Chapter 614: Oracle
"Good." Charles nodded pleasantly and decided to utilize the golden badge's authority.
"I also might need a few more things. Can you help me with those?" He asked.
"As long as within this old man's power, I'll not disappoint you, Your Highness. Please ask anything." Although Bishop Orion didn't like being ordered around by a young kid, he didn't dare to talk back and responded.
Meanwhile, Charles thought for a second and spoke.
"The first thing I need is the 'Darkness' affinity potion. I want a potion to help me increase my darkness affinity to genius rank, at least.'
'Genius rank? This kid has a big appetite.'
"Those potions are only concocted by Grandmaster Alchemists of Ancient Mage pathway, Your Highness. Only Cardinals or Lord Pope can order a Grandmaster Rank Alchemist to concoct such potion." Bishop Orion instantly shook his head and responded.
Charles raised his eyebrows and soon shook his head.
"At least, get me a potion that could help me increase my affinity up to Exceptional (Good) rank."
"I'll not disappoint you, Your Highness." Bishop Orion responded stiffly and soon asked.
"Is there anything else?"
Charles smiled slyly and nodded.
"I want a sword or dagger technique. Darkness or Fire related techniques suit me more, so please get me any one of those."
'This kid is shameless!' Bishop Orion couldn't help but get angry inside.
Unfortunately, he had no choice but to listen to this kid's every demand.
"Although I don't have any Sword technique, I can ask someone from the Holy See of Eternal Light to send a High-Ranked one." Of course, he would do that only after Cardinal Damian confirmed this young kid's authentic identity.
"Oh! That would be good." Charles nodded his head and added.
"If I want anything else later, I'll send my servant to inform you." Saying so, he stored the golden badge in his space ring and stood up.
After that, he didn't stay in the Sun Church and left hurriedly.
On the other hand, Bishop Orion escorted him out of the Sun Church and hurriedly returned to Sacristy.
Meanwhile, feeling confused and uncomfortable, Bishop Orion quickly returned to the Sacristy. He needed to contact Cardinal Damian and confirm the identity of this brave young individual who dared to make such demands. Although he disliked being at the beck and call of a mere child, Bishop Orion understood the importance of his position and the potential consequences if he mishandled the situation.
Arriving at the Sacristy, Bishop Orion wasted no time, activated the long-distance communication artifact, and contacted Cardinal Damian, relaying the encounter with Charles in great detail. He also emphasized the young man's insistence on acquiring a Darkness affinity potion and a sword or dagger technique related to Darkness or Fire.
"You didn't offend him, right?" That was the first question from the other side, causing Bishop Orion to open his mouth wide.
After a slight pause, Bishop quickly recovered from the shock and asked in confusion.
"What do you mean, Your Majesty?"
A short silence appeared from the other side, followed by a deep sigh.
"Our Holiness received an oracle from the Lord of Eternal Light yesterday. 'Behold, a chosen one shall seek shelter within our sacred abode, for his destiny intertwines with ours. Let us not falter in our duty, for we hold the key to his fate.'" As Cardinal Damian finished his words, an abrupt silence descended in the Sacristy.
"H-He is the chosen one of our Eternal Light! What should we do, Your Majesty?" Bishop Orion asked in a stutter.
"Of course, we will fulfill our duties without any mistake. First, I'll send an Extraordinary Rank Sword technique through Amber Trading company. It will arrive in less than two days."
"Extraordinary Level Sword technique?" Bishop Orion couldn't help but let out a gasp in shock.
"Isn't it too precious to give away to a Baron's illegitimate son-?"
"Idiot. That young boy is not an illegitimate son anymore. Keep in mind that the Lord of the Eternal Light chose him. I feel his identity might be much more mysterious than we think." Cardinal Damian deliberated for a moment and added.
"Go to his house and tell him he can participate in the upcoming Star Tombs exploration without any problem."
At that moment, Bishop suddenly recalled Charles's earlier words and spoke.
"But the 'Chosen One' doesn't seem to want to reveal his identity to anyone yet, Your Majesty."
"Oh? He is indeed a smart one. Then, send the message stealthily." Cardinal Damian responded.
"What about the affinity potion, Your Majesty?" Bishop Orion asked.
