While my avatar is sweeping through the issues of the Nova Empire, an unbelievable event has struck the entire Calandra Empire.
– Calandra Empire declares war on the Holy Kingdom
This is the headline news on the front page of the newspaper I read at the Academy.
What the heck is this?
Sure, the world has changed a lot due to me, and the world within [Deus Ex Machina] has indeed transformed considerably… but war?
Nothing has changed to this magnitude before.
Of course, it’s not like the entire Calandra Empire has declared war on the Holy Kingdom.
To be precise, it’s a faction belonging to the Noble Faction within the Calandra Empire that has declared war.
And just a day before this news spread, I learned about it through a letter sent by Lydia.
To sum up the content of the letter:
The time is drawing near, so I will swiftly cleanse the filthy heretics and prepare for the arrival of Lord Deus until I am utterly exhausted.
What kind of nonsense is this?
What do you mean by “cleansing heretics”?
When did I ever say to do that?
So now, these Noble Faction members have declared war on the Holy Kingdom?
Wait a minute. Noble Faction?
Does that mean all the members of the Noble Faction are participating in this war?
The Calandra Empire is divided into two major factions, the Ridiculous Faction and the Noble Faction.
Did all of the Noble Faction get swept up in this? Impressive, Lydia.
Definitely, considering that the Chancellor Wackfa was affiliated with the Order, the order’s strength is…
Huh? So can the Order defeat the Holy Kingdom all on its own?
The Holy Kingdom, where the Lord Jephst, god of lightning, is worshipped.
A small but powerful nation based on overwhelming divine power, with formidable Paladins, Priests… and even a Saint.
…No matter how I think about it, I doubt the Order’s strength alone would be enough.
But Lydia must have had a plan to issue a declaration of war, right?
…Or maybe she really doesn’t have a plan.
Is she possibly deluding herself into thinking Deus would solve everything for her?
Of course, I may have nudged her in that direction… but I can’t afford to lose Lydia as a pawn, and also the Deus Church.
My foundation, the Calandra Empire, could very well be shaken.
…First, I need to send ‘this’ to Lydia.
I once informed Lydia about the Mithril mine using my previous game knowledge.
After developing the Mithril mine, she made Mithril armor for the combatants in the Order.
So, among the troops that have now set out, some must be wearing that powerful armor.
However, that’s simply not enough against the Holy Kingdom.
But if I use ‘this’, it might unleash overwhelming power in a siege.
…Let’s send it for now.
If things go south…
Maybe I’ll have to use the ‘Gift’ then?
*
Calandra Empire, western region
Near the border separating the Calandra Empire and the Holy Kingdom, the Holy Kingdom’s fortress, Odrak.
“Ughhh….”
“My arm…. My arm…!”
Countless soldiers lay in a gruesome state, the horrific scene before them.
The invincible fortress, which had protected the Holy Kingdom for ages, was completely shattered to the extent that one could hardly deduce it ever existed.
This was the result of the large-scale siege between the Deus Church and the Holy Kingdom.
In the center of it all stood General Hosea of the Deus Church, lifting the head of the Holy Kingdom’s Third Paladin Commander by his neck.
“Grrr…. Did you really think you could get away with this…?”
“Get away?”
Thud
As Hosea released his grip, the Paladin Commander fell helplessly to the ground.
“Ah! …You think, you scoundrel, that you can attack our Holy Kingdom that is under the protection of Lord Jephst and get away unscathed? Jephst’s lightning shall judge you!”
“Pfft. Hahaha!”
General Hosea of the Deus Church could barely contain his laughter, chuckling maniacally.
“…Laughing? Have you lost your mind?”
“Hahaha. It’s just too funny, I couldn’t help myself. I apologize.”
“…Funny, you say?”
“Lord? Jephst? Do you really think such beings exist?”
“What, what do you mean! Are you seriously denying the holiness of our god, Lord Jephst?!”
“Exactly. You’re mistaken. You stood on the wrong side. How dare you side with the Evil Nation that worships false gods and idols.”
