[61] For Big Plans
After the meeting concluded, the team members returned to their respective duties, while Raphael remained in the meeting room, indulging in a selection of luxurious modern cakes, the kind that could only be found on Earth. The room was quiet and serene, creating a stark contrast to the earlier bustle.
Raphael savoured a piece of tiramisu with great delight, each bite delivering a soft, sweet sensation that delighted his palate. Meanwhile, Aurelia, watching with curiosity, couldn't suppress her inquisitiveness.
"This plan..." Aurelia finally asked, her voice tinged with concern. Raphael turned and glanced at her with a calm expression. "It's too risky. We cannot underestimate their ability to assess people, even though many nobles are more concerned with their own profits. However, their followers might be different. Can Hassan really handle this task?"
Raphael swallowed another piece of tiramisu leisurely, enjoying its delicious taste for a moment before responding. "Do not worry, Aurelia. I am confident that Hassan will manage it. This task will not place her in significant danger, and she will not be alone in this."
Initially puzzled by Raphael's words, Aurelia eventually grasped their meaning. "You... You don't intend to send just one person, do you?"
Raphael merely grinned, revealing a satisfied expression. His enigmatic and contented smile answered Aurelia's question without further words. That day, Aurelia learned much about strategy and planning from Raphael, understanding how deep and intricate the tactics employed in this world were.
With the tiramisu almost finished, Raphael continued to enjoy his moment of leisure, while Aurelia pondered over what had just been revealed. A sense of tension and anticipation hung in the air, illustrating the scale and complexity of the plan they were preparing.
---
Fifteen metres below the surface, hidden within an underground sewer that would typically be considered squalid and dangerous, lay a church built to worship the biblical God. Ironically, this place was very different from what most people above ground might imagine. The church was clean and well-maintained, in stark contrast to the dirty and neglected image of the sewers. The room gleamed with cleanliness and tranquillity, making it a comfortable and peaceful place amid the bustle of the capital, Ars.
The sound of firm, echoing footsteps filled the underground corridor, resonating within the silent space. As someone approached the church's main door, the sound grew clearer, signalling an important arrival.
The church door opened gently, revealing a surprising scene. Despite being underground, the church was very busy. Congregants, dressed in all white and black, were performing their weekly prayers with deep reverence. The calm and solemn atmosphere created an aura of peace, far from the dark impression typically associated with the sewers.
One of the church members, with a cheerful and respectful expression, quickly approached the newly arrived figure. "Ah, Cardinal, you have arrived!" he said enthusiastically, his face beaming at the sight of Raphael.
Raphael, dressed in a black medieval priest's robe, responded with a gentle and wise smile. "Yes, as I promised. I have come to lead the prayer." His calm and serene voice spread a sense of peace throughout the room.
The man who greeted him immediately invited Raphael to move forward, and the gathered congregants welcomed Raphael's arrival with a small cheer of enthusiasm. With steady and confident steps, Raphael entered the worship area.
The church was not only filled with humans but also with various other races such as elves, beastmen, and dwarves. Some congregants even came from the demon continent, creating a very unique and striking scene. They all wore the same uniform, creating visual harmony against the dark and ancient backdrop of the church.
This diversity among the congregants did not happen by chance. Raphael, continuing Ash's determination to spread the faith, took a very different approach from Ash's. Raphael, with his rhetorical skills, aggressively spread this belief, exploiting the unfortunate situations and social difficulties of those who became his followers.
In less than a month, Raphael had transformed them into highly loyal fanatics. The indoctrination techniques he applied were sophisticated forms of psychological manipulation. Through sweet words and illusory promises, he brainwashed the congregants, making them believe that the Bible was the only truth in the world.
Those who previously felt neglected by society now found a new place and purpose in Raphael's teachings. His followers, who experienced emptiness and injustice in their lives, became deeply attached to this faith. They regarded it as the answer to all the difficulties and injustices they had endured, making it a new pillar in their lives.
With a calculating and confident gaze, Raphael stood before the congregation, ready to lead them in prayer. Every subtle and precise movement he made was observed with deep admiration by his loyal followers. With unmatched resolve and intelligence, Raphael not only controlled their faith but also harnessed their belief to achieve greater goals. He built significant power and influence, carefully weaving plans within a vast and complex network of power.
As the congregation chanted hymns of praise, echoing through the room, exalting the names of God with fervour, Raphael took the opportunity to offer a personal prayer. Standing before a magnificent and radiant cross statue, he closed his eyes, knelt on one knee, and clenched his hands tightly, as if focusing all his energy and intent into a solemn prayer.
In the deep concentration of his prayer, something unexpected occurred. Suddenly, Raphael felt his soul being pulled out of his body, as if drawn by an unseen force. When he opened his eyes, he found himself still in the same room, but the atmosphere had changed drastically. The room, which had been filled with warmth and activity, was now silent and empty. The congregation that had been singing with fervour had vanished, leaving Raphael in a strange void.
Confusion swept over Raphael as he turned left and right, searching for clues about what had happened. However, the sound of firm footsteps caught his attention. His eyes quickly turned towards the source of the sound, and he found a very familiar figure. Sitting in one of the pews, with a relaxed posture and a confident expression, was Ash Constantine.
"Yo..." Ash greeted casually, with a friendly and relaxed tone, as if there was nothing unusual about the situation.
Raphael felt a mix of surprise and bewilderment. "My Lord? What are you doing here?" Raphael asked, his tone a mix of confusion and amazement, trying to comprehend the unusual situation.