Chapter 190: Peaceful Conflicts 2

"The entire continent must be in shock right now"

I mused, acknowledging the far-reaching consequences of the recent events.

News of what transpired at Estelle Academy would undoubtedly be making its way to every doorstep, sparking conversations and raising questions about the unprecedented incidents.

It's a shame that the whole academy got destroyed...

My aunt had grand plans for Estelle Academy, intending to transform it into our new base.

Yet, the destructive force unleashed and the unexpected power exhibited by Elena had altered the course of our plans.

Plans had to be reconsidered, strategies reevaluated. The destruction left in our wake demanded a shift in our approach.

"At least we accomplished a lot of things"

By now, the shockwaves of the cataclysmic events at Estelle Academy would have rippled across all corners of the continent, triggering widespread fears of a possible demonic and monster invasion.

The erasure of such a monumental institution sent shivers down the spines of leaders and citizens alike.

Estelle Academy, more than just an academic institution, was a colossal city in its own right, surpassing the size of some of the largest cities in any country.

The academy, a melting pot of the world's most formidable mages and swordsmen, housed students whose talents eclipsed even the feats of known legends.

It accommodated descendants of great beings and served as a nexus for the planet's most powerful individuals.

The might of Estelle Academy's military and defensive capabilities rivaled, if not surpassed, those of entire nations. Yet, in a mere day, it had been obliterated from existence.

The destruction, catalyzed in part by the actions of the saintess, whose intentions were deemed for the greater good, begged the question: could her actions be forgiven in the face of such devastation?

Regardless of justification, the irrefutable fact lingered – if a city of Estelle Academy's stature, with its impregnable defenses and military might, could be wiped off the map so swiftly, what hope did weaker and more ordinary countries have in defending against potential invasions?

And there was also the fear of an unknown organization that Gobel was a part of.

While the exact affiliation of this organization remained elusive in the novel, the ominous nature of their actions hinted at a darker, more sinister purpose.

The specter of terrorism loomed over their every move, and it wouldn't be a stretch to assume that they might emerge as the next main antagonist for Tristan.

The prospect of the impending grand meeting hung heavy in the air, a gathering that promised to bring leaders from all walks of life together.

I wondered if even the reclusive barbarian king would receive an invitation.

Despite their nation's lack of recognition by global powers, the barbarian kingdom held sway over a vast expanse of land coveted by both the formidable Empire and the influential Holy Nation.

But even still....

The goddess's unyielding stance cast a somber cloud over hopes for lasting peace.

As long as she remained steadfast in her resistance, the specter of destruction and death would persist.

I just hope mom wouldn't kill her immediately since I still needed to know why I was transmigrated here.

Still, it's a bit sad knowing I won't be able to find out who the other seven virtues of Estelle Academy are. I wonder if they died out back in the dungeon break?

Well, it's not like it matters now; the story was going haywire from the original novel anyway.

I just have to stick with our plans.

'Sis?'

I tried to establish a connection with my sister, but as expected, nothing came back. I noticed it a while ago, but this place truly is fully covered by the goddess's influence; I can practically feel her divinity everywhere. Me sleeping here would've been the perfect time to attack me, yet she didn't make her move. Is she planning something?

"Mm...?" A soft, adorable noise emerged from my chest, accompanied by a gentle rustling.

It was Louise, slowly waking up from her slumber.

As she blinked away the remnants of sleep, her pink eyes met mine.

"Good morning," I said to her casually.

".... Good—morning...?" she replied rather sleepily.

I guess she was still half-asleep.

Ana mentioned them debating where they would sleep next to me yesterday. Just how long were they even debating for all of them to still be asleep, even though it's lunchtime now?

As I made my way through the roads and passages, the whispers of curious onlookers trailed behind me like a soft breeze.

"Is that him?"

"He's the hero, right?"

"Wow, he looks so cool."

"I wonder if he's as strong as the news says?"

People clad in attire reminiscent of ancient Rome or Greece adorned the streets, a departure from the more familiar medieval garb.

The clothing was not only captivating but also beautiful, casting a surreal aura in the surroundings.

They weren't priests or nuns of the church, but rather ordinary citizens of the Holy Nation, their clothing reflecting a culture distinct from what I had grown accustomed to.

it seemed that normal citizens were allowed access to this sacred place.

The Holy Nation, known for its stringent measures regarding sacred locations, appeared to make an exception for this grand cathedral. Even though the entire complex resembled a fortress, it was, at its core, still a church.

The allure of this extraordinary blend of architecture and faith seemed to transcend the typical boundaries of the holy cities I've visited in the past.

As I continued my stroll, it became evident that the bustling life in the Holy Nation extended beyond its sacred halls.

The grand cathedral in the distance drew my attention, its doors open wide, welcoming a throng of people.

The hum of chatter and the soft echoes of prayers reached me from afar, hinting at a congregation or perhaps a prayer service within.

"Mr. Adrian?"

"Yes?"

"Good morning, my name is Isabella. I'm here to guide you to the office."

Before me stood a nun, but her attire was anything but conventional.

Instead of the familiar white robes, she wore an all-black ensemble that seemed more reminiscent of a goth aesthetic than the traditional nun attire.

Even her gloves matched the mysterious darkness of her outfit.

With long light brown hair cascading down her shoulders and a black cloth covering her eyes, she exuded an unusual, almost ethereal presence.

As she bowed elegantly before me, I couldn't help but wonder about the purpose behind her peculiar appearance.

Moreover, she carried a walking stick – was she blind?

The notion of being guided to the office caught me off guard.

Besides...

Why hadn't someone attended to me earlier?

Well not that I can complain though, I couldn't deny the enjoyment of discovering bits and pieces of this extraordinary place.

"Please forgive my rudeness for not attending to you much earlier. There were some slight commotions in the office, so please do forgive me" Isabella explained with another graceful bow, her words carrying an air of sincerity.

"It's fine; please take care of me, Miss Isabella" I responded, recognizing that there was no need to voice any complaints.

Despite my lack of knowledge about the exact circumstances, Isabella appeared a bit out of breath, suggesting she had rushed to guide me even though she was blind.

Upon my acknowledgment, she stood up, and a warm smile graced her features.

"This way, please" she said, her voice carrying an air of professionalism as she gestured for me to follow.

As we traversed the intricate passages of the cathedral, the rhythmic tap of Isabella's walking stick echoed through the halls.

I couldn't help but marvel at her adept navigation despite her apparent visual impairment.

The blindfold that covered her eyes remained a mystery – could she see through it in some way, or did she rely solely on her other senses?

I can't detect any mana from her so it can't be mana sense... and asking her about it directly might seem rude...

Now that I think about it, I wondered what Isabella's role in the novel was.

Her unique outfit and the air of significance that surrounded her hinted at a potential importance in the story.

'She's definitely an important character from her attire alone'