Chapter 89
I didn't know the exact depth of the relationship between the Dark Mages and the Order, nor the specifics of any contracts they might have made. However, I was already aware that they both had much to lose and much they didn't want to lose.
In other words.
If a single mistake could cost them so much, then regardless of whether they had built trust over a long period or forged an unbreakable contract, it would be difficult for them to trust each other completely.
That's why I planted Seeds of Doubt in each of the two factions.
The first target was the Dark Mages. Using Liana's abilities, I seized the opportunity when Archbishop Mikhail visited Elysia. I deliberately intruded on Elysia at an opportune moment, creating evidence that we “were together.”
All that happened was my saying, “Do you want to live? If you want to live, say you want to live!” But from the perspective of the Dark Mages, who were third parties, it would look like nothing less than a mix of:
The Artificial Sun, the one who stole the Artificial Sun, and the Order.
It would appear as if these three elements were intertwined.
No, would they even know that Elysia has the Artificial Sun?
It was hard to ascertain that precisely. Even assuming they didn't know, the fact that the Order and I had exchanged secret conversations remained. From the Dark Mages' perspective, this would inevitably breed immense suspicion.
Just in case, by the way.
Fully aware of the possibility that the Dark Mages might not discover this information, I arranged for Poppy to deliver these facts.
Next up, the Order.
The Order wasn't particularly difficult. I used the Dark Mage Liana had brought in earlier—or more precisely, the one who had run off with the Artificial Sun—to stage a scene. I filmed him appearing to conspire with Dale using an Artifact and then sent it to the Order.
Whether they believe it or not.
If I were the Order, I'd start connecting Dale's sudden disappearance with the Dark Mages, and then begin attaching all sorts of unresolved questions to it. I nodded with satisfaction at the thought.
Anyway, that's done, with all the Seeds of Doubt planted.
Now, I planned to use the rifts Shiren created to put The North in danger.
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The plan I devised was based on my past experiences. Using what I learned from Pernoer Cliff and Chetika Port City, I intended to strategically place multiple rifts to 'isolate' the people in The North.
"Emergency! Everyone, gather at the Assembly Hall!" "Kyaaaah!" "Monsters! Monsters are pouring out!"
I heard screams from all directions and alternately glanced at the locations where the Dark Mages and the Order were staying.
In this situation, the Seeds of Doubt I planted earlier will begin to sprout.
At first, it might have been dismissed as mere speculation. But the already-sprouted Seeds of Doubt would inevitably begin to weave these things together in some way when a direct crisis looms before their eyes, even if the elements seem completely unrelated.
And that seemed to have started with the Order. I munched on a snack as I watched Archbishop Mikhail, accompanied by Holy Knights or Inquisitors, heading somewhere in the distance. I couldn't tell exactly where they were going, but judging by the direction, it seemed highly probable they were heading towards the Dark Mages' location.
I hope they kill each other.
Well, that was unlikely. So, I decided to add a little seasoning to the mix.
"Shiren, when those Dark Mages and Order guys meet, create another rift right in front of them." "Okay. Got it."
I didn't know how many rifts she could create, but I decided to use as many as possible, watching the newly forming rift. Of course, since these rifts were created near individuals with considerable combat power, they wouldn't last long... But since the goal would be achieved by then, it wouldn't matter much.
With that thought, I used Shadow to pull Shiren back with me. Shiren, dangling in my arms, looked somewhat comical. But she seemed quite satisfied, wearing a proud expression as she continued to cling to me.
She's like a cat.
Just as I was thinking that, especially given how inscrutable her thoughts were, I saw the Dark Mages emerging from a building in the distance, confronting the Order.
...Archbishop Mikhail. What brings you here?" "Nothing in particular, but I came to confirm something." "Then let's talk over here." "Excuse me, but is it perhaps because there's something inside you don't want to show that you've chosen to speak outside?"
My hearing, honed to the level of an Intermediate Sword Expert, allowed me to hear their voices more clearly. Watching this, I thought, *Other people's fights are always entertaining*. Just as Crude Monsters spewed from the rift and began to assault them.
