Not counting Green, six Calamity-Rank Strong Ones appeared, surrounding Prince Biden and the two Bishops of the Holy Light Church.
Carter V had also reached High Calamity Rank a few years earlier. Though he still fell short of a veteran like Grand Duke Mora, who had advanced decades ago, High Calamity Rank was High Calamity Rank. He held an overwhelming advantage over Prince Biden.
After his initial shock, Prince Biden's face turned icy. He glanced toward where Green had been, but Green was nowhere to be seen.
While Prince Biden was distracted, Green had retreated to the perimeter and joined Princess Mulesina. He had also fully summoned the Skeleton Lord.
In an instant, the situation reversed. What had been three against one became three against seven, with Carter V, a High Calamity Rank powerhouse, among them.
Years ago, when Green received Prince Biden's message, he had thought it through. Rather than let greed blind him and conceal the matter, he had secretly informed Grand Duke Mora. Green had not meant merely to target Prince Biden, though. He also wanted to use the information as leverage, to show Grand Duke Mora that plenty of people wanted the Sphere of Faith.
But Grand Duke Mora proved even craftier. As soon as he heard the news, the old fox turned around and sold Green out to Carter V. He also sent Princess Mulesina to help. In return, Carter V agreed to help Grand Duke Mora buy the Sphere of Faith.
After all those twists and turns, Grand Duke Mora paid nothing and got a Sphere of Faith for free.
Grand Duke Mora had even told Green in secret beforehand to name an outrageous price. This was a rare opportunity to squeeze the Sison Kingdom for all it was worth.
That was why Green