Chapter 255: Siege on the Azarin Empire’s capital (II)
The golden radiance descended upon the generals atop the white wall, revealing an old man draped in regal purple robes. His presence commanded immediate attention, and the air grew heavier with his arrival. This was His Holiness Jerom, the Pope of the Goddess Church, the highest religious authority in the Azarin Empire, and a High Champion Priest capable of wielding Divine Force.
As Jerom’s feet touched the wall, all the generals bowed low, their expressions a mix of deference and wariness. Respect for the Pope was ingrained in the fabric of the empire, but beneath the surface, a flicker of annoyance simmered in their eyes. The Church of Glory, despite its undeniable power and influence, was a source of frustration for the military leaders.
From the inception of the empire, Jerom had used his authority to pluck the most talented and promising soldiers from the military ranks, inducting them into the Church of Glory to become Paladins or Clerics. While these individuals grew more powerful within the church, they also cut all connections with the military.
It was a point of contention that none of the generals dared to voice, knowing that to offend the High Champion Priest was to risk everything. After all, while the Pope of the Church of Glory resembled a kind old man, he was a petty individual who could not accept any form of criticism.
Jerom, however, seemed oblivious to their silent discontent—or perhaps he simply did not care. As he reached the top of the thirty-meter-tall wall, his first action was not to assess the enemy forces but to rebuke the soldiers standing before him.
"Incompetents," Jerom intoned, his voice dripping with disdain and carrying the might of his energy pool, making the general grow pale. "You have allowed the enemy to besiege the capital of our glorious empire. This is a disgrace, a failure of duty that will not be easily forgiven."
His words cut through the air like a knife, and the generals could only bow their heads in silent acknowledgment. Jerom continued, his tirade lasting several minutes as he chastised them for their perceived failures. There was an army approaching, but it seemed that rebuking the general was more important for the Pope.
Finally, as if sensing the need to temper his harshness, Jerom softened his expression into one of magnanimity. "But fear not," he declared, his voice now carrying a tone of assured benevolence. "For I am here now, and with the grace of Goddess Lucia, all will be well. The light of the Goddess will guide us to victory, and these heathens shall be cast down."
The generals, despite their inner turmoil, murmured their agreement, though the forced nature of their words did not escape Jerom’s notice. He paid it no mind, however, as he turned his gaze outward, toward the enemy forces that surrounded the capital. His confidence was absolute as he believed himself an avatar from God that mortals could not defy.