The Berserker’s Second Playthrough in the Game - Chapter 216



Only Krnovel

Episode 216 Star Crusher (5)

An underground alcove with a 10-pointed star embossed on the ceiling.

There was no wallpaper here either. The only thing that filled the wall was the ‘Gospel’, an aphorism written in Elgar’s scriptures. Just by looking at the font, the persistent and dense letters made me feel the author’s fanatical faith.

The one who wrote it was a haggard-looking man sitting in the middle of the room. His cheeks were sallow and his body was thin, and he seemed to be far from physical activity, but he was surprisingly dressed in heavy plate armor. The cuirass was also clearly engraved with the ten-pointed star symbol of the Order of Elgar and the Knights.

The names and job titles used to address the man were as follows.

The 8th seat of the Decagram, the ‘Star of the Gospel’, Angelion El Dremus El Gadieta.

There was a time when quite a few people who lacked faith doubted whether he was worthy of becoming a Decagram based on his appearance. In fact, his military power was so small that it was embarrassing to compare it to other Archpaladins. However, now there was no one within the church to disparage him.

Because Angelion conquered Delutana alone.

And all without taking a single step out of this room, or shedding a single drop of blood.

The news that Delutana had been taken over by his evangelicals in just one night had already spread throughout the Elgar Order. Exultant praise poured down from the shining orbs floating in the air.

– [Hahaha! Sir Angelion’s performance is more dazzling than I expected! The Holy Army had just arrived at the border, and he conquered the base of the non-believers all by himself while sitting in the saint’s seat!]

– [Yes, this is truly a meritorious work that clearly proves the nickname ‘Star that Spreads the Gospel.’ As a major that is even more meaningful in terms of the results achieved through Elgar’s gospel, not through spear knives… … .]

– [I thought Lord Angelion’s resourcefulness was extraordinary ever since he lured out the city’s councillor… … . I never thought he would achieve such great results… … .]

Those who took part in the telecommunications via the Holy Law were all prominent figures of the Elgar Order: the presiding bishops of the Congregation for the Sacred Canons and the Congregation for the Doctrine and the Gospel, the inquisitors of the Congregation for the Inquiry into Heresy, the auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese, and the 5th to 10th seats of the Decagram… .

Above all, among them was the chief archbishop, Erensko, who went beyond the emperor and became the actual ruler of the empire.

– [Lord Angelion, are you listening?]

“yes… … Angelion, the ‘star that spreads the Gospel,’ I am honoring the congratulatory words of the Holy Archbishop with all my heart.”

– [Your faithful efforts shine brighter than the stars in the night sky. I can confidently say that the Lord of Light, who bestowed such splendid brilliance, must have looked down upon you and been deeply moved.]

Certainly, what Angelion did deserved to be punished.

Taking Delutana itself was not a difficult task. However, conquering it without burning the entire city to the ground, preserving the valuable spoils of the ‘City of Gold’, and turning the enemy into Elgar’s vanguard was nearly impossible.

The amount of material saved and the benefits gained through this activity were astronomical to say the least. Furthermore, the fact that it was a victory that was worthy of the banner of the ‘holy war’ to wipe out the non-believers was also excellent. The Archbishop, who was satisfied, offered a rather extraordinary reward.

– [Stars are not always tied to one place. As seasons pass, as time passes, some stars set and some shine higher… … .]

“… … !”

A hint that he will be promoted to a higher position within Decagram.

The higher-ranking decagrams would have different influence within the church, and would also be given priority when receiving ‘new soldiers’ and ‘stigmata’ from the archbishop. Therefore, this was a reward that all stars longed for. Of course, it was not pleasant for those who would lose their positions…

– […] … .]

– […] … .]

From the 5th to the 7th positions, the other Decagrams expressed an uncomfortable silence. However, the archbishop encouraged Angelion regardless.

– [The temple that will enhance the glory of Elgar has only just begun. This cannot be your last activity, ‘star that spreads the gospel.’]

