King
Chapter 1244 - 1244 213 The End of an Era

1244: Chapter 213: The End of an Era 1244: Chapter 213: The End of an Era The negotiations among the Five Nations Alliance ended swiftly; the four countries, already dissatisfied with the Clergy, found no reason to refuse after witnessing the sincerity of the Alpha Kingdom.

With the Alpha Kingdom at the forefront, the Northern Church was established, marking the Dawn Church’s entry into an era where three powers stood in delicate balance.

As the contributor of the Divine Artifact, Hudson naturally became a Holy Knight of the Northern Church.

Theoretically, there should also be a sacred order of Holy Knights; unfortunately, the loosely organized Northern Church lacked sufficient resources and was unable to form its own army.

After completing the organizational restructuring, the five Ultra Chiefs were busy seizing the Clergy’s “business,” as if they were gearing up for major action.

Perhaps in the future, they will form their own Guardian Knights, but that had little to do with Hudson.

The title of “Holy Knight,” while impressive to flaunt, was in essence an empty honor.

However, for the newly established Koslow Clan, what they lacked most now was precisely this kind of nominal prestige.

If their ancestors weren’t formidable enough, then they had to make a name for themselves.

Upon receiving this good news, aside from the indifferent Hudson, the entire Koslow Clan was abuzz with excitement.

They all started planning grand celebrations; even with Hudson’s attempts to intervene, he couldn’t suppress everyone’s enthusiasm.

Holy Knight Hudson brought the greatest benefit to the Koslow Clan: the ability to precede their family name with “Holy.”

On the Continent of Aslante, any clan that could add “Holy” before its family name was extraordinary.

Previously in the Alpha Kingdom, only The Royal Family enjoyed such a privilege.

This was mainly due to their leadership in defending against Orc invasions and preserving the faith of the Lord of the Dawn.

It was secured through good relations with the Clergy and diligent efforts by several generations of the royal family.

As interests clashed later, the bonds between the two broke, and no other family in the Alpha Kingdom ever received such treatment again.

Were it not for the undeniable merits of The Royal Family, and the Church’s desire to erase it, the Clergy would have already revoked it.

In contrast, the worth of Hudson as a Holy Knight was much diluted.

Beyond internal recognition within the Alliance, it held little weight elsewhere.

It didn’t matter if it was somewhat inflated; the Koslow Clan just needed to be recognized locally and didn’t need the entire continent’s acknowledgment.

…

Mount of Light seemed much older than before.

First, the loss of the Inherited Artifacts was definitively confirmed, then came the disastrous news of the Five Nations Alliance establishing a separate Clergy.

Under such successive blows, even the Sanctuary Powerhouses could not withstand.

During his papacy, the Dawn Church split into three, a stain in history that would be used as a negative example indefinitely.

The Frank Church alone, Shelter VII could still struggle, perhaps one day if something caused the Frank Kingdom to fall, the Clergy could reunite.

But after the establishment of the Church by the Five Nations Alliance, everything changed.

The Northern Continental Church, possessing the Inherited Artifacts, would not simply return if the kingdom fell; it was founded on legal principles that could endure perpetually.

“No turning back!”

These four characters filled his mind, and Shelter VII shut himself in his room for a full three days to recover from his discomfiture.

“Your Majesty, we should initiate a strategic retreat.”

Archbishop Soren spoke in a low tone.

Knowing how distressed his leader was, yet still having to suggest this, it was a last resort.

With the Five Nations Alliance establishing a separate entity led by the Alpha Kingdom, the Clergy’s influence on the Northern and Central Continents faced tough suppression by national governments.

Not only were many of their assets seized, but also numerous Clergy members were discredited, leaving the Church in chaos.

The Five Nations Alliance clearly aimed to devour the Church’s legacy; any further delay would only increase their losses.

“Do you mean to withdraw our branches from all across the regions, and give up on all assets within the Five Nations Alliance territory?”

Shelter VII asked coldly.

The last time he had been ruthlessly exploited was with the establishment of the Frank Church.

Due to conflicts of interest, there was a ferocious covert clash between the Clergy and the Frank Kingdom.

The number of Eighth-order Strongman that fell from the Church alone reached over a dozen.

Of course, the Frank Kingdom didn’t fare much better, and finally, both sides secretly reached an agreement, resulting in the Church completely withdrawing from the Frank Kingdom.

This time was different; although the Five Nations Alliance had made a move, they had done so within the rules.

Exposing secrets and seizing Church assets were actions taken after securing evidence.

Most crucially, there was no bloodshed!

By showing this restraint, the Church’s potential retaliation was not as forceful.

After all, the Church was still licking its wounds from the last covert war with the Frank Kingdom.

In the last hundred years, other than the naval expedition to the Misty Marine Region, the sub rosa conflict with the Frank Kingdom accounted for some of the heaviest losses.

Already at a disadvantage in international competition, a conflict with the Five Nations Alliance would entail even greater losses.

The combat that took place on the great plains was no secret to the Church.

Perhaps the Alliance alone was not a match for the Church, but united, the situation changed dramatically.

Due to geopolitical factors, unless they aligned with Different Races, it would be difficult for the Church to find allies against the Five Nations Alliance.

Covert collusion was already at its limits.

Openly joining forces with Different Races would surpass what the Church could tolerate.

Despite the Church’s decay, there were still many within it filled with fervor.

A betrayal of the Human Race could well spark a civil war.