MAEPG: Episode 86
Episode 86 Picaol Cathedral (1)
At a training ground in the Roselia Cathedral.
"Haa—!"
Clang—!
Retired Paladin Luthus inwardly admired the young man swinging his sword in front of him as he parried the attack.
'His growth rate has increased.'
He had already been paying attention to him because he was a talented individual who received special treatment from the Church, but his growth had accelerated recently.
To the point where he couldn't even predict his limits.
'Heinrich Landguard...'
Luthus inwardly disapproved of the situation, even though he didn't show it because the Church's higher-ups and even the Saintess were directly supporting him.
He acknowledged his potential and possibilities, but he thought they were putting too much burden on a fledgling who had just been knighted as a holy knight.
'Holy power isn't everything for a holy knight.'
Of course, he respected the proof of faith, and the more, the better…
But apart from that, physical strength was even more important for a holy knight who had to stand on the front lines, not a priest who was protected from behind.
'I thought so… but…’
Actually, Heinrich's martial prowess wasn't lacking from the beginning.
He wasn't at the captain level, but he was at the level of an average high-ranking holy knight.
"Haa—!"
His sword suddenly twisted in an unnatural direction and thrust towards Luthus's solar plexus.
It was a method that put a tremendous burden on his wrist, but Heinrich didn't care.
Clang—!
The sword, which bounced off from the effortless defense, immediately drew a half circle using the recoil and aimed for his legs.
Luthus easily parried that attack as well…
'Light?'
He didn't feel any weight in the attack.
The moment he felt that, he took a step back.
Whoosh—!
A metal mass swept past where his ankle had been, like a mace.
It was Heinrich's leg, clad in full body armor.
Luthus's eyes sparkled at the attack, but Heinrich just clicked his tongue and expressed his regret.
'I tried using it on him, but it didn't work. Is it because the opponent isn't good?'
The weight of his fully armored body must have also played a part.
Freesia, the True Blood of Brokoslack who first used this technique, was quick and light in every movement, so it was only natural that there was a difference in their fighting styles.
But Luthus, who was in charge of Heinrich's swordsmanship training, nodded, impressed by his surprisingly good sense.
'He's definitely not ordinary. He's already as good as a veteran holy knight. At this rate, he might really reach Paladin level within a few years.'
He inwardly acknowledged Heinrich but maintained a serious expression without showing it.
It was to prevent the talented individual from getting a big head.
"That's it for today's training."
"Thank you, Instructor!"
And so, after several hours of training, Luthus left the training ground first with a satisfied expression.
'As they say, stamina is the source of all power. He's exceptional from the start.'
Heinrich's stamina was always overwhelming, so he was able to have a very fulfilling time, filling the entire training time. As someone who found joy in raising his juniors, he couldn't help but be satisfied.
Heinrich, left alone, slowly stretched and cleaned up the training ground.
It had been a few days since he heard about the holy sword from the Saintess, but all he had done was train.
All sorts of combat techniques, holy magic training, and even personal training.
'It's nice to be able to focus on becoming stronger comfortably.'
Thanks to the growth acceleration added by enhancing his unique skill, he could now see his growth every day, and since he was seeing results immediately, training was naturally fun.
One day, about half a month after he started focusing on training in this satisfying environment,
Saintess Liesta summoned Heinrich.
Knock, knock—
"Saintess, it's Heinrich. You called for me."
"Yes! Come in!"
There was nothing special in the Saintess's office except for bookshelves filled with books and ornaments with the Church's symbol carved on them.
As he was casually looking around the modest office…
<The Adventure of the Hero and the Saintess >
<The Adventure of the Hero and the Saintess >
<The Adventure of the Hero and the Saintess >
<······>
‘Hmm.’
He caught sight of the books placed in a corner of the bookshelf but naturally looked away and pretended not to see them.
He had to respect a girl's privacy.
The Saintess, unaware of Heinrich's consideration, jumped up from her desk and greeted him.
The documents she had been struggling to look at were already out of her mind, thrown carelessly on the desk.
Most of the work was handled by the working-level staff according to the Cardinals' decisions, but there were some tasks that were passed down to her like homework to help her gain experience.
