ALTANUS [6]

Regressor's Instructions Maunal Episode 969

Altanus (6)

'They must already be on the decline.'

At this point, the continent was already crumbling.

People who knew nothing might be murmuring about the great Lucifer who protects us, the benevolent and wise Lucifer. However, in my eyes, it feels like we're standing at the edge of a cliff.

There's no leisure for issuing revelations, miracles for promotional events, or second comings.

Placing Saint Altanus underground has reasons beyond that. It wasn't just about needing someone to manage the battered world above or someone to protect the continent instead of herself.

Superficially, the continent appears to be intact. In fact, the present civilization level, consciousness, and overall quality of life of the people, as I read from the library, are quite high.

Even underground is not much different. Unlike what was anticipated as an apocalypse, resources were abundant, and polluted areas were not confirmed.

Of course, issues like wars, famines, and poverty existed, but those were problems carried by humans.

The appearance of the continent as seen by transcendental beings is nearly perfect. As always, when the surface is perfect, there's often rot within.

It's accurate to interpret that the current continent is on the verge of a bursting bubble.

Lucifer must be pulling divinity from various places to run the continent and focusing on development and plugging the holes in the continent.

'Come to think of it, was the Crack Museum around this time?'

Our dear mother who completed her transition to this side and even the Soul Wedding Ceremony was likely trying to seal the fractures and ended up losing her life, probably. There are various issues like this. [[??? Maybe he is talking about Maxs mother, was mark his name??]]

With this backdrop, if there's no underworld, the surface won't function properly.

Lucifer, who had no time to personally oversee the continent, left Altanus here.

Thinking about that behavior, it was valid to believe that these two sides weren't genuinely communicating with the priests of the continent.

'Decades, no, centuries of miracles, huh?'

It must have been a long and extended wait.

'These people are so shallow-minded, focusing only on this.'

The reason for the explosive reaction to the shoddy event.

'Is it... that you know exactly what the Lord is saying right now...?'

"How could I dare put such words into my mouth? Archbishop Dracttarius."

"...."

"However, what I heard is an undeniable truth. Lucifer said that Saint Altanus would eventually lose her light. She stated that the foundation protecting and maintaining the continent would be shaken, and a great threat might emerge."

I convey my emotions fully, shedding tears like a child.

"The darkness of the continent will spread, and all people will be filled with pain and fear. Sob...."

"How... can this be..."

"That's..."

"Lucifer how could..."

"I experienced it firsthand. After Saint Altanus lost her light, I saw the future of the surface, this place, and everything clearly. It means seeing those on the continent that has been entirely engulfed by darkness, shedding tears of blood, and cursing Lucifer. It's seeing their voices cursing the Lord."

"Th... this..."

"Lucifer Are you truly forsaking the continent... Are you abandoning your lambs?"

"Pr... priest..."

"Ah, ahhhhhhh!..."

A bit of a tantrum, perhaps.

"Calm the priest down! Quickly!"

"Darkness! Darkness!! It's closing in!! Sob... sobs... Ahh, ahhh, ahhh!!"

"Priest! Are you okay? Priest!"

"Saint Altanus! Lucifer! Why... sob... why... Ah, ah... Ahhhhh!!" [[T/N: Overdramatic B*tch.]]

Placing my hand on my chest, I begin to glow, and I can see the realization of the seriousness of the situation on the faces of those around me.

The guardian knights, who were in a state of confusion, tried to restrain me, but they couldn't hold back my mental state.

Tears flowed down like a waterfall.

I cried so much that my eyes hurt, and I felt dizzy to the point of losing my bearings.

It's as if my tear ducts have malfunctioned. In fact, I'm not even sure what I'm doing right now. The truth is, my mind is hazy, and I can't see properly.

"Hack... haa... sobs... Ahhhh..."

"Priest! Priest! Are you alright?"

I must be having a seizure or something. My heart was racing too fast. Breathing was becoming difficult.

"Get the priest! Quickly!"

"Sobs... Lucifer.....Lucifer." A

s the divine power descended towards me, I felt a sense of relief. Even my ragged breathing and the tears flowing incessantly seemed to calm down gradually.

All the tension seemed to drain out of my body, and I was drenched in sweat.

"....."

"....."

After the series of commotions passed, naturally, heavy silence filled the room.

'My acting skills really hit the mark, truly.'

It was really perfect.

Whether my words were sincere or not, it seemed like no one cared anymore.

The faces of everyone, including Archbishop Dracttarius, turned pale. It was clear that they had unwittingly fallen into the roles of crying and sobbing just like in the great dramatic performances.

Could this be a projection of the continent heading towards an apocalypse, reflecting the protagonist of the panicked entrustment?

Could it be empathy with the feelings of the priest who was on the brink of losing consciousness due to acting?

Either way, it doesn't matter.

However, Templar Jenny's appearance was explaining everything. Still young, he was too young to face the truth of the world.

Anxiety, teary eyes, a pale, almost lifeless face—those were probably the typical reactions of people in this era.

