#97
The Beginning of Change (1)
In a desolate part of the mountains.
Fwoosh—!
Something crawled out from the dirt-covered ground.
Following the first one that emerged, two, three… the numbers continued to rise.
Grrrg—
The countless undead crawling up toward the surface resembled a scene straight out of a horror movie.
They had come from a scar of the Abyss, long buried beneath the earth.
With the awakening of the Abyss, the boundaries grew hazy, allowing those lost within to escape one by one.
Chirp chirp—
Clatter!
Moreover, the group didn’t even contain lowly undead like zombies or skeletons.
After surpassing a hundred elite undead troops, at least Skeleton Knights or higher, they stood together, vigilant against their surroundings.
These were not ordinary undead; they showed signs of intelligence in their movements.
At long last, the forces of the undead revealed themselves upon the surface, scattering death’s energy all around.
[…For now… we will move…]
Leading that force was a knight in splendid armor, his head held high, a Dullahan Knight.
Clank clank!
Scritch scritch—
While the situation was clearly abnormal, it wasn’t extraordinary in itself.
This was a recurring event across the continent even now.
*
The situation shifted dramatically, and the political climate changed rapidly.
Sacrificial ceremonies held throughout the continent, the resultant openings of the Abyss, and the undead army resurrected in connection with these events.
And the striking mastermind behind it all—the disaster of the continent, the Undead King.
Only when this concrete threat approached did those who had been sluggishly responding to the Order’s warnings start to rush into action.
Of course, there were those who had been thoroughly prepared from the beginning among them…
One such place was the Talia Kingdom, located at the western end of the continent.
“How’s the situation?”
“The entire continent is on high alert. The scar of the Abyss is in a dormant state, making it nearly impossible to detect where the undead might emerge next, putting everyone on edge.”
In response to Heinz II’s question, Mulo Brokoslac replied respectfully.
An incident like this had never occurred even when the Undead King rampaged 300 years ago, so everyone was ill-prepared.
The repercussions of the former Undead Kings repeatedly knocking on the door of the Abyss had finally exploded now.
“Fortunately, our Talia Kingdom and the neighboring countries have not suffered significant damage.”
‘Well, that’s to be expected.’
It made sense.
Thanks to Hans receiving a gift from the former Undead King, he had been able to sense the undead army and was continually collecting them as they emerged nearby into a void dimension.
‘While his detection range isn’t very wide yet, he’s diligently expanding the patrol area, so we can manage the western region somehow.’
It would have been ideal for him to summon as many troops as he wanted from wherever he desired, but the current situation was too unstable to expect that.
We had no choice but to manage as best as we could.
In fact, the western region had the highest concentration of the scars, so handling it was quite an achievement.
“How is the collaboration with Hubert Association in Tarak of the Tulk Kingdom progressing?”
“Contact has been completed, and we are currently providing support from the shadows as per their requests.”
“If they have any demands, fulfill them as much as possible. I’ve concluded discussions with Hubert already. He’ll fully assist us, so it should help us strengthen our foothold in the Tulk Kingdom.”
The Hubert Association in the light and the Brokoslac Clan in the shadows were a surprisingly well-suited match.
It was anticipated that a good relationship could develop through their mutual synergy.
“But still, they are humans. Trusting just a mere merchant is quite a dangerous gamble; it would be better to incorporate him into our clan instead…”
“Except for Hubert; he’s trustworthy. There’s no chance he’d betray us, so keep that in mind.”
“…Ah! So, you had something up your sleeve. I will follow your orders.”
Mulo nodded thoughtfully, perhaps having misunderstood the situation.
Since both entities were under his control, there was no need for other worries as long as he kept his subordinates in line.
However, not everything was progressing smoothly.
The most critical issue still remained unresolved.
“…Is there still no report on the influence of madness?”
Heinz, feeling the vague aura of madness nearby, asked Mulo.
Though several days had passed since the Abyss opened and madness leaked out, the energy that had spread across the continent remained undetected.
‘It doesn’t make sense. Even if it manifested imperfectly, something emerging from the Abyss shouldn’t behave so quietly. There’s definitely something unusual.’
“Although the time has been short, it’s reported that there have been increased disputes over trivial matters, possibly due to the lingering ‘madness.’ Of course, we’ll need to observe further to gather accurate statistics.”
“Even if it’s diluted across the continent, the possibility that it influenced unconsciousness exists. Conduct a meticulous investigation.”
“Yes. Also, to gain more certainty, we’ll need further research on this as well…”
Mulo looked seriously at Heinz.
Despite his words about needing time, there was a certain degree of confidence on his face.
“The movements of the monsters are reported to be suspicious.”
*
The Holy Sword itself was a symbol.
Among the representatives of the Holy Church Order’s military strength were Paladins, Knights, and at the peak, the Paladins themselves…
Yet, all of this was merely a system dictated by humans.
Just as the Saint was chosen to carry out the divine will, the wielder of the Holy Sword could be considered the first sword of the Holy God.
Thus, anyone who became the owner of the Holy Sword would inevitably experience a dramatic change in their treatment.
Just like Heinrich did now.
In the largest grand chapel of Rosellia Temple, two Cardinals, an Archbishop, and high-ranking members of the Church were present.
Not only them but many others attended, underscoring the importance of this moment during such a busy time.
Yes, this was the site where Heinrich’s Paladin ordination for the new Holy Sword was taking place.
‘It feels like a different era.’
How long has it been since he was ordained as a Knight, and now he was already becoming a Paladin.
Moreover, this ceremony was overseen personally by the Saint, a luxury most other Paladins had never experienced.
