Chapter 335
"What's happening?"
"What foolishness is this...?"
"It's impossible. If true, then back then..."
Not everyone trusted the temple's announcement. In fact, even the locals closest to the Saint viewed the temple with suspicion in their eyes.
It was understandable; less than a year had passed since the fake saint incident. Saintess Illya had exposed the truth about the imposter saint who had once been the Pope.
And now she was being accused of being a fake?
– The fake Saintess fled the temple out of fear of being exposed.
The temple's subsequent announcement only added to the confusion.
"But can we really believe His Holiness Pope Austin?"
"No, that's not convincing enough for me..."
"...What is going on in the temple?"
As anxiety spread among the Holy Land residents, a search warrant was issued for Illya, putting those involved in a difficult position.
"We can't just go to McLain like this. It will be troublesome."
"Saintess..."
"If we can't clear up this misunderstanding, they will link it to the previous plague incident and accuse McLain of heresy. We can't let that happen."
Victor clenched his teeth at Illya's words.
Although the saintess was voicing the concerns he shared, it was disheartening to see things come to this.
They had gathered all the firsthand information about the situation at the sanctuary. The enemy's intentions were clear.
"This is terrible..."
As long as the saintess's position was secure, they could investigate the unusual events at the temple and push back from the McLain Diocese.
However, with just this simple declaration, their situation had become complicated.
Would the exiled priest Illya suddenly appear at the McLain Diocese?
It wouldn't be difficult for anyone to speculate that the McLain Kingdom had taken the saintess.
And the consequences would surely shake the kingdom to its core.
"...It's a worst-case scenario, but Tracy herself orchestrated this move."
"What do you mean?"
"If I can prove officially that I'm not a fake, the new pope will be charged with blasphemy."
"...That would make things even more dangerous."
"What do you mean?"
"It's only natural that they would try to prevent any official proof."
"Oh..."
"Is there anyone who can help us? Maybe factions loyal to the saintess."
Factions.
To Illya, who was deeply devoted to her faith, the term felt bitter, dampening her spirits.
"...Cardinal Austin and I worked together to overthrow the former pope. And since I come from the McLain Diocese, there are no factions supporting me within the central temple."
At those somber words, Victor's expression also darkened.
Yet...
"But there is someone who hasn't been influenced by them."
Illya's next words brought a glimmer of hope in the gloomy atmosphere.
The Divine Power was renowned for its resistance to magic, even capable of swaying those close to the peak of Divine Law, like a loyal cardinal.
But to say someone remained uncorrupted?
Naturally, curiosity arose.
"...Who is it?"
"Harman Killerblue, the leader of the Holy Knight Order. He's known as the Divine Sword outside."
"Oh..."
Victor had heard of him.
The Divine Sword was seen as the defender of the Holy Nation.
However, all he knew was that he likely possessed combat skills comparable to the Empire's renowned sword masters; vague rumors circulated about him.
So, more questions followed naturally.
"How do you know he wasn't influenced?"
"He's an aura user with divine powers. A paladin born once every three hundred years... You might not sense it, but just by observing how Tracy has kept him isolated, you can be sure."
"...I understand."
"In this situation, persuading him is our only way forward."
"But is that even possible? With search warrants issued, wouldn't he also be trying to capture the saintess?"
"That might... be the case. But what other choice do we have? We have to take the first step. Sir Victor, can you assist me a bit more?"
A small hand reached out to hold Victor's weathered hand.
The warmth from her touch and her earnest gaze weighed heavily on Victor's heart.
"...I need to inform His Majesty about this first."
Although those were his words, his heart couldn't help but lean towards one direction.
* * *
Philip's report brought a seriousness to Logan's face.
The situation was indeed unexpected.
The bigger issue was having a suspicion of who might be behind it.
"The pope has been manipulated? Is this another scheme of the Cassel Mage Tower?"
Someone who was both an ally of the Empire and a potential adversary.
The figure of Louise, currently confined to the grand palace of Granpia, naturally crossed his mind.
If left unchecked, the Holy Nation might align with the Empire for an assault.
What was Logan to do in this scenario?
Another headache was starting to overwhelm him. He sighed, setting aside the complicated thoughts and turning to Philip.
"...How are the higher-ups?"
[The Holy Nation's forces have already begun causing chaos.]
"Everyone knows Illya comes from the Holy Nation."
"We need to minimize the damage and start withdrawing."
"Forget about business matters; I'm talking about Illya's situation."
[Why are you asking me? This is a matter for His Majesty to decide.]
