Chapter 185: Appointment

  When Adela brought Templar Javi to the Pope's hall, several Cardinals who were still in Celeste were also summoned, standing on both sides of the hall. Lancelot stood quietly behind the Pope, like a guardian statue.

  "Templar Javi pays respects to Your Majesty the Pope." Templar Javi knelt and bowed, while Adela stepped aside.

  The eyes beneath the Pope's snow-white, slender brows already showed some of the cloudiness characteristic of the elderly. He looked at the kneeling Templar below and slowly said: "Templar Javi, the tactical suggestions you previously submitted were meticulously analyzed with unique insights. The key is that they were based on facts. Such vision and judgment appearing in a young person like you is truly rare. The current situation is somewhat chaotic, so I want to hear your opinion."

  To receive praise from such an elderly man who stands at the pinnacle of power on the continent, who in the eyes of ordinary people is almost no different from a god, should be a dream-like supreme honor for any young person. However, there was no trace of loss of control due to excitement on Templar Javi's face. Instead, with an expression and tone that perfectly conveyed gratitude and reverence, he said: "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty."

  The Pope continued: "A priest from the allied forces on the highlands just came to report that Oufu used a Forbidden Spell in the first engagement to completely annihilate Judah's heavy knight regiment. The morale of the allied forces has now plummeted. Moreover, it's said that Oufu might have another Forbidden Spell scroll, 'Meteor Shower.' A few days ago, news also came from Erathia that Tatalia's offensive has almost reached the royal city. The allied forces are now at a disadvantage. What do you think should be done?"

  Kneeling, Templar Javi answered: "Reporting the situation to Your Majesty is a Templar's duty. Your Majesty's wisdom is sufficient to illuminate all things. In the Holy See and among the Temple Knights, there are lords specifically responsible for military strategy research. My humble opinion is truly insignificant."

  The Pope smiled slightly and said faintly: "Stand up. Since I asked you, just answer honestly. What do you think of the current situation?"

  "Yes." The Templar stood up, seemingly thinking for a moment before answering: "Although Oufu and Tatalia seem to have completely gained the upper hand now, it's merely a flash in the pan. In terms of the overall situation, there's actually no fundamental change. Please rest assured, Your Majesty, their defeat is only a matter of time."

  "Oh? How so? The allied forces and Erathia are now being beaten down by them, unable to hold their heads up." Although the Pope was asking, there was no trace of curiosity on his face.

  "The current advantage is the result of Oufu utilizing brilliant strategy and tactics to their fullest extent. However, in war, what ultimately matters is the strength between nations. Oufu has been established for only about a year, with a weak foundation. Whether in terms of orc population or productivity and other aspects, they cannot compare with major powers like Erathia. Although they've obtained considerable resources through commerce in a short time, it's absolutely impossible to sustain a prolonged war. As for Tatalia, it's merely an alliance of some barbarian tribes. Although the new king Taze might be the most capable king in history, their national strength is ultimately too poor, even worse than Oufu's. It's precisely because of this that they could unexpectedly deal a heavy blow to Erathia, but overall, they are not a cause for concern."

  The Pope nodded, seemingly appreciative of this precise and thorough analysis, and continued: "So you mean our allied forces will definitely win this time? It's just a pity that I've already ordered the allied forces to temporarily retreat."

  "No, Your Majesty is wise. Now, the allied forces remaining on the Barbarian Highlands are less than half, and the soldiers' morale is extremely low. Even the commanders are terrified under the threat of the Forbidden Spell, having completely lost any chance of victory. Moreover, with the harassment from the barbarians this time, Erathia probably won't be able to send troops to the Barbarian Highlands again in the short term. If the allied forces reluctantly attack now, it would only result in unnecessary casualties, and continuing to stay on the highlands would only waste supplies. Temporarily retreating to preserve strength for the next offensive is indeed the best strategy."

  The surrounding Cardinals also nodded slightly. This precise analysis indeed clearly explained the current overall situation.

