Episode 136 Continental Summit (4)
Various topics were discussed, and active discussions followed inside the grand conference hall.
Thanks to the change in atmosphere, the meeting proceeded smoothly.
The first thing that was decided was the establishment of a continental allied force.
They decided to form an organization similar to the UN forces, separate from each country's army, so that they could respond immediately to any emergency.
It was an organization with a long history, having proven its usefulness since the previous Immortal King incidents, so there were no dissenting opinions.
And naturally, the commander of the allied force was to be a Paladin of the Main God Church, who was free from the political interests of each force.
"The current situation is most dire in the Rohan Duchy! Except for the south, which borders the Empire, the other three sides are battlefields. If we don't receive help soon, our country could collapse at any moment!"
That was the passionate plea that followed the decision to establish the allied force, as they discussed its operation and support plans.
Naturally, it came from Duke Dennis Rohan of the Rohan Duchy.
"Hmm— It's true that the monster madness incident is practically an attack by the Immortal King, so we need to respond to it at the allied force level."
And Crown Prince Simon of the Azeria Empire also agreed with his argument.
Although the Empire was also in a difficult situation and expressed reluctance to directly dispatch troops, it was a good opportunity to help their vassal state, the Rohan Duchy, through the allied force that they had to create anyway.
The envoy from the Zepia Republic showed some discomfort, but they didn't strongly object in this setting, perhaps due to their external image.
Eventually, after various discussions, support for the Rohan Duchy was finally decided.
Duke Dennis wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief and let out a small sigh.
'It's done. This should give us some breathing room. It'll take some time for the allied force to be formed and dispatched, but we should be able to endure until then.'
Having achieved his initial goal, he was able to participate in the following discussions with a slightly more relaxed mind.
And after several other topics, the discussion finally moved on to…
The establishment of the 'Anti-Immortal King Special Mobile Strike Force', also known as the hero party.
Their purpose was solely to directly confront the Immortal King.
Naturally, the leader would be the current Saint, 'Heinrich Saint Landguard'.
It could be considered an organization with a long history and tradition, as its origin was the expedition that defeated the previous Immortal Kings.
The heroes who crossed the path opened by the continental allied force at the cost of their lives and finally defeated the Immortal King, bringing peace to the continent twice.
With such a heavy responsibility and glory, they couldn't help but be careful in selecting its members.
It was practically a gathering of the continent's best talents, but the expressions of those representing each force were subtly uncomfortable…
"Hmm, the expedition…"
"···Ahem."
Their reactions were due to the survival rate of the previous expeditions.
Simply put, there was not a single person who had died peacefully after defeating the Immortal King.
Most of them died in battle, and those who survived until the end suffered from severe side effects, such as permanent disabilities and curses, and died young.
That was also true for the Saints and heroes.
They only endured for a few more years and eventually passed away to the Main God's side.
The world was already in chaos.
In such a situation, who would want to sacrifice their best talents, those who would protect their forces, like that?
But as everyone was hesitant to speak up, someone once again confidently raised their hand and opened their mouth, ignoring the others…
"If that's the case, our Empire has a talent we would like to recommend."
Crown Prince Simon of the Azeria Empire spoke with a sly smile.
"Viscount Isea Pristine. She's a genius mage who has already reached the level of Archmage despite her young age. She's a treasure of our Empire, so to speak."
"Oh— Viscount Pristine is definitely qualified. The 'Multidimensional Analysis of Ice Magic Using the Crystal Structure of Ice' she published last year is a new perspective on ice magic…"
One of the executives sitting at the Magic Tower Alliance's table excitedly started to speak in response to his words.
His rambling quickly subsided as the leader sitting next to him glared at him, though.
'Isea Pristine… I've heard of her. If other forces recognize her, she must be a truly talented individual.'
As a Saint, it was also part of his job to be familiar with the strong individuals of each country.
She was a newly emerged noble of the Empire, whose name wasn't widely known yet, and she had gained her title solely through her abilities.
She was said to be one of the top ten mages in the Ion Continent.
Her exact age wasn't known, but she was said to be under thirty, so her potential was limitless.
As the Crown Prince said, she was truly a treasure of the Empire.
'But they readily recommended their national treasure to such a dangerous position?'
Judging by the flustered reactions of the Empire's attendants, it didn't seem like a pre-arranged plan.
Then the reason was obvious.
'She must be a political rival. Politicians never miss an opportunity.'
But once the floodgates were opened, others who had been hesitant to speak up also started to open their mouths.
"We can't miss out on such a glorious opportunity. Our country also has a rapidly growing talent…"
"Come to think of it, Duke Serington of the Lesque Kingdom is said to be a skilled warrior…"
"Hold on! What are you talking about? He's already quite old…"
From their political rivals to talents from other countries.
