295 Third Great Holy War
"Three centuries past, Sancta Vedelia bore witness to a crisis of magnitude, comparable to the notorious havoc brought by the Vampire-Witch, Selene Amaya Tepes. Can someone answer why? "Professor Harvey posed a question that hung in the air like an incantation as a silence lingered.
In response, only Cylien's hand soared skyward, a familiar sight that seemed to slightly wear on Harvey's patience. Victor, typically a participant, was ensconced in his thoughts amidst a surrounding harem, while Celeste, even though a good student, found herself entangled in the awkwardness of being the daughter of the professor.
Harvey's gaze roved the room, finally settling on me.
"Hm?" I quirked a brow, puzzled by the sudden attention as his narrowed gaze bore into me.
What was going on here?
"Amael. Please enlighten us," Harvey requested with a smile.
Returning the gesture, I reciprocated, "The Coup d'état led by Deborah Dolphis."
In response, Harvey's eyes narrowed further, an inexplicable hint of annoyance clouding his expression.
What had I done to incur the ire of Professor Harvey?
"Exactly. Thanks," he acknowledged, though his tone hinted at anything but gratitude.
The heck?
"Three centuries ago, Deborah Dolphis, sibling to the reigning monarch, orchestrated a Coup d'état that nearly plunged Sancta Vedelia into oblivion. A brilliant scientist, she delved into the mysteries of the Mana Beasts at the anatomical level. However, she is the reason behind the invasion of Hybrids."
Hybrids.
These were, in essence, Half-Beasts, primarily members of Behemoth, rejected by the inhabitants of Sancta Vedelia.
"The Hybrids, as you're aware, are the result of Deborah Dolphis and Xenos Arvatra's unholy collaboration."
A shiver rippled through everyone at the mere mention of this notorious duo.
Xenos Arvatra.
I narrowed my eyes.
Xenos Arvatra, stood as the catalyst for the Iris Project's existence, a twisted brain akin to Deborah's own machinations. Their unholy alliance, as mad scientists bound by a dark curiosity, was a pairing that defied sanity, crafting a legacy as the most unconventional couple history had ever witnessed.
Their meeting, though fateful, had cataclysmic consequences. Together, they authored the genesis of monsters that mercilessly slaughtered millions—men, women, and even children—unburdened by the shackles of remorse or morality.
"Assembling her Hybrid army, Deborah targeted the Dolphis Kingdom, dethroning her own brother. In a macabre display, she sent his severed head as a gruesome harbinger to other Kingdoms within Sancta Vedelia, demanding unconditional surrender. Unsurprisingly, none yielded, paving the way for the onset of the Third Great Holy War," Harvey narrated, each word laden with the weight of history.
The Third Great Holy War unfolded as a result of both Xenos Arvatra and Deborah Dolphis. Yet, its interpretation diverged in Sancta Vedelia compared to Celesta. Here, it was Deborah's audacious invasion of the neighboring countries, while in Celesta, it was Xenos Arvatra's onslaught.
Their synchronized plan aimed to strike simultaneously. While Xenos Arvatra plotted Celesta and Edenis Raphiel's fall, Deborah Dolphis set her sights on Sancta Vedelia. The meticulous coordination nearly spelled the demise of both regions.
"Dolphis, Zestella, Tepes, Teraquin—all succumbed to her grip. Yet, the resilient Houses of Olphean, Moonfang, Elaryon, alongside the Dolphis House's tenacious resistance, united forces to stave off her advances. Together, they emerged triumphant, thwarting Deborah Dolphis's insidious plans but at great cost."
"..." I fell into contemplative silence as Professor Harvey elaborated on the events of the Third Great Holy War and its aftermath. The details of Deborah Dolphis and Xenos Arvatra's monstrous actions were enough to send shivers down anyone's spine.
While my focus had primarily been on Ante-Eden and Behemoth, the Iris Project's atrocities demanded attention. Unfortunately, my knowledge about them was scarce. Delving deeper meant seeking insights from higher-ranking individuals, possibly from the Monarch Alliance. It was a tempting avenue, given Cylien's mother and Rodolf's brother held positions in the council. However, they were unlikely to divulge sensitive information to someone of my standing.
Another potential source was the survivors of the Iris Project, individuals who had managed to escape its clutches. Their intense hatred for the project might make them willing allies if I could prove useful in their quest for retribution.
Two names surfaced, both Monarchs: Myrcella and Emilia. The latter, however, was quickly dismissed from consideration. The mere thought of dealing with Emilia was giving me headaches, and I knew I wouldn't be able to handle her volatile nature. Myrcella, while challenging, seemed a more manageable option.
The problem though lay in establishing contact with her. I met her only once while fighting Pyres but I don't think she remembers me. As for making contact with her…My best bet would be through a Monarch intermediary, possibly Namys Elaryon or Jefer Moonfang. Wait.
I'm pretty sure Myrcella appears in Sancta Vedelia at a moment for something but I can't remember well for what already…
Myrcella was the [Legendary Heroine] of the [Second Game] thus it was normal for her to appear but…
Hm. I'm really overwhelmed especially considering the pressing issues already on my plate.
With a frustrated sigh, I ran my hand through my hair, finding it challenging to concentrate on the ongoing class. …
…
After the class concluded, I rose from my seat, still immersed in my contemplations.
"Amael."
"Hm?" I turned to find Celeste approaching. We hadn't spoken since the restaurant incident with Manuel, and there didn't seem to be any urgent reason for her to seek me out now.
"Mr. Amael, may I speak to you?"
But suddenly Professor Harvey, called out me. Celeste grumbled something before leaving with Victor and the others.
As everyone left, Harvey stood up, towering over me. His gaze was stern, and without preamble, he asked, "Is that true?"
"About?" I replied, genuinely puzzled.
"Don't play the fool with me, Mr. Amael. I'm asking if it's true," his tone grew sharper.
"I don't even know—"
"That you sneaked into my daughter's room at night."
I fell silent at his accusation, wondering who had informed him. The likely suspect was the grandmother.
Without admitting guilt, I put on a smile. "I don't know what you are talking about, Professor."
"I already know. I watched the CCTV."
"You are stalking your own daughter, Professor?"
"I hope you are not imagining weird things about her, Amael."
A vein throbbed on my forehead. "What in the world do you mean by 'weird'?"
"You know what I'm talking about—"
"I know nothing!" I snapped, attempting to leave, but he grabbed my arm.
"Listen," he whispered in a threatening tone. "If you touch my daughter, I won't care that you are under Alea's protection."
This daughter-con bastard.
[<Oh? He's nearing the truth…>]
He is nearing nothing!
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