‘In a way, it is only natural.’
He was the wielder of the Holy Sword that had emerged after a 300-year-long crisis facing the continent.
Soon, amidst the solemn atmosphere, the ceremony flowed smoothly, dedicated solely to Heinrich.
After the recitation of prayers to the Holy God and rituals, along with other symbolic procedures…
At last.
Kneeling before the Saint on the altar, Heinrich drew the Holy Sword from the mark on his palm.
Bzzzz—
Upon its appearance, a magnificent silver Holy Sword revealed itself, brilliantly shining and announcing its presence to the world.
As it materialized, those gathered couldn’t help but gasp in awe.
Indeed, among the Paladins present, some had faced the trials of the Holy Sword, so the feelings they harbored were beyond comparison.
“That’s… the Holy Sword.”
“Indeed, remarkable. It’s just a sword, but its imbued holy power is unfathomable.”
In that moment, only Heinrich and the Saint remained calm.
As everyone became engrossed in the Holy Sword, the ceremony continued naturally…
“…May you be the sword that protects the weak and punishes evil. Therefore, I hereby appoint Heinrich Landguard as a Paladin of the Holy Church Order.”
The ceremony concluded in a sacred atmosphere.
‘This reminds me of the past.’
Even though the current scale was much larger, the ambiance felt similar when he became a Knight.
The beautiful sunlight refracting through colorful stained glass, the warm atmosphere radiating from the solemn grand chapel.
The gentle smile of the Saint placing the emblem of a Paladin around his neck was a scene painted to perfection.
《The entity has fulfilled the conditions and gained insight. Special skill “Great Blessing: Knight of Light” acquired.》
Yes, the system message that emerged at this moment felt just like before.
‘…Huh? Really?’
As surprise struck Heinrich a moment later, an immense holy power erupted from his body.
This was vastly different from the blessings he had received before.
It was something denser, heavier, and far more intense filling him within.
The colossal holy power swirled around his body, gradually merging with the aura of the established Holy Sword.
His mind soared like it had been opened, and the connection with the Holy God grew even more robust.
‘Gah…’
To avoid being swept away by this intense flow, Heinrich activated “Mind Hub” to its maximum limit and gritted his teeth.
If he let his guard down even for a moment, his consciousness would be swept away and carried off.
At that moment, before his eyes…
The universe unfolded.
Whoosh—
Meanwhile, when everyone caught sight of Heinrich holding the Holy Sword, bathed in radiant light, their hearts unified as one.
“Ah! A Great Blessing!”
“Oh—! The grace of the Holy God is upon us!”
Just like during Heinrich’s Knight ordination, the event skyrocketed, and a prayer session commenced.
Knowing that the Holy God was observing this moment, it was only natural for the prayers to be even more fervent than usual.
As the atmosphere heated up dramatically,
‘Ah…’
Slowly pulled back from his daze by the light, Heinrich began to regain his senses.
Within the universe that had expanded in his mind, he could now feel the will of the Holy God more clearly.
Of course, just like before, what he could sense was still merely ‘interest.’
‘No, the will is so great that I can’t discern anything.’
Even if he had evolved from a mite to an ant, all he could see from the human standpoint were the toes of a foot.
From the beginning, the gap was so vast that he couldn’t gauge it at all.
However, to grant him a Great Blessing like this suggested that up until now, his deeds must have been favorably viewed.
He simply had to continue as he had until now.
‘If my benefactor is satisfied, that alone is a good thing.’
[Entity Information]
-Entity Name: Heinrich
-Common Traits: “Mind Hub,” “Persona,” “Super Recovery,” “Clear Mind”
-Entity Traits: “Holy Baptism,” “Great Blessing: Knight of Light,” “Blessing: Strong Body,” “Blessing: Leap,” “Blessing: Radiant Blade,” “Blessing: Weight Increase,” “Blessing: Holy Sword,” “Rozia Holy Combat Technique,” “Mugol,” “Auterica Holy Law”
-Notable Details: The limit on holy power has been lifted, allowing for constant growth as long as will permits. The level of holy power has dramatically increased. Energy connected to the Holy Sword has settled into the body, further enhancing physical abilities. By inheriting the memories of the past heroes, combat techniques have improved significantly.
A splendidly extravagant entity information window.
He was growing into a fitting adversary for the Undead King Hans… no, Hannibal Strauss.
‘Huh?’
Just when he was satisfied checking the entity information, Heinrich noticed something had changed as he felt his hair flutter by his eyes.
‘White hair?’
No, it wasn’t just turning white from absorbing excessive holy power; it was gleaming and shimmeringly striking in a way that felt beyond simply being white.
Yes, if he had to say, it felt reminiscent of the Saint’s silver hair…
‘Ah, could it be?’
Suddenly struck by the thought, he hurriedly turned the blade of the Holy Sword to reflect his face.
What first caught his eye was the wave of silver-white hair covering his head.
And then.
‘…Golden eyes.’
Furthermore, his facial shape bizarrely transformed.
The appearance which had previously shown minimal differences from the original was now adjusted and balanced, becoming unmistakably handsome.
‘No, it’s not that my original face was ugly!’
Even though he had received quite a few compliments about being decent-looking.
Seeing Heinrich II and Harris, followed by his own altered face, he felt a sense of inferiority creeping in without realizing it.
‘No! This is all me, right? I shouldn’t harbor such feelings of inferiority toward my own manifestation…’
Lost in those thoughts, staring blankly at his reflection on the sword’s blade—
“Sir Heinrich Saint Landgard… no.”
The Saint approached with a gentle smile and spoke.
“Holy One.”
