Continental Summit (4)
The conference hall buzzed with lively discussions as various agendas were exchanged.
Thanks to a refreshing change in atmosphere, the following discussions proceeded smoothly.
The first decision made was the establishment of the Continental Alliance Force.
This would be an organization similar to the UN, separate from the military of each nation, ready to respond immediately in case of emergencies.
Given that it had proven its usefulness long ago during the previous Undead King crisis, there were no significant objections.
Naturally, the commander of the Alliance Force was chosen to be a Paladin from the Holy Church Order, free from the political interests of various factions.
“The most serious situation right now is in the Rohan Principality! Except for the southern side bordering the Empire, three sides are battlefields. If we don’t provide help soon, who knows when our country will collapse!”
This passionate declaration came after the decision to form the Alliance Force, during discussions about its operations and support.
The speaker was none other than the Grand Prince of the Rohan Principality, Dennis Lohan.
Hmm— “Certainly, the madness of the monsters is no different from the attack of the Undead King, so the Alliance Force should take action on this as well.”
His assertion was supported by Crown Prince Simon of the Azerion Empire.
As the Empire was in a hurry, they had shown reluctance to directly dispatch troops, but helping their vassal states through the newly formed Alliance was an excellent opportunity.
Though a delegation from the Zephia Republic briefly appeared uncomfortable, they refrained from opposing it greatly, perhaps due to concerns about their public image.
After much discussion, support for the Rohan Principality was ultimately decided.
Grand Prince Dennis let out a small sigh and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his forehead.
‘Good. With this, we can breathe a little easier. It will take some time to organize and dispatch the Alliance Force, but we can endure that much.’
Having achieved his objective, he was able to participate in the subsequent discussions with a somewhat more relaxed mind.
Then, after several other topics were addressed, a significant discussion finally began…
The formation of the ‘Special Task Force Against the Undead King,’ commonly known as the Hero Party.
Their sole purpose was to directly confront the Undead King.
Naturally, they would be led by the current Saint, Heinrich Saint Landgard.
This unit could be seen as having a long history and tradition, as it was the precursor that defeated the previous Undead Kings.
Through the path opened with great sacrifice by the Continental Alliance, they had heroically defeated the Undead King, bringing two periods of peace to the continent.
Given the immense responsibility and glory, special care had to be taken in selecting the members.
It was essentially a gathering to select the best talents of the continent, but the expressions of those representing various factions were subtly uneasy…
Hmm, a Special Task Force…
… Cough.
Their reactions stemmed from the low survival rates of previous Special Task Forces.
Without needing to elaborate, immediately after subduing the Undead King, not a single member returned unscathed.
Most perished during combat, and even those who survived suffered debilitating curses or lifelong disabilities, living short lives.
Even the saints and heroes were not exempt from this fate.
The only difference was that they managed to last a few more years before returning to the embrace of the Holy God.
If those protected by every blessing of the gods met such an end, one could only imagine what would befall others.
In a world already filled with chaos, no one would want to expend the continent’s best talents in such a way.
However, in the middle of this tense atmosphere, someone boldly raised their hand and spoke…
“If that’s the case, I’d like to recommend a talent from our Empire.”
Crown Prince Simon of the Azerion Empire spoke, wearing a significant smile.
“Isea Pristine, a young genius who has already ascended to Great Magus despite her age. She’s a treasure our Empire boasts.”
“Oh— If it’s Duke Pristine, she certainly has the qualifications. The ‘Multidimensional Analysis of Ice-type Magic Using Ice Crystal Structures’ she presented last year provided a new perspective on ice magic…”
In response to his words, one of the officials seated at the Magic Tower Federation table couldn’t contain their excitement and began to exclaim.
However, they quickly fell silent under the fierce glare of the leader sitting next to them.
‘Isea Pristine… I feel like I’ve heard that name. If she’s recognized by other factions, it must mean she’s truly outstanding.’
Given the position of a saint, keeping informed about the powerful figures of each nation was part of their duties.
She had recently gained recognition as an emerging noble in the Empire, achieving her rank solely through her abilities.
As a magician, it was said that she ranked among the top ten talents of the Ion Continent.
Although her exact age wasn’t disclosed, the evidence suggested she was probably not even in her thirties, leading one to believe in her limitless potential.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say she was a treasure of the Empire, just as the Crown Prince declared.
‘But did he just willingly recommend one of his own talents to a notorious position?’
Looking at the flustered expressions of the Empire’s aides, it seemed this had not been pre-agreed upon.
The reasons behind that were obvious.
‘So there’s a factional rival among them. Politicians never miss opportunities, do they?’
However, once the dam had been broken, others began to speak up as well.
“We certainly can’t miss out on such a glorious position! Our country also has a rapidly rising talent…”
“I heard that Marquis Serlington of the Resk Kingdom is quite outstanding…”
“Oh! What are you saying? They are getting on in years now…”
From domestic rivals to talents of other nations.
