*****
NOVELASIUS
- TL: the guild
- Discord: https://discord.gg/GBKEa55867
- Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/topasius
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Prophecy of the End (1)
Recently, across the continent, centered around the royal capital, there have been those who raise their voices in the squares.
“The end of the world is coming!”
“A severe winter is upon us, with famine and cold to follow, and disasters will continue to plague us!”
“The Age of the Wolf is upon us! The world will be filled with chaos, and eternal darkness will descend upon the land!”
“The beasts of darkness will begin to howl! Giants will rise in response to their cries!”
“Only those with true faith will ascend to heaven in the face of the world’s end!”
At first glance, it seemed like the ramblings of fanatical doomsayers preaching an apocalyptic message.
However, when the ones spreading these words are part of a mainstream religion, people tend to take it a bit more seriously.
– This prophecy… it’s been like this since two months ago, hasn’t it?
– If this is coming from the Zeruem Church… what are we supposed to do?
In the modern age, the apocalyptic predictions spread by priests of the Zeruem Church, now known as the Old Church, have confused not only their own followers but also those of the Zion Church, who share the same roots.
– The winter isn’t ending. Could it be true?
– It’s already March, and the weather is still like this! Spring hasn’t come!
If it were merely apocalyptic talk, people would have dismissed it, even if it came from a large church. But as January passed into February, and now March, instead of warming up, the temperatures have continued to drop, freezing the world over.
It was difficult to dismiss this as just an unusual weather pattern, especially when it seemed to align perfectly with the prophecies that the Old Church had been proclaiming across the continent.
– Pray! We must pray!
– Only those with faith will be saved…
As more and more people became drawn to the Zeruem Church, seduced by the apocalyptic predictions, there were also those who had anticipated this situation.
“So… it has come to this.”
“It’s strange. They know the enemy exists, but how do they know the method?”
“…”
King David.
Swordmaster Garrand.
Duke Marde.
At the pinnacle of power, strength, and wealth in the kingdom, they remembered the words spoken by their prospective son-in-law three months ago.
“The winter won’t end. The Old Church will capitalize on this. And then—”
A strange phenomenon of an endless winter and the Old Church’s apocalyptic predictions, meant to ensnare people—his credibility was now becoming a certainty.
“Swordmaster, how are the eastern swordsmen?”
“They’ve prepared for winter. Lunia is leading them.”
“Then there’s no problem there. The issue is food.”
If Korin Lork’s words were true, then this winter would last at least another month before it could be resolved.
If that happens, they would miss the planting season, and this year’s crops would be lost.
Considering that the majority of the continent’s population is involved in agriculture, this would lead to massive upheaval.
“We have secured potato seeds to replace the March planting season. Additionally, we have halted food exports over the winter and stored everything in warehouses.”
Duke Marde has suffered the greatest financial loss from this preparation, without a doubt.
Having developed massive agricultural complexes in the southern plains, Duke Marde halted trade throughout the winter based solely on Korin Lork’s words.
The massive quantities of food produced in the south are primarily exported to the East and various kingdoms. Since they produce in excess for export, any unsold surplus would spoil, resulting in significant losses.
However, the Duke stored all the food meant for export. There was opposition to this, but no one could openly defy him when he was so resolute.
“Now, what’s left is…”
“The Council of State.”
Korin Lork’s final assertion.
An expedition to the North, to the harsh land of the North Kingdom, where the source of all this calamity lies.
To rally public opinion for such an unthinkable endeavor, they needed a strong justification.
Korin Lork, now newly appointed as the head of the Guardian Association, would attend this Council of State meeting.
“Therefore, with the continuous inflow of cold air from the North—”
Scholars who study the stars and weather have always been important throughout history. However, their climate predictions for this year have been significantly off.
The reason is, of course, the continuing abnormal winter.
“Just get to the point.”
The scholar from the weather bureau cleared his throat at the National Land Minister’s words.
“We believe this abnormal weather may be a temporary phenomenon. It would be wise to observe it for a while. However, from an academic standpoint, I suggest sending an expedition to investigate the origin of this anomaly.”
“What expedition? What if we provoke the northern barbarians?”
One of the National Land Ministers, sensitive to the scholar’s words, responded sharply. The concern was more about provoking the northern barbarians than observing the abnormal weather.
“So, this abnormal weather is merely a temporary phenomenon, according to the weather bureau?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
It was Duke Marde who spoke. As someone who suffered the greatest damage from this abnormal weather, his stance was somewhat predictable.
“We’ve missed the planting season due to this abnormal weather. We must assume that this year’s crops, other than potatoes, are ruined. It’s wise to send an expedition to prepare for future occurrences of this nature.”
“Indeed, the Duke is right.”
“Yes, data on the climate is important.”
Once Duke Marde spoke, the ministers aligned with the “Voice of the South” faction began to agree one by one. As one of the largest factions in the kingdom, their agreement began to sway public opinion.
