Ren stood in awe of the transformation he had undergone through the Ritual Tribulation. The surge of power and the enhancement of his attributes were beyond his expectations. The newfound strength pulsated within him, and he could sense a heightened connection to chaotic energy.
With a confident grin, Ren marveled at his improved stats. "This is incredible. I feel like a completely different person. The Church of Light won't know what hit them."
Ren decided to return to Oscana Mansion, eager to share the news of his success with Sir William and the others. As he traversed Glowing Grove, he couldn't help but reflect on the journey that led him to this point—the battles, the challenges, and the allies he had gained along the way.
Upon reaching Oscana Mansion, Ren was greeted by the guards, who saluted him with newfound respect. He made his way to Sir William's office, where the steward awaited him.
"Milord, you've returned. How did the venture into Glowing Grove fare?" Sir William inquired, his eyes curious yet respectful.
Ren grinned, "Better than expected. I not only secured the Celestial Bloom but also faced and defeated a guardian chimera. The Ritual Tribulation was a success, and now, I stand stronger than ever."
Sir William's eyes widened in amazement. "Congratulations, milord, on your cultivation breakthrough."
Ren nodded, appreciating Sir William's words. "Thank you, Sir William. The enhancements are significant, and I believe it will play a crucial role in our upcoming challenges. How are the preparations for the Inquisitor's possible invasion?"
Sir William reported, "The defenses are in place, and a new batch of anti mage trained by Marshal Roland is ready. We've also dug trenches outside the city to slow the enemy's advance. Your return adds another layer of security to our forces."
Ren listened to Sir William's report with satisfaction. "Good, it seems we are well-prepared for the Inquisitor's arrival. Keep the defenses tight, and ensure the soldiers are vigilant. We must not underestimate the Church of Light's forces."
___
County of Emberwood.
"Priestess Isabella, the Royal Army and the Inquisitor are here." The messenger's voice was breathless as he ran into the cathedral.
Priestess Isabella, clad in her ceremonial robes, stood at the altar. She did not turn to face him, but her eyes glowed with a fervent light. "Let them in," she said calmly. "And welcome them in the name of the Divine Light."
The messenger bowed and hurried away. Priestess Isabella remained still, her hands clasped in prayer.
Soon, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the grand cathedral. The Royal Army and the Inquisitor entered the sacred space, their eyes fixed on the figure of Priestess Isabella at the altar.
"Greetings, esteemed guests," she said, her voice clear and confident. "It's been a while, Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy."
The commander of the Inquisitor nodded a hint of respect in his eyes. "Indeed, it has, Priestess Isabella. You look well."
And Priestess Isabella turn her face to Leader of royal army," I presume General Cedric?"
General Cedric nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Priestess Isabella. I assume you already knew why we were here, I head one of your priests give the Inquisitor a massage about what happened in the Barony of Oscana, and the Mayor of Oscana also give us a message about what happened in there."
Priestess Isabella maintained her composure, her gaze unwavering. "Yes, General Cedric. I am aware of the events that transpired in Oscana Barony. It is regrettable that such chaos has unfolded in our peaceful lands."
Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy interjected, his tone stern. "Regrettable indeed. Chaos, heresy, and the influence of chaotic energy threaten the stability bestowed upon us by the Divine Light. We are here to investigate and rectify the situation."
Priestess Isabella nodded solemnly. "I will give you the latest situation now, Lord Gareth he and his army cultivate new way, they call it anti mage, they had ability to resist such novice spell and they can also heal quickly without using spell".
The atmosphere in the cathedral became tense as Priestess Isabella conveyed the information about Lord Gareth and his anti-mage forces. Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy's expression turned more serious, and General Cedric furrowed his brow.
"Inquisitor, General Cedric, we must tread carefully with this new development," Priestess Isabella continued. "And we still don't know how to counter it."
The Inquisitor's gaze hardened, and he spoke with determination. "Priestess Isabella, heresy must be eradicated, no matter its form. If this Lord Gareth poses a threat with his anti-mage forces, we shall crush it with the might of the Divine Light. The purity of our lands must be preserved."
General Cedric, though concerned, spoke with a measured tone. "Inquisitor, we should assess the situation and determine the best course of action. Blindly rushing in may lead to unnecessary bloodshed."
