Chapter 195 – Kasparqi

“Master-Level… how is that possible”!

Upon hearing the words “Master-Level,” the nobles in the secret chamber momentarily forgot to breathe. It wasn’t because they were easily startled, but because this term was truly terrifying.

Although the breakthrough from Formal-Level to Master-Level doesn’t bring as dramatic an improvement as breaking through to Formal-Level or Legendary-Level—at least the power gap between Master-Level and Formal-Level hasn’t reached the extent where numbers become irrelevant, as is the case between Legendary-Level and Master-Level or Formal-Level and Apprentice-Level—this level of breakthrough is still astonishing enough. Under normal circumstances, the guardians of ordinary kingdoms are precisely at the Master-Level.

Hearing the sharp intakes of breath from several high-ranking nobles, a trace of pride appeared on Bishop Kasparqi’s face. He took a large step forward and spoke to all the nobles present with unwavering authority:

“I, Kasparqi-Mara—Grand Bishop of the Church of Dawn stationed in the Dillon Kingdom—under the guidance of my Lord, have advanced to the 15th level of the clergy (Master-Level). Now… I will lead all of you present to experience the supreme glory of the Lord of the Dawn and guide this nation to bathe in the greatness of my Lord. I hope that all of you here…………”.

“St… stop”!

Just as Kasparqi was about to proclaim the teachings of the Lord of the Dawn, a voice trembling with resolve interrupted his speech.

“You… what exactly are you trying to do? Do you intend to make this nation… a vassal of the Church of Dawn”?

“Vassal? Poor lamb… Offering one’s soul and everything to serve the supreme true god—the Lord of the Dawn—is the honor of all living beings and the only salvation for this nation. How can you defile the pure morning light with such a crude word as ‘vassal’?”

Kasparqi’s voice held no displeasure; it seemed filled with compassionate benevolence and piety toward the Lord of the Dawn. However, everyone could clearly see the gloom and murderous intent spreading across his face, which was not only unferocious but rather delicately beautiful.

But faced with Kasparqi’s grim expression, the old, rigid count did not back down. Trembling, he adjusted the gemmed badge pinned to his formal attire, patted the honorable medal on his shoulder, and slowly spoke:

“My family was personally ennobled by the first King of the Dillon Kingdom and once swore to remain loyal to this nation at all costs. This legacy and loyalty are embedded in our bloodline. As long as one is a member of this family, they would never betray the country for personal gain…………”!

“Lost lamb, you have been sinking in darkness for too long. Now… feel the teachings of the Lord of the Dawn”!

Before the count could finish speaking, a flash of ferocity passed through Kasparqi’s eyes. Accompanied by his soft prayer, a beam of white light, as thick as a finger, instantly pierced the old noble’s forehead.

The old noble, whose brain had been invaded by the white light, immediately began to tremble uncontrollably as if possessed by a spirit. His eyeballs started spinning wildly. This eerie phenomenon lasted for about five seconds.

Once calm again, the old count sat slumped in his chair, tilting his head foolishly. Drooling, he incessantly muttered the teachings of the Church of Dawn, completely unresponsive to the outside world.”Excellent. It seems this elderly gentleman has come to comprehend the greatness of our Lord. So… is there anyone else who fails to understand the glory of the Dawn?”

Seeing the fate that had befallen the old Count, no one dared utter a single word of dissent. All the Nobles hurriedly swore oaths to serve the Lord of the Dawn, vowing to eradicate the evil heretics from this Kingdom for the great “One True God.”

After listening to the Nobles stammer through their pledges, sweat pouring down their faces, Kasparqi smiled and announced the prearranged command:

“General Vick has agreed to lead troops to attack Migka Fortress, an important stronghold of the heretics—the ‘Glory Army.’ But is our Lord’s radiance satisfied with merely capturing one fortress? No, no. We must thoroughly purify that most wicked heretic, Princess Trelinka, right there in that fortress.”

Hearing Kasparqi target the Leader of the “Glory Army,” Trelinka, a Noble timidly whispered:

“L-Lord Kasparqi… although the heretic Leader must be prioritized for purification, and we Nobles present are willing to contribute funds and effort… b-but Trelinka probably won’t go to a frontline fortress, will she?”

“There’s no need to worry about that.”

Kasparqi replied confidently:

“If we inform that heretic that the sacred army will inevitably carry out ‘purification’ against all heretics in the northern Kingdom, including all ‘lowly people’ who assist them, I believe the Princess will certainly lead her few Formal-Level experts to the frontlines in an attempt to stop Vick Swordsaint. When that happens… let the loyal Sir Vick strike her down with his sword.”

Upon hearing Kasparqi’s plan, the Nobles trembled involuntarily. Suppressing their shock, they asked:

“But… hundreds of thousands of people live in the northern Kingdom… This is just a trap, right? Just… just to lure out Trelinka, right?”

Kasparqi coldly scanned the assembled Nobles and slowly spoke:

“If Trelinka truly cares about her people’s lives and goes to the fortress at all costs to stop General Vick, then this will indeed be just a trap. But if she fails to recognize what’s good for her… then I’ll have no choice but to purify those ungrateful heretics for the supreme Lord of the Dawn.”

Hearing Kasparqi’s words, the Nobles felt a chill that even huddling near the brazier couldn’t dispel. Kasparqi’s meaning was quite clear—if Princess Trelinka didn’t go to Migka Fortress… this fanatical bishop would absolutely command the King to order the destruction of the entire northern Kingdom, and that blindly loyal Vick Swordsaint would unwaveringly execute the King’s command.

Then, having lost popular support, the Glory Army would still meet its doom!

This was an utterly transparent yet venomous scheme. Before Kasparqi advanced to Master-Level, he would never have attempted this, as it would undoubtedly enrage Sangus, the National Guardian Archmage. But now… he no longer feared that decrepit Archmage. If not for needing to remain in the rear to contain the furious Archmage Sanggesi, he would have personally taken action to “purify” the Glory Army himself.”There’s no need to worry about the Nightwalker Alliance either. Vick Swordsaint has received a Master-Level Treasure bestowed by our Lord, sufficient to destroy any overambitious clowns. As for you all, you only need to consider how to contribute troops and resources to demonstrate your piety!”

The newly promoted Kasparqi was incomparably arrogant and overbearing. His speed of advancement was considered quite outstanding even within the talent-rich Church of Dawn. The current Kasparqi looked down on everyone, let alone the “rats” from the evil faction whom he had despised from the very beginning due to his faith in the Lord of the Dawn.

Having made his decision independently, Kasparqi paid no further attention to the Nobles’ reactions. He merely commanded all Nobles to fully commit troops and funds to support General Vick’s suppression campaign, then turned and left, leaving the assembled Nobles sitting dumbfounded in their seats, silently staring at the flickering lamplight.

(End of Chapter)