I spent some time talking with Leianne before we went out to check on the corpses of both Transcendents and Mortal Ranks who all died at the same time.
According to what Leianne learned from one of them, the Dark Wizards, or what they called the tribe who's leading the invasion in this world, had the method to exploit the Magical Energy. They used that method to create these Transcendents.
As to how they passed their Transcendent Trials in this world, it's still a mystery.
We didn't have any contact with the World's Will of this world yet.
Is it not active? Is it ignoring our existence or has it given up already?
Considering these pawns of the Dark World managed to reach Transcendence, it probably gave up.
If I recall correctly, Hiroda was always forcefully summoned because of the looming crisis in this world…
Could it be they're now in hiding? If not then this world should've been conquered long ago.
"These people in colorful robes were from a religious order? Hmm…" Fleur wondered.
The way she fought the golden-robed Transcendent earlier could be said as a one-sided beating. He neither had the chance to counterattack nor surrender. He was beaten down by Fleur effortlessly.
After assimilating to Spirit-type and Psyche-type Source Energy and synchronizing the Mortal Pathways from it, her prowess had risen to the extent that her previous loss against Irja at the Virtual Simulation might be written off.
"Un. They call themselves the Merciful Church of Darkness. Preaching about how they would be saved by kneeling before the forces of Darkness. Look where that took them."
"They're oozing out Dark Energy this time… What could this mean?"
"They're poisoned. Perhaps the method they used to make them Transcendent had that kind of backlash… In any case. If we can't find the defending natives, we'll just stick to our objectives."
Saying they're poisoned might be a little bit off since it's clear that it was made by Dark Energy. It previously lay dormant in their throats but when that female white-robed Transcendent talked about those Dark Wizards, it exploded.
For them to dispatch and kill off five Transcendents like this… It seems that the Dark World denizens in this world had a lot of manpower at the level of Transcendents.
"Let's go. Let's talk while we're moving."
I only went to check on their corpses if there would be clues but aside from the clear indication that they died because of Dark Energy, there's nothing.
Taking them all back to one flying ship and storing the seven others inside a Necklace, we started to sail using the wind in the direction of the Dark Wizards' territory.
During this time, I had them read the information Leianne extracted to hear their thoughts about it. Avelin and Dannae didn't say anything and just used the chance to get close to me while Zerina and Fleur offered their views about the current situation.
This World of Magic was originally composed of two opposing Magic Kingdoms. Although they opposed each other, the world was still somewhat peaceful before the arrival of the Dark World denizens three years ago.
The change happened when that religious order, which was surprisingly the main religion of one of the Magic Kingdoms, preached about the Dark World denizens as the messenger of their God.
Through the excuse of spreading their religion, war broke out between the two Magic Kingdoms resulting in devastating damage to both the economy and population of this world.
While the war was happening, those from that Church and the Dark World denizens usurped the power from the ruler of that certain Magic Kingdom.
With its citizens under their control, the war continued without the Dark World denizens needing to lift a hand. All they had to do was wait for the Kingdom who took them in to destroy the other one.
By then, they would've conquered this world without any loss on their part.
At the moment, the opposing kingdom was all but destroyed save for those still in hiding.
It's funny because they call themselves Wizards. Wizards are known to be people who were in pursuit of knowledge, not these sacrilegious Wizards who would prostrate themselves on their own foreign invaders.
"We don't know the Portal Location but we know where they are camping… Since most of the remaining natives are already under their control… I suggest we go straight to the enemy's heart." Zerina said after deep contemplation.
She witnessed their territory succumbing under the preaching of that Corrupted Priest. She knew that there's no cure in this world aside from cutting down the head of the snake that was coiling this world ever since their arrival.
"That will be my opinion as well… They're like the Noxians. I understand that there will be innocents who only got dragged because of their beliefs or lacking any choice because of their situation. However, we don't have the luxury or the time to save all of them. Besides… Daisuke, you already have a plan in mind, am I correct?" Fleur also likened the situation of this world to the Noxians.
"Not my plan but Leianne's. Thank you for your inputs, Zerina and Fleur." I nodded and pulled them to my side.
Even though this ship had a wide enough space, we're all at one corner of this cabin, making use of this time to bond.
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Hours passed and we finally arrived at the vicinity of that Magic Kingdom.
Looking from afar, the Magic Kingdom looked majestic. With all their structures still intact. There were numerous tall towers, home to their strongest Wizards. However, not far from them, ruins of the opposing Kingdom could be seen.
Even at this moment, small skirmishes were happening where Magical Spells continued being shot while the natives of this world kept on dying against each other.
I tried looking down to see if Hiroda or whoever was with him were among those but everyone down there was Mortal Ranks.
When the flying ship we're riding on reached a certain distance from the Magic Kingdom, red-robed figures flew out from inside it and blocked our way.
"Who are you? Why are you riding this ship?" The leading red-robed figure inquired. He stepped forward and waved his wand, preparing to cast a Spell.
Those behind him also flashed their wands and followed his example.
Naturally, if our answer was not satisfactory, they would shoot us down in an instant.
At least these people talked first unlike those we first encountered. That's a change.
"Daisuke, let me." Zerina stood up from my side and pulled out her two short swords. She didn't do anything earlier apart from using a three-word Rune to counter-attack at the start.
Right now, she wanted to do something and… it's not like we're visiting this place to sightsee.
"Go ahead. But be careful." I caressed her face and planted a kiss on her rosy-red lips.
Taking that as an encouragement, Zerina flashed a charming smile as she returned it with zeal.
"Un. Watch me." As she summoned her Pillar Guardians, Zerina gracefully exited the cabin and faced those blocking our way.
Seconds later, pain-filled screams entered our ears.
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