The Berserker’s Second Playthrough in the Game - Chapter 206



Only Krnovel

Episode 206. The Signs of War (2)

Pure white walls, pure white stone slabs, pure white ceilings, and pure white arks.

It was a space painted in a blinding white that felt like the designer was obsessed with it. The silence where even the wind had stopped, and the faint white light floating around created an atmosphere that seemed out of this world. In fact, only a handful of people in the entire continent could enter this place, so it would not be an exaggeration to say that it was the most distant place from the present world.

Lucaon, the imperial capital, the Holy of Holies where countless relics of the Elgar Church are stored.

There, sitting on the Holy Ark, was a white-haired old man wearing a pure white bishop’s robe.

Using a chest containing sacred relics as a chair was an act of sacrilege worthy of immediate execution the moment it was discovered. However, the glowing halo behind his back and his extremely benevolent appearance made this old man look like a saint who received the blessings of Elga.

Therefore, Archbishop Erensko, the second of the Order of Elgar, continued to sit on the Ark and wait for someone.

“… … .”

The archbishop is not by nature a person who waits. Conversely, he is the one who makes everyone wait.

Various royal family members seeking divine blessings, high-ranking nobles anxious to pick up even the crumbs of those blessings, paladins seeking powerful new recruits, and believers wishing just to touch the hem of the archbishop’s robe… … . If he had lined up those who wanted to meet him, he could have circled the church several times.

It is extremely unusual for such an archbishop to wait for someone. It wasn’t even a short wait. Erensko has been waiting for the one who is now waiting for a very long time.

For as long as 5 years.

Clang, clang –

With the sound of footsteps hitting iron and flagstone, the five-year wait finally came to an end.

“yes… … “Finally, you’ve finally come.”

A black spirit invading the pure white sanctuary.

A helmet with a black tassel, black plate armor engraved with a ten-pointed star pattern, and an enormous greatsword hanging from his back… … A giant man covered in darkness appeared, casting darkness on the area. All of his weapons were made of black iron, an extremely strong metal that was said to be absolutely unbreakable.

The Black Iron Knight did not apologize or show any courtesy to the Archbishop who had been waiting for him. The Archbishop smiled gently and accepted his impertinent attitude without much resistance.

It’s not that I don’t condemn the mistakes that have finally come to light.

“Did the Archbishop of the Order that most closely serves Elgar seem ridiculous?”

“… … .”

“I must have clearly told you to return from the ‘Magic Realm’ immediately, as there was more urgent business to attend to. After spending several years in a land overrun by corrupted magic, has your skull rotted away inside?”

An eerie spirit shone beneath his gently curved eyebrows. However, the knight of black iron did not make any excuses. I just lightly cut the air with my hand blade.

Goooooow –

A dark, torn space. A grotesque corpse, with only the body remaining, fell through the gap, followed by unidentifiable pieces sticking out and rolling around on the floor.

Even though the body was decapitated and decomposed, it was not difficult to identify the body. Thanks to the pieces that fell together, the ‘four horns’.

“[This is the body of the Great Devil that descended on the Demon World 300 years ago that you have been looking for so long. I couldn’t bring the supply because it was broken into pieces by whoever exploded it, but that horn alone would be enough to prove that he is the Great Devil.]”

A voice that rang like an echo from a deep cave came from beyond the black faceplate. The anticipation that had been shining under the white eyebrows subsided at once.

“Oh, if you were late because you were busy with your duties, why didn’t you just say so? I almost made people misunderstand that I wasted my time.”

“[…] … .]”

“You have worked very hard for so long. Now, please leave this body to me, and you have a new mission… … .”

At that moment, a slash that cuts off the horse’s waist like a guillotine.

――――――――― Kwa-Ang!!!

The air trembled and the earth trembled.

A roaring sound spread throughout the Holy of Holies, protected by the Daesungbeop, as if it was about to collapse. A knife mark like an abyss was carved on the flagstone, and the body of the great devil placed in the center was so cruelly crushed that even its shape was unrecognizable.

The culprit responsible for this tragedy was the knight’s greatsword made of black iron, ‘Elgar’s Judgement’.

“What the heck… … is this… … .”

Erensko’s pupils constricted like pinholes.

With such a damaged body, he couldn’t carry out his plan. So, he pretended to be the Great Devil’s resurrection to expand his influence, dismiss the other archbishops, ascend to the position of the ‘first pope’ of the church, take bloody revenge on the devil who killed Linton, and wipe out all the seeds of non-believers on the entire continent. The archbishop usually hid his true intentions behind a kind mask, but this time he couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

The knight remained aloof even after ruining someone’s lifelong plan. He held up the pitch-black greatsword, which was almost like a lump of iron, with one hand and swung it.

“[He’s not even a real archdemon, so what kind of great cause can he achieve with such a useless shell? “Why would a man named Archbishop eat up a corpse like a corpse beetle like that?”

