Chapter 461

Chapter 461
‘Deus Ex Machina… The divinity of mechanisms, is it?’

He must have fulfilled some hidden requirement through this conflict in the electronic realm. Granted, it was achieved via a touch of underhanded strategy, yet they had nonetheless overcome such a terrifying adversary and taken the win. Achieving victory in the first place was nearly an impossibility. He had achieved plenty of remarkable feats before now, always maintaining absolute trust in his hacking capabilities during cyber warfare. However, his current antagonist—the Doctor—had completely shattered that self-assurance. The manner in which the foe dismantled every single defensive measure and rapidly penetrated their domain was an memory that still brought a shiver to his spine.

“…Regardless, when all was said and done, I triumphed.”

It closely resembled plunging a concealed blade into an opponent in the middle of a fistfight, yet a triumph remained a triumph. After verifying multiple times that the adversary’s transmission had been entirely severed, Hesperon released a brief breath. He was unable to immediately verify the current state of the foe, but since the hex had successfully triggered, it was evident they were in a terrible condition. For the immediate future, they could be viewed as completely out of commission.

‘A stroke of luck. That aggressive tactical maneuvering, combined with breaching their dense fortifications—it exacted a heavy price. Precisely what one would expect from a hex devised by an individual who once attained the rank of Demon King. It possesses incredible potency.’

The novel containment array he had constructed for this occasion had undoubtedly provided significant assistance as well. To summarize the basic concept of Deus Ex Machina in a single phrase: It grants an immense, absolute advantage over every component originating from technological societies. Whether it involved a massive undertaking or an action as elementary as operating or navigating a spacecraft, the context was irrelevant. Hesperon recognized it by sheer intuition. Even if he were to step inside a military aircraft he had never previously encountered, he would transform into a legendary pilot instantly. Furthermore, as a matter of course, this novel capability fully integrated with Machine Eye: Kallikas, alternatively designated as ‘Habis’, which functioned in perfect unison with his being.

SYSTEM NOTIFICATION An unrecognized modification has been identified. Core capabilities have been substantially upgraded due to indeterminate factors. Analyzing parameters.

Consequent to this development, mending the internal fractures and scanning the vast digital ocean that had served as their war zone to harvest the remaining assets proceeded at a pace far quicker than anticipated. He likely would not suffer such a defenseless defeat if a rematch with the Doctor were to occur. Because all patches for his former blind spots had already been executed, he might actually engage in a balanced confrontation this time around.

‘Granting a capability of this magnitude merely for emerging victorious in a single digital clash?’

Hesperon tilted his chin, his countenance filled with puzzlement. When an Awakened obtained novel capabilities, it demanded an equivalent amount of karma. The most ordinary path involved gathering it through ceaseless practice. Alternatively, one had to satisfy highly specific criteria to capture intertwined destinies…

“…Ah, it matters little. It is hardly a disadvantage for me.”

He gave a slight roll of his shoulders. At this very moment, alternative obligations demanded his immediate focus.

“Ha! Just as I suspected. You have been immensely occupied.”

Hesperon smiled confidently while examining the neatly categorized intelligence retrieved from Habis. Naturally, it failed to encompass the entirety of the situation. In an environment overflowing with a myriad of mystical talents, numerous paths existed to share intelligence. Yet, just as every approach possessed benefits and drawbacks, contemporary civilization found the massive utility of network structures to be entirely vital. The Doctor’s absolute certainty regarding his flawless encryption had likely arisen from that reality as well.

“The distinction between possessing a scent and having none is as vast as the heavens. Even the slightest hint permits you to track and seize the target with ease.” His expression shifted uncomfortably upon reviewing a specific dataset.

“Ha, I truly failed to anticipate this.”

Hesperon shut his eyelids tightly, then released a heavy breath as they parted. He dispatched a directive to every one of his intelligence operatives who were still diligently compiling records.

‘…It appears validation will be required.’

With the trajectory of the inquiry now firmly established—in stark contrast to before—the process should wrap up swiftly. Nonetheless, a single fact remained indisputable.

‘If this data proves accurate…’

It possessed the potential to shatter the Reverse Heaven Society’s operations inside the Pantheon entirely in a single moment.

