Chapter 769: Volume 23: Rising Winds and Swirling Clouds, - 6: Well Played!_2
Welch put aside his contempt and gathered intelligence from various channels that proved this fellow had close ties with the Dark Lineage. However, this did not hinder his own cooperation with the other party. On the contrary, it was because the other party possessed the vast power of the Dark Forces as a backing that they were more qualified to contend with the Church of Light.
"Cooperate with me wholeheartedly?" Komer retorted before adding, "I wonder if Saint Welch believes we can still continue to cooperate?"
"Why couldn’t we?" Welch’s gaze was piercing, "I think Mr. Fran has already fully articulated the current situation. The beastmen are eroding the civilization that mortals have built, and the Church of Light has fallen, having forgotten the original purpose of its mission, completely transformed into an entity that knows only decadence and pleasure. Such a church is bound to be abandoned by the people; destruction precedes creation, and the Salvation Society is the new force that is to emerge from the slowly collapsing body, breaking free from the old shackles. Together with Lord Komer, we hope to bring back hope to the people and rebuild their lives anew."
Hmph, Komer sneered inwardly, sounding righteous and wonderful, but who would genuinely offer a warm hand without the drive of interests? Toppling the Church of Light is indeed an anticipation, but one must think strategically in the long term.
"Saint Welch, I suppose you are not unaware of the relationship between me and the Dark Lineage, are you? Even so, do you think there is still room for cooperation between us?" Komer pierced directly to the heart of the matter, lifting the veil.
There was a moment of rumination, clearly, the other party was also weighing their words. Komer was intrigued to see how the other would respond to this question.
"Lord Komer, to say that we don’t mind at all would certainly not be true. Although I am puzzled and perplexed as to why a noble-born like Lord Komer would take such a liking to the Dark Lineage, I can respect any choice you make, as your actions have proven that your words and deeds have not been blinded by some deviance in your faith. Perhaps you scorn my words in your heart, believing that everything about the Church of Light is hypocritical, but that is not surprising. Even I have to admit this, but this is the result of certain individuals twisting and tarnishing the true doctrine of the faith. One day you will see the true doctrine of the Light, and you will understand the errors in your original viewpoint," Welch said with an earnest and firm tone.
Seeing a displeased expression on Komer’s face, Welch silently sighed before continuing, "Of course, I respect your opinion, and the success of the Dark Lineage in the South seems to prove your point. But I strongly believe that the people will ultimately make the right choice, although it will take time to prove. I am willing to compete openly with the Dark Holy Church and leave it to the people to test everything. In the meantime, I thought we could cooperate unreservedly, at least at present, we share a common enemy, whose power is greater than we imagined."
Finally nodding, Komer partially agreed with the other’s viewpoint, "Saint Welch, our views aren’t entirely aligned on the points you mentioned earlier, but I do agree with your last point. The Church of Light needs breaking and remaking, the beastmen’s rampage needs to be stopped—they should return to the Mogan Wilderness. On this basis, we indeed have grounds for cooperation, but do you think that by joining forces we can defeat them?"