  "Wait for the next offensive? Since you know that Erathia cannot send troops in the short term and the allied forces have suffered heavy losses, are you so certain that I will definitely gather the allied forces to attack Oufu again?" The Pope sighed. "Just like this, ten thousand soldiers have already been killed or injured. Every one of them was a believer of the Lord, who took up swords in their hands for the glory of the Lord. But now they are buried in the Barbarian Highlands. Two Temple Knights have also been lost, and even a Light Mage. Although you say Oufu will eventually be defeated, how many more believers will be buried in the Barbarian Highlands in the process? Do you think I still need to send troops?"

  The Templar's voice slowed, with a hint of heaviness: "Your Majesty is merciful. But if we don't take the opportunity to eliminate Oufu now, in a dozen years or so, there might be no chance left. By then, they will have the strength to negotiate with Celeste, and might even suppress the entire league of religious nations."

  "Oh? Will it be that serious?" The Pope raised his eyebrows.

  "In just this short period of time, those orcs have been able to establish a city of this scale on the originally barren highlands. If they develop for another dozen years and the orc population increases significantly, it's not difficult to imagine what the situation will be like. The orcs cannot be converted to the glory of the Lord, so it's very likely that they will no longer be content with staying in the Barbarian Highlands and will expand outward. By then, countries like Erathia might be powerless to stop them, and in the end, even the glory of the Lord might be extinguished in the shadows of those beasts."

  "Hmm." The Pope frowned and nodded. "Then what method do you think would be most effective to achieve victory over Oufu, while minimizing our casualties?"

  "Actually, with only a few thousand orcs and being in the disadvantageous position of the center of the Barbarian Highlands, Oufu is absolutely no match for a large army. Their victory this time has already reached the limit of what they can achieve with their abilities. As long as there's another large army pressing on them, with the lessons and experience from this time, Oufu will definitely fall in no time."

  "Hmm." The Pope looked at Templar Javi and nodded again. "But now Erathia probably cannot send troops again in the short term. The Duchy of Judah has lost its entire army, so how can we gather such a large force again?"

  Not far from Templar Javi's side, Bishop Adela's expression began to show some unnaturalness. His gaze shifted from the Pope's face to the Templar, with a look of concern.

  Templar Javi, of course, could not see Bishop Adela's expression, and just continued speaking: "Has Your Majesty forgotten? To the east of Oufu lies the Ainfast Empire. The territory and military strength of the Ainfast Empire are considered the greatest on the continent. If they send troops, Oufu will not only face overwhelming forces but also be attacked from both front and rear. Even with the most exquisite tactics and strategies, and no matter how strong Gru's personal combat ability is, under absolute disadvantage, they would be like a candle in the wind."

  The Pope closed his eyes, shook his head slightly, and sighed again. "Actually, this is also the reason I called you here, Templar Javi. What you've said is also within my considerations. You must know something about the Magic Academy, which has been giving me a terrible headache all along, so I want to hear your opinion on this matter."

  In fact, the Ainfast Empire is not very constrained by Celeste, and even the subordinate relationship of the Magic Academy to The Radiant Citadel is quite vague, with the nominal relationship being more than the actual one. This is somewhat of an embarrassing matter for the Church.

  Twenty years ago, after the then Pope Gregory V passed away, the most favored successor was not the Pope Magnus who sits here now, but Bishop Ronis, who single-handedly quelled the turmoil in the Eastern Continent, was then recognized as the most prestigious and strongest Light Mage, and was in charge of the Magic Academy. But in the end, it was Magnus who ascended to the Papal throne. Bishop Ronis remained at the Magic Academy, and as for what happened in between, no one knows.

  Separated from the west by the Barbarian Highlands and The Wyvern Wastes to the south, the Eastern Continent's connection with the west is not close. Although the Magic Academy was a subordinate institution painstakingly established by the Church in the East many years ago, it could only linger on the periphery of the Ainfast Empire's power center. The Church's power could not be as influential there as in the Western Continent. However, after Bishop Ronis took charge, with this Cardinal's extraordinary talent and ability, the Magic Academy's status and reputation in the Eastern Continent reached a true peak, truly affecting the political situation in the Eastern Continent. But this is only the status of the Magic Academy, not the Church's status. Many ignorant commoners only know of the Magic Academy, not knowing that there is the true center of the Church, Celeste, in the west; they only know of Bishop Ronis, not knowing of His Majesty the Pope.

