Paladin of the Dead God - Chapter 327



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Episode 327. The sound of a crow crying (3)

It is not really that long ago that the image of the Inquisitor as an executioner has been developed.

Originally, the role of the heresy inquisitor was to investigate historical materials, interpret doctrines, and act as an inspector for religious trials. This literally means that their role was to identify pseudo-religious believers or heretics who distorted doctrines, or pagans who were influenced by other faiths.

But much has changed since the Treaty of Liechtenstein.

The Order of the Light’s Law had to lower its lofty gaze and adapt to the new world order. Having given up much power and authority to the common people, the only area in which they could still exert influence was in faith.

And the Inquisitor became an effective sword.

When the sect makes a political decision, the Inquisitors look for evidence to support that decision.

Anyone who becomes an obstacle in the process becomes a heretic.

The role of the Inquisitor was to first create a problem and then prove it.

And as is often the case with such organizations, the Inquisitors gained absolute power, even to the point of being able to make summary judgments on matters within the sect.

Saltna Culbane was a talented person who became the head of the Inquisition at the age of thirty. If he wasn’t talented, it would have been impossible, but it also proves the short lifespan of the Inquisition, which is easy to get a grudge against.

“Isaac Isaacrea, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

The place where I met Soltna was near the Isacrea Dawn Army barracks. It was a place where there were allies who would rush to me immediately if trouble broke out, but the Inquisitors were not people who fought, but rather like crows that cried before battle. The trouble came after they came and left.

Isaac forced a smile and met Saltna’s gaze. Her clear, glassy eyes sparkled eerily.

‘Saltna Culbane… … I’m finally going to meet these carcinogenic characters.’

Isaac is naturally very familiar with Salt and Culbane. They are suspicious people who always trip up your allies when playing in the Code of Light. No wonder you encounter them more often than when playing in the Black Empire faction, which is the enemy faith.

It is no exaggeration to say that 90% of Isaac’s negative image of the Inquisitor came from this guy. When he first saw Isolde, he debated whether or not to kill her.

“I never expected to see the hammer that judges heresy in a place like this. If there is anything I can do to help, I will do my best to help.”

But Isaac answered without being too nervous. If you were going to take issue with Isaac, you had to take issue with him at the angel level.

‘I worked with the Sword of May. So what are you going to do?’

If the angel decides to get rid of Isaac, there’s nothing you can do but bounce.

But what if the Inquisitor takes issue with him? Isaac can pull in all his connections to resist.

Above all, Isaac was still useful to the Church of Light’s Code.

Without Isaac, it would be difficult for the Dawn Army expedition to succeed.

Saltna smiled at Isaac’s confident attitude.

“I have heard of the great bravery of the Isacrea Dawn Army. The might of Lord Isacrea is just as great as I have heard.”

“Oh, yes, well, thank you.”

Isaac wondered what the kid was trying to say with such a mouthful of words. But Saltna still smiled and said,

“I know my visit is uncomfortable. There is no one to welcome us. So I will finish my business quickly and then return.”

As she spoke, Saltna held out the box she had prepared in front of Isaac. When she tore off the tightly sealed wax, a letter wrapped in gold paper appeared inside. Isaac knew that it was a papal bull, and he knelt down to receive it.

But instead of reading the letter, Saltna took it out and suddenly started talking about something completely different.

“Come to think of it, there is a historic monastery nearby.”

“… … ?”

Isaac looked at her with an expression that said, “What kind of nonsense is this?” but Soltna narrowed her eyes and stared east across the sea. From here, she could see a small fortress that looked like a small rock island.

Isaac wondered where that was, and then suddenly remembered something.

“St. Milichard’s Monastery. I heard that’s where Carlsen Milter grew up.”

The reason Isaac couldn’t immediately recall the Milishar Monastery was simply because it was a ruin. Carlsen had dedicated all his knights to the Undead Cult, and he himself had apostatized. Here, he was eaten by Isaac, but in the game, he became a Death Knight of the Undead Cult.

With the Knights Templar gone, the monastery, which was in a difficult position to deal with, was simply abandoned at sea. And it quickly decayed under the waves and sea breezes.

‘Why is there a Milishar Monastery here?’

Isaac asked, looking at her suspiciously.