Ugh.
This man was always firm and resolute.
"...What about Viktor?"
[He has chosen to await His Majesty's orders.]
"He hasn't expressed his desire to support the saintess?"
[It seems he does lean that way... But His Majesty knows him well. He keeps his thoughts to himself.]
"That makes sense. Let's proceed with that."
"Since we can't ignore the ongoing issues surrounding the Holy Nation, do everything you can to help where possible."
[Understood.]
"How is the Empire reacting? It's oddly quiet, especially considering the Legion Commander was killed in the Holy Nation."
[I cannot speak on matters of the Imperial Family, but there hasn't been an official statement yet. Perhaps Prince Barros's presence in the Holy Nation is related.]
"...Seems like I have a lot to handle."
While it made sense for the Empire's legion commander to accompany Prince Barros,
it was puzzling why he was keeping an eye on the saintess.
Why hadn't the Empire responded? His mind couldn't find any answers.
As the headache resurfaced, Logan decided to keep things simple, as he always did.
Delving into overly complex questions wouldn't yield solutions.
He resolved,
"Before any conflict arises, neutralize one of the Empire's significant powers. It's worth acknowledging Viktor's efforts, so let him proceed as he wishes."
[Excuse me?]
"I mean he can help the saintess in finding the Divine Sword. But if he faces danger while searching, just overlook it."
[Would that be feasible? Considering the temperament of that sword user...]
"Are you truly concerned about Viktor?"
[What do you mean? Worrying about someone who has defeated an aura user? That seems excessive.]
"Is that so? For now, I'll trust your judgment."
Seeing that Philip understood the reasoning, he continued,
"More importantly, even if the Divine Sword decides to target the Saintess, inform him of that."
Logan had witnessed their interaction before.
Despite Viktor's dark aura, he had witnessed the Divine Sword's spirit fighting alongside him.
So he understood,
Engaging Viktor in a battle against the Divine Sword generation would be unwise.
* * *
He sensed the legendary sword of the Divine Nation ready to come into play.
If anything happened to the saintess, Logan knew it would be a detrimental move, akin to losing the strongest piece on the chessboard.
Just then...
"Very well."
After finishing the report, Logan rubbed his throbbing temples and left the communication room.
To clear his mind from the confusion, he instinctively headed to the training grounds.
After an hour of practicing the sword basics, he began to unravel the visions he had gathered.
With a firm grip, he wielded the Iron Blood Sword, illuminating the training grounds with a golden radiance.
The forceful strikes, accompanied by the howling wind, added a meaningful touch to the fragments of golden aura resonating in the area.
– Executing fierce swordplay with unwavering consistency alongside an agile aura blade, the dual attacks of two knights synchronizing created a semblance of perfect harmony.
Amidst the sparks soaring through the sky, he felt the culmination of his unique swordsmanship.
At that moment...
A gentle hum emanated from the golden serpent of aura weaving through the air, splitting into two, then four.
*BANG!*
In an instant, the four separate sword energies shot out in all directions, their blinding light washing over the ground like a storm.
Yet, the satisfaction didn't show on the wielder's face.
"The Galactic Sword just doesn't suit me."
Or rather, it felt unnecessary.
While it delivered a strike of equal potency, he knew it consumed too much aura for a minimal effect, especially compared to the Divine Sword's technique.
If Ronnie had adapted his technique under the guise of the Galactic Sword, he could enhance his martial skills further, but Logan was different.
"I will focus only on what I can do."
At that moment, as if echoing his thoughts, the Graceful Sword vibrated in place.
His spirit focused, and the core of his heart released vast amounts of aura.
Traveling through each orbit of the core, he doubled, quadrupled, octupled, and finally multiplied it to over a hundredfold.
"This feels promising."
Crafted to perfection, this decisive strike had never been flawlessly executed. The seventh move of the Divine Sword was now being unleashed.
Breaking through the realm of the highest-level aura users, it pierced the horizons.
The golden sword energy moved through the air with grace, cutting through space elegantly.
The beautiful scenery unfolded, yet the golden light's essence held a potent force capable of shredding everything.
Logan had once witnessed a similar strike by the master; a technique only the apex of aura users could display, allowing him to add elegance and power, elevating it closer to the divine level.
As it surged forth, he brimmed with excitement, eluding all limitations.
At last, beyond any hindrance, the pinnacle of his skill was revealed.
Just then, a cry rang out,
"Gahn!"
A sudden headache's sharp pain flashed by, an unfortunate vision passing like a haunting shadow.