I Got a Gallery in the Wild - Chapter 668

As the Demonic Cult grandly announced the hosting of the Martial Arts Tournament, the attention of the entire world was drawn to it.

With so much attention focused on it, the most important thing was the date of the event.

Only by knowing when it would be held could each nation prepare thoroughly.

A Martial Arts Tournament where the eligible participants were not limited to people of the Central Plains, but targeted people from all over the world.

It was something that could not even be dreamed of with ordinary national power, but it was possible because of the Heavenly Demon Cult, whose administrative power had recently begun to rise remarkably.

However, since it targeted the entire world, attendance itself was difficult unless one possessed a decent reputation.

Because of the perception that only the strong could survive, it was a structure where the riffraff naturally weeded themselves out.

Furthermore, due to the martial prowess the Heavenly Demon had recently displayed in succession, many people aimed to spectate rather than participate.

With so many people participating and showing interest, the most important thing was the timing.

No matter how much promotion was done, if the scheduled date was too far away, interest would cool down, and conversely, if it was too close, preparations would be sloppy.

This was not the only part the Heavenly Demon Cult had to coordinate well.

Given the current state of affairs, it had become a tournament heavily laden with political elements rather than simply determining the superiority of the strong, so they had to time it perfectly.

Around the time when so many people’s attention was focused, the Heavenly Demon Cult made a new announcement.

Title) Breaking News! The Heavenly God Martial Festival schedule is out!

(Roughly an official document of the Heavenly God Martial Festival)

The schedule is 50 days from now!

But the preliminaries are a bit unusual. Splitting a huge rock is basic, so let’s skip that, but there’s a wild card match.

The problem is that the wild card match is surviving in the forest they manage;;

They gather all the dropouts, and if they survive, they send them to the next preliminary round. That’s so like the Demonic Cult.

ㄴ What if a master drops out on porpose?

ㄴ *purpose.

ㄴ I do wonder, why bother? It puts them at a physical disadvantage, so is there any reason to do that?

ㄴ It’s a fucking Demonic Cult-like method, but is this really okay? People will criticize it as barbaric.

ㄴ It’s a tournament. And it’s something the Demonic Cult frequently did when holding tournaments among themselves, so it’s safe.

ㄴ And from what I see, the Martial Arts Tournament is just a facade, and the real deal is who participates.

ㄴ Yeah, which VIPs attend is the most important.

ㄴ Isn’t a powerhouse like Ash participating?

ㄴ Why would she participate? She has nothing to gain even if she wins lol

ㄴ She might attend as a VIP, but probably not as a contestant. The Martial Arts Tournament itself is mostly participated in by those in the Peak Realm to early Transcendent Realm.

ㄴ Usually, those in the late Peak Realm already have titles.

It was a much faster schedule than anyone had expected.

Normally, even just organizing the list of participants in a Martial Arts Tournament takes a considerable amount of time.

Despite that, setting the schedule like this meant one of two things.

’Either the Martial Arts Tournament is a facade and a political tool is the goal, or they are just that confident in their administrative power.’

Asella made that judgment after receiving the schedule for the Heavenly God Martial Festival.

Since it was still news from the Gallery, she would receive the detailed schedule later, but her mind was already spinning fast.

’Normally, things like this should be prepared on a yearly basis. Just organizing the participant list would take half a year.’

Not only in the Central Plains, but other countries also frequently host events similar to Martial Arts Tournaments.

Since ancient times, when humanity felt bored, they were bound to seek entertainment. It wasn’t for nothing that the Demon Race created sports.

The Martial Arts Tournament could also be seen as a kind of sport, and isn’t it a topic that gets talked about a lot in the neighboring country of Mephisto?

The faction that wanted fights filled with blood and flesh rather than spars bound by various rules, versus the faction that argued the age of barbarism had passed and they should spar.

Though the past might have been different, currently the weight was shifting toward the latter, and sports-ification was likewise underway.