“… … My condolences, Archbishop. “Although I am a very humble person, I will continue to work hard as a leader of light to spread the gospel of Elgar.”

– [This is a good attitude. We hope that the blessed words you preach will edify all non-believers, pagans, and even ‘evil spirits’ on this earth. He is looking down from heaven on all ages, and everything is for the sake of light.]

“All for the light.”

After a brief discussion about Delutana’s management and loot distribution, the sphere disappeared and communication was cut off.

After setting a record for his achievements, receiving enthusiastic praise, and even being promised an unusually quick promotion by the Archbishop, the first thing Angelion did was…

He was clinging to the wall, sweating profusely, and reciting sutras.

“Even if the spirit and the flesh fall into the valley of death, if they follow the light, they will gain new life… … O stern guide of light, do not lead us into temptation, do not lead us into temptation, do not lead us into temptation… … .”

They didn’t know yet. The only person who truly knew the current situation on Delutana’s side was himself. But once the crusade crossed the border and reached there, everyone would know.

The fact is that Delutana was not actually captured.

No, strictly speaking, it came close to falling. They occupied all areas except the Dongmun area, and nearly 5,000 evangelicals gathered in the central square for the final offensive. At this rate, the fall was only a matter of time, so he was one step ahead and reported success to the church.

But then, all of a sudden, a barbarian burst through the gates, crushed countless servants with his incredible force, and summoned a bizarre head to completely neutralize the evangelists in the central square.

It was truly an unexpected event like a thunderbolt falling from a dry sky. Thanks to this, Angelion’s plan to trick the members of the Council, divide the cities, and come close to collapsing Delutana… … Conversely, it was on the verge of going to waste.

There was a bigger problem.

His stigmata, the ‘Star that Spreads the Gospel’, had the effect of brainwashing and controlling the target who earnestly memorized the gospel into a ‘Gospel Body’. The ‘Gospel Body’ possessed powers similar to those of an average Paladin, and there was no limit to the number of entities it could control at once, so it was an ability that was no different from a disaster for enemies with a large number of enemies.

However, like all stigmata, there were also fatal limitations.

We should never allow someone to memorize the gospel multiple times without disbelieving it.

So far, we have always prevented such incidents by killing them before they happen, but if that ruthless barbarian memorizes the gospel… … ‘Restrictions’ will be activated without any help.

“Light brighter than the brightest light, save us only from the darkness of the abyss, save us from darkness, save us from darkness… … .”

The floor was soaked with sweat. Angelion, who was desperately reciting a scripture, eventually summoned a communication sphere and asked someone for help.

“that… … “Lord Vitares, do you have a moment to talk to me?”

– […] … Ha, who is this? Aren’t you the ‘star that spreads the gospel’ that will stand at the top of the stars in the future? You must be busy practicing the face wall and spreading the gospel, but what can you say to a small person… … ?]

It was an Archpaladin from Decagram who had dispatched troops to the border. There was a hint of sarcasm in his tone, as if he was not aware of the fact that his major had been taken away by a weakling who was always in the closet of the city.

Angelion appeased his anger by saying that he had no intention of taking Decagram’s top position, and that he would not give up even if the Archbishop forced him to do so. He then stated that he wanted assistance from Del Ruta Naro as soon as possible. However, Archpaladin seemed to have no intention of helping his rival.

While he was contemplating how to tempt him, a scene he had witnessed in the Gospel flashed through Angelion’s mind.

A miracle summoned by an old lame blacksmith in a workshop in Delutana.

“Your Majesty… I have a story that might interest you.”

Even though it is said to be the miracle of a miscellaneous god… … The value of that product must be more than the ‘new recruits’ blessed by Elgar.

“Actually, I have discovered a very strange pagan monster here… … but it seems to be something beyond my lowly abilities… … .”

– [Ha, is there something that even the world’s ‘star spreading the gospel’ can’t handle?]

