473 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

Chapter 473 It wasn't the message about Clayton that Logan had been anxiously awaiting. However, it was news urgent enough to report quickly. "From the Holy Kingdom?" "Yes. The Saintess herself, with the Pope's direct order, made contact. She requested that you receive the message together with Sir Hayman…" "With Sir Hayman?" "Yes." If even Hayman was being summoned immediately, it was certainly no trivial matter. Logan rushed to the communication room, and upon seeing the grim expression on Hayman's face, he became even more certain of his suspicion. "What on earth is happening? A direct communication at this time?" "I can think of a few possibilities, but let us first hear what Her Holiness has to say." Hayman's voice, as he spoke, was heavy in a way Logan had never heard before. The hand clutching the sacred artifact, Litchenia, trembled slightly, signaling that something was indeed very wrong. 'Could something have happened at the Temple again…' With a stern face, Logan entered the communication room. The moment he exchanged greetings with the Saintess, the news he received was shocking. [We've dispatched the elite of the Holy Knights to where His Majesty mentioned. About 200, including three vice-captains, all of high-ranking knights. However, it's been a week since they signaled entry, and we haven't had any reports.] "What do you mean by that…?" [All we've heard from our operatives outside is that a loud explosion was heard from within the mountain range. The temple assesses that they were most likely annihilated.] "My god… What…" Logan bit his lip unconsciously. He felt as if he had been caught unexpectedly. He hadn't anticipated this outcome when he had shared the information with the Saintess. Given that the elite of the Cassel Tower, including the Tower Master, were expected to be with the Empire's army, he believed that even if Louisa's tip-off was false, the Holy Kingdom's power would suffice to handle it. However, the Cassel Tower's forces hadn't shown up in the war, yet this was not communicated to the Holy Kingdom. 'It's a blunder on my part.' If the Tower Master and his forces were indeed present, it wouldn't have been surprising if the Holy Kingdom's elites were wiped out. Logan’s expression darkened, as even more dismal news followed. [It's safe to assume they fell into a trap. The cardinals are pressuring us to disclose the source of the information.] "…The blame lies with me. I have no excuses, even if I had ten mouths. It's fine to reveal that I provided the information." […It's not something you should say so lightly. There are more serious problems at hand.] More serious issues? In this situation? Logan furrowed his brow as Illia's gaze through the crystal turned to Hayman beside him. [Sir Hayman, have you recently sensed anything unusual through Litchenia…? Ah, I see you have. I hoped that wasn't the case…] "Your Holiness, you too…" It seemed the Saintess and Hayman confirmed something simply by encountering each other through the communication orb. Logan, who was clueless about their exchange, puzzled over what was happening. "Your Holiness, it appears that the gods are planning something." [It seems the gods intend to interfere directly in the mortal world. This is the worst-case scenario.] Their words were extremely foreboding. "…What!?" [On the day the vice-captains said they would enter the cave, I felt the gods’ will through the sacred artifact. It was a resolve to interfere with our world, even at great loss.] "No way…" Just because the Holy Knights were annihilated, the gods would intervene? Such an occurrence was not unheard of in the Holy Kingdom's history. Logan found it difficult to readily accept, but the Saintess seemed to view the situation differently. [It probably relates to why their communication was cut off. At the same time, Amun’s influence was felt again through Sentientia. I severed the connection to block divine interference, but Sentientia persists in trying to activate.] "The same is true for me with Litchenia, Your Holiness." [It seems they're planning to create apostles using the sacred artifacts.] Uuuuung. Logan looked at Hayman, who clutched Litchenia fiercely, with a bittersweet gaze. Despite the grave situation, if everything they suspected was true, there was a slight relief. “…At least some solace. Sir Hayman, you said you've hidden five of the other artifacts.” Yet Hayman shook his head gravely. "Agéron’s sacred artifact, Aurum, vanished before my eyes. Around the same time, I felt the barrier I had set up break." "Then…" "Yes. It's likely that other sacred artifacts have already moved to find 'victims.'" [We also received reports that the artifacts at the MacLine Temple and Karon Temple disappeared.] With the Saintess’s addition, the evidence was piling up. "Sigh… then it’s certain." [Yes. The disappearance of the sacred artifacts strongly suggests the creation of apostles.] Although some questions remained. "But if that were possible, wouldn't they have acted sooner? Why now?" [The gods must be incurring a great loss because of this event. We have no way of knowing what the loss entails, though.] It's like being struck by lightning out of a clear sky. Logan was at a loss for words. Just when he thought everything was finally coming together, another crisis had emerged. Reflecting on the incident with Illia, it was akin to suddenly facing seven powerful adversaries of eighth-class strength. And these adversaries were trying to kill him. In which case… “Is there a way to find out which priest will become an apostle? If I know beforehand, I would…” Kill them. Everyone knew the unspoken end of his sentence. […Hmm…] After contemplating for a moment, Illia spoke slowly with a dark expression. [Two individuals are almost certain, but the other five are uncertain. As you know, in the current Church, rank and sacred power don’t often align.] "By two, you mean the former Pope Austin and Priest Xylo, right?" [Yes, I've already 'suggested' that they undertake secluded meditation. Although they were dubious, they willingly entered a windowless meditation chamber. I check on them several times a day.] When Harman abruptly interjected, Illia nodded in agreement. Logan cast a puzzled look at Harman, who quickly added an explanation. "The last time Sir Viktor and I entered the central temple, they were chosen as apostles. Former Pope Austin even exhibited signs of soul encroachment." "Ah, I think I heard about that from Viktor." Something about him cutting off his own wrist. Logan nodded gravely. "In other words, they're pre-ordained apostles." "Yes. But even that's only a temporary measure." [Even if we manage to prevent those two from becoming apostles, the moment another appears and is publicly acknowledged, both Sir Harman and I are finished.] "Hmm." [His Majesty's title as a revered hero would also be stripped away. The Holy Kingdom's forces would pivot towards MacLine rather than the failing Empire.] Illia's harshly realistic words were taxing on the spirit. 