Chapter – 18 The Sinister Scheme

One week later, inside a luxurious room at Castello di Casole, located in San Gimignano, Tuscany,

Nova relaxed on a sofa, savoring the renowned Pecorino Romano cheese paired with Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine. San Gimignano was celebrated for its Pecorino cheese and Vernaccia wine, and the combination delighted his taste buds.

In the midst of his enjoyable snack time, Omega entered the room and addressed Nova, "Lord Nova... the report is complete."

As Lavinia poured wine for Nova, he raised his glass and prompted Omega, "Well, then, what have you discovered? You urgently called us to San Gimignano, so I'm eager to hear if you've found any leads on Tosca and the Holy Sword Project."

Omega nodded and proceeded to cast a magical projection onto the coffee table. Curiously, Nova, Lavinia, and Artoria focused their attention on the projection, which revealed a map of San Gimignano.

Observing the map, Nova inquired, "Hmm, and?"

Omega gestured with her fingers, causing several locations on the map to turn red. "These are all the places in San Gimignano that either belong to the Church or are affiliated with it," she explained. Then, zooming in on a specific building located south of the historic center, she continued, "This particular building has caught my attention. While I can't be completely certain, I believe it may be the place we are seeking."

Curiosity piqued, Nova raised an eyebrow and prompted Omega, "What makes you so sure? Please, enlighten us." Lavinia and Artoria turned their focus toward Omega as well.

"I noticed peculiar activities taking place within this building," Omega elaborated. "Church representatives from the four major churches in San Gimignano—Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Church of San Lorenzo, Church of San Jacopo, and Church of Sant'Agostino—frequently gather there. This gathering aroused my suspicions, prompting me to dig deeper. While the building's exterior appears to be an orphanage run by the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, there seems to be some form of experimentation taking place within its walls involving the resident orphans."

"I see," Nova nodded, a smile playing on his lips. He questioned further, "Are these experiments potentially related to the Holy Sword Project?"

Omega responded, her tone neutral, "I cannot say for certain as I have yet to confirm it. However, it is worth noting that Archbishop Valper Galilei, the individual you mentioned overseeing the Holy Sword Project, is also the head of the Church authority in San Gimignano. This adds weight to the possibility that this is the location we seek."

With a smile, Nova commended Omega, "The fact that that crazy old man is in charge of San Gimignano alone supports the likelihood that Tosca is within this city. Excellent work, Omega."

Omega humbly bowed, accepting the praise.

Entering a thoughtful posture, Nova considered the situation. "Now, we must confirm if Tosca is indeed in that building," he murmured. He then turned his attention back to Omega and asked, "Is there anything else in your report? Perhaps something that caught your attention?"

Omega pondered for a moment before responding, "While it may not hold much significance, I sensed the presence of several more devils in San Gimignano."

Surprised, Nova raised his head and looked at Omega. "Oh? How many and how strong, and do you know who they are?"

"Approximately a dozen," Omega revealed, "two of them possess Ultimate Rank strength, and there are also three children among them, as for their identity, I am not certain as I did not get too close to them."

Nova absorbed the information and remarked, "I see." He added, "I believe I know who they are."

Omega, Lavinia, and Artoria exchanged surprised glances. "You do?" they questioned.

Nova nodded confidently, "It is likely the Gremory Household. Rias's [Luck] should have brought her here, and she stands to benefit from the Holy Sword Project."

Concerned, Artoria inquired, "Should we be wary of the Gremory Household? If Rias Gremory is involved, her [Luck] may lead her to Tosca."

Nova shook his head, dismissing the notion. "There is no need to be overly vigilant, nor do we need to focus our attention on them. Our targets will be different, the one she will obtain will be different, it won't be Tosca."

The three girls nodded in agreement, understanding Nova's perspective. "Very well."

Seizing the moment, Nova declared, "Now, let us devise a plan on how we will rescue my beloved Tosca."

…

The next scene will be at the Orphanage.

In a room abuzz with anticipation, a dozen or so young children gathered, their voices filled with excitement and dreams of a glorious future. They chattered animatedly among themselves, sharing their aspirations of becoming formidable Church warriors capable of wielding the legendary Holy Swords.

"I'm absolutely certain that I'll be chosen by Excalibur Destruction," declared one of the children with a fierce smile. "With its incredible destructive power, I'll vanquish all those evil creatures!"

"Says the guy who can't even swing a sword properly," mocked another boy, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Unlike you, I'll be chosen by Excalibur Rapidly. I'm fast, faster than all of you, and with that Holy Sword, I'll be unstoppable. My speed will purify the forces of evil!"

