NOVEL NEXT Chapter 201: Shadows & Steel
Arc 4, Chapter 201— Shadows & Steel.
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In the cool sanctum of the Silver Rosary's meeting hall, silence reigned like an unseen emperor.
The long obsidian table stretched across the room, carved with symbols that depicted strength, honor, and loyalty. At its perimeter sat the 12 Order Heads — 12 pillars of power and pride, each wrapped in their own aura of mystery or menace.
Fheeeeuu~
Soft wind rustled against the table and walls, like a mist over war.
As tradition would demand, the Oder Chief of the Strongest Order, is to begin the meeting. Order Chief Horris Graystar sat, eyes closed, body unmoving. His presence, though silent, threatened to swallow the room whole.
Then he opened one eye slowly.
"The Order Evaluation and Ranking Competition shall begin in 4 months…" He began, slowly opening one eye while the other still remained closed. "We have until then to finalize all names and preparations. As you all know, each year is different. But some things never change— Each order will face off in direct battles, tactical exercises, and joint battlefield simulations. This will not only be a test of individual might—but of Cohesion. Unity. Dominance."
Everyone remained the same as they listened. No matter how things change or what form the competition is disguised under, its core aspects are more or less the same.
"Of course," Horris continued. "The Hillgarons will be the ones to decide what competitions will be held and how they will be held.
Traditionally, the Church sends people to conduct and oversee the entire ranking competition between Orders. In their part as Order Heads, they have but one main job—and that is to select their companions for the competitions.
It's important to know that the co competitions were only 1/3rd of how the Order gets overall accessed. One could say it will be the final grade of their total score.
At present, people from the church should already be on their way to their various Orders where they will do a deep evaluation of all ranking levels, right down to Bloodren 10s and even the worms trapped underneath the ground who failed the entrance examinations.
What makes an order strong? Its people, its environment, its ability to deliver on its job and missions, and so many other factors. These people from the Church's Main headquarters will access everything, before the final ranking competitions in 4 months begin.
Just because this final competition was only 1/3rd of their 'grade' doesn't mean they could relax. This factor was a matter that could make some Orders advance from their current ranking positions or fall from their high horses.
Just look at the Order of the Silver Rosary. They get top-tier resources and perks, they have better access to so many places beyond their usual power-level. At the same time, they also overlook and take care of more regions and countries than any other Order.
Make no mistake, that's a good thing. The more regions and territory you can properly take care of, the more doors the church opens for you.
One must never forget that above their Order Level, were many other organizations and factions controlled by the Church too.
My, my, my~... the doors the Church will open you an Order, if they are at the top spot. In hindsight, the top Order's see the Hillgarons and many other important people much more than the weaker Orders.
For example, The Order of the Sacred River… Order Chief Reeser was ashamed to say that the last time he was invited to the Vatican was 7 years ago. Meanwhile, someone like Old Zen has gone there twice this year and stood face to face with the Pope. For people like Reese, the Pop usually sends someone to deliver his assignment or message directly to him.
One must know that it's a privilege to be in the presence of the Holy Pope, talk less of entering the Vatican/Headquarters.
People like Reeser, were quite desperate to climb at least one spot higher. Clenching his fist, he leaned forward, a savage grin cutting across his saggy face. "Finally. We get to stop sitting around pretending paperwork is war."
"Hmph," Order Chief Pamberla from a 8th ranked Order gave Reeser a withering sidelong glance. "Brute force alone won't carry you far. The competitions are not mindless bloodletting."
Reeser cracked his knuckles. "Is that so, Princess? Maybe I'll cut my way to first place and teach you how real Captains fight."
"Just you?" Pamberla did not rise to the bait. "It will be... enlightening to see how far raw instinct can carry a beast."
From across the table, Beretta from the 6th ranked order, adjusted his glasses with a soft click and a mild smile mild "Now now... Let's not spill blood before the stage is even set. We should appreciate this opportunity. Rarely do we have sanctioned means to measure our effectiveness without war's chaos muddying the results."
"Effectiveness? Or vanity?" Flay from the 4th ranked order, let out a dry crackle from beneath his pointy gold beard. "You're all missing the point. This isn't about which squad wins—it's about which data can be harvested from your... inevitable failures. I look forward to watching your crude brawling produce measurable results."
Old Zen had his hands cupped on his staff, with his head resting on his hands.. "We should at least pretend to enjoy this. The competitions could be fun, don't you think? Some exercise, some friendly wagers… right, old hag?"
Heh-heh-heh-heh~
The air dropped in temperature, as Agatha drew out another thick whiff of smoke. "Old man, just because my Blue Chain Nuns were attacked recently, doesn't mean we've gotten how to put up a good fight!"
Her smile never left, but something behind it flickered like a blade in moonlight. "It's best that none of you think you can crawl over our 5th position, just because of the little mishaps we had… Trust me, I will do what is necessary to win."
A heavy silence returned, as all sides calculated victory in their minds.
Reeser cracked his neck haughtily. "I don't care who's 'strategic' or 'poised'—I'm gonna tear through whoever's unlucky enough to get drawn against me."
Zita from a 10th ranked order chuckled. "Well, that's one approach… In the end, we'll see which Order advances or falls in the future, won't we?"
Horris who had been silent all this time, finally spoke with authority, relaying the important point of the meeting before closure.
"Unlike in the past, the church requires the deadline for champiron submission to be done in 3 weeks."
Everyone frowned. This was the most rushed they had ever seen. It's usually a deadline of 1 month prior to the competitions… meaning after today's announcement, they typically have 3 months to make their final list since the battle starts in 4 months. But this time, they are requested to pick their champions at most 3 weeks after today's meeting.
Nevertheless, the church has given its Order and they must obey.
With that, their meeting was adjourned… But when Old Zen was about to leave, Horris passed him a sealed letter from the Church itself.
There were only 3 paragraphs scribbled. Yet the message was clear.
Levon Belmont, coupled with a few others, were to be in his list!
Old Zen raised a brow thoughtfully. And on his ever-expressionless face, a sardonic smile was forming, one that looked too demonic to be stared at.
'Interesting…'