The document she had been looking at until just now was also one of those troublesome issues, but she took the opportunity of Heinrich's arrival to throw it aside.
Of course, leaving it alone wouldn't solve the problem, it was just delaying it…
But the Saintess was satisfied with being able to escape the headache for now.
She could leave the future to her future self!
"Greetings, Saintess."
"Hello, Sir Heinrich! We have a lot to talk about, so please have a seat."
Heinrich sat down on the sofa across from her, with a coffee table between them.
"I heard stories about you. There are many strict instructors, but everyone praises you."
"You flatter me. It's all thanks to the excellent people who teach me."
After a brief exchange of compliments and humility, the real conversation began.
"Judging by what I've heard from others, it seems like it's time for you to challenge the holy sword's trial."
"The holy sword… It's sooner than I expected."
It hadn't even been a month since Heinrich started focusing on training after hearing about the holy sword from her.
Even though his level was rapidly increasing, he thought he would need to train a little more…
"Actually, I wanted to give you more time to prepare calmly, but I have a bad feeling."
"A feeling?"
"It's like a premonition that something big is going to happen soon. I'm not sure, but I think the Immortal King is planning something."
"Ah… is that so?"
They said the Saintess's premonitions were almost like prophecies, but it seemed like she was wrong this time.
Hans was still busy doing volunteer work on Earth.
"So the Church is currently raising the alert level and preparing for all contingencies. A warning will be sent to other forces soon as well. Something's going to happen, so be prepared."
But she must have sensed something, judging by her confident expression.
It wasn't because of Hans, but she must have sensed something to act like that.
"Then shall we get back to the holy sword? We received a message from the Picaol Cathedral in the west of the continent that you can start the trial anytime."
About 300 years ago, the second Immortal King, who rampaged in the western part of the continent, destroyed the Sarv Empire, which was powerful there.
And after the expedition defeated the Immortal King, what emerged in its place was a kingdom alliance consisting of four countries that claimed to be the successors of the Sarv Empire.
The Talia, Sharotti, Tulk, and Lesque Kingdoms had finally succeeded in erasing the scars of the Immortal King War after a long time.
Of course, their national power wasn't that strong because of the aftereffects, but they sought development in their own way by cooperating and helping each other.
'And the cathedral built in the southern Lesque Kingdom of that kingdom alliance is…’
Picaol Cathedral.
The most recently built cathedral, constructed during the post-war reconstruction 300 years ago, the place where the holy sword was sealed…
And the place where the previous hero and the expedition defeated the second Immortal King.
"But although they succeeded in subjugating the Immortal King, they couldn't properly seal his heart."
And perhaps because of the aftereffects, or perhaps because he did something before he died, the place where the Immortal King was defeated started to be tainted by the abyss.
"To purify it, the previous hero and the Main God Church sealed it by placing the holy sword there, and then built a cathedral right on top of it."
That was the Picaol Cathedral, which oversaw the west.
The existing cathedral in the west had collapsed along with the Sarv Empire, so the timing was perfect.
"Then if we pull out the holy sword, the seal will be broken? Can I really do that?"
"It's been 300 years. Back then, there was no other choice, but it's been purified enough now, so there's no problem even without the holy sword."
So they had been trying to retrieve the holy sword periodically since the previous generation.
A holy sword was too valuable a weapon to just leave in one place.
Of course, the result was obvious.
"They all failed. It seems like it's very difficult."
The Saintess sighed and shrugged.
To become the owner of the holy sword, you had to pass various difficult trials, and if the same person challenged it multiple times, the level required increased with each attempt.
So the best method was to be recognized by the holy sword on the first try.
"But how can you be sure that I'll succeed right away?"
"Because Sir Heinrich is the one who will defeat the Immortal King!"
There was no doubt in the Saintess's eyes as she answered.
Heinrich subtly looked away, feeling guilty at her unwavering faith.
"I understand. Then when should I go there?"
"Right now!"
"What?"
"I've already told the people at the gate! If you go now, you can go straight to the Picaol Cathedral."
The Saintess answered immediately without hesitation and proudly shrugged.
It was a gesture as if she was very satisfied with her quick work.
She tilted her head and blinked innocently as he looked at her, dumbfounded.
