Chapter 246: Burned Church (3)
35lklThe wind that blew carried the warm energy of spring.w2nKH
GkLHowever, within the helmets worn by the men, the cold wind of the north still persisted.87Gg6f
TyU1tNumerous soldiers marched southward.LTY0U
Ud5EEBehind their long, endless columns flew the banners of the seven families that symbolized the Northern Alliance.R5XK
SP7kk“…Did you say the enemy is advancing south?”NfsTRye
ilYLMtTThe Allied Forces of the North were leaving the North and moving towards the center.iEMNQz
1gHnAfter seeing the army commanded by the Iron Duke Timur, the Blood Dragon Duke Sarnus furrowed his brow as if he couldn’t understand.VGybx
Yp4njm“That’s right, Father. According to the scouts’ reports, approximately 40,000 soldiers are currently moving near Achiuk.”ILTI1Ig
nRuThe Northern Alliance forces numbered 40,000.J6ax0I
gzuNnWhile that was indeed a large number, it wasn’t unexpected.ftlZcm5
henbXLiHowever, the reason for Sarnus’ confusion was that they were coming towards them, leaving behind the castle, which was a strategic advantage.esW
2W1“It’s a decision I cannot comprehend.”dws
iRQWSiInstead of fortifying themselves in the castle, they had chosen to engage in open battle.hleb
USLJIf an incompetent commander had made this decision, it would have been easy to ridicule them for their stupidity, but the one leading those 40,000 men south was the formidable Iron Duke Timur.jAZsM
EMlEJH“There must be a reason behind this.”X7dM
TjCvgThere had to be a reason.qXgS5nO
5GTKThere was no way someone as young as Timur would leave the castle in a fury without cause.S3oPm4I
C0PsFYet Sarnus couldn’t discern the strategy behind this move.8kIqRzg
BF4H“…Could it be?”5wuG
6OVap2pA flock of migratory birds flew over Sarnus’ tent as he pondered.RngsZ
jiFa4Migratory birds descend from the north after spring and rest high in the sky.95we
kdGHowever, among the birds, there was one with an unusual color.tJLj
AXVGrr-grr-5CXB1qe
hH7A pure white pigeon flew towards the capital Brigantes, in a direction different from the other migratory birds.Iluj
esUTied to the pigeon’s leg was a secret note from Timur meant for someone.hbf
JZSODZ***j2xW
ihVA group was racing along the empty Eastern Road.yE1Qjge
YAZRA flag fluttered behind the black horse that led the way.rWoe
RgiVlad and his group, unaware that the central army was following just a few days behind, were now moving relentlessly toward the fortress of the dark group Jager had mentioned.m0dXGoA
pTu“Achiuk is to the right!”dIz8
aVtQ3R“I know!”YfH
fZruCTo be exact, they were heading further north than that.KMvY5
tXyfgDVlad shouted back to Pedro, who had cried out that they were going the wrong way.Ls1VEpx
p1k6c5“We’re heading to the headquarters of the Northern Orthodox Church!”7yB
SJQ4MhaVlad was now moving toward the Northern Orthodox Church, not Achiuk.oo5v
fvkOaThough his heart was still anxious for Joseph, Vlad’s mind remained equally cold.C2M6
FXc“We need to gather more forces there first. They say there are over a hundred sorcerers!”KBU8
mKPXtU9Jager had said that more than a hundred dark sorcerers were hiding in Ramashthu’s mansion.YwZRV
Fc71V7It was as if all the sorcerers on the continent had gathered there, so for only four people to enter such a dark place would be nothing short of suicide.pdQzYc
H48XGo“You’ve grown a lot. In the past, all you did was tear apart indulgences without thinking.”azdwu4
shCPDEl“…What are you talking about?”rimEMz
P3DlKoxThough he seemed to burn fiercely, Vlad’s blue eyes were steady.hUoT
4PGTXNoThe knight of the North was now trying to think not only of what lay ahead but also what lay behind.oPIIS
