Chapter 1137
"A war of sanctity?"
Raon questioned, tracking the flickering uncertainty in the gaze of Chad, the commander of the Shadow Agents.
"Are you truly referring to a holy war?"
Such a crusade was not the business of typical realms; it was a conflict specific to a Holy Kingdom. Furthermore, the label was reserved for dire circumstances.
It was a term invoked only when the core tenets of a Holy Kingdom were at risk or when a fundamental manifestation of evil rose to challenge Holy Power. Raon found his fist tightening involuntarily.
"Indeed. It remains confidential for now, but internal movements within Suphren suggest they are mobilizing for a divine conflict."
Chad confirmed the reliability of the intel, which originated from the heart of Suphren, as he retrieved a parchment from his tunic.
"I see..."
Accepting the missive, Raon spread it open and scanned the contents with a focused eye.
'This is a briefing from an asset embedded in Suphren.'
The text detailed how the Suphren Holy Kingdom was stockpiling military provisions and calling upon its elite Holy Knights. Yet, even the spy remained in the dark regarding the specific catalyst for this sudden mobilization.
"So the underlying cause remains a mystery?"
Raon clicked his tongue in frustration as he handed the document back to Chad.
"Precisely. It appears the objective is known only to the highest circle of the Suphren Holy Kingdom’s leadership."
Chad bowed his head, showing his regret for the incomplete picture.
"I surmised you might possess some insight given your history with the Saintess, but it seems that isn't the case."
He gestured slightly, implying he had hoped Raon's connection to Suphren might have yielded more clarity.
"Olga is rarely forthcoming about her private affairs or the state of her nation."
A small smirk crossed Raon's face as he pictured Saintess Olga’s typical brooding look. Even after her liberation from the affliction, her personality remained sharp and her patience thin.
"If you can grant me a bit of time, I will investigate this further."
Chad inclined his head, promising that with a brief window, he could uncover the identity of the adversary and the reason for the hostilities.
"That won't be necessary."
Raon declined with a steady shake of his head.
"I had already intended to travel to the Suphren Holy Kingdom, so I shall uncover the truth firsthand."
He had been planning to secure formal endorsement from Suphren before the conclusion of the second successor trial. Going there personally was far more efficient than waiting for reports to arrive.
"Ah, that does make more sense."
Chad gave a firm nod of concurrence.
"I appreciate you bringing this critical news to me."
Raon offered a respectful bow to the commander.
"Think nothing of it! We are traveling the same road, are we not?"
Chad laughed vibratively, waving his hands to signal his unwavering support.
"If anything else of note crosses my desk, I’ll ensure it reaches you!"
Mentioning the mountain of duties awaiting him, he pivoted and utilized his high-speed footwork to vanish back toward the Shadow Agents' headquarters.
'To think I once suspected a man like that of being a mole for Karoon...'
Raon sighed, watching the distant spot where Chad had disappeared.
'I truly was being narrow-minded and cynical.'
-Your lack of perception is just the beginning of your flaws!
Wrath glared at him, his face twisted in a scowl.
-It doesn't matter how often I shout it; it's as if you've stuffed your ears with cotton! It is beyond infuriating!
The small spirit struck his chest, complaining of a metaphorical blockage brought on by Raon's dense nature.
'Well, I am aware of it now.'
Raon gave a thin smile and moved past the thought.
'I will simply have to ensure I balance the scales of our relationship moving forward.'
Promising himself to repay Chad’s loyalty many times over, he turned his thoughts back to the situation in Suphren.
'A holy war...'
Who could Suphren possibly be targeting? Despite its religious branding, the Suphren Holy Kingdom had ceased the worship of Archangels or Angels, a change sparked by his own actions.
However, while they had turned away from the Heavens, they remained naturally opposed to the Abyss, leading him to conclude they were likely squaring off against entities from the Devildom.
'It fits. For a Holy Kingdom to declare such a war, the enemy must be Demonic.'
With Derus Robert declaring his own war and retreating into the shadows, the Archangels and Angels were unlikely to interfere. That left only the terrors of the Devildom as Suphren’s likely foes.
'Wrath.'
Raon shifted his gaze toward the small blue king.
'Are you aware of any powerful Demons who have breached the veil into Suphren lately?'
-How in the world would I know that?
Wrath blinked, looking genuinely baffled by the inquiry.
'You are a monarch of that realm. Shouldn't you have a pulse on such movements?'
