Don't Want to Be Ordinary Even Though I'm an Extra Character-Chapter 128: [127] Next Action (5)

After receiving orders to arrive right after dinner, several individuals made their way to Arkan’s office in Grey Castle. There, Florence had already prepared light refreshments, knowing that this meeting would likely last long and require a calm atmosphere.

In the castle corridors, Elara and Faustus crossed paths at the same time. And as expected, the usual exchange between the stubborn professor and his rebellious student began once again. Their relationship had always been like that of a cat and a mouse—never truly getting along, yet oddly complementary in Arkan’s eyes.

"Tch, why do I have to run into you again?" Faustus grumbled, glancing at Elara with an irritated look. "Haven’t you already caused enough headaches for the alchemy faculty? Now you’re here to disrupt my work too?"

Elara scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Hah? If anything, I should be the one saying that! You’re like an old rock—stubborn and stuck with outdated methods!"

"Outdated, you say?" Faustus narrowed his eyes, feeling his pride as an academic being challenged. "I’m a scientist, not some street magician who experiments without a foundation! Don’t equate serious research with superstition."

Elara rolled her eyes and waved her hand dismissively. "Ugh, just hearing this gives me déjà vu. I’ve debated with you enough at the academy, and now I have to listen to your ramblings again? Ugh... Let’s just focus on why we were summoned," she said before turning with curiosity. "Do you have any idea why Lord Arkan called both of us? Don’t tell me this is about a new field of study!?"

Faustus sighed, quickening his pace to match Elara’s enthusiasm. "I have no idea. But he mentioned something about our status as citizens of the Northern Empire. I don’t know what he meant by that, but I doubt this is just another research project."

Elara raised an eyebrow and adjusted her steps to match Faustus. "Hmm... that could mean something significant. Maybe there’s political involvement?" she murmured, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Or could it be that he wants us to create something related to military strategy?"

Faustus glanced at Elara briefly before shaking his head. "I don’t like making baseless speculations, but if this really involves technology and politics, then it’s likely Arkan wants us to develop something beyond just an ordinary alchemy project," he said, letting out a deep sigh. "Haah... I just hope this doesn’t end up turning us into targets of the Church again."

Elara chuckled, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she looked at Faustus. "Hey, wouldn’t that make things more thrilling? Imagine us being hunted by fanatics just because we’re trying to uncover the world’s truths! Like a classic adventure story!" she said with enthusiasm.

Faustus shot her a sharp look and scoffed. "Hmph, you read too many adventure novels. The real world isn’t that simple, kid."

Finally, they arrived at the meeting room’s entrance, where Florence was already waiting with a patient gaze. Calmly, she pushed the door open, gesturing for Elara and Faustus to step inside.

As they entered, Elara’s eyes were immediately drawn to a stranger sitting in one of the chairs. Dressed in a simple robe adorned with a religious emblem on his chest, the man exuded a calm presence yet carried an aura that was difficult to ignore.

Even Faustus, who typically paid little attention to newcomers, frowned as he noticed the unfamiliar figure. "And who is this?" he asked, crossing his arms as he glanced at Arkan with a scrutinizing gaze.

Arkan, seated casually in his chair, merely gave a faint smile. "Oh, allow me to introduce you. This is Pastor Hongward," he said, his expression unreadable. "He plays a rather important role in what we’ll be discussing tonight."

Elara raised an eyebrow and glanced at Faustus as if seeking confirmation. "A pastor? A clergyman in the middle of a discussion about technology and alchemy? That’s an unusual combination," she remarked, half-joking yet keeping a sharp eye on Hongward.

Pastor Hongward smiled faintly, clasping his hands together in a composed manner. "Science and faith don’t always have to be at odds, Miss," he said in a calm yet resolute voice. "In human history, the two have often walked side by side—until one side claims absolute truth and refuses to listen to the other."

Faustus let out a long sigh before pulling out a chair and sitting down without any pretense. "Alright, as long as you’re not here to preach to us, maybe we can get straight to the point," he said, glancing at Arkan. "I’m not one for unnecessary formalities."

Arkan chuckled, leaning back into his chair. "Don’t worry, we won’t waste time," he said as he gave a brief nod to Florence, who began pouring tea for everyone. "I summoned you here for a reason, and I believe each of you has something valuable to contribute to this plan."

