When the trumpet blast broke through the dark clouds, it started to rain in the east of the city. Dalton wiped away the rain while taking his cursed sword back from his companion. "They went over the dock."
"where?"
"We're in the dyehouse now. Did you see that? That whole area is on fire."
Several rockets fell into the tiled roof, and the house was instantly burst by the heat. It expanded and cracked like a wooden barrel, with earth and rocks flying everywhere. It is not accurate to say that it burned. It should be called an explosion. But as long as it is not unlucky enough to wait in the house, a slight impact is unlikely to cause fatal damage to the mysterious creature. The damage caused by Dalton's side is far more exaggerated than this.
Sita looked at the window. "It's still far away. Why are they burning down the house?"
"Probably worried about an ambush."
"Adventurers would never do such a thing." The mercenary Sita declared.
Of course, few of your fights take place in the city. From Dalton's knowledge, mercenaries specialize in field work, and most of the battles in the city are handled by Nightingale, who would never risk being blacklisted by the city defenders by engaging in such a grand gesture. Adventurers don't take all risks.
It was impossible to expect him to control the situation, so Zhuoer decided to move to higher ground: "We have to go to the bell tower."
"too close."
"There is no way." The magic wave in the sky is not comparable to a few flaming stones, but Dalton can only approach inward. The enemy's setting fire to the dyehouse means that the most backward group of people have also crossed that street, and the nearest The enemy may have infiltrated the tower... like a squad of Inquisitors led by Gandrias.
When the two parties met under the tower of the dock, both were surprised at the measures taken by the other. But with the help of the "Sunless King", they easily fulfilled Uriel's instructions. Except for the Black Knight, no other Cross Knight could resist the overwhelming shadow beast, and the Judge suffered a disastrous defeat. While Dalton was cleaning up the traces, York tied the current Pope of Gaia to a chair like a goose waiting to be slaughtered. The others were left unattended, so he had to kill them one by one. After the body was swallowed by the shadow, no trace was left behind...but this made Dalton more and more uneasy.
The same thing happened on another battlefield. The direct reason why he received help was that the shadow dragon lost its target: both Uriel and the Black Knight disappeared. What happened in the church? Dalton wanted to go back and check - in fact, if he hadn't stopped him in time, York would have probably run back - but he had to abide by the agreement.
"You don't have much magic left." Drow told his companions. "Once you fight with the enemy, it's easy for Nightingale to take the hostage. The 'Sunless King' can't help us get it back."
"Perhaps we should take the initiative and defeat Antuoros's resistance instead of waiting for the enemy to attack us in turn."
"Antroth will have reinforcements."
"So what? If the reinforcements are judges, our Pope will let them weigh it. If they are wizards of the school." York snorted, "Think about it carefully, a guy like Lynde Punabag might as well be a judge. We can totally handle it."
His optimism is enviable, but Dalton can't handle it at all. Capturing Antoros is of great significance, but I'm afraid it's not Punabag who will come, but Mr. Jizuk and Oz. Gandrias might not be worthy of Kong Jing's appearance, but he didn't dare to bet on the two lives. I often bet wrong. Dalton left the shadow dragon near the dock, grabbed York's shoulders, and dragged them both into the shadows. After all, my magic power is almost at its bottom.
He finally arrived at his destination. When we returned to the edge of the Antuolos Cathedral, the sounds of fighting around us were no longer audible, and only half of the iron door was leaning in the wind, groaning. "No one is here?" Sita asked softly.
"We still have to take a look." He didn't dare to rush into the church, so he had to observe through the cracks. Fortunately, the battle in the Sky Realm destroyed the building. Although Anthoros seemed much larger than before the war, it was already dawn and the shadows overlapped under the debris, so it was not difficult to detect. "There's a square staircase underground," he said.
The Sita mercenaries turned into flames and burned the magic pattern carved on the stone platform until it completely lost its effectiveness. Enemies will no longer appear from behind. But Dalton felt it wasn't enough. Although he had tried to think of the Silent School as an enemy since he left Eastman, Uriel still made the overall decision. The Tower Messenger always has an idea, and he can even stop a demon lord. How did he do it? Drow thought. Maybe I should delay and wait for him to come back.
"Will they leave through the ladder?" York was worried, "Uriel can't come back now."
"Good question, well timed." Didn't you burn it already? "The Church of Gaia cannot facilitate the devil. York, the rectangular ladder can only lead to the wizard's home. Neither Uriel nor the demon lord has any reason to go to the wizard's lair."
"That's impossible to say. If I were to be chased by the Sky Realm, of course it wouldn't matter where I escaped. At least the wizards of the school would not help the devil."
