They all call me Great Master

Church of Suffering, or the Church of Suffering!

This church had always been a thorn in the side of Gleisa Hamlet.

The Grand Duke's Eldest Son, whenever he thought about his own 'Inland Church' facing its biggest rival in Seberlin, felt so irked that his teeth itched. If not for the stumbling block that was the 'Church of Suffering,' Port Doldot in Seberlin would have been his long ago!

There was no need to waste time looping around establishing taverns on Ateil Trail, creating The Secret Assembly, or spending a fortune to build the 'Rapids Squad'.

Of course, the most important point was, even so, the 'Inland Church' still did not have an advantage when facing the 'Church of Suffering'.

Apart from the fact that he needed to remain concealed and could not use his full strength.

It was that the 'Church of Suffering' truly had a deep foundation.

Although until now, he had been unable to figure out the details of the 'Lady of Suffering,' one thing he could confirm was that the 'Lady of Suffering' must have received part of the 'Tower of Mist' legacy, some of the techniques very much resembled the taboo arts of the 'Black Robe'.

To counter the opponent, he even had to cajole the 'Death Poetry Society'—under his father's name, within the scope his father tacitly agreed to.

He had no choice but to do this.

At that time, he had invested far too much in Port Doldot in Seberlin.

Should he suffer losses, he would lose his credentials as the heir to the 'Golden Lion Family'.

At the same time, he would become a laughingstock.

So, even though he knew his father would be displeased,

he took the risk nonetheless.

Fortunately, he ultimately succeeded.

With the aid of the 'Death Poetry Society's' familiarity with death, he continuously blocked the 'Church of Suffering' counterattacks and gradually gained a firm foothold.

Regrettably, the 'Death Poetry Society's' appetite was too great.

They even dared to demand land from him!

Although he had previously promised,

he had not specified a timeline!

Was that his fault?

No, it was not!

So, after a brief honeymoon period, he now wished he could completely eliminate the 'Death Poetry Society,' hence, habitually using the 'Death Poetry Society' as cannon fodder in some missions.

But it was all done without leaving a trace.

Otherwise, he would also have to endure the backlash from the 'Death Poetry Society.'

This was something he did not want to see, nor did he wish to endure.

Especially the Left Cantor and the Right Pastor within the Death Poetry Society, who were a constant source of fear for him.

Fortunately, these guys had no roots in Inner Bay and needed him to survive, which gave him the upper hand.

Otherwise, even if it meant revealing his trump cards, he would have had to eliminate the 'Death Poetry Society.'

But now?

It seemed he could truly get rid of the opponent!

No!

Not just getting rid of the 'Death Poetry Society,' but also dealing with the 'Church of Suffering'!

It was truly a win-win!

No, wait!

And there was Arthur, the pawn he had been slightly serious about!

So how could it only be a win-win?

It should be a triple win!

All he needed to do was to let the Black Cat Faction, who had mastered the secrets of the 'Church of Suffering,' act as cannon fodder—no, as the vanguard!

His 'Inland Church' would cooperatively partner with the 'Cat Faction.Hei' to campaign against the Pain Cult, and then, use the 'Death Poetry Society' for cleanup—when the 'Cat Faction.Hei' suffered heavy losses battling the 'Church of Suffering,' the 'Death Poetry Society' could step in due to their previous grudge against Arthur, making it completely justifiable.

And him?

For the honor of the 'Golden Lion Family,' mobilizing his father's direct forces to eradicate the 'Death Poetry Society' that dared to attack 'Inner Bay Swordsmanship Competition' contestants was also completely justifiable.

'This is just perfect!'

The Grand Duke's Eldest Son cheered inwardly.

The frustration he felt after being mentally disturbed by Hayes instantly dissipated.

Now there was only anticipation and...

Preparation!

Yes, preparation!

Getting the Black Cat Faction involved was no simple matter.

One must show true sincerity!

Ordinary amounts of Gold Coins, secret techniques, or props would absolutely not impress the South Los "Spirit Medium."

It had to be a vast quantity of Gold Coins and precious secret techniques and props.

But...

Gleisa Hamlet couldn't produce a vast amount of Gold Coins.

Although in most cases, Inner Bay intelligence was handled by Gleisa, the finances were entrusted to Dieudonne.

Even though he was only responsible for some verification, the real financial power was still in his father's hands, especially matters concerning the gold mines, where no one else was allowed to meddle.

But Gleisa knew full well that he absolutely couldn't coax a single Zeroes from his own younger brother.

As for precious secret techniques and props?

Gleisa had them.

But this heir of the Grand Duke was too reluctant to part with them.

Simply put, this Grand Duke's eldest son wanted others to contribute while unwilling to give up anything substantial. In the end, he also planned to double-cross them.

This kind of tactic would make even a robber cry tears, lamenting how noble their own morals were.

But as a noble, such behavior was just right.

Sitting in the chair, Gleisa Hamlet merely pondered briefly before knowing exactly what to offer—

With a light tap of his finger, ripples appeared in the air.

At that moment, the air was like water in a lake that had stones thrown into it, creating rippling waves.

The next moment, a scale emerged from the ripples.

This scale was entirely black, displaying a metallic luster, and floated in the air as if it were an old-fashioned Kite Shield.

Merely looking at this massive scale, everyone could imagine how enormous its owner must be.

Particularly Gleisa, who had studied this scale more than once.

But even the most erudite scholars could not explain the origin of this scale, other than records claiming it was unearthed accidentally from the ruins beneath the current Kilg Harbor while the Golden Lion Family was constructing "Kilg Harbor," knowing nothing else.

Alchemists, Potion Masters faced this scale only to return empty-handed as well.

They tried to break down this scale with Alchemy and Potion-making but failed.

Because—

The foundation of both Alchemy and Potion-making was "Spirituality!"

But anyone who used "Spirituality" to examine this scale ended up influenced by the scale, becoming bloodthirsty and mad.

Some who came into long-term contact with the scale using "Spirituality" even turned into beings akin to the 'Snake People.'

'Holy Serpent Shield'!

From now on, you are the 'Holy Serpent Shield'!

And you shall serve as the testimony of friendship between the Inland River Cult and the Black Cat Faction—of course, you are special; only when Destiny's chosen one arrives, will you truly shine.'

Thinking this, the Grand Duke's heir couldn't help but smile.

He seemed to see Arthur, unable to resist contacting the scale with "Spirituality," and then turning into a mentally impaired Snake Person who could only act on instinct.

That situation, it must be hilarious.

When that time comes...

He absolutely had to organize a salon to display this newly born 'Snake Person'!

And he would invite his uncle and the people from the South Los House to observe!

Gleisa thought wickedly, while lifting the massive scale with one hand...

No!

It was the 'Holy Serpent Shield'!

With a malicious smile, the Grand Duke's heir, disappeared directly from the study.