Elara leaned back in her chair, folding her arms with keen curiosity. "So, what kind of plan are we talking about?" she asked eagerly. "You’re making it sound like this is going to be something big."

Arkan merely smiled, his gaze sharp and calculating as he finally began to speak.

###

"We Will Bring Change"

At last, Arkan began to speak. "First, allow me to make a formal introduction," he said, his tone serious yet composed. "Here, we have the head of the Lawrence Territory’s Magic Department, Elara Nacht, and the head of the Chemistry Department, Faustus Rugenstein."

Elara gave a slight nod in greeting, while Faustus merely narrowed his eyes, as if assessing the situation before offering a brief nod of acknowledgment. Both then shifted their attention to the unfamiliar man seated before them, awaiting further explanation from Arkan.

"And on the other hand," Arkan continued, raising a hand slightly toward Hongward, "allow me to introduce this man—Pastor Hongward." He paused momentarily, ensuring their attention was fully on the robed figure. "He is not just an ordinary pastor, but the youngest son of the current Pope."

The room was instantly engulfed in heavy silence. Elara’s eyes widened in shock, clearly taken aback by the revelation, while Faustus raised an eyebrow, as if trying to confirm whether he had just heard something utterly absurd.

"Wait, wait a moment." Elara leaned forward, staring at Arkan with a mix of disbelief and astonishment. "So, you’re telling me that this man, casually sitting before us, is actually the son of the supreme leader of the Krisihan Church?"

Hongward merely offered a small smile, unfazed by their reactions. "That is correct, though I am more known as an ordinary pastor rather than a noble of the clergy," he replied calmly. "I do not spend much time in the public eye."

Faustus let out a deep sigh, leaning back into his chair with a thoughtful expression. "Haah, this is truly unexpected," he muttered before glancing at Arkan with evident curiosity. "So, my lord, is this discussion about imperial politics? What does it have to do with us, mere scholars?"

Arkan tapped his fingers against the table, his expression remaining composed and calculating. "Relax, Faustus. I am not dragging you into political conflicts directly," he assured them. "What I seek is simple—information regarding the current state of the Church. Pastor Hongward here has not returned to the Empire in ten years, while you both are more familiar with the present situation. Can you explain it to us? I need to make some adjustments to our plans."

Elara exchanged a glance with Faustus before exhaling softly and speaking. "If you’re looking for the latest updates, I can give you a brief overview," she said seriously. "The Church still maintains a strong grip on authority, but tensions are rising within. Certain factions have started to question the Pope’s policies, especially his refusal to embrace scientific progress."

Faustus nodded in agreement, adding, "That’s right. The Pope continues to uphold old doctrines and refuses to allow new ideas to take root. In fact, there was a recent incident where several scholars were arrested for spreading heliocentric theories." He scoffed, clearly displeased with the situation. "The Church still clings to the belief that this world is the center of everything, and any opposing view is deemed heresy."

Hongward observed them with a serious expression, clasping his hands together on the table. "So... things haven’t changed much since I was last there," he murmured quietly. "I did not expect the Pope to resist modernization to such an extent."

Arkan listened intently, then leaned back in his chair with a sigh. "If that’s the case, your position is more difficult than I anticipated, Hongward," he said, fixing his gaze on the pastor. "You’ll have to adapt to a far more complex situation than when you left."

Hongward gave a slow nod, his expression revealing no surprise—only a quiet acceptance of something he had likely suspected all along. "That is a risk I must face," he replied calmly. "But I want to know... to what extent is the Church suppressing scientific knowledge? Are they merely restricting it, or have they begun actively destroying it?"

Elara bit her lip, then shook her head slowly. "They are doing more than just suppressing it. They have started taking extreme measures," she said, her voice tinged with unease. "Certain books have been banned, research has been halted, and those who oppose them have begun to ’disappear’ without a trace."

Faustus clenched his fists against the table, his frustration evident. "Utterly ridiculous," he growled. "Instead of fostering progress, they are dragging us back into the Dark Ages."

Arkan studied the three of them with a serious expression before leaning slightly forward. "Alright, this information will suffice for now," he declared firmly. "With this, I can formulate a more refined plan. It’s time we start outlining our next steps."

Hongward watched Arkan with curiosity. "So, what will you do next?" he asked quietly.

Arkan gave a small, confident smile, his eyes gleaming with determination. "We will bring change," he answered simply. "In our own way."