Ch.4848. Scheming

●

“You said you wanted to pick a fight.”

Such a sentence flowed from the Pope.

“There must be something displeasing you. Would you care to share?”

And then, such words followed.

His demeanor was frighteningly calm.

As if the current situation had nothing to do with him.

“…”

Well, then.

I just need to deliver my message in this situation.

I smirk and gesture with my chin toward Klein who’s collapsed on the floor.

“First of all, please stop sending guys like this to harass the Holy Maiden. As they say, clear water flows from a clear source. When you keep having impure thoughts, your subordinates all run wild like unleashed dogs causing trouble everywhere.”

The mouths of those around us gaped open again.

It was hardly fitting language to use with someone who held one of the highest positions of power on the continent.

“And, there’s something you’re desperately looking for right now, isn’t there?”

I’m talking about Yuria’s sword. The national treasure of the Holy Empire.

“I’m going to keep that. Don’t bother looking for it. Otherwise, something terrible will happen.”

My immediate goal is to somehow deal with that object that creates the Curse of Severance. Four days left. That’s when I’ll gain the practical means to clear Chapter 2.

And for that, I need to prevent this guy from rushing in to recover it right now.

“…Thank you for the advice.”

To that evenly delivered voice.

“Your Holiness.”

I continue with a grin.

“This isn’t advice.”

“…”

In truth, the dignitaries present at an event with the Pope would mostly be people who had proven their abilities through thick and thin.

And the unanimous reaction flowing from such people right now is all the same.

Silence accompanied by shock.

“What on earth are you doing!”

I look at the person who spits out these words with a scornful laugh.

It’s an elderly priest. Probably the Pope’s aide.

“I heard you were the one who picked the fight first! While duels are justified procedures agreed upon by all parties, this outrage! The Holy Empire will never tolerate this!”

“And?”

When I answer in a leisurely voice, the elderly priest’s mouth falls open.

“…What did you say?”

“What are you going to do if you don’t tolerate it? Kill me?”

“…”

The elderly priest began to tremble with his mouth still hanging open.

If he had just stayed quiet, he might have looked somewhat gentle, but with his entire face turning bright red and his beard quivering, it doesn’t mean much.

“Such… to put such a ruffian in a duel! Have both the Tristan Dukedom and the Imperial Palace lost their minds?”

“If anyone’s lost their mind, it’s more likely to be your side.”

That wasn’t me speaking.

One of the people who had been silently observing the situation nearby dropped those words and stood up.

His entire body was covered in muscles and scars reminiscent of ancient stone. His appearance and attire were practically stereotypical of an ancient barbarian warrior.

“We’ve left you alone when you were bullying that innocent young girl, your so-called Holy Maiden. After all, it’s someone else’s business.”

A relaxed voice continued to fall.

“But even the Tribal Union knows what that kid is. How important he is. From the start, your intentions were sinister, sending a trained soldier against a boy who hasn’t even earned his warrior badge.”

The warrior said this with a smirk.

“But if you’ve lost so thoroughly, showing all your cards, just shut up. From what I’ve seen, what that kid just did was a rightful exercise of the victor’s rights.”

I can’t help but laugh bitterly inside.

‘…As expected.’

I had already anticipated that someone would back me up if I openly confronted the Pope’s side like this. That’s why I pulled this stunt.

But the “importance” this person is talking about was just created after seeing me handle demonic power without penalty.

He’s taking my side because he has his reasons.

“…”

In other words.

I’ve now become “prey” coveted by the Imperial Palace, and even the chieftains of the Tribal Union.

Things are bound to get complicated from now on.

As I was mulling over such bitter thoughts, the elderly priest threw words at the warrior.

“Mind your words! His Holiness the Pope is present!”

“What are you going to do about it, old man? I’ll throw back exactly what that kid said. Are you going to kill me for it?”

The elderly priest closed his mouth.

This time, it wasn’t just because he was angry, but because he read the killing intent in Hatan’s eyes.

Even the faces of people nearby, who weren’t even the targets of such aura, turned pale.

“Even the Grand Chieftain can’t tell me what to do. People from other countries matter even less to me. Understand?”

“…”

In a way, this is an even bigger diplomatic disaster than what I did, but the elderly priest remained silent. The Pope doesn’t say anything either.

‘…Hah.’

I think I understand why.

I count the number of markings visible near his neck. Warriors of the Tribal Union tattoo teeth on their bodies for each monster they hunt alone.

‘Ten.’

And the kinds of creatures that hunters from the Tribal Union call “monsters” are on the level of drakes or basilisks.

They might not match supreme monsters like the Dragon Clan or the Four Lesser Gods, but they’re beasts that would cause catastrophic events if even one were released.

In other words.

This man has hunted ten monsters alone that even a captain-level knight in the Imperial Order wouldn’t dare to face.

It’s an achievement that even formidable monsters like Gideon or Atalante couldn’t match.

“…”

I know who he is.

Hatan Wu-Zel.

Chieftain of the “Blue Dragon,” one of the clans of the Tribal Union, and the world’s greatest monster hunter. He’s also a recurring villain in Chapter 3.