In fact, since the Martial Arts Tournament itself was a deep-rooted tradition, it was also actively held in Mephisto.

’Even Mephisto, with all its accumulated know-how, struggles to host them, so can the Demonic Cult really do well?’

It was a reasonable doubt. If they ran it terribly, they might only end up seeing blood.

Well, according to the information, the hosting itself shouldn’t be a problem. They had hosted it among themselves quite a few times, so they must have accumulated their own know-how.

’What we need to think about now is whether the Holy Kingdom will participate or not.’

The most important thing was whether to participate. For the Holy Kingdom, it was an event with many things to consider.

Since the Heavenly Demon Cult was a heresy, it was a target that the Holy Kingdom must overthrow. But the problem was their legitimacy.

The history of the Heavenly Demon Cult was terrifyingly long. It was established at the same time the Central Plains was unified.

Normally, heresies naturally dissolve when their leader dies, but the Heavenly Demon Cult was not like that.

Historically, the beings known as the ’Heavenly Demon’ possessed immense martial power, and based on this, they fulfilled the role of the cult leader.

Because of this, there were many times when the Demonic Cult rose up and swallowed the martial world. Of course, they were blocked by the Imperial Court every single time.

The problem was that currently, the Imperial Court had become so stagnant and corrupt that it couldn’t fulfill its role.

Furthermore, the Demonic Cult had steadily built up its own justification and, most importantly, won over the public sentiment.

’Besides, the Central Plains is not a place with deep religious devotion compared to other countries.’

This was also a characteristic and culture of the Central Plains. The power of the religious sector was weak.

This was because the Imperial Court, knowingly or unknowingly, kept the religious sector in check to protect its own authority.

Folk religions were kept in check even more thoroughly, an example of which was the crushing of the faith that revered the Three-Legged Crow.

The Holy Kingdom, noticing this, protested to the Central Plains, but it fell on deaf ears. As mentioned earlier, it was a check, not outright oppression.

While the faiths of Aris and Aragon were recognized, their influence was not very strong.

Above all, other faiths like Buddhism or Taoism were already established, making it difficult to squeeze in.

’Recently, it has become known that Buddhism and Taoism are faiths passed down from the Age of Gods.’

Grylls didn’t always do things that helped the Holy Kingdom. Sometimes, he threw them a curveball like this.Get faster updates on no⁠velping.com.

Did she resent him for that? Not at all. Rather, she thought of it the other way around.

What is the most important thing in religion? It is faith and belief itself.

They simply believed in and followed something different, but weren’t they following their own faith?

It was regrettable as a ’state’, but as a ’clergy’, it was as good as it could get, so she let it go with a glad heart.

’But now is the time to fulfill our role as a state, not as clergy.’

For various reasons, participating in the Heavenly God Martial Festival was bound to be a matter of great concern.

Deciding this alone was impossible; she would have to discuss and decide with other responsible figures.

So Asella summoned all the key figures to resolve this agenda.

Since quite some time had passed since the Vatican was overhauled, new faces were now seated.

Since this included Ludwig, who had recently completed his return, balancing the opinions was not difficult.

"What do you all think?"

"I am against it."

A middle-aged man wearing a pure white priestly robe spoke.

He was a clergyman who had been demoted due to the Vatican’s schemes but was recently reinstated as a Cardinal of the Holy Kingdom.

A figure who, fitting his upright appearance, always spoke only what was right.

Therefore, his opposition was expected. Asella nodded and asked for his reason.

"Cardinal Martin-nim, why do you oppose it?"

"Because if the Holy Kingdom participates, it would only serve to grant them unnecessary legitimacy."

At those words, not only Asella but also the others nodded.

If it were an ordinarily strong nation, it might be different, but Avalon was a nation that had recently displayed countless miracles.

With its prestige rising day by day, it was as clear as day what would happen if they participated in the Martial Arts Tournament.

