Chapter 126
Chapter 126
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 126
Chapter Title: Unwelcome Guest (1)
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As soon as the Holy Knights who had departed for the Mandarine Kingdom returned, the Holy Order was thrown into an uproar.
“The beasts that attacked the central branch in the Mandarine Kingdom were not human, but composites?”
Combining different living beings wasn't particularly unusual.
The black mages of the Aberrant School had long been creating synthetic magical beasts known as chimeras.
However, chimeras were merely fusions of low-intelligence monsters, with only one serving as the central core.
In contrast, the composites encountered by the Holy Knights this time had two intelligent beings coexisting within a single body.
In such cases, the two intelligences would typically clash with each other, or the body would reject the fusion.
“And it wasn't just ordinary humans fused together. They combined a Dark Knight and a black mage.”
“They say the composite wielded swordsmanship and black magic simultaneously during combat.”
Dark Knights and black mages shared only the common trait of using black mana, but their methods of use were entirely different.
Fusing the two was extraordinary enough, but enabling them to use swordsmanship and black magic at the same time was impossible with ordinary techniques.
Even more shocking was the black magic employed by the composite.
“It dragged people into dreams and showed them nightmares.”
“Even a Grade 1 Holy Knight couldn't resist this black magic.”
The Holy Order took the incident extremely seriously and began devising countermeasures.
For Demian, it was a welcome outcome.
In his previous life, the Order hadn't realized Dorgo's true nature until the war of annihilation broke out.
As a result, they had been helplessly overwhelmed by Dorgo's prepared black magic and magical weaponry.
But this life was different. While Dorgo himself hadn't been exposed, the Holy Order had sensed the crisis from these fragments.
“But who exactly is this black mage named Victor?”
The second shock to the Holy Order after the composites was the black mage known as the Woodchopper Victor.
“They say he put all the bound Holy Knights to sleep with a sleep curse?”
“And he left the composite in such a wretched state...”
One composite had only bones left, as if a bomb had exploded inside it, while the other had dried up like sun-baked fish.
This gruesome method of killing was unprecedented even for the Holy Order.
“Woodchopper Victor, eh. Another name that's never appeared before.”
“Victor... A common enough name that a search of the ledgers would turn up a few.”
“But what does the moniker 'Woodchopper' even mean?”
The priests murmured about the name Victor for quite some time.
“In any case, he's undoubtedly a dangerous individual. We need to add him to the kill-on-sight list.”
And so, a new name was entered into the Order's kill-on-sight registry.
* * *
While the Holy Order was abuzz with commotion, Demian had arrived at the temple of the Flamebearers.
“I, Blue Flame, am greatly disappointed in all of you.”
The Great Saint 'Blue Flame' spoke with his hands clasped behind his back.
Before him, all four Holy Knights who had gone to the Mandarine Kingdom were prostrating themselves on the ground.
“I sent you to eliminate the beasts, and instead you get put to sleep by some black magic?”
Thanks to Demian eliminating the Hanger couple, the Flamebearer Holy Knights had emerged unscathed.
Of course, they had suffered horrific nightmares from Nightmare Slaughter, but no serious issues arose.
Nightmare Slaughter was indeed fearsome black magic, but not enough to kill Grade 1 or Grade 2 Holy Knights.
“Paramon.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Especially you—what good are you if my disciple can't do anything?”
“I'm sorry! This unworthy disciple has tarnished your honor!”
“For someone so sorry, your rear is getting lower and lower.”
“I-I'll correct it!”
Paramon hastily straightened his posture. The other Holy Knights followed suit.
“To think you nearly died to such nobodies... In my day, I overcame even strange black magic with sheer willpower.”
As Blue Flame's lecture began, the Holy Knights' faces turned pale.
‘This is getting awkwardly uncomfortable.’
Demian watched the scene from nearby, seated. As an outsider, he was exempt from Blue Flame's disciplinary storm.
However, being the only one sitting comfortably made it somewhat awkward.
“All of you, sit down.”
At Blue Flame's command, the Holy Knights collapsed to the floor. They sat gasping for breath.
“Starting tomorrow, we'll begin full-strength enhancement training.”
Their eyes widened at his next words.
“M-Master. D-Did you just say full-strength enhancement training?”
Surprisingly, the usually composed Agnes stammered as she asked.
“What? Got a problem? Want to kowtow again?”
“N-No! I'm just so happy!”
“I'm happy too!”
“I'm so thrilled I could die!”
The other Holy Knights shouted in unison at Agnes's words. Blue Flame smiled contentedly.
“You can all look forward to it. Unlike before, I've lowered the risk but increased the intensity. No more shattered leg bones like last time.”
Demian could only stick out his tongue at Blue Flame's words. What kind of training shattered bones?
“Sir Demian, I apologize for dragging you into such danger.”
Blue Flame turned to Demian and said. Demian shook his head.
“Not at all. We all volunteered with full resolve.”
“Indeed... Sir Demian is a devout man. You're prepared to lay down your life for the faith.”
Blue Flame nodded, deeply moved.
“In that spirit, why doesn't Sir Demian join the training as well?”
