Chapter 484: Taking Root

The magical network pulsed with energy, like waves rushing forth to carry information across vast distances. Centered on Cecil’s capital city and relayed through countless arcane obelisks scattered across wilderness, towns, villages, and military outposts, the voice of Jipri traveled along the network, simultaneously broadcast to every corner within the reach of the current system. In Kant, Grant, Tansan, Hosman, and the satellite towns between these four cities, hundreds of large public magic network terminals lit up at once.

Even before the broadcast began, government offices had issued notices informing citizens that a special “program” would air at a set time. Those interested were encouraged to visit the nearest magic network terminal to watch. This unusual announcement sparked widespread curiosity and attention—after all, since the first test broadcast, the network’s main infrastructure hadn’t been fully completed, so very few had actually seen a “magic network broadcast.” Most people had little concept of what the government was talking about, but they knew one thing for sure: if the government announced it, it must be important.

So, many curious townsfolk gathered early in public squares, clustering around the newly installed terminals, whispering and pointing. These terminals were open to the public; though the fees were somewhat steep, they were still affordable for ordinary families. Yet, since their installation, only a handful had ever applied to use them. In this era, people rarely moved from their hometowns, living their entire lives within a small social circle. Those who needed to contact distant relatives were usually nobles or wealthy merchants.

Even those relocated by government resettlement orders had come with their families and had no need to apply for magic network communication.

Still, most of the crowd in the squares had at least a rough idea of what these strange, large magical devices could do—they knew these machines could connect distant places in incredible ways, transmitting voices and images from afar.

Then the terminals lit up. The distant images and voices truly appeared before their eyes.

A beautiful woman appeared in the holographic projection, casually greeting the crowd as if she were sitting comfortably in her own living room: “Hello, everyone. I’m Jipri. You can call me Miss Witch…”

The gathered crowds erupted in excitement. Some were startled by the enormous hologram, gasping in surprise; others stared in awe, clicking their tongues in wonder. Some immediately grabbed the hands of those beside them, asking what this was all about. A few even shyly waved back at the pretty young woman on the projection as she smiled and introduced herself: “Ah… hello…” “Hello, Miss Witch.” “Miss Witch, my name is Sam…”

Over a month ago, Duke Gawain of Cecil had conducted a small-scale “victory broadcast” as a test. His imposing presence kept the nearby crowd subdued, preventing much commotion. But this time marked humanity’s first official magic network program broadcast—and the genuine, unfiltered reactions of the people.

In the main square of Cecil’s capital, Gawain Orlando immediately directed his apprentices to record this historic moment with specialized arcane machinery.

Jipri on the hologram, of course, had no idea what was happening in the squares. She simply continued her work: “…Welcome to the first episode of ‘Witching Hour.’ Today, we’ll talk about recent events in the city of Luan…

“First, we’re honored to welcome a guest—Mr. Light from the Cecil Holy Light Church, the first White Knight in human history. Welcome, Mr. Light.”

As Jipri finished speaking, the hologram’s perspective widened, revealing a tall man sitting opposite her—a man clad in priestly robes, surrounded by a faint halo of holy light.

The crowd was puzzled by the unfamiliar term “White Knight.” It didn’t seem to match any known Holy Light vocation. Some recalled recent newspaper articles and wore thoughtful expressions.

The man in the projection, Light, greeted the audience: “Hello, everyone. I’m Light. Miss Jipri, no need to address me so formally—we can speak casually.”

“Very well, Mr. Light. I’d like to start by asking you a question I’m sure many viewers are curious about—what exactly does your profession, ‘White Knight,’ mean?”

“First, I’m honored that our lord, the great Duke Gawain of Cecil, named this new profession—the term ‘White Knight’ was his idea. As for the origin of the White Knight… allow me to begin with the war we just ended this year…”

More and more people gathered at broadcast sites across the land. Many who had stayed home heard about the magic network broadcast and were pulled along by friends and family to places where they could watch. They marveled at the incredible magic, curious about the two figures in the projection and the concept behind it. But soon, they were drawn in by the content itself.

