Chapter 97
Chapter 97
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 97
Chapter Title: The Beginning of Change (1)
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Deep in a remote mountain devoid of human presence.
Poof—!
Something clawed its way out from the earth.
And following the first one to emerge, came two, three... their numbers steadily increasing.
[Grrr...]
The sight of countless undead endlessly crawling up from the ground evoked a scene straight out of a horror movie.
The place they emerged from was an ancient scar of the abyss, long buried underground by the passage of time.
With the boundaries blurred by the abyss's opening, those adrift within could now slip out one by one.
Screeech—
Clatter!
Moreover, the horde contained no lowly undead like zombies or skeletons.
Over a hundred elite undead—at least Skeleton Knights and above—finally formed ranks, warily scanning their surroundings.
Movements not of mindless undead, but of those with intelligence.
The immortal legion, scattering the aura of death in all directions, had finally revealed itself on the surface.
[...For now... we move...]
Leading this legion was a knight in ornate armor, its head tucked under its arm—a Dullahan Knight.
Clatter clatter!
Rustle rustle—
This was clearly an abnormal situation, but it was hardly a rare occurrence.
It was happening across the continent even now.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The situation had shifted dramatically, and the landscape was changing rapidly.
Sacrificial rituals held across the continent, the abysses they tore open, and the immortal legions revived in connection with them.
And the culprit behind it all—the continent's calamity, the Immortal King.
Only now, with real threats closing in, did those who had lukewarmly ignored the Church's warnings begin scrambling into action.
Of course, some had prepared thoroughly from the start...
One such was the Kingdom of Thalia, at the western edge of the continent.
"How's the situation?"
"The entire continent is on high alert. The abyssal scars that have already opened are hard to detect, so no one knows when or where undead might emerge. Nerves are on edge everywhere."
Mulo Brocoslak replied politely to Heinz 2nd's question.
Such a crisis hadn't occurred even during the Immortal King's rampage 300 years ago, leaving everyone's preparations inadequate.
The repercussions of past Immortal Kings repeatedly pounding on the doors of the abyss were finally erupting now.
"Fortunately, our Kingdom of Thalia and the surrounding nations have suffered no major damage."
'Of course they haven't.'
It was only natural.
Thanks to the gift from the previous Immortal King, Hans could detect immortal legions and was promptly containing them in his sub-dimensional space as they emerged nearby.
'The detection range isn't that wide yet, but by diligently patrolling and expanding the area, we can manage the western region somehow.'
It would have been ideal if he could summon armies from desired locations in desired quantities, but the boundaries were too weakened for that.
This was the best they could do to contain it.
In fact, the western region had the most scars, so this was already a remarkable defense.
"How's the linkage with the Hubert Merchant Company in Tarak of the Tulk Kingdom progressing?"
"Contact has been made, and we're providing support from the shadows as per their requests."
"Grant them whatever they want as much as possible. Things are already settled with Hubert. They'll back us fully in return, which will help us expand our influence in the Tulk Kingdom too."
The overt Hubert Merchant Company and the covert Brocoslak Clan made a perfect match.
Their synergy would foster mutual prosperity.
"But they're still human. Relying on a mere merchant is quite risky. Why not bring him into our clan...?"
"Hubert's fine, even if others aren't. He won't betray us—treat him as such."
"...Ah! As expected, you've laid separate groundwork. I'll follow orders."
Mulo nodded in realization, clearly misunderstanding something.
Since both were his forces anyway, he just needed to keep his subordinates in check—no other worries required.
But not everything was going smoothly.
The most critical issue remained unresolved.
"...No reports yet on the madness's influence?"
Heinz asked Mulo, sensing the faint aura of madness permeating the surroundings even now.
Days had passed since the abyss opened and the madness leaked out, yet the diluted energy spread across the continent showed no overt signs.
'Impossible. Even if incompletely manifested, something from the abyss wouldn't stay this quiet. There must be something off.'
"It's too soon for certainty, but there are reports of more petty quarrels, possibly due to the 'madness.' We'll need time and statistics to confirm."
"Even diluted across the continent, it could affect the subconscious. Monitor closely."
"Yes. And, while it needs more investigation for certainty..."
Mulo met Heinz's gaze with a serious expression.
Despite saying time was needed, conviction shone on his face.
"Monster movements are... unusual."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The holy sword was a symbol in itself.
While the Church of the Main God had holy warriors and Holy Knights, with Paladins at the pinnacle, representing its military might...
All that was merely human hierarchy.
Like the Saintess chosen as the Main God's proxy, the holy sword's master was His first blade.
Thus, whoever became its master would receive drastically elevated treatment.
Heinrich was living proof.
In the grandest cathedral of Roselia Cathedral.
The Church's top echelons—two cardinals, archbishops, Paladins, and more—gathered there.
Not just them; many others attended too, underscoring the event's importance amid the busy times.
Yes, this was the ordination ceremony for the new holy sword's master.