"Taking an affinity potion is not an easy matter. From the looks of it, our 'Chosen One' seems quite ignorant of how the human body works. First, give him the 'Exceptional Rank affinity potion and observe the changes within his body. As for giving 'Genius Rank potion,' I'll check his body before going to the Star Tombs and then decide." Cardinal Damian's voice was deadly serious.
After discussing a few things, Cardinal Damian finally ended the call, giving Bishop Orion some air to breathe.
...
Unaware of Bishop Orion's discussion with Cardinal Damian, Charles strolled on the street road while buying a few things like dresses and soon overheard news that caught his attention.
It was the assassination of Bishop Clay!
'This sure is suspicious. Did that lady Holy Knight do it?' He instantly shook his head.
'Although she acts brave, she doesn't dare to do it. Hmm, I should go and ask her myself.'
First, he took the pocket watch from his space ring, flipped open the outer case, and checked the time.
'It's 6.15 P.M.' He waited for the sky to darken completely and quietly entered a dark alley.
Then, he took out a hooded robe from his space ring and wore it. At the same time, he changed his appearance into 'Prince Julius' and sent out an order to Genesis.
'Genesis, tell me where Anna Tibbott's house is located.'
[Searching... Found the information. Anna Tibbott and her younger brother live in West Borough's Mystic Mirth Lane. Her house number is 53A.]
'Oh? She is also living in the West Borough, huh? Then, it's easier for me to infiltrate.' He nodded inwardly and fastened his footstep towards the Mystic Mirth Lane.
After a few minutes of walking, Charles finally reached Mystic Mirth Lane and soon arrived in front of a two-storied house surrounded by a wooden fence.
Charles first cast [Conceal] skill on himself and went into stealth mode.
After that, he calmly opened the fence gate, stepped on the concrete path like a cat, and soon arrived in front of the wooden door.
But instead of knocking it, he first released his wisdom power and checked who was inside this house.
'Only Anna is inside, and she seems to be in the middle of cooking.' He didn't waste any time as he cast [False Blink] spell, disappeared from there and reappeared inside.
At the same time, he touched his face, activated the identity imprint, and changed his face into 'Professor.'
After that, he calmly walked on the soft floor and entered the living hall while looking around.
The walls were adorned with delicate tapestries depicting scenic landscapes and intricate patterns. Soft, plush carpets covered the wooden floor, providing a comfortable surface to walk on. The hall was well-lit, with elegant chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, casting a soft glow illuminating the space.
The centerpiece of the living hall was a large, ornate fireplace made of polished marble. A crackling fire danced within it, emanating a gentle warmth that filled the room.
The furniture in the living hall was tastefully arranged, creating an inviting seating area. Plush sofas and armchairs were upholstered in rich fabrics, their deep colors adding a touch of elegance to the room. A low wooden coffee table adorned with decorative trinkets stood in the center, showcasing the house's attention to detail.
After a quick look, he moved towards the wooden armchair, sat on it comfortably, and started moving it back and forth.
Unaware of his arrival, Anna was cutting potatoes and suddenly froze as she heard a wooden creaking noise from the living hall.
Anna's heart raced as she tried to discern the source of the noise. She tightened her grip on the kitchen knife, her knuckles turning white. A thousand thoughts raced through her mind, and the recent news of Bishop Clay's assassination only heightened her anxiety.
Indeed, it wasn't she who assassinated Bishop Clay but someone else!
In truth, she even got strange nightmares daily after Bishop's death and felt an uncontrollable fear of the darkness itself.
She carefully set the knife down and moved towards the living hall, her steps cautious and measured.
As Anna entered the living hall, she widened her eyes in surprise and shock as she saw a familiar-looking man sitting in her armchair.
"Mister Max Fireborn?" She finally breathed out a sigh of relief and soon asked.
"How did you escape from Radiant Inquisitor? I knew you were still alive!"
She almost shouted in joy and greeted him stiffly.
On the other hand, Charles smiled in response and pointed his finger at the opposite sofa.
"The reason I came here in a hurry was to ask about the assassination of Bishop Clay. Did you do it?" He didn't beat around the bush and asked her directly.
On the other hand, Anna showed a grim look and responded.
"I didn't do it, Mister Mage. But I'm suspicious of two people."