Raon mimicked Wrath’s confused tilt of the head.
-You absolute dunce...
Wrath stood frozen for a beat before his eyes flared with indignation.
-I am tethered to your very soul and trapped within this miserable mental landscape! How could I possibly keep tabs on international demonic travel?!
He gnashed his teeth, demanding Raon use a shred of logic.
-If I possessed my freedom, I would have descended to the Devildom ages ago to dismantle the entire hierarchy!
Wrath flailed his arms, dismissing the question as total nonsense.
-Use that thick skull of yours! Do you honestly think I would be lounging around if I could leave, especially after you struck me twice yesterday?!
He gingerly touched his bruised eyelid, a souvenir from their previous physical disagreement.
'A fair point.'
Raon made a small sound of agreement as he noted the dark mark on Wrath's face.
'Then I have no choice but to see for myself.'
Since the Shadow Agents lacked specifics and Wrath was predictably useless, the only path forward was a direct visit to the Suphren Holy Kingdom to investigate the crisis.
-And just where do you think you’re headed?
Wrath scowled, his arm beginning to radiate a chilling frost.
-If that abrasive Saintess hasn't sent word, it means they intend to settle this alone. Sit still, consume some calories, and focus on your training.
He gestured dismissively, suggesting Raon stay at the annex and practice his breathing techniques.
'Both the reigning Holy King and Olga...'
Raon reflected on the leaders who steered the Suphren Holy Kingdom.
'Neither of them would ever dream of pleading for aid, regardless of the danger.'
The leadership in Suphren felt a heavy burden of debt toward him already. There was a strong chance they would face total annihilation before they asked Zieghart for military assistance.
During the struggle against the White Blood Religion, Suphren and Olga had been instrumental in saving lives, which should have balanced the scales, but he knew they still felt they were the ones who owed him a favor.
'My presence is required. Furthermore...'
He looked toward the primary estate with a subtle grin.
'I have been ordered to secure my victory in the second successor trial. Having Suphren's public endorsement would make my claim indisputable.'
He had already gathered a significant following, but the weight of a Holy Kingdom’s backing would seal the deal for the trial.
-So, is this another solo excursion?
Wrath jerked his chin toward Raon, curious about his travel plans.
'When one travels, one should always bring their resources. And...'
Raon clicked his fingers as a plan formed.
'I believe I have the perfect arrangement.'
Instead of making for the training grounds, he sprinted toward the annex. He stopped before the door to Evelyn’s quarters within the staff section.
"Evelyn."
Raon gave a soft, rhythmic knock.
"Is that Raon? Give me a moment."
Evelyn, who sounded like she had been unwinding, answered with her customary warmth.
-W-why are you bothering that maniac!
Wrath poked at Raon, clearly agitated by Evelyn’s involvement.
'Evelyn allows for rapid travel and is exceptionally versatile. Besides, this allows me to make good on a previous commitment.'
As Raon stood there smiling, the door swung open. Behind Evelyn, her room was visible—a masterpiece of precision and order that put the rest of the building to shame.
"How can I help you?"
Evelyn greeted him with a gentle expression.
"I believe I owe you a date, don't I?"
Raon stepped forward, his smile widening.
"Let us go. There is a destination I’d like us to visit together."
He reached out his hand, offering to fulfill his long-overdue promise.
"A date? Truly? At this very moment... wait."
Evelyn’s joyful expression suddenly turned rigid, looking more like a porcelain mask than a face.
"Raon. Please tell me the 'destination' you have in mind isn't..."
The corner of her mouth twitched.
"Not the Suphren Holy Kingdom, surely?"
Evelyn caught the implication immediately, having likely caught wind of the report from Chad.
"Oh? You were already informed?"
Raon’s expression faltered as he saw her reaction.
-Good grief...
Wrath looked too exhausted to even mock him, shielding his eyes with his palms and sighing heavily.
"Heehee..."
An unsettling giggle escaped Evelyn as a massive amount of magical energy began to swirl around her hands.
"It appears Raon requires a fundamental lesson. He clearly doesn't understand the definition of a romantic outing."
Declaring her patience exhausted, she hurled the concentrated mana directly at him.
"Now, wait a second!"
Raon used the Dance of the Golden Flame to parry the initial blast and bolted from the annex. Evelyn was right on his heels, her presence like a vengeful spirit, chanting high-level incantations with lethal intent.