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  And Bishop Ronis's attitude toward Celeste had always been indifferent. Not only did he turn a deaf ear to the Church's demands and orders, but even the only time he returned to The Radiant Citadel was not to meet His Majesty the Pope, but to borrow two Temple Knights from Lancelot. The Magic Academy even has the nickname "Little Papacy" in the Eastern Continent. Just by looking at how the Ainfast Empire actually shares a "Paladin Order" with the Magic Academy, one can clearly feel that the Church's influence in the Eastern Continent is truly minimal.

  Regarding these matters, Celeste also seemed helpless. On one hand, it might be because of Bishop Ronis's transcendent prestige and status—at least the Pope had never expressed any dissatisfaction with his behavior. On the other hand, separated by the Barbarian Highlands, the Church could hardly take action to forcefully interfere with the Magic Academy. Even Erathia could not confront the Ainfast Empire, whose territory and military strength far surpassed its own. Besides, nominally, the Ainfast Empire had also returned to the glory of the Lord, so they had to turn a blind eye.

  After Bishop Ronis was assassinated, Celeste also sent envoys to discuss the selection of the next Cardinal, but the Ainfast Empire actually made excuses with various reasons, claiming that the Magic Academy was sufficient with the remaining two High Priests in charge. The Magic Academy was also vague about this matter, and Celeste was busy with Oufu's affairs, so it was eventually dropped. And Ainfast had already signed a peace treaty with Oufu long ago, and is still the only country that maintains contact with Oufu to this day, which shows how difficult it would be for Celeste to bring this empire into the war.

  The Pope continued: "I have sent people multiple times to negotiate with the emperor of Ainfast, but there has been no significant result. Templar Javi, how do you think this should be handled?"

  Behind Templar Javi, Bishop Adela's lips moved, as if wanting to say something, but ultimately did not speak.

  Templar Javi thought for a moment, then answered: "I think Your Majesty should not focus on Grafenhardt XVII, but rather on the current Chancellor Duke Mrak and the Paladin Order's leader Roland. These two are the ones who truly influence the emperor's intentions. However, these two are loyal to Ainfast, both clear-headed, exceptionally wise, and deeply scheming. They also communicate with each other and support each other, making them very difficult to deal with."

  "Oh. It sounds as if you're quite familiar with the situation in the Ainfast Empire." The Pope's somewhat surprised gaze fell on Templar Javi, sizing him up repeatedly.

  The Templar answered calmly: "In response to Your Majesty, I once stayed in the royal capital of Ainfast for a period of time, so I have a better understanding of that place."

  "Oh, that's good..." The Pope smiled and nodded, but before he could continue, Templar Javi preemptively said: "Your Majesty, I am willing to go to Ainfast to handle this matter. To share Your Majesty's burdens."

  The Pope's expression froze for a moment, his eyes full of surprise looking at Templar Javi.

  Not only the Pope, but Bishop Adela, the several Cardinals on both sides, and Lancelot all looked at this young Templar with surprised eyes. The difference was that Lancelot was only somewhat surprised, the Cardinals were quite surprised, and Bishop Adela was surprised to the point of being somewhat terrified.

  "Oh. Good, good, good..." The first to recover his composure and calm was the Pope, who said "good" three times in a row, his face—the most powerful on the continent—full of appreciation. "This is a very difficult matter. I've sent many people there, but haven't seen any results. Are you so confident?"

  Templar Javi knelt and said: "I can't say I'm confident. But it is my duty to share Your Majesty's burdens. For the glory of the Lord, for the lives of countless believers, it is my responsibility."

  The Pope smiled slightly, his smile giving people a very deep and heavy feeling. It seemed as if he smiled not just for the sake of smiling itself, but to unify the countless backgrounds and things behind him. The Pope stood up, walked down from the throne, came before the kneeling Templar, placed his hand on his forehead, and said: "Good, Templar Javi, on the Oufu battlefield, you were able to lead troops to attack at a critical moment, saving Knight Wilskey from the orc ambush. And all the dangerous tasks Lancelot gave you before, you completed them outstandingly. All these show that you possess outstanding skills and the courage to sacrifice for your faith at any time. And I can see even more the extraordinary wisdom you possess, as well as your firm faith in the Lord. Therefore, I now temporarily grant you the position of Cardinal, to go to the Magic Academy to replace the deceased Bishop Ronis's position. You must ensure that the Magic Academy returns to the banner of The Radiant Citadel, and make Ainfast send troops against Oufu."

