Miracle Card Shop: All My Cards Can Be Actualize-Chapter 359: Grand Alteration Spell

— Meanwhile - France —-

Deep beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a hidden realm, a labyrinth of twisting tunnels and forgotten chambers known as the catacombs. Here, in the heart of this subterranean maze, a clandestine meeting takes place in a chamber shrouded in secrecy and steeped in history.

The chamber itself is a testament to the ages, its walls lined with ancient stone etched with mysterious symbols and faded inscriptions. Torchlight flickers against the rough-hewn walls, casting eerie shadows that dance across the cold stone floor.

At the center of the chamber sits a makeshift table, strewn with maps, parchments, and artifacts, illuminated by the soft glow of the torches. Gathered around this table are three figures, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames.

One is Goldenscale, the enigmatic Grand Councilor of the Hightower, his presence commanding respect and intrigue. His piercing gaze betrays nothing as he listens intently to the discussions unfolding around him, his mind calculating every word and gesture.

Beside him stands Henri Montmorency, a figure of nobility and influence the leader of the Montmorency mage clan of France and also currently the leader of the European mage, his features etched with determination as he confers with his fellow conspirators. His eyes gleam with the fire of ambition, and cold calculated heart.

Opposite them sits Archbishop Marcus Sinclair, his presence a symbol of the delicate balance of power that hangs in the air. Clad in the robes of his office, he watches the proceedings with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion, his mind no doubt turning over the implications of the discussions taking place.

Despite the gravity of their surroundings, there is an air of tension and anticipation in the chamber, as if the very walls themselves are waiting to see what fate has in store for these three individuals and the world above.

"You said you already killed the Traitor of the Hightower, Cyrus. How do I know that you just let him go and maybe one day he will return to the Hightower?" Henri Montmorency asked with suspicion, his gaze sharp as he scrutinized Golden Scale.

Golden Scale remained silent, his expression unreadable as he reached into his cloak and produced a crystal the size of a fist. Within it lay both the soul and Origin Element of the former Grand Councilor, Cyrus Ashborn, a silent testament to his demise.

"Also, if you help me with this, I'll recommend you to the next position of the Grand Councilor of the Path of Knowledge," Golden Scale offered, his voice carrying weight and authority.

Henri Montmorency's interest was piqued, but he pressed for more. "Oh? That is… very tempting… what else?"

Golden Scale's patience waned, his tone growing stern. "What do you mean, what else? Reign in your Greed, Henri Montmorency! Haven't you gained more than you ever need? You hold the leadership of the Path of Knowledge Faction and the esteemed position of Grand Councilor of the Hightower. What more do you desire?"

Undeterred by Golden Scale's admonishment, Henri maintained his composure, a sly smile playing on his lips. "I want unlimited support—both in funds and influence—from you regarding the Montmorency clan's research on Chimera. You are free to refuse, and I'll forget you ever sought my cooperation, acting as though I was never here," he declared, his voice steady and unwavering.

"Henri Montmorency! The research on Chimera is a forbidden subject! And you dare research it without permission!?" Golden Scale's tone grew even fiercer as he learned the truth, his voice carrying a potent blend of anger and authority.

Seeing the tension escalating between Golden Scale and Henri Montmorency, Archbishop Marcus Sinclair intervened, his voice calm yet commanding. "Gentlemen, let us not allow our emotions to cloud our judgment. This is a delicate matter that requires rational discourse and diplomacy."

Both Golden Scale and Henri Montmorency paused, their expressions still tense but showing signs of restraint. They begrudgingly acknowledged the Archbishop's words, realizing the potential consequences of allowing the situation to escalate further.

Marcus Sinclair continued, his tone soothing yet authoritative, "We are all here with a common goal – to ensure the stability and status quo of the world. Let us work together to find a solution that satisfies everyone's interests."

Slowly, the atmosphere in the catacombs shifted from one of hostility to one of reluctant cooperation. Though the underlying tension remained, the threat of immediate conflict dissipated, allowing for a semblance of civility to prevail.

