The Holy Spirit Sect had always been a never-changing leader among religions, ever since ancient eras. Though it was sometimes overtaken by other religions, it always bounced back to the top within a generation or two.
It has deeply integrated into all Western Continent customs, becoming an inseparable part of life, making it impossible to view as a cult.
On the other hand, the Eternal Sect has the potential to turn into a cult. Although it’s known as the Aran National Religion, many people still celebrate Holy Spirit Sect festivals.
The Stargazing Festival was created by the Holy Spirit Sect, for instance.
The delusions of grandeur peaked recently, like when they outright captured Lagrange, a figure personally praised by the Emperor. He was taken just like that—a reckless move. When the Pope was intensively searching and found two dragons on the missionary route, he knew things were about to get chaotic.
Who was sent to find the dragon in Beima initially? It must be the one that went missing in the East Sea. Who the hell is Liszt? The name sounds familiar. Nevertheless, they must be held accountable. If you can’t handle a dragon, what right do you have to stay in the Church Court?
Oh, it was Marcus, the Dragon Lord, who received the revelation. Never mind then; we can’t blame him.
In any case, when Zote sent the news of the Dragon Calamity in Mulong back to the Church Court, the Pope, who was deeply engaged online, was the first to know.
The missionary movements were considered crucial by the Pope, but these were matters for his High Priests and top officials to deal with while he focused on more significant yet short-term issues.
Now, a perfect opportunity has presented itself.
Alright, Emperor, you think you’re so great for killing a dragon? In the world out here, who can’t kill a dragon? We must provide strong support. The Pope commanded that both dragons in Mulong be slaughtered and transported to the Imperial City by the 9th.
The road train, a thrilling concept, was meant to attract investment, getting nobles and merchants to buy shares. The Pope saw through the Royal Court’s intentions.
The Royal Court had suffered losses with their involvement in the train project, conceding several points to the Sect. As the National Religion, they needed to ensure the Sect’s participation, even allowing the Sect an exclusive train and involvement in planning the schedules.
Learning from their past mistakes, they sought a new method of completely controlling the industry without antagonizing the Church Court: privatizing state assets and entering the civilian market, controlling merchants’ affairs. Any direct interference from the Church Court would be an overreach.
It was apparent that with the Military Government’s growing strength and the assistance from guests at Akasa Mansion, the Emperor saw the possibility of finally excising the cancerous growth within his lifetime. Planning had to be meticulous and surgical to minimize harm.
This strategy would set the course, and the Pope had no choice but to comply.
The Eternal Sect celebrates an important festival! In mid-September, the Continent Martial Arts Competition will showcase their strength. They would gift the championship winner two dragon corpses—treasures beyond price. This gesture should intimidate the Military Government and elevate the Eternal Sect.
If you refuse, you’re disrespecting me, and you’ll face my wrath.
On that day, in front of the entire world, the Emperor’s face would be slapped fiercely.
The paranoia reached its peak.
For Zote, this was a momentous opportunity. With people and money in place, rallying the civilians would be simple for this seasoned war criminal. The Mulong populace, gaining better food than during the New Year, would view Zote as the Holy True God.
With Mulong in a serious crisis, Uborio isolated, and the Black Sail pirates posing a significant threat, the trustworthiness of these East Sea rogues was dubious. It was impossible for anyone to believe in their benign intentions—they must have an ulterior motive, either exploiting others in oppressive labor camps or subjecting them to forced prostitution.
The Seventh Amendment was completely unreliable. Zote hadn’t even fully unleashed his plans, and Crocodile Island had already crumbled under the pressure, abandoning their posts. Liszt and Ban’s uncle were backstabbing traitors. His brothers had to hold the line while he escaped to Ghana.
Within Drifting City.
The Black Sail fortress.
Morison overlooked the chaos in the city.
"Everyone’s gone mad, damn it." Get full chapters from noveⅼfire.net
Morison watched with great interest.
Uborio, seeing no hope, had turned to Zote for help, causing Mulong’s loyalty to shift. Santilla, his second-in-command, had also defected to Zote. Betrayed by everyone and knowing Liszt had captured the princess while the just cause’s flag was broken, he was making his final desperate move.
Within Drifting City...he was carrying out a harsh looting spree on the now hellish, blood-drained Mulong.
He intended to squeeze out their very souls,
and make one last stand...of resistance.
The once-glorious second largest slave trading city in the world, now a hellscape, showed signs of burning homes when seen under the blazing desert sun.
Merchants refusing to be looted were cast into the fires by the Resistance Army and accused of treason.
Having learned from past trials, the vast Drifting City saw its inhabitants completely submit. Uborio mobilized everyone, enlisting even children taller than pack mules.
The burning flames, the intense heatwaves, and the many sounds of dragging and shouting made the city seem to wail in anguish.
"Damn it, who would’ve thought we’d be facing literal hell after all our talks of hellish conditions," Mika mulled over.
If Liszt had chosen to stand with Uborio, would today’s events have unfolded differently?