Chapter 804: Rise of the Insects IV
Toran sat cross-legged on the wool felt.
On his left was a longsword with its scabbard.
On his right was a firearm.
The mind of this newly appointed High Priest was still recalling the scene where 'Devourer' Imola was cut in two by the Southern Lost Spirit Medium.
Previously, this High Priest had always been skeptical about the Southern Lost Spirit Medium being a 'friend' of Your Crown.
But from that moment on, the High Priest no longer doubted.
After all, having a Spirit Medium capable of 'divine slayer' as a 'friend' of Your Crown is quite normal.
Therefore, he firmly believed in Mr. Grindelwald's news to wait here.
The entire 'Inland Church' didn't disperse and retreat like those river pirates of the 'Red Knights'.
Instead, they waited here altogether.
First, they couldn't scatter like the 'Red Knights'.
Second, this time, the clergy brothers within Port Pult were truly exposed, and going back just like that, even for the sake of devotion to Your Crown, would surely be a death sentence.
Third...
Also the most important point!
Your Crown is in the nearby river!
So, after receiving the news from Grindelwald to wait, Toran didn't hesitate at all and waited here.
A devoted heart, leaving this High Priest with no doubts.
As for the longsword and firearm placed beside him?
They were in case of emergency.
At any time, bloodshed could happen.
Especially facing the notoriously rigid Marquess of Ainhars.
But—
'For Your Crown, I'm willing to give everything!'
Thinking in his heart, a sudden noise came from behind Toran.
Instinctively, the High Priest grabbed the firearm, aiming behind him.
Arthur, appearing under the guise of Grindelwald, looked helpless, picked up the cane he had just stuck in the ground, and gently asked, "Can't I put the cane here?"
"Of course you can.
I overreacted.
Sorry, Mr. Grindelwald."
Facing Grindelwald's teasing, Toran responded formally.
Arthur wasn't offended by this.
After all, he chose the other as the High Priest of the 'Inland Church' because of their seriousness.
Unlike his other subordinates.
The 'Inland Church's special nature determined that the leader couldn't be too 'smart, active', or excessively talented.
Obedience...
No!
Devotion is the most important.
"I should apologize instead.
According to the rules, I should have informed you.
However, this matter is too confidential and must be kept secret."
Arthur said in a lowered voice.
Upon hearing these words, Toran's eyes narrowed, and his gaze showed fervor and killing intent.
"When do we take action?
How much manpower do we need?
We have brought cannons, but if it's not enough to deal with the Marquess of Ainhars, please bound explosives to me, and I will bring Your Crown's glory and perish with the opponent!"
With that, the High Priest started to undress.
He then pulled a box of explosives from under the bed and began strapping them to himself.
Arthur, witnessing this, blinked rapidly.
He had ultimately underestimated the power of faith.
But, as a Spirit Medium himself, he greatly enjoyed having such faithful people support him, so—
Clap, clap!
Grindelwald softly applauded.
"Toran, you haven't failed the expectations of the High Priest and Your Crown, but the Marquess of Ainhars is temporarily our ally, so we don't need to point our blades at our allies."
"What?"
Toran was taken aback.
"Brothers and sisters of Port Pult can safely return home and can openly confess being followers of the 'Inland River Cult' in the future.
The Marquess of Ainhars allows us to have our own small chapel in Port Pult.
Although it is just a tiny chapel."
This was one of the provisions of the previous agreement between the two parties.
The Marquess of Ainhars was quite surprised about this.
The noble Marquess did not understand why Arthur would get involved with a 'Inland Church' type of organization, but unlike traditional nobles, although the Marquess of Ainhars was disgusted by these church-like organizations, he didn't disdainfully oppose them.
Thus, when it came to repaying Arthur's 'favor', the noble Marquess nodded solemnly.
Debts of gratitude are hard to repay.
The noble Marquess deeply understands this.
And Arthur's demeanor deepened this understanding even further.
After all, facing 'Blood Drinker' Haibo, Arthur really 'risked his life'.
Toran was unaware of these matters.
When the noble factions of the Ainhars Territory and 'Blood Drinker' Haibo clashed, they were already beginning to retreat.
However, this did not mean Toran didn't grasp the significance.
A stronghold that can be openly displayed is extremely vital for any church organization.
Indeed, it's fundamental!
"Wonderful!
Truly wonderful!"
Toran rejoiced, dancing with excitement.
But the next moment, the High Priest froze in place.
Because—
"For the merits this time.
Your Crown has granted divine grace to you all.
Around a hundred people can choose to learn some divine arts."
The limit for Blood Ancestor Worm Abel is five hundred people, but for the first operation, Arthur wouldn't maximize the number; he needs to be cautious to deal with unforeseen circumstances.
After all, the congregation of the 'Inland Church' are indeed precious materials.
Losing any individual would make Arthur feel distressed.
"This, this… it's truly wonderful!"
Toran stammered, speaking.
Eventually, the High Priest's eyes started to redden.
For this High Priest, he naturally had heard of divine arts.
Divine arts, the foundation of The Holy Court.
Also the foundation of the Holy Era.
Even if it weren't for the decline of divine arts, no matter how terrifying the Shadows were, the Holy Court wouldn't have deteriorated.
And with the end of the Holy Era, divine arts had long become a legendary thing.
But now!
They could actually bathe in divine grace, mastering divine arts!
Overwhelmed with excitement, the High Priest directly kneeled on one knee, loudly praying towards the inland river—
"God is tangible, like a snake, extremely long and thick.
The Breath of God is deadly venom.
The Command of God, all snakes obey!
You are the King of Ten Thousand Snakes.
You are the Lord of the Inland River.
Your hiss is the surging tide.
Your gaze is where the inland river flows..."
At the end of the prayer, Toran's face became more resolute, and his eyes brightened as he looked at Grindelwald.
"Sir, please inform me of the candidates."
Toran inquired aloud.
Seeing Toran appear transformed in an instant, Arthur was extremely satisfied.
Meanwhile, Arthur pondered the power of faith's terrifying nature.
Immediately, Arthur began to internally caution himself to be careful.
Then, the South Los Spirit Medium softly spoke—
"As for the candidates... let's do this!"