Demian's mind flashed at Blue Flame's words. He looked up to see Blue Flame's face brimming with expectation.
Behind him, Agnes was desperately shaking her head.
“I'm in a position where I need to return home as soon as possible...”
“Nonsense! If you write a letter saying you're training yourself further to serve the divine, your family will understand, won't they?”
“The sect's training methods are confidential; it wouldn't be right for an outsider like me to participate...”
“Don't worry about that! Who would dare object when I permit it?”
As the conversation seemed headed toward inevitable acceptance no matter what he said, Demian began to sweat coldly.
Knock knock.
A knock sounded at the door. Agnes opened it, revealing the Holy Emperor.
“You're all gathered here.”
The Holy Emperor limped inside. Priests in white robes followed.
“Your Holiness! What brings you here?”
Blue Flame rushed forward to support him. The Holy Emperor refused the help and spoke.
“I came to see Sir Demian. But... your expression doesn't look good, Sir Demian. Is something wrong?”
Instead of answering, Demian glanced at Blue Flame. He saw Blue Flame shaking his head pleadingly.
“Elder Blue Flame is trying to force me into the sect's training.”
Demian quickly recounted what had just happened. The Holy Emperor glared at Blue Flame with a fearsome look.
“Blue Flame... Even after I told you... you pull this again...!”
“Y-Your Holiness! It's not like that...!”
“Quiet. We'll discuss it privately later.”
At the Holy Emperor's words, Blue Flame's shoulders slumped.
“Sir Demian, if anything like this happens again, come straight to me.”
“Thank you.”
Demian spoke sincerely.
“But what brings you to me?”
“Ah, I nearly forgot. I have something to give you.”
The Holy Emperor gestured, and a woman in priestly robes approached, opening a wooden box.
Inside was a silver necklace.
“It's a holy relic given to Holy Knights upon their commissioning by the main order.”
Demian couldn't help but look puzzled.
“Why give this to me...?”
“We intend to appoint you as an Honorary Holy Knight.”
Everyone in the building was stunned. Demian was no exception.
An Honorary Holy Knight was a title occasionally bestowed by the Order on secular knights who had performed great feats.
It was a position originally reserved for those of high realms, like High Class or Master Class.
No Mid Class knight had ever been appointed as one.
“Having witnessed Sir Demian's exploits, I felt it best to forge a closer bond. After much deliberation, this is the decision we've reached.”
The Holy Emperor picked up the necklace.
“With this holy relic, you can receive the Order's protection anywhere.”
It was an incredibly welcome gift for Demian.
‘Becoming an Honorary Holy Knight will help smooth over any conflict with the Almond Count family.’
Demian planned to head to the Almond County to eliminate Gasdal.
Even if tensions arose with the Almond Count family, he could simply invoke the Order.
“Is it truly alright to give something so precious to me?”
At Demian's question, the Holy Emperor smiled.
“I offer it with faith that you, Sir Demian, won't misuse it.”
Demian felt a pang of guilt. His mind was already filled with plans to do exactly that.
“I gratefully accept.”
Demian took the necklace without refusal.
* * *
Afterward, Demian left the Order and headed home.
Not to the Haksen territory mansion, but to Spring Castle in the Gargari Plains, where his family had relocated.
As he passed through the gates into the courtyard, he spotted Victor chopping wood.
“Haat!”
Each swing of Victor's axe cleanly split thick logs.
Approaching closer, Victor noticed Demian and exclaimed in surprise.
“Young master! You're back?”
“Yeah, no issues while I was gone?”
“With me here, what could go wrong?”
Victor thumped his chest confidently. Demian chuckled at the display.
“But why are you chopping wood? You could have someone else do it.”
Upon moving to Spring Castle, the Haksen family had hired a large staff of servants.
As a result, existing servants like Victor had been promoted. Chores like woodchopping could be delegated.
“Ahem, my hands were itching. Chopping wood keeps things from getting boring.”
Demian couldn't help but admire Victor's response.
“As expected of Woodchopper Victor. I nailed that nickname.”
“Pardon? What was that?”
“Nothing. Keep at it.”
Demian parted from Victor and entered the castle.
“We should change the curtains here.”
Just inside, his mother was directing the servants in the corridor.
“Oh, Demian!”
Spotting him, his mother cried out in delight and rushed over. Demian hugged her tightly.
“Mother, a gift.”
Demian offered the bracelet from Vigo. His mother accepted it with a beaming smile.
“Oh, how lovely. What is it?”
“Something from the Order. It's a holy relic that protects you—wear it always.”
“This is a holy relic?”
His mother examined the bracelet curiously from all angles.
“I brought enough to share with the family... Where is everyone?”
“Your father, Abel, and Olivia are out inspecting the territory. Luise is in the music room.”
“Then I should see my sister first.”
As Demian moved to go, his mother held him back.
“Demian, better wait a bit. Your sister isn't alone.”
“Then who's with her?”
At Demian's question, his mother blushed faintly.
“Ballad came to visit.”
Demian knew only one Ballad.
Ballad Wigo.
Luise's fiancé.
The mere thought of the man made Demian scowl.
“That good-for-nothing showed up?”