...
Since it was only the first wave and their numbers weren't great, they managed to fend off the Monsters without much difficulty. Normally, after repelling a wave like this, it would be best to destroy the rift.
But for them, the rift and everything else seemed less important than whether the people in front of them had 'betrayed' them. They paid no attention to the rift, merely raising their weapons and maintaining their guard against each other.
A rift suddenly appeared. If it's a rift, it must be the Demonkind. I wonder if those connected to the Demonkind are perhaps up to something.
Archbishop Mikhail spoke with a benevolent smile, then suddenly stopped smiling and stared silently at the Dark Mage. The Dark Mage let out a hollow laugh at his gaze, then spread a vast amount of mana and replied,
"You'd do well to choose your words carefully, Archbishop Mikhail." "I'm unaware that a mere Dark Mage gained the right to raise his voice to an Archbishop."
Even if suspicion had bloomed, I saw them, upon meeting, glare at each other as if to kill... It seemed they weren't on good terms from the start. Watching this, I thought it best to pour some gasoline on the fire, so I relayed a message to Shiren.
"Can you contact Desuni and have Elysia come here?" "Yep. I'll tell her a rift opened here." "Thanks."
That would turn this into a three-way free-for-all. I lamented the lack of popcorn in this world as I leaned nearby and looked down.
After a short wait, Elysia appeared, leading Northern Knights towards the location of the Dark Mage and Archbishop Mikhail.
Seeing this, the Dark Mage's lips twisted as he looked at the Archbishop. The Archbishop, sensing something amiss, frowned and looked at Elysia.
Archbishop, what in the world is going on?
Elysia, realizing something was terribly wrong, frowned and questioned Archbishop Mikhail. In response, Archbishop Mikhail subtly gestured towards the Dark Mage with his body, maintaining his benevolent smile.
It's nothing. I merely came to destroy a rift that was reported. Is that so...? But why aren't you approaching the rift, and why are you all gathered here? And who are these people behind you...?
Elysia sensed something strange and took a step back. The Dark Mage, realizing this situation was a lie, seemed about to order his subordinates to salvage the situation. So, I pulled out Poppy, whom I had temporarily stored in my Shadow, and whispered,
You know what to do, right?
She would have already received instructions through Liana, so I didn't need to say much. Poppy showed strong signs of reluctance, looking terrified. But refusing our orders would mean instant detonation, so she moved forward despite her obvious unwillingness.
And so, Poppy approached them, drawing everyone's attention. Then, with a trembling voice, she spoke.
Archbishop Mikhail. You've succeeded in bringing the Artificial Sun here... Shall we take out the Artificial Sun now?
Archbishop Mikhail froze for a moment, unable to comprehend why a woman who had suddenly appeared was calling his name and mentioning the Artificial Sun. He then seemed to realize something was wrong and tried to explain, but he was interrupted.
The Artificial Sun is inside Elysia's body, so let's get it out quickly.
Poppy drove the nail in, ending her statement right there. With that single remark, the entire atmosphere instantly plummeted.
The Dark Mage stared at the Archbishop without a word, seemingly deep in thought. Elysia placed a hand on her chest, unable to hide her bewilderment.
...The Artificial Sun?
Then, as if realizing the source of her power, her expression instantly hardened.
How interesting.
Just as I was thinking it would have been perfect if only I had popcorn, the silent Dark Mage spoke, his face contorted in a frown.
It's a trap.
At the word 'trap,' the Archbishop and Elysia seemed to realize the situation was overly artificial and froze. Then they turned their gaze to Poppy, and as they began to channel mana, showing signs of wanting to kill her, I decided it was time to begin.
I opened a Shadow and dropped a Giant Shadow Worm, filled with Shadow Bombs, right into the center of their group. Upon seeing this, the Dark Mage's mouth twisted, and he split the falling Giant Shadow Worm in half. It was certainly impressive to act so quickly. But what was important were the Shadow Bombs inside the worm. I smiled, created Shadows beneath Desuni and Shiren, pulled them into the city, and then detonated the bombs.