Abyssal Chronicles

A new picture of Mengxi will come out with the next chapter. Let me know if you like it, because I might change the story’s cover based on your feedback. Leave your thoughts in the comments of Chapter 01 to tell me if you want it as the new cover or not.

The reason why the Red Leaf Empire is the most powerful nation on the continent lies mainly in the partnership between the imperial royal family and Asumos Church. Both the imperial family and the headquarters of the Church are located in the capital city of Anvika.

On the surface, the imperial royal family and Asumos Church get along harmoniously, working together for mutual development.

However,

Both powers are independent of each other. Although they have overt agreements and each has their sphere of influence without interfering in the other’s affairs, one mountain cannot contain two tigers. As each side continued to grow, the interests within the Red Leaf Empire were almost completely consumed.

Human nature is greedy; even with so much wealth, contentment is elusive.

Over the years, both parties have turned their attention to the other’s ’cake.’ The Church, using its extensive following within the empire, has been continually attempting to interfere in politics and sideline the imperial family. Meanwhile, the imperial family is displeased with the growing influence of the Church and aims to weaken religious power to strengthen royal authority.

Now,

Anyone with clear sight can see that the conflict between the two powers has been accumulating, becoming increasingly difficult to resolve. At present, they maintain a facade of amicability while being at odds behind the scenes. Even so, both sides are somewhat restrained, not crossing the line or tearing off the mask. Everyone knows that if the royal family and the church start fighting, the ultimate beneficiaries will be the neighboring countries.

Adding to this is the threat from the Abyssal Demons in the north,

Thus, a delicate balance exists between the imperial family and Asumos Church.

However,

Now?

It seems that the Church is attempting to break this balance…

...

"His Majesty’s decree is that under no circumstances can the Girl of Destiny bring back the Heart of the Sacred Dragon. Currently, the powerful individuals nurtured by the Heart of the Sacred Dragon are basically half affiliated with the Church and half loyal to the royal family. If this treasure falls into the hands of Kael, with increasing talent on their side, the church’s strength will inevitably far surpass the royal family’s in the future. Plus, the church already has the allure of the Girl of Destiny. Over time, there won’t even be a need for the Church to take action; the imperial family will become complete puppets of the church."

Staring at the third imperial prince before him, whose face was filled with shock, Borulov spoke coldly.

While explaining to Eldric, this Grand Master of the empire was also cursing the Pope in his heart.

’Kael’

’This guy’s ambitions are growing ever more inflated...’

’He even wants to make a move on the Heart of the Sacred Dragon?’

’If those religious fanatics really take control of the Red Leaf, where will there be room for me in this empire?’

Considering that his own cultivation methods are heretical as decreed by the church, Borulov naturally could not have a good impression of the Church.

"So, my task is to prevent that person from achieving their goal. Do you understand, Prince Eldric?"

"Yes…"

Eldric muttered softly and nodded.

"But does Mengxi really care about this Heart of the Sacred Dragon thing? She seems like she couldn’t care less about it or anything else, to be honest."

Eldric, who had a soft spot for Mengxi, couldn’t help but speak up.

"She? Heh heh, Your Highness, don’t be deceived by appearances. That Girl of Destiny is quite the actress. Without those acting skills, how could she have escaped SkyDome City? She’s just pretending not to be interested. Your Highness, you should know, she participated in the church’s Saintess exam. Do you know what the first task of the exam is?"

"What is it?"

"According to our informants, the task is to obtain the Heart of the Sacred Dragon and bring it back to the Church"

"But...according to the agreement between our royal family and the church, the Heart of the Sacred Dragon doesn’t belong to any faction. Only those it approves of can have it. But for hundreds of years, no one has gained its approval, let alone resonated with it."

"Just because others can’t doesn’t mean she can’t. Who is she? She’s a chosen one, guided by destiny herself. Who knows if she might work a miracle? If she doesn’t get the approval, that’s another matter. But if she does..."