◇◇◇◇◇◇

A short while ago, a chaotic disturbance had disrupted the location, yet the council between the leadership of the Pantheon and Heinrich transpirated in absolute stillness.

“Greetings, brother. We express our sincere regrets regarding the prior incident.”

“The Quilladia Church has perpetually proven to be… somewhat troublesome. Speaking for the Pantheon, we offer our concessions once more.”

Setting aside public scrutiny, they had committed an act of discourtesy toward an invited party initially, and the Pantheon wished to avoid drawing further observation. Even so, the commotion had transpired, meaning the dignitaries present at this conclave maintained a perspective distinct from their previous attitude. As evidence of this, nine committee members had gathered to receive Heinrich—practically the entire assembly. When taking into account that one of the twelve leadership positions remained unfilled, a mere pair of individuals were missing. For an international sacred coalition, their high officials were incredibly overextended. Claiming that every individual capable of attending had arrived was by no means a hyperbole.

‘It seems the chaos I triggered upon my arrival generated quite an impression. I was informed that under normal circumstances, you would encounter three at the absolute most.’

Heinrich locked eyes with each person clad in distinct liturgical garments sequentially, offering a gentle smile.

“I offer my gratitude for this gracious reception, despite the unnecessary commotion I generated.”

Mirroring their roles as sacred overseers, every individual overflowed with an astronomical degree of holy power. Achieving that tier on Earth signified an incomparably grander position within their native domains. The majority of exalted clerics who achieved awakening chose to remain here rather than journeying back, meaning these individuals represented the very apex of Earth’s priesthood. Preserving that sacred energy after transitioning verified the depth of their piety.

‘Well, it is of no consequence. The most potent entity in this chamber remains myself, without a shadow of doubt.’

An incontrovertible reality.

“Good heavens, truly magnificent. Such profound devotion…”

“Precisely what one expects from a saint. Entirely justified.”

Their dialogue commenced with reciprocal commendations and formal pleasantries. The initial summons had been extended to integrate him into the ranks of the Pantheon following his unprecedented display of sacred energy. Earth’s grandest sacred confederation required such a figure to maintain its prestige. Now that his status as a being from another world had been laid bare, the circumstances had evolved. Nevertheless, they were all travelers of the faithful path. Interacting with an acclaimed saint was entirely expected.

“Oh, as a side note.”

Yet, the harmonious atmosphere proved fleeting. The presiding officer, distinguished by his dense mustache and prominent facial hair, caused his features to stiffen. The surrounding figures banished their expressions of warmth, fixing their gaze upon Heinrich.

“Of late, we have identified highly questionable activities operating within the Pantheon.”

Their intense, unblinking gazes met his. Heinrich comprehended precisely what was unfolding.

‘Ah, a nuisance. They detected the signs after all.’

It would be far more astonishing if they had remained oblivious. The clerics of Auterica whom he had consulted privately had been investigative and probing relentlessly immediately afterward. Furthermore, he had battered a sacred combatant from a rival denomination so severely they required hospitalization upon his entry.

“You might be oblivious to this, but we are exceptionally protective regarding regional boundaries. The sovereignty of every individual church necessitates this stance.”

“When accommodating varied doctrines beneath a unified canopy, internal regulations are not overly restrictive. However, breaching those sacred boundaries… we react with absolute severity.”

That explained the reason the Quilladia Church, utterly degraded by the thrashing of their champion, maintained their silence and submitted. They went so far as to offer preemptive concessions despite the injury to their collective honor.

“By sheer happenstance, we identified an external source monitoring the Pantheon around that identical period.”

“An immense operation as well. Casting observational magic upon a consecrated sanctuary of this nature is no simple feat. It strongly implies an internal accomplice facilitated the access.”

Irrespective of their domestic friction, the Pantheon stood as Earth’s premier sacred confederation. It was not an entity to be undervalued.

“Evaluating the parameters, it is substantial. Actions were executed concurrently across Europe, Southeast Asia, and East Asia.”

A highly recognizable title surfaced throughout their quiet dialogue. He had assumed they remained blind to it due to a lack of response, but in reality, they had harbored doubts early on and maintained silence to execute a more profound scrutiny.

