Having left the town behind, I fled into the forest.
It was a dense, overgrown woodland.
Visibility was poor, the dim light barely piercing through the trees.
This place would make it harder for those bastards to find me, even if they gave chase.
(Seriously, why do I have to skulk around like this?)
I wasn’t the type to run. I preferred crushing my enemies head-on.
That’s why this whole situation left a bitter taste in my mouth.
Fine… I’ve made up my mind.
From now on, if those Theocracy fools come after me again, I’ll kill them without fail.
No more mercy next time.
「Alright, time to move.」
I began walking deeper into the forest, heading in the direction of the dungeon—my destination.
-0-
< Theocracy’s POV>
Five days later.
The capital of the Theocracy—Riesberg.
Word of Henry Yudelheit’s presence had reached the capital from a border town.
At the heart of the capital stood the Grand Temple.
At its very peak was a chamber known as 「The Altar Room」.
Its floors, walls, and ceiling were crafted from faintly glowing green ore, a mysterious mineral that pulsed with an eerie light. This was a sacred place where spirits were enshrined.
At the center stood an altar.
Before it stood two figures—the High Priest and his subordinate.
「What? Henry Yudelheit has entered our borders?」
The High Priest’s interest was piqued by his subordinate’s report.
The subordinate continued.
「Yes. It seems he clashed with guards and adventurers in Savales City.」
「Oh? And was he slain?」
「No… reports say his pursuers were the ones defeated. Though there appear to be no fatalities.」
「Hmm.」
The subordinate elaborated on the incident in the town.
Listening, the High Priest pondered.
(Henry coming to our nation is a fortunate turn of events.)
If they could eliminate Henry Yudelheit here, they would gain significant leverage over the Saintess of the Ludral Kingdom.
Moreover, the feat of slaying the infamous 「Hero-Killer」 would send the reputation of the 「Riesberg Theocracy」 soaring.
Their numbers of converts might even skyrocket.
The High Priest issued his orders.
「We shall dispatch an official punitive force. Instruct the guards and soldiers in every city to begin the search. Extend requests to adventurers as well. And prepare to mobilize the Holy Knight Order.」
「Understood!」
The subordinate bowed.
The Holy Knight Order was the kingdom’s official military force, the backbone of its security and national defense.
Originally, they were an organization meant to face armies in war—
Deploying them against a single man, Henry, was overkill.
But the High Priest considered his elimination that crucial.
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