Heinrich's Paladin induction.
'What a stark contrast.'
How long had it been since his Holy Knight ordination? Already a Paladin.
And this ceremony, personally led by the Saintess herself—a luxury other Paladins hadn't known.
'Though, in a way, it's only natural.'
In this continental crisis, he was the holy sword's master born after 300 years.
The solemn rite proceeded smoothly, solely for Heinrich.
Prayers to the Main God, offerings, symbolic rites passed...
Finally.
Before the Saintess on the podium, Heinrich knelt on one knee and drew the holy sword from the stigmata on his palm.
Vmmm—
A resplendent silver holy sword, trembling upon emergence, proclaiming its presence to all.
As it appeared, those present gasped involuntarily.
Even Paladins here had challenged the holy sword's trials; their awe was profound.
"That's... the holy sword."
"Indeed, remarkable. Just a sword, yet its inherent holy power is immeasurable."
Only Heinrich and the Saintess remained composed amid the spectacle.
The ceremony continued seamlessly as all eyes fixed on the holy sword...
"......To protect the weak and judge evil, I appoint Heinrich Landgard as Paladin of the Church of the Main God."
The ordination concluded in reverent air.
'Brings back memories.'
Though grander now, it echoed his Holy Knight ceremony.
Beautiful sunlight filtering through stained glass, the cathedral's benevolent aura.
The Saintess smiling softly, placing the Paladin's holy emblem around his neck.
A divine scene, like a painting.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ The entity has fulfilled the conditions and attained enlightenment. Acquired special skill 「Grand Blessing: Knight of Light」. Yes, even this system window at this exact timing matched that moment.
'...Huh? For real?'
A tremendous holy power surged from Heinrich's body a beat late, in astonishment.
Unlike prior blessings, its nature differed.
Denser, heavier, more intense—something filled him.
Vast holy power swirled through his body, slowly merging with the holy sword's energy embedded within.
His mind cleared instantly, elevated; his connection to the Main God strengthened.
'Ngh...'
To avoid being swept away, Heinrich clenched his teeth, activating Mind Hub to its limit.
Any lapse, and his mind might shatter.
In that instant, before his eyes...
The universe unfolded.
Whoosh—
Meanwhile, all watching Heinrich—clutching the holy sword, enveloped in radiant light—united in fervor.
"Ah! A grand blessing!"
"Ooh—! The Main God's grace is upon him!"
Just like his Holy Knight ordination, the scale exploded into a prayer meeting.
Knowing the Main God watched, prayers intensified with zeal.
As the fervor peaked...
'Ah...'
Heinrich's dazed mind, wrapped in light, slowly returned.
In the universe within his mind, he sensed the Main God's will more clearly this time.
Though still just 'interest,' as before.
'No, His will is too vast to comprehend.'
Even evolving from mite to ant, he saw only toes at human feet.
Their levels differed too greatly to gauge.
Still, granting a grand blessing meant approval of his path thus far.
Continuing as before would suffice.
'If my sponsor is pleased, that's good enough.'
⚔ STATUS ⚔ Entity Information ⚡ Entity Name: Heinrich 💨 Common Traits: 「Mind Hub」, 「Persona」, 「Super Recovery」, 「Clear Mirror Still Water」 ✨ Entity Traits: 「Divine Baptism」, 「Grand Blessing: Knight of Light」, 「Blessing: Fortification」, 「Blessing: Leap」, 「Blessing: Radiant Sword」, 「Blessing: Amplification」, 「Blessing: Holy Sword」, 「Roselia Holy Combat Technique」, 「Marrow Cleansing」, 「Auterica Holy Method」 💪 Special Notes: Holy power's upper limit removed; grows endlessly as will permits. Holy power's quality vastly improved. Holy sword's energy settled in body, further enhancing physical abilities. Inherited previous heroes' memories, exponentially advancing combat skills. A dazzling entity information window.
He was evolving into a fitting rival for the Immortal King Hans... no, Hannibal Strauss.
'Huh?'
As he contentedly reviewed it...
Heinrich noticed his hair fluttering at the corner of his eye—something else had changed.
'White hair?'
No, whitened by excessive holy power absorption, but its luster and subtle shimmer transcended mere white hair.
Yes, akin to the Saintess's silver locks...
'Ah, no way?'
A sudden thought—he hurriedly reflected his face on the holy sword's blade still in hand.
First, silver-white waves cascading over his head.
And.
'...Golden eyes.'
His face shape had subtly refined too.
Once similar to his main body's looks, now harmonized into undeniable handsome features.
'No, my original face wasn't ugly either!'
He'd heard "handsome" plenty.
But seeing Heinz 2nd, Harris, and now Heinrich's transformations deflated him unwittingly.
'No! They're all me! No need for inferiority toward my own avatar...'
Thus, dazedly staring at his reflection, lost in turmoil—
"Sir Heinrich Saint Landgard... no."
The Saintess approached with a soft smile.
"Saint."