Above Pearl Lake, thick smoke blotted out the sky and sun, like ink dripped into a pool, dyeing everything pitch-black.
Grant and several others flew above the smoke, surrounded by Holy Light. Their faces wore lofty indifference as they looked down at the mangled Pearl Lake below.
—At this moment, the entire lake had vanished. It was as though some terrifying creature had descended here and clawed a massive hole out of the earth. Collapse spread outward from it, stretching all the way eastward and forming a winding, intricate ravine.
Thick smoke rose from the collapse, carrying a heavy stench of gunpowder and, perhaps... blood.
"This is the fate of those who defy God's will."
The bishop flew behind Grant. He first looked down at the collapse with satisfaction, then glanced at Grant several times before speaking in a fawning tone.
Grant, however, did not seem particularly pleased. After a moment of silence, he suddenly asked, "Was that man in this tunnel when it was detonated?"
The bishop froze for a moment, then immediately answered, "Probably not. When the Black Nightmare Army took Koester, that demon was there as well. He is most likely still over in Koester."
"What about Her Highness the princess?"
"We did not detonate the explosives until after she had left the tunnel." The bishop hurriedly added, "We carved that mark into her mind. We can sense her exact location at any time; there can be no mistake. Rest assured, she is already the new queen. Why would we let her die in vain?"
Grant nodded as well. "She still has value. Bring her back as soon as possible."
"With the mark in place, there is no need for you to worry about that."
Grant gave a cold snort and said nothing. He looked down again.