Crash!
Raul slammed the table in anger.
He glared at the Salvation Church's Arbiter, Gartros, and demanded,
"What is going on here? Why are the rifts not being controlled?!"
Gartros could not provide a clear answer. They had merely followed their scriptures, opening the rifts as instructed.
Despite using every method to control the rifts, they failed. Instead, they only lost priests and followers.
"… We don't fully understand either. All we've confirmed is that the rifts cannot be controlled with our power."
The Salvation Church didn't see this as a major issue. Since this was their first attempt, they never expected perfection.
The real problem was that they had opened a few rifts in the southern region where the Duchy resided.
Raul twitched at that thought, pointing it out sharply.
"We will need to divert part of the army we've prepared for war toward the rifts. We're at the point where we have to close the rifts we created ourselves."
"We have no choice. For now, we will lend the Church's strength to clear the rifts in the south. Enforcer Idun and the Silver Knight Order will join the effort."
Raul leaned back in his chair and rubbed his forehead.
Everything seemed to be spiraling out of control.
With the rifts beyond control, they now had to fight against the very threat they had unleashed.
This had been one of the mysteries that had puzzled Ghislain in his previous life: Why did the south open rifts in their own territory?
Ironically, it turned out the Salvation Church could not control the rifts they had created.
Gartros spoke again, trying to reassure the frustrated Raul.
"We didn't create too many rifts in the south, and we didn't make any near vital regions. There are only a few; they can be dealt with quickly."
"And after that? What about the countless rifts spread across the continent? What are we going to do if that emerges? Can we stop it?"
"…"
"Our goal is not to destroy the world! Didn't we plan this grand scheme to create a new world?"
"You are right. Ultimately, we must find our 'King'—that is the only way this can be resolved."
"Do you really believe that? Do you think that's even possible? Is such a being real?"
"The scriptures say so. We have maintained our mission for centuries, keeping the faith to awaken the King."
Bang!
Raul slammed the table again, growling angrily.
"You couldn't even control the rifts you confidently opened! And yet you still claim this 'King' truly exists?!"
"Raul, do not overstep your bounds."
"…"
"Have you not seen the Gate open? Do you still not believe it? The promised time has come, and He is already in this world. We simply have not found Him yet. Our mission is to awaken Him and create a new world."
Gartros's heavy words made Raul's expression grow cold.
The existence of the rifts had proven the scriptures to be true. This meant that the Salvation Church's long-sought 'King' could indeed exist.
Gartros, softening his tone, continued to soothe Raul.
"The scriptures are ancient—our interpretation may have been imperfect. However, we have already opened the rifts and thrown the continent into chaos. That alone is enough for now."
That was not incorrect. If they had not opened the rifts, all the armies of the continent would have turned against the Salvation Church and their allies.
Of course, this chaos would not have happened if Ghislain had not disrupted their plans.
"If we find the King, will we be able to control the rifts?"
"We will. We must. The key is likely in the Forest of Demonic Beasts. We need to seize the Lutania royal family and the Forest of Demonic Beasts as quickly as possible. And we must also find the 'Guide.' It is certain the Guide is in the Lutania Kingdom, but… we cannot seem to find their whereabouts."
Gartros trailed off.
The Salvation Church had been searching for their targets within the Lutania Kingdom but had found nothing. They wanted to intensify their search, but with the royalists intact, they could not reveal themselves too openly.
In the end, the greatest obstacle to their plans was Count Fenris.
Raul gestured to his aides and said, "Bring me the latest reports on Fenris and the Northern Army."
When the updated reports were handed to him, Raul flipped through the documents and spoke.
"The most dangerous figure seems to be this 'Alpoi,' is it?"
One of the aides nodded.
"Yes, there are several suspicious aspects about him."
"Like what?"
"He was present when Count Ghislain eliminated Delmud, the 7th-circle mage. He was also involved in the Silverlight siege. That seems far too coincidental."
"Then are you saying he is the rumored 7th-circle mage? The one who single-handedly held back Rodrick's army of mages?"
"That is highly probable."
"But there are too many conflicting rumors. For example, that maid Vanessa. Even the commoners believe she is the most powerful mage in Fenris."
