The room crackled with tension as opposing views clashed, each student firm in their convictions.
'Yeah, right, like I can stay here without helping them. Who knows what they will do to me after all I am not the Great Hero'
"Are you not going to participate in the war? Even when your companions might face danger without you?"
The pope's fierce gaze bore into Kelly, expecting his compliance. Kelly weighed his options, aware that refusing to fight might not lead to immediate consequences due to his association with the Great Hero. However, he also recognized the importance of gathering information and gaining support in this unfamiliar world. Survival relied on understanding the situation and securing necessary resources. With a careful choice of words, Kelly responded, ensuring his commitment to participate in the war.
"No, I believe there has been a misunderstanding. I apologize for any confusion caused. Rest assured, I am fully committed to joining this war and offering my assistance."
The Pope once again wore his satisfied smile and spoke sweetly again.
"Then, please come with me I am sure the King would be very pleased to hear that."
Kelly and others once again followed after Lotario, they exited the building they were in which was the biggest church in the whole Kingdom, apparently church and Armenia Kingdom had very close ties, according to legend, it is said that the Kingdom was founded by the first Holy King. Of all the human kingdoms, it was apparently the one with the richest history. The fact that the Church's most sacred temple was near the Castle spoke volumes about how deep their connection ran.
As Kelly and others gawked at the huge church behind them, Lotario looked on proudly before urging them to move onward. They walked through a lavish yard whose both sides were filled with flora and fauna which were only imaginable in prehistoric earth noticing all of this, everyone once again became overwhelmed. Finally, they went inside that majestic castle it was made up of the same white stones as the church with even more grandiose added to.
As they made their way through the bustling castle grounds, the students couldn't help but notice the gazes of admiration and curiosity from the knights, servants, maids, and government officials they passed. It seemed that news of their arrival had spread, and the people recognized them as the chosen heroes. Kelly couldn't help but find the attention and admiration rather theatrical, as if the whole journey had been meticulously orchestrated to emphasize the role of the church on their arrival.
Kelly's sardonic smile hinted at his skepticism towards the grand display. It was clear that the priests accompanying them sought not only to showcase the heroes but also to elevate their own status in the eyes of the fervent believers. The ostentatious nature of the procession was likely intended to inspire worship and devotion towards both the heroes and the church itself. Kelly couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and wariness at the orchestrated spectacle unfolding before them.
As Kelly pondered upon the history books he had read, he couldn't help but draw parallels between their current situation and the intertwined relationship of religion and politics in their world's history. The Crusades that started around 1095 B.C., which occurred centuries ago, were a stark example of the tragedies that could unfold when religious beliefs became entangled with political agendas. Even in their modern world, conflicts arising from the mixing of religion and politics continued to plague societies, leading to civil wars and the rise of extremist groups. Considering the existence of supernatural beings and the constant threat of demons in this new world, Kelly couldn't help but wonder if it was even more twisted than their own. The reliance on faith and belief in the existence of God and the church seemed to be deeply ingrained in the people's minds, possibly to the point where the entire Kingdom revolved around the will of God or the church. The consequences of straying from their faith in this world could potentially drive people to the brink of insanity.