"What if all monasteries were made to care for children?"
To sum up, Overdeer knew how to handle people. His age hadn’t been wasted.
'In the West, they say age brings spice, don’t they?'
Listening to him, Encrid thought such thoughts while sipping the cheap tea served in the monastery’s modest reception room.
Overdeer didn’t outright demand that Noah join the Order and claim a prominent position. Nor did he ask him to devote his life to the Order’s cause.
"If there are those who fight on the battlefield, shouldn’t there also be those who care for and save children?"
He merely brought up what Noah was already doing. Listening, Encrid could already guess what Overdeer would say next.
"Come to the Order. Find others like yourself, and build monasteries like this one. There will no longer be false saints or holy figures. I’ll see to that, but it’s a difficult task alone. Help me."
With those words, he pushed back his chair and knelt, emphasizing his plea. The dramatics were impressive.
It truly felt like watching an old fox at work.
That was Encrid’s impression. One of the most famous Holy Knights within the Order personally knelt to request help.
It wasn’t something one would typically do for a mere priest. This was clearly calculated to create pressure, making it difficult to refuse.
Noah wasn’t ignorant of why Overdeer acted this way.
Even when Overdeer knelt before him, Noah remained composed. He didn’t hurriedly rise to stop him, nor did he insist he didn’t need to kneel.
Instead, he spoke calmly and steadily.
"There’s no need for that."
Having observed this much, Encrid decided he was no longer needed here.
Whether he was present or not, Noah wouldn’t simply follow another’s lead.
Rather, he would adhere to his own principles.
Faith, belief, willpower—these formed a light within Noah.
He lacked Divine Power, having not been born with the talent.
'So what exactly is Divine Power?'
This sudden question arose in Encrid’s mind. In any case, it seemed there was no need to stay any longer.
Overdeer wasn’t flustered to see his tactics fail against Noah’s calm demeanor. In fact, he seemed pleased.
Seeing the two interact, Encrid resolved to leave.
The rest could be handled by the two of them.
"I just remembered something I need to do."
Encrid spoke as he stood.
"I never asked you to stay in the first place."
Overdeer responded to Encrid’s departure. It wasn’t quite a rebuke, but more a grumble questioning his lack of trust—a jest, really.
"Let’s talk later, friend."
Noah said with a gentle smile. When Encrid had earlier insisted on being involved, Noah had left it alone, and now, as Encrid left, he did the same. It was a show of respect for the other’s will.
"Friend?"
But the word from Noah’s mouth made Overdeer blink.
A friend? His expression seemed to ask in disbelief. The old Holy Knight had an expressive face.
"That’s how it happened. Friendship bloomed."
Encrid replied offhandedly, and Overdeer asked.
"Didn’t you say you were friends with the King of Naurillia?"
"Yes, I did."
Overdeer’s expression turned peculiar. It was as if he had tasted an odd pie—neither delicious nor revolting.
Then he said.
"Should we be friends too?"
"No."
Encrid replied immediately and walked out without looking back.
"Why not?"
Overdeer called out from behind, but Encrid felt no need to answer.
"Do you need a friend?"
Noah’s amused voice followed. Outside, Encrid took in the monastery’s surroundings.
Though the battle was over, the night was still alive with activity as people worked tirelessly to clean up the battlefield and assess the situation.
Not one to idle, the old Overdeer had engaged Noah in conversation, and Encrid had remained with them.
Looking around the monastery before dawn, Encrid noticed that the moonlight was obscured by clouds, leaving only the torches as sources of light.
Though the setting was similar to the previous night, the atmosphere and air of the monastery had completely changed.
Despite the late hour, there was energy in the air. Surviving death had brought joy to many.
Taking in this mood, Encrid headed toward the lodging area.
The monastery was small and couldn’t accommodate everyone, so only a select few were allowed inside.
The Mad Knights had rented an entire large room for themselves.
Heading there, Encrid sensed even more energy than the atmosphere throughout the monastery.
"Shining bear! I’ll send you to your beloved God!"
Rem’s shout was proof of that.
