Ch.336336. Reunion

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In the vicinity of the Void Zone, the Grand Temple, the Holy Empire’s academy, is the most devout and quiet among the three academies.

Perhaps it’s due to being the leading nation of the continental religious order, or because it’s a place with such strong religious characteristics.

Even now, when the situation is clearly abnormal, most people are trying to maintain appearances and avoid rash actions.

“…What kind of insane nonsense is that?”

“…”

Of course, there are those who find themselves in such urgent situations that they need to push aside such pride.

The Grand Archbishop Luminol, who also serves as the headmaster of the Grand Temple, groaned these words at the person who had just reported to him.

“Ignore His Holiness the Pope’s words and evacuate everyone inside immediately? Who’s going to deal with the consequences?”

Indeed, within the Holy Empire, the Pope wields power that could knock birds from the sky. Disobeying his orders could lead to unimaginable consequences.

“…But.”

A professor who maintains close contact with the Saint and had received her request swallowed dryly before speaking.

“It’s clear that something ominous is happening. We cannot just abandon innocent students.”

“…”

While Grand Archbishop Luminol was certainly devoted to the Holy Empire, he wasn’t completely devoid of common sense and conscience.

His next words sounded like an excuse in that context.

“…His Holiness said that this is the first flame that will ‘purify’ the world.”

“…”

“That everyone should gloriously accept it—”

To be honest.

Even Luminol himself knew that this wasn’t particularly believable.

However, anyone familiar with the internal affairs of the Holy Empire would understand why one must follow the Pope’s words despite knowing better.

He may be called the Pope, but how many people have been purged and disappeared under his rule?

He might as well be considered a tyrant.

And.

Darwood’s instructions to “contact through trusted people” via the Saint were clearly being followed.

This was evident in how the professor maintained his convictions even in the face of such danger.

“Cut the bullshit, Your Eminence.”

“…”

“We’re all going to die at this rate anyway. Isn’t that right?”

The words were quite direct, but.

“A man named Darwood Campbell is opposing the Pope. Regardless of which side wins, if we don’t get out of here right now—”

“Ah, Mr. Darwood!”

“…”

“…”

Both the Grand Archbishop and the professor turned with sour expressions toward the source of the voice.

Lana Ray Delvium, whom Darwood would probably recognize as Serath’s DLC protagonist, peeked her head out as she sprang up from the sofa.

She had clearly been peacefully sleeping until now, only waking up upon hearing a familiar name. A typical nonchalance befitting an immortal.

…Though her nerves were undoubtedly quite thick even for that.

“Is this a message from Mr. Darwood? How is he doing?”

“…Lana. I think exchanging pleasantries can wait for later, child.”

“Hmm—”

Lana nodded as if agreeing, then tilted her head and asked.

“So, what did he say in his message?”

“…”

Looking at this immortal’s composure makes even the current situation feel like something trivial that doesn’t need to be taken seriously.

That’s probably why the Grand Archbishop explained the situation in a kind tone, as if soothing a child.

And after roughly hearing about the situation, Lana scratched her head and bluntly stated:

“Father, wouldn’t it be better to just do it?”

“…”

“It’s Mr. Darwood’s request, isn’t it?”

Her conclusion was so straightforward that it made their previous argument seem meaningless.

“Lana, this isn’t something we can decide so easily—”

“From what I can see, Mr. Darwood will win.”

“…”

“Even if he doesn’t, the Pope won’t come out unscathed either, so there’s enough reason to evacuate everyone regardless of who wins, right?”

“…”

Undoubtedly.

This was the judgment of a woman with beast-like intuition.

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[The evacuation has begun even inside the Grand Temple. How did you manage that?]

Hearing Atalante’s surprised voice through the magic stone, I chuckle before answering.

“I told you. I have reliable people.”

This is why connections are important.

If I didn’t have this hovercar I’m riding in, I couldn’t have reached the Golden Triangle so quickly.

I could have used Faynol to instantly close even long distances, but what awaits us is a series of consecutive battles.

‘—I’ve bought some time for now.’

In truth, the final chapter has always been a time attack stage from start to finish.

There are ‘game over’ bombs scattered everywhere.

If the gate to the Otherworld stays open too long: game over.

If we leave the Pope alone, who’s likely preparing to enter the Void Zone while using that as bait: game over.

If we miss the Luminary, who’s surely lurking somewhere preparing his own means to kill demons: game over.

And it seems I’ve managed to delay the first of these bombs.

The creatures pouring out from the Otherworld are, amusingly, more sensitive to the element of ‘sacrifice’ than those from Pandemonium.

If all the humans in the Grand Temple had been consumed as sacrifices, the gate would have opened much faster.

‘We need to distribute our personnel wisely.’

Since all three situations are happening simultaneously, we need to deploy our people intelligently.

Coming here first was part of that plan.

“—Wow, I’ve never seen it like this before!”

Elia exclaimed beside me.

He’s probably commenting on how empty Elphante looks, something even he has never seen before.

Confirming that the evacuation was carried out swiftly and efficiently, I jump off the descending hovercar and land.

“But why did we come here?”

“I have something to do.”

“I wonder.”

“…What?”

As Elia stroked his chin with a look that seemed to question if this was necessary, he glanced behind us.

Probably at the others following us.

“Couldn’t we just make good use of the Grand Duchess?”

“…”

“From what I saw earlier, she could probably kill everything by herself if she charged in.”

…Yeah.

I completely agree with that.

“Isn’t she strong enough to do something similar?”

“…No.”

I narrow my eyes and stop Elia.

“Don’t let her fight at all.”

“…Excuse me?”

“The enemy knows that you and that girl are our strongest forces here. They must have countermeasures prepared.”

And in that regard.

It’s better to keep Elnore from fighting until the very end.

Unless it’s absolutely necessary.

“That’s your job too. Keep her restrained so she doesn’t waste energy unnecessarily.”

“…You’re talking about her like she’s some uncontrollable wild animal.”

Hmm.

Hearing Elia’s words, I look at Elnore. She’s following behind us on another hovercar.

“…”

“…”

“…”

Even the notable Demonic Vessels riding with her seem to find it difficult to speak to her.

They even seem to avoid making eye contact.

The tattered, blood-stained wedding dress covered in dirt already gives off a bizarre impression.

But beyond that, her glaring eyes that seem ready to kill anyone who catches her attention are almost horror movie-worthy.

“…Isn’t that pretty accurate?”

“…”

Elia, unable to refute, remained silent before clearing his throat and changing the subject.

“So, while I’m keeping her restrained, what will you be doing?”

“These things need to be done one at a time.”

The strategy framework is complex, but can be summarized simply.

While the others buy time, I’ll handle all the ‘finishing touches’ one by one.

The first thing to resolve is that gate connecting to the Otherworld.

If we’ve bought some time by evacuating the humans from the Grand Temple, now it’s time to drive a ‘wedge’ into it.

We definitely have the means to do that.

Thinking this, I focus on a building I’ve entered before.

It’s where one of the pillars of the barrier protecting this area from the Void Zone exists.

“…It won’t be easy to break through.”

Elia muttered, noticing my gaze.

Indeed.

Due to the influence of the Otherworld gate, I can already see the terrain changing.

Soon, creatures from the Otherworld will be summoned one by one, just like during the previous Red Night incident. This won’t be easy at all.

But.

I’ve prepared everything one by one for moments like this.

With that thought, I firmly grip what I’ve ‘prepared’ in my hand.

“Reminds me of old times.”

“…”

As soon as I said that.

Yuria and the Saint, both on leashes, glared at me like they wanted to kill me.

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