"I can only offer five times the average funds, but you will get the green light from me regarding the legality of the Chimera research. Just don't make a mess out of this opportunity," said Golden Scale, his reluctance evident.

"Five times? Who do you think I am? A mere mage apprentice? I want ten times," Henri argued.

"You!" Golden Scale wanted to lash out at the man, but he held himself back and spoke slowly. "Eight times! Take it or leave it!"

"Deal!" Henri Montmorency let out a business-like smile and shook hands with Golden Scale.

After concluding their deal, Golden Scale turned toward the Archbishop with a respectful nod. "Sorry for keeping you waiting, Your Reverend. As per our agreement, the Hightower will support your claim and assist you in claiming the position of pope. In return, we ask for your cooperation in using your miracle to grant us more mana to perform the grand alteration spell."

The Archbishop, his expression one of solemn understanding, inclined his head in acknowledgment. "I understand, Grand Councilor Golden Scale. Rest assured, I will fulfill my end of the bargain and provide the necessary assistance."

Archbishop Marcus was the only capable candidate for the position of Pope after the current one. However, the current Pope had the loyalty of the Secret Extermination Unit, the renowned and infamous secret combatant unit of the Vatican, tasked with combating creatures of Darkness and keeping them at bay.

Marcus sought to control this unit, considering it the true backbone of the Vatican, making it a force to be reckoned with. However, the Hightower needed to be wary of them.

Golden Scale then pulled a green vial from his robe and placed it on the table.

"This is Medusa poison, the last of the Medusa Poison we have in the Hightower's forbidden relic vault. With this, the Pope will surely succumb to the poison and immediately turn to stone. You may use this to assume the temporary position of Pope. After this batch of poison is used, there will be no Medusa poison left in the Hightower to synthesize an antidote," Golden Scale explained.

Archbishop Marcus quickly picked up the vial, regarding it as a treasure rather than a very lethal poison.

"Thank you very much, Grand Councilor Golden Scale," the Archbishop said, his smile belying a hint of greed and satisfaction.

As Golden Scale and Archbishop Marcus concluded their agreement, Henri Montmorency observed the exchange with a calculating gaze, silently contemplating his next move. Despite his reservations about the situation, he knew that aligning himself with these powerful figures could prove advantageous for his own ambitions.

With a nod of acknowledgment, Henri acknowledged the conclusion of the negotiations, his mind already strategizing the best course of action to capitalize on this newfound alliance.

As the trio dispersed, each with their own plans and agendas, the catacombs under Paris fell silent once more, shrouded in the secrets and machinations of those who sought power and influence in the shadows.

— 30 Minute Later - Tessia Kingdom - Sector Alpha City —

The night sky above Sector Alpha City was calm, with stars twinkling peacefully overhead, casting a serene aura over the city. Citizens went about their evening routines, enjoying the tranquility of the night.

Suddenly, without warning, the sky began to brighten, starting from the horizon in the direction of Europe and spreading outward to encompass the entire world. At first, people marveled at the spectacle, reaching for their cameras to capture the breathtaking sight.

However, as the light expanded, something strange happened. Electronic devices all around the city malfunctioned, their screens flickering and going dark. Confusion rippled through the streets as people realized their phones, cameras, and even streetlights were no longer functioning.

Then, as if in a trance, the citizens found themselves frozen in place, unable to move or speak. The light enveloped them, washing over their bodies and minds. Memories became muddled, distorted, and then erased altogether, replaced by new memories implanted by the mysterious light.

In an instant, the fabric of reality seemed to shift as the city's inhabitants experienced a collective amnesia, their pasts rewritten by an unknown force. As the light faded and the night returned to its usual darkness, the people of Sector Alpha City blinked in confusion, unaware of the profound changes that had just occurred within them.

This is none other than the grand alteration spell that the Hightower uses to alter the perceptions of the general populace, replacing any knowledge of magical phenomena with more scientifically-related events. It even manipulates reality to align with this new narrative, ensuring that the world at large remains unaware of the true nature of magic.