When people heard the name “Holy Order,” three things immediately came to mind: fanaticism, divine power, and armaments.
The Order wasn’t a religion exclusive to humans. Any race with faith could join, and the first non-human members were the dwarves.
Renowned for their craftsmanship, the dwarves were often called the descendants of the blacksmith god. Upon joining the Order, they generously shared their skills and knowledge, leading to a rapid advancement in the Order’s forging techniques.
The weapons and armor provided to the soldiers were of exceptional quality. The gear crafted specifically for the paladins was so exquisite that calling it a masterpiece felt like an understatement.
Among the famed armaments of the Holy Order, one stood out above the rest: the Holy Sword.
This weapon was the culmination of the dwarves’ secret techniques, rare metals, and years of divine power infused by the clergy. The Holy Sword’s complex creation process was matched only by its extraordinary abilities.
“Is this really a Holy Sword?” Damien’s heart raced like a child’s. Such was the awe-inspiring nature of the Holy Sword.
“Why would I lie? Though, it’s not a top-tier one. It’s more of a lower-grade version.”
It was unlikely that Damien, not being a paladin, would receive a high-grade Holy Sword. But there was no need to feel slighted; even a lower-grade Holy Sword was a legendary weapon.
Damien unwrapped the cloth, revealing the sword sheathed in a wooden scabbard. It bore no special decorations. The pommel was round, and the cross-guard was plain and straight.
However, the moment he drew the sword, any thoughts of simplicity vanished. The hexagonal blade gleamed with a smooth luster, as if crafted from molten silver. It felt perfectly balanced, as if it were an extension of his own body.
Most astonishing was the divine power coursing through the hilt. The holy energy seeped into his body, washing away the fatigue of training.
True to its name, the Holy Sword radiated divine power on its own.
“Incredible,” Damien said sincerely.
He had seen the highest-grade Holy Swords during his time as a Death Knight, battling the Order’s Five Saints. Those swords could obliterate thousands of undead with a mere swing, as if a god had descended.
Compared to those, the power of the Holy Sword Damien received was a mere speck. But that was only in comparison to such legendary weapons. This sword was unmatched anywhere else in the world.
Even the Celestial Sword, his current weapon of choice, seemed like a toy in comparison.
“You should thank Agnes. The main Order had no intention of giving out a Holy Sword, but she insisted until they relented.”
“Sister, please don’t say unnecessary things.”
“Hey, when you do something good, you should shout it from the rooftops. Otherwise, no one will know.”
Agnes shot a fierce glare at Margata, who finally relented with a nod.
“Thank you, Sir Agnes,” Damien said earnestly. Agnes responded with a modest cough.
“I wanted to get you a Holy Armor too, but the main Order was adamant about not allowing it.”
At the mention of Holy Armor, Damien was taken aback. Like the Holy Sword, Holy Armor was a treasure of the Order, given only to a select few paladins recognized for their skill and faith.
Receiving such armor might lead to pressure to become a paladin himself.
“I don’t need Holy Armor.”
“There’s no need to feel burdened. I will ensure you receive Holy Armor, Sir Damien.”
“Really, it’s not necessary.”
Damien’s firm refusal caused Agnes’s shoulders to slump slightly.
“The Dungeon of Necromancy is located in the southern Nopri Mountains.”
As they traveled by carriage, Margata explained the current situation to Damien.
“The lord near the Nopri Mountains often traded with the slash-and-burn farmers and herbalists there. But one day, all contact ceased.”
Damien listened intently from his seat in the carriage.
“The lord found it odd, and then one of the farmers came down from the mountains. At first, they didn’t recognize him. He didn’t look human. His body was patched together with animal parts, with only a human head.”
The thought made Margata grimace slightly.
“The farmer mentioned something about necromancy in the mountains before dying on the spot. The lord reported this to the main Order, which led them to pinpoint the location of the necromancy.”
Margata finished her story and looked at Damien.
“What do you think?”
“It’s suspicious,” Damien replied immediately.
“I doubt the necromancer would let a test subject escape so easily. If they had, they would have been exposed long ago.”
The necromancer had only revealed themselves once, turning an entire village into an undead lair to announce their presence. Since then, they had left no trace.
For the necromancer to let a farmer escape? It didn’t add up.
“You’re right. The main Order suspects it might be a trap.”
“And yet they’re sending an expedition?”
“Dark wizards disrupt the natural order and blaspheme against the gods. As servants of the divine, we can’t shy away from such fools out of fear.”
Margata’s fierce smile belied the fanatical devotion of a true paladin.
“Moreover, the necromancer is considered a significant threat by the main Order. They believe there’s a chance they could grow into an archmage.”
The Order’s assessment was accurate. The necromancer would indeed become a formidable force as an archmage.
“The Order believes that even if the dungeon is a trap, it’s worth investigating. If we can eliminate the necromancer, great. If not, we hope to find clues to track them down.”
