Chapter 83 : Chapter 83

Chapter 83 - The Fateful Formation (3)

The Pope, in simple terms, the emperor of the church.

In terms of lore, his power was weaker than the Emperor of the Empire, but it was merely the difference between a cannon and a bomb.

“We greet His Holiness, the Pope.”

“His Holiness, the Pope……”

Therefore, no one could even make proper eye contact.

‘What on earth is this situation?’

Artier did not understand.

Why would the Pope suddenly appear?

“Everyone, raise your heads.”

The Pope's voice was lower and thicker than Ropin's.

Gentle, yet at the same time, strong.

“Bishop Ropin, please explain. The reason for summoning them here and the task to be entrusted to them.”

“I understand.”

Ropin, who approached the party, showed a look of apology.

“I’m sorry for surprising you.”

“What on earth is going on?”

I had merely asked for a letter of recommendation.

But to bring the Pope?

“Artier, you said you were creating a mercenary corps to survive. However, at this point in time, creating a large mercenary corps won't be of much help to your survival.”

“……”

Artier wore a sour expression.

Ropin was right.

Derth, which had been one of the large mercenary corps, had become a name of the past in just a few hours.

‘But it would be different if I did it…….’

Though I grumbled internally, there was no way for Ropin to know that.

“One of the reasons I traveled the continent for my training was to find people like you, as commanded by His Holiness.”

“I don't quite understand what you mean.”

At Gerard’s question, Ropin began a frightening story.

“One year ago, the Papal State predicted the end of the world.”

The priests of the Rata faith could see the future through dreams or holy magic.

Most of it ended in vague premonitions, but in the case of this destruction, it was said to have been predicted with unusual certainty.

“We reported this fact to the Empire, but for a year, the Empire took no countermeasures.”

“What did you say?”

“In the end, the Hellmorph invasion began, and if what happens next is as predicted, the world will truly be destroyed.”

The Papal State could not stand by and watch.

To turn a blind eye to beings who wished to live was the same as violating the creed they held as dear as their lives.

“But there was a problem.”

“Military power? It is a principle that the priests of the Rata faith do not learn techniques to defeat enemies.”

At Gerard's words, Ropin nodded.

They could protect and shield their allies, but they did not possess the power to defeat their enemies.

They were individuals who restrained themselves as much as possible, even from using Mana Bullet, which all humans could use as a basic skill.

“There is something called the ancient holy scripture. It is a relic passed down from the first Pope of the Rata faith.”

The Pope opened his mouth.

“In it, there is content regarding the Temple Knights, prepared for when the world is in danger.”

“Pardon?”

“They are permitted to learn forbidden holy magic, beings who grant rest to enemies that threaten life in the name of the stars. This will be the final flame to stop the blaze.”

“But that's……”

Gerard's expression hardened as if he had realized something.

“If priests take up arms…… isn't that a violation of Imperial law?”

Thump!

As soon as Gerard's words ended, Artier could feel the surrounding space being layered with thick mana.

‘My body feels heavy!’

No one there could move properly.

“That's right. Imperial law strictly forbids anyone who has devoted themselves to the Rata faith from gaining power, or teaching holy magic to those who have power.”

At first glance, it seemed as if the Empire respected their creed.

But this was actually a kind of safety measure to prevent religion from overstepping the imperial authority.

“This is an act of treason to the people of the Empire. If you refuse this offer and speak of this matter outside, it will cause a great stir in society.”

The Pope raised the staff he was holding and lightly tapped the floor.

With that single tap, Collie trembled and knelt.

Th-this is an absurd amount of mana. It's stronger than a Grand Magus.

Just from the voice transmitted into my head, I could tell he was terrified.

‘Of course. The Pope isn't an NPC you can see at this point in time in the first place.’

Mid-to-late game.

Perhaps someone you only catch a glimpse of in the very late stages depending on the story's progression, the Pope's level was naturally set to the late game.

[Lv.105 Pope Zenavius (Priest)]

Mana trembled and reacted to the Pope's breath, to the small movements of his hands touching the staff.

Artier had become a tiny mouse before a giant.

“Therefore, unavoidably, I intend to place a restriction.”

[Resistance Failed]

[You have been cursed.]

[You will be unable to speak of what happened here to those who are unrelated.]

With those words, the Pope struck the floor with his staff again.

Then, a brilliant ring enveloped their heads and disappeared.

“Our creed teaches to avoid violence, and the Temple Knights are beings who deviate from that creed. But now is a situation that requires the final flame.”

At the Pope's gesture, Ropin brought a small, silver-plated insignia.

“You said it was to survive.”

The Pope looked at Artier.

“Supreme-grade mercenary Artier, how about joining us to survive?”

“……”

“Become the leader of the new order of knights.”

Just looking at him made my chest feel cold.

Forcing himself to swallow, Artier began to quickly rack his brain.

‘My plan to start with a mercenary corps, become a formal order of knights, grow in size, and rise to a kingdom is…….’

