Laine pondered for a while before saying, "Afu, have you found any signs of Chaos Sect or Vampire activity in the town recently?"
"Not at the moment." When it came to serious matters, Alfred also became serious and took out some documents: "Since I arrived at your territory, I've spent several months investigating, traveled around the nearby duchies, and indeed found that there are Undead covertly spreading among Brittania's populace, but I haven't found any evidence of Chaos Sect presence."
Speaking of the Chaos Sect within the Empire, they can be described as diverse and flourishing, from the Descendants of Misfortune (followers of Nurgle), who corrupted a large number of doctors during the Black Death War, to the Crimson Skull Sect (followers of Khorne) spreading within the Imperial Army, from the Hand of Ultraviolet (followers of Tzeentch) prevalent among high-level Imperial politicians to the Association of Pleasure Seekers (followers of Slaanesh) spread throughout the circle of Imperial Nobility. Simply put, wherever there are people, there is the spread of Chaos Sects.
Apart from these major Chaos Sects, there are others like the Aesthetic Society (Marinburg, already destroyed), the Broken Wheel (a sect formed by Wizards who believe in Tzeentch), the Black Magic Secret Society (established by the Fallen Light Mage, Egrem von Hostman, self-proclaimed Black Demon King), and the Yellow Teeth Cult (believers in the Great Horned Rat), which also spread in many parts of the Empire. Meanwhile, the Demon Hunters, Temple Knights, Combat Priests, and Paladins of the Justice Church have paid an incredible price over endless ages combating these cultists.
Before the Great Holy War, Chaos Sects were once publicly active in the declining Empire. When the second Eternal Divine Chosen, "Anointed" Aisakuval, marched south, Chaos Cultists took advantage to spark a rebellion in Nuer, aiming to destroy the fighting spirit of the Imperial people.
However, a rural noble, who was also a devout Priest, led the Church army and the remaining Imperial forces to suppress this rebellion. He was Savior Ludwig, and there's no need to elaborate on the events that followed.
During the Great Holy War, the Chaos Sects that lurked in the Old World suffered a devastating blow due to their full involvement in the Holy War. Hence, during Savior Ludwig's fifty-year reign as Emperor of the Empire, Chaos Sects once vanished without a trace. However, in reality, these Chaos Sects spent decades reviving, and among the nobility, merchants, professionals, and even some clergy of the Human Gods' Church, many gradually became corrupted into Chaos Cultists.
The widespread presence of branches of the Justice Church across the Empire is an important reason because the Empire needs the Justice Church to counteract Chaos Sects. The real danger of Chaos comes from corruption and internal divisions.
However, in Brittania, Alfred rarely found traces of Chaos Sect activities; the entire country is more troubled by Vampires.
"Brittania lacks the soil for Chaos Sects to grow; the Knights believe in the Lady, and the peasants are busy with their daily toils and livelihoods," Laine said with a bitter smile, "Unlike the Empire, where people can rise in ranks, many have jobs and are literate. With more knowledge comes more ideas, which is the reason for the growth of Chaos Sects."
Surya and Amelia both nodded repeatedly. Different national conditions, the advancement of technology, and high population quality ironically make it easier for Chaos corruption to manifest. The only defenses against Chaos corruption are sincere faith and strong will... or ignorance.
"Here's the thing, I plan to attack an Undead Fortress called Black Stone Stronghold in the Gray Mountain Range," Laine said to Alfred, "I'll need your help then, Afu."
"No problem." Alfred stared at Laine for a moment, flicking his golden short hair: "Is there anything else, speak up! Good friend, I know you, and I won't refuse such a thing, you definitely have personal matters to discuss with me."
Laine had to exchange a glance with Surya.
I knew Afu could tell.
"Speak, good friend," Alfred said while drinking a cup of clear water, soothing his somewhat dry throat after the briefing: "What can't be said between us?"
"In two weeks, Boldro will host a grand banquet, and Surya, Amelia, and I will be invited..." Laine informed Alfred about Julius.
"Understood, in two weeks... No problem, I'll accompany you and Lady Surya, Miss Amelia," Alfred agreed, "After six years, things here can operate automatically, and since Chaos Sects and Vampires are nearly extinct in your territory, I won't need to exert much effort."
With Alfred, the Temple Knight, accompanying him, Laine could contribute more to Julius's matter, which was good news.
At noon, Laine, Surya, and Amelia had a simple lunch at the Divine Hall of Justice: smoked fish, smoked meat, barley bread, ham, and some seasonal vegetables. This lunch was not great nor poor but was the normal standard for a Temple Knight, and Alfred, being Laine's childhood friend and close friend, received high respect and courtesy from Surya despite different beliefs.
Regarding Laine's wife Surya, Alfred also felt that Laine's marriage with her was a match made in heaven and naturally is filled with blessings. After saying some deliberately nice words, Surya felt very satisfied.
