Chapter 136
Chapter 136
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 136
Chapter Title: Continental Summit (4)
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The grand conference hall buzzed with lively discussions as various agenda items were debated back and forth.
Thanks to the refreshed atmosphere, the meeting proceeded smoothly from there.
The first decision was the establishment of the Continental Allied Forces.
This would be a separate organization from each nation's armies, akin to a UN peacekeeping force, ready to respond immediately to any emergencies.
Having already proven its worth during the previous Immortal King's crisis, this long-standing group faced no significant objections.
Naturally, the commander of the allied forces would be a paladin from the Church of the Main God, free from the political interests of various factions.
"The situation is most dire in the Rohan Duchy right now! Excluding the south bordering the Empire, all three other sides are battlegrounds. Without aid, we don't know when our nation might collapse!"
This impassioned speech came during discussions on the allied forces' operations and support plans, right after their creation was approved.
The speaker was, of course, Dennis Rohan, the crown prince of the Rohan Duchy.
"Hmm—indeed, the monster frenzy is no different from an attack by the Immortal King himself, so it must be handled at the allied forces' level."
Simon, the crown prince of the Azerion Empire, voiced his agreement.
The Empire was in a tight spot too, so they had hesitated on dispatching their own troops directly. But helping a virtual vassal state through the allied forces they had to create anyway was ideal.
The Zepia Republic's delegation showed some discomfort, but for the sake of their international image, they didn't object strongly here.
In the end, after much back-and-forth, support for the Rohan Duchy was finalized.
Dennis let out a small sigh of relief and dabbed the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.
'Good. This should give us some breathing room. It’ll take time to assemble and deploy the allied forces, but we can hold out that long.'
Having achieved his goal, he could now participate in the remaining discussions with a lighter heart.
And after several more agenda items, the next topic finally came up...
The formation of the "Anti-Immortal King Special Mobile Strike Team," commonly known as the hero party.
Their sole purpose: to confront the Immortal King directly.
Naturally, they would be led by the current saint, Heinrich Saint Landgard.
This unit had a history and tradition of its own, tracing back to the crusade that defeated the previous Immortal Kings.
They were the heroes who passed through the path paved with the allied forces' sacrifices, slaying the Immortal King and bringing peace to the continent twice.
With such grave responsibility and glory came the utmost care in selecting members.
It was essentially a gathering of the continent's finest talents, yet the representatives from each faction wore subtly uneasy expressions...
"Hmm, the crusade..."
"...Ahem."
Their reactions stemmed from the survival rates of previous crusades.
No need to delve deep— not a single member who returned intact after slaying the Immortal King had lived out a full life.
Most perished in battle, and even the survivors suffered permanent disabilities, curses, and severe aftereffects, dying young.
This held true even for saints and heroes blessed by the gods.
They lasted only a few more years before departing to the Main God's embrace.
If even they fared that way under divine protection, others had it worse.
The world was already in chaos.
No faction wanted to expend their top talents—who were meant to safeguard them—in such a manner.
But amid the mutual hesitation, one figure boldly raised his hand without a care for others' opinions...
"We have a candidate from our Empire we'd like to recommend for that honor."
Simon of the Azerion Empire continued with a meaningful smile.
"Viscount Isea Pristin—a genius mage who has already reached grand master status despite her young age. She's a treasure of our Empire, one might say."
"Oh— Viscount Pristin certainly qualifies. Her paper last year, 'Multifaceted Analysis of Ice Magic Using Crystal Structures,' offered a fresh perspective on ice magic..."
An excited executive from the Mage Tower Alliance table jumped in, responding eagerly.
His enthusiasm fizzled quickly under the stern glare of the alliance leader sitting beside him.
'Isea Pristin... I've heard the name. If she's recognized across factions, she must be exceptional.'
As the saint, keeping tabs on powerhouses from various nations was part of the job.
She was a rising noble from the Empire, earning her title through pure merit—a true prodigy.
Rumor had it she was among the top ten mages on the Ion Continent.
Her exact age was unknown, but reportedly under thirty, with boundless potential.
No exaggeration to call her the Empire's treasure, as the crown prince said.
'But they're willingly sending such a prized asset to what’s known as a death trap?'
The Empire's attendants looked caught off guard, suggesting it wasn't pre-planned.
The reason was obvious.
'A rival, then. Politicians never miss an opportunity.'
With the ice broken, others began speaking up instead of just watching each other.
"We can't miss out on such an honor. We have a rapidly rising talent in our kingdom..."
"Come to think of it, I hear Marquess Serington of the Lesk Kingdom is quite accomplished..."
