Evil Red Dragon

After the crowd dispersed, Linus led the pastor into the church.

The spacious chapel was silent, with rows of benches lined up, and two figures had been waiting in front of the lectern for some time.

"You guys go and tidy up the room."

Linus dismissed the priests around him and walked straight up to one person.

"Lord Ronan, it's been a long time."

Ronan bowed slightly to Linus, his voice echoing through the hall:

"Bishop Linus, it's been a long time. The last time we met was at the harvest festival three years ago. I never expected to see you here again today."

Marcus, standing next to Ronan, also bowed in greeting:

"Hello, Bishop Linus."

In reality, it was Ronan who truly knew Linus, and this invitation was also extended by Ronan through Marcus.

Therefore, he went to Marcus's door as soon as Marcus returned to Greystone and bribed him.

Otherwise, Marcus alone could not gain the friendship of a bishop, even the lowest-ranking cardinal.

It is perfectly reasonable for an adventurer leader who has just suffered a major setback and is in dire need of assistance to angrily appeal to the church for help.

Even if Her Highness finds out afterward, she will only think it was a spontaneous act by the people and will not blame him.

Ronan couldn't help but smile, but then he got back to business:

"Bishop Linus, the situation in Graystone Town is critical. Dragonborn trolls are active nearby, and there may also be red dragons lurking in the vicinity. The town's forces are simply insufficient to deal with this level of threat."

However, Linus said calmly:

"Using an adventurer leader as a shield allows you to both call in reinforcements and distance yourself from the situation. President Ronan, you've certainly played your cards right."

Ronan's expression changed, and he slowly said:

"Lord Linus, I did this for the sake of the residents of Graystone Town."

"As you know, I'm just a small guild leader in Graystone Town, caught between the princess and the church. This is all I can do..."

"Do not be nervous."

Linus waved his hand, his smile gentle and sunny:

"I understand your actions, and they are quite wise."

"In this world, those who live well are often not the most powerful, but those who know best how to balance the forces of all sides."

He walked to the stained-glass window and looked out at the street scene of Greystone Town:

"I'll handle Her Highness's situation. Since the invitation was extended in a civilian capacity, I will also reside there in a civilian capacity. As for you, Chairman Ronan..."

Linus turned around and looked directly at Ronan:

"You saved me from the awkwardness of a direct confrontation with the princess, and I will remember that favor. But you also need to understand that now that I'm here, I won't leave easily."

Ronan felt a chill run down his spine.

The subtext of this statement couldn't be clearer.

The church's arrival will fundamentally change the power structure of Graystone Town.

The lieutenants left behind by Isa, the local nobles, the merchant guild, and even the adventurers' guild all had to find their place in the new order.

Ronan had anticipated this:

"I understand that the church can bring peace to Graystone Town, which is what everyone wants to see."

"I hope so."

Linus glanced at Marcus beside him:

"Now, Lord Marcus, I need you to recount the details of that battle, leaving out every single detail."

Marcus didn't dare to be negligent and recounted in detail the entire process from the discovery of the Silver Blade Adventurers' bodies to the fierce battle with the Four Demons of Gru.

"...The dragonborn troll leading the group is definitely at the peak of level five. What's even more terrifying is his defense. I personally saw him withstand the combined magical attacks of seven mages and only suffer minor injuries."

"What kind of composite magic?"

Linus pressed for an answer.

"Flame Tornado, a combination of fire and wind, and before that, we also used three Demon-Slaying Arrows."

Marcus recalled:

"The Demon-Slaying Arrow did pierce through his magical armor, but after the Flame Dragon Coil struck him, he only suffered a burn hole in his shoulder and was still able to fight."

A thoughtful look flashed in Linus's eyes:

"A combination of the Demon-Slaying Arrow and complex magic... such an attack would be more than enough to cause even a peak level five warrior to suffer only minor injuries..."

He continued to ask:

"You mentioned they were escorting kobolds?"

"Yes, they were all tied together with ropes. The kobolds looked terrified, but they were all alive."

"That's right."

Linus nodded:

"Trolls usually hunt kobolds for only two reasons: either for food or to mine mineral veins."

"Judging from their actions, the fact that they escorted the passengers over long distances while trying to ensure their survival was clearly for the latter purpose."