Even the Swordmaster, who had been silently observing, added his voice.
“With winter continuing, the food situation in the North Kingdom must be dire as well. We should dispatch troops to prepare for fortifying the walls.”
Swordmaster Garrand Arden, though appearing as a simple warrior in the royal Council of State, had an aura that no one dared to question.
Instead, they found his involvement curious.
‘Why is that old man involved?’
‘He’s never been involved in politics before, not in seventy years.’
While there were questions, no answers came forth. In any case, his involvement made it difficult for the military and other officials to oppose the idea.
“Then let’s send the expedition. As for who will lead…”
“I nominate the new head of the Guardian Association, Korin Lork.”
“I second that nomination for Lork.”
Suddenly, the names mentioned by both the Swordmaster and Duke Marde drew everyone’s attention to one side of the room.
The young—or rather, very young—head of the Guardian Association, who had not spoken a word throughout the meeting, now raised the corners of his mouth in a slight smile.
“Though I may be unworthy, I will do my utmost to fulfill this duty.”
Korin accepted the responsibility as if he had been waiting for it, and King David smoothly continued.
“Very well. Then I appoint Lork, head of the Guardian Association, as the leader of the expedition to investigate the abnormal weather in the North.”
The decision, made swiftly by the new Association head and previously unengaged figures, left no room for objection.
While the formation of the expedition was decided, this wasn’t the end of the conspiracy plotted by King David, Duke Marde, Swordmaster Garrand, and Korin Lork.
The Northern Expedition.
To mount an expedition beyond the walls and provoke the North Kingdom, they needed a stronger justification.
Fortunately, they had just the excuse.
Since the rise of the New Church, the political influence of the Zeruem Church has waned significantly.
The political divide between the Old and New Church forced even central government officials to choose sides, with most opting for the New Church.
The Zeruem Church was fundamentally orthodox.
Their doctrine, unchanged since the kingdom’s founding a thousand years ago, strictly adhered to literal religious interpretations and practices.
Take, for example, the sin of adultery.
In rural areas, stoning was still encouraged because the scriptures commanded that adulterers be stoned to death.
Even though the kingdom sent magistrates to these regions to curb such practices, the deeply rooted religious laws proved difficult to eradicate.
The death of Queen Maria, a fervent supporter of the Old Church, dealt a significant blow to its strength, but the New Church offered many advantages over the Old Church.
Fundamentally, the Zion Church was more flexible. It had moved away from strict orthodoxy and adapted scriptural interpretations to fit modern times, allowing more leeway for its followers.
At least in the New Church, people weren’t beaten to death for missing Sunday services, nor were heretics and atheists burned at the stake.
As a result, the New Church flourished over the past hundred years, while the decline of the Zeruem Church seemed inevitable.
Naturally, the clergy of the Old Church felt a growing sense of crisis.
“This cannot continue. We, the true believers, are being overrun by these heretical New Church followers!”
“Their faith is a blasphemy against our Lord! Recognizing demons as humans? How can those monsters be called human?!”
So, when the upper echelons of the Church issued directives regarding the apocalyptic prophecy, the priests eagerly spread the message.
And as the winter dragged on, the prophecy seemed increasingly accurate, creating a wave of fear and chaos among the people.
– It’s the end! The end is coming!
– Only true believers will be saved!
As more and more citizens of the kingdom began to follow the Old Church, the priests became even more fervent.
– Yes! This is the true faith! The rightful position of the Church!
Bishop Reno Lijun of the Zeruem Church was delighted by this reaction.
“Faithful believers! Do not take this prophecy lightly! The first part of the prophecy has already come true! We must prepare ourselves!”
This apocalyptic prophecy was a strategic decision made by the Council of Cardinals of the Church.
Their goal was to create chaos within the kingdom and divide public opinion.
As the freezing weather disrupts economic activity and worsens the food situation, people will naturally turn to faith.
With each prophecy that comes true, the Zeruem Church will prosper, throwing the kingdom into turmoil. The decisions of the government will be hampered by the influence of the Church, and witch hunts will become rampant.
‘All of this is for the true end of this world…!’
And for the eternal life of themselves and a select few chosen ones.
Bishop Reno Lijun and the core members of the Zeruem Church were willing to destroy the world for this purpose.
“The end of the world is coming!”
“A severe winter is upon us, with famine and cold to follow, and disasters will continue to plague us!”
“The Age of the Wolf is upon us! The world will be filled with chaos, and eternal darkness will descend upon the land!”
“The beasts of darkness will begin to howl! Giants will rise in response to their cries!”
“Only those with true faith will ascend to heaven in the face of the world’s end!”
– What should we do? If the prophecy is true…
– What are we supposed to do?
– Don’t believe it! Why would you believe such nonsense?
– But the winter isn’t ending! And the Church’s priests are all saying this!
Yes, be confused.
And follow me.