"Don't worry, I bring an artifact from His Holiness, the Spear of Light, a divine weapon from the last battle with the Demon Emperor. It has the power to dispel such chaotic energy and purify heresy." The Inquisitor is trying to reassure everyone that they can defeat Lord Gareth.
Priestess Isabella regarded the Inquisitor's words with a nod, acknowledging the potential strength of the artifact. "The Spear of Light may indeed be a formidable weapon against chaotic energy, when both of you will attack the Oscana Barony?"
Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy exchanged a glance with General Cedric, and after a moment of silent communication, he responded, "We shall make preparations and depart for Oscana Barony at first light tomorrow. The Divine Light shall guide our actions, and the heresy within those lands shall be purged."
Priestess Isabella inclined her head in acknowledgment. "May the Divine Light shine upon your endeavors, Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy. General Cedric, ensure that the Royal Army coordinates effectively with the Inquisitor's forces. We must bring an end to this chaos swiftly and decisively."
___
Pinnacle Republic.
After Mayor Eldric and others flee from battle in the city, now he and his group arrived at Capital City of Pinnacle Republic, Mayor Eldric will report to Doge of Pinnacle Republic, first he makes preparation in House of Common to meet His Serenity.
Mayor Eldric, along with his group, made their way to the House of Commons in the Capital City of the Pinnacle Republic. The grand chamber was adorned with intricate designs, and the atmosphere was filled with the buzz of political discussions.
As they entered, Mayor Eldric couldn't help but feel a mixture of apprehension and determination. He knew that reporting the events in Oscana Barony and seeking support from the Pinnacle Republic was crucial for the future of Verdant Glades Kingdom.
The Doge of Pinnacle Republic, His Serenity, Lucas Mitchell, awaited their arrival in the central seat of the House of Commons. His expression was composed, yet his eyes held a sharpness that revealed a keen awareness of the political intricacies at play.
Mayor Eldric and his group approached the central platform, where they would address His Serenity and the members of the House of Commons. The mayor took a deep breath, steadying himself for the important report he was about to deliver.
"Your Serenity, esteemed members of the House of Commons," Mayor Eldric began, his voice projecting through the chamber. "I bring urgent news from Verdant Glades Kingdom. The Barony of Oscana has fallen into chaos, with the emergence of a force led by Lord Gareth. He has cultivated a group known as anti-mages, capable of resisting novice spells and healing rapidly without the use of conventional magic."
The members of the House of Commons exchanged glances, their expressions shifting with a mix of concern and interest. Doge Lucas Mitchell listened intently, his gaze focused on Mayor Eldric.
"In addition to the internal threat posed by Lord Gareth, we've received reports of the Royal Army and the Church of Light's Inquisitor heading towards Oscana Barony to address the situation. It is a delicate and precarious situation," Mayor Eldric continued.
"So, the plan has failed?" Doge Lucas Mitchell said coldly.
Mayor Eldric remained calm. "The original plan was to foment unrest in the Barony of Oscana, but we faced unexpected challenges. Lord Gareth's anti mage forces proved formidable, and the situation escalated beyond our control. However, I believe that after the Inquisitor and the Royal Army attack Oscana Barony, they will suffer greatly, and we can use this to annex some land in the Verdant Glades Kingdom.
Doge Lucas Mitchell leaned back in his seat, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. "Gentlemen, what do you think?"
The members of the House of Commons exchanged glances and engaged in hushed discussions among themselves. The atmosphere in the chamber became charged with anticipation as they considered the implications of Mayor Eldric's report.
One of the influential members, a seasoned politician known for his diplomatic acumen, rose to speak. "Your Serenity, while the initial plan may not have unfolded as anticipated, we still have an opportunity to capitalize on the chaos in Verdant Glades Kingdom. The Royal Army and the Inquisitor's forces heading towards Oscana Barony present a potential for significant disruption. We can use this situation to our advantage."
Doge Lucas Mitchell listened attentively, his expression betraying no emotion. "Continue."
The politician continued, "If we strategically support Lord Gareth's forces by providing resources, intelligence, or even a contingent of our own troops, we can prolong the conflict and weaken both the Royal Army and the Church of Light. This will create a power vacuum that we can exploit to further our interests in Verdant Glades Kingdom."