Chrysalis Chapter 1720 - Casting Judgement

Throughout his tenure as a War Bishop, Graham had witnessed a great deal. He had seen legendary monsters toppled and ancient settlements that had endured for centuries reduced to rubble in a heartbeat. He had also watched new ones emerge, seemingly from the void.

Still, nothing quite compared to the spectacle of a Grand Priest attempting to slumber in a bunk alongside common soldiers. When Alir finally exited the barracks that morning, his exhaustion was palpable; his eyes were bloodshot and framed by heavy, dark circles. Graham didn't necessarily enjoy the man's misery, but he found it fascinating. Like a rare bird or a curious artifact in a shop, it was a sight he found difficult to ignore.

“Haven’t you stared enough?” Alir muttered, pulling out a stool beside the War Bishop and collapsing onto it with a weary groan. “By the Path, I am spent.”

“I, however, am perfectly rested,” Graham replied, tracing the sign of the Path across his chest.

Alir fixed him with a stare, his expression carefully neutral.

“Thank you. I truly appreciate you mentioning that.”

“You are most welcome.”

A modest breakfast of oats, seeds, and nuts had been provided, and the temporary dining hall hummed with the sounds of quiet talk, fervent prayers, and the clinking of spoons. The troops were diligent in scraping every bit from their bowls, as meals with this much flavor were a rarity for them.

Graham watched without pretense as the Grand Priest contemplated the bowl before him for a long minute. Eventually, Alir lifted a spoon to his mouth, swallowed a reluctant bite, and winced as if it caused him physical pain.

“Excess is a sin,” Graham noted.

Alir’s hand slammed onto the table, his complexion flushing a deep red, though he regained his composure almost instantly.

“Yes. Indeed. And so is flavor, it would seem.”

“Would you care to meet the orphans who are eating well today because of the modest meal you currently consume? Seeing the joy on their faces might provide the indulgence you crave.”

Alir offered nothing but another grimace in response before forcing down another spoonful.

“When do you plan to enter the Dungeon and eliminate this nuisance? I heard it was spotted from the ramparts just yesterday. What else is required for you to finally get... out of the city?”

Graham suspected the man had nearly said ‘out of my way’ before catching himself. It mattered little.

“Do you imagine we have been stagnant these last few days? We have not. I have questioned every delver who encountered the beast and made it back to the city. Since the captives have only just started being released, I must interview them as well. Our Dungeon experts are currently profiling the monster’s traits while we weigh our tactical options.

“Meanwhile, my elite scouts are stealthily navigating the tunnels to identify the ideal battlefield. While we have been occupied with these tasks, I wonder... what have you been doing, Grand Priest?”

By all appearances, very little.

“I have been working with the Union to secure resources for your mission,” Alir ground out. “They are livid about the new taxes, and the Council is equally frustrated at having to levy them. They might be angry enough to even send some city guards to assist in killing that ant.”

“That won't be necessary,” the War Bishop replied.

“I don't care about your opinion on the matter. If reinforcements are available, we take them. I don't care how you utilize them; put them on the front lines, let the insect’s mandibles tear them apart, or have them perform a dance to distract it. This is a rare and magnificent opportunity. A Soul Crystal is highly desired by the Church, and we are in a position to obtain one!”

And likely secure a promotion to Cardinal for a certain Grand Priest, Graham thought. While ambition within the Church wasn't inherently evil, he found he had little liking for Alir Vinting. The man lacked true faith.

“We depart for the Dungeon in two days,” the War Bishop declared calmly. “If you are determined to provide these reinforcements, ensure they are ready.”

Graham was certain this would be a grueling mission. A tier eight mythic was the most formidable foe one could face in the fourth stratum. Furthermore, this creature possessed bizarre, unique powers that defied logic. They would need to be prepared for anything.