Why Am I a Priestess When I Reach the Maximum Level? - [Vol. 5] Chapter 285

[Vol. 5] Chapter 285: Unexpected Forces, Two Fronts

The messenger quickly departed with the orders. Although Philomena didn’t fully understand what the [Heresy Inquisition] actually was. But it sounded really cool to her.

She could guess from its repeated mention in previous critical moments that it was likely an elite force, a kind of secret weapon under the Bright Light Saintess’ command.

Since Lady Yuna was confident that the [Heresy Inquisition] could independently destroy the demon portals in the northern and western parts of the city, Philomena, who had come to greatly admire Yuna during this war, had no doubts. She instinctively glanced at Xiaoqi standing silently by her side and asked again.

“Lady Yuna, what about the demon portals on our front?”

After all, the southern battlefield was the critical front. The number of high-tier demons and portals here likely surpassed the other two sides combined.

To break through the enemy and destroy the portals would probably require fighters at the level of those two angel warriors, and even they might not escape unscathed from a counterattack. It was an incredibly dangerous mission.

Those with strength comparable to or beyond that of transcendent beings were rare, even among the Holy Empire’s forces.

As the Redemption Saintess, Philomena was not skilled in combat. If anyone in the army could accomplish such a feat…

The pink-haired girl looked toward the Bright Light Saintess, who stood gazing into the distance, her [Crownless Crown] shining above her head. Philomena opened her mouth to speak.

“Are you planning to…”

But Yuna, as if anticipating her question, smiled and shook her head.

“Lady Philomena, there’s no need for desperate measures just yet. Watch carefully, a more suitable ally is about to arrive.”

Just as she finished speaking…

A massive golden sword of light, towering even higher than the hundred-meter demon portals, suddenly rose from behind the demon lines, piercing the sky!

Drawn by that pure, powerful holy aura, the high-tier demons floating above the central army, watching for any moves from the Holy Empire’s elites, immediately turned around. Realizing what was happening, they froze for a moment, then transformed into streaks of black meteors, diving downward at full speed.

But it was too late.

A blazing white meteor, wrapped in fierce flames, descended directly in their path, colliding with the demons in mid-air. The impact sent them crashing down, kicking up waves of dust like a tidal surge.

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

Amidst the thunderous explosions, a faint, teasing laugh echoed.

“Oh~ you clumsy, armored fools. When will you ever learn?”

Then, the light sword descended, as if recreating the first dawn of battle.

“Radiant—Slash!!!”

The golden sword mark sliced precisely through each of the pitch-black portals lined up side by side, sparking waves of crackling energy.

Setting them up at the farthest rear to prevent the Holy Empire’s forces from charging recklessly had turned into a fatal vulnerability.

“Zzz… zzzzz…”

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

The massive portals, severed by the holy light sword, twisted violently before exploding one after another. Chaotic, dark energy surged unpredictably, scattering the demon guards nearby. Some, whose bodies were weaker, were torn apart instantly, perishing on the spot.

Taking advantage of this momentary breach, a cannon blast sounded, followed by the thunder of hooves and cries of battle as the knights charged from the ridges of the plains.

“Knights of the Goddess! Exterminate the demons!!!”

“Full army charge!!!”

The Holy Knights raised their holy swords and spears, surging forward through the brief gap left by the dissipating spatial turbulence, striking directly at the now-exposed, vulnerable rear lines of the demons.

Even after delivering such a powerful attack, the white-armored Miss Holy Knight showed no signs of fatigue, riding side by side with another young man clad in high-tier Holy Knight armor at the front of the force, leading the charge.

Meanwhile, two streaks of white light shot across the sky, clashing fiercely with the high-tier demons who had just shattered the meteor and were now preparing to intercept the rear troops. A fierce aerial battle unfolded in the skies above!

“This… this… Lady Yuna, how are they…?”

However, the girl known by the title “Bright Light Saintess” offered no explanation. She merely nodded and raised her hand to give another command.

“Relay to the entire army: the moment of victory has come. No need to hold back. Charge forward and crush the enemy!”

“Yes, Your Highness!!!”

Messengers ran, and the Knight Templars surged out in full force, pouring from the city they had defended for two months, with furious battle cries, like waves crashing upon the vast plains beside the galaxy. Face-to-face combat with the enemy began.

Before long, a series of fierce explosions erupted from the western and northern edges of the city, bringing a look of calm satisfaction to Yuna’s face, as if the battle’s outcome was finally secured.

She patted the still-stunned Redemption Saintess, Philomena, on the shoulder, and turned to lead the way.

“Let’s go, Lady Philomena. It’s our turn to step in and finish this.”

…………………

Sarnos Province, Eastern Primal Forest.

“Hurry, hurry, hurry! Move quickly! Don’t bring anything except truly valuable items! Space in the shelter is limited, and supplies are ready. Leave everything unnecessary behind! Everyone, move fast!”

At the entrance to the staircase leading underground, Elrand, dressed in a pale gold clergy robe, was directing large groups of unarmed civilians to evacuate, alongside several members of the [Light Worshipper Church].

This underground shelter, connected through the stairway, was excavated by the [Light Worshipper Church] in advance to prepare for extreme circumstances.

It was stocked with a large amount of essential supplies transported by caravans like Xavier’s, capable of sustaining nearly a hundred thousand people for over a month in this one location alone.

Although the [Light Worshipper Church] had temporarily agreed on a non-interference pact with the demons, they clearly weren’t relying solely on the enemy’s goodwill.

The reason why they’ve been continuously transporting supplies here with the help of the Cecilia Merchant Guild is so that, in preparation for a potential conflict with the demons., they can ensure that the non-combatant civilians under their care can remain temporarily safe and not be taken hostage.

That day would inevitably come, and Frederica had been preparing for it.

Once the Holy Empire’s main forces achieved a decisive victory on the front lines and pushed the battle eastward, the demons would undoubtedly use the people of the two provinces as shields to hold off the temple army.

Such tactics had been seen in past wars with the demons.

But neither she nor the other [Light Worshipper Church] leader had expected the shelters to become necessary this soon.

Recently, [Light Worshipper Church] spies delivered urgent intelligence.

Yesterday afternoon, the main forces of the Holy Empire, led by high-ranking members such as Bright Light Saintess Yuna Summerfield and Redemption Saintess Philomena Lambert, combined with an unexpected auxiliary force from an unknown source, crushed the demon main forces outside of Sacchino City. By the Star River, they cut down tens of thousands of enemies, ending a nearly two-month-long stalemate.

As of the latest reports, the Holy Empire’s main forces had capitalized on this victory, crossing the Star River at lightning speed and advancing directly toward the Angel City. Meanwhile, the demon main forces, suffering a major defeat, had many of their elites scattered east of the Star River for various reasons, making it difficult for them to mount an effective resistance anytime soon.

The liberation of the Angel City is all but assured. Significant breakthroughs are anticipated within the next week.