The source is the same. That was the perspective of a wizard.
“All origins are the same. They start from the source and transform.”
Regardless of whether it was right or wrong, that perspective itself was helpful.
If one had a rigid mindset claiming that sorcery is sorcery and Divine Power is Divine Power, they wouldn’t progress any further.
“You agree on some points.”
Sinar added her thoughts to Esther’s words.
The Fairy Knight did not use Divine Power or sorcery but willpower. They replaced the forest’s vitality with willpower.
Unlike Encrid or Ragna, who build up and draw from something within themselves, they absorbed external elements.
‘Is Will inherently within me?’
If the source was the same, then it wasn’t. If willpower naturally existed within oneself, then not just a select few would awaken it.
“An intriguing perspective, Sister Panther.”
Audin nodded as well. Encrid pondered about Divine Power.
Divine Power was a power bestowed by Gods. Therefore, it should be awakened through prayer and piety.
However, just as virtue and skill were not proportional, neither were piety and Divine Power.
What did it mean that a saying he learned as a mercenary applied to those who had awakened Divine Power?
It meant that Divine Power could not be obtained through prayer and piety alone.
The same applied to sorcery, though sorcery had more direct methods for cultivating power.
“One method of cultivating sorcery is choosing a good location. You could call it a place with good energy.”
The source is the same, as Esther said.
“Then does that mean magic is the same too?”
Teresa asked.
Her husky but pleasant half-blood giant voice flowed like a melody through the campfire.
“It’s the same but different.”
Esther, harboring goodwill toward them, explained her perspective in terms they could understand.
“It varies depending on how one perceives and observes it.”
The source is the same. But it changes depending on perception.
If one believes it is the power of a God, it becomes Divine Power.
If one perceives it as supernatural entities not Gods but spirits, it becomes sorcery.
If one believes it originates from Will, it becomes willpower.
If one perceives it as the vitality flowing through the forest, it becomes the forest’s energy.
“Dragonborn use the vitality of dragons, don’t they?”
Luagarne added. They claimed to use their willpower based on their own concepts.
Not simple willpower but dragon speech, perhaps?
The words of dragons, the power of dragons, the will of dragons.
Something like that.
And yet, the source remains the same.
No one can know all the secrets of the world. The same was true now.
Encrid only felt that the willpower within him had solidified a bit more from hearing and reflecting on what was said. He also built a theoretical pillar akin to a foundation.
Although this was far from becoming a house or a building, it was a start. There was still much to realize and establish, but he had indeed gained something.
As they spoke, snow began falling heavily. Seeing this, Rem said:
“Still, I won’t be shoveling the snow with my own hands.”
It was an answer to Audin’s explanation about Divine Power, that the Lord would not clear the fallen snow for them.
“Of course not. What’s the big deal about that?”
Audin replied. If snow piled up, he could just get the soldiers to clear it once they returned to the unit.
Audin had no intention of shoveling snow himself either.
Not that it was wrong. That’s what Encrid thought.
Not everything needs to be done personally.
Using willpower was like that too. Not about shoveling snow with willpower, but there were things that didn’t need to be done manually.
Like using an aura of intimidation created by willpower instead of drawing a sword to the opponent’s neck to scare them.
New realizations continued to flash through his mind. Encrid revisited and mulled over them several times.
Naturally, he fell silent, and Jaxon was the first to notice.
As he prepared to speak, he gestured to Lawford with a finger to his lips.
Silence.
Even without activating his willpower, the message of intent was clear.
Everyone glanced at Encrid and fell silent. Only the crackling of the campfire was heard.
The horses they had ridden here, which occasionally neighed outside, also fell silent now.
From his position outside, Jaxon noticed the odd-eyed horse guiding the herd.
‘Are you sharp as well?’
Odd-Eye was undoubtedly no ordinary steed. Thus, the night passed.