Ronan interjected:

"You mean, there might be a dragon's lair behind those dragonborn trolls?"

"Very likely."

Linus walked to the front of the stage:

"Dragonborn trolls don't appear out of nowhere; they must be the servants of some true dragon, and kobolds are precisely the miner slaves that dragons love most."

He raised his head, his eyes gleaming with an all-knowing light:

"A dragon is establishing its power in this region. He needs kobolds to mine the veins, trolls as warriors, and more..."

Linus suddenly paused and looked at Marcus:

"Did you see any other races during the battle? Orcs, gnolls, or ogres?"

Marcus recalled carefully:

"No, I only saw trolls, but later I found orc corpses."

"The orcs have also submitted."

Linus murmured:

"It seems this dragon lord has grand ambitions; trolls, orcs, kobolds... he's building a multi-ethnic army."

Silence fell over the chapel.

Ronan and Marcus both realized the seriousness of the situation.

If Linus's speculation is true, then the threat facing Graystone is not just a few dragonborn trolls, but a rising dragon force.

However, they do not have enough power to deal with this threat in this region.

"Your Excellency, what should we do?"

Ronan couldn't help but ask.

Linus did not answer directly, but instead asked:

"President Ronan, what is the current attitude of the residents of Graystone towards the church?"

"The vast majority of people welcome the arrival of the church."

Ronan immediately replied:

"Especially after the Silverblade Adventurers were wiped out and Captain Marcus was seriously injured, everyone longed for a powerful force to protect them."

"very good."

Linus nodded and looked at Ronan:

"I want to solidify this trust."

"From now on, the church will be open all day. I will arrange for the pastor to provide free healing and blessings to all residents who come to pray, regardless of their wealth or faith."

Ronan nodded repeatedly:

"Once this measure is implemented, the church's reputation in Graystone will surely increase significantly."

But that's not enough.

Linus said calmly:

"Prestige can win people's hearts, but true power requires strength to back it up."

He gazed at the distant mountains:

"Those dragonborn trolls, and the dragon lords behind them, are our greatest threat, but also our greatest opportunity."

"Chance?"

Marcus was puzzled.

"If the church can eliminate this threat and protect the safety of Graystone Town, then the Church of Light's voice here will be unshakeable."

"Even if Her Highness returns, she will not be able to easily expel us. The people will choose to protect their church, not a princess who is absent during their time of need."

Ronan and Marcus were both startled.

They then realized that what Linus saw was the future landscape of the entire Greystone Town.

"Of course, all of this is based on the premise that we can actually eliminate that dragon force."

Linus's tone returned to calm:

"So next, we need intelligence."

"In the name of the church, I issued a large-scale quest to the Adventurers' Guild to find the traces of those dragonborn trolls and pinpoint the location of their lair."

He looked at Marcus:

"Captain Marcus, although your adventurer group has suffered losses, its foundation remains intact. I hope you will also take on this mission and go to investigate."

"this……"

Marcus looked troubled.

"Your Excellency, it's not that I'm unwilling, but we just suffered a crushing defeat. My brothers are demoralized and injured, making them unable to move easily. Moreover, the enemy is a dragonborn, powerful and formidable; the risk is too high..."

I understand your concerns.

Linus took a small bag from his sleeve and placed it on the table:

"Here are 10 Light Amulets. Each one can release a Holy Shield when in danger, enough to withstand attacks of level five or below."

"In addition, there are three short-distance teleportation scrolls, which can be used to save lives in the event of an insurmountable danger."

Marcus's eyes lit up.

The Light Amulet and the Teleportation Scroll are both life-saving artifacts, especially for adventurers who frequently venture into dangerous places; their value far exceeds that of gold coins.

"besides."

Linus continued:

"The church will provide 10 gold coins for this reconnaissance mission. All members participating in the mission will receive a bonus, regardless of the outcome. If the location of the dragon's nest is successfully found..."

He paused:

"A reward of five thousand gold coins, plus three level-five healing potions, and a high-level blessing cast by me personally."

Marcus's breathing suddenly became rapid.

Such a reward is enough to make any adventurer risk their life.

Especially the high-level blessings, those cast personally by the cardinal, can not only greatly improve physical attributes but also increase damage to evil creatures, with effects lasting for several months.