"That is just hearsay among ignorant peasants. It means Fenris is hiding the truth. Evidence suggests that Alpoi's current known circle is the 5th. But until recently…"
"He was 3rd-circle, wasn't he?"
"Yes. Such rapid progression makes no sense. Fenris likely could no longer hide his growth and increased his circle publicly. They even spread absurd rumors that he consumed a dragon heart."
"Then does that mean Vanessa is truly 6th-circle?"
"She is likely a decoy mage. It's more plausible that Alpoi has been the one making moves in the background. There's a reason rumors call him the 'Man Who Beat the Goddess.'"
"That does seem convincing."
Raul nodded.
Despite their investigations, inconsistencies remained. However, if Alpoi was a 7th-circle mage, all the doubts and suspicions could finally be resolved.
He had been overthinking things, causing him to miss the obvious.
Flipping through the reports again, Raul muttered, "So this 'Bribe King' head butler has been deceiving us as well."
"Indeed. He was the commander-in-chief at Silverlight. In truth, it was his strategy that destroyed Rodrick's massive army."
"With people like this working for Fenris, of course we suffered."
Raul clicked his tongue. They had been so focused on the Master-level Count Ghislain that they had overlooked the other brilliant individuals surrounding him.
This explained why Count Desmond had been defeated so soundly.
Placing the portraits of Claude and Alpoi at the top of the documents, Raul declared,
"Given the chance, these two must be killed. We must sever Count Ghislain's limbs. Understood?"
"Understood."
Sooner or later, they would have no choice but to face Count Ghislain head-on. Raul intended to strike down the key figures supporting him when they were separated.
Satisfied with his orders, Raul asked another question.
"What about the other nobles?"
"… They have all turned against us."
"Tsk."
After Marquis Rodrick defected, other nobles in the faction followed suit. They were unwilling to face the burden of opposing the Four Great Churches.
Only a handful of vassals in the south remained loyal. But even they were staying put simply because they feared the Duchy.
Raul clenched his fists tightly. Just thinking about it made his blood boil. He had invested so much in those nobles, only for it all to come to nothing.
Among them, the one who had benefited the most from his investments was…
"Amelia. She milked us dry and cut ties the moment the Salvation Church's plans fell apart."
She had exploited him thoroughly and abandoned him without hesitation when trouble arose. He couldn't deny that circumstances forced her hand, but he still felt betrayed.
"Haa…"
Raul leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.
In the end, everything led back to Count Ghislain. Now, while Ghislain and the Northern Army were busy fighting the rifts, Raul needed to act—but he couldn't.
There were simply too many fires to put out.
With an icy tone, he gave his final order.
"Destroy all temples of the Four Great Churches in the south, and kill every priest remaining."
"… Understood."
Most priests of the Four Great Churches had already fled the south. However, some had stayed behind to preach the word of their goddesses and help the people.
Now, they would be hunted and killed. After all, they were already considered enemies.
"And quickly assemble a force to deal with the rifts. Before they expand any further, we must reduce their territory," Raul commanded.
The rifts in the south had to be contained before any war could begin. The sooner they were handled, the better.
This was essentially a race between the Northern Army and the Duchy.
Whichever side dealt with the rifts within their territories first would gain the upper hand in the war.
The Duchy had many elite knights, and they were being aided by the Salvation Church's superhuman priests. They could resolve the situation quickly.
"But even the Northern Army's speed is beyond expectations," Raul muttered.
He couldn't guarantee that they'd finish first. If they focused on the rifts while the Northern Army and Royal Army attacked the south, it would become a dire situation.
Still, they weren't without options. Raul had his own hidden preparations.
He turned to Gartros and asked, "What's the situation with Dentaria?"
"The rift is expanding smoothly," Gartros replied.
"Soon, its territory will reach the Northern Fortress. Thanks to the land's abundant energy, it has grown far larger than other rifts."
"This situation works in our favor," Raul said, a satisfied smile forming.
"Yes, your strategy worked perfectly. Waroka has already gathered all the tribes' warriors. Once the Perdium forces fight the rift, they'll attack the north. The accumulated rage of the tribes will be unstoppable."
Raul nodded, his smirk deepening.
"Count Fenris won't just sit back and let Perdium fall. He'll surely head to the Northern Fortress."