"Even though there is almost no exchange between the Holy Kingdom and the Central Plains Imperial Court, that is precisely why we must maintain strict neutrality."

"I think so too. In the current situation, we cannot take anyone’s side."

Following Cardinal Martin, Ludwig’s opposition followed. They also knew.

That if the Holy Kingdom participated in this matter, other countries would also look upon them with unfavorable eyes.

Isn’t it said that if you just stay still, you’ll at least go halfway? Now was exactly that time.

"But we cannot just stay still either. I think participating as an individual, not as a nation, would be fine."

"An individual, not a nation..."

"Because we must gather information."

Participating as an individual rather than a representative. This much was acceptable.

Hearing that, Asella pondered whom to send. First of all, it was difficult to send someone holding an important post.

Sending a message that they were keeping an eye on the Demonic Cult’s movements would be enough. It started with selecting a suitable person for this.

’Neither I nor Teacher Ludwig can go. After all, we are directly or indirectly linked to Grylls-nim...’

Both of them were busy performing their public duties, and their status was too high, which could cause many issues.

To avoid falling into the Demonic Cult’s tricks, they had to twist their bodies in every way possible.

’I don’t know who came up with this plan, but they’re really giving me a headache.’

While various situations were helping the Demonic Cult, the person who led them this far was also no pushover.

She heard that even the Mercedes Ducal House of the Messiah Empire was forced to pay attention.

Asella, lost in deep thought. She closed her eyes and agonized, when suddenly, a brilliant idea came to mind.

Though close to a gamble, it was a means to throw a wrench into the Demonic Cult’s entire plan.

"My participation..."

"Absolutely not. As I said earlier, doing so would only serve to grant legitimacy to the Demonic Cult."

"What if we think of it the other way around?"

Cardinal Martin wore a puzzled expression. Thinking of it the other way around, what did that mean?

Ludwig was no different, staring intently at her. At this, Asella voiced her opinion.

"The Demonic Cult must have also assumed that I wouldn’t attend. This is certain."

"Indeed. Because they would have judged that there is nothing good in it for the Holy Kingdom."

"Even if we don’t participate, there’s nothing good in it for us. But then, we won’t even be able to take measures to keep the Demonic Cult from running wild."

Simply put, it was throwing a wrench in the works. Blocking something that was going well.

"As you all know, the influence of our Holy Kingdom in the Central Plains is incredibly small. To be precise, the influence of the Order of Aris is weak. Because other religions like Buddhism or Taoism are deeply engraved there. And the Imperial Court’s checks make it difficult too."

"Yes, that’s true."

"So even if we attend, outsiders might care, but the people of the Central Plains are highly likely to be indifferent. They will treat us as a religion of a distant land."

The Gallery might be different, but in reality, the vast majority of interactions are among people of their own country.

And the Demonic Cult must capture the public sentiment—that is, the hearts of the Central Plains people.

"I will go to proselytize."

"...Pardon?"

At Asella’s declaration, both Martin and Ludwig widened their eyes.

Going to proselytize in enemy territory. What did this mean?

To anyone listening, it sounded no different from going to commit suicide, so they couldn’t help but be even more shocked.

"P-proselytizing in the land of heretics? It is too dangerous!"

"Indeed. It might be different elsewhere, but in the land of the Demonic Cult, it is a dangerous act."

"If I were going alone, that would be true."

As if she had expected these words, Asella spoke with a broad smile.Visit novelpi​ng.com for the full chapter.

"But with people from other countries coming as well, can they easily reject me? Especially after witnessing the miracle of Christmas?"

"...."

"...."

At Asella’s point, the two had no choice but to remain silent. Her words made a certain amount of sense.

If she went alone, it would be a highly dangerous gamble, but this Martial Arts Tournament was different.

Normally, it would be a life-threatening gamble, but in a situation where countless eyes were watching from all directions, could this really be called a gamble?

