Chapter 299
Ray calmed his uneasy stomach and organized his jumbled thoughts.
The Holy Order had always desired complete autonomy.
Furthermore, although not openly expressed, they ultimately sought independence as a theocratic nation.
This form of independence was one of the ideals secretly pursued by many religious groups.
Worshipping a deity while having to follow another authority above them would indeed be quite unpleasant.
Moreover, unlike Ray’s experiences from his past life, in this world, transcendental beings actually exerted influence over the world.
It must be quite uncomfortable for the clerics that the Order is still under the territory and influence of the Empire despite serving such a great being.
‘However… What exactly does this Alexander desire…’
Firstly, Alexander’s goals clearly differed from Ernst, who prioritized the Empire.
Based on his actions so far, it was evident that he harbored certain ambitions.
That said, Ray was confident that Alexander had no direct ties with the forces of evil deities.
Alexander had already attained the transcendent realm.
Additionally, though an honorary position, since he was part of the Order, he must be well aware that aligning with the forces of evil would lead to his own demise.
He wasn’t the type to make foolish choices that would cost him honor, legitimacy, and profit.
‘…This man is subtly representing the stance of the Order.’
If the Holy Order were to gain guaranteed independent autonomy, it would certainly benefit Alexander too. However, his true purpose undoubtedly lay further ahead.
‘Even if it’s an honorary title, he’s a Cardinal. He has the qualifications to ascend to the Papacy.’
Those holding secular titles cannot ascend to the Papal throne.
But if Alexander manages to somehow justify it and uses political deals and pressures to reach the papal seat…
At that point, Alexander would become the center and pinnacle uniting the southern region of the Empire and the Holy Order.
‘If that happens, separating the southern region of the Empire along with the Order into an independent entity is also…’
Possible.
Thus would the birth of a sacred nation occur.
Should he succeed, after some reorganization of positions—whether the title becomes ‘Holy Emperor’ or ‘Holy King’—Alexander could be recorded as the founding ruler of the Sacred Nation.
‘Hmm, that sounds plausible.’
Though he wondered whether the conservative clerics of the Holy Order would readily accept such an outcome, public opinion regarding the establishment of a proper theocracy didn’t seem entirely negative.
This was a plan with numerous obstacles but was certainly feasible if pursued with determination.
There were intellectuals who shared similar speculations about Alexander’s undisclosed ambitions.
One thing was clear: Alexander had gained the support of the Holy Order by respecting their doctrines and achieving numerous accomplishments over a long period.
Even if it was calculated to achieve his ambitions, he was undeniably worthy of being called a hero.
Ray had no intention of criticizing Alexander’s ambitions.
In fact, Ray appreciated characters who harbored grand ambitions and devoted themselves to achieving them.
After all, Alexander was a Swordmaster who had reached the transcendent realm, an accomplishment achieved by only one or two people per century.
Such ambitions suited him.
‘To establish oneself as the first Holy Emperor of a Sacred Nation. It would be hard to leave a deeper mark in history.’
If he were a completely neutral observer, Ray might have found Alexander’s progress fascinating to watch.
However, Alexander wasn’t a fictional character in a storybook.
Therefore, to Ray, Alexander’s ambitions were nothing more than a dangerous variable.
‘…I still don’t know the exact purpose of his visit here.’
Such bold moves must be burdensome even for Alexander.
Yet, his presence here implied that he still had no intention of fully supporting the Empire.
‘Apparently, I can’t just let this go,’
During his confrontation with Alexander, Ray felt an even stronger need to bolster Anthonyus.
Anthonyus needed to serve as a counterbalance.
Ray reaffirmed this necessity and relaxed his stiffening expression.
“Guarding the empire’s borders against the corrupted entities of the Demonic Realm won’t be easy, I presume.”
“The difficulties are not insignificant. Facing the Demonic Realm often brings fear into people’s hearts.”
The conversation circled around once again.
Matters concerning the southern border were, in fact, somewhat sensitive.
If the military force stationed at the southern border became excessively strengthened, it would cause discomfort from the perspective of the imperial capital. Conversely, if the support became insufficient, it would inevitably stir up discontent among those guarding the southern border.
As a result, discussions on this topic always involved subtle balancing acts, and Alexander’s ability to easily consolidate the southern forces stemmed from skillfully utilizing these political issues.
Of course, neither Ray nor Alexander delved deeply into sensitive topics and instead exchanged light-hearted conversations.
Ray was the first to put an end to this empty chit-chat.
“Please forgive me for delaying the invitation from the Vatican. You may have seen the elf earlier; I’ve been persistently urged, but once this matter concludes, I will personally visit you.”
Alexander slightly nodded his head as Ray spoke with a smile.
“I fully understand. Though the invitation was extended with pure affection, the world distorts its intentions. That is truly regrettable.”
“…”
“Please do not feel burdened and kindly accept our invitation. As for the ‘minor issue’ concerning your kin, I assure you it will be resolved with only affection in mind.”
The conversation continued without any overt proposals.
Despite coming this far, Alexander seemed cautious.
Perhaps, given the considerable risks he had already taken, he was avoiding any incriminating words or actions.
‘It seems he intends to delve deeper into serious discussions only when I personally visit the south.’
Prolonging the discussion further would likely yield similar aimless talk.
Changing his seated posture to hint at rising, Ray opened his mouth.