"Then you... plan to twist her will?"

Eldric sounded shaky, and his eyes showed he wasn’t cool with this.

In response, Borulov gave a noncommittal nod, even throwing Eldric a disdainful glance.

"If she really gains the approval and tries to take away the Heart of the Sacred Dragon, I will do so. If she’s smart, I wouldn’t want to harm the chosen one either. After all, we may need her to deal with Demon Kings in the future. Breaking her mentally would benefit no one. Besides, Your Highness, please recognize your position; you are of the imperial family, not a church devotee. Don’t sympathize with those who don’t deserve it."

"..."

"Really, if you and Prince Amon were more reliable and could woo that Girl of Destiny sooner to make her a princess, we wouldn’t have all these troubles now."

"I, I’m sorry..."

Hearing the strong reproach in Borulov’s words, Eldric lowered his head, devoid of any princely dignity.

’I...it’s not like I don’t want to court her... but she never pays me any attention...’

"Never mind, let it be. Your Highness, you know it all, there’s nothing more for me to say."

Glancing at the listless Eldric, Borulov said no more. Leaning on his staff, he walked slowly toward the academy gate, guarded by several imperial knights. His gaze shifted to a few trembling teachers standing by the door who couldn’t get a word in edgewise.

"Take me to my room."

"Yes, yes, Grand Master, this way, please..."

What should have been a dignified group of mighty teachers turned into fawning sycophants, trembling under Borulov’s dark gaze, bowing and scraping as they ushered the stooped old man into the academy.

However,...

Before taking two steps, Borulov stopped and glanced back at Eldric with a cold look.

"By the way, Your Highness, I’ve used quite a bit of energy today to strengthen the royal city’s barrier. I’m a bit hungry. Prepare some ’food’ for me. The previous lowly slaves... weren’t enough."

After speaking, without waiting for Eldric’s reaction, Borulov walked slowly into the campus. Feeling the vibrant youthful energy all around, a cruel smile appeared on Borulov’s grim face.

...

Upon hearing Borulov’s ’request,’ Eldric shuddered. Childhood traumas welled up inside him. However, he soon realized a serious issue—the attendants he had sent to greet the royal tutor had disappeared.

Considering Borulov’s recent words, Eldric felt intense fear and unease grow within him.

Anxiously, Eldric turned around and walked towards Borulov’s open carriage. As the inside of the carriage came into view, the Prince felt his stomach churn. His eyes, now tinged with red, trembled.

"What... what is this?"

At that moment, the three attendants he had sent out were piled up inside the carriage like inanimate objects. They all shared a common feature: their bodies were devoid of color, their muscles shriveled, and their faces twisted in disgust.

All magical energy, fighting spirit, and blood seemed to have been sucked out of them, leaving them as empty husks.

The female corpse on top had lost all its former liveliness. The girl who used to take care of his daily needs now lay there as a lifeless, dried-up corpse. Her empty eyes wide open and mouth agape as if she’d suffered greatly before dying.

"Little fox..."

Whispering the maid’s name, Eldric clenched his fists in anger and regret, but felt utterly helpless.

...

Meanwhile,

In the gardens behind the main church.

Under the moonlight, a woman dressed in high-ranking priest robes with gold trim was walking into this quiet garden, a former holy place for the church. The woman, now in her fifties with graying hair, was one of the three archbishops of the Archimedes faith, Fiona-Isanovich.

After walking for some time, the archbishop stopped and respectfully knelt down, looking towards a majestic figure up ahead.

"Your Holiness, I have several important matters to report."

Saying this, Fiona solemnly took a report out of her spatial ring.

"According to the information gathered by my Dark Moon Shadow operatives, Red Leaf Royal Family did indeed send an eighth-level expert to Luminous as you had anticipated—it is Borulov, the survivor of the Void Spirit incident. Additionally, just now, near Anvika... we discovered traces of members from the Divine Punishment Sect..."