Sylvester had a keen sense for detecting conspiracies, both figuratively and literally. He smelled the confusion and doubts among them, but some smelled of sweet aroma, showing their joy in his failure.
'These fools are digging their own graves.'
He proceeded to examine the apparatus, opening the crystal holder box to inspect its contents. "The Light Crystal has no Solarium remaining, Your Eminence," he informed Cardinal Robert.
The Cardinal furrowed his brow, feeling uncertain. "But they were freshly taken out of storage. Let me examine the others."
Cardinal Robert opened a small wooden box beside him and peered inside. The crystals sparkled brilliantly within, but as soon as he removed them, he noticed them slowly fading away.
In a frenzy, he scrutinized the remaining crystals and discovered something peculiar. "Strange...The bottom row of stacked crystals is composed of empty Solarium crystals that have seemingly absorbed the Solarium from the Light crystals."
Sylvester was well aware that this was likely sabotaged by the Council. "Do you not have more?"
"Crystals are costly, Lord Bard. This crate was our only supply of Light Crystals," Cardinal Robert responded, disappointed in himself as he, too, suspected sabotage.
"In that case, our visit here was a waste of time," a Cardinal remarked. "Lord Bard, please be more attentive in the future. We put aside our work to witness this demonstration."
'What's this? Office politics? How are they so dumb and yet so smart?'
"You need help, Sylvester?" Aurora came to him and offered. Being a Guardian and member of Inquisiton, she had the right to be there. "I can quickly go and bring some."
"No need. We have the greatest light source right here," Sylvester replied, stretching his shoulders. "Stay put and prepare to be astonished."
Sylvester advanced toward the apparatus and placed his palm on the area where the light was supposed to enter and propagate through the lenses and mirrors.
Sylvester glared at the group of five Cardinals who failed to comply last time. "Do not cry in agony later if you cannot follow a simple instruction!... Esteemed Clergymen."
"Three!"
"Two!"
"One!"
Woosh!
Sylvester also shut his eyes and conjured a bright spot of light on his palm, touching the contraption. In an instant, the enchantment took effect, and the wide beam of light struck the designated area. However, unlike the previous attempt, Sylvester maintained the beam for the full five-second limit.
The scorching heat in the atmosphere was palpable, and the aroma of something burning wafted in the air. It was frightening to some, considering a mechanical device was the source of such power. Nevertheless, it was also agonizing for Sylvester as his palm started to blister from the scorching hot apparatus.
Then, he abruptly ceased and stepped back, gazing at the charred flesh on his palm. "You may open your eyes."
Immediately, the Pope stood up. "The wall is gone!"
Saint Wazir ecstatically cheered. "As always, we can rely on Lord Bard's inventions! The Mythril is gone; even the concrete wall behind it has a hole. However, there is one question, Lord Bard. How do you suppose the Inquisitors use such an instrument if they can't see and aim at the Bloodling?"
Sylvester looked at Cardinal Robert. "Your Eminence, let His Holiness try the prototype."
The Cardinal handed Sylvester a small metallic box. He opened it and retrieved what appeared to be sunglasses with metallic rectangular frames and black lenses.
"Your Holiness, please put these on." He requested and then conjured a bright orb of light over his hand.
"Ah!" exclaimed the Pope. "I see the light clearly, but the rest is very faint! I understand how this can function, Young Bard. The Inquisitors can first throw ordinary light crystals inside the Bloodling Lair and then direct this magnificent weapon at them. Have you considered a name for this cannon?"
Sylvester shrugged. "I simply call it Solarium-Light Beam, Your Holiness."
"That won't suffice," objected the Pope, returning the glasses. "This remarkable weapon is the Bard's Blessing — a manifestation of Solis' grace upon us. With the eradication of Bloodlings, uninhabitable, resource-rich areas will become available once again, and the lives of many Inquisitors and Holy Army Soldiers will be spared. Furthermore, I believe that many larger and smaller versions of this ingenious tool can be employed against the Dark creatures of Beastaria. Therefore, at the very least, we must name the category of this weapon. I propose the name…Maximilian Cannon."
"A brilliant choice." Saint Wazir, Saint Seer, and the rest of the Sanctum Council agreed.
However, it was a different story for the Council of Thirty-two. They wanted to speak but dared not do so, as the heavyweights of the Church had already reached a consensus.
"Young Bard." Suddenly, the Inquisitor High Lord strode closer to Sylvester, towering over him with his colossal height further elevated by his iconic conical red steel hat. But the man never appeared comical with it; instead, it was frightening, as his visor always remained on, with his eyes shining red.
Sylvester smiled and greeted him. "Lord Inquisitor, I hope you are satisfied with this cannon. With this, thousands of holy men will no longer have to perish fighting evil."
The Inquisitor High Lord patted Sylvester's shoulder, his hand so large that it did not even fit on his shoulder. "Times may change, but you have remained the same. With your blessed inventions, you put all our worship to shame. This weapon that you have gifted to the Inquisition, we shall never forget. If you ever require assistance, ask, for we are in your eternal debt."
Sylvester's heart raced as he felt the words of the Lord Inquisitor carried a different weight when spoken in front of the Pope and the entire Elders Council. It was no simple promise, but a vow of personal help, and that personal help could be anything.