“The monastery of the apostate Carlsen Milter? I had no idea such a profane place existed. I will be careful not to come near it.”

“It’s okay. I heard that it’s just a ruin now, with only the wind and ghosts howling.”

Saltna continued speaking with a grin.

“Come to think of it, Sir Isaacrea seems to have a similar history to Carlsen Miltor. A brave and excellent knight, he became a saint at a young age through his achievements, was given a name, and led a powerful armed force.”

“… … You are too kind.”

Isaac straightened his knees and stood up when he felt like his words were going to get longer. He suspected that perhaps the kid had taken out the letter first because he wanted to see him kneeling.

“They say that in the past, the leaders of the Golden Lion Knights, Derra Heman and Carlsen Milter, fought at that monastery. Who do you think won?”

“well…….”

Isaac trailed off as if he didn’t know, even though he actually knew it.

Because the results were not officially announced.

It was a matter of great interest, as both Derra Heman and Carlsen Milter were competing for the title of the strongest in the Code of Light. However, the results of the match were kept top secret.

“Is that so? Hmm, then how about this. Sir Isacrea is often compared to Carlsen Milter, but what do you think would be the outcome if Sir Isacrea were to face Dera Heman?”

‘I don’t know about Dera Heman, but I’d like to slap you in the face.’

Honestly, I was confident that Isaac would be able to handle the aftermath. It was just a burden to owe the church a political debt for a momentary vent of anger.

“I am just a mere believer with many shortcomings. How dare I fight against the greatest knight of the sect?”

Isaac was disgustingly humble. Humility costs nothing.

Although Saltna was not sure if he was satisfied with the answer, he seemed to have said most of what he wanted to say. He smiled and opened the letter.

Isaac listened politely again.

Isaac was momentarily dazed by the boring introduction. It was roughly about praising Isaac’s achievements, telling him to be humble and modest, worrying about the future of the Dawn Army, and giving him the responsibility to lead the Dawn Army as Siero, so he should become the sword of the church. That was about it.

‘No, what?’

Isaac suddenly came to his senses and thought back to what Soltna had said. Thanks to that, he opened his mouth, ignoring the boring last part, probably the part about looking forward to the future, and the part about praising the glory of the Code of Light.

“You asked me to lead the Siero Dawn Army?”

Saltna frowned at the interruption in the letter reading, but did not blame him.

“Yes. Father Siero realized his own shortcomings and stepped down from his important position. It is truly a blessing that Isaac has taken over as the voice of the Dawn Army. Therefore, His Holiness has appointed the saint of the Resurrection to take over the sword of the Order.”

It sounded plausible, but it was difficult for Isaac to accept.

It was clear that the church did not want to empower Isaac.

They were keeping the Isacrea Dawn Army in check.

“… … The Isacrea Dawn Army has a unique personality. If I don’t lead it, there is a high possibility that it will fall apart into its own forces or not be able to exert its full potential.”

“Don’t worry. A great knight is coming to lead in your stead. With the blessings and miracles of the Church of the Light’s Code, the Isacrea Dawn Army will have stronger swords and shields.”

Isaac struggled to suppress the anger boiling deep inside him.

‘Is this how it comes out?’

It’s obvious what the Pope wants. The Isacrea Dawn Army is very different in character from the main Dawn Army. It’s a coalition of Isaac’s private soldiers and pagans, so it’s bound to be nerve-wracking.

So, they are planning to separate the head of Isaac and mix in various private soldiers, priests, and paladins into the Isacrea Dawn Army to blur their identity.

The problem is that Isaac has no good reason to refuse. If he refuses, it means that he is admitting that the Isacrea Dawn Army is Isaac’s private army, and if he accepts, Isaac will be leading the ragtag Siero Dawn Army in his stead.

‘And I think I can recover the Holy Land… … I can. I can. Damn it.’

Honestly, Isaac was confident that he could reclaim the Holy Land even with those ragtag troops. He had countless experiences and strategies. However, he would have to give up many things he had prepared and make enormous sacrifices.

Isaac now knew why they had sent an Inquisitor to the letter when they could have just sent a priest.

They are already suspicious of Isaac.

I wonder if he has other ulterior motives.

It was clear that even now, outside, the heretic inquisitors were conducting various investigations on soldiers and acquaintances.

