"Number One, what's the matter with suddenly calling a meeting?" As sparks of fire lit up, illusory figures appeared one by one in the dark cave.
From Number One to Number Ten, everyone wore flame masks and flame cloaks. The numbers on their chests represented their identities; the numbers themselves weren't rankings, but representatives of the regions they each managed.
The Bishop responsible for managing the region of the 'Re-Estize Kingdom' was Number One. Although the numbers weren't rankings, depending on the region, someone like Number One who stayed in a dangerous area was a standout even among the ten Bishops in terms of ability.
"Good afternoon, Number Three."
"Good afternoon, Number One."
Number Three continued: "Could it be that something went wrong with the plan and those guys caught your tail? I heard the Sword Saint is actively searching for us, and also that Platinum Hero... that guy is really a bit troublesome, unexpectedly alert. Number Nine's actions are still being doggedly pursued by him."
Judging from the shape of the flame figure, Number Three appeared to be an adult woman with a good figure.
"Is that so? Number Nine, do you need our help?" Number One asked 'concernedly'.
Number One's figure was that of a well-behaved young girl.
The silent Number Nine shook his head coldly in refusal.
His figure was that of a small boy.
"No need."
"There shouldn't be any need to worry about Number Nine's affairs. His ability is a rare space-type, allowing him to move freely in the shadow space. Even if the enemy's tracking skills are top-notch, it's impossible to catch Number Nine."
"Then how is the operation on your end?"
"Everything is going smoothly."
The number '7' on that figure's chest was burning; he had the appearance of a young man.
The operations of the other Bishops hadn't encountered any problems either. Although all the forces in the world were currently investigating the Goddess Cult, they had already secretly completed a new round of replacements and blended into various factions. Their eyes and ears were already spread throughout the world.
"The reason for gathering everyone today is nothing else but to tell you all that our operation has been successful. Those people from Eight Fingers have done a good job of attracting the Sword Saint's attention for us. Now the Sword Saint has lost our intelligence and is staying still in the Royal Capital."
"That's truly good news."
Number Three said with a smile: "Without that terrifying fellow doggedly pursuing us, our subsequent actions can become much easier."
"You should be careful not to overdo it. If you provoke the Sword Saint over there, we won't have any way to save you. Number One took a big risk this time to trick the Sword Saint."
"I know that, of course. Number Seven, you should worry about your own affairs first. You are currently serving that Saintess of the Holy Kingdom, right? Don't let that person discover your identity, otherwise, you might have to fight your way out of the Holy Kingdom's capital alone."
"There's no need for you to worry. Even if that situation really occurs, with the power of my Evil Eye, I can escape from the predicament without any effort."
Number Seven covered his eye, looking quite proud. After all, the ability he possessed was an upper-tier ability even among the ten Bishops. Although his Evil Eye had no effect on monsters of the level of the Sword Saint and the Platinum Hero, in battles against those of the same level or the weak, it was almost invincible.
"Everyone is so confident, it's truly pleasing. Then I'll look forward to everyone's results."
"Speaking of which, Number One, you are the one who needs to be worried about the most. Although your identity in the Kingdom indeed has a great advantage, your ability..."
"Indeed, Number One's ability is terrifying, but your ability has no combat power. Do you really not need one of us to go over and support you?"
"I have no dissatisfaction with my ability. Besides, if it were an ability like Number Two's, it would be easily discovered, wouldn't it? Rather, this ability is just right for me now."
Number One's ability was brainwashing, and the effect of this ability was quite convenient. The most terrifying thing was that the brainwashed person would not show any abnormalities normally. Now, the Kingdom was probably already completely controlled by Number One.
However, although Number One possessed such a terrifying ability, her own combat power was extremely low. Let alone encountering someone of the Sword Saint's level, even the Kingdom's Warrior Chief and those two Adamantite-ranked teams would be difficult for Number One to deal with.
If it were any other Bishop with combat ability, although they would have no chance against the Sword Saint, mere Adamantite-rank Adventurers are nothing more than cannon fodder to them, because the Gospel of their Goddess is that powerful.
"Hey, instead of worrying about No. 1, why don't you help me figure something out? My opponents are those Old Men from the Theocracy. Although I haven't encountered any problems so far, that's only because those Old Men are unwilling to let that monster out. If that monster, Zesshi Zetsumei, is released, I think my side will probably be instantly wiped out by that monster. Damn it."
No. 5 rubbed his head, looking very troubled. Ever since he learned that Zesshi Zetsumei existed as a Guardian above the Theocracy, he had been constantly anxious. Although he knew that his life and the lives of others would eventually be sacrificed to the Goddess, he had joined the Goddess Cult precisely to survive, so his plan was to die only after he had fully enjoyed his life.
"Ah, then please cheer yourself on."
No. 3 said this and waved his hand.
"I stayed up all night yesterday. If there's nothing else, I'm logging off now."
"Hey, is your attitude towards me particularly cold? Are you treating me differently?"
"No, you're overthinking it."
No. 5 felt that this guy definitely looked down on him. In fact, everyone in the entire Church looked down on him. Even his subordinates occasionally gossiped about him, the Bishop, wondering why a useless person like him received such a powerful Gospel.
Hmph, his faith in the Goddess is definitely not much lower than these bastards', okay? If the Goddess truly demanded his sacrifice, although he would be afraid, he absolutely wouldn't refuse. He could guarantee that. But the Goddess never imposed a time limit on them, did she? So why can't he enjoy his life? Besides, even though he drew the worst possible lot, he is seriously completing the plan.
"When you encounter danger, use the Mirror I gave you," No. 9 said coldly to No. 5.
"Of course, I definitely will," No. 5 said without any sense of shame. "But if possible, I'd like more life-saving items."
No. 9 remained silent.
This fellow is truly greedy
enough.
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