Chapter 607: Assassination
Victor was surprised by his bold idea and soon found another problem.
"But all four Cardinals' positions are firm within the Church of Order, right? Unless someone dies, you won't get an opportunity to become a Cardinal."
"Well, Victor," Lawrence began with a sly smile, "while it's true that the positions of Cardinals within the Church of Order are typically considered quite secure, there might just be a way to create an opportunity for myself."
Intrigued, Victor leaned in closer, his eyes fixed on Lawrence, urging him to continue.
"You see," Lawrence continued, "while the death of a Cardinal would indeed create a vacancy, it's not the only way for a new Cardinal to be appointed. The Pope, who has the ultimate authority in appointing Cardinals, can also choose to elevate individuals based on their merits, achievements, or even as a strategic move to shape the Church's future direction."
Victor's surprise turned into curiosity. "So, you're saying you have a chance to become a Cardinal without waiting for a vacancy?"
Lawrence nodded. "Indeed, Victor. It's rare but possible. If I can demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities, show a deep understanding of Church doctrine, and make significant contributions to the Church, I may catch the attention of the Pope. Remember, the Church values Money, Reputation, and, most importantly, the 'Chosen Ones.' What will happen if I present the Pope with the gift of 'Five' chosen ones in one go?"
"Champion Souls?! All Churches have been searching for these unique souls all over the World but only found quite a few. The reason they established an orphanage in every village all over the World is also to keep in check on the mortals. But even after all this research, they only managed to find a few. Even our Church of Order has only seven now, while the Church of Truth has five. The same goes for all other churches in our World." Victor went silent for a second and added.
"If what you said is true, you might even gain a favor from our Lord and get a special privilege." After all, Victor knew how important Chosen Ones were to the Churches and became more curious about how he managed to get his hand on them.
At that moment, Magnus suddenly thought of something and asked.
"I forgot to ask something. But did you find out anything about who assassinated Bishop Clay?"
"Unfortunately, no. But I know this is an insider's work." Lawrence heaved a deep sigh and continued.
"I handled this matter to Deacon Smith. So, we might get some results by the end of tomorrow." While speaking, he took out a pocket watch and checked the time.
"It's getting late. Let's meet at Mari Inn around 7 A.M. Afterward; we will proceed with the plan and carry out our assassination."
"Right!" Magnus nodded his head and then added jokingly.
"Instead of wearing shady clothes, disguise yourself as someone else and come without attracting anyone this time."
"Humph, you should think of a method to cover your shining mountain head. Otherwise, the whole city will recognize you roaming in disguise."
"Don't you dare! Tsk, I'm leaving." The elderly man Magnus let out a snort and hurriedly walked towards the chamber's exit.
After that, Lawrence, Erwin, and Victor also bid farewell and dispersed from there.
...
As planned, Lawrence, Magnus, Erwin, and Victor gathered at Mari Inn the next day. The Inn was a cozy establishment known for its discreet and private atmosphere, making it an ideal meeting place for discussions of sensitive matters.
Lawrence arrived first, dressed in simple attire that allowed him to blend in with the common folk. He sat near the window, his eyes scanning the room as he waited for the others to arrive. He had meticulously planned every detail of their operation, and now it was time to set their plan into motion.
Erwin was the next to arrive, his tall figure towering over the crowd as he approached Lawrence's table. Despite his imposing presence, he wore a cloak that concealed his features, ensuring that he remained inconspicuous. He greeted Lawrence with a nod and took a seat across from him.
A few minutes later, Victor and Magnus entered the Inn together. Magnus had taken Lawrence's advice to heart and had covered his bald head with a hat, effectively disguising his distinct appearance. They joined Lawrence and Erwin at the table, and the group began discussing the final details of their mission.
Lawrence unfolded a map of the city, marked with various points of interest and strategic locations. He pointed to a spot out of the city wall.
"Our objective is to eliminate Ronan quietly and swiftly," Lawrence explained, his voice low and filled with wisdom power, making it impossible to reach any outsider's ears.
