The arena was finally silent.
Dust still hung in the air from the clash that had shaken even the holy empire's barrier but amidst that silence stood Roman Crowell… and the twelve holy paladins, now kneeling before him.
Roman stepped forward and extended his hand toward Gabriel and Ezra.
"I am truly relieved… to know that I will not face this coming storm alone."
He bowed slightly. "To fight beside warriors like you gives me strength."
Gabriel immediately bowed deeper and spoke with unwavering resolve:
"No, Warherald. The honor is ours.
From this moment
the Twelve Paladins, the pillars of Arcania, pledge our loyalty to the chosen warrior of Goddess Aria."
The paladins lowered their heads in unison.
But Roman frowned.
"Please…" he said softly, "…no titles."
"I told you all before—I'm just a nineteen-year-old noble from Clover Kingdom. I only received an extra task from the goddess. You are all older and more experienced than me. Just call me Roman. Nothing more."
Ezra blinked.
"W-Wait… you're really nineteen?!"
Roman gave a tired nod.
Ezra suddenly jumped with joy. "YES! Finally, someone my age! It's painful talking with only adults in the regiment!"
Gabriel sighed and pinched Ezra's arm.
"Compose yourself…"
The arena gate swung open.
Pope Lucius Serapheal, Archbishop Desmond Herman, and the selected priests and nuns entered with slow, awe-filled steps. The pope walked forward and placed his hand
Warhe—…Roman."
"To witness your battle today… was the greatest honor of my life. You carry the weight of divinity and mortal will alike."
Roman lowered his head, embarrassed. "Let's… just talk inside. There's a lot to plan. The battle was fun but now… reality waits."
Gabriel nodded, the paladins formed a respectful perimeter around Roman, and together with pope, archbishop, priests, and nuns they walked back into the holy office.
Everyone took their seats. Roman leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.
"First I want a clear diplomatic explanation of Arcania's total strength."
"Military power, holy reserves, diplomatic influence… everything."
"Because I intend to bring major change to the Clover Kingdom and we may need to contact foreign kingdoms directly to prepare for what is coming."
The pope exchanged looks with Archbishop Desmond and then sighed.
"You speak like a ruler, Roman…"
"Very well. You deserve the truth."
Archbishop Desmond began the briefing:
Holy Empire Strength & Capabilities (Diplomatic Report):
12 Paladin Regiments (each capable of defending a kingdom alone)
3 High Magister Towers specialized in barrier magic, spatial magic & elemental control
Holy Archives with ancient records of each kingdom's weaknesses
Four Heavenly Ranks (S-rank paladins with power equal to calamities)
Emergency Protocol Ritterfall – mass deployment across all empires if dungeon calamity reaches stage crimson
Divine Barrier System surrounding Arcania capital strongest defense in the world
Sacred Diplomatic Rights allowing direct contact with rulers without permission
Roman listened carefully eyes narrowing.
"Good. Truly strong… stronger than any kingdom alone."
He paused.
"But listen."
"The second dungeon breakout… will be bigger than the first. Much bigger. I don't know the exact reason yet but I believe this breakout is tied to the Twelve Fallen Demonic Angels."
The room turned silent.
"And one of them…" Roman said slowly,
"…is already free."
Gasps echoed across the room. Even the pope froze.
Ezra murmured, "So that's why you're trying to overthrow Duke Noah Rockson?"
"I know he is a rascal an inhuman monster"
Gabriel pinched her arm again. "Ezra."
Roman blinked in surprise. "You… knew about Operation Specter?"
The pope smiled gently.
"We only watched from afar. To be sure your intention was righteous nothing more."
Roman thought to himself quietly:
So they've been watching me all along… but they still trusted me enough to summon me here. Good.
He leaned forward.
"Then I'll be direct. I'll finish Operation Specter in Ephor Dukedom but I will need your help afterward."
"Help?" the pope asked.
Roman's eyes gleamed with calm determination.
"I will take full control of Ephor. Clean its rot. Rebuild it as part of Presia Dukedom under my father, Jacob Crowell."
"Then," Roman continued,
"I will provide you the full proof of Noah Rockson's crimes. I want you to present it directly to King Augustus Nova using Arcania's authority charging Noah as a traitor to his people."
Ezra nodded. "I have evidence from Ephor. Reports of how he saved only nobles and merchants during the dungeon breakout—while abandoning civilians."
Roman looked at the pope.
"That evidence alone can shake the throne."
Pope Lucius did not hesitate.
"We will do it."
"Noah Rockson's sins reached even our ears long ago. If you are truly aiming to reshape your kingdom…"
"Then the Holy Empire will stand by you."
Roman closed his eyes for a moment.
One step closer.
One more piece… in place.