Sacrifice's Rise: I Became Invincible After Entering Godslayer Temple

At the same time John was resolving all his concerns before heading to the Naga Faction, Duke Arsena in his palace received intelligence from the Northern Myst Empire. 

The high command of the Northern Myst Empire had also learned about the attack on Storm City. 

They were, of course, extremely shocked by this news, as Storm City is a key town in the southern part of the Northern Myst Empire.

The Emperor of the Northern Myst Empire sent a very powerful magus to Storm City, known as the Mystery Protector. 

This magus, titled the Mystery Protector, is proficient in the magic of all factions. 

Magic of any attribute becomes incredibly powerful in his hands.

Upon arriving in Storm City, this magus went straight to Duke Arsena. 

Duke Arsena was visibly surprised upon seeing him. 

The Mystery Protector, noticing the surprise on Duke Arsena's face, asked with a smile, "What's wrong? Do you find it strange that I am here? The situation in Storm City has surprised all the high-level officials of the empire."

"The Empire thought that the Defend Wall at Sunset Mountain would be enough to stop the Dark Realm's invasion. Who could have imagined that the Dark Faction had other means of attack that could plunge Storm City into such a crisis?" Facing the relaxed Mystery Protector, Duke Arsena was far from at ease. 

He was acutely aware that as one of the top Legend Magus, the Mystery Protector would surely investigate the responsibility for the recent attack on Storm City.

Although Duke Arsena was the lord of Storm City, the city was also a crucial military stronghold for the Northern Myst Empire. 

Any unexpected situation in Storm City posed a significant threat to the heartland of the Empire.

"Alright, no need to stand at the door anymore. Don't you want to invite me into your palace? It seems you've focused all your attention on building your palace, neglecting the defense of Storm City." 

The Mystery Protector glanced at Duke Arsena's palace. 

Though not the most luxurious among the Northern Myst Empire's nobility, it was notably more prominent compared to other buildings in Storm City.

While the Mystery Protector did not directly confront Duke Arsena with anger, the Duke knew that the Mystery Protector would not let the matter rest easily.

Duke Arsena could only lower his head and say to the Mystery Protector, "The attack on Storm City was indeed due to my negligence. With your help this time, I believe Storm City will not face any further attacks." 

While saying this, he led the Mystery Protector into his palace, dismissing all his servants and leaving only himself and the Mystery Protector in the study.

"Is His Majesty very angry with me? He entrusted me with this city, but I have not managed to protect it perfectly. I am actually feeling very guilty now." 

Duke Arsena was extremely worried that the Emperor of the Northern Myst Empire was already very angry with him. 

Although Storm City was his fief, the Emperor had the authority to strip it from him.

The expression on the Mystery Protector's face remained unchanged, just as it was before. 

He did not show any different reaction to Duke Arsena's words, still wearing a smile.

"My lord, I think you should consider some other things now. Do you really think that an attack on Storm City would bring me here personally? I came here to bring you a more important piece of intelligence." 

This statement from the Mystery Protector made Duke Arsena even more confused. 

However, at least he could be temporarily certain that he had not completely enraged the Emperor.

"A new piece of intelligence? What important information do you have that requires your personal delivery? Couldn't it be delivered by another messenger?" Duke Arsena inquired.

The Mystery Protector, not delaying much in response to Arsena's question, directly conveyed the intelligence he brought. 

"The Mystery Saint is about to be resurrected. Someone among the high ranks of the Empire has allied with the Mystery Saint. They have successfully conducted a ceremony, the details of which we are still unaware, and completely unleashed the power of the Mystery Saint. The Mystery Saint will pose a great threat to the Empire, and even to the entire Order Faction. My arrival here is to ensure that Storm City is not directly destroyed by the Mystery Saint. We have received a very clear prophecy from a prophet, stating that the Mystery Saint will directly attack Storm City."

This revelation left Duke Arsena even more shocked. He had not expected that the Mystery Saint would personally attack Storm City. 

"You don't seem as surprised as I thought you would be. Did you already know that the Mystery Saint was going to attack Storm City?"

The Mystery Protector observed that, although Duke Arsena appeared slightly shocked, he seemed to have been somewhat prepared for this news.

Duke Arsena chose not to hide anything and shared all the information related to John with the Mystery Protector. 

John had previously informed him that the Mystery Faction was planning an attack on Storm City.

After learning all the details, the Mystery Protector became very curious about John. 

In his view, an adventurer should not have access to so much information. 

"Do you really think that adventurer is trustworthy? Why don't you consider the possibility that the adventurer deliberately provided you with so much help, just to gain your trust? He might have other plans that you haven't discovered yet. I think you've been a bit too credulous, placing such trust in an adventurer."

Duke Arsena understood the caution advised by the Mystery Protector. 

Initially, his thoughts were similar to those of the Mystery Protector. 

However, John had provided assistance to Storm City numerous times. 

Without John, Storm City would have likely been destroyed by the Dark Faction or the Mystery Faction.

"At first, my thoughts were the same as yours. But John has saved Storm City at least three times, so I must trust him. If I can't trust him, then I can't trust anyone," Arsena explained.

Duke Arsena's words gave the Mystery Protector some new plans. 

The Mystery Protector decided to meet John as soon as possible to personally gauge his strength. 

"Since you trust this adventurer so much, I too would like to meet him. Arrange a time for him to come here."

Duke Arsena naturally did not dare refuse the Mystery Protector's request. 

He immediately summoned his servant and instructed him to notify John to come to the palace at once.

At that time, John was already inside the Blue Sea Guild, discussing the upcoming journey to the Naga Faction with Blue Sea and Adam. 

Suddenly, a member of the guild knocked on the door of the meeting room, announcing, "Guild leader, a servant of Duke Arsena is here looking for John."

Blue Sea and Adam looked puzzled upon hearing this news. 

They both felt that if Duke Arsena was seeking John at this moment, it must be for something very important. 

However, they were unaware of any matter more pressing than finding clues about the Mystery Faction.

"I understand, I will head to Duke Arsena's palace as soon as possible," John said, showing no hesitation upon receiving the message. 

He first asked Duke Arsena's servant to leave.

"It seems we must postpone our next action again. I believe that if Duke Arsena is seeking me now, it must be for something even more important than the Mystery Faction. Wait here for me; I will inform you of the situation once I know all the details. After all, you are also in considerable danger."

Unlike before, John chose not to conceal any information from Adam and Blue Sea. 

Since they had planned to accompany him to the Naga Faction, it meant they would face significant dangers like him. 

Facing allies willing to share his hardships, John felt obliged to share all relevant information with them. 

He believed that such transparency was the right way to act.

John did not want to be like other adventurers who were always ready to betray their allies or set traps for them.