"Ronan would occasionally hunt in the Northern Woods, so you should assassinate him in the woods. He also got a mission from Elder Council today to eliminate some thieves near Rar Village." Victor spoke.
Erwin leaned forward, his voice equally determined. "Our best opportunity will be when he is tired and relatively vulnerable during his return journey."
"No. We've to make it quick. Although patience is good regarding the assassination, we can't delay. After all, variables are bound to happen when we wait." Magnus shook his head in disapproval.
After some discussion, Lawrence, Erwin, and Magnus stood up and quietly left, leaving Victor alone.
'All that's left for me to do is wait for the good news.' Victor nodded inwardly and soon left the Inn.
...
It was around 10 A.M.
A strange human with scarlet wings flew from the sky and soon stopped above a dense forest. He calmly scanned the surroundings and soon saw a familiar city.
"I didn't expect I would get lost after returning to Edhen World," Charles muttered.
"But still, I didn't land on the other side of the Edhen." He let out a chuckle as he gazed at the Holy City of Sacred Empire and soon released his 'wisdom power' to the surroundings.
In a split moment, his wisdom power covered more than 100 km of surroundings, allowing him to perceive what was happening. Although he wasn't powerful enough to notice every detail, he saw some interesting things happening in many areas.
'Thieves are ransacking a village... A Rank-2 Magical Beast is chasing a pair of beauties... Some moron is singing in the middle of the forest... A Shadow Panther is waiting in the tree branch... Three guys are attacking a young man...? Assassination? Wait, Silver Stab skill? Erwin?' Charles instantly got curious about what they were up to and disappeared from there.
He appeared more than 500 meters above them a second later and calmly watched the assassination.
Although the young man tried his best to heal his wound and battled against three skilled assassins, Erwin suddenly appeared behind him and ambushed him.
Like when Erwin stabbed Charles, he made a similar attack and killed him in a blink.
After that, the trio erased their trails and disappeared from there.
Charles watched everything like a spectacle and slowly descended from the sky.
A few seconds later, he landed beside the dead body, changed himself into elemental form, and entered the Astral Realm.
The next instant, he saw a young man, in his soul form, looking at his corpse in rage and anger.
"Why? I didn't do anything wrong! Why did they kill me?" His voice echoed in the astral realm.
"Maybe you offended someone and got in someone's way?" Charles spoke while squatting behind the young man and transforming into his soul form.
Surprised, the young man turned around and stared at Charles. His foggy eyes showed curiosity and shock.
"You can enter this mysterious astral realm? Who are you? A Necromancer?" He asked stiffly.
Meanwhile, Charles shook his head and spoke casually.
"I'm a Mage. On my way to the Holy City, I saw something interesting and decided to come here and check." He paused for a moment and asked.
"Do you know Erwin Davis? He is one of the assassins who killed you just now."
Upon hearing those words, Ronan widened his eyes in shock and almost shouted in rage.
"Damn it! It's Victor, after all! I shouldn't have listened to Elder Aurelius and accepted the mission to enter the Star Tombs! I served the Hawthorne family more than 400 years like a servant, but all I got in return was nothing but empty words!"
'Hawthorne family?' Charles raised his eyebrows in surprise and decided to gather more info.
"You are a servant of the Hawthorne Family? What kind of family is it?"
At that moment, Ronan stopped talking to himself and gave him a strange glance.
"Before that, what will happen to me? Can you please save me, Mage?"
'He sure is calm even after his death. It should be expected after living for hundreds of years, though.' Charles didn't want to give this youngster and spoke truthfully.
"Your soul's connection with the body had long severed. You can't return alive unless someone casts a legendary 'Resurrection' spell and reattachs the link. As for your first question, your soul will soon enter the Divine Kingdom or the Eternal River of Life. Although I don't know what will happen to the souls who enter God's divine kingdom, I do know some information about the Eternal River of Life-" Before he could finish speaking, a strange eerie black shadow suddenly appeared behind Ronan's soul form.
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