T9nuyCEven though their colors were different, there was something in Vlad’s gaze that reminded Pedro of Joseph, and it wasn’t just an illusion.RsZ
WTd9“Stop!”BaXm
M5OHowever, there was a sharp shout from Radu, coming from the group of riders.BqRfrn3
2ALpBZB“Look at those crows up ahead!”u57RPV
TzLHpRadu’s fingertips pointed toward the sky as if in surprise, and something like a black cloud swirled around.0LC
9Z4d7sECaw-caw-0vK
dKySH7KA large flock of crows noisily descended from the sky.NDz
KdQSeeing the black crows like the maw of a wolf land before them without warning, Vlad had no choice but to pull on Noir’s reins as they raced forward.IbP
4x1eud4“This is… they’re blocking our path.”Ny5
jzkSoQK“Have we already been discovered?”pYLT
O4JoI1fAs if Radu’s prediction was correct, a curtain of crows lined up and began to block the group’s way like a dark wall.oMIC1
n7YSJust as Vlad was about to place his hand on the hilt of the sword he carried, a familiar voice came from beyond the curtain of crows.Dtg
7XeI“I’m glad I’m not too late.”xu6s
XBkThe flock of crows that had stopped the group began to beat their wings and rise into the sky once more at the sound of the familiar man’s voice.vC958a
NoYThe place where the crows had parted was now filled with men in black cloaks who had never been seen before.6Zk9mN
MaKP“We’ve been waiting for you.”lDlJyj
fc6A“…Marcus?”Rmrqpo
7wh3The hidden blades of Bayezid and their nameless leader.AeMl
0xXt0B1The subjects of the information network that spanned the North now appeared before Vlad.Eqcjf
hdcv0Vl“The decision to head to the headquarters of the Northern Church was a wise one, but it wasn’t necessary. We’ve already prepared everything.”rU5cKYp
5RXO“…How did you know I was here?”VZSnM
n1bSeeing the group suddenly blocking their path, Vlad showed a brusque attitude, but that too was expected by Marcus.RV3ajK
W63K“Jager told me. He informed us that you had left Ausurin and were heading towards Achiuk.”1w98WR
RZ3“Jager?”YBYO
5CEsqFv“Of course, don’t ask how we communicated. That’s one of the secrets of our organization.”d19YNG
rx2xMarcus opened his mouth calmly as if it were no big deal, but Vlad’s eyes only grew colder as he looked at him.P1y
qJm“You’ve been in contact with Jager?”fFp52I
oX49hk“Yes.”YdvylrH
kNuNR“…So you knew everything from the beginning?”oQ5e72
nxX“Yes.”5vBNmd
MPZt2From Jager to Marcus.zM6xp
ZlslnThe situation with Joseph that everyone knew about, but I didn’t.ilCp1ui
YptHkAt Marcus’ final nod, casually saying “yes,” Vlad’s blue eyes began to burn with anger.iWI570k
GbHMOjGrrr!W30eayM
8A1bv4“Then why didn’t you tell me, you bastard?”qsGqJrC
Lcpvtxi“…!”NRAHEuH
oSTRMarcus, who always kept his composure, was taken aback for the first time.b2k1
AZkUBecause Vlad, who had been across the distance, was now right in front of him, grabbing him by the neck.Glk8p
TEDSlThough there had been a proper distance between knights, Vlad crossed it in an instant, as if it held no meaning.OGBuY
BVUgClang! Clang!AYmOr
xcEm7“Let go of Lord Marcus, Sir Vlad!”VJZaj
0mYxopn“Calm down, we have our reasons too!”Xkv65
6Qn2The crows reacted late and drew their swords with startled expressions, but Vlad’s eyes, still glaring at Marcus, were filled with rage.UhTJ
inXib“Do you think I’m an idiot?”MHMVk
Qn651F“…”RY3hhm
UiZZsO“No matter how important safety is, you should have told me. Don’t you think?”MpzOUmG
DpjJIt wasn’t that he was angry about being deceived all this time.d7j5CX
qpM8w3GThe real reason for Vlad’s fury was the fact that he had been standing outside of Joseph’s protection all this time.oX8