No matter how strong he was, even he couldn't simultaneously deal with an overwhelmingly expanded rift and the united barbarian horde.
Even if he triumphed on one front, the north would lose everything they'd built.
Meanwhile, the south would finish clearing their rifts and march forward.
Raul curled his lips into a cruel grin.
"This time, it won't go your way, Count Fenris."
So far, Count Fenris had ruined the Duchy's plans and constantly forced them to react.
But now, it was their turn to pull the strings and make him dance to their tune.
***
Northern Fortress, Kaipilar.
The Perdium Army stationed there enjoyed a time of unprecedented peace.
Food was abundant, equipment was excellent, and the soldiers were thriving. Thanks to Ghislain, they now had access to a supply-based mana training method, and their knights had grown in number and strength.
Finally, the fortress had the army and dignity befitting a true margrave.
It had been a long time since they'd fought the barbarians. Now dependent on food supplies from Perdium, the tribes had no choice but to behave.
As a result, the garrison had little to do other than eat, sleep, and train.
Of course, Zwalter's characteristic timidity and caution meant the guards and patrols still ran with intense rigor.
"Ugh… I got caught again," muttered Skovan, rubbing his nose as he gazed across the vast northern lands.
He had been transporting supplies to the Northern Fortress when he was dragged into yet another patrol duty. The junior knights were busy with their training, so Skovan had to fill in.
His bored adjutant, the handsome Ricardo, who'd followed him for company, spoke up.
"Do we really need to patrol all the way out here? This is the old area where we used to fight the barbarians."
"Hey, our lord is paranoid, remember? He suffered too much in the past," Skovan replied.
"But aren't we way stronger now than before? We have over a hundred knights now. That makes us a great fief, doesn't it?"
Skovan nodded in agreement.
"It's all thanks to the Young Lord. He's the Commander of the Northern Army now, isn't he? We're the ones who are really thriving these days."
"Who would've thought the Young Lord would grow so powerful? I couldn't even imagine it back then."
The two men sank into nostalgic memories.
They were there when Ghislain had returned and slain the orc horde.
Back then, Skovan had told everyone about his exploits, only to be labeled a liar and driven to drinking. No one believed him, though he did make some money betting on his claims.
To be honest, even Skovan wouldn't have believed it if he hadn't seen it with his own eyes. At the time, Ghislain had been nothing more than a spoiled troublemaker.
Thinking about how far he'd come brought a wave of nostalgia.
"Hey, remember when the Young Lord stormed out of the castle…?"
"And then got us locked up in the prison while he was exploring the Forest of Demonic Beasts…?"
It was nice to share ridiculous memories with someone who understood.
The two men continued reminiscing as they patrolled. This was a routine they'd done many times before, so it was hardly difficult.
Chatting like this was the best way to pass the time.
When they'd ventured far from the fortress, Ricardo joked, "You know, every time you're out here, something bad happens. The barbarians attack, or something else goes wrong."
"Hey, am I cursed or something?" Skovan grumbled.
"I'm serious. Wherever you are, trouble always follows! You were there for the orc subjugation, the war, the Forest of Demonic Beasts campaign, the barbarian fights—everything!"
Annoyed, Skovan scowled at him.
"Don't even joke about that. I don't want anything bad happening again."
"Haha, I'm just kidding. We don't have anything to worry about now. The Young Lord isn't here to drag us into trouble."
"Yeah, you're right. All we have to do is live peacefully here. Hahaha!"
The two of them laughed heartily.
Life was finally peaceful, and they were enjoying it. They had endured so much hardship, especially when they'd been dragged into the Young Lord's chaos.
But their laughter came to an abrupt stop when a junior knight spoke up.
"Captain, what is that over there?"
The evening light was dim, but it was still bright enough to see clearly.
In the distance, a vast field was covered in a thick, blue mist. The mist seemed to ripple and creep slowly toward them.
Skovan and Ricardo froze, their smiles vanishing.
They recognized the phenomenon immediately. They had heard countless warnings about the traits of rift zones.
Skovan broke out in a cold sweat, a chilling thought crossing his mind.
"Is this… really because of me?"
As much as he didn't want to admit it, Ricardo's joke seemed to have been spot on.
[T/L: Please support me and read 385 extra chapters: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]