The Greece Antagonist

Seeing how amiable the man behind him was, the commander of the Imperial Guard was moved beyond measure and felt even more fortunate about the choice he had made earlier.

But at this point, under the King's strict orders, he was powerless and could only afford the man behind him a little dignity and convenience.

Therefore, the commander of the Imperial Guard did not walk quickly, and even intentionally loosened the chains a bit.

However, this action infuriated Pentheus, who had followed them.

This hot-tempered King could bear it no longer and grabbed the chain, shoving the blasphemer who had greatly embarrassed him into the cave beside the stable.

"Build a wall! Quick, seal off all the exits!"

Under Pentheus's command, the Divine Blood Guard, although disgruntled, had to seal off the cave entrance due to their duties and the families they had left in Thebes.

After the task was completed, the worried Pentheus specifically inspected every wall to ensure there was no skimping, and only then did he nod his head, satisfied.

This distrustful behavior made the Divine Blood Guard even more irritated; their view and attitude toward this young King dropped to an all-time low.

Meanwhile, the oblivious Pentheus took a proud look at the completely sealed cage before him, a sinister smile appearing on his face as he picked up a burning torch.

"You're quite the talker, aren't you? I'd like to see how long you can keep it up!"

With that, the volatile King prepared to throw the torch into the cave.

The surrounding Soldiers' faces changed color. The cave not only contained the Apostle thrown into it but also a large store of horse fodder.

A fire could signify a substantial loss for the kingdom.

Had Pentheus gone mad?

The crowd wanted to intervene, but it was too late.

A burning torch was hurled from Pentheus's hand, flying into the sole airhole that remained above the cave.

"Boom!"

Simultaneously, a thunderous roar shook the earth from within the cave.

With dust spreading, the bricked walls enclosing the cave collapsed, and the heretical Apostle emerged unscathed, holding the torch.

In the torchlight, his figure seemed taller and more handsome than before.

Under the eyes of onlookers, some relieved, some astonished, Luo En stepped forward and stuffed the burning torch back into Pentheus's hand, with a slight smile, his voice deep. Your next read awaits at empire

"For the second time..."

As the sensation of searing heat hit him, Pentheus cried out in surprise and in a panic, dropped the nearly burned-out torch, looking at the man before him with a trace of fear.

Everything seemed to take him back to that fearful night in the palace.

"Seize him! Arrest this deceiver's follower!"

With his heart trembling, Pentheus instinctively hid behind the Divine Blood Guard and shouted loudly.

"Your Majesty! I believe you are mistaken, Bacchus is a genuine, venerated deity!"

Finally, a Divine Blood Guard, unable to restrain himself, was the first to retort.

Following suit, several others echoed his sentiment.

"Indeed, we have heard of his divine name in Thracian, in Athens, on Crete Island..."

"Yes, he is the spirit of wine, the embodiment of joy, and also the most important attendant of the God of Stove, Hestia!"

"Even Olympus, where the gods reside, holds a place for him. There is no reason for Thebes to expel such a deity who brings peace and joy!"

Upon hearing this, Pentheus became so enraged his face turned alternately white and green.

"Silence! All of you, silence! Have you all been bewitched by this charlatan?"

Immediately afterward, his eyes swept the room, landing on the commander of the Imperial Guard walking towards him, and Pentheus's face brightened as he shouted sternly.

"Botes, aren't you going to control your men? Arrest that heretic who has been leading the people astray!"

However, the commander of the Imperial Guard remained unmoved, speaking indifferently.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but I cannot comply because I also share that belief."

"You!"

This unexpected betrayal made Pentheus tremble with fury.

"Madness! You're all mad!"

"Whether I'm mad, I'm not sure, but I witnessed those women who escaped from the prison as if from thin air, who under the God of Wine's blessing, turned water into milk, made tree branches exude honey, and fed themselves well. And your mother and sisters are among the leaders of these women."

The commander of the Imperial Guard paused, adding solemnly.

"Your Majesty, had you been there to see the miracles with your own eyes, you would have fallen to your knees in worship."

In the recounting of the commander, Luo En could even sense a stream of faith power emanating from him, flowing towards his own domain of the heart.

The spirit of wine, the embodiment of joy, the being that brings delight to the world...

It seems his relentless image marketing and persistent writing efforts were paying off.

Look at this, such is the power of reputation, to conquer without a battle.

Observing the scene where nearly half of the Divine Blood Guard sided with him and the impotent fury of Pentheus, Luo En felt immensely content.

"Traitors! All traitors! You even let those heretics' lapdogs go and made excuses for them!"

At this moment, Pentheus was more uncontrollably enraged than ever, and he yanked off the commander's shoulder rank, barking out orders.

"Summon all the infantry and cavalry, arm them with weapons and armor, leave the city, blockade Mount Cyllene, and capture all the heretics immediately! Anyone who defies will be executed!"

"No need to trouble yourself..."

As Pentheus issued his angry commands, Luo En approached the young King, speaking with a smile.

"I can take you to meet those believers of the Dionysian Sect. Before your authority, they will surrender and accept their punishment."