“You… … How dare you… … What do you know… … .”

“[Shut up and look at this. In the Demon Realm, I found a precious thing that is incomparable to these trashy things.]”

As the blade cuts through the air, the space splits again.

Goooooow –

Tick, tick, something fell in a line with a dull metallic sound, and the Archbishop’s eyes shot open.

On the outside, it was nothing more than a broken piece of metal, like a gold dust fly. However, they shook the Holy of Holies more violently than a knight’s slash. The vicious weapon spread, blackening the color of the space, and the relics stored in the Holy Ark began to shake as if convulsing at once.

Coogu goong, coo goo goo, coo goo goong-!!

A heinous nobleman that even the courage of the archbishop, who has been plotting evil schemes all his life, can’t handle. While Erensko was looking at him with a clouded look, the knight in black iron spoke with a bright red glow in his eyes.

“[Wake up, Erensko. Finally, the time has come to climb to the feet of Elgar, look down on all things on this earth, and grasp everything you have ever wanted in your own two hands.]”

The second seat of the Decagram, the ‘Star that Swallows Darkness’, reached out to the Archbishop like a hand pulling him into the abyss.

*

A secret meeting was held within the Lucaonia Empire’s imperial palace, the ‘Palace of Splendor’.

Although there were only three participants, it was by no means a small meeting. The participants were the Archpaladin of Decagram, the First Archbishop, and the Emperor of the Empire. This was the agenda that brought together in one place all these magnates who could control the entire empire on their own.

On the conduct of Archbishop Erensko, the Second Seat.

Until last year, the archbishop, who seemed to harbor a thousand venomous snakes, kept his true intentions secret and invited power. However, it was no exaggeration to say that after the death of a fledgling paladin known as his nephew, he was running wild, releasing all the poisonous snakes he harbored within him. As a result, everyone felt the need to keep Erensko in check in some way, or even to have him removed from office.

But the secret talks ended in the worst possible way.

By none other than the party who was the agenda of the meeting.

Kookookookookook… … .

A pure white Shinyoung enters the conference room, breaking open the strong blockade.

“Even if I am a weak creature, I hope that one day I can carry the light and reach heaven. As expected, everyone is gathered here.”

“… … Archbishop Erensko?”

“What is this…?” … .”

“Your Majesty the Emperor, the guardian of the precious precepts of light, the rightful ruler of the Lucaonian Empire, and the center of brilliance that dispels the darkness of all ages, I beg your pardon for a moment.”

Breaking into the emperor’s meeting without permission was a serious crime that would have been punishable by capital punishment and even if those involved had been hunted down and tried to stop him. Actually, Erensko had a relaxed attitude, as if he had entered his own yard.

The emperor and the first archbishop sitting on the throne were so embarrassed that they froze, unable to say anything. However, the elderly Archpaladin sensed his reluctance to live and immediately stopped him.

“Stop right now, Archbishop. “What is that object you are hiding in your hand?”

“Oh, you mean this?”

Erensco took out his dagger as if he didn’t even know he had something like this in his hand. The pure white tip of the sword glowed brightly, and the eyes of those gathered widened.

“It’s the ‘Condemner of Distrust.’ As you know, it’s a magical relic that mercilessly condemns anyone who has even the slightest distrust of Elgar.”

“that… … Isn’t it the property of Archbishop Malfion, who leads the Congregation for the Inquisition? Why does the Archbishop have that…? … .”

“Archbishop Malphion was just condemned. By this relic.”

““… … !!””

A thunderous shock shook the room. Erensko continued to speak calmly even after making the shocking announcement that he had personally murdered the three archbishops.

“Isn’t it truly paradoxical? “The Grand Inquisitor of the Inquisition, who pretended to believe in the Elga more devoutly than anyone else and hunted down non-believers more passionately than anyone else, harbored a glimmer of disbelief deep in his heart.”

“… … .”

“Don’t worry. The position of Grand Inquisitor is one that cannot be left vacant, so I have decided to take over the mission. I am sure Archbishop Malphion, who is repenting in Hell, would like that as well.”

The tyranny of the two archbishops had finally reached its limit. If one of the three archbishops had been killed, it was obvious who would be the next target. Arch Paladin immediately took out his new soldier, ‘Lukaon’s Meteor’, and aimed at Erensko.

But I couldn’t shoot that exploding white spear.

“The moment you interfere with me, all of your disciples will die, Sir Hendark.”

“… … !”

The third seat of the Decagram, Hendark, the ‘Star that Pierces Truth’, took a deep breath.

That threat was not a lie. The stigmata clearly showed that it was the truth without a single lie. While the only troublemaker stood still like a statue, Erensco easily reached the Archbishop of the First Stone and cut his throat.

Write it – oops!

“Keuk, keuhuk… … .”

