Chapter 359
Chapter 359
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 359 – Huperion Has Arrived
Two days later, early morning.
In the northern region of the Protos Empire, the Box Mountain Province stood like a dazzling jewel upon the northern plains — not only the most prosperous province in the north but also a crucial hub where goods and travelers converged.
The northern mountain ranges surrounded it like guardian deities, forming a natural barrier. At the foot of the mountains, melting snow turned into slender streams that wound eastward through the city. When the spring wind blew, the moat quietly nourished everything, granting the city vitality and vigor.
Upon entering this province, one could see that its architecture followed the ancient style of the imperial capital, Helrom, but used more natural stone and timber, creating a style that harmonized with the lofty mountains of the far north — stone and wood seemed woven into a living, three-dimensional painting.
But this year, temporal turbulence had thrown the seasons into chaos. The cold lingered far longer than usual; even the warm southern soils of the Empire were blanketed in winter snow.
In the north, even with mid-April approaching, spring hesitated at the threshold. The fickle weather frequently brought fresh snowfall, wiping the city clean and leaving its inhabitants wondering if this frozen world would continue into the next winter.
South of Box Mountain Province, to the west of the provincial capital, stood the Rock Junction magitek railway station — the southern gateway and transportation hub of the entire region. This was the largest magitek rail station in the entire northern Empire, a masterpiece combining ancient craftsmanship and magic.
Every screech of the brakes and every shower of sparks from iron wheels became a heavy note in the great mechanical symphony, resonating through the vast platforms of Rock Junction.
At the far end of the station, a magitek train carrying with it the chill of the north approached the elevated platform at high speed, its roof covered with a thin layer of frost and snow.
The slender crystal display screen along the side of the train showed Imperial characters: this was a train departing from the Milford Domain in the Northwest Province, bound for Rock Junction.
Inside one of the forward carriages, a private cabin that combined elegance and comfort was designed like a hotel suite.
Its ceiling was hand-crafted with ornate borders, and its walls were paneled with dark wood exuding a faint sandalwood fragrance. Gilded picture frames decorated the walls, while wide armchairs and beds were upholstered in fine leather and velvet. Plush pillows and soft blankets provided additional warmth.
Huperion sat down by the armchair, quietly gazing out the window.
She had woken before dawn, washed up early, and carefully checked her luggage. Throughout the entire journey, she had been especially cautious.
Ever since leaving the Milford Domain, the Empire had felt steeped in a heavy, strange atmosphere, as though it were shrouded in a gray fog that never lifted, leaving her unable to relax.
“Big Sister.”
Before long, Mishula, who had just woken up, finished her own preparations and sat across from Huperion. Though she said nothing, her meaning was clear — she was ready to move whenever Huperion was.
“I asked the attendants earlier. Lately, Rock Junction station has been completely filled with Deaconry of Annihilation clergy, all in a terrifying state of combat readiness, as if fighting could break out at any moment. It’s left everyone on edge.”
Huperion sighed as she spoke to Mishula.
She had expected that something significant must have happened to draw the full main force of the Annihilation Branch out of the Northwest Province, but the more she thought about it, the more it felt as though something deeper was brewing within the Protos Empire — and as an outsider, she couldn’t see through the fog at all.
The less one understood, the more fear grew.
“Even back when these people were searching the Milford Domain for traitors of the Goddess of Fate Church or spies from the Aetherthalan Kingdom, they never went so far as to completely lock down the station.”
Mishula’s tone was full of displeasure toward the Resurrection Church clergy.“Big Sister, don’t worry. A clean conscience fears no crooked shadow — the Annihilation Branch has no reason to target anyone from House Milford.”
She spoke with confidence.
“...True.”
Huperion nodded.
“The most absurd thing is that the Bishop Vote is coming up in just over a week. Father will be traveling to the capital, Helrom, and he’ll probably have to vote for the Bishop of Annihilation — because right now, no northern noble dares not vote for him.”
Just mentioning the Resurrection Church made Mishula’s eyes flash with open disdain. She especially loathed the Annihilation Branch and wished she could drive them all out of the Milford Domain.
If, at the crucial moment, their father did not vote for Askson, and Askson still won, he might not retaliate immediately — but one day, he would deliver the cruelest retribution to the northern nobles who opposed him.
Everyone knew exactly what kind of man the Bishop of Annihilation was.
When they got off the train and entered Rock Junction — a place crawling with Askson’s lackeys — Mishula would have to hide her thoughts. For now, this train ride was the last chance to speak freely.
“This vote is something the Empire can no longer avoid. I just hope that if we must choose between three evils, we can at least pick the lesser one. If Dominion or Mourning wins, it would still be slightly better than Annihilation.”
Huperion shook her head.
She had limited understanding of the ways of the cardinals in the northern continent.
According to the Ice Witch, the best outcome would be a victory for the Bishop of Mourning.
Compared to the extremely ambitious and selfish Bishops of Annihilation and Dominion, the Bishop of Mourning was more conservative and neutral.
But such matters were far beyond her ability to influence. For this trip, as long as she could rescue the powerful demon imprisoned beneath Helrom — her aunt’s close friend — that would already be a great success.
“Dominion and Mourning are not good people either. Once we arrive in Helrom, we might see clergy from both branches, and who knows if there are hidden infiltrators inside the academy itself… Anyway, no matter how kind the Resurrection Church clergy appear, never believe a single word they say.”
Mishula was worried that her sister might be tricked by the church’s fanatics. Those madmen were capable of anything.
If some high-ranking member of the church noticed her sister’s talent and her status as a guest of House Milford, they might try to contact or sway her — using her to draw their family toward the southeastern Cardinal branches.
“Don’t worry, Mishula. We are as different from the cultists as water and fire. We will never have anything to do with the Resurrection Church.”
Huperion smiled. Her voice was like morning prayers in the temple as she reassured her.
Hearing this, Mishula finally relaxed.
Seeing her sister’s upright, good-hearted demeanor, she firmly believed her sister would never be someone who could fall to the level of the Resurrection Church.