It was no different from a normally well-laid board with a very high probability of success.

The other side was merely bluffing that they hid a better hand.

As silent agreement followed, Asella spoke with a smile.

"I will take it that the Holy Kingdom is participating."

Although on the surface, it seemed like a highly sophisticated move,

’At the same time, I’m also curious about the Heavenly Demon’s face. If she’s really pretty like on the Gallery, or if it’s simply because the angle was good.’

Asella’s personal feelings were also fully mixed in.

’I must check how well she grew that flower.’

The giants began to gather in one place.

The Holy Kingdom of Avalon announced its intention to participate in the Heavenly God Martial Festival.

With just this single piece of news, the world was startled, and other nations also began to chime in one by one.

From the perspective of the Heavenly Demon Cult, the reaction was that it couldn’t be better, but the reality inside was different.

"Dammit... I never expected the Hero to attend."

That was none other than the Demonic Brain, Wi Seol-ak. He frowned, feeling his plan go awry.

According to his calculations, the Hero should have been absent. It was a tournament with absolutely nothing good in it for the Holy Kingdom.

But what was this? For whatever reason, the Holy Kingdom was the very first to express its intention to participate.

They even made it clear that the Hero herself would go, rather than someone holding a key post.

Naturally, from Wi Seol-ak’s perspective, this felt like a bolt from the blue. Especially since the Holy Kingdom’s prestige had been rising lately.

’If only there hadn’t been the miracle of Christmas...’

Furthermore, with the miracle of Christmas overlapping, quite a few demonic cultists had developed an interest in the Order of Aris.

Their intention to squeeze through a very tiny crack was clearly revealed. Therefore, he had no choice but to agonize.

If the Holy Kingdom made up its mind to proselytize, from the Cult’s perspective, it would be no different from harboring poison.

Yet, rejecting them would cause many issues in its own right.

’As expected, was drawing in even the Holy Kingdom too much?’

It was when Wi Seol-ak was regretting that choice.

As was always the case, he was summoned by the Heavenly Demon, Yoo So-wol, and headed to the audience chamber.

At first, he thought he would hear a question about what she thought of the Holy Kingdom’s participation, but...

"Demonic Brain. I have summoned you because I require your wisdom."

"Speak, O Heaven."

"What do you think of this lady uniting with another heaven?"

"...?"

At the sudden question, his thoughts momentarily ground to a halt.

But as if he hadn’t misheard, Yoo So-wol’s words continued.

There was a strangely embarrassed air about her, but Wi Seol-ak didn’t notice.

"Recently, there are those who treat someone other than this lady as the god of heaven."

"Ah... Are you speaking of that man in the Forest of the Four Seasons?"

"Indeed."

The question of ’Why that man?’ arose for a brief moment.

"There cannot exist two heavens in the world at the same time. Thus, is there no way to become one with that heaven?"

"The simplest way would be to eliminate that heaven, but..."

At that suggestion, Yoo So-wol opposed it, narrowing her fine brow in displeasure.

"Those who follow that heaven will raise a great backlash. This lady can embrace them all, but the subjects this lady has harbored would suffer greatly."

"Could it be that what Heaven wants is..."

"This lady wishes for all subjects to gaze upon the same heaven."

No matter how dense Wi Seol-ak was, he immediately realized what she meant.

At the same time, he recalled the reaction Yoo So-wol usually showed whenever she mentioned Grylls.

Strangely acting embarrassed while pretending to be stern, what should he call it...

As that thought flashed through his mind, Wi Seol-ak realized.

’...This is it!’

He thought.

And also,

’You bastard of a Heavenly Demon! Seeing you browse the Gallery, I knew you had human feelings! You do have your uses!’

That the man named Grylls had finally made one person normal.

’I must make sure that man marks his territory! No, he probably already marked it long ago. I must make him mark it officially!’

The Holy Kingdom wasn’t the only one aiming to kill two birds with one stone.