A few minutes later.
The battle ended almost as quickly as a storm—brief yet violent.
The crew and guards on the merchant ship's deck had barely any chance to resist before they were completely subdued and bound. Their weapons lay scattered across the floor, leaving only their powerless fists in their hands.
Their eyes brimmed with fear and distress, as if they could not understand why they had been attacked by Resurrection Cultists, nor did they dare guess what would happen to them next.
Of everyone aboard the merchant ship, only Viscount Francis remained standing and unbound. An imperceptible tension had left his cheeks slightly pale, and his formerly dignified appearance now seemed somewhat weathered.
Yet he smiled in helpless resignation.
Viscount Francis had probably guessed what was going on.
The city's powerful figures must have finally been unable to suppress their desire to replace him. Now, with this absurd opportunity presenting itself, they could use the Rebirth Church's hands to eliminate him.
Though anger burned in his heart, Viscount Francis understood reality all too well. In these chaotic times, one careless step was enough to be crushed beneath the wheels of fate.
This group of silver-robed Resurrection Cultists had displayed overwhelming power. From their brief exchange, Viscount Francis had already clearly recognized the absolute difference in their combat strength.
It could even be said that if they were willing, he and his crew would already be at death's mercy.
Just as this oppression and unease seeped into every corner of the deck, the Silver Armor Priest leading the Resurrection Cultists walked over.
This Silver Armor Priest was even stronger than anyone else in their entire city.
In the imperial capital, Tier 5 experts might not be uncommon. Some exceptionally outstanding geniuses from the Imperial Royal Academy even possessed Tier