‘Well, I don’t have anything to prepare, so it doesn’t matter if I go right away.’
Heinrich chuckled and got up from his seat.
Of course, he didn’t forget to leave a message for the Saintess.
“Then I’ll be going now. I hope you finish your remaining tasks.”
“Ah! Ah…”
The Saintess’s bright expression suddenly wilted as she remembered the task she had forgotten.
It must have been a very troublesome issue to make her react like that.
Heinrich left the Saintess’s office and headed straight to the gate room.
To move to the Picaol Cathedral in the western part of the continent.
And to obtain the holy sword that would defeat the Immortal King!
At a training ground in the Roselia Cathedral.
"Haa—!"
Clang—!
Retired Paladin Luthus inwardly admired the young man swinging his sword in front of him as he parried the attack.
'His growth rate has increased.'
He had already been paying attention to him because he was a talented individual who received special treatment from the Church, but his growth had accelerated recently.
To the point where he couldn't even predict his limits.
'Heinrich Landguard...'
Luthus inwardly disapproved of the situation, even though he didn't show it because the Church's higher-ups and even the Saintess were directly supporting him.
He acknowledged his potential and possibilities, but he thought they were putting too much burden on a fledgling who had just been knighted as a holy knight.
'Holy power isn't everything for a holy knight.'
Of course, he respected the proof of faith, and the more, the better…
But apart from that, physical strength was even more important for a holy knight who had to stand on the front lines, not a priest who was protected from behind.
'I thought so… but…’
Actually, Heinrich's martial prowess wasn't lacking from the beginning.
He wasn't at the captain level, but he was at the level of an average high-ranking holy knight.
"Haa—!"
His sword suddenly twisted in an unnatural direction and thrust towards Luthus's solar plexus.
It was a method that put a tremendous burden on his wrist, but Heinrich didn't care.
Clang—!
The sword, which bounced off from the effortless defense, immediately drew a half circle using the recoil and aimed for his legs.
Luthus easily parried that attack as well…
'Light?'
He didn't feel any weight in the attack.
The moment he felt that, he took a step back.
Whoosh—!
A metal mass swept past where his ankle had been, like a mace.
It was Heinrich's leg, clad in full body armor.
Luthus's eyes sparkled at the attack, but Heinrich just clicked his tongue and expressed his regret.
'I tried using it on him, but it didn't work. Is it because the opponent isn't good?'
The weight of his fully armored body must have also played a part.
Freesia, the True Blood of Brokoslack who first used this technique, was quick and light in every movement, so it was only natural that there was a difference in their fighting styles.
But Luthus, who was in charge of Heinrich's swordsmanship training, nodded, impressed by his surprisingly good sense.
'He's definitely not ordinary. He's already as good as a veteran holy knight. At this rate, he might really reach Paladin level within a few years.'
He inwardly acknowledged Heinrich but maintained a serious expression without showing it.
It was to prevent the talented individual from getting a big head.
"That's it for today's training."
"Thank you, Instructor!"
And so, after several hours of training, Luthus left the training ground first with a satisfied expression.
'As they say, stamina is the source of all power. He's exceptional from the start.'
Heinrich's stamina was always overwhelming, so he was able to have a very fulfilling time, filling the entire training time. As someone who found joy in raising his juniors, he couldn't help but be satisfied.
Heinrich, left alone, slowly stretched and cleaned up the training ground.
It had been a few days since he heard about the holy sword from the Saintess, but all he had done was train.
All sorts of combat techniques, holy magic training, and even personal training.
'It's nice to be able to focus on becoming stronger comfortably.'
Thanks to the growth acceleration added by enhancing his unique skill, he could now see his growth every day, and since he was seeing results immediately, training was naturally fun.
One day, about half a month after he started focusing on training in this satisfying environment,
Saintess Liesta summoned Heinrich.
Knock, knock—
"Saintess, it's Heinrich. You called for me."
"Yes! Come in!"
There was nothing special in the Saintess's office except for bookshelves filled with books and ornaments with the Church's symbol carved on them.
As he was casually looking around the modest office…
<The Adventure of the Hero and the Saintess >
<The Adventure of the Hero and the Saintess >
<The Adventure of the Hero and the Saintess >
<······>
‘Hmm.’
