565 Aftermath (1/2)

As the illusionary colors faded away, the new pope, the Angel King and the captain of the Temple Knights inside the massive transmission magic circles disappeared from Rentato.

After the transmission magic circles became dim, Hathaway's usual indifferent voice was mixed with certain complicated feelings as she muttered: ”Elements Resolve.”

Crack, crack, crack, crack. The massive transmission magic circles that had been seriously damaged under Eternal Blaze were disintegrated into elements, sinking or dispersing, never to be restored.

The facility that supported the South Church's reign was finally gone, marking that the South Church's influence has left the four countries of the straight and the north coastline.

”What a shame. If it weren't for the bliss…” Oliver felt regretful that the result could've been better.

Atlant was barely helpful because illusions and curses that he was good at were useless under 'Eternal Blaze'. However, he couldn't have looked more at ease. Closing his eyes, he smiled, ”Oliver, greed is a flaw that other people will make use of. We have secured the control of this side of the Storm Strait without losing any of the seventeen legendary sorcerers, and our strength has been significantly increased after the six legendary knights join us. Are you still dissatisfied?”

His words were not ungrounded, because 'Master of Transformation' Erica, 'Monarch of Fate' Hull-Chulia, 'Lord of the Undead' Vicente, and 'Hammer of the Void' Bedrenka had all returned. 'Night Walker' had approached, too.

As a result, the legendary forces at the Congress' disposal amounted to twenty-three, outnumbering the Dark Congress which had nineteen legendary experts. Also, it was much more united than other forces. Even when it only had eighteen legends, it was considered to be an organization better than the Dark Congress, because vampires and werewolves hated each other's guts, and the ancient dragons were too proud to bother any species other than vampires.

In the meantime, the North Church only had fifteen legends, and only the pontiff was at the peak of legendary. It was weaker than the Congress of Magic, but there were another twelve legendary knights in the northern kingdoms and duchies. All in all, it was stronger than the Congress of Magic in the past, but because of their lack of experts at the peak of legendary, they were not as good as the Congress now.

Therefore, the Congress of Magic became the well-deserved second most powerful force.

Before Oliver replied, he saw 'Innovator' Davey return with a legion of Golems. He was a slim, sluggish 'young man' that was only enthusiastic when he saw the gadgets he created.

In a bitter smile, Davey said, ”Stone escaped.”

Then he added, ”I was too shocked by the pope's demise. He ran before I came back to myself. Half of the Knights of Grail were controlled by me.”

”The Knights of Grail will be transferred to Natasha as per our promise. She'll ask Richard to transform them into royal knights. If they refuse, then…” Douglas had little mercy for the enemy. He turned to the other side, ”Oliver, you will hunt Stone with Davey. He may be too far away to be caught now, but you can still add to his pressure so that he doesn't sabotage everything on his way.”

”Understood.” Oliver was regretting that he did not kill a Grand Cardinal in person just now. Excited, he left with Davey.

The sky of Rentato became quiet, as if God's Arrival and Eternal Blaze just now were only illusions.

Douglas sighed in relief and broke the silence. ”I estimated that we would lose one or two legends in the operation, but we have to thank Sard. If he hadn't consumed Benedict II's first God's Arrival, 'Silver Moon' and 'Abyss' would've waited for us to do so.”

”Even though the Dark Congress might not succeed, the Church had lost Anthony, Augusta, Sard and Beaver. After Anasta became the new pope, it remains to be seen if the other three saint cardinals would return to the Holy City. The South Church has suffered heavy losses.”

”I hereby announce that Project Mushroom Cloud has succeeded!”

The postwar silence was dispelled by Douglas' announcement. For the sorcerers, it meant that they were no longer worried about the night watchers and the enemy next to their headquarters.

Seeing that the atmosphere was enlivened, Douglas chuckled, ”Hathaway, ask the sorcerers in the Holm branch to help Richard include them into the new church. Later, we can study the divine powers with the Holmish Church.”

Hathaway nodded and reminded the sorcerers through ancient messaging methods, because the electromagnetic environment was still rather disordered.

Then, Douglas looked at Vicente, Holt, Erica, Atlant, Hellen and Hull-Chulia and said, ”Fernando and I tolerated the Hand of Paleness, the Will of Elements, the Moonsong League, the Family of Sorcerers and Cabin of Palmeira within the Congress exactly because we hoped for today to come. Your infiltration in your respective countries was successful. I hope that you can defend your territory in the future and do not let the Church or other enemies get things their way.”

”My only requirement is that the chair and the vice-chair of the branches must be appointed by the Highest Council.”

Douglas proposed the requirement after the triumph while acknowledging the few organizations. Therefore, Vicente and other legendary sorcerers did not object. They were the members of the Highest Council themselves, too.

”Atlant and I will take turns to watch over the Duchy of Calais.” Erica expressed her attitude first, followed by other legendary sorcerers. They divided different areas, like 'parishes' in the past.

At this moment, 'Night Walker' Winston received a message from the nobles. Knowing their choice, he said with a smile, ”Holm is the safest place. I can foresee that my job will be easy.”

In the new situation, the tradition that sorcerers could not enter the Nekso Palace was naturally abandoned. As a result, Hathaway and Davey could take care of the defense of the Nekso Palace while watching over the Will of Elements and the royal magic tower of Holm.

After the brief meeting, Hathaway and Winston reached the Parliament of Nobles, because certain things were still unresolved.

Sheathing the Sword of Truth, Natasha looked at Winston and said, ”Mr. Winston, where is Mr. Kritonia?”

”He refused to cooperate with the Congress and escaped from Rentato.” Admitted Winston honestly.

Duke Kritonia's face immediately became pale, but he also felt lucky that his ancestor at least did not die.

Natasha turned around and looked at the nobles. ”Now, I request a trial on a murder case targeting Patrick, the former prince.”