Chapter 278: Meeting between Helmsley and the NLD Church
Within the depths of the Stone Forest near Brawlmanica.
A large gathering of experts from the Grand Fae Spirit Alliance, most of whom were considered members of the White Star Radiance sect, moved cautiously through the area. Not long ago, they had finished dealing with a horde of demonic beasts. Shayleaf led this group while being shielded by her three retainers and her three familiars. The seven of them, along with Jewleaf and Amberleaf, rode atop a giant butterfly covered in leaf-shaped patterns that faintly glowed.
Beneath them, numerous experts such as Rudecka, various elves, different fae races, and a troop of the Tetrahand-Seers marched in formation.
With a disgusted expression, Amberleaf muttered loudly beside Shayleaf. "Ugh, this Princess truly detests foul places like this."
Shayleaf giggled cheerfully. "Come on, Amber. Where is your sense of adventure? There are all kinds of treasures here."
"Hah! This Princess does not like digging for treasure in trash like this anyway. Think about it. What Princess digs through trash for anything? Hmph. What a mission." Amberleaf grumbled with irritation.
"Geez, how grumpy. Here, I'll let you borrow this forest doll I asked Brother Elly to help me create with his essence." Shayleaf smiled as she pulled out a doll that greatly resembled Elton.
"…"
"…"
A brief silence fell over those riding atop the butterfly. The three retainers stared straight ahead, pretending they had heard nothing. Cromlin and Corvin glanced at the doll before looking back at Shayleaf with longing expressions. Prawna's gaze lingered on the doll as she seductively licked her lips. Jewleaf smiled teasingly, clearly enjoying the scene.
Amberleaf stared at the doll in Shayleaf's hand with hesitation. Then, while deliberately looking away, she snatched the doll and held it gently to her bosom. "This Princess is not fond of playing with dolls. However, I do find it very comforting to the touch, so I will hold the doll of this h-handsome suitor for a while."
Shayleaf simply giggled before refocusing her attention ahead.
"Another wave of demonic beasts is heading in from the left." Scouts hurried back to report.
"Alright, same as always. Prepare to crush them," Jewleaf said with a daring smile.
The army below rapidly made preparations, forming formations and readying their skills.
Amberleaf began to glow with a vibrant green light as her spirit chanted powerful magic. The entire army below briefly glowed with the same green light before it slowly dimmed.
–Royal Elven Blessings of Vitality–
–Royal Elven Blessings of Durability–
The army surged forward with renewed excitement as additional buffs of lesser quality were layered on top of Amberleaf's blessings. Soon after, the demonic beasts appeared on the horizon, and battle erupted.
…
Sometime later, in another location within Brawlmanica's borders.
A meeting between several experts was underway. Jumanga Helmsley watched the three individuals before him with a sharp gaze. Behind him stood two experts of the Helmsley Dukedom, one a Golden Lord and the other a peak Early Stage Mortal Lord.
Facing them were none other than the three Mortal Lords of the Night's Light Devouring Church. The atmosphere was tense, heavy with the weight of their discussion.
"Very well. We will proceed with the plan to launch a grand attack against Prince Hunter. If we succeed in eliminating him, then dealing with the very unpopular Shaunem Michaels should also become possible." One of the church's Early Stage Mortal Lords, Arch Deacon Demian, spoke coldly. "With our aid, once you become King, you will lift the ban on the Night's Light Devouring Church and do everything in your power to help us dispose of Zoro and erase the influence of the White Star Radiance sect."
Jumanga considered his words for a moment before giving a slight nod. "Agreed. My father is doing what he can to stabilize the Helmsley clan's position. Prince Hunter has already reached the vicinity of the Royal Capital with his entourage. The Michaels family is most certainly about to make a major move, so we should act quickly."
"I have also received word that troops from the White Star Radiance are moving together with members of the royal army," the Golden Lord behind Jumanga added with a cunning expression. "This may also be an opportunity to deal with them."
At that moment, urgent and heavy knocks echoed against the door. "Respected Arch Deacons and Holy Bishop, I've received extremely urgent news that must be reported at once. Please allow me to enter."