“It was an honor meeting you. Once I conclude my business with the elves, I will visit you immediately.”
“I’ve detained you for too long. May you return safely. I shall await your arrival.”
“Yes, here…”
Here?
“Since we’ve come such a long way, wouldn’t it be a bit disappointing to part ways so soon?”
He’s dragging things out rather sneakily.
Is he planning to pressure me into heading south together once the elf business is done?
After a brief thought, Ray nodded with a smile.
There was no need to antagonize Alexander emotionally, so Ray decided to observe the situation further.
*
“Please take care.”
Before leaving, Ray reminded his companions to treat Alexander respectfully.
It was best to avoid creating unnecessary friction that might give Alexander a reason to flex his power.
Having finished his reminder, Ray consoled Raphaela.
“Come on, Raphaela, let’s go. Loosen up a bit.”
“…”
Raphaela grumbled but refrained from throwing a tantrum, trembling instead.
Ray observed her grumbling demeanor and eventually relaxed his expression.
Raphaela, converted to human years, was fifteen—right at the onset of adolescence.
Thinking about dealing with kids at that age made Ray feel more lenient.
“Alright, I’ll apologize for my mistake, so stop sulking and let’s go.”
After calming Raphaela, Ray climbed onto Mew with Luna.
Only then did Raphaela speak.
“…The human invited was only you.”
“Still, bringing one companion should be fine, right?”
“…”
Raphaela wanted to say something but held back due to Alexander standing nearby and muttered quietly.
“If you’re denied entry and left alone in the desert, don’t regret it.”
“Understood.”
For Ray, it was necessary to bring Luna.
In case of a violent conflict with Alexander, being with Luna would ensure maintaining an advantage.
Against a completed Swordmaster like Alexander, even someone as powerful as Ray or Luna would be at a clear disadvantage.
Thus, Ray set off towards the World Tree forest with Luna and Raphaela.
Luna temporarily retrieved Valerius’ Dragonheart artifact, which had been fixed on Ray’s chest, just in case.
On the way, they encountered Sandworms much larger than before, all of which were compressed by Luna’s magic and turned into nutrients for other creatures.
After a few hours of travel, greenery began to appear in the distance.
‘There seems to be some kind of barrier nearby that hinders perception…’
However, it had little effect on Ray or Luna.
They soon confirmed the shimmering curtain that separated the desert from the greenery.
Beyond this curtain lay a starkly contrasting landscape.
Turning to Raphaela, Ray briefly thanked her.
“Thank you. You’ve worked hard guiding us through unfamiliar imperial lands.”
“…”
Raphaela clenched her jaw as an unexpected surge of emotion welled up.
Ray’s behavior bordered on classic gaslighting.
Nevertheless, upon reaching the curtain, light flowed out of it, enveloping the three of them and drawing them inside.
Once inside, the scenery changed again.
The sky was now obscured by the massive branches and leaves of a colossal tree.
Yet, sparkling sunlight erased the shadows.
Oddly, even though the tree was vast enough to block the sky, its trunk couldn’t be seen anywhere on the horizon.
Ray slowly absorbed this mysterious scenery without attempting analysis.
Raphaela approached another elf waiting ahead, trying to maintain composure as she spoke.
“I’ve completed my task.”
“You’ve worked hard.”
Raphaela lightly touched cheeks with the waiting elf.
Admiring the scenery, Ray turned to Raphaela and narrowed his eyes.
Raphaela’s aura had completely transformed.
Until just moments ago, her strength was something Ray could toy with easily.
But stepping into the embrace of the World Tree amplified her significantly.
This change reminded Ray of the relationship between the Demonic Realm and demons.
After observing Raphaela’s transformation for a moment, Ray refocused on the emerald landscape.
Then, space distorted, and a nude elf appeared mid-air.
“…!”
The nude elf resembled a sculpture.
Beautiful like a sculpture but devoid of vitality.
Ray quickly scanned the nude elf from top to bottom.
Feeling an awkward sense of embarrassment, he reflexively turned his head, only to meet Luna’s gaze.
“…”
“…”
Pffft
Luna lightly punched Ray’s side to snap him out of it.
Regaining focus, Ray tensed his body.
From the moment the nude elf revealed herself, Ray instinctively sensed her as a peak-level powerhouse.
While contemplating how to initiate a greeting, the nude elf moved her lips.
“Servant of El-Lam.”
A new curtain shimmered, blocking outside gazes.
The nude elf gazed at Ray and shed a single tear, cold as ice.
“I am ashamed that you have stepped into our mother’s embrace.”
“…”
Confused as to why this stranger was confrontational, Ray frowned as the elf continued.
“You won’t understand our shame now.”
“…”
“When you glimpse beyond the stars and face our tragedy, the greatest fear is whether you will feel compassion for our mother.”
“…”
“Follow me.”
The curtain peeled away.
Ray followed the nude elf with Luna, albeit feeling a bit awkward about eye contact.
Following the nude elf and complying with various instructions, Ray eventually regained consciousness in a space stained black.
This place was utterly unfamiliar. It was unclear if this could even be called “space” in the conventional sense.
Yet, there was a sense of familiarity.
He had experienced something similar before…
After much deliberation, Ray realized the truth.
This space resembled the moment before his reincarnation when he met a transcendent being.
“Shit, what a pain.”
Haunted by unpleasant memories, Ray blurted out a curse reflexively.
