Inside the tent, you could hear a pin drop. Heavy breathing was clearly audible. Lind's words tore away all pretense, laying bare the bloody reality and deadly threat before everyone.
After a brief silence, Ser Barton, the acting captain, seized the opportunity and spoke in a deep voice:
"As Baron Lind said, the threat of the Shadow Abyss is a sword hanging over the heads of all of us! In this critical situation, only by setting aside past grievances and cooperating sincerely can we overcome this difficulty together!"
I propose that we immediately discuss and establish a unified defense strategy and command system, prioritizing the stability of the defensive line, while simultaneously requesting larger-scale support from the Holy Church and the Imperial Central Government! What do you gentlemen think?
This time, no one immediately objected. Count Wald frowned, seemingly weighing the pros and cons, but finally nodded slowly.
Those nobles who advocated retreat temporarily suppressed their thoughts in the face of greater fear. Those nobles who were immersed in their fantasies were completely awakened, their faces turning pale.
The intelligence Linde brought, along with the implicit support he represented from the Earl Truk family, injected a dose of sobering effect into the chaotic meeting.
Although the nobles' individual calculations had not disappeared, faced with the imminent and devastating threat revealed by Lind, they had to temporarily set aside their prejudices and, at least on the surface, begin to discuss specific strategic deployments "step by step": troop deployment, fortification of defenses, logistical support, coordination with the Holy Church, and close monitoring of the Orcs' movements...
The meeting was finally on track.
However, looking at the nobles with their various thoughts inside the tent, Linde felt no relief whatsoever.
He knew that this fragile consensus was like thin ice, which could be shattered at any moment by bigger storms or undercurrents.
The real test has only just begun.
After learning of the Shadow Abyss's large-scale intervention, the Holy Church's Chief Inquisitor, Priest, will inevitably begin to take action.
…………
Less than half a day later, just as Lind finished observing the tense atmosphere in the camp and was preparing to discuss the next steps with Lilens, a young monk dressed in a simple white robe with holy symbols embroidered on the cuffs appeared outside his temporary tent and respectfully conveyed the summons of Inquisitor Priest.
In the temporary meditation room set up by the Holy Church at its headquarters, Priss sat upright on a simple wooden chair, the dim candlelight illuminating his angular face, his sharp eyes seeming to pierce through the soul.
The room was filled with a faint scent of incense and the lingering aroma of some kind of purifying energy, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the camp.
Baron Lindt.
Prince's voice was deep and direct, without any pleasantries.
"Regarding what you mentioned to the meeting... the Shadow Abyss Splinters, and the way the Sassians cultivate monsters, I need to know every detail you know. Any omission could be a matter of life and death for the North and even the entire kingdom."
Lind was prepared. Facing this figure who represented the highest judicial power of the Kree Empire's Holy Church, he knew that concealing the truth would be of no benefit, and might even cause him to miss out on powerful support or attract unnecessary suspicion.
He described in detail the horrific sights he witnessed on the walls of Greenburg: how the soldiers of Sass were twisted and mutated in despair, transforming into the Shadow Abyss monsters known as "The Rippers"; their impenetrable scales, their attacks imbued with corrosive power, and their eventual, arduous destruction by the power of the Light Veins.
He emphasized the physical characteristics and manner of action of the Shadow Abyss servant, as well as its striking similarity to the assassins described in the Count's assassination attempt.
“They…were not born naturally,”
Lind concluded by looking directly at Priest.
"It's more like a weapon of war forcibly 'catalyzed' and 'shaped' by some kind of technology or ritual. And at its core is that black, viscous liquid called 'Shadow Abyss Essence,' which high-ranking officers of the Sassians seem to be able to manipulate to some extent."
Prince listened quietly, his fingers tapping unconsciously on his knees, the candlelight flickering in his sunken eye sockets.
When Linde mentioned "Shadow Abyss Essence," his fingertips paused slightly.
"Source material..."
Pris repeated the word in a low voice, the word seeming to carry an icy weight.
"Pure Shadow Abyss pus, the essence of despair and decay. To be used on such a large scale by mortals... This goes far beyond ordinary heresy worship; it's more like... the prelude to a premeditated invasion."
He raised his eyes, his gaze locking onto Lind like that of a hawk:
"Greenburg is where this corrupt force first manifested on a large scale, and it is also the only frontline outpost that successfully resisted and captured its core 'materials'. There, their presence may still linger, and clues to their next plan may be hidden."
Linde's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained impassive:
"Your Excellency is absolutely right. Although Greenburg has temporarily repelled the enemy, the hidden dangers remain. The Shadow Abyss manipulators behind the Sassians will never let this go."
Priss stood up, his white robes billowing even without wind, and an invisible pressure carrying a scorching, purifying aura emanated from him. He made his decision:
“Baron Lind, I will return with you to the front lines at Grinburg. This blasphemous power must be thoroughly purified, and its source must be severed. The Holy Light will shine upon that land tainted by shadow.”
A surge of immense joy welled up within Lin De; it was like a godsend! He suppressed his excitement, immediately bowed deeply, and spoke with a tone filled with sincere gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility:
"The presence of the Chief Justice in Greenburg is a blessing for the North and for the people and soldiers of Greenburg!"
"The power of the Light Veins is the most powerful weapon against those Shadow Abyss monsters! On behalf of all the soldiers of Grinburg, I thank you for your assistance! We will cooperate fully to ensure that these filthy creatures are completely eradicated!"
He appeared righteous and indignant on the surface, but inside he was laughing wildly.
The fact that this "god" Press is willing to go to Greenburg is simply the best bait and the most powerful henchman! Ever since he stole those few bottles of precious Shadow Abyss Essence last time, the Shadow Abyss forces hiding in the Sassin camp have completely gone silent, as if they have been strangled.
Lin De was worried about how to "fish" out a few more big fish to recharge his system.
The arrival of Priest was like throwing a red-hot iron into a seemingly calm cesspool!
Those hidden forces in the Shadow Abyss, whether in order to reclaim the Source Essence or to eliminate the enormous threat of Pris, will inevitably be provoked to emerge!
The more the better, the stronger the better! As long as Priss is at the forefront, Lind will have plenty of opportunities to "collect" those precious "Shadow Abyss Relics" amidst the chaos!
This is simply the perfect catalyst for system upgrades!
"There's no time to lose,"
Prince seemed oblivious to Lind's inner turmoil, or rather, he simply didn't care. His only concern was the mission to purify the heretics.
"We are ready to depart immediately. My Holy Knights will accompany us, and we are determined to annihilate these blasphemers!"
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