  The surrounding Cardinals burst out with suppressed exclamations. Although it was only temporarily granted, the position of Cardinal was indeed too high for a young person who had only been in The Radiant Citadel for less than a year. There were countless devout clergy who spent their entire lives without even coming close to becoming a bishop. The look of surprise on Lancelot's face was not as strong, he just frowned slightly. But the expression on Bishop Adela's face was very strange and complex, with both incredible joy and more of a restlessness intertwined with worry and terror.

  The one with the most normal and calm expression was actually the kneeling Templar Javi. He lowered his head and answered loudly: "Thank you, Your Majesty. I obey your command."

  Following His Majesty the Pope's command, the appointment ceremony and all other preparations were kept as simple as possible, so tomorrow, Cardinal Javi would go to Ainfast. After His Majesty the Pope issued this command that shocked everyone, he didn't inquire further about it. Soon after, he was resting on a platform at the top of The Radiant Citadel, with only Lancelot by his side.

  This is the highest point of The Radiant Citadel. Through the white holy light on the castle's outer wall, the farthest horizon can be seen in full view. Under the azure sky, these undulating lines appear both hazy and clear, strongly hinting at the infinite scenery contained behind them to all observers. The Pope's gaze repeatedly swept over these boundless lines. His expression was a kind of relaxation that wasn't completely relaxed, like someone who had completed a segment of work but hadn't entirely finished it, coming here to rest for a moment.

  "Your Majesty, must it be done this way?" Lancelot behind him asked.

  The Pope shook his head and said with a faint smile: "Rest assured, I know what I'm doing. Do you think they can really deal with the Magic Academy so easily? Even with Ronis gone. There's still one or more even more difficult characters there. Neither we nor Diya Valley can easily set foot there. So even after Bishop Ronis's death, both sides actually had their sights set on that place, but neither dared to make the first move. I had originally planned to force Eschol to go, but had some reservations, after all, he knows too much, is highly vigilant, and cannot be easily mobilized by me with just any reason. Unexpectedly, Oufu indirectly helped me with a favor, helping me solve the most difficult problem. Now, I just need to send this capable young man there, and we can sit back and watch the tigers fight."

  Lancelot frowned slightly and said: "I'm not referring to this, Your Majesty. I mean, must these issues be resolved in Ainfast? After all, that's not within our sphere of control... Besides, our main target now is Oufu. I'm afraid that with divided objectives, there will be too many variables..."

  "You don't understand. It's not that I want to bring the problems there to be solved... but in fact, all the problems originally originated from there... Whether it's Oufu, or anything else..." The Pope sighed, looking up. The sky was a vast blue, and the intense midday sun made his somewhat cloudy eyes narrow into a slit, but he still tried to focus on that dazzlingly brilliant light. He muttered to himself, as if whispering to the sun in the sky: "Ronis, it's a pity you can't see this anymore. And you no longer need to worry or trouble yourself..."

  Lancelot said no more, just watching the Pope. Every wrinkle on Magnus's upturned face was a small black ditch, forming a stark contrast with the reflected luster beside it, like a monochrome black and white print. Lancelot himself sighed slightly.

  At the same time, in a room in the lower level of The Radiant Citadel, Bishop Adela was pacing around like an ant on a hot pan. The originally charming and kind expression on his face had completely turned into anxiety and restlessness. Beside him was Javi, who had just been promoted to Cardinal. He wasn't as panicked as Bishop Adela, just frowning slightly as if lost in thought. The documents and all items needed for the upcoming trip to Ainfast were being prepared by the people below, so he himself didn't need to be busy running around.