"Heavens! What are you saying? He's advanced in years now..."
From domestic rivals to foreign talents.
Few qualified for the Immortal King strike team, but as names were enthusiastically thrown around, the hall heated up.
Heinrich's inner turmoil grew hotter as he watched.
His stomach was starting to turn.
These schemes all assumed his party would be wiped out.
His party, led by Heinrich Saint Landgard himself!
'...I'll make heroes of them all and send them back safely, without fail.'
As he steeled his resolve glaring at the farce, not everyone was playing politics.
"If I can be of even meager help, I'll step forward myself...!"
"No, Your Apostleship! If you leave, our order..."
Leaders of smaller sects, reined in by attendants after eagerly volunteering.
"Hmm, my skills still fall short for a crusade, don't they?"
"At minimum, you'd need master level..."
"If only I could join as a squire..."
And delegation members brimming with unfounded confidence that they were different.
Among them, Charon sparkled with excitement, undeterred by Harris's pitiful gaze.
Munch munch—
"Hm? Harris, what are you eating?"
"Oh, this? It's called popcorn... Want some?"
"...It looks unusual. A specialty from the Ion Continent?"
Fortunately, her interest waned quickly, her eyes soon drawn to the snack.
Thus, Harris munched on popcorn airlifted from Earth via Avatar Cloud alongside her, watching the proceedings.
'At least things are calming down. Recommendations here won't finalize immediately anyway.'
His calm demeanor belied a more serious focus on the situation than ever.
"Harris, Harris. Got any more? It's so soft and salty—delicious!"
He refilled her fresh, hot popcorn as she polished off a bag, then turned his gaze to the now-settled central delegation seats.
Yet despite the long session and heated debates, few items were firmly decided.
'Makes sense. Outcomes here shape international dynamics; not everything wraps in a day. Many are still angling for their own gains even during the summit.'
Their lack of cooperation suggested insufficient crisis awareness.
"With that, today's meeting is adjourned. We will reconvene for the second session tomorrow at the same time. Please attend without fail."
Murmurs rose—
Right after Archbishop Cordelia's closing declaration, representatives clustered in groups, exchanging views on the agenda.
But the other races from the Enamel Continent, who had observed silently throughout, prepared to leave without mingling, as usual.
'Can't have that. Time to get friendly.'
Yes, this was just light recreation.
Vmmm—
Crackle—!
At that moment.
"Hm?"
"What's this?"
A brilliant holy barrier within the hall blazed intensely.
And with a spark like tearing fabric...
👹 IMMORTAL KING'S VOICE 👹 [Oh dear, it seems I've arrived a bit late.] A low voice, as if resounding from hell itself, shook the space.
Just a single phrase, yet the soul-freezing presence within it froze everyone rigid.
"......!"
"Th-this is...?"
Amid the sudden chaos...
As the sinister aura accompanying that horrific voice sought to invade their minds...
"How dare you invade this place!"
As if awaiting the moment, Saint Heinrich's holy aura swiftly enveloped everyone in the hall comfortingly.
⚔ DIVINE COMMAND ⚔ "Combat ready! All paladins and holy knight orders, assemble immediately!" His booming command, infused with viscous holy power, spread like waves in all directions—
Clang—!
Clank! Clank!
Church guards on perimeter duty flooded in, battle-ready in an instant.
The anomaly and response unfolded in a blink.
Following Heinrich's prior instructions, they evacuated delegations to the rear, guiding them to the safe zone fortified with relics for "just in case."
Conveniently offering a clear view of surroundings, but situational awareness was key—no oddity there.
👹 IMMORTAL KING'S VOICE 👹 [Hmm... I see. You've prepared thoroughly this time. Such a formidable holy barrier. Heh—heh—heh. You must have feared me greatly. Hero, Heinrich!] Crackle—!
Amid ceaseless white sparks, a figure shrouded in thick dark aura gradually revealed itself.
A black robe and hood rippling like congealed abyss, with a grotesquely grinning mask peeking beneath.
The overwhelming presence radiating outward was unmistakable to any on this continent.
Even those who had never laid eyes on him before would instantly know upon facing it.
Who he was.
His name was...
"Hannibal Strauss! To appear here knowing that— you must think us fools!"
The Immortal King Hans—no, Hannibal Strauss—had invaded the conference hall of the Continental Summit.
And confronting him boldly, holy sword drawn from his palm, stood the noble hero, Heinrich Saint Landgard.
At last, these archenemies faced each other once more.
Here, where the Continental Summit convened.
Before the very eyes of those who led this continent.