Chapter 126: The Battle Begins - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

Chapter 126: The Battle Begins The Inquisitorial Army of the Holy See is immune to the vast majority of magical attacks. This immunity has always been their invincible guarantee. However, when the one casting magic is the man whom the entire Maya Empire reveres, those so-called magical immunities might need reconsideration. The silver cavalcade slowed to a halt in front of the thunder curtain. Majestic and awe-inspiring, this curtain was like an insurmountable barrier. Any audacious enough to cross would face the fiercest divine wrath. From above, Mise frowned. The Inquisitorial Army's failure was no surprise to him; he never expected this army alone to easily capture Lucius. His concern lay in how unguarded the estate was, almost like it was deliberately opened wide, awaiting their arrival. It was eerily empty — aside from the two witches and Lucius, not a soul was in sight. Strange, indeed. Mise did not consider Lucius a fool who would wait idly by, knowing the Holy See had moved against him. Watching the man, cloaked in thunder and exuding terrifying magical energy, Mise felt uncertain. He's no reckless individual. Plus, with the Pope observing, he was given considerable time to prepare; failing to seize Lucius now would surely reflect poorly on him. While deep in thought, Seco, overcome by impatience, unleashed a powerful tide of flames. The flames traced a fiery arc in the sky, directed straight at Lucius like ink on canvas. The fire streak shone brightly against the night. Simultaneously, four other cardinals joined the attack, casting spells that shattered the night sky. Elements of all kinds were summoned. These potent spells converged on the lone figure in midair from all directions, leaving no room for escape. Lucius, with a stern expression devoid of fear, stood resolutely. His hair floated as lightning crackled at his fingertips. With a flick of his hand, the massive bolts split into five, intercepting the oncoming attacks. Since arriving in this world, this was Lucius's first time fighting with full force — one against five, yet not yielding at all. His white robe billowed like a deity's as even the split lightning seemed to retaliate, roaring to engulf the spellcasters. Boom! Loud as a star falling, the menace from above was held at bay, though the massive lightning curtain below weakened. The silver cavalcade charged once more, raising their lances and shouting: "For the Holy See!" "Judgment upon the heretics!" Their cries formed a thunderous chorus, accompanied by the deafening hooves. Their aim wasn't Lucius high above but the two witches clasping hands on the ground. Eilene remained rooted, stunned. Ever since receiving the man's answer, her state hadn't changed. She had thought knowing the painful truth wouldn't be unbearable, that she'd face it without distress, not to the point of heartbreak. She had always claimed that Lucius had a hidden agenda. Her initial fear was only for Selina, afraid she'd mentally break down. Yet now, when faced with reality, Eilene realized the weight this man held in her heart, silently becoming immense. At least Selina maintained her outer composure, even offering her comfort. Yet, Eilene felt powerless, realizing it was not Selina but herself, the eternally proud Eilene before him, who was collapsing. Her belief in life crumbled, seemingly like a wall laboriously built over two years, now demolished by the very one who erected it. Hopeless clamor of hooves and cries grew louder, closing in. Suddenly, a dark, encircling flame emerged around the two women, protecting them. This flame, mysterious and sullen, barely visible in the night, seemed delicate yet unwavering. The silver cavalry pressed on, fully confident in their armor—except against an empire's top-tier mage like Lucius. However, their usual magical immunity failed against this dark flame. Horses fell with anguished cries, followed by countless agonizing human screams. The black flame clung tenaciously, impervious to human eradication efforts, driving them to despair with incredulous contemplations. "No!" "Impossible!" Such exclamations echoed among the Inquisitorial Army amidst panic and chaos. Reluctant to continue, the cavalry stalled, their horses' desperate neighs filling the battlefield. However, it should have been a one-sided slaughter, as Lucius seemed to have evacuated the estate, leaving the army to besiege two girls. "Disperse!" The Inquisitorial leader commanded, remedying the situation. They spread out, iron hooves stirring clouds of dust, encircling the witches. Observations returned to the witches at the center. One, a girl in a black dress, stood vacant, staring skywards where the faint figure of a man was reflected in her eyes. Beside her was another breathtaking girl in a gown, vigilantly scanning her surroundings, brow etched with sorrow yet persisting with her spell. This black flame, pouring continually from her, granted them precious respite. Yet it was evident her desperate effort couldn't last — beads of sweat on her brow foretold imminent exhaustion. Once the flame dwindled, the advancing silver tide would crush them, lances poised to impale and send the witches to their predestined Hell. Above, Lucius, observing the cavalry breach the thunder curtain, initially intended to counteract. However, witnessed Selina's black flame, he held his ground, directing focus to the white-robed figure hovering on the opposite side—Father Mise, the most critical threat at present.