"Your Excellency, please rest assured!"

Marcus pounded his chest with his right hand:

"The Iron Hammer Adventurer Team will live up to your expectations and find the monsters' lair!"

"very good."

Linus nodded:

"You can focus on reconnaissance and avoid combat as much as possible. What I need is intelligence, not more casualties."

"clear!"

Marcus accepted the money bag and amulet, and respectfully withdrew from the chapel.

After his footsteps faded into the distance, Linus looked at Ronan again:

"President Ronan, is there anything else you want to tell me?"

Ronan hesitated for a moment before finally speaking:

"Your Excellency, there are actually more details about the explosion in town that day..."

"explain."

Ronan lowered his voice

"According to witnesses, they saw the figure of a red dragon at the site of the explosion that day. Not a young dragon, but a red dragon that was over ten meters long."

Linus frowned slightly:

"Red Dragon? Are you sure?"

Ronan said with a meaningful look:

"At least that's what the witnesses say."

"And after that day, Isa left Greystone Town."

He gave a wry smile:

That's why I said the situation is critical.

Linus remained silent for a long time.

"President Ronan, have you shared this information with anyone else?"

He asked slowly.

"no."

Ronan shook his head:

"Both Her Highness and Isa have ordered a news blackout, and I dare not spread it. But I feel that you need to know the truth."

"You did the right thing."

Linus walked up to Ronan and gently patted him on the shoulder:

"From now on, you only need to be responsible for me. The princess won't interfere with you."

Ronan felt a sense of relief, knowing that he had made the right bet this time.

Seeking refuge with the church might offend the princess, but in the current situation, it is undoubtedly a safer option.

After all, the church has experience and power in fighting dragons, while the princess... with her strength, she can't even protect herself, let alone protect Graystone Town.

"Thank you for your understanding, Your Excellency."

Ronan bowed deeply:

"I will continue to gather intelligence, and I will report any new information to you as soon as possible."

"Go."

Linus nodded:

"Remember, our top priority now is to stabilize public morale."

"As long as everyone stands with us, other problems can be solved gradually."

After Ronan left, only Linus remained in the chapel.

He walked to the front of the podium, took out a thick holy book from his pocket, and opened it to a page.

The page depicted a ferocious red dragon, bound by countless chains, lying in the light.

Next to the picture was a prophecy:

When flames return to the earth and the dragon of darkness awakens, the sword of light will sever its wings, and the chains of holiness will bind its soul.

Only faith can purify evil. Only sacrifice can bring peace.

Linus gently stroked the prophecy, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

"Red Dragon..."

He muttered to himself:

"Hopefully, this time the prediction will be accurate."

The sky gradually darkened.

Meanwhile, at the other end of town, in the Adventurers' Guild tavern, Marcus was summoning his members.

"...That's the mission."

Marcus emptied the money bag onto the table, the gleaming coins piling up like a small mountain:

"Each person will receive an advance payment of 10 gold coins, and there will be more after completing the task. Moreover, this time the church provides amulets and scrolls, which greatly improves security."

As the group members looked at the gold coins on the table, their hesitation was gradually replaced by greed.

10 gold coins is enough for an average adventurer to squander for a month.

If the mission is successful, a huge reward of five thousand gold coins awaits them.

"Boss, is the church really reliable?"

A soldier asked:

"I've heard that Her Highness the Princess doesn't have a good relationship with the Church. Wouldn't it be... risky for us to do this?"

"The princess is currently in Twin Moon City."

Marcus interrupted him:

"And the church is right here. Do you want to follow a princess who's far away, or a church that can protect us and give us generous rewards?"

The group members were silent for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

Reality is always cruel.

When faced with life and death and interests, so-called stances are often utterly vulnerable.

"Then it's settled."

Marcus put away his purse:

"We'll set off early tomorrow morning, searching in different directions. This time, our objective is reconnaissance, not combat. Report any unusual activity immediately; do not act without authorization."

"yes!"

Watching his teammates leave, Marcus leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh of relief.

The wound on his chest had mostly healed, but the memory of that battle still lingered in his mind.

"Hopefully this time, we can completely resolve this problem."

Marcus murmured, picked up the bottle, and drank it all in one gulp.

The liquor burned his throat, but it couldn't dispel the vague unease in his heart.