Additionally, he currently holds a professorship at the “Crucible of Struggle,” an educational institution rivaling Elphante in prestige.

With such a string of titles, one might overlook such thuggish behavior.

More accurately, people avoid him because they don’t want to mess with a madman.

“And, you.”

Then, the gaze of this madman turned toward me.

“I quite like you. Even setting aside your handling of that ominous power, I see the qualities of a good warrior in you.”

[Skill: Fatal Charm activates.]

[The villain appreciates your spirit!]

[A reward has been added to the Gift tab!]

“…”

Hmm.

True to his madman nature, he seems to immediately like those who act crazy.

“…Thank you.”

When I said that to Hatan, who was grinning fiercely, he replied:

“Come visit the Crucible of Struggle sometime. I’ll give you a good reception.”

With those words, an accessory flew toward me.

It’s a simple accessory that looks similar to a dreamcatcher. But my eyes widened immediately upon receiving it.

[Lion’s Necklace] [Accessory]

[Grade: Rare]

[A necklace awarded to promising warriors in the Tribal Union. When worn, it increases the body’s vitality. It also improves the efficiency of physical training through exercise.]

‘He’s giving this to me already?’

It might just be labeled as a Rare grade, but the fact that I, a person from the “Empire,” received it implies quite a lot.

Among all the hegemonic nations, the Tribal Union is the most conservative about their internal customs. Giving this to a foreigner would normally be unimaginable.

To obtain it, one would typically need to work extremely hard and impress Hatan, but it seems I’ve been awarded it right away because Fatal Charm triggered.

‘…This is an insane gain?’

While it might not have a significant immediate effect, it’s an item that can completely twist one branch of Chapter 3’s “Academy Exchange Event.”

It’s a necessary condition to save a character who would otherwise definitely die in Chapter 3.

In other words.

It’s a clue that allows me to save the person Riru Garda, a key character in that chapter, is willing to risk her life to protect.

“Let you all sort it out. I’ve seen all the good parts, so I’m leaving.”

As I was thinking about this, Hatan left with just those words, yawning.

People around looked at him with expressions that seemed to ask what the hell he was, but he didn’t care.

“…”

Right. He was always like that.

An unpredictable natural person. Always doing things his own way.

But thanks to his stirring things up, no one is challenging what I just said. They’re just waiting for the Pope’s response.

Sighing, I look at the silhouette of the opponent faintly visible through the veil.

Despite everything that’s happened, he shows no notable reaction.

He just silently glares at me.

Even in this situation, this guy.

Without any emotional fluctuation, he calmly scrutinizes me from head to toe.

“I understand.”

Then, such words flowed from the Pope in a smooth voice.

“It wasn’t exactly a duel with stakes, but it’s not difficult to grant you that much. You may do as you wish.”

Everyone’s eyes widened at those words.

He was saying he would accept the proposal of someone who had just committed such an outrage.

Moreover, it was a statement made in public. It means he’s taking responsibility for it.

From now on, he’s declaring that he won’t touch Lucien and Yuria, and that he’s also giving up on the Holy Empire’s national treasure that Yuria possesses.

Of course, he could still cause trouble through backdoor operations, but there’s obviously a world of difference between officially saying he’ll do something and not saying it.

“Your Holiness!”

At those words, the aide turned to him in alarm, but the Pope continued in his still smooth voice.

“This is right, Aide.”

“But…!”

“I said this is right.”

The elderly priest immediately closed his mouth.

He must have detected the slight anger mixed into that previously even voice.

“…”

I let out a scornful laugh.

This guy isn’t just smoothly giving this up.

He’s suppressing the rage that makes him want to tear me apart right now while accepting such a proposal.

“…You truly are a sinister person. I’ll give you that.”

And seeing him say such things, I feel a bit disappointed.

It would have been better if he had refused this proposal and thrown a fit.

If he had.

I could have extracted more from him.

-!

The next moment, light descended from the sky.

The light that struck down instantly enveloped Klein’s body, which had been writhing on the ground.

The blessing of teleportation.

The purpose would be to return him to the church headquarters.

“…Teleportation to the church headquarters? From this distance?”

“I’ve heard of the title Pope, but…!”

Such words flowed from nearby in disbelief.

Understandably so.

From the Holy Empire’s church headquarters to Elphante, it’s a distance of at least a few thousand kilometers.

And to teleport someone there in one go. Well.

It’s a marvel of marvels that you’d probably only see if you brought along a real dragon.

Especially considering that spatial movement abilities are extremely difficult to perform with holy power.

‘…Monster.’

He’s a person jokingly referred to by users as a “demon in human form.”

Not only for his twisted personality, but because his actual abilities are comparable to a demon’s.

The title of the strongest priest in history isn’t just for show.

“…Let’s meet again. Darwood Campbell.”

He recited my name correctly.

As if he had clearly remembered it.

“We will surely meet again.”

With those words.

The Pope’s projection disappeared from Elphante.

●

In the deepest room within the church headquarters in the Holy Empire.

Pope Credo Baor II wiped his face while wearing a smile.

