Chapter 474 Verdantia
After sending the Gnolls back to the domain, Archer summoned the Stone Men and told them to loot the camp.
Once he had done that, he walked over to Valeria, who was watching the little beings rush around, taking anything worth something.
Archer stopped behind her and spoke with a grin on his face. ''Now the bandits are gone. I have to get to classes. Do you want to join Sia?''
Valeria turned around as she nodded. When he saw that, he opened a portal to where Sia was so the older woman could step through.
Before stepping through, she spoke. ''It was a good experience seeing you fight, Young Master. We must do it again.''
When Archer heard that, he took a bracelet from his Item Box and started messing with it before throwing it toward the woman.
Valeria caught it and examined the piece of jewelry, then commented. ''I'm sorry if this offends you, but I'm not interested in you. You're still a child.''
Archer's face twisted in confusion before he explained, "It's a communication device. It'll let us talk and team up for more bandit hunting."
"Ah, got it. Sounds good," Valeria replied, examining the bracelet with interest.
During her inspection, Archer created a portal leading to Sia's location. "She's on the other side," he informed the female knight.
Valeria smiled at him before saying, "I'll be seeing you again, Young Master."
He nodded, and as she stepped through the violet portal, a sense of departure settled in the air.
Archer remained in the now empty bandit camp, watching Valeria disappear into the portal.
The echoes of their recent battle still lingered in the air. The Stone Men, diligent in their task, scurried about the camp, collecting spoils and treasures.
Alone in the aftermath, Archer surveyed the ruins. He could see the remnants of the chaotic confrontation – scattered weapons, tattered tents, and signs of the fierce struggle.
The forest seemed to reclaim its quietude, contrasting sharply with the recent clash. With a patient demeanor, Archer waited for the Stone Men to complete their looting.
He used Aura Detector to scan the surrounding forest and found nothing. That's when he decided to check his new status.
[Experience: 2278800/4000000]
[SP: 2>3835]
[HP: 28120>28320]
[Mana: 659690>660690]
[Strength: 20500>20700]
[Constitution: 20000>20200]
[Stamina: 20500>20700]
[Intelligence: 19600>19800]
Upon discovering his new status, Archer was happy and saved the points until he got five thousand before using them.
Finding a chair, he sat down and sent a message to the girls, telling them of his delay and assuring them of his return.
Hemera responded, informing him they were preparing for class after breakfast. Archer patiently waited for the Stone Men to accomplish their mission.
[Verdantia Continent - The Holy City of Elysium - The Pope of the Church Of Light POV]
A mature man in his late fifties stood on his balcony, gazing out over the sacred city of Elysium within the Novgorod Empire.
His name was Ezekiel Devotaris, and he was the Church of Light pope like his father before him.
He was intricately tied to the imperial lineage and was wedded to the Novgorod Emperor's aunt—his mother's sister.
Adding to the family connections, his granddaughter Sofia was destined to unite with the Emperor's son in marriage in the future.
He was enjoying his time away from the work of the church. Since they lost their place on Pluoria, they have spread out to the other three continents, which haven't gone well.
As he was thinking, his assistant rushed onto the balcony and spoke. ''Holy Father! I have news.''
Ezekiel turned towards the younger man, nodding as he settled into the nearest chair.
"Your Holiness, the Demi-God and his dragon have been defeated. However, the boy managed to slay the dragon, while the Nightshade Princess brought down the Demi-God," the young man reported fidgeting.
Upon hearing this, the Pope felt a sense of dizziness. Losing a Demi-God was a severe blow, leaving an opening for the High Elves to exploit and advance their goals.
Ezekiel directed a grumpy gaze at his assistant, asking, "Who was it, Gabriel? Nerida? Or that nuisance, Lyriana?"
Gabriel shook his head before responding, "It was the first Princess Ayrenn Nightshade. She has attained the Demi-God rank thanks to being the eldest princess."
The Pope nodded his head before asking. ''What of the pet dragon? Is it gone?''
''Yes, your Holiness. He was killed by the boy not long before Seraphiel was finished.'' Gabriel spoke.