  "This is trouble, this is trouble, this is trouble..." Adela quickly rushed from one end of the room to the other, without any of the dignity that a Cardinal should have, much like a headless fly. He kept muttering: "I didn't expect His Majesty to notice you so quickly, to prepare to deal with you so quickly, no, to prepare to deal with us. We must inform the others in the guild as soon as possible, but now neither of us can leave, what should we do..."

  Javi, who had been silent beside him, suddenly said to Bishop Adela: "For now, we can't tell my father about this."

  "Of course..." Bishop Adela, who was pacing, responded habitually, but immediately reacted, asking loudly in surprise: "What did you say?"

  Although they knew clearly that this was Bishop Adela's bedroom, and absolutely no one would come around here to spy, both Javi and himself were startled by this sound.

  Adela lowered his voice and said to Javi: "Are you kidding? Don't you know that His Majesty is deliberately planning to send you to the Magic Academy? Don't you know his true intention?"

  "Of course I know, otherwise why would I volunteer to go?" Javi snorted coldly. "From the moment he started asking me those questions, I roughly guessed it. Doesn't he himself know the answers to those questions clearly? He wanted me to speak out step by step in front of all the bishops, and then find some excuse to send me there. If I don't agree, he has a reason to never value me again. So rather than that, I might as well volunteer myself."

  "But other places are fine, but the royal capital of Ainfast is your hometown. Do you really think you can deceive those friends and relatives who have known you for twenty years?"

  "Friends and relatives? I don't seem to have those things." Javi smiled faintly with some mockery and helplessness. He raised his hand and touched his angular yet harmonious face that didn't show the slightest bit of ostentation, saying: "Besides, Teacher Valthor's craftsmanship is so superb that even I, every time I look in the mirror, am not entirely sure that the image is really me, let alone others."

  "That's just the face, but what about other things? The Paladin Order's leader Roland, Sandro... these people cannot be fooled by just a face. If you show any flaw in front of them, it might even endanger your father." Adela anxiously persuaded Javi, looking as anxious as if facing a stubborn teenager who wouldn't listen to advice, wishing he could immediately grab him and tie his hands and feet. "And do you think this task can be accomplished? Think for yourself, Sandro and Roland, and your previous wife, will they hand over the Magic Academy to you? Will they make Ainfast break the alliance and attack Oufu, which Ronis always supported?"

  "Then what do you suggest? At this point, can I still retreat? What if I run away? What happens next? Will he send you to the Magic Academy?"

  "No, His Majesty... he won't send me..." Bishop Adela's expression seemed somewhat strange, hesitating to speak. "He's specifically targeting you. He probably has seen that you're from Diya Valley and plans to throw you to Sandro, forcing us to find a way to confront Sandro and Agrael. And regardless of the outcome, the strength of both sides will be greatly damaged."

  "Rest assured, I naturally have my reasons and won't go to my death for nothing." Javi smiled lightly, but the light in his eyes was as heavy as a mountain and sharp as a knife. "Have you considered this? If I succeed in this matter, not only can Oufu be taken down in an instant, but even our overt forces can stand on equal footing with Celeste. A Cardinal position that was originally just an empty title can immediately fill the vacuum left after Lord Eschol's death." As his voice grew lower, the light in his eyes became more intense, not just heavy and sharp, but with a scorching undercurrent surging like magma beneath. "And that's the place where I lost everything. I want to take everything back from there. So you can tell the others, but don't tell my father. I don't want him to disturb me."

  Adela said with a bitter smile: "Others? But who else among the others would help you? Teacher Valthor has always only cared about his own research and not our affairs. Now he's pondering the creation of Dread Knights; I'm afraid even if someone broke into Diya Valley, he wouldn't pay attention. Norbolin went to Nighon to mediate; otherwise, Erathia might not have been beaten by those people to the point of never being able to recover. Master Aiden returned to the Tower of Fangs to handle Asri's affairs... Besides, your father is the acting guild leader. In terms of emotion and reason, he shouldn't be kept uninformed, right?"

  Javi slowly shook his head, his voice and gaze showing a stubbornness that was firm to the point of being rigid: "No, this can be considered my own matter. I'll handle it alone. Even if I fail, there's no need to drag everyone in the guild into it."