'What is happening! Why is she so furious!'
Raon sprinted toward North Grave Mountain, genuinely fearing for his life.
-To think I would find myself in total agreement with that crazy woman...
Wrath exhaled slowly, stunned by the turn of events.
-Just give up and perish! The world would be a better place for it!
'Will someone please tell me...'
-If you're too dense to see it, then just die! Die already!
Having narrowly survived his encounter with Evelyn, Raon eventually made his way to the grand hall.
"You look like you've been through a blender."
Glenn observed Raon with a furrowed brow, noting the scorched marks and residual mana clinging to his clothes.
"Yes. There was a bit of a communication breakdown..."
Raon bowed his head, offering a sheepish apology.
-Communication breakdown? If that’s what you call it, just end it all now!
Wrath, surprisingly aligned with Evelyn, mimed choking himself in frustration.
"So, your next stop is Suphren?"
Glenn drummed his fingers on the throne’s armrest, gauging Raon’s resolve.
"Yes. With a month remaining, I wish to address the crisis there and return with their official support for the trial."
Raon looked to Glenn, seeking his blessing for the journey.
"The trial doesn't commence for thirty days. Your time is your own until then."
Glenn gave a slow nod of approval.
"However, remember that when time is tight, chasing every lead can cause you to miss the core objective. Discern what is truly vital and give it your full focus."
It wasn't just permission; it was a lesson in prioritization.
"I will take those words to heart."
Raon mentally recorded the advice.
"Have you identified your potential candidates yet?"
Glenn lowered his gaze, interested in Raon’s evaluation of the peers.
"Currently, I have confirmed Karoon and Alice. The others remain under consideration. Once I return from Suphren, I will evaluate their progress and dedication before making a final selection."
Raon asked for patience as he offered another bow.
"Karoon and Alice. Interesting choices..."
A faint smile touched Glenn’s lips, as if Karoon’s inclusion was a predicted outcome.
"Very well. We shall settle everything in a month’s time."
He signaled that there was no need to rush the process of discovery.
"My thanks. I shall take my leave."
Raon gave a final respectful salute and turned to exit.
"Hmm..."
Glenn watched Raon depart, noticing that the young man's presence felt heavier—not just physically, but in the depth of his character.
'Follow your own path.'
He leaned back with a look of profound serenity, as if he were a witness to the turning of an era.
'I will clear the way for you, even if I have to expend every ounce of my being to do it.'
Deep within the central cathedral of the Suphren Holy Kingdom, Holy King Hoppen was deep in meditation. He was in the Sanctum of the Holy Spirit, a private chamber reserved for his personal communion. He had sat there for an eternity, as still as a carved monument. A low vibration thrummed through the chamber.
As if responding to Hoppen’s unwavering devotion, a glimmering starlight descended from above, draping over his form.
A brilliant, divine glow began to radiate outward, filling the prayer room with warmth.
"Oh, look!"
"The Holy King is truly blessed!"
"To manifest such pure light and celestial energy!"
The clergy and Holy Knights stationed in the cathedral clasped their hands in reverence, their eyes misting over at the sight of the radiance Hoppen had called forth.
"This is surely a sign of favor!"
"This is the power of a ruler who earned his crown through sheer merit!"
"With such a leader, the coming crusade is already won..."
While the priests were busy celebrating their holy visions, the tranquility was shattered by heavy, deliberate footsteps. A girl with golden hair, dressed in a black nun's habit, marched through the cathedral and proceeded to kick the door of the Sanctum off its hinges.
"Gah!"
"Wait, stop!"
"The ritual isn't over!"
The attendants tried to intervene, but the girl shoved them aside with effortless strength. With a resounding boom, the black-clad figure stepped over the ruins of the door and locked eyes with the startled Holy King Hoppen.
"P-please, have you never heard of knocking!"
Hoppen pleaded, his composure shattered as he begged her to temper her aggression.
"I provided a warning."
Saintess Olga sniffed, smoothing out her dark habit with a dismissive gesture.
"That wasn't a warning! That was a structural demolition!"
Hoppen barked at her, urging her to act with the grace expected of a Saintess.
"Stop wasting your breath on empty prayers and move."
Olga ignored him, beckoning him forward. With a sharp, determined glint in her eyes, she tapped the slender blade hanging at her hip.
"The tool required to end that wretched witch is finally ready."