As the light emanating from the scepter attached to the side of his chair faded, he calmly opened his mouth.

“Serath.”

As he said that, a woman who had been quietly waiting beside him offered a cup.

Befitting the church headquarters, the cup was engraved with numerous holy symbols, but ironically, the liquid inside was a black substance that exuded an unmistakably unholy aura.

“…”

After quietly drinking it, the Pope let out a deep sigh.

Holy power beyond normal bounds is a double-edged sword. The human body can’t withstand it if one tries to wield it properly even a little.

To expel the residual energy in the body, one always needs to live with such things.

Someone surely suffered to create this. Perhaps even gave their life.

But he didn’t care at all.

‘…At least, until I achieve my purpose.’

He will do whatever it takes.

Until he completes the “great work” he has been devoted to his entire life.

The order that followed was in that context.

“Dispose of the teleported battle priest for the Chimera Project. He will be a useful battery.”

Failures are unnecessary.

It’s not like replacing a high-ranking battle priest would cause a major incident.

“Yes. I will announce that he died during treatment.”

The woman called Serath quietly bowed her head to show she had received the order.

Unlike usual, she didn’t move immediately, which made the Pope tilt his head.

“Serath? Is something the matter?”

“…May I ask a question?”

“Go ahead.”

This is unusual.

A person who always obeyed his words like a doll is asking a question.

“Why did Your Holiness listen to that man’s words?”

“…Ah. You mean about the Greyhaunter sisters?”

The Pope gave a bitter smile.

Indeed, it would seem strange to anyone to readily accept the request of someone who openly misbehaved like that.

But.

“I was being threatened, so I had no choice.”

“…Pardon?”

Serath asked blankly.

Threatened?

Wouldn’t they have the upper hand to suppress that Darwood fellow after what he did?

Considering the Pope’s authority, that would be natural.

“You should know that man’s ‘position,’ Serath.”

But the Pope continued with a sigh.

“The Empire, the Tribal Union, and even we already knew that he has some kind of relationship with ‘demons.’ And we saw him skillfully handle part of that ability during the duel.”

Just with that, Darwood Campbell’s position rises to an irreplaceable level.

There has never been a single human in history capable of such a feat.

In fact, the reason the Tribal Union’s chieftain took his side might partly be due to compatible temperaments, but that fact would account for a significant portion.

And immediately after declaring himself as such a being in front of everyone, what he did was to directly confront him.

“The moment he openly confronted me like that, he ‘showed’ everyone that there’s some kind of uncomfortable relationship between him and me. That alone is his victory.”

“…Pardon?”

“After others learned about the uncomfortable relationship between him and me, if anything were to happen to him, the damage would fall entirely on me and the Holy Empire.”

Serath, who had been blinking for a moment, suddenly stiffened her expression and looked at the Pope.

The Pope gave another bitter smile.

Yes. She finally understands.

“If something bad happens to Darwood Campbell, the Tribal Union and the Empire will first suspect that it was done by the Holy Empire. They will use that as an excuse for all kinds of covert operations or unreasonable demands.”

“But we would never…!”

“The facts don’t matter.”

The Pope continued in a low voice.

“International society is about the logic of power. As long as the balance of power is maintained, one can blame the other regardless of the truth. In that sense, matters concerning Darwood Campbell’s identity are extremely powerful justifications. He showed his value in this duel, making everyone regard him highly.”

And as a result.

“…Deploy some intelligence personnel and operatives near Darwood Campbell. We need to help him.”

Instead, the Holy Empire.

Has found itself in a situation where it has to “protect” Darwood Campbell, who openly confronted them.

Because the moment something happens to him, the Empire and the Tribal Union will start pressuring the Holy Empire very strongly using that as an excuse.

That’s what it means to be threatened. In such a situation, taking a strong stance against Darwood Campbell would only allow him to steer the entire situation in his favor.

“…Then, Your Holiness.”

Serath said with a slightly trembling voice.

“I hesitate to ask, but. The request for Your Holiness to personally attend at Elphante…”

“It was probably his request.”

The Pope laughed coldly.

“He planned it from the beginning. Knowing it would turn out like this.”

“…”

Serath closed her mouth with a dumbfounded expression. Her arms had slight goosebumps.

Deliberately requesting an absurd duel. Then immediately confronting the Pope like a mad dog.

Behind everything that seemed like the actions of a lunatic, there was meticulous calculation.

This was just.

A single student.

Facing one of the strongest heads of state on the continent.

A person who could stir up the entire continent with a single word had been completely outmaneuvered by a mere student.

The Pope quietly sighed.

He had felt this sensation before.

‘…He resembles that one.’

Both in that ability to “suddenly become strong” despite being weak, and in the overall atmosphere he exudes.

He bears a terrifyingly close resemblance to the most creepy and unpleasant “thing” he has ever encountered.

“Either way, it’s clear we’ll meet again.”

Perhaps, those two might also.

Meet each other soon. He has that feeling.

The Pope sighed and wiped his face.

His expression remained expressionless, but his eyes still shone brightly.

‘Darwood Campbell.’

That name.

He had no intention of ever forgetting it.

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