In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities-Chapter 237 The Second Expedition

The beasts maintained a vigilant watch, their sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. They moved with precision, forming an organic shield around the Crassus, which loomed over the sky like a supreme being.

Inside the airship, Michael and Miaomiao alternated their shifts, meticulously overseeing the expedition.

Utilizing the Crassus's advanced telescopes, combined with Michael's exceptional vision, they monitored the ground below, tracking every movement with pinpoint accuracy.

They identified imperial defensive lines and minor fortifications and launched calculated, stealthy assaults when necessary.

The alliance of Michael and the warriors crushed imperial strongholds one by one, advancing steadily. However, not all fortifications were attacked. Those unaware of the aerial force's presence were ironically spared. Only those who raised alarms and caused disturbances were dealt with.

Each assault was spearheaded by a warrior and their beast, their attacks swift and devastating. The Crassus hovered above, ready to respond to any unforeseen events, resembling a divine entity surveying the land.

Michael watched Aron and Behemoth rejoin the expedition from his vantage point aboard the Crassus. A faint smile crossed his lips.

It had been five days since they'd begun their covert march deep into the Pamir Empire.

With most of the empire's champions deployed to the warfront, its defensive lines were practically deserted. Taking advantage of these gaps, the Crassus and its fleet pressed forward unimpeded.

This seamless advance was made possible by the unwavering support of Oswald, the imperial prince. The intelligence he provided ensured the expedition faced minimal resistance.

Prince Oswald stood beside Michael, his gaze fixed on the ground below. Despite his outward composure, his heart churned with guilt and apprehension.

"Was this the right choice?"

He had asked himself this question thousands of times, and as they neared Pamilian, the weight of his decision grew heavier.

A shadow of his father, the emperor, loomed in his mind, forcing him to shake his head.

He had no other choice. To survive, this was the only path.

Turning to Michael, Oswald spoke in a low voice.

"We'll soon arrive at Pamilian. I've already coordinated with the city's garrison commander."

Michael's gaze, cold and inscrutable, bore into Oswald. A chill ran down the prince's spine, his instincts screaming at him to be cautious. He continued, his voice faltering slightly.

"Um… the commander of the garrison is Chancellor Mufasa. I've sent him a letter requesting his cooperation. He, too, harbors deep resentment toward my father's actions."

Oswald swallowed hard, then forced himself to continue. "The chancellor has pledged his support. I even have his written response."

Oswald retrieved the letter and handed it to Michael with trembling hands. Michael opened it calmly, his expression unreadable as he scanned the contents. A faint, enigmatic smile curled his lips.

The letter was a scathing condemnation of the emperor's tyranny and pledged unwavering support for Oswald's claim to the throne.

But Michael wasn't fooled. He could see through Mufasa's intentions. With the empire's champions and resources stretched thin, and powerful warriors converging on the emperor, the monarch's survival was unlikely.

Even with the entire garrison mobilized, the odds of defending the city were slim.

The emperor, having forsaken morality and humanity, had lost the legitimacy to rule. The mantle of authority now fell to Oswald.

Mufasa was a shrewd man. By allying with Oswald, he sought to minimize the empire's losses and preserve its future. He likely understood the consequences of his actions—should the emperor discover his betrayal, his entire family would face annihilation.

Michael closed the letter, his suspicions confirmed. Mufasa aimed to facilitate a bloodless entry into the capital, sparing it from devastation.

This also aligned with Michael's goals. With Oswald on the throne, Michael could reclaim his promised lands.

Nodding quietly, Michael handed the letter back to Oswald, whose shoulders visibly relaxed in relief.

The prince was grateful that Michael showed no signs of displeasure. He wanted the capital intact—a symbol of continuity, not ruin. A coronation amidst rubble held no appeal.

Yet, Michael couldn't help but scoff inwardly at Oswald's naivety. The emperor wasn't the type to meekly accept defeat. Men like him, robbed of power, would sooner destroy everything than concede.

The path to the throne would be far more treacherous than Oswald anticipated.

The grand meeting hall buzzed with the murmurs of agreement. Every cardinal present nodded fervently, their faces lighting up with shared ambition.

The pontiff, Allegro III, watched them closely, a sly smile tugging at his lips. His suggestion had done exactly as intended—stirred the flames of greed and self-preservation in the hearts of his aging subordinates.

One cardinal, an elderly man with trembling hands but sharp, calculating eyes, rose from his seat. This was Cardinal Jacobo, known across the Celestial Kingdom as the "Shadow Cardinal" for his ruthless political maneuvers.

"Your Holiness," he began, his voice reverent yet firm, "declaring the emperor of the Pamir Empire a heretic is a move of divine brilliance. It is our duty to cleanse the world of such vile practices. If the emperor's supposed longevity is not blessed by the Light, then it must be eradicated."

The room echoed with murmurs of approval. Other cardinals quickly added their voices to the growing consensus.

"It is only right. We must protect the faithful from falling victim to these sacrilegious practices!"

"Indeed! The emperor's actions mock the divine order. His punishment must be swift and absolute."

Their zeal was palpable, though it stemmed less from a pious sense of duty and more from the tantalizing promise of immortality.

Allegro III raised a hand, silencing the room. His eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he spoke.

"Then it is settled. The Pamir Emperor is hereby declared a heretic. We will form a Second Expedition, an envoy of holy warriors and scholars, to investigate and eradicate this heresy."

The announcement was met with thunderous applause. Beneath the surface, however, the cardinals exchanged furtive glances, each one scheming to secure a place for themselves or their allies in the expedition.

After the meeting, Allegro III summoned Commander Vitto, the leader of the Order of Saint Ardent, to his chambers. The knightly order, known for its fervent devotion and martial prowess, was to spearhead the expedition.

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