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Chapter 69
The Hunt Begins
The quiet chamber inside the grand cathedral felt heavier after Alex spoke. The lantern flame flickered softly between him and the old Pope, casting long, gentle shadows across the ancient books and smooth marble walls. The air carried the sweet scent of incense and old parchment, mixing with the distant sound of soft chanting from faraway halls. It was a peaceful place, but the words Alex had just said hung in the air like a quiet storm cloud.
Pope Lucian slowly lifted his head. His wise blue eyes searched Alex's face with calm concern.
"…Whom are we killing, Alex?"
His voice was steady, but a trace of worry hid beneath it, like a gentle father afraid for his child. The old man was no fool. He understood very well what it meant for a prince of the Ether Empire to walk into the Holy City and declare the death of an Archbishop. One wrong move could shake the entire Church like a leaf in the wind.
Alex did not hesitate. His golden eyes stayed calm and clear.
"Archbishop Valthor."
The name fell into the room like a heavy stone dropped into still water.
"He is already corrupted," Alex continued in a gentle but firm voice. "There is no path back for him. The darkness inside his heart has grown too deep."
The Pope's eyes widened slightly. For a long moment, the old man remained completely still, as if the weight of years pressed down on his shoulders. Then… unexpectedly… he smiled.
It was a tired smile, full of quiet sorrow, but also sincere and full of relief.
"Yes," Pope Lucian said softly. "I have also been thinking about removing him from the Archbishop seat for a very long time."
His eyes hardened with rare determination, like an old tree finally deciding to stand against the storm. "But power protects itself. It is difficult to remove a snake once it has coiled itself tightly around the throne."
He looked directly at Alex, his voice steady with new hope. "But now that you have spoken… perhaps it is time to remove him from this world instead."
Alex stood up from his chair. The lantern light glowed warmly across his face, making his golden eyes shine like stars.
"Well then," he said with quiet strength. "Let's begin."
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The cathedral corridors echoed with soft footsteps as they walked deeper into the sacred complex. Tall pillars rose like ancient guardians on both sides, carved with gentle symbols of light and protection. Soft golden light from hanging lanterns painted the marble floors in warm waves, and the faint sound of distant prayers floated through the air like a comforting song.
Soon they reached a large stone courtyard where the Paladins of the Holy Church lived and trained. The open space felt alive under the evening sky. Dozens of armored warriors moved with purpose beneath tall marble pillars engraved with glowing holy runes. Their silver armor shone like polished moonlight, and their shields carried the sacred crest of the Church — a radiant sun rising over peaceful hills. The air rang with the steady clink of steel and the low murmur of disciplined voices.
The Pope raised a hand.
"Captain."
A young man stepped forward immediately from the rows of knights. He was tall and broad-shouldered, carrying himself with the steady confidence of a warrior who had faced many shadows and still walked in the light. His dark hair was tied neatly behind his head, and his steel-gray eyes were sharp as a well-forged blade.
This was the commander of the Holy Paladins.
Captain Kaelan Draveth.
He knelt respectfully before the Pope, his armor catching the lantern light like liquid silver.
"Your Holiness."
Pope Lucian gestured toward Alex with quiet respect.
"This is Prince Alex."
Kaelan rose and nodded to Alex, his eyes steady and loyal.
Alex studied the young captain for a moment. Then he spoke in a calm, clear voice that carried across the courtyard.
"Call everyone."
The captain blinked once.
"…Everyone?"
Alex's voice remained calm and steady, like a gentle command from the heart of a storm.
"We are going to hunt an Archbishop."
Kaelan's eyes widened, but unlike most people, he did not hesitate or question. A true soldier obeyed before asking.
"Yes," he said firmly.
He turned at once and began issuing commands. His voice rang strong and clear across the courtyard. Within moments, bells rang out across the paladin grounds — deep, steady notes that echoed like a call to justice. Armored knights began gathering rapidly, their movements disciplined and swift. Shields clinked together, boots rang on stone, and the whole courtyard filled with the quiet power of men ready to protect what was right.
Alex turned toward the Pope, his golden eyes warm with quiet thanks.