He caught sight of the books placed in a corner of the bookshelf but naturally looked away and pretended not to see them.
He had to respect a girl's privacy.
The Saintess, unaware of Heinrich's consideration, jumped up from her desk and greeted him.
The documents she had been struggling to look at were already out of her mind, thrown carelessly on the desk.
Most of the work was handled by the working-level staff according to the Cardinals' decisions, but there were some tasks that were passed down to her like homework to help her gain experience.
The document she had been looking at until just now was also one of those troublesome issues, but she took the opportunity of Heinrich's arrival to throw it aside.
Of course, leaving it alone wouldn't solve the problem, it was just delaying it…
But the Saintess was satisfied with being able to escape the headache for now.
She could leave the future to her future self!
"Greetings, Saintess."
"Hello, Sir Heinrich! We have a lot to talk about, so please have a seat."
Heinrich sat down on the sofa across from her, with a coffee table between them.
"I heard stories about you. There are many strict instructors, but everyone praises you."
"You flatter me. It's all thanks to the excellent people who teach me."
After a brief exchange of compliments and humility, the real conversation began.
"Judging by what I've heard from others, it seems like it's time for you to challenge the holy sword's trial."
"The holy sword… It's sooner than I expected."
It hadn't even been a month since Heinrich started focusing on training after hearing about the holy sword from her.
Even though his level was rapidly increasing, he thought he would need to train a little more…
"Actually, I wanted to give you more time to prepare calmly, but I have a bad feeling."
"A feeling?"
"It's like a premonition that something big is going to happen soon. I'm not sure, but I think the Immortal King is planning something."
"Ah… is that so?"
They said the Saintess's premonitions were almost like prophecies, but it seemed like she was wrong this time.
Hans was still busy doing volunteer work on Earth.
"So the Church is currently raising the alert level and preparing for all contingencies. A warning will be sent to other forces soon as well. Something's going to happen, so be prepared."
But she must have sensed something, judging by her confident expression.
It wasn't because of Hans, but she must have sensed something to act like that.
"Then shall we get back to the holy sword? We received a message from the Picaol Cathedral in the west of the continent that you can start the trial anytime."
About 300 years ago, the second Immortal King, who rampaged in the western part of the continent, destroyed the Sarv Empire, which was powerful there.
And after the expedition defeated the Immortal King, what emerged in its place was a kingdom alliance consisting of four countries that claimed to be the successors of the Sarv Empire.
The Talia, Sharotti, Tulk, and Lesque Kingdoms had finally succeeded in erasing the scars of the Immortal King War after a long time.
Of course, their national power wasn't that strong because of the aftereffects, but they sought development in their own way by cooperating and helping each other.
'And the cathedral built in the southern Lesque Kingdom of that kingdom alliance is…’
Picaol Cathedral.
The most recently built cathedral, constructed during the post-war reconstruction 300 years ago, the place where the holy sword was sealed…
And the place where the previous hero and the expedition defeated the second Immortal King.
"But although they succeeded in subjugating the Immortal King, they couldn't properly seal his heart."
And perhaps because of the aftereffects, or perhaps because he did something before he died, the place where the Immortal King was defeated started to be tainted by the abyss.
"To purify it, the previous hero and the Main God Church sealed it by placing the holy sword there, and then built a cathedral right on top of it."
That was the Picaol Cathedral, which oversaw the west.
The existing cathedral in the west had collapsed along with the Sarv Empire, so the timing was perfect.
"Then if we pull out the holy sword, the seal will be broken? Can I really do that?"
"It's been 300 years. Back then, there was no other choice, but it's been purified enough now, so there's no problem even without the holy sword."
So they had been trying to retrieve the holy sword periodically since the previous generation.
A holy sword was too valuable a weapon to just leave in one place.
Of course, the result was obvious.
"They all failed. It seems like it's very difficult."
The Saintess sighed and shrugged.
To become the owner of the holy sword, you had to pass various difficult trials, and if the same person challenged it multiple times, the level required increased with each attempt.
So the best method was to be recognized by the holy sword on the first try.
"But how can you be sure that I'll succeed right away?"
"Because Sir Heinrich is the one who will defeat the Immortal King!"
