Episode 276: Proposal for the Removal of the Pope!
A clash between certain high-ranking priests of the Central Temple and the Papal faction.
The Holy City was thrown into turmoil!
As rumors about Nobience circulated the world, a significant event unfolded in a corner of the Maclaine Kingdom.
"It appears to be time for your return, Your Eminence the Cardinal."
"Ridiculous! We will not back down like this! Release the prisoners of the forsaken or else..."
Eshell, with a face red with anger, shouted as he usually did.
However, his expression turned to stone at a single statement from the Sword Saint.
"I have learned that there are voices within the Central Temple calling for the removal of His Holiness the Pope. Should someone of your rank, Your Eminence, be here at this time?"
"What?"
"There seems to be a problem within the Temple. Would it not be wise for you to investigate?"
Understanding the seriousness of the situation after the Sword Saint's words, Eshell's face turned pale.
He quickly entered the tent and soon emerged in a rush.
"The investigative team will return to the Temple immediately!"
With that urgent declaration, the fate of the investigative team was sealed.
Du-Du-Du-Du.
As the investigative team dashed madly, the elite members of the 2nd Army followed suit, grumbling.
"Do we really have to send these fanatics back like this?"
Upon hearing Louis' discontent, the surrounding knights nodded in agreement.
In their eyes, the heresy inquisitors seemed like zealots driven to extremes.
Those who were quick to resort to violence or call for harsh punishments for those who did not conform to their religious beliefs.
If it weren't for the knights' intervention, many innocent lives could have been lost unjustly.
The Sword Saint understood their frustration but remained calm, shaking his head.
"At the very least, we cannot let them come to harm within our kingdom. That would only give the Temple a reason to blame us."
"It's a shame."
"The zealots rushing back to the Temple, disregarding its official stance, just to secure one more vote in the removal hearing. The rest are simply brainwashed followers. There's no need to take them seriously."
Louis agreed with the measured tone but was puzzled by a sudden realization.
"Just one vote?"
"All high priests of bishop rank and above gather to vote on the removal resolution. To them, even a cardinal is just one vote."
"Hmm... So they are rushing back just for that... Ah, then the heresy inquisitors' votes would also count. Didn't you say those representatives have the divine authority of a bishop?"
"The Bishops overseeing each diocese, so they would not be included."
"So it's all about casting one vote?"
"That man is most concerned about his own position. He must want to please the Pope."
The reason behind the frantic actions of the leader of the zealots was straightforward.
"Incredible. I've been observing them for weeks, and they are still as unsettling as ever."
Louis sneered coldly as he scoffed at Eshell.
Unaware of their sentiments, Eshell continued with urgency.
After a three-day ride, passing through the trading city of Kail, the Sword Saint reached the border and, with a relieved expression, spoke to Eshell.
"This is where we part ways. Please take care on your journey back, Your Eminence."
"I will not forget this kindness."
Through clenched teeth, Eshell responded to the Sword Saint, who had a slight smile.
It was only natural for Eshell to be grinding his teeth, having returned empty-handed without achieving the goal the investigative team had set out to accomplish due to the interference of the knights.
But there was no time for complaints.
"Return with great speed!"
Heeiiiiing.
Watching the hurried departure of the investigative team across the border, Louis made a lighthearted remark.
"Now we just have to return to the capital. You must be eager to see Miss Stella after so long."
"No, there is still important business to attend to."
With a serious expression, Louis made an unexpected statement.
"What?"
"Lead the knights back first."
"Me... go?"
"His Majesty has given an order. Find someone with a similar build to me and place them on my steed at the front. Act as if it were me, both you and all the knights."
Louis's expression immediately hardened at that instruction.
"Don't tell me..."
"Please."
After patting his shoulder, the Sword Saint vanished on his horse with the agility of a ghostly shadow.
And Louis, who had learned from him over the years, vaguely understood the direction in which he was headed.
"Could it be...?"
Apprehension grew within him, but remembering the Sword Saint's command, Louis rode his horse towards the capital without hesitation.
"More! Faster! We're late! We're falling behind!"
Du-du-du-du.
Since entering the Imperial border escorted by the knights of Maclaine's 2nd Army, Eshell had been urging the heresy inquisitors to speed up, even infusing divine power into his horse, which was struggling the most.
"Removal? Unbelievable nonsense."
If the Pope were removed, it would mean the end for him as well.
The Pope he knew would not go down alone.
"He's the type to drag me down with him."
This assumption troubled him.
There were different levels of corruption among priests. While the Temple might overlook minor bribery, Eshell's personal inclinations were considered taboo even among the most corrupt priests.