Each prepared their own sleeping arrangements. Though snow falling didn’t prevent travel, their leader was deep in thought, groping for something.
Esther chanted a spell to block the cold wind from entering the cave and makeshift tents.
The warmth from the campfire enveloped the surroundings.
“It’s warm.”
Sinar murmured softly enough not to be heard even by those nearby. The warmth, combined with the group’s attitude, naturally brought forth the words.
At the same time, she felt a slight, truly slight melancholia. It was the natural emotion of someone walking a path with a predetermined end.
However, she did not outwardly express this. While Fairies were naturally good at hiding emotions, Sinar was exceptionally adept.
Thus, no one noticed her fleeting sadness.
* * *
“We appreciate the dedication of the Mad Knights and, beyond that, the benevolence of His Majesty the King.”
The Holy Nation had faced something akin to a civil war. Without the Knightly order led by Encrid, far more blood would have been shed.
Even though Overdeer had united the army and the Cult Extermination Order intervened, this was only resolved thanks to the powerful Knightly order.
At the heart of it was Encrid. Consequently, a royal envoy had come to meet Krang on behalf of the Holy Nation.
It was in a reception room within the royal palace, adorned with chandeliers.
As steam rose from teacups, with maids and attendants lined along one side, Krang spoke with a benevolent smile:
“Empty-handed?”
The only noble present was the Marquis of Visar, the young Marcus who had become a close royal aide.
No matter what the king said, Marcus simply listened silently, sipping tea. Occasionally, he munched on cookies with a crunch.
His demeanor seemed to say this wasn’t a formal or difficult occasion.
However, instead of softening the atmosphere, it conveyed a sense of indifference, as if the kingdom of Naurillia didn’t care about the concerns of others. This caused the foreign envoy’s expression to darken.
“You seem to enjoy speaking frankly.”
The envoy spoke hesitantly, parting his heavy lips.
“Is there a need for complicated talk? Everyone calls me the king picked up from the dirty streets, so I’ve forgotten the complex etiquette to suit that title.”
Indeed, there were rumors about Krang being referred to in such a way. Within Naurillia or among its people, few dared say such things openly, but it was different for external kingdoms, especially rival merchant guilds competing against Roguefried.
[Note: Roguefried is Rockfreed Trading Company, adaptation from manhwa]
They believed their profits were diminishing because the Kingdom favored Leona Roguefried.
Though the truth was that the Border Guard supported her, from an outsider’s perspective, it was the same thing.
This misunderstanding was what Krang desired. It indicated that Encrid’s actions were aligned with the kingdom’s intentions.
“What do you wish for?”
The envoy, unsure how to respond to the king’s remarks, posed a direct question while mentally preparing a list of concessions they could offer.
The Holy Nation produced many precious goods.
For instance, their healing potions were unparalleled in purity and effectiveness across the continent.
Additionally, the holy amulets crafted by priests were highly sought after.
It wasn’t common to find items capable of combating unholy spirits.
If wizards created spell objects, priests dealing with Divine Power crafted divine objects.
Moreover, their wine was far superior to that of Naurillia, making it an attractive import for national ventures, boosting royal finances significantly.
Given rumors of Naurillia’s strained treasury due to recent initiatives, this seemed like an opportune solution.
It wouldn’t look good to overtly prioritize wine imports, so they might use a proxy guild for transactions.
Typically, in such cases, a royal relative or trusted noble’s illegitimate child might take the role of guild master to establish a new guild.
‘Perhaps they’ll demand all three.’
In that case, they could concede strategically.
“Let’s get along.”
The king’s response shattered the envoy’s expectations. It was far beyond their predictive range.
“…What did you say?”
The envoy stammered.
“I said let’s get along.”
The king’s answer was hearty.
“Have some cookies. They’re delicious.”
Despite these words, the envoy struggled to respond coherently.
Though a few more exchanges followed, their essence was clear:
“Just get along? That’s all?”