Well, he's had training, so he's at this level... If he were a real average kid, he'd have fainted for real.

"...."

"...."

Soon, the guy who seemed to have regained his composure headed quietly in our direction.

"Um... P... Priest. Are you alright?"

"Yes... Yes... I... right now...."

I displayed a look that still hadn't quite grasped the situation.

"He seems to have suffered a significant shock, Archbishop Dracttarius. It might be best for him to take a bit of rest..."

"I would prefer that too, but..."

"What would be the best way to handle this situation?"

"For now, it would be wise to keep it hidden."

That does seem like the rational decision. Would there be a panic among the congregation? Probably not.

Of course, informing regular believers is obvious, but speaking to the so-called higher-ups is something that needs careful consideration.

If it's a lower-ranked priest, they would probably rush to inform the higher-ups, but Dracttarius isn't a lower-ranked priest.

He has his own power, not to mention a contingent of well-trained guardian knights, the true elite of the elites.

Not only did they have to consider the repercussions of the news spreading, but they also had to be mindful of the attention of corrupt forces that might exploit the situation.

Naturally, some will probably find out more, and perhaps even more people might learn about it, but I thought that this was something I could manage with a bit of work on my end and suppress.

Those present at this moment were Dracttarius, his trustworthy guards, and Templar Jenny at my side.

Dracttarius, including a few words to the personal guards, starts to approach me once again.

The guy who's been harboring the heavy truth alone tightly grips the priest's hand. Naturally, I could anticipate what he would say next.

This is the right time to take the initiative, right?

"Archbishop."

"...."

"It's a digression, but..."

"...."

"It might be best not to reveal this matter for the time being."

Yes, your idea is correct.

"Priest..."

The priest in front of Dracttarius is not just a deeply faithful one.

'I'm an elite priest...'

He's an elite priest who knows what kind of impact this incident will have and is capable of thinking and judging on a national scale.

With advanced education, an understanding of political relationships, and a sense of strategy – in short, a priest with potential. To put it simply, he's someone who can make anyone's mouth water.

Of course, up until just now, he appeared to be panicking and causing a scene, but that can be covered up with the setting of having deep faith.

My sponsor, no, the one who is willing to be my sponsor, Archbishop Dracttarius, was looking in this direction.

Eyes that seem deep and wise.

'Yes, his demeanor is also quite good.'

Even a cursory glance reveals the manners of a nobleman.

'He's the epitome of nobility.'

Hands that have probably never seen hard labor, pale skin that hasn't been exposed to much sunlight.

There must be various thoughts running through his mind. Perhaps he's thinking of myself as a fallen noble who became a priest, or maybe he's the disciple of Lucifer who emerged from the outside world with a purpose.

I don't know exactly what he's thinking, but one thing is certain. We need to recruit him. We can't afford to let this priest slip through our fingers here. [[Ki-young is reading/predicting Dracttarius's thoughts.]]

"I understand the priest's feelings better than anyone else."

"Archbishop."

"You're probably worrying about what happened later and the repercussions that will follow this incident. He doesn't need to worry, though... but..."

"It might be best to coordinate our words."

"...."

"Lucifer..."

"And..."

'Yes, could Templar Jenny be the problem?'

Technically speaking, he's not one of us.

Sure enough, I can see the Archbishop's chilly gaze fixed on Templar Jenny. His guards have their hands on their swords as well.

Jenny might be young, but he's not foolish. He's not so stupid that he wouldn't know how things are developing, and he wouldn't be in a situation without understanding his current circumstances.

If there was only one guard, I wouldn't be sure, but there are two here. There might even be more forces waiting outside.

'He must not die.'

A butterfly effect might occur...

There's certainly more to use from him.

"He's still young, Archbishop."

"...."

"I'll make sure to take care of him well. I mean, make sure that this secret doesn't leak."

"However, Archbishop."

'Guards, calm down.'

"Silence."

"Can you promise that?"

"I..."

"Promise to take what happened here to your grave, to swear to Lucifer today."

'Of course, I have to swear.'

"I, I..."

"Templar Jenny."

'I'll support you.'

"...."

'To overcome heavy secrets, cruel destinies...'

I look at the guy with an anxious expression. He's looking at me too.

I can see him slowly nodding his head. Not because there's no choice, but because he's swearing due to trust in me.

He's sending a face that seems to say he's making the oath because he believes in me, not because he has no other option.

Maybe he doesn't know that it's not a good thing to trust someone he's met only recently, but he's projecting a strong sense of trust.

"I will swear, Archbishop. I will swear to Lucifer today. I will never utter a word of this matter."

I also seem to be getting quite close to Dracttarius.

But still...

'He wouldn't blabber nonsense in the middle of a strategy, would he...?'

*****

- The prophecy of destruction that the Prophecy Priest was talking about has come right in front of us! Aaargh!! Where is he! Priest of Prophecy... Priest of Prophecy! Without him... I am... I am!!!

"Prepare for battle!"

"You prepare for battle!"

- Aaaargh... Where the hell is he!

"Damn it!!"

*****

He won't babble like that.