They immersed themselves in Light’s story—a tale far removed from their daily lives, yet undeniably real.

Light was indeed an exceptional preacher.

Though his style was unconventional and his rhetoric criticized by traditional priests, he had a remarkable talent for touching ordinary hearts. He knew how to tell his story in a way that resonated deeply with listeners.

Gradually, the crowd in the squares quieted down. Men and women, young and old, merchants and laborers—all listened intently. Many had never left their hometowns or heard of distant lands. Newspapers had opened a window to the outside world for some, but illiterate folk remained cut off from information. The magic network broadcast changed that.

Even those who couldn’t read could stand before the magical crystal’s hologram and hear a story from afar.

As they listened, their long-held beliefs began to shake. A flood of new, previously unimaginable information washed over them—

Noble knights, driven by hunger and fear, could become ruthless and inhumane; their elegance was merely a veneer when well-fed.

Supernaturals attacked unarmed refugees in the wilderness, desperate to seize the last scraps of food.

Soldiers of the Cecil Battle Corps fought fiercely in the dark of night against raiders. Light’s vivid descriptions were more gripping and heart-wrenching than any bard’s fanciful tales.

And finally, the Church knights appeared—

At first, people expected them to be righteous defenders standing firm in hardship, as in old religious stories. But the truth was—they were just as starving, and in their hunger, they abandoned all moral boundaries.

When Emily fell, people mourned. When the White Knight was born, they cheered and found hope.

In this era of no entertainment, scarce information, and monotonous, harsh lives for commoners, emotions ran far more easily and intensely than on Earth, where people were bombarded with information. Against this unique backdrop, the new “magic network broadcast” had an impact far beyond expectations, just like the newspapers before it.

The principle was simple—the drier the land, the faster it soaks up water.

“…On that day, I became the White Knight. I believe I have embraced the true meaning of the Holy Light, which is this: the Holy Light should not be bound by one’s status or rank; it belongs to every righteous soul…”

Light finished his story. Jipri, sitting opposite him, seemed momentarily caught off guard—Miss Witch appeared touched by his words and briefly forgot to continue the next topic.

Fortunately, technicians behind the scenes reminded her, and she quickly recovered: “That was truly moving, Mr. Light… Now, about that little girl Emily—I believe you should tell us more about her condition?”

The crowd in the squares grew curious—was there some miracle involving the girl who had died?

Indeed, a miracle had occurred.

Light smiled at the “camera” and raised his hand slightly. A soft glow of holy light appeared behind him.

When the translucent spirit of the little girl materialized on the screen, citizens watching the magic network terminals gasped in amazement.

Under normal circumstances, such a ghostly apparition would have startled people. But with Light’s story as context, the crowd was not frightened; instead, many cheered in delight:

“She’s alive!” “The little girl has come back?!” “Blessed be the Holy Light!” “No, she looks like a ghost…” “You don’t understand! Can’t you see the holy light around her?”

Light, unaware of the crowd’s reaction, gently summoned a small orb of holy light and offered it to the girl floating behind him. Smiling, he said, “I will forever praise the Holy Light, for it has brought Emily back to this world. As you can see, Emily is a spirit formed entirely from the Holy Light—her presence proves that my understanding of the Holy Light is close to the truth. She is a miracle of the Holy Light.”

Emily hugged the glowing orb and nibbled at it eagerly. Then she beamed a big smile at the camera and waved as if greeting the audience. After a few seconds, her figure slowly faded into the halo of light surrounding Light.

A miracle of the Holy Light…

Tens of thousands gathered in town squares across the land, all moved by this miracle at the same moment.

The truth that Church knights harmed innocents, that the White Knight bore witness to the Holy Light through his own deeds, that the Church was not as sacred as believed, and that Emily was a genuine miracle of the Holy Light—

One by one, these facts took root in the hearts of countless common folk.

(By the way, don’t forget to check out the fan event in the review section! Details pinned at the top.)

(End of chapter)