On the Battlefield’s Edge

"You must immediately deploy a team to monitor him closely," Rowan ordered, his voice low and controlled. "From his day-to-day administration to his interactions with key figures, leave no detail unchecked. We cannot afford any mistakes or oversights. The stability of the court is paramount, and it is directly tied to our success or failure in opposing the Holy Light Church."

Ian nodded solemnly. "Rest assured, Your Holiness. I'll ensure capable hands are on the task and that it is carried out without fail."

A few days later, Rowan found himself waiting with a mix of anticipation and nervousness—the moment he had been waiting for had arrived: Evelyn was in labor.

Rowan paced back and forth, his face a mask of tension. The servants stood still, holding their breath, not daring to make a sound. Finally, a sharp cry pierced the silence—the sound of a newborn.

Evelyn had given birth to a son.

Just then, the long-forgotten system's voice rang in Rowan's mind, like a heavenly chime.

"Ding. Detected that Evelyn has given birth to a son of superior talent."

"Reward: Great Blessing – initially affects only one person. To bless more individuals, you must consume faith power. Use cautiously."

"Reward: Greater Healing – initially affects only one person. To heal more, you must consume faith power. Use cautiously."

Rowan's heart leapt with joy—until he read the rewards. His expression shifted to one of disappointment. He couldn't hide his confusion and frustration as he spoke in his mind:

"System, are you being stingy? I've been waiting so long, eagerly anticipating some substantial rewards. Instead, this is all I get? It's barely a step up from the last time."

The system's cold, emotionless response followed almost immediately:

"The last time was a special reward since it was the first. Don't underestimate these rewards. Their power is not to be taken lightly. However, your current strength is too weak to fully harness their potential. When you grow stronger, you'll understand the true value of these gifts."

Rowan took a deep breath, calming his frustration. After a moment of reflection, he realized that his path forward was clear—he would have to take matters into his own hands. Only by going to the front lines could he make full use of these rewards and shift the tide of war.

With his Mist Cloak concealing his identity, Rowan set off for the battlefield.

Meanwhile, inside the Holy Light Alliance's conference hall, the air was thick with tension. Representatives from various factions had gathered once more to discuss the future course of the alliance.

The Light Envoy stood before them, his expression grave as he addressed the group:

"Everyone, the Holy Light Pope has made an important decision. Two years from now, we will launch an offensive against the Dark Alliance. This operation requires every church to work in unison. After you return, inform your respective churches to prepare. As for the specific forces each church will send, further details will follow."

The Radiant Envoy responded casually, "That's nothing new. We've done this every few years. We'll handle it when we return."

The Light Envoy's brow furrowed as he emphasized, "This time is different. We are not just going through the motions. This is a serious action. Everyone must take it seriously."

However, the other envoys showed little concern. They exchanged disinterested looks, clearly skeptical that anything would be different this time.

The Radiant Envoy, with a smug expression, sneered, "Two years, huh? Don't worry about their troops. We'll handle it. By then, the Holy Light Church may not even exist anymore."

His words dripped with disdain for the Holy Light Church, revealing the deep-seated desire to see them destroyed.

The Radiant Envoy quickly agreed, "That's right. Our Radiant Church will send troops to assist the Holy Light Church. We'll wrap this up fast and avoid any prolonged conflict."

The Light Envoy's face twisted in anger as he snapped, "Stay out of our business. The Kingdom of Laen will belong to the Holy Light Church from now on. Don't even think about sharing in its spoils."

The Light Envoy stood silently, his heart sinking as he listened to the bickering among the other envoys. The weak were always at the mercy of the strong in this world, and to hear them openly discuss the destruction of his country was a bitter pill to swallow.

The Light Envoy glanced at the indifferent Light Envoy, whose face showed no signs of intervention. It was clear the others had tacitly accepted the Holy Light Church's warlike actions, with no intention of stopping them.

Frustrated, the Light Envoy spoke up, his voice dripping with defiance:

"Is this how you lead the Holy Light Alliance? Nations fighting wars of conquest among themselves, and you turn a blind eye? You promised to punish those who violate the rules, yet there's been no action. Were your words empty?"

The Light Envoy's eyes burned with fury. He shot back, "How dare you speak to me like that? Do you really think you're in a position to lecture me?"

The Light Envoy, now fully emboldened, countered, "I'll say it outright—your actions have alienated the allies. You've turned the Holy Light Alliance into a joke. And don't think this won't come back to haunt you. The same fate you're trying to impose on my people will eventually fall upon you."

The other envoys exchanged smirks, dismissing the Light Envoy's words. They saw the Holy Light Church as a dying force, incapable of posing any real threat.

The Light Envoy's face, though composed, betrayed a flicker of discomfort. He knew that many of these things were unspoken truths, but now, being openly discussed, it made it impossible to save face.

He coldly muttered, "Stop blaming others. This world has always been about the strong preying on the weak. If the Holy Light Church didn't invade, then who would? You should look at your own weaknesses first."

The Light Envoy's voice trembled with anger. "So, what was the point of us joining the Holy Light Alliance? Were we meant to be mocked and invaded? What happened to justice and fairness in this alliance?"

The Light Envoy sneered. "If it weren't for the fact that the Light God is part of the Holy Light faction, we wouldn't have even let you in. Don't pretend to be righteous now."

The Light Envoy, though seething with hatred, knew he had no way to strike back. The scales had tipped, and in this world of endless power struggles, his country was only a small pawn.