Chapter 261
Chapter 261
Chapter 261
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 261: Lan Qi Participates in the Theory Exam
Three days later.
The late February wind swept swiftly between the towering buildings of the imperial capital, Helrom. In the air of a winter morning, the massive building of the Annihilation Knights loomed, solemn and imposing.
The towering spire of this building pierced straight into the clouds, its surface engraved with ancient legends of the war against demons. The white stone blocks stacked to form the outer walls were covered with a thin layer of frost, making it even more mysterious.
Approaching the gate, two knights dressed in dark gray heavy armor stood guard, holding long spears. The several-meter-high gate was inlaid with carved metal patterns—the sacred seal of the Annihilation branch. In the center of the cold gray totem was a hollow eyeball. Though it lacked pupils, it emitted a faint glow, as if it contained the last glimmer of hope that had been swallowed. Around it twisted and intertwined chains of vine-like tendrils with sharp thorns, coiling around the eyeball and binding it tightly.
Once a forbidden existence on the Northern Continent, the Annihilation branch now possessed an office in the imperial capital, Helrom. Its final name was determined as the Temple of the Annihilation Knights.
The clergy working here mainly handled coordination and logistics between the capital and other provincial branches of Helrom. At the same time, in recent days, they had begun screening new clergy members who wished to join the Annihilation branch.
After the Resurrection Church as a whole obtained safe-passage permission within the Protos Empire, the three bishops—each commanding one of the three main branches—began rapidly expanding within the Empire. Many who had long been drifting in the gray zones of society now had a direct channel to board the great ship of the Resurrection Church.
Yesterday, the initial test for new clergy members was held here.
The complete examination process consisted of the preliminary test, the retest, and the final assessment.
The part already completed was the preliminary test: a conceptual written exam.
This morning, the Annihilation branch would notify those who had passed yesterday’s written test.
And in the afternoon, both the retest and the final assessment would be conducted simultaneously.
Though the schedule appeared tight, strict execution was one of the fundamental principles the Annihilation branch required of its clergy.
When the grand gates of the Temple of the Annihilation Knights slowly opened, the outline of a vast hall was revealed. A massive chandelier hung from the high vaulted ceiling, radiating white light. On the surrounding walls were oil paintings depicting the actions of the Resurrection Church in the Northern Continent’s holy war.
Arched doors on either side led to various inner rooms. Following the main corridor to its deepest point led to the council chamber.
The main council chamber was the most solemn place within the Annihilation Knights. Its tall doors were made of sturdy oak, and behind them was a spacious, round-table hall. The tall windows allowed excellent lighting; sunlight streamed through the glass, scattering across the table and walls in dazzling, colorful patterns.
Even though it was still morning, several high-ranking clergy of the Annihilation branch were already seated around the table. Their expressions were stern, and the sacred seal pendants on their chests, glowing faintly with purple radiance, signified their status.
Stacks of categorized scrolls and folders lay on the table, detailing the identities and exam scores of those from the Protos Empire who had taken the preliminary test yesterday.
At the center of the hall, a middle-aged man in a dark gray robe carefully flipped through the papers. On his hand was a ring made of bone, which he occasionally used to tap the pages.
From time to time, he raised his head to ask the opinions of the two other high-ranking clergy beside him. A young knight in dark gray armor recorded their discussion with a pen, while two other clergy held their own files, occasionally debating a candidate’s score.
The atmosphere in the room was solemn. Everyone knew that this examination was part of the Annihilation branch’s expansion within the Empire. Whether they could select candidates who could adapt to the Empire’s new policies might greatly affect their chances of victory in the bishop election two months later.
Under the current situation and policies of the Protos Empire, rather than raw combat power, what they needed more were talents skilled in planning and strategy.
The man leading this task in the council chamber was High Cleric Caius. He was the core decision-maker, and the others awaited his final verdict.
The exam’s objective and subjective questions tested not only intelligence, learning ability, and fundamentals but also provided some insight into the candidates’ nature, character, and style of conduct.
“…Didn’t expect him to pass. Seems he’s done his homework.”
High Cleric Caius pulled out a test paper and compared it with a matching resume, commenting.
Each candidate had their records thoroughly investigated by the Church’s intelligence officers.
On the file Caius held, the name column read “Iron Fist” Serio. The attached photo depicted a burly half-demon with dark brown skin, a single horn on his head, and heavy black-gold bracelets on his wrists.
The intelligence report stated he had once been a famous gladiator, banned for excessive bloodshed in the arena. It was clear he possessed a near-fanatical love for battle, though he disdained striking the weak—for example, he would not harm children or women. He had been in prison several times.
“A man who’s run out of roads in this country. But for us in the Resurrection Church, being half-demon is not much of a problem.”
The cleric seated beside Caius took the 65-point paper—barely above the passing line—and gave a faint smile.
“If the Tyrant branch were recruiting, he’d probably go there instead.”
Another cleric commented.
Usually, the Tyrant branch and the Annihilation branch openly competed, especially now that they were clearly rivals in interest. But this time was unusual: the Tyrant branch had not started recruiting in the capital.
“Those fools are probably afraid we’d plant spies again. They seem especially cautious this time.”
“But we must also be wary of the Tyrant branch causing trouble.”
Caius said calmly, discarding several unqualified test papers, before picking up another score just above the passing line.
Originally, both the Annihilation and Tyrant branches had been wanted targets of the Empire, with nothing to fear and the freedom to strike directly.
Now, since neither could openly use force in the Empire, the Tyrant branch often fell into disadvantage, repeatedly being ambushed and assassinated by the Annihilation clergy.
It was not that the Tyrant clergy lacked cunning—they simply preferred open tactics, whereas the Annihilation branch excelled at schemes.
And the Tyrant Bishop was certainly not one to tolerate slights.
Though he seemed quiet now, he would undoubtedly take vengeance on the Annihilation Bishop when the chance came.
On the next file Caius examined was a young man named “Fire Tongue” Redor, with long red hair, wearing a black priest’s robe.
The record described him as a dangerous fire mage who had burned down an entire village without clear reason. His personality was irritable and impulsive.
“Clearly, he’s imitating Bishop of Destruction Ivanos. Even dyed his hair to look more like him.”
For once, Caius’s voice carried a hint of helplessness.
This candidate did seem mentally unstable, but his score was quite good—76 points.
This demonstrated his exceptional talent for villainy and extreme chaos.
“If he were on the Southern Continent, he’d probably follow the Destruction branch.”
“Unfortunately for him, given Bishop Ivanos’s personality, if he saw someone imitating him, he’d probably turn him to ashes—or carve him apart, inch by inch, in the cruelest way possible.”
“But the real heavyweights should be further down. These two are only… colorful.”
The other two high clerics also laughed lightly.
(End of this chapter)