As Ezekiel was about to speak, the doors flew open, revealing a mature woman with messy grey hair and glowing green eyes.
The atmosphere within the sacred chambers of the Church of Light was tense as Natalia Devotaris entered, her eyes locking onto her husband,
She approached him with an intense gaze that couldn't be ignored. He looked up from his desk, his expression a mix of irritation and curiosity. "Natalia, what brings you here?"
Natalia glared at him, her words cutting through the air with a sharp edge. "Ezekiel, we need to talk. I just heard about Seraphiel. He was supposed to protect our granddaughter, not become a casualty in your reckless endeavors."
Ezekiel sighed, his frustration evident. "I needed a powerful mage, and Seraphiel was the best candidate. His loss is regrettable, but sacrifices are sometimes necessary for the greater good."
Natalia's eyes narrowed, and she leaned in, her voice a whispered warning. "Don't play games with me, Ezekiel. Sofia better be safe. I won't tolerate any threat to her because of your foolish plans. If anything happens to our granddaughter, the consequences will be severe."
Ezekiel met her gaze, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. "I am not oblivious to the risks, Natalia. I have assigned Chiara to safeguard her. She's one of our best, and she will ensure our granddaughter's safety."
The grey-haired woman held her ground, her tone unwavering. "I don't want assurances; I want action, old man! These power games of the Church are endangering our family. Seraphiel's death should serve as a wake-up call."
Ezekiel sighed again, a weary acknowledgment in his eyes. "I understand your concern, Natalia. I will do everything in my power to ensure Sofia's safety. But you must also understand the delicate balance we must maintain for the Church and our lord."
Natalia straightened, her gaze still firm. "I understand more than you think, Ezekiel. Just remember, family comes first. Sofia's safety is non-negotiable."
With that, she turned on her heel, leaving Ezekiel to ponder her words. The weight of her warning lingered in the room.
That's when he heard Gabrial speak. ''Holy Father, should the Holy Mother speak to you like that?''
Ezekiel let out a sigh, shaking his head. "No, but she holds the status of one of our three Demi-Gods and wields formidable magical abilities. On Verdantia, there's scarcely anyone who can challenge her, except for Catherine Novgorod and Ellariana Nightshade. However, they are cordial with each other, only fighting when it concerns their daughters or granddaughters."
Gabrial nodded, remembered those three powerful women, and shivered when he pictured Catherine's deep red eyes peering into his soul.
The pope chuckled before speaking. ''I see you have had an experience with them. They are very strange women, but they call for the Acolyte leader. We shall send them to deal with the boy.''
[Verdantia Continent - Ayrenn Nightshade - Atlantis City - Capital of the Nightshade Empire]
Ayrenn strolled through the palace garden, seeking relaxation after confronting the Demi-God of the Church of Light.
The exhaustion from expending so much mana lingered for hours. During her leisurely walk, a tranquil voice sounded behind her, "Finding yourself in trouble, are we?"
Ayrenn turned to find her grandmother, Ellariana Nightshade, seated on a bench with a smile gracing her face.
Ellariana, with her blonde hair and violet eyes mirroring Ayrenn's own, was one of the most influential figures in Verdantia.
"Hello, grandmother. What trouble are you speaking of? I am a peaceful priestess that harms no one," Ayrenn chuckled.
Ellariana burst into laughter before getting to the point. "Ayri, I know you've been protecting the little white dragon. Why?"
Joining her grandmother on the bench, Ayrenn explained, "The Goddess Tiamat showed me a vision."
Shaking her head, she continued, "I shouldn't say vision, but a possible future where the world is at peace. Trade flourishes, and there is no war, only petty conflicts among nobles. Wars between empires are forgotten."
Ellariana nodded in agreement before commenting, "Well, the gods have their ways and reasons. It's good she's shown you something. Tiamat has been inactive for the last few thousand years but now seems more active than ever."
Ayrenn smiled and continued, "It's because of Archer. He's restoring faith in her by aiding many people during his journey. The boy is only seventeen but has put an end to wars and laid cities to the ground. However, he isn't a hero; he's more like a bandit, taking everyone's wealth. I've even heard that the Avalonian Emperor owes him a great debt."
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