“They investigated to that depth? Annoying, their avarice got the better of them in the end.”

Reflecting on it, proceeding forward despite the risk of detection was hazardous. Yet, he harbored no remorse. Owing to that rapid execution, he had seized the indicators of the Reverse Heaven Society before they could sever their connections.

“Every one of these developments occurring simultaneously might be interpreted as mere happenstance. Yet, we are compelled to harbor doubts.”

“These are highly volatile periods. A vacant leadership position, alongside questionable activities tied to Pandemonium.”

The nine dignitaries had not assembled merely for casual banter. Their primary objective was to interrogate him regarding external meddling.

“Therefore, we demand an answer.”

As the piercing-eyed presiding officer resumed his speech, the entire gathering directed their oppressive focus onto Heinrich.

“Exalted of Auterica, Heinrich Saint Landgard. You stand compromised by allegations of conspiring with outside factions, commanding your priesthood to extract secrets from the Pantheon. Do you confess to these actions?”

The gathering instantly shifted from a conference to a tribunal. A stifling weight saturated the atmosphere without delay. An energy entirely decoupled from sacred power.

‘A unique skill.’

He recognized it through pure reflex. This environment constituted the legendary ‘Chamber of Truth.’ Superimposed regulations mandated absolute honesty—fabrications were rendered impossible.

‘I possess the capacity to bypass it should I choose…’

However, the individual maintaining the spell would detect the disruption instantly. He no longer occupied the status of a mere visitor. Caught under a cloud of doubt, open resistance represented the poorest tactical choice. They had fortified the parameters of the entire hall as well, taking precautions against his might. Relying on unadulterated facts to neutralize the allegations was the optimal path. The organization known as Masquerade belonged entirely to him. There existed no requirement for outside conspiracy.

“I have not delivered domestic intelligence to any external entity.”

His operatives merely executed his direct mandates; every piece of harvested data terminated with him. It was never “delivered.”

“Nonetheless, it is accurate that I instructed my disciples to perform an inquiry into the Pantheon.”

He refrained from dismissing the entirety of the claim. Hiding what was readily apparent served no purpose. Naturally, those “disciples” encompassed the entirety of Masquerade alongside the priests of Auterica—though the council remained ignorant of that detail.

“…For what purpose?”

The absolute parameters of honesty held sway. The presiding officer probed with caution, unable to mask his confusion at this unexpected development. The target had verified the inquiry—now to extract the motive…

“To speak without evasion. I identified questionable anomalies, initiated an instantaneous scrutiny, and verified that my anxieties were entirely grounded in reality.”

“What did you uncover precisely?”

“High-ranking infiltrators within the Pantheon, placed there by Pandemonium.”

“What?!”

“Good heavens!”

Pandemonium. The confederation of “worshippers of malevolent deities” whom even the highly tolerant Pantheon excluded due to their radical doctrines. Established to combat the Pantheon from its inception, they functioned as perennial mortal adversaries. Their sects lacked unified structure to an even greater degree—marred by ceaseless internal warfare. They were essentially a disorganized alliance. Yet, their campaigns of “heresy eradication” focusing on Pantheon ministers had resulted in staggering body counts.

“Worshippers of malevolent deities?” How many allies had they stripped away? The currently unoccupied premier position, once held by Adellein Schneider, was a target of suspicion as well. There was no scenario where the Pantheon would disregard such an assertion. Particularly when delivered inside this honesty-enforcing hall via a verified active capability!

“Furthermore.”

Yet, Heinrich refused to yield the floor.

“This represents a premier opening.”

A sudden rush of air vibrated through the chamber—

An ethereal, magnificent morning light unfurled into shimmering wings from his form. A platinum radiance erupted with immense intensity, a celestial ring shimmering with profound serenity directly behind his head.

“The machinations of an additional syndicate operating behind their facade has been verified.”

The divine, reality-bending aura emanating from his person paralyzed every cleric in attendance. Their spirits overflowed with unadulterated reverence. Allegiance to separate deities? It was completely meaningless in this moment.

“The Reverse Heaven Society.”

The supreme “adversary of all creation” whom he had delivered declarations about previously.

“They brought Pandemonium into existence—they are the authentic architects responsible for an immeasurable toll of casualties.”