Chapter 328 - Boiling Politics

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~~~(POV: Saintess Lucy)~~~

~~~(Location: The Holy City, Meeting Chambers)~~~

~~~(Time: 8:08 AM)~~~

The constant arguing around the table on this early morning isn't something I can tolerate for much longer. Today's topic is the next step in our war against monsters and what we're going to do. We have them pulling back and on the ropes. As much as I hate to say it, it's a perfect chance to use the weapon the new people built.

There won't be any human casualties, and none of our lands and kingdoms will e damaged. Only places in the monster's territory. We can annihilate our greatest enemy and reduce them to what they were before. Disorganized and without leadership. The orc tribes started this, and that means it'll be our first target. Taking out the orcs, forever.

The Pope slams his hand on the table and takes off his hat. He's trying so hard and is itching to retire as soon as the next Pope is selected from the new people a month and a half from now. "All this bickering and arguing isn't getting us anywhere!" His voice echoes in the massive chamber as silence follows his statement. I'm going to miss him when he's retired.

My eyes glide around the darkened expressions, and I see the reports strewn about. Every since we recovered a number of women, the population has been calling for a major push in the war. An offensive one that's only been done a few times in history. No one has taken on the entire monster's territory, but these weapons... They give us an edge.

One that we need and no one knows about other than the ones in this room. "The reports from the recovered prisoners are all the evidence we need to continue this into the monster territory. Lucy, I want you to take a week off, and after that. Prepare the entirety of the church's forces, and I'll talk to the rest of the rulers, informing them of the plan." They're likely getting reports too.

Thinking the same things we are and making preparations for another expedition. "The rest of you, I want all of you to contact every high-ranking adventurer you know. The church is going to pay any fee they deem. We're ending this war." He's ignoring the obvious, too scared to talk about it. I'm too scared to talk about it too. That kind of power... It shouldn't be in the hands of mortals.

Everyone begins to stand up, but I clear my throat before anyone gets too far. "What about using the weapon that the new people made? Not only does this save us countless innocent lives that'd be wasted fighting the monsters in their territory, but this will also save the church huge amounts of money." Hiring high-ranking members isn't cheap, and we'll never recover from it.

My old friend places his arms on the table and looks down at his reflection from the fresh polish. "You're not wrong, Lucy... I'm worried we wouldn't be able to live with the consequences of doing this... Who knows what kind of power these weapons can unleash... If we are to use them, we need to vote... Here and now." The members of the council exchange looks and retake their seats.

Voting has its upsides and downsides, and I can't go through them all here. Making this decision is for the greater good of our people, and if we do decide to use the weapons, the trade for what comes after is worth it. "Since you're the one that suggested this, what's your first vote, Lucy?" My silence causes everyone to stare at me. 

Waiting for me to speak, waiting to hear the yes or no of the Saintess. "I vote that we use the weapons that the new people have built us." A holographic board appears in the middle of the table, keeping track of the votes. It gets a check in the yes column, and I look to my right, and the voting goes around the table. 

It takes longer, but that's fine. Everyone is considering the risks of what's going on. A responsible approach to the situation at hand. The voting comes to a head, with a tie. The last one that needs to vote is The Pope, and I can see the fear in his eyes. The pressure is on him. "For the better of all human and humanoid life, I vote yes." A light fluttering and then sinking feeling fills my stomach.

Once we use these weapons, everyone will know what the church is holding and how much scrutiny that'll bring. "You've made the right choice, Alex... The threat of the monsters in the monster territory will be gone after this." The resident kissass, Colsare, starts to talk in a gallant tone. One that many fake politicians use. 

~~~(POV: Colsare)~~~

~~~(Location: Personal Chambers, The Holy City)~~~

~~~(Time: 12:00 PM)~~~

GOD DAMN SON OF A BITCH!!! How in the hell am I supposed to know this was going to happen. Pacing around my office doesn't help, but I didn't anticipate this would happen. The Church of the Dark Ones said that this didn't have a possibility of happening! "This has gone to total shit!" I shove everything off my desk and turn towards the hologram crystal.

Dread fills me knowing that I have to inform them of this news, and I have to do it while one failure is already under my belt. The curtains in the room close, and the hologram comes to life. "Master, I have dire news..." I kneel and try to see as small as possible. He's quiet. Not telling me to continue or not. I lift my head, and he squints at me.

He nods his head a single time, and I stand up. "They're going to use the weapons, master... They're going to invade the monster territory and annihilate it with the weapons I told you about..." He stays stoic, but I see his fists clench. The war is integral to our plan, and without we won't get what we need. He turns off the hologram, and I'm left in shock and surprise.

The breath that I've been holding back on instinct escapes my lips, and I stand up and lean on my desk for support. "He's going to take drastic measures... This means I'm going to want to get out of The Holy City before anything happens..." The contingency plan is unknown to me, but he said that he'd want me out of the city if this ever happened.

No time to waste, as they say... Staying here only increases the chances of me getting caught or worse. I like my life and freedom, and I'm getting out of town. "I have everything that I need in terms of money, but I'll be a wanted man... I need to make a stop first..." Changing how I look physically won't be cheap, but I know that it's my best option.

~~~(POV: Cera Adamo)~~~

~~~(Location: Temporary Home, Border City)~~~

~~~(Time: 1:17 PM)~~~

The day after tomorrow is when we're leaving. We've already made backup plans in case Helda, and Melimora try anything to jeopardize our safety and the crossing into the borders. "What do you think about getting some more Shattering Cards before we leave? You need a deck, after all. Who knows all the free time we'll have for games." Hailey isn't that convincing.

She and I have different versions of fun and as enjoyable as it is to beat her at her own games. It gets old. "I'll tell you what, if you can beat me without me letting you win, I'll get my own deck before we leave." The anger spreads across her face and body as I drop the fact that I let her win the last time we played. Determination burns in her eyes.

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A/N: Below this line, I'll be keeping Cera's player information. That way, I won't have to place it into the story above anymore. It takes about 180 words up.

[Slayer (Zern) Lvl.193]

[Exp: 3/100%]

[Title: The Son of Arch-Angel Michael (Hidden)]

[Stats] [Strength - 7095][Endurance - 7045][Dexterity - 7215][Speed - 8240][Focus - 19,660]

[Mana aura control: 6/100%]

[Health: 76,560,000,000/76,560,000,000] [Mana: 216,600,000,000/216,600,000,000]

[Stat Points: 30] [Armor rating: 500]

[Inventory] [Dice of Wayland (Divine)] [Hardened Tree sap Armor (Very Rare)] [The Witness (Legendary Sword)] [Fenrir's Whistle (Divine)] [Sally's Dresses 5x] [Camping gear] [Food Rations 4x] [Dried meat 4x] [Fishing poles 2x] [Fish 8x] [Festival Garbs 2x]

[Passive Perks]

[Inheritor of the Sword] [Son of Heaven] [Slayer of Evil] [Holy Willow Trees Savior] [Finder of Legends] [The Divine who has Legend] [Destined for Greatness] [Dungeon Diver] [An Overachiever]

[Active Skills]

[Heavens light Lvl.59 325/5900] [Protected by Heaven Lvl.59 225/5900] [Slash Lvl..77 4600/130000] [Parry Lvl.53 80/5300] [Double Strike N/A] [Kingslayer N/A] [Raging Machine N/A] [Winged Glory] [Angelic Flight] [Divine Pressure Exertion] [Divinity Pulse] [Controled Fun]