‘The lighthouse keeper didn’t plan on getting rid of me. That’s for sure. Well, this is a warning not to think of useless things, but… … What should I do?’

If Isaac had only thought about the victory of the Code of Light, he would have accepted it. He could have even begged the Pope to take out only the core forces of the Isacrea Dawn Army.

‘but…….’

Convincing the allies will be a task, and most of the remaining Isacrea Dawn Army will probably be driven to their deaths or used as meat shields.

“Can I hear the answer?”

Saltna asked, as if trying to get an answer.

“answer?”

Isaac knew there was no other way.

No, the answer was decided from the beginning.

Of course, Isaac had no intention of giving up his people.

However, I was just wondering how to reject this so that the other person would accept it obediently.

But there was one problem.

I really didn’t like those glassy eyes that kept nagging him for answers.

‘Come to think of it, if I was going to reject him anyway, I guess I didn’t need to be humble to this kid.’

Bam! The next moment, Isaac was slapping Saltna’s cheek.

***

Udangtang! Saltna was knocked out in one blow, either because she didn’t have much power or because she couldn’t react to the unexpected action.

Considering that Isolde fought quite well, the latter was more likely.

So Isaac didn’t stop and kicked him once more before he could stand up. It was fortunate that the opponent was a high priest. He didn’t have to worry about getting killed if he hit him wrong.

“Ah, no, wait, ugh, ok, wait… … !”

Thud, thud, thud. Even before he pulled out his sword or tentacles, Isaac had already shown that he had no intention of killing his opponent. The Inquisitor tried to counterattack several times, but failed. Isaac did not give him a chance to recite a prayer or make a gesture.

While they were beating him for a while, the Inquisitors and people came rushing in after hearing the commotion. Among them were Tukhalin and Lyanna, who had been on guard. Only then did Isaac stop this one-sided beating. And he quietly lowered his posture in front of Soltna.

“What if I say ‘no’, Inquisitor?”

Saltna glared at Isaac, panting. Her face was covered in blood and her teeth were bloodshot. Even so, her glassy eyes didn’t shatter, suggesting that they weren’t real glass.

Isaac grinned and slapped his face once more. The Inquisitors rushed over to him, but stopped as soon as Tukhalin and Lyanna drew their weapons.

Isaac opened his mouth again, thinking that he had made an unsightly appearance in front of his allies.

“What happens if you say no, you punk?”

“… … I’m going to die.”

Saltna muttered, spitting out her broken teeth.

“Dera Heman is coming. Huh, the Golden Lion Knights are already coming to take your place.”

Isaac frowned.

Only then did Isaac realize why Saltna had been talking so strangely about Dera Heman and Carlsen Milter.

If he refused, he was going to reveal this fact to scare him.

‘Dera Heman… … Do I have to face that monster again?’

Dera Heman was born with a congenital deformity in exchange for great strength. It was a top secret of the cult, but Isaac knew about it. He has limited areas of activity without the help of a holy place, a priest, or a special relic.

His coming to command meant nothing other than the achievement of the goal of keeping the Isacrea Dawn Army tied down.

“You say ‘kill’ so easily.”

Isaac debated whether to kill Soltna or not. Whether he killed the bastard or let him live, he would still have to face Dera Heman.

But Isaac thought about it for a moment and decided to let him live.

There are already so many eyes watching. Killing now is just an emotional response that blocks the way back.

It is enough to tell the weight of death later.

Isaac stepped aside. Only then did the Inquisitors come forward to heal and support Soltna.

Saltna glared at Isaac fiercely, but quickly looked away when Isaac glared back at her. She realized that since she had already hit him, Isaac would have no regrets if she hit him one more time before leaving.

As the Inquisitors fled, Tukhalin approached with a blank expression. Isaac, who also knew well what he had done, prepared to apologize.

But Tukhalin said, clutching Isaac’s bloody hand.

“You are a true man. I didn’t know there were such strong men in the Code of Light.”

Isaac answered with a bitter laugh.

“… … Please call your allies. I have a story to tell you.”

There were purple waves rippling in Isaac’s eyes.

‘Even if it’s a limb, I’ll walk in on my own two feet. I’ll never be dragged away and hung on.’