“Yes, that’s all.”
“Are you serious?”
“Completely serious.”
“Is something wrong with your head, Your Majesty?”
“No, nothing’s wrong.”
“Then why?”
To this, Krang simply laughed. Marcus laughed as well.
The envoy concluded that the matter was beyond their capacity and left. Later, another envoy was sent.
“I am Noah.”
Noah, whom Overdeer had allowed into the Holy City, was now the new foreign envoy.
“I’ve heard of you.”
Krang had received a letter from Encrid about Noah just a few days prior.
Even without the letter, he would’ve known. The uproar caused by the Mad Knights made it impossible not to.
“It seems we share a mutual friend.”
“That appears to be the case. However, I wouldn’t presume to claim friendship with Your Majesty.”
Over two days, they conversed. Superficially, it seemed like meaningless chatter—snacking on cookies, sipping wine, and gossiping about Encrid with Marcus.
The gossip wasn’t truly malicious, but they did remark on how the term ‘madman’ seemed fitting.
“I agree.”
The king said, nodding.
Their discussions eventually led to a conclusion.
“Let us maintain friendly relations.”
Noah responded affirmatively. After Noah departed, it seemed on the surface that Krang had received no compensation. Outwardly, it truly appeared that way.
* * *
“You didn’t break your sword this time? I’m impressed.”
Returning home, Krais expressed gratitude.
“Wasn’t that the expected result?”
Encrid saw Avnair nodding alongside Krais.
What followed was similar. Lord Graham, among others, those who might be called challengers or victims influenced by Encrid, gathered.
“Let’s have a match. I’ve honed a new technique.”
Even if someone wasn’t at a Knight’s level, observing their refined techniques was enjoyable.
There was no reason to refuse.
Training resumed as well. Audin and Rem sparred for more than three days, ending in a draw.
From a meticulous, precise perspective, Audin’s skill slightly edged out. However, if it came to a serious fight, it was difficult to predict the outcome. Amid this, they learned another characteristic of Divine Power.
“It can radiate healing light.”
This was something willpower and sorcery couldn’t achieve. While the source was the same, there were significant differences.
That was why Divine Power developed as a separate discipline.
Additionally, the Divine Power used by crusaders and that used in divine spells were distinct.
Meanwhile, Encrid revisited and reflected on his realizations.
‘How does one awaken willpower?’
By posing such questions inwardly, he gained partial answers.
‘It’s not purely external.’
Nor is it only about awakening internal forces.
Both are necessary. It involves receiving external elements and nurturing them internally.
Put simply, it’s about absorbing elements of the world and cultivating them—like tending to a plant.
If one doesn’t know how to water it or is unaware of the existence of water itself, how can one begin?
‘You can’t even start.’
This was likely why so few people on the continent wielded willpower.
Moreover, it wasn’t just about water; one also needed to know about sunlight.
Ultimately, Encrid concluded:
‘There’s no systematic training method.’
If he could organize a way to train willpower, perhaps the number of practitioners could increase.
‘It’s about learning how to train the mind.’
Despite having clawed his way up from the bottom, Encrid found this concept challenging to grasp.
It wasn’t easy. Yet, it didn’t feel impossible either.
Interestingly, what powerful martial groups across the continent had achieved over decades was essentially the establishment of methods to awaken willpower.
These methods were used to nurture talent.
Encrid was now solidifying these foundations himself.
In terms of speed, he was doing in a short time what others had taken decades to achieve.
Accustomed to reshaping and recreating swordsmanship and techniques to fit his body, Encrid approached this without preconceived notions.
‘Training methods for willpower.’
Just as the Isolation Technique shaped the body, there must be a way to shape willpower. Though he couldn’t create anything immediately, he expected to discover something over time.
Beyond this, he gained many technical insights through his recent experiences and conversations with his companions.
And yet, the fact that there was still more to learn thrilled Encrid, making his heart pound with excitement.
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