"Why you?" retorted the first boy, his voice tinged with annoyance. "If you're fast, then I'm strong. I am the strongest!"

"Heh, everyone knows that between speed and power, speed always wins!" the second boy shot back confidently.

As the two boys engaged in a spirited argument, a young girl giggled mischievously. "If they keep bickering like this, none of them will be chosen," she whispered to her friend. Then, her gaze shifted towards a girl standing at a distance, observing quietly. "If anyone's going to be chosen, it has to be her. She can already use the Holy Aura... I wonder how?"

Another girl responded, her voice tinged with curiosity, "Do you think she possesses one of those... you know, like Isaiah? Perhaps a Sacred Gear?"

"Hmm, it's possible," the first girl mused, her eyes fixed on Isaiah, a younger boy surrounded by children his age.

Among the children, there was a young girl named Tosca. Her white hair and blue eyes distinguished her, and she possessed a nurturing nature, often looking after the younger ones. Her kindness and gentle demeanor earned her the admiration of her peers. However, deep inside, Tosca carried a sense of sadness. She couldn't shake off the memories of being rejected by the Sigurd institution due to her inability to wield the Demonic Sword Gram. Sent to the Holy Sword Project instead, Tosca yearned for an opportunity to prove her worth and contribute to the Church's cause.

Noticing Tosca's unusual silence, Isaiah, with his characteristic curiosity, approached her and leaned closer. "Sister Tosca, what's on your mind?" he inquired, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Tosca offered a gentle smile and shook her head, replying, "Nothing, really." Then, her eyes turned to Isaiah, and she posed a question of her own. "What kind of Church Warrior do you aspire to become, Isaiah?"

In contrast to Tosca's nurturing nature, Isaiah had always been drawn to the art of swordsmanship, devoting countless hours to honing his skills in anticipation of the day when he could finally wield a Holy Sword. Tosca, aware of Isaiah's passion, was genuinely curious about the kind of Church Warrior he aspired to become.

Isaiah's face brightened with a gentle smile as he pondered Tosca's question, his eyes reflecting his dreams and determination. "Sister Tosca, I dream of becoming a Church Warrior who embodies both strength and compassion," he replied earnestly. "I want to be skilled with a Holy Sword, but not just for the sake of power. I wish to use that power to protect the weak, to defend those who cannot defend themselves. I want to be a symbol of hope and justice in a world plagued by darkness."

Tosca's eyes shimmered with admiration as she listened to Isaiah's heartfelt response. Before she could inquire further, however, the door to the room swung open, and a figure stepped inside, capturing the attention of all the children, including Isaiah and Tosca.

Awe and excitement rippled through the room as the children's voices harmonized in unison, "Father Galilei!"

Archbishop Valper, a distinguished and elderly man with a mix of black and grey hair, a short mustache, and piercing black eyes, exuded an aura of wisdom and command. Donned in his pristine white priest's suit. He held the highest authority within the Church in San Gimignano and was the leading researcher behind the Holy Sword Project, and commanded respect and admiration from all those present.

The room fell into a reverent silence as the archbishop surveyed the young faces before him, his eyes twinkling with a combination of pride and affection. "My dear children," he began, his voice carrying a paternal warmth, "you have all come a long way on your journey to become Church Warriors. I have witnessed your dedication, your strength, and your unwavering belief in our cause."

Isaiah's heart swelled with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation, realizing that this might be a significant moment in their training. He exchanged a glance with Tosca, who shared his eagerness and curiosity.

Archbishop Valper smiled kindly at the children, his voice resonating with a deep sense of purpose. "Each one of you possesses unique qualities and potential, which is why you were chosen for the Holy Sword Project. Today, I am here to announce a special opportunity for all of you, a chance to take a step further on your path to becoming a true Church Warrior."

The children leaned forward, their eyes widening with anticipation, waiting for the archbishop's words to unfold.

"This will be the culmination of your training and our research, the final test," the archbishop proclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of gravitas and encouragement. "And after that, all of you will have the opportunity to wield the Holy Swords. This is a pivotal moment, as you will become the defenders of light and the champions of righteousness."

Gasps of awe and excitement rippled through the room as the children exchanged glances, their hearts pounding with the prospect of this extraordinary opportunity.

As the archbishop continued, his words resonated deep within Isaiah's soul. He couldn't help but feel a surge of determination coursing through his veins. This was the moment he had been waiting for, the chance to prove himself and realize his dreams.

Tosca murmured, her eyes shining with excitement. "Can you imagine? We could be wielding Holy Swords," she whispered, her voice filled with anticipation.

