Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 2236: Union of nations

"I’m sure that you all know why we have gathered here."

A somber atmosphere filled the room as the one presiding over the meeting spoke these words.

It was understood by everyone seated at the table why they were convened, seeing as this was not a gathering one could attend without possessing the requisite qualifications.

Furthermore, the criteria for joining this assembly were exceedingly stringent.

They represented the current leadership of this world.

Each individual present was the head of their respective nation, figures typically far too occupied to convene for a meeting of this nature.

Were it not for the extreme urgency of the situation, they would never have found themselves in the same room together.

Their very presence was a testament to the gravity with which they regarded the circumstances.

However, it was indeed challenging to maintain composure when the very end of the world had been foretold.

"What was that thing?"

No response was offered to this inquiry.

After all, not a single soul present could provide an answer, as the subject of their discussion was utterly unprecedented, defying comprehension.

Yet, they recognized the imperative to devise a solution.

That amorphous black substance had consumed everything it had touched.

With its relentless expansion, it seemed poised to engulf the entire world if left unchecked.

The only entity capable of halting its advance was...

Upon this unspoken question, all eyes turned toward the pope, seated unobtrusively amongst them.

Typically, the head of a religious order would not be privy to such high-level discussions, but on this occasion, their inclusion was deemed essential.

Holy magic, bestowed upon the church's adherents, was the sole countermeasure effective against the encroaching darkness. Therefore, they were the only ones equipped to confront this threat.

Acknowledging the collective gaze, the pope simply shook his head. "I have received no divine revelation concerning this matter," he stated.

Their expressions darkened considerably upon hearing his words.

The only entity possessing insight into this crisis was the deity revered by the church, the very one who had issued the forewarning and granted the means to resist it.

Thus, if answers were to be had, they would need to be sought directly from this divine being.

But who among them possessed the ability to petition a god?

"I shall endeavor to pray and ascertain if our God deems us worthy of receiving guidance," the pope declared.

A wave of skepticism swept through the room; the assembled leaders doubted that a mere prayer would suffice. However, their skepticism was soon proven unfounded.

"The force you confront is a scourge upon this world, bent on its annihilation. If it is not halted, it will continue its devastation until the world itself crumbles."

The instant this voice resonated, every individual within the room was struck with profound shock.

Indeed, even the pope appeared taken aback by the disembodied utterance.

Yet, it was the pope who regained his composure first, offering a respectful greeting: "Your Eminence, we are honored by your presence."

Prompted by his address, the others in the chamber also snapped back to awareness.

Nevertheless, their countenances betrayed a reluctance to fully accept this divine intervention.

It was entirely understandable, given the prophecy of a desperate struggle for survival that had just been revealed. Moreover, the only means of combating the enemy involved harnessing the power of this very deity.

For these national leaders, considerations of cost and benefit were paramount.

They weighed the potential advantages for their people and the preservation of their own standing.

It was undeniable that such circumstances would place them in a significantly disadvantaged position.

"Heroes shall emerge in times of crisis and lead the people to victory. Seek them out and lend them your aid in the fight against the enemy."

Upon hearing this, every leader present could not help but furrow their brows once more.

A flurry of questions arose as their senses returned, yet no answers seemed forthcoming. The voice that had echoed in their minds remained silent to their queries.

Consequently, all attention in the room naturally shifted back to the pope.

This time, however, the pope was prepared.

With such a divine patron, how could he possibly falter before these worldly dignitaries?

"His Eminence has delivered the prophecy; is there any further need?" he inquired.

The leaders, though clearly displeased, recognized their powerlessness. They were confronting a deity, after all. Could they possibly influence a being they could not even perceive?

At the very least, it appeared this divine entity was not opposed to the inhabitants of their world.

It seemed to be a benevolent deity, one that held concern for the people of this realm.