It was followed by-
"Do you wish to greet the Lord Father? Allow me to offer a prayer for your journey."
A bear emitting light was among them.
"If you don’t dodge, you’ll die."
Ragna’s voice joined the fray.
Indeed, it would have been disappointing if he hadn’t joined in.
As Audin radiated light and caused a commotion, spectators gathered naturally.
Among them were members of the Cult Extermination Order and monastery inhabitants who watched with uneasy gazes.
Perhaps it was fortunate that Jaxon and Sinar hadn’t joined.
Or maybe a sigh was warranted, seeing these people bursting with energy after the battle.
Encrid, however, didn’t sigh.
"Leaving me out?"
Instead, he voiced his discontent.
It was fair enough. Why were they enjoying themselves without him?
Especially now, as curiosity and questions about Divine Power had begun to stir within him. Audin, who had awakened his Divine Power, hadn’t even exchanged a single move with him. Shouldn’t it be his turn first?
"I’m the Captain."
Without hesitation, Encrid stepped in, drawing his sword as he immersed himself in the scene.
Crossing his feet to gain speed, he inserted himself into the ferocious exchange.
As he accelerated and assessed the situation, the formless Will infused his arms, moving with a speed invisible to most.
It was just as Ragna swung his sword diagonally and Rem swung his axe horizontally.
Audin, standing in the midst, spun his body and shifted, leaving Encrid to take his place.
Though he had suddenly inserted himself within their range of attack, Encrid was grateful for Audin’s consideration as he deflected both weapons.
Thud!
Though he deflected both weapons, the sound seemed to ring out as if it were a single strike.
With the silver sword in his right hand, Encrid blocked Ragna’s blade. With Ember in his left, he deflected the axe. The perfect simultaneity of his strikes created the illusion of a single sound.
He hadn’t merely blocked with brute force, he’d sought to disrupt the balance of Rem and Ragna’s weapons as they clashed.
Yet, both retrieved their weapons as if nothing had happened.
"Hmph, did you think that would work?"
Rem even scoffed.
Fatigue from battle? It was there. It had to be. But it wasn’t enough to hinder them from wielding their weapons.
Anyone who held a sword should know how to fight anytime, anywhere.
If asked why they were sparring, the answer would likely be simple.
Because they wanted to.
"Come, brother! You should know how my hands and feet have changed!"
Audin welcomed Encrid with a voice full of joy.
"Yeah, I didn’t slack off either."
Encrid responded in kind. Initially, he had planned to ask about Divine Power, but that could wait. For now, he was ready to join in the fun.
* * *
"It’s hard to call this normal."
That was the deputy leader’s comment.
'Madmen, indeed.'
The thought had crossed the leader of the Cult Extermination Order’s mind when he heard the remark.
"It looks the same to me."
The leader replied calmly. Training the body was arduous, no one could deny that. Yet some instinctively enjoyed it.
Watching this scene was certainly impressive.
And more than that.
None of them seemed like an easy match.
How would one rank within the Holy Nation, using ten fingers?
Knights knew better than to list rankings based purely on raw strength.
Factors like battlefield conditions, circumstances, and mindset ultimately decided victory and defeat.
Even so, gauging each other's strength was an instinct for those who wielded swords.
Though he might not be at the top of the ten fingers, the leader knew he belonged among them.
Watching these individuals, he saw that none of them were to be underestimated.
'Are all of them this strong?'
The leader knew the Holy Nation had hidden talents.
Among them was a so-called genius—a young man who had awakened to willpower before the age of twenty. He had glimpsed him once in the Holy City, a talent as radiant as a star.
Yet, watching the individuals before him, that young genius didn’t even come to mind.
Each of them was a monster.
In terms of swordsmanship, the blonde with a lazy expression was exceptional. However, the gray-haired westerner’s explosive power and agility were no less formidable.
And what about the other two?
It was impossible to say who held the upper hand. He had been observing for quite some time.
"...Commander?"
The deputy leader called him, looking at him with a perplexed expression.
"What?"
"You’re holding your weapon."
At the deputy’s words, the leader realized he was gripping the hammer at his waist.
"Ha."