Bring about the end yourselves, bring about destruction.
The great light of Danan will cleanse this world.
“Please calm down, everyone!”
It was then that a group arrived at the square where Bishop Reno Lijun was preaching about the end.
“Saint Estelle?”
“The Saintess is here!”
Estelle, the Saintess of the Zion Church.
Originally, the New Church was also supposed to join in this apocalyptic prophecy.
With the Pope and more than half of the Cardinals already under their influence, if the New Church joined, the chaos in the kingdom would have accelerated rapidly.
But this woman ruined everything.
One day, she went mad and purged half of the Cardinals and Bishops, including the Pope. The Church was in utter shock.
Within the Zeruem Church, there was widespread outrage at this madwoman’s actions.
But that wasn’t all.
The New Church, now restructured around the Saintess, began to spread increasingly strange doctrines.
Bishop Reno was horrified to discover that the foundation of this new doctrine was related to the faith of Danan, but he had anticipated that Estelle would respond to the apocalyptic prophecy.
“I greet Your Highness, the Princess.”
Bishop Reno addressed her as Princess, not Saintess, bowing slightly, but not hiding his contempt.
“Who are you again?”
“…”
She knows full well that he is a candidate for Cardinal. It was a provocation. Reno clenched his teeth, trying not to flinch.
“What brings Your Highness to this place?”
“I heard you were spreading a prophecy of the end.”
The pink-haired Saintess smiled at Reno. It was a smile that was far too chilling and seductive for a Saintess.
“The prophecy is inevitable. It is an unavoidable disaster, and we must prepare for it.”
Reno tried to anticipate Estelle’s response. The New Church would likely try to refute the apocalyptic prophecy.
There is no end, they would say. So, return to your livelihoods without fear.
But Estelle’s response would fail. As each prophecy comes true, the authority of the New Church and the Saintess would plummet.
It was unfortunate that the New Church had not joined forces with the Zeruem Church due to an unforeseen purge, but the Old Church’s prophecy was bound to succeed nonetheless.
“Are you saying, Saintess, that you do not believe in the prophecy of our Lord?”
Go ahead, answer. Whatever you say, the prophecy will be fulfilled. The world will be plunged into chaos—
“Yes, the prophecy will be fulfilled.”
“Indeed, that’s something we’ll have to— what?”
What? What did she just say?
– Ah, the Saintess…!
– The prophecy of the end will come true? This can’t be!
– It’s over! Everything is over!
People began to wail in despair. The words of a bishop and those of the Saintess carried entirely different weights.
The people knew from countless experiences that Saintess Estelle was truly connected to the divine.
She was someone who could make things happen through her prayers. She healed the sick and reshaped the world with her divine power. And she had just confirmed it.
The prophecy would come true.
“Wha… what nonsense are you spouting…”
“Beloved believers! You must have heard the prophecies circulating in the kingdom!”
Ignoring Reno, Estelle stepped forward to address the crowd. Her voice, filled with some kind of divine power, echoed throughout the square.
“The prophecy will be fulfilled. This winter will continue, the Age of the Wolf will come, the light will disappear from the world, and dark clouds will cover the sky.”
Hey, why are you confirming that… Reno’s face twisted in confusion.
Standing before a crowd that was screaming and despairing at the confirmation of the prophecy, Estelle wore an unnaturally bright expression. She brought her hands together, radiating a divine light with her holy power.
“But all of this is a trial from our Lord!”
“What?”
– A trial?
– The prophecy is a trial from the Lord?
The murmuring crowd was on the verge of losing faith, but Estelle didn’t miss the opportunity to sway them.
“That’s right. After overcoming all these trials, a ‘New Sun’ will rise! This is the glory and salvation that our Lord has ordained!”
“That’s absurd!”
Reno was aghast as Estelle added a new prophecy to the one of the end.
“Absurd? Bishop Reno?”
“Twisting the prophecy? That’s an unforgivable blasphemy!”
“Twisting? I don’t understand. I heard it directly from the Lord.”
“What…!”
Estelle pointed confidently to the sky, making a bold declaration.
“When I spoke with the Lord, He told me of His plan! He will never abandon His beloved children! Yes! All of this is a trial, and it is ordained to bring forth the New Sun!”
– Is it really true?
– Of course, it’s true if the Saintess says so!
– The New Sun will save us!
Estelle looked at Reno, whose face had turned pale with rage, and gave him a smug smile.
‘Who are you? Just a bishop.’
‘And who am I? The Saintess.’
When the end of the world approaches, false prophets are said to deceive the people.
In that biblical context, there were two false prophets standing in this square.
“Believe in me. Give thanks for the Lord’s mercy upon His children! He will bring us the New Sun!”
It was just that the more malicious false prophet was Estelle.
*****
NOVELASIUS
- TL: the guild
- Discord: https://discord.gg/GBKEa55867
- Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/topasius
*****
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