“Wha-what blasphemy! You dare call Lord Jephst a false god!”
“If Jephst really existed, and possessed the holiness befitting a true deity, would you have been allowed to suffer such a grave defeat?”
“T-that is…!”
“No, that’s not it. In our battle, you barely fought back and were utterly defeated. So what could the reason be?”
“T-that’s because our fortress suddenly collapsed! If our stronghold was intact, you wouldn’t have even set foot on our Holy Kingdom’s land!”
“Hahaha! That’s exactly the proof!”
Hosea pointed to the sky in proclamation.
“The reason for our victory and your defeat is simple! Our living, omnipotent, and unique Lord Deus is watching over us. You, who worship the false god, the demon named Jephst, are destined to lose.”
“…No. No way! This demon shall never forgive you!”
“W-well, if I had my way, I’d want to kill you right now. But our Lord Deus is gracious. So, renounce your false god, Jephst, right now, and swear to serve Deus, and your life will be spared. No, I will even let you become a member of our great Order.”
“Don’t try to deceive me with your false words!”
“Hmph…you must be a heretic. Ignorant fool. If it weren’t for the Leader’s command, I’d have executed you on the spot. Guards! Tie this man up and take him away.”
Two soldiers rushed in at Hosea’s command.
The Paladin Commander, bound by ropes, glared fiercely at Hosea as he was dragged away.
“Lord Jephst shall never forgive you! The invincible lightning shall punish you!”
“…Ha. Try it if you can. Lord Deus is with me. He will never forsake me no matter where I go. I fear not the lightning of a false demon.”
As the Paladin Commander was taken away, Hosea muttered to himself.
“General Hosea! I’ve brought the communication crystal as ordered!”
At that moment, a wizard rushed in, holding the crystal tenderly.
“Good. Have the countermagic against possible eavesdropping spells been completed?”
“Yes! The area within a 10-kilometer radius has been stabilized. All surviving members of the Holy Kingdom have been restrained, and no more hostiles have been detected!”
“Good. You may retreat.”
“Yes!”
When the wizard left, Hosea activated the communication crystal.
The smoke inside the crystal flickered, taking on a human form.
It was Scala, the leader of the Deus Church.
“Leader! I’ve contacted you to report our victory!”
“Ah, General Hosea. I’ve been waiting. I received urgent news of our victory, but could you explain it in detail?”
“Yes! I will explain! First, we advanced toward the Holy Kingdom as originally planned. Then we encountered the Third Paladin Commander of the Holy Kingdom, who responded to our provocation.”
“The Third Paladin Commander… seems to have gone according to our plan.”
“Yes! It’s thanks to Lord Deus being with us.”
“What was the nature of the battle?”
“It was one-sided! As you instructed, when our warriors blew the Trumpet of the Lord, the heretics’ fortress crumbled in an instant! It was a miracle of Lord Deus that we couldn’t even believe our eyes!”
“Indeed. The words of Lord Deus are never wrong. I never expected the trumpet bestowed upon us by Deus to possess such power.”
Scala, on the other side of the crystal, wiped away a tear of joy.
“Oh my. I’ve kept someone who could achieve so much for too long. I know you must be busy with the aftermath, but I ask for your cooperation. The great enterprise of spreading the glory of Lord Deus throughout the continent rests on your shoulders, General.”
“I will keep that in mind! Everything is for our Lord Deus!”
“Everything is for our Lord Deus!”
Thud
“Now, Hosea. You’ve done well so far. Be strong and take courage. Don’t tremble in fear. No matter where you go, your Lord Deus will never leave you. Huh…”
Hosea ended the communication crystal and closed his eyes, shaking off his head, and gave his cheeks a couple of slaps.
“Everything is for Lord Deus. I will exterminate those filthy heretics and march to the ends of the continent….”
Hosea raised his sword, pointing it in one direction.
“I must charge towards the capital of the Holy Kingdom. Lord Deus, grant us your blessing!”
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