dtg67HBFor the boy from the alleyways, Joseph had been a wall that shielded him from the world.7ggR
2QMwQ“…He said not to tell you.”HVyK
ghYkj9“Who?”73USc
8j1S“Lord Joseph.”OdpXR
BOhof“What?”5uZ7dHr
XMXlMarcus’ choked voice came through his squeezed throat.rvWLGX9
QpQBut it wasn’t Marcus who truly choked on the answer he heard—it was Vlad, who held him by the neck.aFB
7ajuDR“Everyone was watching you. From our people in the north to the Blood Dragon Duke, the Holy See, the Imperial family…”Ae8oUgk
KUiVlad of Soara.qU3q
tYQA boy born in the North with the blood of a dragon.iq3oON
C3TO2j5A knight who tore apart the indulgences produced by the Vatican and was recognized by the Pope of the Northern Orthodox Church, which opposed them.woGa6
3dVp“And even a woman named Ramashthu.”efw
9YYHpAAnd the sole successor to the Sword Master’s vow.7SmKlP
7viXA being named Vlad, who not only deserved recognition from everyone on the continent but also warranted their hatred, was likely someone who had drawn as much attention across the continent as the great knight Kihano Frausen.XgIS
7AqE“The more you raged about Joseph, the deeper he could dive.”OwLhyrL
ASz“…Huff.”PA5J
NVmyhCBAt Marcus’ words, Vlad let out a deep sigh, as if finally understanding.2XtCSSZ
WqCqhucWhile Joseph moved toward the dark moon, Vlad had been shouting at him.nsO5
6M4OLThe voice of Vlad, who had yelled at him not to leave while clutching his abdomen pierced by Frausen, must have held a level of sincere fury that no one could doubt.PYOCoK
e7VG“You successfully completed your mission, Vlad.”viY75b
kICkl“You bastards!”Awzpa2
ctNpbIt was a mission he didn’t even know about.p6RO
ZTGVXDpHowever, Joseph had trusted that Vlad would make the right moves even without specific instructions.IR16
N6lBecause the person Joseph had seen all this time, Vlad, was someone who always wanted to shine, even if he was in a place where no one could see him.6uf06qX
ieC8“…”5uq8n7L
otRg“Come on. Lord Joseph is waiting for us.”grXXo
70NHowever, Vlad’s raised hand only trembled with boundless rage.ioT3Y
Bmn5yThe reason he couldn’t lower the hand that held Marcus was that he knew very well that the true targets of his fury were not Marcus.ulFXv
oDt“…Lead me.”ZhOdFt
8Kd“Understood.”5VdBiPQ
6caThe only ones worthy of his wrath were Ramashthu and Frausen.fDGP
qXUyMMarcus had a bitter expression as he watched Vlad slowly loosen his grip around his neck.fZx
NHgG“I’ll take you to the place you want.”g4QJ
Sch***M1mL
AqtS“What the hell is going on?”OwN
pyNbuG“Why are the Allied Forces of the North rushing to Achiuk?”lTzJk
VI1rXu2Ramashthu’s world, a realm of shadows, churned like froth. In the midst of that world, held up by a fragile tree, the anxious shouts of the dark sorcerers echoed.JwLhyGU
T3NP“What’s happening?”4BH8u
awawTheir cries, full of fear, could even be heard by Ramashthu, who was lying in bed at the time.6AXDY7
OSjblRamashthu, who had exerted himself greatly in Ausurin, was extremely uneasy after witnessing the problem that occurred during his purification.wWHyIv
0uDM“The forces of the Northern Alliance are now converging on Achiuk.”Mhhf
VBgMD“…Why is an army that should be facing the Blood Dragon Duke heading there?”CML
pGui2DoIt seemed obvious that the advancing army was meant to stop Sarnus in his push toward the north.4F4
gESj1NkHowever, the unexpected movement of the Northern Alliance even baffled Ramashthu, who frowned deeply.MF0L
Qw3arZ“I don’t know. But the numbers surrounding us are unusual.”3fbT
87NjIIThe movement was so precise that it seemed like everything was perfectly coordinated.KzfT3