Dalton couldn't help but glance at him. Could it be that he really didn't see those corpses? "Tattoo" Gizuk and "Weird Expert" Ozzy Cranky, they died in the church. The School of Silence may resist vigorously, but they will never let Uriel go. By then, the pressure he faced had increased.
"I just hope that the wizards of the school will not help the church, but this is impossible." No matter how stupid the separatist is, he knows when he can jump out and cause chaos. Anthoros is the main city of the Silent School, and its status is equivalent to that of Blumnot in the tower. There is no doubt that wizards will climb off the table and walk out of the grotto for it.
"Wake this guy up, York. I have questions for him."
Sita casually picked up ice cubes and poured them on Gundrias' head. These things are everywhere now, and they all come from the magic stored in Sauron's ring. Our Holiness the Pope could not bear the chill of the added mystery, and soon came to his senses.
"Sita!" the man blurted out after waking up.
To ensure nothing went wrong, York flew through the corridor like a flaming arrow as soon as the Judge and Gundrias appeared, the flames swept through and the heat wave formed a tornado. Even if it were Dalton, this high-level magic would probably consume one-fifth of the magic power. But his recklessness turned into decisiveness at this moment. When Drow controlled the shadow dragon to devour the aftermath and intercept the judge, Sita had relied on the speed of the explosion to bypass the magical barrier and knocked the poor Pope unconscious. York must have made a deep impression on him.
"Obviously. It's hard to meet you." York sighed, "Do I need to say hello?"
"Pagan of the Glitter Pool! At least you are on the side of order, how can you participate in rebellion?"
"Well, maybe it's because I'm too far away from home."
At the critical moment, they both said their own things. Dalton had had enough. "I'm sure, Your Majesty, rebellion and heresy are not your main concerns right now." He pointed his sword at the other party. "How many people did you bring?"
"Enough to suppress the chaos." The sharp blade was applied, and Pope Gaia's momentum was stagnant. He reluctantly answered the question. "The mud-legged guy you hired is vulnerable."
"Your Crusaders battled with the air to come to this conclusion. The Paperclip Mercenary Group has already evacuated." York told him.
Gandrias looked away. Apparently, our Holiness had his own judgment on the situation and did not believe the information Sita revealed in his mockery. "I see that you are really young and think that while the Judge is away, you can occupy the Holy Land of Gaia with just a few clay legs." He cleared his throat. "There is no need to send out crusaders, the judges are the real guards of Antuoros. No matter what you have..." nonsense. Dalton taught him to swallow the second half of the sentence.
"Soul Screwdriver"
This is probably my last magic, and I must make good use of it. "how many people?"
The curse drove the target to speak: "One thousand Cross Knights, ninety-seven Judges. As for the city defenders, I haven't counted them."
"Did he lose the judge who was caught before?" York asked.
Zhuoer didn't bother to pay attention to him. "How many high rings are there?"
"Counting me, there are four...three..." The effect of the curse is weakening. "Or maybe I'm remembering it wrong."
Only fools remember wrongly. It looked like four people. Dalton estimated that this was not bad, and the shadow dragon could handle it completely. "Where's the school wizard?"
"They refused to provide support. Only the theological faction was interested, but asked Lord 'Tattoo' to share the progress of tracking the Holy Scripture. I can't make the decision."
"Really or not?" York asked suspiciously, "The theological sect is interested? Could it be that you don't belong to the theological sect?"
Such questions do not arouse a sense of resistance, but Gundrias answers all questions: "The church is led by Lord 'Tattoo' and is the backbone of the Ascetic sect. The representative of the theological sect is Lord 'Theologian' Rosanne Toslin .”
"Ha! How funny. Theologians care more about books than Gaia."
The pope's face was as white as marble tiles. He raged until he shook off the hint of the curse. However, Dalton has basically determined the composition of the enemy. Bless the gods, the situation is actually better than imagined. Even if Anthoros was on the verge of falling, the Silent School had no intention of taking action. In the underground world and even Eastman, this is an incomprehensible way to deal with it, but the wizards can definitely do it.
"I hope you have considered the consequences of lying, Your Majesty the Pope. I have no good opinion of Gaia, and the same goes for Sita opposite." The effect of the magic was doubtful, so he had to rely on warning, "To be honest, I really hope to hang your head on it." On top of the clock tower.”
"Before that, Lord Gizuk will hang your head first!" the Pope said sternly, "Don't say I didn't warn you."
The name "Tattoo" reminds Dalton of the previous fight in the church. That strange corpse...
He was lost in thought when someone picked up the topic: "Unfortunately, we have to change the order, Gandrias. I don't know the date of your death, but it will undoubtedly be later than 'Tattoo' himself. Shadowfang? Help me."
