Chapter 301: Bandit

"Vale can you use your Spell to isolate our surroundings?" Priscilla asked.

Vale didn't question her as he simply used his Darkness Manipulation, Spell Dispersion, and Extrasensory Perception Spell.

"Done."

"Thank you, Vale. You saved my brother. I didn't forget our deal. I'm wondering if Philip already told you about the Arcana?" Priscilla asked.

"Not yet. I didn't even mention our deal to him." Vale replied with an awkward laugh.

Philip also chuckled at this as he didn't mind how his sister requested Vale to rescue him. As a matter of fact, Vale Chambers had been the topic of their conversation most of the time when they were together.

It has been like that ever since they witnessed how Vale defeated Bryle Genio of the Rakmiths Academy.

It was no wonder Priscilla relied on Vale to rescue him.

"I was injured and we're busy running away so we didn't really have the time to talk about it. If it's only about the Arcana, I can tell Vale about it. In any case, the Secret Organization must've taken that information from me as well." Philip replied with a helpless smile on his face.

"We can talk about it later. The two of you can catch up first. I also need to settle my things." Vale said as he showed his luggage. It was the wrapped sword and cane. They were his spoils in the battle a few days ago and they had to be maintained in case these Mystical Artifacts started going out of control.

Priscilla nodded at this as she stood closer to Vale.

"Thank you again, Vale. Thank you for saving my brother and risking your life for him." Priscilla said as she hugged Vale.

Vale also wrapped his arm around her, feeling a bond of friendship and trust between them.

After a few seconds, Vale looked at Philip, who smiled and joined them in the hug.

***

Three days had quickly passed after Vale and Philip returned to the Academy.

At this time, the three Cardinals of the Church of the Three Paragons arrived at the secret base of the Thunder Emperor, feeling nervous and uneasy. They had come to ask for his help in a matter of utmost importance and urgency.

Cardinal Lucius looked at the mountain ahead of them and couldn't help but comment. "I still can't believe that his territory is on top of this Fog Mountain."

"Mhmm... It feels suffocating." Cardinal Sophia added.

Cardinal Marcus nodded as he held his staff tightly.

They went silent after this as they remained vigilant.

They had to retrieve the Divine Sword, a sacred relic that had been stolen by the Masked Devil Incarnate, a mysterious figure who could wield all kinds of Arcane Spells. It didn't matter what kind of Artifact he used to be able to wield Spell from different Arcane Paths, it was still threatening for them so they needed the help of the man who proclaimed himself as the Emperor.

The Divine Sword was the key to unlocking the secrets of the Paragons and they needed it more than the Celestial Body they have in their church.

The Thunder Emperor may have a bad personality but he was still someone who honors his words.

He was a powerful and feared Elementalist who would even dare to fight against the Order of the Lore Hunters of the Elemental Arts Faction.

He had a reputation for being ruthless and cunning, but also for being a master of lightning magic. This was the reason why he even called himself an Emperor.

If their estimation was right, he was one of the few people who could match the Masked Devil Incarnate in terms of strength and skill.

The Thunder Emperor also had a personal interest in the corpse of the Celestial Being, as he believed it could be a source of his own power and destiny.

'Since we no longer have a use for the Celestial Corpse... I guess this is a good chance to employ the Thunder Emperor and strengthen our ties with him.' Cardinal Lucius said as he also sighed at the current situation of their church.

Even though they are considered to be one of the five Prominent Churches of the continent, they were actually the weakest among them in terms of authority and power.

They can't even rely on their Pontiff at this moment.

Whoosh~

A cold breeze passed as they soon entered the territory of the Thunder Emperor, which was hidden in a remote mountain range that was also filled with fog all year round.

They were soon escorted by a group of guards who wore black armor and helmets that covered their faces. They carried spears that crackled with electricity.

'These mountain bandits are more equipped than our knights.' Cardinal Sophia commented in her mind.

They led them to a large hall where they saw a throne made of metal and wires. On it sat a man who wore a black cloak that covered most of his body. His face was partially hidden by a mask that resembled a hawk's beak.

His eyes glowed with a blue light that matched his hair. He held a staff that emitted sparks and thunderbolts.

He was trying to showoff his power.

He was the Thunder Emperor, or what he would like to call himself. However, he was simply called a Mountain Bandit by the others. Obviously, those who openly call him Mountain Bandit were already killed.

'I wonder how arrogant he'll be after this meeting.' Cardinal Lucius silently thought.

The Emperor was only 26 years old but had achieved so much. He was narcissistic and difficult to deal with since he always like to be above the others.

He looked at them with an expression of contempt and curiosity.

"Welcome, cardinals of the Church of the Three Paragons. I'm honored by your visit." He said sarcastically.

"Thank you for receiving us, Thunder Emperor. We appreciate your hospitality." Cardinal Lucius said politely.

He wanted to call him Mountain Bandit but he controlled himself from doing that.

"Cut the pleasantries, old man. I know why you're here. You want me to help you find and kill the Masked Devil Incarnate who stole your precious Divine Sword." The Thunder Emperor said bluntly.

Well, although it wasn't in the newspaper because they have suppressed it, the Emperor must've planted some spies near the Church.

"Yes, that's right." Cardinal Sophia said boldly.

"And why should I help you? What's in it for me?" The Thunder Emperor asked.

"We are willing to offer you anything you want in exchange for your assistance." Cardinal Marcus said eagerly.

"Anything I want? That's very generous of you." The Thunder Emperor said mockingly.

He then smiled wickedly and said.

"Very well then. I'll help you on one condition: You give me the corpse of the Celestial Being."

The three cardinals sighed. They were already expecting this and prepared to give up the Celestial Corpse. However, they still hoped that the Emperor would request something different.

They had no choice but to agree to his terms.

They nodded reluctantly and replied. "We agree to your condition. You help us retrieve the Divine Sword and kill the Masked Devil Incarnate, and we'll give you the corpse of the Celestial Being."

The Thunder Emperor laughed loudly and said:

"Excellent. I'm glad we have a deal... Please take care of the Celestial Corpse until then."

He then stood up and said, "Now, let's get to work. I'll need some time to prepare and gather some information. I'll contact you when I'm ready to make my move..."

He paused for a moment as he looked at their reaction. "Ah, do you think I didn't know that even Sherman failed to capture this guy? So don't make me hurry. Until I contact you, stay out of my way and don't bother me."

He then waved his hand and said. "You may leave now. My guards will escort you out."

The three Cardinals glared at him but they still left the hall, feeling a mix of relief and dread.

They hoped they had made the right decision.