“Yes, it is a ‘new soldier’ consecrated by the incarnation of the ‘god of the dwarves’ who controls metal and harsh cold… … I was planning to entrust it to you immediately when you come, but… … .”

The voice that had been responding vaguely changed in an instant.

– [… …There is such a thing in Delutana?]

The ‘star that spreads the gospel’ has finally found the light to escape from the darkness.

*

I have that feeling.

I already have a feeling that something has gone terribly wrong.

Even ordinary people have such premonitions from time to time. Kadim’s senses were extremely developed, and he had crossed countless limbs. Long before he reached his destination, the feeling of being eaten tickled his spine.

And that feeling was revealed as a cruel reality when I entered the messy workshop.

“… … .”

It was a good thing they didn’t bring Gulak’s granddaughter. She was a crying child who wanted to go and help her grandfather, but she didn’t know if she would have made such a fuss if she had seen her grandfather’s head taken off.

Duncan was tasked with finding the whereabouts of the Wheeled family in the evacuation zone. First of all, in order to save Old Man Sledgehammer, Kadim left everything aside and rushed forward. In the end, it was all in vain… … He didn’t show any special expression.

I approached the supply that had fallen under the anvil.

Softly closed eyelids, gently curved corners of the mouth. Gulak’s face was unusually peaceful for a man whose head had been cut. The basis of this smile must be the sense of accomplishment of completing a mission to the end.

There wasn’t much he could do for the deceased. At best, he could collect the body, collect the will, and take revenge on their behalf.

Kadim was going to do the first or second of them first, but it seemed like he might have to change the order a bit.

The culprit who killed Old Man Sledgehammer suddenly appeared before my eyes.

“[You guy… … . how… … Why did you come here… … .]”

He swung the axe handle like a whirlwind without hesitation.

Jjraerarack, pararaerarack, chin – !!

It was a hand movement that surprised even him. To his opponent, it must have just seemed like he was pulling out a throwing axe and flinching, his hands shaking.

―――――― Quagwagwagwanggwang – !

Crackle, bang, bang… … .

However, the collapsing wall and the torn fabric of light clearly proved that Kadim had thrown and recovered the lightning strike in an instant.

“[Ghaaaaaaah! The sacred light, the robe of light… … .]”

“… … .”

The culprit was a stocky man wearing a ring with the emblem of the Council of Ministers engraved on it. There was no doubt about him, judging by the blood stains on the fabric and clothes.

“[Holy, you blasphemous pagan… … . Weren’t you looking for someone in the evacuation zone? Why, why did you suddenly come to this place so far away… … .]”

However, as can be seen from the chattering noises, the owner of the body was not the man who appeared to be a council member.

Of course, it didn’t matter. Whether that body belonged to a council member, the chairman, or the emperor, Kadim would have gladly killed that ‘gospel’ for revenge. However, there was a reason he didn’t kill it right away.

“Why did you kill Old Man Sledgehammer?”

“[what……?]”

“No, that’s enough…” … . I hear it, but since I’m a non-believer, I’m probably talking nonsense. “Tell me where you put your masterpiece.”

“[…] … .]”

“Judging by the expression on his face, it seems like he passed away after completing his last work.”

A blank stare at the empty workbench. The gospel writer rolled his eyes intently, but soon he began to laugh.

“[You, you knew this lame old man… …?]

“What a neat arrangement. You promised to give me that will too.”

“[That’s right, hehehe… … . Still, it would be better to give up on the monster created by that old man. Because we’ve already made an agreement to entrust that to another ‘star’. He will personally destroy the monster, or purify it and use it as a new weapon… … .]”

“… … Stop talking nonsense, I wish you would give it back before you split my skull open.”

“[Hehe… … Please give it a try. Anyway, since we lost over 5,000 Gospel bodies, I don’t think losing one more will make much of a difference.]”