j1OWThe Northern Alliance Army, storming into Achiuk, a deserted ruin, had already completely encircled the village before the sorcerers could make a move.b51s
sJFn“Cut the connection. From now on, we’ll close the gates to Achiuk.”aVPIS
B6jIf there had only been soldiers, it wouldn’t have been a problem.AwHKdOB
aqoAchiuk village was merely an entrance, not their operational base.aCxv
3qXRiThe world within the bubble, hidden by strange mysteries, was not only difficult to see but even harder to open.EJEMWk
EbvoO“Ramashthu…”Qqw052V
awkKhYHowever, the blue-eyed knight trembled with unease as he looked at Ramashthu.xtu4
x1kTt“I can’t close the gate.”7GwR2DR
FdRA“What are you saying?”kTZya
MMrzkCuRamashthu’s connection to Achiuk remained unbroken.P1YOQx
VYWDespite their best efforts, something—or someone—stubbornly clung to that gate.i4R7t
Av7“It’s not just an army. The Northern Church is with them.”uxudXy
hRuZE“…!!”Vy3J
c2PCIUEvil darkness must be countered by the light of God.RtHo
4LMryThe sword of the Northern Orthodox Church had finally found its place, rising against the cancerous beings it had long harbored.i80vQt
wvKgf“You said they were coming to face Sarnus.”tzSP42
HluBSzzWith those words, Ramashthu, who had risen from the bed, started floating in the air as if in shock.loONL8o
Ieli6“That’s what he said…”oCh
NskOIt was said that it was highly possible the Northern Alliance forces would fall.f4lFOv
kv9FThat it had nothing to do with them.ENDwdMj
hVoThe young man with dark eyes, who knew the North well, had clearly told her that everything would be fine.9rrT
gajDbJ6“…Joseph Bayezid.”u2GS64
QehmtgWhen Ramashthu recalled that name, her lips twisted cruelly, as if she had finally figured it out.7qC3S
iWCjThe name of the man who had assured them that there was nothing to worry about was Joseph Bayezid.tzymp2
NUjwThe young man from the North, who had shown his confidence by drinking himself to death, had indeed said so.wih5
FTPaFK***TpqEEG
GXLf4BAchiuk, a village that had burned down due to an epidemic of plague several decades ago.lsJUNRb
DNBhQA9It was a ruin that no one usually visited, but now it was filled with the tense silence created by tens of thousands of soldiers.yddn1YA
0ACKXiC“A telegram from the crows. They say they’ve made secure contact with Lord Vlad.”jcNZV
sAox6“Good. It was worth delaying our advance.”kbFkqF
JX6The Iron Duke Timur, upon hearing the report, nodded with satisfaction.nfmKY8
lExnS5Although their progress had been slower than expected, the results were good.mV9LAM
B1L2vDIn the end, all those who needed to join had done so.VZ3w
Ja4Au6N“It seems the timing is right.”A1UvA
UhXqUPThe Iron Duke Timur, upon hearing that Vlad had arrived, carefully bowed his head toward the elderly man at his side.6xxg
ESeZKrHThough his appearance was that of a kind old man, the red robes he wore indicated that he was no ordinary person.Wrr
Uiq“…Indeed.”VW1
rEjWith slow, measured movements, the elderly man stood up.eDkr6C
xFRRConrad, the Pope of the Northern Orthodox Church, smiled as he picked up an old Bible that clashed with his elegant robes.coP7V6Z
dYoNYVJ“I’m glad I’m not too late. For a long time, I feared I would have to pass this burden on to the next generation.”OKWH
vRPQEven as he was about to enter a fierce battle, Conrad smiled peacefully.E4w
3xawRpAt this stage in his life, he was confident that he could free the next generation from a heavy debt before departing.9AgMGQ
cPt“Andreas.”k4Eea3
TZ52Fq“Yes, Your Holiness.”vIfdkAf
MYEThe Pope stood up slowly and quietly called the Bishop Andreas to his side.lGESF