If discovered, excommunication was certain, and execution was a possibility.
That's why the Pope could treat him dismissively, despite his authority as a cardinal.
Once again, he regretted his past mistakes.
"Why did I leave evidence?"
Of course, he did not believe the Pope would be quietly removed.
Therefore, he needed to return as quickly as possible to prove his loyalty.
That's why he was rushing so urgently when a sudden warning came from behind the galloping cavalry.
"Your Eminence, the Cardinal. There are obstacles ahead!"
Obstacles?
On the hillside, silhouetted against the setting sun, stood figures that seemed like statues.
"What are those?"
Choosing the shortest path from the Imperial border to the Central Temple, the road could be challenging.
Yet, having used the same path on his way there, it was impossible for him to miss such distinctive obstacles.
Thud. Thud.
"What? They're moving, move!"
"What?"
"Golems!"
"Everyone, prepare for battle!"
Surprised, Eshell was replaced by Robe, who commanded the entire investigative team.
However, the horses, exhausted from the long run and uphill climb, were slow to react.
Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud.
Before the investigative team could prepare for battle, the statues closed in rapidly.
The statues, over 3 meters tall, resembled giants, clad in armor and wielding massive two-handed weapons.
With more than 50 armed statues charging towards them, those present turned pale with fear.
Woowwng.
At the same time, a powerful energy pressed down on them.
"Magic! Everyone, use your divine power!"
Upon Robe's command, the agents emitted a bright white light from their bodies.
The high-level sacred magic 'Sanctum Declaration,' a group divine spell that enhanced the combat abilities and morale of the heresy inquisitors.
Encouraged by their comrades' cries, Robe regained his fighting spirit.
As Robe raised his mace with determination, he felt a sudden chill.
'This is dangerous!'
Instinctively, he ducked his head as he saw an arm holding a mace floating in the air—a scene that felt eerily familiar.
A sharp pain followed, triggering a sense of déjà vu.
Of course, such agony could never become familiar.
"Aagh!"
"Tch. Two casualties already?"
Robe couldn't help but scream out, but a chilling voice sounded from beside him.
One of his colleagues' severed heads rolled on the ground, yet the voice seemed even more menacing.
"Sword Saint!"
In response, a masked figure appeared before Robe.
Despite the familiar aura and voice, the masked figure pretended ignorance.
"Hm? Who? I don't know such a person."
"Stop joking, you villain! Are you not afraid of divine retribution?"
The unexpected response came from an entirely different direction.
"This is divine punishment!"
With a calm yet powerful voice, a golden aura burst from the center of the investigative team. In an instant, several heresy inquisitors around it were torn apart, losing their lives.
Then, with a massive rumble, the ground collapsed beneath them.
Rumbleeeeng.
The path the investigative team charged on vanished, sinking the landscape nearly 7-8 meters down.
Heeeeeiiiiing!
"Aaah!"
"Be careful!"
"Grand magic!"
While the catastrophic scene left the investigative team in shock, all eyes turned to another masked figure who had suddenly appeared.
Among the chaos, the central masked figure emitted a golden aura, sealing the fate of the heresy investigative team.
"No survivors have been found, my... cough. Lord."
"These enemies were worth fighting. It's a shame for the one who missed it; he would have regretted it. Tsk tsk."
"Both of you have done well."
The masked figures who had defeated the temple's elites gathered around one person.
The outcome achieved by only four individuals – a swordsman and a magician – seemed incredible. Yet, for those present, it was expected, and they had planned accordingly.
"That can't be. Lord, it was your strength that mattered most."
"Your strikes are always extraordinary."
"It all came together thanks to the guidance from our master."
Logan, the leader of the masked figures, replied with a smile behind his mask.
The 6th form of the Divine Sword Warfare, 'Origin Cleaver,' had the power to obliterate all matter or life within its range, but it required immense power to control. The Sword Saint had suggested adapting that form into a widespread attack by shattering the terrain or objects around it.
The modified form, 'Total Collapse,' had once again proven its effectiveness.
"Lou..., not having that one with us made me uneasy, but it turned out to be unnecessary worry."
"He brought it upon himself by being a brute. It's impossible not to notice someone like him."
The swordsmen even mocked the absent individual with laughter, but the magician had other concerns.
"However, Lord. Even though I can erase the land's memory to clean up completely, it may draw unwanted attention to us rather than the chaos in the Temple."
"I understand your concerns. But there is no need to worry."
Logan confidently reassured Clayton, dismissing his worries with certainty.