"Uriel?" York jumped out of his chair. When did he climb up there?
"It's me. Guys." The tower messenger yawned first as he emerged from the shadows. Drow cautiously waited until he saw Croita's iconic Night Whispering Ring before stepping forward to help. "Well done, Dalton, thanks to you here."
I abandoned the dock and saved the hostages. Even so, Dalton thought that Uriel would be in more need of assistance: "You... are intact."
"That's it. Bless Berti. I've always had luck."
luck? Dalton couldn't believe that only the mercenary Sita showed reluctance to ask questions. How did he figure it out? Zhuoer suspected that he didn't think about it at all.
But before he could raise his doubts, His Majesty the Pope had already spoken: "What do you mean?"
"Jizuk is dead," the tower messenger announced. He took a few steps forward. "To put it bluntly, I should bear most of the responsibility for this."
Gandrias stared at him: "Dead?"
"Dead. He was accompanied by the 'weird expert' Ozzie Cranky. Of course, the latter is entirely the result of the Black Knight's victory, but it has nothing to do with... well, I guess you don't believe it either." He waved his hand, " I can't lie, Sauron! Just spare me."
"You think I'm going to believe you-"
"Intimidation? Deception? Nonsense?" Uriel showed an unpleasant smile, "Excuse it. Gandrias. In the name of Gaia, what I tell is the truth." He reached into his pocket, When he took it out, he had a parchment roll between his fingers, and two glass bottles containing cyan liquid in his palms. Dalton took over these precious alchemical potions. "After Gizuk's death, there will be no more ascetic sects, no money-making projects in the name of religion, and no terrible blasphemous issues. In the name of Gaia, Your Majesty, I promise you .”
"What...what's going on?"
"The ins and outs have nothing to do with you. 'Tattoos' are also living people, and living people will die. It is enough to know this, and the wizards of the school should worry about the follow-up. Are you a wizard? Or do people only know Jizuk and not you?"
His Majesty the Pope frowned and was silent for a long time. When York drank the potion, he managed to speak: "Who are you?"
"Don't act stupid. We have met Tedonaradu a long time ago. He is yours. The nightingale leader recognizes us."
"But he's not the only person I need to see during the day."
"Who else? Kilbewick? His body is overhead."
"There are also chefs, gardeners, chief deacons, bell ringers, and city bishops from all over the country. They take turns reporting on their work, four times a week. Do you expect Your Excellency Kong Jing to deal with the indulgence speculation incident in rural churches?" Gan Drias asked back, "I haven't seen you. I left Antoros after Jizuk asked me to open the moment ladder."
The tower messenger frowned. "Ladder?"
"Lind Punabag. He is a subordinate of Lord 'Tattoo' and also joined the church as an ascetic. I opened the ladder for him and sent the judge to Danlao... but nothing was achieved. In the end, I don't Know what he's looking for. Tedonaradu knows the truth, but I can't take the initiative to ask."
"I understand." He turned around and saw that neither Dalton nor York understood, so he had to explain: "The name of the Pope is more important than the power to lead the conservative faction. If you issue orders without authorization, the wizards of the school can interfere with it. So that his name can be completely removed - the Church of Gaia will belong entirely to wizards."
I see. Dalton was thoughtful, but saw Sita nodding seriously, as if she understood. Forget it, this guy shouldn't be my concern. He felt relieved.
Pope Gaia became more and more surprised: "You know the situation of the church very well. Who are you?"
Not mentioning Sita York, Dalton thought he was not considered a nobody, let alone the famous Croita's courier of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It seems that this person has nothing but the name of Pope.
The atmosphere was strange, even Gandrias himself could detect it. His Majesty's Adam's apple slipped behind the jeweled button of the girdle. "I'm afraid you are not an accomplice of the Devil's Society. Who are you?"
"Pilgrim pilgrims," said the tower messenger, "from Eastman."
…
Pope Gandrias of Gaia is such a big shot in the outside world. Uriel has heard about his greatness since he could remember: he gave grace to the common people; he baptized the king; he conveyed the oracle of salvation; he refused to get married and vowed to dedicate his life to Gaia. At Eastman's monastery, the nuns claim that Gaia's most explicit form of protection for mortals is to send His Majesty the Pope as shepherds of all sentient beings. I don’t know if the pope in the other world still has such praise.
After all, now he has dedicated his life to the truth.
Our head priest certainly lives up to the expectations of the Silent School in appearance. He has a prominent and broad forehead, stretched and compassionate eyebrows, pink and droopy eyes, plump cheeks and thick lips covered with beard. These features make him affable but weak.
His gaze was very majestic, but being a prisoner greatly reduced this majesty. His fingers amplified the anxiety inside him, tangled together extremely nervously.
