CHAPTER 1031: CHAPTER 1031: THE TESTING STAGE

"The reports said Griffith seemed to have been preparing for years now," Pope Elsevier said with a heavy sigh.

The room was silent as they processed this. It meant they had another continent to watch out for.

"Since they’re not fighting against each other, then they’re preparing for a bigger war," Ferdinand said.

Valeria also monitored major events in other continents to know in case there may be ones that affect them, so they knew Griffith hadn’t had any major wars recently.

If they were indeed preparing for something else, then their years of preparation and current peace make sense.

"Yes, it’s highly likely," Pope Elsevier sighed deeply.

The Great Temple does not participate in normal wars and discourages wars that last for too long. However, if it’s a war against the long-lived races or a war involving continents, Pope Elsevier and the Great Temple must intervene to stop a repeat of Great War and too many casualties.

"Are there any reports of them possibly joining hands?" Raymond inquired.

He meant Fynnia and Griffith possibly having a truce to take down Eliora and divide the benefits among themselves later.

"None so far, thankfully," the Pope replied.

It was a fight where both Fynnia and Griffith attacked Eliora together; it would be a difficult war to win. There would be a lot of casualties, and every kingdom’s knights and mages would be maximized.

In such a situation, the Great Temple would also have no choice but to join it since they must protect Eliora as well. They would also be greatly affected if Eliora fell.

"Reverio is among the Northernmost kingdoms, so King Icarus would be among the first responders in case Griffith attacked. This means the northern borders of Eliora would be able to hold if Griffith attacked," Pope Elsevier said.

"The west side, where Fynnia might attack, is more worrisome. It had been peaceful on their borders for a while that even if they had begun increasing military exercises, they were still far more relaxed than other nations. They need more reinforcements," Ferdinand pointed out.

"That’s also true. But if the numbers were too great, even Reverio might fall without reinforcements from several other nations. I hope you can put aside your disagreements and still send enough reinforcements there when necessary," Pope Elsevier reminded. He had also heard about Ferdinand and Icarus’ fight.

"I know. We will send reinforcements as needed," Ferdinand said in an annoyed tone. He was sensitive every time the topic of Icarus came up.

"That’s good to hear. We will divide our knights as well. I hope you’ll do the same while also preparing for the possibility of getting targeted as the abode of the long-lived races here," Pope Elsevier warned.

"You should worry more about yourself. You might be the target instead if they knew you were against the Great War," Ferdinand was confident he did not need to fret.

Alwin and Arabella’s eyes met when Ferdinand mentioned that. They both knew the Pope was killed in their past life, so they were grateful Ferdinand gave this warning to Pope Elsevier.

However, it also made their hearts jump in fear that Ferdinand may have regained memories of the past.

{He couldn’t possibly be remembering events of our past life, right?} Arabella asked Alwin.

{I don’t think so. He wouldn’t be this calm if he did. He would hide you in Estrella immediately.} Alwin responded.

"I’ll be fine. I won’t be defenseless either," the Pope smiled. Then he added, "And I’m ready to pass on any time. I don’t fear death."

"Your Holiness!" Sandra and the Pope’s companions were alarmed at his words.

"Haha. I know. I know. I don’t plan on dying yet. I only meant I have already lived far too long for a human. I’ve had my fair share of happiness and regrets, so if I pass on, it’s alright. That was all I meant. But I won’t leave without doing what I must first," Pope Elsevier assured his students.

They discussed more about the temple’s findings until the Pope said, "I heard you are currently dealing with a viral plant disease. How are things going?"

Ferdinand narrowed his eyes at this since it meant the Pope indeed had spies in Valeria, too.

"We are doing what we can," Ferdinand responded curtly. "There will be more updates soon, so I’m sure you’ll hear about it as well."

They still do not know the mastermind of the plant disease, so they cannot reveal information carelessly.

"I see," Pope Elsevier backed off.

"You should focus on tracking the weapons instead. We need to know where those went as soon as possible," Ferdinand said.

"Yes, I know. We are doing our best. We are also a victim here," Pope Elsevier pointed out. "It’s rather weird that they used such weapons here when you know only the temple had any more of those."

"That is indeed weird," Arabella agreed. She had been thinking about it, and it was weird that they used anti-magic weapons here. "It’s like they used the war here as an experimental stage. Or they intentionally used those weapons to make Valeria and the Great Temple suspect and fight each other. Perhaps they are trying to divide us."

They were wide-eyed at Arabella’s words.

"That’s indeed possible," Raymond agreed. "If Valeria and the Great Temple fight, they would get two among Eliora’s most powerful forces busy."

"Then, they can Eliora much easier," Alwin said it out loud.

"They are toying with us. How dare they use us like this!" Ferdinand’s eyes darkened. He didn’t like getting played around like this.

Whoever was behind the scenes was trying to manipulate them into their bidding.

"Unforgivable," even Pope Elsevier was pissed off about it.

The schemer behind all this was clearly confident about themselves for them to dare try manipulating Valeria and the Great Temple.

And their schemes were something they had already begun several years ago. There may be more, but they haven’t realized it was connected. This may be merely the testing stage.