-be-Full/12584692/
Chapter 498: Loren Found the Rumors Ridiculous
Chapter 498: Loren Found the Rumors Ridiculous
Deep within the Nox Mountains, known as the Sentinel's Spine, which straddles the southern border of the Vantina Territory and the Kreise Empire.
In the shadows of the dusk, an ancient temple stood silently.
This was a hidden recess in the mountain, surrounded on all sides by steep cliffs, as if it were a masterpiece carved by both nature and human ingenuity. Even with careful exploration, one would hardly discover the dilapidated temple hidden beneath an obscure and sealed barrier.
Within the temple, several clusters of flickering lights cast dancing shadows, revealing a few dark figures.
In the center of the main hall, beside an ancient stone conference table intricately carved with runes, several individuals stood or sat, as if they were the protagonists of a silent play.
Their attire was unremarkable; even if they had ventured outside the temple, they would have been mistaken for hunters, geologists, or adventurers exploring the Nox Mountains. Some were so plain that they resembled commoners. Yet, at this moment, they exuded an extraordinary aura, like a well-trained troupe of actors who had momentarily set aside their performance and returned to a state of readiness.
After an indeterminate amount of time had passed, a voice broke the silence.
"Miss Duke Hyperion has returned."
The figure standing on the pulpit, his gaze fixed on the dim rose window, addressed them without turning around.
In an instant, all eyes in the room turned towards the pulpit, where a priest clad in black had appeared unbeknownst to them.
"Moreover, she has gone to the home of a wealthy merchant in the Vantina Territory. Fortunately, we can now advance our plans, and you won't have to go through the trouble of infiltrating the royal capital, Icariot."
"Your Excellency Salomon."
All the high priests present bowed to him.
This was undoubtedly excellent news for them.
After a long wait, Miss Duke Hyperion had finally resurfaced, and their task was to assist the vampire clan in killing her.
The most challenging step would undoubtedly have been infiltrating Icariot under the nose of the High Priest, Loren, and then setting up a deadly ambush.
Now that Miss Duke Hyperion had voluntarily left the royal capital, everything would be much simpler.
"Do not be complacent, or you will suffer the same fate as Phoenix."
The Son of Destruction, Salomon, had pitch-black eyes that seemed to see through everything. Even his blurred outline exuded a suffocating pressure. When his gaze slowly turned towards the high priests, those who had just now dared to show a hint of joy on their faces shuddered involuntarily.
Unlike the Daughter of Destruction, Adelais, who was a few years younger than Salomon, Salomon had already reached the seventh rank and entered a truly extraordinary realm. Even against a typical eighth-rank opponent, he would not be entirely outclassed.
The transition from the sixth to the seventh rank was akin to the divide between mortals and gods, or between ants and humans. For most races, crossing this boundary would bestow upon them truly incredible vitality and combat prowess.
"Yes, Your Excellency."
The high priests nodded in unison.
They naturally understood that the Son of Destruction's warning was not merely a casual admonition but a crucial reminder.
Previously, Phoenix, a direct subordinate of theirs who had infiltrated the Aloran Royal Academy as part of the Icariot delegation, had carried with him the [Destructive Spark] and [Grand Puppet Theater] to assassinate Miss Duke Hyperion. Yet, he had failed to make even a ripple in Icariot and had instead defected to High Priest Loren's side. This turn of events made it difficult to discern what had transpired.
Perhaps Loren was more mysterious than they had imagined and was not merely a straightforward high priest. Or maybe there was a hidden powerful protector by Miss Hyperion's side, capable of quietly manipulating Phoenix.
According to the vampires' analysis, to defuse such a lethal threat without any forewarning or anticipation, there was a high probability that an unknown eighth-rank individual was by Miss Hyperion's side.
However, this time, they were prepared to counter such a possibility.
Within the dimly lit chamber, the hearts of the Grand Priests pounded faster as they felt the weight of their plan and the looming presence of the terrifying Son of Destruction. They knew that any misstep could result in unimaginable consequences.
For the time being, they would gather near the Wilford residence and find a way to infiltrate it, keeping a close eye on any intelligence regarding Miss Duke Hyperion.
"Do not hesitate to sacrifice anything for valuable information, even if it means residing within the Wilford family's estate," Salomon continued, his voice devoid of emotion. "In the Destruction Faction, failure is always more terrifying than death."
However, the minuscule possibility of the newly appointed Cardinal interfering was not necessarily a bad thing. For instance, within the borders of the Kingdom of Hutton, they only needed to provide intelligence about the Cardinal to High Priest Loren, and he would undoubtedly take care of the new Cardinal.
Wisdom was just as much a part of strength as raw power. By making clever use of their environment and exploiting any opportunity to pit their enemies against each other, they might just find a chink in a Cardinal's otherwise impenetrable armor.
Salomon's gaze swept across the assembled Grand Priests, as if seeing through their thoughts, yet at the same time, it seemed like he didn't truly see any of them. He was merely declaring that everything was in place, and the stage was set for the upcoming killing spectacle.
...
In the Kingdom of Hutton, within the royal capital of Icariot.
At 10 a.m., the summer heat had already replaced the freshness of spring, but the sunlight still carried a hint of lingering gentleness. Under this radiant glow, the ancient buildings of the Sage's Academy seemed imbued with new life, their outlines sharper, and the plants on the window sills flourishing in the sun's embrace.
On the fifth floor of the main building of the Sage's Academy, Loren sat at his desk, deep in thought as he held a secret letter.
A floor-to-ceiling window dominated one side of his office, filling the room with natural light. The right half of his body was bathed in this golden radiance, making him appear especially dazzling, while his left hand, holding the letter, remained in the shadows.
Loren gently tapped his fingers on the desk, a smooth and lustrous surface made of brown solid wood. The desk was adorned with various documents and books, along with an elven-style magic lamp.
As Loren perused the secret report, his expression remained unchanged.
Over a month ago, the shifting political landscape of the Northern Continent had sent ripples across the sea, with the successful peace talks between the Kingdom of Aesterilan and the Protoss Empire. For reasons unknown, the Ice Snow Witch intended to visit the Southern Continent and the Church.
Absurd rumors had spread, claiming that Loren himself had traveled to the Northern Continent!
How did these nonsensical stories even come about?
Nevertheless, after weathering the storm of gossip and speculation over the past few weeks, he had grown accustomed to it all.
No matter what unfounded rumors or events unfolded in the days to come, he believed he could take it all in stride.
(End of Chapter)
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