"I'm back, Sir Saint."
Standing in the familiar white tower, Montgomery felt incomparably emotional as he gazed at the elderly man before him.
He clenched his fists and forced himself to calm down before lowering his head in shame.
"I'm really sorry that we weren't able to defend the Chaos Coast …"
"It's not your fault, my child …"
Looking at Montgomery, Nola, who was sitting on the chair, revealed a gentle smile.
"None of us expected the situation to develop to this stage. It's a blessing that you're able to return safely … I'm aware of the situation at the Chaos Coast. Frankly speaking, I was worried that it would be too late. But it's a blessing from the Nine Saints that you're able to return …"
Hearing Nora's words, Montgomery couldn't help but reveal a bitter smile.
At that time, Zayen ran very fast with him, so he did not see Vivian's appearance. But after that, Montgomery still heard news about the Coast of Chaos — oh, wrong, it was no longer called the Inner Sea of Chaos. Due to a certain bad-tempered young lady throwing a tantrum, the Inner Sea of Chaos had completely evaporated, and now there was only a dry and barren land.
Perhaps it was more appropriate to change its name to the Chaos Desert.
Although Montgomery did not know what exactly happened there, he was extremely glad that Zayen had made a wise choice to turn and run without saying a word at that time.
Initially, he felt that it was a little too "cautious" for Zayen to leave without a fight, even though he had such a powerful weapon like the Fortress of Magi. However, he later learned that Zayen had made the right choice.
"Even though you didn't annihilate the Undead Army entirely, their plan to penetrate the South's hinterland was thwarted.
Not only that, but you also brought back so many people … to preserve the strength of the other countries.
I express my gratitude to you … "
As she spoke, Nora smiled at Montgomery. Her old eyes were filled with curiosity.
"But … I remember that there's another great contributor. Where is he?"
"This …"
Upon hearing the Saint of Light's question, Montgomery couldn't help but hesitate for a moment before answering honestly.
"He said he wasn't used to the formalities, so he left us behind Lorenc and went back to Passus. He also said that we shouldn't disturb him if there's nothing important."
Of course, Montgomery had put in a good word for him.
In fact, after receiving the verbal order from the Church of Holy See, Zayen kicked Montgomery and his men off the ship without a second word.
He also told him to tell Nora, "After this, I'm done with the Church of Holy Light. Don't ever think of sending me for free again." Of course, Montgomery didn't dare to tell Nora such treasonous words.
"Hehehe …"
Upon hearing Montgomery's words, Nora didn't flare up. Instead, she shook her head and let out a bitter laugh.
"What a pity. I wanted to meet him. It seems like our little friend doesn't have a good impression of the Church of Holy Church …"
Of course, it wasn't that it wasn't good, it was just that he didn't care about it at all.
After living for so many years, this was the first time Montgomery saw a noble who didn't take the Church of Holy Church seriously.
What made him even more depressed was that although Nora didn't take the Church of Holy Church seriously, he did many things that were beneficial to the Church of Holy Church.
Just like this time, if it wasn't for Zayen dispatching the Magic Fortresses to send back the armies of the vassal countries, just the fact that these 500,000 people had been sacrificed for nothing at the Chaos Coast was enough to put the Church of Holy Light in the eye of the storm.
Now that most of the soldiers were safely escorted back, not only did the various factions and countries have no reason to make things difficult for the Church of Holy Church, but they were also grateful to the Church of Holy Church for preserving their strength.
After all, these 500,000 soldiers were the elites of various factions. If any of them were lost, it would be a heart-wrenching pain.
But now, most of the forces were able to return safely. To them, this was better than anything else.
Not only that, but the Church of Holy Church also displayed their noble character and unquestionable integrity by escorting these people back before retreating.
Just this point alone was enough to make everyone speechless … It would be strange if they did!!
Montgomery knew clearly that even though the overlord had indeed sent the Fortress of Magic to escort the soldiers back, it wasn't for free!
In fact, before each army returned, they signed an IOU with Zayen for the "transportation fee". The transportation fee was ten gold coins for each low-ranking soldier, fifty gold coins for each mid-ranking non-commissioned officer, a hundred gold coins for each high-ranking non-commissioned officer, and five hundred gold coins for the commanding officer …
At this thought, Montgomery couldn't help but pinch the IOU in his pocket. The number with so many zeros on it made him want to vomit blood. At this moment, he didn't know who he should turn to for this sum of money.
