Crystal Production Array

No sooner had Dick left the room than Benjamin contacted the intelligence outpost the Academy's Dark Division had established in the Hori Kingdom, ordering them to begin an investigation at once and gather relevant information.

Two days later, the results of the investigation were relayed back to Benjamin through a Voice Transmission Wood Chip.

"It's difficult for us to investigate information within The Church, but as for the merchants, quite a few merchants in the Hori Kingdom are indeed dissatisfied with The Church now. There were actually some conflicts before, but they've suddenly been magnified. So far, however, most merchants have chosen to swallow their anger and endure humiliation. We don't know whether they're planning to lie low for now or have some other plan."

Benjamin nodded as he listened to his subordinate's report.

For the moment, it seemed Dick had not lied to him. Most merchants had never been very compatible with The Church's doctrines, and The Church had always held only one attitude toward any class within the Hori Kingdom that might raise its head. A conflict breaking out now was perfectly normal.

So... was he really going to make a move?

Though there was no way to learn The Church's intelligence, after turning it over in his mind, he felt there was truly no downside for him. It was only a declaration. The Church was already their mortal enemy anyway; even if it became so enraged that it directly sent troops to attack the Magic Academy, that would not necessarily be a bad thing.

Thus, after careful deliberation, Benjamin gave an affirmative answer.

Dick left the Magic Academy overjoyed, and they quickly drafted the declaration. Its wording was sarcastic to the utmost, belittling The Church until it was worthless, while encouraging the merchants of the Hori Kingdom