'A mountain beyond a mountain…' Yet, a different question lingered. The timing—why now? Beyond what penalties the gods might suffer, was the question of whether this was unavoidable. If such events weren't inevitable, why wait until now? "Why didn't they act when they failed to dominate Sir Harman?" "…Indeed, I did sense some hesitance from Aria." [Perhaps at that time, they judged it not worth the loss. But now, the situation must be more dire—from their perspective.] "Exactly. Despite insisting they must kill me, they haven't gone this far before. It indicates that this time, they are willing to bear great losses." Logan agreed with the Saintess, moistening his dry lips. As the conversation continued, his thoughts began to clarify. "But then, why now? What's changed since then?" "The war... perhaps?" Harman's uncertain voice prompted an immediate shake of Logan's head. "Is MacLine winning the war such a grave matter to them?" [...No, certainly not. The gods would be indifferent to such worldly outcomes.] "Ah… true, Aria had not the slightest interest in the balance of mortal powers. So why now?" As Harman pondered aloud, Illia's expression shifted. [You mean…?] "Could it be that whatever occurred in the cave, where the Holy Knights' contact ceased, provoked the gods?" [The annals of history recount several instances where not just the elite, but entire Holy Knight Orders were annihilated. Apostles did not descend each time.] "Yes. That’s further evidence of the gods’ indifference to human power dynamics. But this time may be different. They face Cassel Tower. As you know, the resurrection of Jebric Cassel, whom the Nine Gods fear most, is at stake." Logan’s words caused Illia and Harman's faces to tense. [Do you think it wasn't a simple trap?] "A mere trap wouldn’t suffice to kill three superhumans with holy aura." [If so…] "Cassel Tower is surely proceeding with something there. If the gods witnessed it through the Holy Knights and decided to intervene, would that not explain their drastic measures?" [...There seems to be some merit in that.] "Perhaps, more likely with high certainty, the apostles' new mission isn't simply to kill me." Both nodded in agreement to Logan's assertion. "Let's observe the situation for now. I'll head to Noviens first." "Your Majesty!?" [You're heading there personally, Your Majesty?] "If the apostles aim to fight Cassel Tower, that would be ideal. But, if they plan to move against the Holy Kingdom, they'll come to Noviens first." The implication: he intended to find and eliminate them first. While facing seven or five might be challenging, he was confident taking on one or two at a time. The two 'renegades' picked up on Logan's implications, their expressions darkening. [Even so, is it wise for the ruler of MacLine to be absent now…?] "A doppelgänger can accompany the troops returning home. Is it because you worry for the priests who might be sacrificed?" […I won’t deny it.] "Once devoured by the gods and made apostle, redemption is impossible. A scenario like yours is essentially impossible. You know this." "Yes…" [Understood. I will follow your lead.] Resolved, the Saintess ended the transmission with a determined look. Several hours later. A forced connection from an unknown line altered Logan's course. [We possess the body of the Golem Master. If His Majesty comes in person, we’ll return it unharmed.] "Hah, do you really think a king would walk into a clear trap for a mere servant?" [I heard you're quite fond of your people. Would you forsake the Golem Master, considered a founder of your reign?] It was a cheap provocation, yet Logan simply laughed inwardly. 'This certainly makes things interesting…' Perhaps knowing Logan’s thoughts, the cloaked magician continued smoothly. [All we ask is one thing: we hope that King Logan, revered hero, will personally intervene to prevent the movements of the Holy Kingdom. The recent attack caused them significant losses.] "You want me to be your puppet?" Both parties knew the conversation was mere pretense. Yet, the dialogue flowed seamlessly like a well-rehearsed play. [That's right, just about a month would suffice. And surely, His Majesty, who stands at the pinnacle of auras, wouldn't be afraid of us. Of course, feel free to bring your subordinates if you wish.] If you're scared, don't bother coming. Logan was aware that MacLine, still in the midst of post-war efforts, couldn't mobilize an army currently. The provocation was made with full knowledge of this fact, but there was no need to entertain such transparent schemes. 'I'm not about to abandon Clayton.' As Logan's brow instinctively furrowed, he suddenly sensed something off—a distinct yet unforgettable ripple within his perception, spanning the expanse of Rusfelheim. An adversary that sent chills down his spine just at the thought. 'Of all times…!' Although he had anticipated it, the timing couldn't have been worse. Yet, he couldn’t leave it unaddressed. "We'll talk later." Bang. [Ha! It seems you think we're bluffing. If you believe otherwise… Your Majesty? King Logan! Did he really leave!? What on earth…!!?] In the place where Logan had stood, only the astonished and frustrated voice of the magician inside the communication orb lingered, resonating with empty indignation.