At this moment, Nola's voice sounded in Montgomery's ears once again.
"I know you must be tired after finally returning to the White City, Montgomery. But it's a pity that we need your help with something important."
"Please speak, Madam."
Upon hearing Nora's words, Montgomery put on a solemn expression and lowered his head respectfully. Of course, he knew that the most powerful saint in the Klein Continent didn't look for him just for a chat.
Upon hearing Nora's words, he immediately focused his attention and started to listen to what she was saying.
"I guess you're also aware that the Klein Continent has been getting more and more chaotic lately.
The power of darkness is growing, and all we can do is struggle at death's door under this power … "
Nora said and let out a sigh.
Montgomery's expression turned ugly as well. Of course, he understood what Nora meant. In fact, the battle at the Chaos Coast had given him the same idea.
It was especially so for the final eruption of the undead creatures, which made him deeply feel how powerless they were.
If it weren't for Jenn's help, even if they were to destroy the undead creatures, they would still face death in the face of the sea monsters.
The power of evil is so powerful, but why is the power of light and justice so weak?
At this thought, Montgomery felt disheartened once again. He wasn't worried about the current situation, but for the future of the Klein Continent instead.
Plagues, Dark Dragons, undead creatures.
None of them should be provoked. But now, all of them had appeared on the Klein Continent.
Facing these terrifying forces, the Holy Church was stretched thin and didn't have enough strength to resist the threats before them.
They could only watch as they gradually spread. How could they maintain the justice and kindness in their hearts now that things had become like this?
"This is also a test for us. Everything has its ups and downs. Even the kind and righteous will face the invasion of darkness and the shroud of evil.
At times like this, we must stay true to our hearts. It is due to this that perseverance is so precious. "
Looking at Montgomery's expression, Nora knew what he was thinking about. She smiled and said.
Upon hearing this, Montgomery shivered. Then, his dazed eyes regained their clear, transparent luster.
He gazed deeply at Nora and lowered his head.
"Yes, Madam Saint. I will remember your teachings!"
"Alright, you don't have to worry too much. Even though darkness is powerful, the almighty gods have foreseen this day coming. For this, they left us the seeds of light …"
"You mean …?"
Hearing this, Montgomery immediately looked at Nora with joy in his eyes.
Looking at his expression, Nora nodded.
Then, she raised her right hand, beckoned Montgomery to her side, and placed her palm on his forehead.
At the next moment, a warm radiance emerged from Nora's palm and enveloped Montgomery's head.
Shortly after, Montgomery realized that a series of information emerged in his mind.
Then, Nora's voice sounded in his ears once again.
"That's right. I've received a revelation from Sinapus. A few years ago, the nine saints with a mission descended into this world.
But due to the threat of the power of darkness, their powers weren't released. Instead, they were sealed in their bodies.
And now, facing this dark and lightless world, it's time to awaken them.
Your next mission is to lead a group of smart and reliable people to search for the nine saints according to the guidance of the oracle and bring them to the White City. After their seals are removed, we will have enough strength to face the evil! "
At that moment, the radiance faded and Nora retracted her hand.
At that moment, the uneasiness on Montgomery's face had vanished entirely, replaced by a radiance of hope.
"You must understand that this is an important mission that only you can complete.
That is why I am handing this task to you. "
"Yes, Madam. I'll go right now!"
Upon hearing Nora's words, Montgomery's face flushed in excitement. Previously, he had been worrying about how to resist the evil forces.
But now that he knew that there was such a good thing, he was naturally thrilled and the dark clouds that shrouded his mind dissipated.
If the nine Holy Sons really possessed great power, then those dark and evil existences would definitely be completely annihilated!
"Haha, wait. Don't be so anxious. There's one more thing."
"What is it?
Madam Saint? "
Montgomery, who was about to turn around and leave, couldn't help but turn to Nora dubiously.
Facing Montgomery's gaze, Nora smiled and extended her right hand.
"Give me the IOU in your pocket. No matter what, that little kid helped us, the Church of Saint, so I'll be responsible for compensating him."