Given the high standards for the Undead King Strike Force, there weren’t too many suitable candidates, but as passionate discussions arose, the heat in the conference hall began to rise.
And Heinrich’s expression grew increasingly intense as he observed them.
It was starting to twist his insides.
After all, their schemes were predicated on the assumption that the party he was to lead would perish!
His own party, Heinrich Saint Landgard’s!
‘…I will definitely turn them all into heroes and send them back safely.’
As he made that firm resolution while watching the farce unfold, he wasn’t the only one with political machinations at play.
“If I can help, I will volunteer to participate…!”
“No! If you leave, our church will…”
A member of a minor church, filled with enthusiasm, tried to step forward but was stopped by their aide.
“Hmm, I’m still not skilled enough to participate in the Special Task Force, am I?”
“At a minimum, they should be at the Master level…”
“If there’s a way to join, even as a seed…”
Some representatives were filled with unfounded confidence, believing they were exceptional.
Amidst their chatter, Shapiron sparkled with excitement despite the disapproving gaze of Harris.
Awkwardly…
“Hmm? Harris, what are you eating?”
“Oh, this? It’s called popcorn… Would you like to try some?”
…It looks rather unusual. Must be a specialty of the Ion Continent?
Fortunately, their interest didn’t linger too long, and soon the focus shifted back to the meeting.
As they crunched on the popcorn that had been brought from Earth through “Avatar Cloud,” Harris observed the conference hall.
‘It seems to be calming down a bit. Then again, nothing will be decided instantly, even in this session.’
Yet, on the surface, everything seemed serene, while internally, he was scrutinizing the situation more seriously than ever.
“Harris, Harris. Do you have any more of this? It’s soft and salty, really delicious!”
As Shapiron enthusiastically munched down another bag, he refilled her with fresh, warm popcorn while turning his gaze back to the central representative seats.
Time passed, and despite the prolonged discussions, not many concrete decisions had been made.
‘Well, given the stakes involving international relations, not everything can be finalized in just one day. Plus, many are still trying to pick up their own benefits, even during this summit.’
The struggle for cooperation remained evident, indicating that many still lacked a sense of urgency.
“Then, we will conclude today’s meeting here. We will hold the second session tomorrow at the same time, so please make sure to attend without fail.”
Buzzing—
Just after the declaration of closure by Archbishop Cordelia, representatives began to gather in groups to discuss their opinions on the topics that had come up.
However, the diverse races from the Enamel Continent, who had silently observed throughout, once again were leaving without much interaction.
‘This won’t do. It’s time to become familiar with each other, isn’t it?’
So, simply put…
This was merely a light recreational activity.
Woooosh—
Crackle!
At that moment.
“Hmm?”
“What’s going on suddenly?”
A brilliant holy barrier began to brightly illuminate the conference hall.
And with the sound of something tearing apart…
[Oh dear, looks like I’m a bit late.]
A low voice resonated like thunder from Hell, shaking the very space around them.
Though it was just a single line, the chill of dread embedded in it froze everyone in place.
“……!”
“T-This is…?”
The unexpected turmoil threw everyone into confusion.
As the horrific voice and the ominous energy began to penetrate their consciousness…
“How dare you come here!”
Like a waiting hawk, the holy aura of Saint Heinrich swiftly encircled everyone in the conference hall.
[“Prepare for battle! All Paladins and members of the Paladin Order, assemble immediately!”]
His resounding command surged forth like a wave, infused with strong holy power—
Clang! Clang!
The church’s guards stationed around the area swiftly formed a defensive line inside the conference hall.
The situation unfolded and responded in an instant.
Following Heinrich’s prior instructions, they pushed the delegations towards the back, leading them to the safe zones they had constructed in preparation for emergencies.
Coincidentally, that location provided an excellent view of the surroundings, but given the importance of information gathering, this wasn’t surprising.
[Hmm… It seems they’re quite prepared this time. Such a holy barrier. Kuhuhu— I see I’ve been feared quite a bit. Hero, Heinrich!]
Crackle!
Among the white sparks flying around, a figure wrapped in a deep shadow began to unveil itself.
Draped in a robe and hood that rippled like the very Abyss, a bizarre grinning mask peered out from beneath.
The overwhelming presence radiating from them was something everyone on this continent could recognize.
Even if one had never seen him before, standing before him would make anyone realize…
Who he was.
His name was none other than…
“Hannibal Strauss! Knowing that, you still dared to show up here. You’ve clearly taken us for fools!”
The Undead King Hans— or rather, Hannibal Strauss— burst into the conference hall where the Continental Summit was taking place.
And there stood the noble hero facing him with unwavering resolve, Heinrich Saint Landgard.
At last, the two sworn enemies faced each other once again.
In the place where the Continental Summit was convened.
Before the very leaders guiding this continent.
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