The requirements for the Immortal King strike force were so high that there weren't many suitable candidates, but as more and more people were mentioned, the atmosphere in the conference hall became increasingly heated.
And Heinrich's insides also started to burn.
After all, their scheme was based on the premise that the party he would lead would be wiped out!
This Heinrich Saint Landguard's party!
'···I'll make sure they all become heroes and then send them back safely.'
He clenched his teeth and made a firm resolution.
Fortunately, not everyone was so politically motivated.
"I would like to personally participate, even if it's just a small help…!"
"No! If the Apostle leaves, our Church will…"
A leader of a minor religion who enthusiastically volunteered to participate but was stopped by his attendant.
"Hmm, I guess I'm still lacking in skills to join the expedition."
"You need to be at least Master level…"
"If I could just join as an assistant…"
Some representatives were blinded by their unfounded confidence and dreamed of joining the party.
Among them was Shapiron, who was staring at him with sparkling eyes, oblivious to Harris's exasperated gaze.
Munch, munch—
"Huh? Harris, what are you eating?"
"Ah, this? It's called popcorn… Would you like to try some?"
"…It looks unique. Is it a specialty of the Ion Continent?"
Fortunately, their interest didn't last long, and their attention soon shifted to the snacks he was eating.
Harris shared the popcorn he had brought from Earth through "Avatar Cloud" with Shapiron, who was sitting next to him, and they watched the conference hall together.
'It seems like things are calming down. Well, it's not like they're going to make a decision right away just because someone's recommended.'
But his relaxed demeanor was just a facade, and he was observing the situation with a more serious mind than ever.
"Harris, Harris. Do you have any more? It's soft and salty, it's delicious!"
He refilled the popcorn for Shapiron, who had already finished a bag, and turned his gaze back to the representatives' table in the center.
But despite the heated atmosphere, not many concrete decisions had been made.
'Well, the results of this meeting will affect international relations, so it's not like everything can be decided in a day. And there are many who are trying to take advantage of this chaotic situation to gain personal benefits.'
Judging by how they were still struggling to cooperate, it seemed like they still lacked a sense of crisis.
"Then, we'll conclude today's meeting. The second meeting will be held tomorrow at the same time, so please make sure to attend without any confusion."
Murmur, murmur—
As soon as Cardinal Cordelia's closing remarks ended, the representatives of each force gathered in small groups and started to have their own discussions.
To share their opinions on the topics that had been brought up.
But the envoys from the Enamel Continent, who had been quietly observing the entire time, once again left without interacting with the others.
'That's not right. It's time for everyone to get to know each other.'
Yes, so…
This was just a light recreational activity.
Wooong—
Crackle—!
At that moment.
"Hmm?"
"What's happening?"
The holy barrier that enveloped the grand conference hall started to glow intensely with a brilliant radiance.
And with a sound as if something was tearing apart, along with sparks…
[It seems I'm a bit late.]
A low voice, as if emanating from hell, shook the space.
It was just a single sentence, but the soul-chilling presence contained in it made everyone's bodies stiffen.
"······!"
"Th-this is…?"
Confused by the sudden change.
And as the evil energy that followed the terrifying voice tried to penetrate their minds…
"How dare you come to this place!"
As if waiting for that moment, Saint Heinrich's holy aura quickly enveloped everyone in the conference hall, protecting them.
["Battle stations! All Paladins and holy knights, assemble immediately!"]
His booming voice, imbued with a thick holy power, spread like a wave throughout the surroundings—.
Clang—!
Clatter! Clatter!
The Church's forces, who had been on guard, immediately entered the conference hall in full battle gear.
It all happened in an instant.
They followed Heinrich's pre-arranged instructions, escorting the representatives to the rear and guiding them to a safe zone that had been reinforced with holy relics.
Coincidentally, it was a prime spot where they could clearly see the entire situation, but it wasn't strange, considering that grasping the situation was a priority.
[Hmm… It seems you've prepared quite a bit this time. Such a powerful holy barrier. Hehehe— You must have been very afraid of me, Hero Heinrich!]
Crackle—!
White sparks flew, and a figure shrouded in a thick, dark aura slowly revealed itself.
A black robe and hood that seemed to be woven from the abyss itself, and a grotesquely smiling mask faintly visible beneath them.
The overwhelming presence that emanated from him was something anyone on this continent would recognize.
Even if they had never seen him in person, they would know who he was the moment they faced him.
His name was…
"Hannibal Strauss! You dare show your face in this place? You must think we're fools!"
The Immortal King, Hans… no, Hannibal Strauss, who had barged into the Continental Summit.
And the noble hero, Heinrich Saint Landguard, who drew his holy sword and confidently faced him.
Finally, the two arch-enemies met again.
Right here, at the Continental Summit,
In front of those who led the world of Auterica.