The other children around them were buzzing with conversation, their dreams intertwining with the reality before them. They exchanged theories and speculations about the nature of the final test, envisioning the challenges they might face and the abilities they would need to demonstrate.

As the children reveled in their excitement, their innocent smiles lighting up the room, Archbishop Valper's lips curled into a smile and eyes gleamed with a malevolence that belied his esteemed position. It was a smile devoid of joy or warmth, tainted by indifference, calculation, and cruelty. Hidden behind the facade of benevolence, the archbishop harbored sinister intentions for the final test.

Unbeknownst to the children, their dreams and aspirations were about to be shattered, and their trust in the Church and its leaders was about to be tested in the most harrowing way. The final test was something far beyond their wildest imaginations.

…

The scene shifted to Nova, Omega, Lavinia, and Artoria floating high in the sky, their gazes fixed on the orphanage below them. Nova, positioned at the forefront, observed Archbishop Valper Galilei exiting the building. He surveyed the people around him before issuing a chilling instruction, "I have instructed them to gather in the hall tonight. Use this opportunity to dispose of them."

"We understand, Lord Archbishop!" responded one of the men wearing a white lab coat, his voice laced with obedience.

As Valper departed, accompanied by a few church warriors, Artoria questioned the group, "Are we going to let him go?"

Nova, deep in thought, replied, "He has a crucial role to play in the future, so he must remain alive."

Artoria nodded in understanding, accepting Nova's decision. Lavinia then chimed in, her voice tinged with urgency, "Shall we proceed to the orphanage and retrieve her?"

Hearing Lavinia's question, Nova contemplated his options. 'If I desire, I can easily extract Tosca from there before those individuals start their slaughter. No one would be aware of it... However, if I do that, her loyalty won't be genuine. Of course, I could manipulate her memories and alter her allegiance, but it may pose future complications. There is a strong likelihood that she would yearn to return to her former comrades... If I seek Tosca's unwavering loyalty and devotion, I must be the one to save her from despair,' Nova thought to himself, shaking his head. He then responded to Lavinia, "For now, we wait... Once they commence their actions, we will rescue her."

"Very well." Although slightly taken aback by Nova's decision to wait, neither Lavinia nor Artoria questioned him, understanding that he had a strategic plan in mind.

While the four individuals patiently awaited the impending events, Nova turned to Omega and inquired, "How is the situation on the side of the Gremory Household?"

Omega, ever vigilant, relayed the information, "It appears they are heading towards the Bell Tower, not far from Hotel La Collegiata, where they are currently staying."

"The Bell Tower offers a clear view of this orphanage," Nova mused, his voice filled with contemplation. He muttered to himself, "Considering we are dealing with two Ultimate Class Devils and several High-Class Devils, they must have sensed that something is amiss at the orphanage... From the vantage point of the Bell Tower, they will be able to assess the situation accurately."

Omega, displaying his dedication, asked, "Should I take precautions?"

Intrigued by Omega's question, Nova probed, "Do you believe you can handle two Ultimate Class Devils and several High-Class Devils on your own?" He sought to gauge Omega's strength and capabilities.

Omega nodded confidently, stating, "There shouldn't be any problem."

Nova, surprised by the response, expressed his astonishment, "I've heard that Lady Gremory, known as the Flaxen-haired Madame of Extinction, possesses tremendous power among the Ultimate Class Devils. Her husband, Duke Gremory, is no slouch either and surpasses her in strength... Their servants are all high-class devils as well, not to mention the [Queen] of Duke Gremory, the one named Sheila Wilbert who happens to be the mother of Lord Lucifer's Queen... Are you certain you can handle them all alone?"

Omega, after considering the question, replied, "It might pose a challenge, but not an insurmountable one."

Nova, along with Lavinia and Artoria, regarded Omega with surprise, Nova even went so far as to inquire, "Just how strong are you?"

Omega chose to remain silent, his capabilities shrouded in mystery.

Sighing, Nova conceded, "All right, no need to answer. I will discover your true strength sooner or later." He then glanced toward the direction of the bell tower, shaking his head as he weighed Omega's earlier proposal. "There is no need for that. The Gremory Household is not our enemy; they are acquaintances. Even if they become aware of our presence, it doesn't matter... We will welcome them if they come to meet us."

"I understand," Omega acknowledged Nova's instructions, her expression focused and determined.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden hue over the landscape, Nova's eyes remained fixed on the orphanage below. The anticipation of the impending mission coursed through his veins, and a determined resolve settled within him. Tonight, he would have Tosca, someone who will be a fine addition to his peerage.

.

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Author's Note: Okay, so in the next chapter, Tosca will be rescued.

Make sure to check out the images of all the characters that have appeared so far in the story on the Character Page.