"Hah!" The Pope laughed and patted Sylvester's other shoulder. "Indeed, we are all in your debt, young bard. Everything you have accomplished these past months has brought immense peace and purity to the realm. Unlike some people who know nothing better than to sit in their luxurious offices and 'work,' you have actually gone out and made a difference. The light of the Lord has never shone this bright on Sol before."
"Pfft..." Saint Wazir couldn't help but emit a small snort, holding back his laughter. Clearly, verbal arrows were shot at unsuspecting targets, and they pierced the hearts, as evident by the ugly faces.
Saint Medico, Saint Keymaster, and Aurora also struggled to contain their laughter.
"Enough talk!" The Pope stepped back. "Return to your workstations. Lord Inquisitor, take some of the cannons and use them to train the Inquisitors on weaker Bloodlings. Once they are proficient, send them out in teams!"
Lord Inquisitor lowered his head before leaving. "It shall be done, Your Holiness."
The Pope then turned to Sylvester. "Come with me, Young Bard. I have something important to discuss with you. Join me in my carriage."
Sylvester wasted no time as he sensed another promising opportunity or possible misfortune heading his way. He handed his bicycle to Aurora, cradled Miraj in his arms, and followed the Pope.
Of course, being a proud woman, Aurora also tried to ride the vehicle like Sylvester. But soon enough, she made a new friend that day — her face and the road.
…
In no time, the carriage arrived at the Pope's Palace.
As Sylvester followed the man, he found himself climbing the stairs with no end in sight. He had never been to higher floors before and didn't even know what existed there, making it quite exciting.
He glanced fleetingly at the long corridors as he passed each floor's entrance. He could see words written on some doors, along with the occupant's name.
'Cardinal Markland, Head of Population Census. Cardinal Woundy, Head of Agriculture Oversight... This seems like a government building from my time. So organized and planned. No wonder the Church has remained the continent's hegemon for so long. They have kept the best governance model a secret to themselves. But how will things change as the new Sorrow Kingdom applies the same method?'
"We are going to the roof to sit and talk, Young Bard," the Pope said. "Also, I know it's your holiday, but I hope you can visit the Sanctum Investigator's headquarters occasionally. What can I say? You have spoiled me by being the greatest investigator. If I may say so, I want you to train the other investigators to be... better."
Sylvester had no reason to deny it. "I'll do it, Your Holiness."
"That will be great, and we have arrived."
The Pope placed his palm on the massive twin doors, which shone for a moment and automatically opened, instantly filling the area with a soothing breeze and the calming chirping of birds.
Sylvester was awestruck as he walked out. As far as he could see, it was all greenery and animals, as if he had entered a new dimension.
"Hah, I love the first reactions." the Pope exclaimed as he led Sylvester. "The entire palace terrace is covered with small forests, grasslands, lakes, fountains, and gardens. There is even a hot spring for bathing. This area is reserved for me and the Sanctum council to relax and contemplate peacefully. Come, let us sit in the grassland and talk."
Sylvester followed behind, taking in the plethora of animals, from ducks in the lake to healthy deer walking around the trees.
"Sit," the Pope said, finally settling down on the green grass under the bright sky. In no time, a cute young fawn also came and sat on the Pope's lap.
Sylvester sat beside him. 'What does he want from me? Isn't this place restricted for me?'
"Did you see those floors on your way here?" the Pope began. "All these floors belong to various departments under each Saint of the Sanctum Council. I am considering giving you the top floor."
Sylvester's head turned abruptly. "The top floor?"
"Indeed! You have excelled in dealing with all sorts of crises, be they political, humanitarian, natural, or supernatural. So I wish to create a new position in the Sanctum Council — Saint Light, the overseer of Common Affairs. Your task will be to uplift the peasant class in mind, body, etiquette, and income through various human development plans while ensuring their loyalty to Solis."
Sylvester saw the underlying meaning. "You will make me a Saint?"
"I will try to."
'This is even worse than becoming a Cardinal. I will be painting a target on my back, but can I even refuse?'
"Your Holiness, what ab…"
Woosh!
"Ugh!" The Pope grunted and looked up. "Where did these clouds come from so sudde—"
Sylvester looked up as well since the entire rooftop forest suddenly darkened under a strong shadow.
"W-What the!"
Neither Sylvester nor the Pope spoke. Their faces turned pale in an instant as if they had stopped breathing. The birds and animals cried out in reaction. In a moment, the distant bells of distress rang throughout the Holy Land, and every single peninsula activated the shining distress beacons, casting a vertical beam of light into the sky.
The warm, soothing aura ceased to exist, and only strong gusts of stormy wind came directly from the sky, for the shade was not cast by a cloud. The scent of death overwhelmed everything as if the world had come to its final end, and there was no escaping.
Sylvester gathered himself and jumped to his feet. "S-So many…Dragons! Attack?"
WRAAAAAAAAAAA!
Deafening, sky-shattering, and earth-shaking — The united roars of countless dragons in the sky shook the hearts of every being across thousands of miles.
The Pope, however, appeared unnaturally calm. But his eyes revealed a hint of tears and horror.
"Y-Young Bard… This is… an omen… T-The Thousand-Year War is about to resume!"
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