The six men in the room were momentarily startled before Jumanga waved his hand. The Golden Lord expert beside him swiftly weaved a series of hand signs, causing the door to glow as numerous magical symbols spread across its surface. The door opened on its own, revealing a tall man clad in the church's clergy robes, his powerful Golden Lord aura filling the room.
"Speak, Deacon Bromlette," Arch Deacon Demian said with a tense expression.
"I-It's about the church headquarters. It's under attack," Deacon Bromlette said, his voice quivering.
"What? Someone actually dares to do this at such a critical time? Courting death!" the other Early Stage Mortal Lord of the church, Arch Deacon Amonesio, spoke with a dark expression. "Normally, the Church should still be able to defend itself even with many of our forces scattered. Things shouldn't be that dire."
"Normally, yes, but…" Deacon Bromlette replied, faltering mid-sentence.
"Speak! Do not waste any more of our time. What is the problem?!" Arch Deacon Demian snarled in irritation.
"F-Forgive me for my distress, sir. Based on the information relayed to me, multiple forces have begun attacking the Church headquarters. The greatest issue is the main instigator himself, who has somehow triggered massive internal conflict, causing parts of several factions to betray the church. Old alliances and backers have also taken this chance to muddy the waters." Deacon Bromlette spoke with a somber tone, barely concealing his agitation.
"What?! Such gall! This is a massive slap to the church's face." Arch Deacon Amonesio gnashed his teeth in fury. "We will return once we deal with matters here. Make sure the other church leaders are informed."
"...Sir, there is one extremely vital piece of information," Bromlette continued, his voice tightening. "This attack is being spearheaded by the White Star Radiance's Black Reaper Corps, led by Daoist Black Devil Blades, Zoro Tatsumaki."
"!!!"
"!!!"
Shock rippled through the room. Not only were the three members of the church stunned, but Jumanga and the two experts at his side were equally shaken.
"W-Why?! When did he get there?!" Demian paled in disbelief.
"That bastard. He chose impeccable timing to strike," Amonesio cursed. "He even incited traitors to fight alongside him. Damn him."
The Middle Stage Mortal Lord, Bishop Daemonga of the Night's Sabbatical, wore a furious expression before suddenly freezing mid-thought. His face paled, a faint tremor running through his body. "We have to leave immediately. There is no time! He may be after 'that.'"
The two Arch Deacons did not understand what 'that' referred to, but they did not dare question him. His status far exceeded theirs, and he was privy to secrets they were not.
"Apologies, Sir Jumanga, but we can no longer aid you or your cause," Amonesio said coldly as they prepared to depart. He paused at the doorway and glanced back. "Since everything has already fallen apart, I might as well tell you. The Michaels family and several other forces have already made deals with us and others. With your current position, the likelihood of you taking the crown was close to none. Farewell."
The church members left without another word, leaving Jumanga and his two companions sitting in silence. Events had unraveled so quickly that it was difficult to process everything at once. A heavy, ominous feeling briefly washed over Jumanga before fading.
"...Lord Jumanga, what will we do now?" the Early Stage Mortal Lord asked grimly.
"Haha… Hahaha… Hahahahahaha!" Jumanga suddenly laughed, his voice tinged with madness. "That damned devil. Somehow, he is always intertwined with my fate, ruining everything I strive for. Haaah… That is the excuse I've told myself until now." A devilish aura seeped from his body as his expression grew thoughtful. "Our Helmsley Dukedom is likely in an extremely precarious position after what we've just heard."
"Sir…" the Golden Lord smiled bitterly.
"Change of plans," Jumanga declared, his gaze sharpening. "Jerome has carved out his own path to protect our collapsing Helmsley clan. I will carve out mine as well, beyond my father's plans. Zoro Tatsumaki, hm? Very well. I will personally go and witness that man's presence once more before making my final decision. LIVE FOR HELMSLEY, DIE FOR HELMSLEY!"
The Golden Lord and the Early Stage Mortal Lord exchanged looks filled with faint pity before their expressions hardened with resolve.
"LIVE FOR HELMSLEY. DIE FOR HELMSLEY!!"