God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World! Chapter 539: Troublesome Longsword Guild
Previously on God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World!...
A palpable pressure settled over the area the instant the train halted.
Various factions had already congregated near the station, some flanking their vehicles, others beside their steeds, and a select few observing the unfolding scene with vigilant expressions. Despite the cool air, the assembly exuded a palpable tension.
Observing the surroundings through the window, ChaosCleric's voice held a note of surprise. "Olympus has arrived."
Gabriel's gaze followed the indicated direction.
A contingent clad in immaculate armor occupied a prominent spot near one of the broader platforms. Jack Arefield stood there, exuding his usual composure, his stance relaxed yet firm. Beside him, Aria remained quiet and collected, her attention drifting over the other assembled groups with a distinct lack of interest.
Yet, it was the individual at the forefront who commanded the most scrutiny.
Ares Dunhold.
The leader of the Olympus guild.
Draped in white and gold armor, he was an undeniable focal point, requiring no words to assert his dominance. His mere presence was weighty, causing those nearby to unconsciously maintain a respectful distance. His personal attendance at such missions was rare, and his arrival instantly altered the entire mood of the gathering.
ChaosCleric's brow furrowed.
"Even Ares himself has graced us... this endeavor is proving to be more complex than anticipated."
A nearby ChaosKnight member swallowed audibly before murmuring, "I had assumed Olympus would merely dispatch Jack and Aria at most."
IceQueen's expression remained placid, though her fingers lightly drummed against the window frame.
"Should Ares be present, it signifies Olympus deems this mission worthy of his personal involvement. That alone introduces a significant complication."
Gabriel's gaze shifted past the Olympus contingent, fixing upon another prominent assembly.
The Holy Church.
Numerous priests, knights, and players specializing in holy classes stood in disciplined formation. Prominently positioned among them were two figures encased in high cardinal armor, their faces concealed by helmets, their resplendent armor adorned with golden filigree and sacred emblems. Their imposing aura far surpassed that of the ordinary members surrounding them.
As these figures came into view, hushed whispers rippled through the crowd.
"Two High Cardinals..."
"Are they truly going to this extent?"
"One High Cardinal is typically sufficient to pacify an entire region. Why deploy two?"
"Considering this is the Buried God’s Tomb, perhaps even the Church is unwilling to leave anything to chance."
"Those individuals are no ordinary priests. Their divine abilities possess the power to obliterate undead, demons, curses, and corrupted entities in mere moments."
Several individuals nearby nodded in agreement, displaying evident discomfort at merely being in their vicinity.
High Cardinals were figures of immense stature, wielding considerable authority within the Holy Church, their power sufficient to provoke caution even among the largest guilds. Their potent healing, formidable barriers, resolute judgment skills, and devastating holy attacks rendered them exceptionally dangerous in any large-scale engagement.
...at least, to ordinary combatants.
IceQueen drew back from the window upon observing the Holy Church contingent.
"ChaosKnight maintains certain connections with the Holy Church. It would be prudent to extend them a greeting."
ChaosCleric immediately adopted a more formal posture. "Indeed."
IceQueen directed a questioning glance at Gabriel. "You will not be accompanying us?"
"No," Gabriel responded evenly.
She studied him for a fleeting moment longer but offered no further inquiry.
Gabriel maintained his distance, observing the Holy Church group from afar. The revulsion churning within him was quiet yet unmistakable. He felt as though he might actually fall ill if he were to approach them. These individuals represented his adversaries, and he had crossed paths with them on multiple occasions. To stand alongside them and feign civility was an act he had absolutely no inclination to perform.
IceQueen departed with ChaosCleric and a handful of their associates, while Gabriel remained positioned at the periphery with Vv, who had also elected to stay behind.
The train station grew increasingly boisterous as additional factions disembarked from their arriving trains and alighted from their mounts. Attendees engaged in careful mutual observation; some projected overt confidence, while others concealed their apprehension behind practiced smiles.
Abruptly, a derisive laugh echoed from a nearby section.
"So these are the outsiders Tianlan has extended an invitation to?"
The voice, amplified and clear, readily captured the attention of those present.
A company of martial artists approached from the city's main gates. Attired in pristine robes, their waists cinched with sashes holding swords, their eyes radiated an unmistakable pride. The man leading them possessed broad shoulders and a coarse smile, though his dismissive gaze towards the others made his low opinion of them abundantly clear.
He surveyed the assembled members of ChaosKnight, Olympus, and even some from the Church before letting out a contemptuous snort.
"It appears the Emperor now regards us as utterly incompetent. Enlisting individuals from beyond Tianlan to address a matter within our own domain."
One of the martial artists trailing behind him offered a sardonic chuckle.
"Perhaps they fear we'll claim all the spoils for ourselves."
Another chimed in, "Or maybe they're hoping the outsiders will be the first to meet their demise."
The atmosphere shifted palpably in an instant. Several individuals exhibited displeasure, yet no immediate action was taken. This was, after all, Tianlan territory, and these martial artists commanded considerable influence within its borders.
Gabriel observed their display with impassive calm, remaining utterly silent.
Many cultivators in the Tianlan continent harbored disdain for those who pursued different paths. In their eyes, players, knights, mages, priests, and guild fighters were merely variations of lesser systems. While some held a balanced view, a significant portion rigidly believed that martial cultivation alone was the sole legitimate route to true power. This particular group clearly adhered to the latter philosophy. ChaosCleric, having just concluded his greetings with the Holy Church alongside IceQueen, emitted a soft clicking sound. "The Longsword Guild," he stated, crossing his arms. "They rank as the second most powerful guild in Tianlan, trailing only behind the Martial Palace. While they are not without strength, they have consistently shown animosity towards any external involvement in Tianlan's affairs." The leader of the Longsword Guild, having caught wind of the conversation, turned his attention towards them. "It is a small comfort that at least one of you recognizes our name," he remarked, a smile spreading across his face. "Consequently, you should also be aware that this mission posed no requirement for outside assistance. Both Longsword and the Martial Palace possessed the capability to manage it independently." IceQueen maintained an unruffled demeanor. "Yet, the summons was extended to us." The man let out a huff. "That merely reflects the palace's prudence, not a testament to your necessity." A palpable tension began to escalate rapidly. Olympus observed the unfolding situation without intervention, while the Holy Church remained conspicuously silent. A few factions appeared to find the exchange amusing, while others seemed poised to witness the eruption of a conflict even before the mission's commencement. Gabriel lingered at the rear, showing no inclination to engage in verbal sparring with individuals whose arrogance seemed to overshadow their actual capabilities. Eventually, the Longsword leader's gaze settled upon Gabriel. As his eyes met the masked figure, they narrowed slightly. "And what about you?" he inquired. "Another veiled powerhouse?" "I had hoped for a more inconspicuous presence," Gabriel mused internally. The man's smile faltered subtly. Before he could press further, a composed voice sliced through the atmosphere of the station, uttering a single word: "Enough." An immediate hush fell over the entire vicinity. A man emerged from the main Tianlan entrance, accompanied by several members of the Martial Palace. His attire, though simple, was immaculate, and his bearing exuded a steadiness that compelled even the Longsword members to straighten involuntarily. Liang, the vice guild leader and designated successor of the Martial Palace, had made his arrival. By his side stood his consort, Evelyn. Liang's gaze briefly encompassed the assembled forces before coming to rest upon the Longsword leader.