When Leylo arrived back at Blackstone Castle, it was high noon. The scorching sun baked the earth, and the air shimmered with heat waves. He looked at the sky, estimating that Vice Commander Luke and his party were nearly here.
He didn't linger in the castle. Instead of waiting for the Bishop to come knocking with more demands for a temple, Leylo decided to take the initiative and "visit" the Holy See's camp first to block any excuses for questioning his recent absence.
The Holy See's camp was situated on an open plain outside Blackstone Town. A dozen white tents stood in orderly rows, the flags of the Church of Light fluttering in the hot wind. The guards recognized Leylo and allowed him through to the central, most ornate tent.
Inside, Bishop Augustus sat behind a desk, focused on a thick, ancient tome as if studying sacred doctrine. Hearing movement, he looked up, his brow twitching slightly.
"Lord Baron, to what do I owe this sudden visit?"
Leylo wore a "sincere" smile, his tone dripping with "concern."
"Bishop Augustus, I have just received some rather troubling news and came to inform you immediately." He paused to gauge the reaction before continuing. "The Grand Duke has learned of the events in White Poplar Territory. It is said he is quite displeased with your unauthorized judgment and execution of a titled nobleman of the Duchy. I have confirmed that Luke, Vice Commander of the Thunder Dragon Knights, is currently on his way to 'seek accountability' at the Grand Duke's behest."
Leylo leaned in slightly. "In my humble opinion, it might be best for you and your knights to depart the Duchy soon. This would avoid further escalation and protect the reputation of the Holy See."
Leylo's words were "heartfelt," as if he were truly looking out for Augustus. But the Bishop didn't show a hint of panic; instead, a faint, mocking sneer appeared on his face. He closed the book and stood up slowly.
"Baron, I appreciate your 'kindness.' However, everything I did was to uphold the glory of the God of Light and purge a tumor from the Duchy's body. Viscount White Poplar colluded with an Evil God; his guilt was absolute. As a Bishop, I acted in the name of Light. What wrong is there? Can a mere secular Grand Duke override the will of the Divine?"
His tone was calm, yet radiated innate arrogance. "If Luke comes, I will explain it to him myself. I believe even the Thunder Dragon Duchy would not dare openly antagonize the Great Holy See."
Leylo sneered inwardly. Truly a stubborn block of stone.
Just as he was thinking of how to "add fuel to the fire," panicked footsteps approached. A Holy Knight burst into the tent without even announcing himself.
"Bishop! It's bad! Outside the camp... a squadron of the Thunder Dragon Knights' aerial units has arrived!"
At that moment, a high-pitched, majestic bird's shriek exploded like thunder over the camp.
"KRA-KOOM!"
The sound carried physical force, making the tent walls shudder and the water in the cups ripple. The show had begun.
The Iron-Blooded Knight
Leylo walked out with the now-grim Augustus. In the azure sky, a massive bird with a wingspan of nearly twenty meters circled, casting a suffocating shadow. It was covered in deep blue feathers, each edge shimmering with fine, silver electrical arcs. This was a Tier 4 Magical Beast—a Thunderbird.
Seated upon its broad back was a middle-aged man in polished silver plate armor engraved with the Thunder Dragon crest. His face was hard-lined, his eyes as sharp as an eagle's. This was Luke, the "Iron-Blooded" Domain Knight. Behind him followed ten knights on Steel-Feathered Hawks, their formations tight and lethal.
The atmosphere in the camp turned brittle. Holy Knights gripped their hilts, looking up at the intruders. Their Pegasi pawed the ground nervously.
Luke didn't spare the guards a single glance. He landed the Thunderbird in a whirlwind of dust and leapt down, his heavy iron boots clanking against the earth. He walked straight toward Augustus, each step radiating the aura of a man who had conquered a thousand battlefields.
"Bishop Augustus," Luke's voice sounded like clashing steel. "I come on behalf of the Grand Duke to read his decree."
He unfurled an ancient parchment stamped with the Thunder Dragon seal. Augustus remained silent, his face darkening until it looked like a storm cloud.
Luke read aloud: "By order of the Grand Duke: Bishop Augustus of the Holy See of Light, without permission, judged and executed Viscount White Poplar. This act defies our laws and violates our sovereignty. However, recognizing this was done to purge cultists, the Duke offers mercy. Decree: Bishop Augustus and all associated knights must leave the borders of the Thunder Dragon Duchy within ten days. Failure to do so will be viewed as an act of invasion."
It was a slap to the face of the proud Church. Luke rolled up the scroll. "Bishop, the decree has been read. Please, prepare to leave."
Augustus's facial muscles twitched. He took a deep breath, and then, a strange, chilling smile spread across his lips.
"Vice Commander Luke, I have heard of your 'Iron-Blooded' reputation," Augustus said, his voice rising. "But I act for the glory of Light! A secular decree cannot bind the steps of God's messenger. However..."
His eyes flashed with a sudden, fierce desire for combat. "Since you are here, I have a proposal. Rather than wasting breath, why don't we spar? If I happen to win, perhaps you could withdraw the Duke's decree and allow me to finish purging the remnants of the Evil God."
The request stunned everyone. A clash between these two could end the diplomatic "politeness" between their powers.
Luke's lips curled into a cold arc. "Oh? You want to use fists to decide right from wrong?"
"The radiance of the God will guide the way to victory!" Augustus declared.
"Fine! Very well!" Luke laughed, a sound filled with icy intent. "Since the Bishop has such an appetite, I, Luke, shall accompany you to the end!"
A boundless, terrifying aura erupted from Luke's body, matching the holy pressure of the Bishop!