The Order deemed the opportunity too valuable to pass up.
“The main Order isn’t sending the expedition lightly. They’re assuming it’s a trap and have bolstered the expedition’s strength. Three sects have come together for this mission.”
Anyone who served the divine could wield holy power. A select few awakened new abilities, like Agnes’s “Blue Flame.”
These individuals formed groups known as sects. The sects were the core of the Order’s leadership.
“Which sects are involved?”
“Our ‘Burning Ones,’ ‘Blended Blizzard,’ and ‘Dazzling Pain’ are all participating.”
“Three of the Five Saints’ sects are involved.”
There were countless sects, each varying in size and influence. The Five Saints referred to the five strongest paladins in the Order, and their sects wielded immense power and influence.
“It’s not just any paladins from the sects. The disciples of the Five Saints are being sent, like Agnes and me.”
The disciples participating in the expedition were so powerful that no further explanation was needed.
“Then why ask for my help? With such strength, the expedition seems more than capable.”
Margata scratched her cheek, looking a bit troubled.
“The decision for this expedition was made so suddenly that our ‘Burning Ones’ couldn’t gather our full strength. It’s just Agnes and me.”
Sects were the Order’s main force. A paladin who had awakened their abilities was far stronger than one who hadn’t. Thus, they had many responsibilities, and a shortage of manpower was understandable.
“Our master didn’t want to send us on this expedition. It was too dangerous with just the two of us. We were supposed to join another sect, but…”
“I insisted on participating,” Agnes explained, picking up where Margata left off.
“As I mentioned, I’m pursuing the necromancer. I couldn’t let this opportunity slip by.”
“So our master set a condition: strengthen our forces, even with outsiders. That’s why Agnes sought you out.”
Margata crossed her arms.
“If you hadn’t accepted, I wouldn’t have allowed Agnes to join.”
“Thanks to you, Sir Damien, I have a chance to confront the necromancer.”
Agnes bowed her head in gratitude once more.
“I’m grateful too. You’ve given me the chance to crush heretics,” Margata said with a chilling smile.
“Show us the same skill you used to take down the Yuran leader.”
The carriage traveled tirelessly until they reached the Nopri Mountains.
At the mountain’s base, the Order had already established a camp. The number of soldiers wasn’t large, but they all had sharp eyes and muscular builds, likely elite troops specially trained by the Order.
Numerous paladins were also present, though they hadn’t awakened any special abilities. Even so, they were as skilled as low-class warriors.
It was clear the Order was serious about this expedition.
“Let’s see. The meeting room should be inside,” Margata said, leading Damien and Agnes further into the camp.
“Ah, there it is.”
In the center of the camp stood a tent, open on all sides, with a massive table at its heart. Around it, people were seated, deep in conversation.
“Ah, everyone’s gathered here? It’s been a while, good to see you all,” Maragata said, taking a seat at the table.
“Late again, Maragata,” a man with a sharp, irritable demeanor remarked, his tone dripping with disapproval.
“I got held up on the way. It won’t happen again,” Maragata replied.
“I’ve heard that promise every time we meet. I’m starting to doubt your sincerity,” the man, Gamal, retorted.
“You’re always so uptight, Gamal. Keep frowning like that, and you’ll end up with wrinkles,” Maragata teased.
“Instead of apologizing, you spout nonsense. Typical of the ‘Scorched Ones.’ Ignorant as ever,” Gamal shot back, his words making Maragata’s eyebrow twitch.
“Watch your mouth, Gamal. Insult me all you want, but leave my sect out of it.”
“Am I wrong? If your sect’s teachings were sound, you wouldn’t act like this.”
Maragata’s smile faded. “Are we really doing this right off the bat? Just because your master got beaten to a pulp by ours doesn’t mean you should be so petty.”
“Beaten to a pulp? When did that happen?” Gamal shouted, incensed.
“Or was it just one punch before he admitted defeat? Either way, your master lost to ours.”
“Our master was exhausted from completing a critical mission,” Gamal growled, glaring at Maragata as if ready to fight.
“Who is that man?” Demian asked Agnes quietly.
“That’s Gamal, a second-class paladin of the ‘Blended Blizzard,’ and a disciple of Black Snow,” Agnes whispered back.
The ‘Blended Blizzard’ was one of the sects under the great sage Black Snow, known for wielding ice-based divine power. Demian had once fought Black Snow himself, who had the insane ability to turn the sea into a frozen wasteland in the middle of summer.
“It seems the sects don’t get along,” Demian observed.
“It’s not mutual. The ‘Blended Blizzard’ is the one picking fights,” Agnes replied firmly.
The sects differed not only in the nature of their divine powers but also in their ideologies and doctrines, leading to frequent rivalries.
“Black Snow recently lost to our master,” Agnes added, hinting that the rivalry between the Scorched Ones and the Blended Blizzard was more about pride than anything else.