His expression was still dazed, but his muscles pulled up the corners of his mouth, making this noble and calm face reveal a complex expression of fear and joy. It was as if someone who had been groping for a nut shell under the table for half his life suddenly found a piece of sweet cake.
He really didn't look like he could shoulder the responsibility, Uriel thought to himself. If there were other options here...what's the use of thinking about them? The truth is there isn't. The apprentice had no choice but to make do.
He unfolded the scroll of oath, and the divine words were reflected on the cracked marble. "If I tell a lie, Gaia will hear it. I come to you, Gandrias, only to restore the faith you have led astray."
"Is this...?" Obviously he knew the answer. The Pope could hardly take his eyes off the parchment. "Why...you are also a Gaia believer...you said you came to see me? Is it for the church?"
"In this regard, you are not my primary target. There are many candidates suitable for this crown, and you have proven yourself..."
"...Not suitable?" Gandrias's expression slowly calmed down, "Since you understand the situation of the church, you should admit my approach. Your candidate will promote Gaia's mercy and satisfy all the monks' aspirations. But it will also become a thorn in the wizard's side. A dead man can't preach anything."
"No one needs you to preach," Uriel told him. "I came to Moniantoros for a mother and her son. They died from my negligence and Peyton Forest's devotion to honor. Do you know this, His Majesty the Pope?"
"It's a pity. I have no way of knowing the status of the branch church in Eastman. The local bishop has the authority to handle all matters related to the Theocracy."
"It doesn't matter, I'll tell you." By the time Uriel finished speaking, our Pope had revealed a stern face. "Distance blocks communication, but what about the judges? They can be considered your personal guards. Why doesn't Gaia teach them to treat themselves as human beings, not consumables?"
"The dead do not count as humans," Gandrias replied in a low voice, "For whatever reason. The church has been taken over by ungodly fools! Their heresies are popular in the occult realm. We have only one church left. The name... A real monk fights for his faith and devotes himself to the survival of the goddess sect. I have no reason to stop it. Consumables?" He repeated, "How ridiculous! The Cross Knights have pure beliefs. You people will never understand. Say. On earth, what is your purpose in asking me for change? I’m afraid you are a lackey of the wizard of the school, here to discredit the goddess.”
"Isn't Jizuk's death not enough proof?"
"Gaia has sent down divine punishment for him." Gundrias declared without fear, "but there are still people who covet the title of Pope. Even if I die, I will not recognize the status of the usurper."
Sita snorted. "If you don't know how to wear a title, someone else should wear it."
"It is Gaia's will to execute Jizuk, and you have done a good job." Gundrias admitted, "However, this does not mean that everything is over. As Gaia believers, the bishops also have their own opinions. Obviously, Peyton... Forest is very disappointing to you, and I feel the same way. However, the church's verdict is to exile Peyton to a remote theocracy, but you lead the adventurers to attack Antuolos. This is disrespectful! It is equivalent to violating the will of the goddess. …”
"You make sense. But he is not a member of the church." The night elf couldn't help but point out, "Keep your Gaia will for yourself."
"That's it." Uriel glanced at him gratefully. He didn't have time to say anything, but Dalton quickly understood what he meant. "I don't intend to wear any title. Your one thought will cause tragedy. You are the Pope of Gaia. Tell me, Your Majesty: What is the difference between the creed of the Guardian Goddess and the Guardian Goddess?"
Gandrias' expression changed. He finally understood. I've also brought heresy, Uriel thought, it's just up to you to decide. He hoped that he could convince the other party that there would be no need to look for a candidate.
"You mean the difference?" Pope Gaia's expression was uncertain, his eyes full of hesitation. "what you up to?"
May your knowledge and actions be united. he thought. Let you understand the true meaning of Gaia, which does not include killing people and silencing them. "Answer my question, otherwise you will suffer the same fate as the last person who wore a hat indiscriminately." Uriel put his fingers on the parchment, and the oath turned into a sharp blade, shining in the darkness. "explain."
"The gods are dead." Finally, Gandrias gave in. "Gaia does not need mortal guards, what he left us is the creed."
As soon as he finished speaking, the parchment started shaking. The divine writings recorded the Pope's promise and became the second golden contract.
"Thank you for your cooperation." He raised the tip of the knife and cut the rope. Uriel pointed the tip of the knife to the ground, and the golden blade silently scratched the marble. He looked at the skylight. Through the rain curtain, everyone could see the wet lily sculpture on the bell tower. "One last thing, Your Majesty the Pope, this is my personal request."
Gandrias raised his eyes tiredly: "Tell me something."
"It's just to satisfy other people's wishes." Uriel replied, "I want to hang the head of the 'honorary believer' on the bell tower."
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