There was a smug confidence in his white eyes. The confidence that no matter how much you ran wild, you wouldn’t be able to harm your real self.

It wasn’t unfamiliar. Kadim had encountered that kind of attitude in the past. From the demons of the Ice Age who had their bodies tightly hidden, or… …from the anonymous bulletin board users who ran wild in the virtual space of the world he originally lived in.

That confidence was not unfounded.

Surely, even if we kill this gospel body, the monster beyond it will not suffer any damage. Even though thousands of Gospel bodies were neutralized with the ‘Tattoo of Aculanos’, they are still intact. However, beyond the confidence he displayed, there was also anxiety that he could not hide.

And Kadim knew. The one who controls the gospel body, the real culprit who killed Gulak, the thing that the Archpaladin of ‘Decagram’ fears the most.

How to get the bastard out of his nest and into here.

“… … By the way, why don’t you recommend the ‘gospel’ anymore?”

The gospel body flinched and shuddered. A cold gaze pierced through its form.

“Didn’t you recommend it to me so eagerly when you first saw it? “If you want to save your spirit and body, memorize the gospel.”

“[that… … It was a stroke of luck, no different from trying to light the eyes of a blind person with a candle… … . Elgar’s gospel is only for those who sincerely hope for salvation… … . Shameless and vicious heretics like you… … You don’t even deserve to be saved… … .]”

“I’m sorry. Still, won’t you give me one more chance? “For some reason, I feel like I can memorize it with all my heart now.”

“[…] … .]”

Perhaps sensing a suspicious sign, the evangelists kept their mouths shut and did not reveal the gospel. However, it was a meaningless move. Kadim took out a piece of paper from his pocket.

“Well, if you don’t tell me, I’ll just memorize it myself.”

“… … ?”

“The only worthy master of the whole world, who has watched over this land and shed light on it since the beginning, is Elgar, and he has written a long story for the many weak creatures who long for salvation.”

A piece of paper that other evangelists carried around while preaching the gospel.

The face of the gospel body instantly became whiter than a sheet of paper.

“[Hey, wait!! You, put that down right now… … .]”

Wedge – Awesome! Plop, plop – !

“[… … Gaaaah!!]”

The sabotage was easily stopped by the thrown axe blade. The recitation, which lacked even the smallest bit of faith, was repeated more than ten times. The brand engraved on the back of the gospel began to wiggle and protrude.

Kkwudduk, kkwudduk – !!

“[Kuaaaaah!! Kuaaaaah!!]”

His spine was curved like a hunchback and his skin was ridged. The protrusion, which was just a protrusion, quickly grew larger than the head. Then, the moment the stress reached its limit, the back plate tore and a fishy brilliance erupted.

Whew, woof, woof woof – !!

It was a sight that looked like angel wings sprouting. However, the object that emerged through the skin was not so divine or beautiful.

A skinny, haggard man, heavily armed with plate armor.

“Ah, ah, hwaaaaah… … .”

Kadim twisted his mouth slyly. It was really all true, the information the Archpaladin told me.

‘The limitations of the 8th position of the Decagram, ‘the star that spreads the gospel’, Lord Angelion… … .’

If there is someone who disbelieves the Gospel and repeatedly reads it, he or she must be summoned to the spot wherever he or she is and ‘judged directly.’

I left a short thank you to Hendark, an honest informer. Grabbing the sack, I approached the Archpaladin in the corner of the room who had finally dragged him out of the nest and into the world.

“Nice to meet you. In the world I used to live in, there was a ritual that I had to go through when I actually met someone I thought I would never meet.”

“Ah, ah, hgaa… … . What is this, what is this… … .”

“It’s been so long that I don’t remember exactly, but I think the name of the ritual was… … .”

An axe blade rising with the full will to kill.

“… … I think it was called Hyunpi.”

“Ah, ah!! “No way!!!”

Angelion, the ‘star that spreads the gospel’, screamed as if he was falling into the abyss.