“Come on, everyone, let’s not fight,” a woman sitting between Maragata and Gamal said in a slow, deliberate tone. “Save your anger for the filthy dark mages hiding in the dungeon.”
Despite her gentle demeanor, her words were chillingly fierce.
“That’s Sanus, a second-class paladin of the ‘Dazzling Pain,’ and a disciple of Light,” Agnes explained.
Demian had also faced Light, one of the great sages, who fought by enhancing himself with hundreds of miracles, earning the nickname of a walking fortress.
“Sanus, stay out of this. Maragata needs to be taught a lesson today,” Gamal insisted.
“Do you really think you can handle me, weakling? What if you end up getting beaten instead?” Maragata taunted.
The two glared at each other, while Sanus looked on helplessly.
Demian observed the trio, recalling a warning from a paladin who had survived a dungeon in his past life: “If there’s a traitor, it’s likely one of these three.”
In his previous life, the expedition had been wiped out due to betrayal. It was suspicious that such a large group left no survivors, especially since paladins were known for their resilience thanks to their divine power. The betrayal must have had a significant impact, and these three were the only ones who fit the bill.
“Then again, this expedition is happening earlier than in my past life,” Demian thought. The composition of the group might have changed, and betrayal might not occur this time. But he couldn’t afford to be complacent. The previous disaster had cost the order dearly, leading to their defeat in the war against Dorgo.
“I have to do what I must,” Demian resolved. He would stop the necromancer and prevent the expedition’s annihilation. Even if there was a traitor, he would handle it.
“Who’s that man? He doesn’t look like a paladin,” Gamal asked, eyeing Demian. Maragata answered with a smug expression.
“That’s Demian Haxen.”
“What? The knight who took down a Yuran officer?” Gamal exclaimed.
“The one who defeated two dark mages at once?” Sanus added, both looking at Demian in surprise.
“Impressive, right? Agnes personally recruited him. I thought she was a bit of a prude, but she’s got quite the knack for charming men,” Maragata teased.
Agnes shot Maragata a deadly glare, but Maragata remained unfazed.
“Maragata, hold on,” a young man sitting next to Gamal stood up. He still had a boyish look about him.
“Are you saying we’re bringing in outside help for the expedition?”
“He’s not an outsider. Demian has done a lot for the order and is a designated ally,” Maragata replied.
“Still, he’s an outsider,” the young man insisted, looking unconvinced.
“Even family should be watched, prepared for, and suspected. Anyone can become a heretic. Isn’t that what the order teaches?” he argued.
“Are you doubting Demian?” Agnes asked sharply.
“Agnes, I’m just pointing out the potential risk,” the young man, Dionysio, replied.
Gamal nodded in agreement. “My disciple has a point. We can’t just accept outside help for something this important.”
“Why are you doing this again, Gamal?” Maragata asked, exasperated.
“It’s not ‘again.’ Many in the order are suspicious of Demian Haxen. He killed Agito shortly after picking up a sword. It’s suspicious.”
Agito was a Yuran officer who had cursed the Haxen family under the orders of the Black Serpent and was killed by Demian.
“Have you forgotten who Agito was? He evaded the order’s pursuit and killed two third-class paladins. And yet, a novice knight killed him?”
Gamal continued, “And it’s not just that. The recent incident with the two dark mages is also suspicious. There were traces of high-level dark magic at the scene, too much for a low-class knight to handle.”
“That was because the dark mages had enhanced their magic for some reason,” Agnes defended Demian, but Gamal remained unconvinced.
“Still, high-level dark magic was used. I can’t believe an ordinary knight could handle not one but two dark mages at once.”
Maragata looked annoyed. “So, what’s your point?”
“I’m saying Demian Haxen might have ulterior motives. There have been cases where dark mages staged incidents to plant spies in the order.”
“Watch your words. You’re crossing a line,” Maragata growled, glaring at Gamal.
“Sanus, you don’t agree with them, do you?” Maragata asked, turning to Sanus.
Sanus smiled awkwardly. “I kind of agree with Gamal. Bringing in unverified forces is risky.”
Maragata’s frown deepened.
“This is insulting,” someone spoke up, drawing everyone’s attention to Demian Haxen.
“Questioning me is one thing, but doubting my abilities?” Demian said, stepping forward.
“Demian…” Agnes tried to intervene, but Demian ignored her. He had a reason to join this expedition, and he wouldn’t let petty power struggles stop him.
“Yes, I can’t believe a low-class knight could kill a Yuran officer and defeat two dark mages,” Dionysio said.
“That’s because your sect’s paladins are incompetent,” Demian replied, looking directly at Dionysio. “I guarantee that even if several third-class paladins from your sect came at me, they wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Bang.
Dionysio slammed his fist on the table and stood up. “Step outside right now!”
He glared at Demian, seething with rage. “I’ll make sure you never hold a sword again!”