There was no doubt in the Saintess's eyes as she answered.
Heinrich subtly looked away, feeling guilty at her unwavering faith.
"I understand. Then when should I go there?"
"Right now!"
"What?"
"I've already told the people at the gate! If you go now, you can go straight to the Picaol Cathedral."
The Saintess answered immediately without hesitation and proudly shrugged.
It was a gesture as if she was very satisfied with her quick work.
She tilted her head and blinked innocently as he looked at her, dumbfounded.
‘Well, I don’t have anything to prepare, so it doesn’t matter if I go right away.’
Heinrich chuckled and got up from his seat.
Of course, he didn’t forget to leave a message for the Saintess.
“Then I’ll be going now. I hope you finish your remaining tasks.”
“Ah! Ah…”
The Saintess’s bright expression suddenly wilted as she remembered the task she had forgotten.
It must have been a very troublesome issue to make her react like that.
Heinrich left the Saintess’s office and headed straight to the gate room.
To move to the Picaol Cathedral in the western part of the continent.
And to obtain the holy sword that would defeat the Immortal King!
_____________________
Whoosh—
[Hmm… It seems like things are mostly settled.]
On the rooftop of a high-rise building in the middle of the night.
A figure was looking down at the city, shrouded in darkness.
Korea’s dark hero, the criminal hunter, the unofficial strongest.
And the calamity of the Auterica Dimension, the death that came from the abyss.
It was Hans, the Immortal King.
‘It’s definitely easier to work with the help of an organization. There’s a limit to what Hans can do alone.’
Sometimes, a large number of somewhat useful people were more helpful than one absolute powerhouse.
The efficiency of his work increased significantly with the help of the Blood Alliance, including Heterosis.
‘First of all, their information gathering ability is on a different level.’
Hans was limited to targeting only those caught red-handed in his detection network.
A heinous criminal could luckily escape his grasp.
But the situation was different now.
He gathered information through the Blood Alliance, which was expanding nationwide, and Heterosis, who were much stronger than before thanks to “Refined Blood Essence”, hunted them down.
And for those they couldn’t handle, Hans would take care of them.
It was the perfect division of labor.
[There doesn’t seem to be any big shots to worry about anymore.]
Hans checked Heinz the Second’s burner phone to see if there was any other information.
But he hadn’t been able to find any cases that required his direct intervention after moving busily for the past few days.
[Hmm… Really nothing? …Then, shall we go back? Hehehe.]
He wasn’t talking about his house.
If he had to say, it was closer to his hometown.
‘The Saintess’s words have been bothering me. I should look into that too.’
And so, the Immortal King, the terror of the continent, headed back to Auterica.
Whoosh—
[Hmm… It seems like things are mostly settled.]
On the rooftop of a high-rise building in the middle of the night.
A figure was looking down at the city, shrouded in darkness.
Korea’s dark hero, the criminal hunter, the unofficial strongest.
And the calamity of the Auterica Dimension, the death that came from the abyss.
It was Hans, the Immortal King.
‘It’s definitely easier to work with the help of an organization. There’s a limit to what Hans can do alone.’
Sometimes, a large number of somewhat useful people were more helpful than one absolute powerhouse.
The efficiency of his work increased significantly with the help of the Blood Alliance, including Heterosis.
‘First of all, their information gathering ability is on a different level.’
Hans was limited to targeting only those caught red-handed in his detection network.
A heinous criminal could luckily escape his grasp.
But the situation was different now.
He gathered information through the Blood Alliance, which was expanding nationwide, and Heterosis, who were much stronger than before thanks to “Refined Blood Essence”, hunted them down.
And for those they couldn’t handle, Hans would take care of them.
It was the perfect division of labor.
[There doesn’t seem to be any big shots to worry about anymore.]
Hans checked Heinz the Second’s burner phone to see if there was any other information.
But he hadn’t been able to find any cases that required his direct intervention after moving busily for the past few days.
[Hmm… Really nothing? …Then, shall we go back? Hehehe.]
He wasn’t talking about his house.
If he had to say, it was closer to his hometown.
‘The Saintess’s words have been bothering me. I should look into that too.’
And so, the Immortal King, the terror of the continent, headed back to Auterica.
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