“Ewwh …

Blood spurted out like a spring, moistening the everywhere. Archbishop 1 belatedly tried to gather his holy power, but it was not enough to heal the fatal wound left by the holy relic. While the emperor was shocked and fell from his throne, Erensko withdrew his dagger and made the sign of the cross as if he was regretful.

“Well, even the most noble of archbishops… … seems to have harbored some mistrust within him.”

Wedge – Awesome!

Hendark, who was no better, risked the sacrifice of his disciples and launched the ‘Meteor of Lucaon’. However, the beam of light that brought about destruction did not achieve its goal.

Quad deud deuk – !!

Because I was sucked into an empty space in the middle and disappeared.

Hendark was startled and his whole body trembled. He immediately knew who had summoned that hole. That’s right, it was the skill of the highest-ranking paladin, who was stronger than himself, the only two people in the church.

The second seat of the Decagram, ‘The Star that Swallows Darkness’.

“Sir Cassius… … .”

Goooooow –

The gap widened, and a knight of black iron, giving off an overwhelming sense of intimidation, walked out. The shaft of the spear, caught in a grasp like raven claws, clearly proved that even Hendark’s javelin, which he had used with all his might, had been in vain.

“Heh, Lord Hendark… … . Ugh, please save me… … .”

“… … .”

Hendark blocks the emperor’s path and protects him even with his bare body. Erensko burst into laughter as if he had just seen a one-day puppy protecting its owner.

“Please rest assured that I have no intention of testing Your Majesty’s faith. Well, I don’t know about your disciples… … .”

“… … Didn’t he clearly say that if he touched even one of my disciples, he would wipe out your existence from the world?”

“So didn’t I say that I wouldn’t touch you ‘for now’? That is, until the ‘Star that Swallows Darkness’, who can suppress Kyung-ui’s inaction, returns.”

“… … .”

“I’ll show you leniency this once, but you’d better not let your guard down in the future, Sir Hendark. “If you want to protect the great Emperor and his beloved disciples who will one day become shining stars.”

His face, covered in scars, was distorted and his eyes burned with a fury as fierce as a thousand fires. Hendark asked with a fierce expression as if he was going to crush him to death.

“You… … What is the purpose of committing such evil acts? … .”

“… … .”

“no way… … Are you really saying this to get revenge on that bastard who was imitating the Holy Knight? … ?”

A silent mockery. The archbishop’s answer that followed was nothing short of reverent.

“To eradicate infidels and pagans throughout the continent, and to exalt the glory of the majestic Elgar.”

Erensko said so and stabbed the ‘condemned infidel’ who had killed the two archbishops into his neck as well.

Woo – Yeah… … .

The dagger pierced the neck like an illusion without causing a wound.

Clear evidence that there was not even a speck of distrust in Elga within Lee Ja’s heart. Those who were watching froze with their faces frozen with their souls gone.

“… … “As an apostle chosen by the majestic Elgar, I give this order.”

Erensko’s mouth split open to his ears, and he trembled with boiling joy and rage. Between his aged eyes, a glint of fanaticism and blind devotion flashed.

“From this moment on, I declare the opening of a ‘holy war’ to wipe out every unbeliever living and breathing on this earth… … .”

*

The training ground of the Elga Order, which trains knights.

The place that should have been filled with the noisy sound of the students cheering together was now filled with a gloomy silence. Hendark glanced around the empty room in despair.

Rohen, who had many younger siblings, was not as mature as his peers. Neither was Briden, who was overjoyed after summoning her divine powers for the first time. Lenia, who had aspirations of becoming an outstanding knight following her older sister, Millet Doss, who was about to be ordained as an apprentice knight, and Jorven, who drew pictures of the armor she wanted and kept it, all fell in love with her unrequitedly. Meryl, who was often absent-minded for a while… … .

Everything had disappeared.

Only wooden swords with smooth, worn-out handles lie scattered about, waiting for their owners who never return.

“… … .”

Hendark roughly rubbed his scarred face. He looked more like a man who had lost hope in life than a high-ranking paladin who could single-handedly destroy a city.

How could I have been so disappointed?

Eventually, he rustled, took out the piece of paper he had been keeping in his arms, and unfolded it.

‘… … The reason it was depleted was because of ancient magic. The identity of that great magic is presumed to be opening a crack into another world. I’m planning to leave for the main forest to get clearer information… … .’

A note left in southern Vestana by an Atalan warrior who did business with him. It was barely recovered through a spy planted in the alliance.

With his disciples held hostage, there was nothing he could do anymore. If all of ‘Decagram’, including myself, and the ‘Star Swallowing Darkness’ step forward… … There will be an astronomical number of casualties, and the alliance will inevitably be destroyed.

As far as he knew, the only hope the Alliance had for countering the Empire’s asymmetric power and preventing catastrophe was the warrior who left this note.

– Hwieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee – !

Hendark summoned a bright horse, mounted it, turned the reins toward the great forest, and kicked the stirrups with all his might.