NOVPUBTwo days later in the early morning.
Standing in the northern part of the Protoss Empire is Hezishan Province, like a bright pearl on the northern plains. It is not only the most prosperous province in the north, but also a hub for goods and passenger transits.
It’s encircled by the northern mountains, reminiscent of divine guardians, functioning as a natural barrier. The melting snow at the foot of the mountain forms winding streams that silently nourish the city as spring arrives, bestowing it with infinite vitality.
Upon arrival in this province, one would find the architectural style taking after that of the imperial capital, Herram, favoring natural stone and wood materials, contributing to a harmony with the high-rise mountains in the distant north. Stone exteriors and wooden structures mesh naturally, painting a three-dimensional landscape.
But this year, the seasons have gone haywire, the chill is more severe than usual, and even the warm territories in the southern part of the Protoss Empire are shrouded in winter snow.
Even as we approached mid-April in the northern provinces, spring was still hesitant to arrive. The fickle weather often brought snowstorms, cleansing the cityscape and leading residents to question whether this frozen world would extend to the next winter.
In the south of Hezishan Province, the Rock Intersection Station, located west of the capital city, is a gateway to the south of the empire. This station, the largest Magic Power Rail Train station in the entire northern empire, is also a crystallization of ancient craftsmanship and magic power.
On the tracks, every brake sound and spark from metal wheel friction echoes in the vast platforms of Rock Intersection Station, each a bass note in the symphony of the magic behemoth.
From a distance, atop the station’s high platform, a Demon Energy Train permeated with the cold air of the north, its roof lightly frosted, speeds along.
The imperial characters scrolling on the train’s elongated crystal screen indicate that it originated from Milford Station in Xi Bei Province and is a Magic Power Rail Train ending at Rock Intersection Station.
In a forward carriage, the interior is designed like a luxury hotel suite, unifying elegance and comfort.
The top of this cabin features a hand-crafted, plush ceiling; the walls are covered with dark decorative wood panels exuding a subtle sandalwood scent. Artwork framed in gold adorns the walls, and apart from roomy chairs and beds wrapped in high-quality leather and velvet, there are also soft pillows and blankets offering extra warmth.
Hyperion took a seat by the chair, quietly looking out the window.
She had woken before the sky outside the carriage window had even lit up, washing up early and meticulously going through her luggage. She had been extra cautious on her journey.
From the time she left Milford Province, the empire was pervaded by a heavy atmosphere of peculiarity, seemingly shrouded in a deep grey fog at all times, that left her uneasy.
"Sister."
Before long, Michela, who had just woken up, had also completed her preparations and sat opposite Hyperion. Even though she didn’t say a word, the implication was clear: she was ready to leave at any moment.
"I’ve learned from the conductor, that in recent days, the platforms at Rock Intersection Station have been swarming with Priests of Nirvana, constantly in a horrifying state of readiness. It’s like they could strike at any moment, leaving people worried."
Hyperion sighed, relaying this information to Michela.
Although she had expected that it would take no small matter to bring out the main forces of the Nirvana Branch from Xi Bei Province, the more she thought about it, the more apparent it became that the Protoss Empire was going through some kind of turmoil. As an outsider, she could see none of what laid behind that fog.
The less you understand, the more fearful it becomes.
"...These guys weren’t this thorough in blocking the station when they were investigating the Church of the Goddess of Destiny and spies from Aestheland Kingdom in Milford Province."
Michela spoke, voicing her clear dissatisfaction with these Resurrection Believers.
"You don’t need to worry, sister. We have done nothing wrong, so have nothing to fear. There is no reason for the Nirvana Branch to target us of the Milford family."
Michela said confidently.
"...Indeed."
Hyperion nodded.
"The most absurd thing is Bishop’s election in a week. By then, even my father will go to the imperial capital, Herram. He will probably have to vote for the Bishop of Nirvana, as no noble in the north dares to defy him at the moment."
Just mentioning the Resurrection Church filled Michela’s eyes with disdain, especially towards the Nirvana Branch. She wished that she could drive all these heretics out of Milford Province.
If they didn’t vote for Asksan now, and Asksan ended up winning, this man might not do anything overtly, but one day he would mercilessly attack the northern imperial nobles who had betrayed him.
Everyone knew the kind of person the Bishop of Nirvana, Asksan, was.
After getting off the train at the Rock Intersection Station, teeming with the cronies of the Bishop of Nirvana, Michela had to hide her underlying sentiments. Now, in the train, was the last chance for casual conversation.
"The election is inevitable for the empire at this point; I just hope we choose the lesser of three evils. The Bishop of Hegemony or the Mourning Bishop winning would be slightly better than the Bishop of Nirvana."
Hyperion shook her head.
She had only a limited understanding of the styles of the Cardinal Bishops in the Northern Continent.
According to the Bingxue Witch, the best outcome would be the victory of the Mourning Bishop.
Compared to the extreme ambition and egoism of the Bishops of Nirvana and Hegemony, the Mourning Bishop was relatively conservative and neutral.
However, this was not something she could influence. Her purpose on this trip was to rescue a member of the Great Demon Clan, who was said to be a close friend of her aunt, from the underground prison in Herram. If she succeeded in doing so, it would be a major accomplishment.
"The Bishops of Hegemony and Mourning aren’t any better. We may see clergy members of the two branches in the imperial capital, Herram. I don’t know if there are sleeper agents infiltrated into our school... Regardless of how friendly the Resurrection Church member may seem, don’t trust anything they say."
Michela was worried about Hyperion being deceived by the wicked believers of the Resurrection Church. That group of insane beasts was capable of anything.
If someone from the high ranks of the Resurrection Church took an interest in Hyperion’s talents and her status in the Milford family, they might attempt to contact her or beguile her to swing the Milford family to a Cardinal Bishop branch in the southeastern part of the empire at this crucial juncture.
"Don’t worry, Michela. We draw a clear line between ourselves and heretics and will never associate with the Resurrection Church."
Hyperion smiled, her words striking the same cord as her prayers in the temple, reassuring Michela.
Hearing her sister’s words, Michela was at ease.
Considering her sister’s virtuous, kind, and strait-laced demeanor, she firmly believed that Hyperion could never stoop so low as to consort with Resurrection Church followers.