"Your Holiness."
"Yes?"
"Tell every healer in the Holy City to remain calm and keep the citizens safe."
Lucian frowned slightly, confusion mixing with trust in his wise face.
"…Why?"
Alex smiled faintly, the kind of smile that carried both hope and warning.
"Because there is going to be a lot of noise tonight."
The Pope nodded slowly, understanding the weight of the words. He turned and began giving gentle orders to the waiting priests, his voice full of quiet authority.
Alex stepped aside and called softly into the growing twilight.
"Leon."
"Max."
Two figures approached quickly from the shadows of the courtyard.
Leon looked thrilled, his young eyes shining with excitement like a boy about to witness a hero's tale come alive. Max, however, looked horrified — as if he had just discovered his prince was secretly a dragon disguised as a human.
After hearing Alex's plan, Max stared at him with wide eyes.
"…Your Highness."
"You are going to kill an Archbishop."
Alex nodded casually, as if they were talking about the weather.
"Yes."
Max rubbed his face with one hand, his voice full of disbelief and loyalty. "You know… most people would start with smaller problems."
Leon, on the other hand, looked thrilled beyond words. "Can I watch?"
Alex chuckled softly, the sound warm and kind. "Stay behind Captain Kaelan and do exactly what he says. Keep each other safe."
Both boys nodded at once. Max still looked like he was reconsidering every life decision that had led him here, but his hand stayed firm on his sword. He would follow Alex anywhere.
Soon the Paladins finished assembling. Rows of armored knights stood ready beneath the fading evening sky, their silver armor glowing like moonlight on water. The whole courtyard felt alive with quiet power and sacred purpose.
Captain Kaelan returned, his expression steady and ready.
"Everything is prepared."
Alex looked toward the distant city, where lanterns were beginning to twinkle like stars waking up. The wind moved gently through the tall spires above them, carrying the faint scent of night-blooming flowers.
"Well then," he said softly, his voice full of quiet resolve. "Let's begin the hunt."
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The march through the Holy City was quiet… but powerful.
Paladins moved like a shining river through the wide streets, their armor reflecting the warm lantern lights of the evening. Citizens stepped aside nervously, eyes wide with wonder and a touch of fear. Whispers spread quickly from one person to the next, like ripples on a quiet pond. Something big was happening tonight. Something that felt important.
At the center of the city stood a towering palace-like fortress, its walls carved with grand symbols of light and authority. This was the residence of the Archbishops — a place of power, secrets, and shadows.
Alex stepped forward into the open square before the fortress. The wind moved through the tall spires above them like a whisper from the heavens themselves. Golden banners fluttered gently in the breeze.
Then he raised his voice, strong and clear.
"VALTHOR!"
The call echoed across the entire square, ringing off the stone walls like a bell of justice.
"Come out!"
"Your tyranny ends tonight!"
For a moment, nothing happened. The square grew perfectly still. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.
Then—
The sky trembled.
A figure shot downward like a falling star wrapped in darkness.
BOOM!
A tall man landed heavily before them. His black robes swirled around him like living shadows, twisting and curling as if they had a life of their own.
Archbishop Valthor.
His sharp eyes moved slowly across the crowd of Paladins, the Pope, and finally settled on Alex. A cruel, confident smile appeared on his face, cold as winter frost.
"Well…"
"So the old man finally decided to act."
He laughed softly, the sound low and mocking. "You know, Lucian… I was planning to kill you first anyway."
His eyes gleamed with dangerous amusement as he looked at Alex.
"After all, once you were gone… I would become the next Pope."
Alex stepped forward without hesitation.
Without warning—
He launched forward like a streak of golden light.
His fist cut through the air like lightning guided by the Goddess herself.
BANG!
The punch struck Valthor.
Or at least… it should have.
The Archbishop caught Alex's fist effortlessly in one hand. The ground beneath them cracked slightly from the force, small stones shifting like startled animals.
Valthor smirked, his eyes shining with dark delight.
"Well…"
"Looks like someone is getting impatient."
His grip tightened, shadows curling around his fingers like hungry smoke.
"And here I thought tonight would be boring."
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