He couldn’t help but laugh.
What was this?
Why was he unconsciously tensing up? What for? Did he want to join them for a round?
He had chosen the path of a revenger, the Cult Extermination Order.
Yet, even he had once been a youth, filled with passion.
Watching them, especially Encrid, made his heart race.
He wanted to join in, to spar together.
Memories of his early days, wielding weapons and honing his skills, resurfaced.
"They look like they’re having fun."
The leader held back further words. Yet some of the others seemed to feel similarly.
The boisterous sparring concluded before long.
"Let’s sleep and pick this up again in the morning. When it’s time to sleep, sleep."
Frog stepped in to restore order.
No one was truly trying to kill each other. Despite the fierce appearance, they hadn’t used all their strength.
The leader saw it that way. After resting for the night, some of the Cult Extermination Order visited the Mad Knights’ quarters.
"May I request a lesson?"
These were individuals inspired by what Encrid had demonstrated the night before. His skills were impressive, but so was his spirit.
Their approach wasn’t rude.
And Encrid enjoyed such reactions.
"Sure."
There was sparring. The duels ended in a few sword strokes. A crusader bowed gracefully.
"I’ve learned much."
There was no need for additional advice. When the crusader’s divine penetration was deflected by willpower, his specialty was nullified, leaving him with few options.
"Can I take a turn?"
Even the leader stepped forward, and Encrid nodded again.
Truthfully, Encrid was just as eager to exchange blows with the leader.
The leader drew his weapons, two slightly longer hammers than short swords.
"The Lord watches over me."
As he murmured, a faint light emanated from his hammers.
The result? There was no clear winner.
"Planning to die here?"
Rem intervened with his axe to stop the fight.
"Commander!"
Seeing the leader’s breastplate dented as he was thrown backward, several crusaders rushed to support him.
"If this continues, one of us will die."
The leader said.
"But it won’t be me."
Encrid replied, standing in an awkward posture. The leader simply chuckled.
The Cult Extermination Order remained for two more days, during which Encrid frequently sparred with them.
Mostly, it was duels. Occasionally, they also discussed how to handle heretics.
"The person heretics hate most on the continent right now is likely you, Sir Encrid. Be cautious. Expect assassins or similar threats."
Such was the advice they shared.
These individuals knew heretics better than anyone across the continent.
They were aware of the Apostle’s death and that it was Encrid who had killed him.
After leaving behind a few crusaders, Overdeer departed first. The Cult Extermination Order followed shortly after.
Finally, Encrid packed his belongings and set off.
"Will you continue training once we return to the unit, brothers?"
Audin greeted him in the morning.
"Training? Trainingggg? Are you asking to get killed?"
Rem’s reply, brightened by the morning sun, was sharp. Noah stood before Encrid.
"Are you leaving now?"
"I must."
Noah recalled his earlier conversation with Encrid.
There was no guarantee of victory.
From that exchange, Noah had realized something. There was no guarantee that what he was doing would always help. Joining the Order didn’t mean everything would go as planned.
It would likely be more dangerous, and there would be more failures than successes.
Such was reality.
Even so, he had decided to go. And this man’s influence on that decision wasn’t negligible.
"You’ve helped me."
Noah said.
"Sure."
"Will we meet again?"
Noah’s tone was noticeably softer than before. Encrid nodded, his response straightforward.
"Probably."
There was no need to elaborate on something so certain.
As they left the monastery, people bowed their heads.
"You’ve done us a great kindness."
"May the Lord watch over you."
"I will pray for you every morning and evening."
The darkness that had hung over the monastery was gone. Their words warmed his heart.
Even if the winter’s cold wind bit at his skin, this warmth wouldn’t be forgotten.
"It’s damn cold."
Of course, Rem complained about the chill.
Still, he said this after leaving the monastery, where he had taken care to interact appropriately with the people.
On the way back, Encrid voiced a lingering curiosity.
"What is Divine Power?"
He directed the question to Audin. With a light step, he approached Audin’s large horse.
The sturdy warhorse gifted by Overdeer carried Audin as they parted ways.
No comments yet. Be the first to leave a review!