Honestly, I had not expected a situation like this.

It was because what I had originally planned was being completely disrupted.

‘But…… isn't this actually better? It’s not just any order of knights, but Sacred Knights.’

But it was worth enduring all of that.

The name of the Rata faith could provide that much justification, power, and military strength.

‘It's only natural that the halo of the Rata faith is greater than my own name value. Besides, the Rata faith is also dissatisfied with the Empire right now. This might be an opportunity.’

Artier's heart gradually leaned to one side.

“This is not a question for just one person.”

The Pope said so and scanned everyone in the party one by one.

“Finally, the Great Warrior of the Elves and what is called a Spirit Creature.”

“……I’m not even surprised.”

“W-we’ve been found out.”

“To the other two, I also offer the path of a knight.”

If you have decided, wear that insignia and come forth.

With those words, the Pope disappeared from the prayer hall.

It felt as if a storm had passed, though only one person had left.

“Artier, what are your thoughts?”

“I……”

Artier looked around at Tersion and Jeina.

“If the majority doesn't agree, I won't go.”

They were comrades he had brought along for months and leveled up with.

It wasn't just about levels. He had not spared any expense, providing skill books and equipment as needed.

“You know I can't.”

Tersion immediately drew the line.

“The Great Warrior is a weapon of the Council. I cannot go under the Rata faith.”

Her departure was, in fact, something that had already been scheduled.

But Artier was not flustered.

“But you'll still be with me if I ask, right?”

“Of course, it's a promise.”

To retrieve the stolen Elven relics.

Until that duty was fulfilled, Tersion would not leave, regardless of whether Artier became a knight or not.

“Then what about the others?”

Artier looked at the remaining people.

“If you go, I go too.”

Gerard immediately nodded.

Surprisingly, it was Jeina who took a long time to answer. She was lost in thought with her arms crossed.

“Jeina?”

“……Huh? What is it, brother?”

“Is there a problem?”

“No? Is there any reason to refuse when we're getting a promotion?”

She belatedly gave a thumbs-up and smiled brightly.

‘Is it related to Jeina's past?’

It was awkward for anyone to see, but since she said she was fine, it was hard to ask more.

“Then what should we do about Trophin……”

“Don't worry about that.”

Ropin said.

“They will be hearing the story in another room.”

“Pardon?”

“Didn't I say I was looking for people? Beings with sufficient power but belonging nowhere have come to the Papal State, so I couldn't miss the opportunity.”

“Turns out you were a pretty sly old man, huh?”

As Tersion glared at him, Ropin chuckled.

“I apologize. But I truly wish to help you all. If you become Sacred Knights, you will receive far more benefits than a large mercenary corps.”

Honestly, it seemed like there was a lot of self-interest involved.

But the world runs on vested interests.

‘If you're going to use my power, then I'll just use that position.’

His goal was to defeat the final boss and see the true ending.

And to do that, he was using everything around him.

Did he have the right to blame others for their self-interest?

“I will become the Leader of the Sacred Knights.”

Artier accepted the white insignia.

[Mark of Salvation (Unique)]

Indispensable, but hopefully not met often.

Option: Free access to the Papal State is permitted.

Hidden Option: Can open the hidden passages of the Papal State.

Soon, everyone except Tersion wore the insignia.

She took out a Return Scroll, but Ropin stopped her.

“Such scrolls cannot be used inside the Papal State. I will send you myself.”

Tersion nodded and looked at Artier.

“Contact me when you receive your first mission or start something else.”

“Will that be okay?”

“What? Joining the order of knights is impossible, but helping them is my freedom, isn't it?”

Before being a Great Warrior, she was Tersion.

And for an elf, she seemed to have a very affectionate personality.

“If you die, it's a loss for the Council too. I'll stick around until your usefulness withers.”

“Haha, alright. See you again.”

Soon, Tersion disappeared in a flash of light.

The remaining people left the room, passed through a long corridor, and a large plaza hidden underground appeared.

Trophin and his party were already there.

Thus, as the nine of them gathered, the Pope put down his staff and solemnly declared.

“In my name, Zenavius, I declare from this moment forth the revival of the ancient order of knights written in the holy scripture.”

There were no particularly beautiful or cool effects. There wasn't even a background effect like in the game.

But Artier thought that was precisely what made it like the Rata faith.

The will of the stars was originally like that.

The simple and modest was the most beautiful.

“O ye who would carry on the will of the stars, will you be the last resort and the first sword to save the world?”

“Yes!”

“……Yes.”

[Title: Leader of the Sacred Knights acquired.]

Priests of the Rata faith will look upon you with a favorable gaze.

Karma Points will not decrease when committing a righteous murder.

All stats increase by 10% when facing Undead-type monsters.

[Affiliation set to Sacred Knights.]

[Warning: The Sacred Knights is an illegal organization. If discovered by the Empire, you may be wanted as a traitor.]

[Warning: The Sacred Knights is a good-aligned organization. If your Karma Points fall below a certain level, you may be expelled.]

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