lO3z“If something happens to me, will you take on the role of Pope?”0qMtMY
znShi“…Your Holiness?”lTo
elA13It was a calm voice, but firm enough for all to hear.ZF21
0UIJBishop Andreas, along with the seven bishops of the Northern Orthodox Church, could not hide their bewilderment at the Pope’s words in front of the Iron Duke.qIN
1IUgj“What do you mean by this?”Lla24vI
ybsY93e“My time has come to an end.”YqSOK
o4yDThe Pope’s wrinkled hands covered Andreas’.DMKjJ
lKkwSp“They were hard years, filled with storms. During that time, the young sprouts could not take root.”03V3QUC
pjzHThe old Bible, which the Pope always carried with him, conveyed a sense of connection as he placed it in Andreas’ hands.WG4AVh0
cwX3mx“However, after the storm passes, recovery takes time. And I’ve never seen a priest as skilled at nurturing growth as you.”YeDZD
xomGod said that by saving others, you would also be saved.J1jyV8W
AkeZOQXVlad of Soara. A name that now stretched beyond the North and across the continent.XNefAzi
XbzBFThe person who had directly embraced the name no one had paid attention to was Father Andreas, who had become someone who proved his worth by raising that name.hirqR5
vBhDTc“This is where my duty ends.”lCVM2
5Ir0DdAndreas could not bring himself to speak further as he watched the Pope depart with those words.9lZ0pcy
FkcfThe image of the old Pope entering a completely burned church.YHZCj4
ar6As he walked slowly, the sound of a choir singing began to echo behind him.TZuQ7
3hG“…This is truly the place you were meant to be.”Dll
gkmPope Conrad finally entered the dark church, accompanied by the high-ranking priests.ukVJ
NcLlvDThere, Pope Conrad, seeing the symbols of the church all reversed, silently made the sign of the cross.dRyaD
UcZgDetermined and straight.YylK3
InkXRumble-rumble-khTVlh
Prl7wNA bubble-like world began to tremble with him.wY7
UikAt the holy call of the Pope to turn the inverted symbol upright, a world that had been hidden beneath the surface began to shift.wFB2kQ
wRNBrM“This place where I stand is His temple. It is my home.”POh3m
eXJOThe inverted symbol began to shake violently in time with the verses shouted by the Pope.PeJ
G6B2Izl“Aaaah!”ANQOHR
SkMWU“The building is turning! They’re being dragged away!”4IqDF9
rOj“Why is the Pope here?”NQMy
SrJAt the same time, the trembling world of bubbles filled with the constant screams of the wicked.2Ee
NcPxFXKThe tremors were so intense that even the false roots of the tree created by Ramashthu couldn’t bear to hold it up.JBDNu
LjtY“Because God’s temple is holy, so too will this place be. And if anyone tries to defile the temple of God…”3DT
ZDW7GtThe sound of the Bible, recited by hundreds of priests, filled the air behind the solemn mass being led by the Pope himself.rSS
gRgpbYSThe sound of their prayers held the door to the hidden world and caused the tree, which stood with false roots, to shake its head.vooH
rWn“…He will destroy you.”Bl7dwZ
39Y9fYZRumble! Rumble!XuasBwE
f5JvMLike an overturned ship.IjBwSWD
6NkftEach time the Pope’s sweat fell to the ground, black foam began to rise from the depths of the church.frfMN
FckIt was the dark, wolf-like mansion that Ramashthu had been hiding, and it was the world itself rejecting God.Qpxh
EtPY977“W-what is that!”filfe
KDp“Ugh!”yJSmF
BgzaGyIWith a tremendous roar, a new black-toned building appeared from the ground alongside the soldiers’ screams.G95
ezlDing-Dong!8Ctj2B
FGDThe building that was ripped from the earth with the mournful toll of a bell was a church entirely covered in black soot, as if someone had burned it.DcwAZ
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