Chapter 185

The structure of the cult was similar to that of a regular temple.

It consisted of the Pope, followed by cardinals, bishops, priests, and believers.

Occasionally, monks were interspersed between priests and believers.

Usually, when referring to a High Priest, it meant a bishop or higher.

The blonde man was precisely that bishop.

Outwardly, he had other statuses as well, and none of them were of low rank, he was a bishop who had grown into a very sturdy tree from among the seeds scattered by the cult.

“Are you saying we failed because of a mere Platoon leader?”

“Yes.”

The bishop frowned at the words of the lower priest. His once-handsome face twisted ferociously.

‘What?’

Could a Platoon leader really bring down the knoll colony?

“It wasn’t a Knight from the order who interfered?”

“No.”

“Indeed, that wouldn’t make sense.”

The bishop shook his head at his own words.

Would the Kingdom of Naurillia have the capacity to dispatch Knights or troops here right now?

It was an absurd thought.

There were too many matters to address immediately, and there were even unresolved issues piling up.

Bandits known as the Black Blade were rampaging throughout the Kingdom’s territories.

To the west, there was a city of raiders formed by settlers banding together.

To the east, there was a country ruled by the human butcher that provocatively acted at the slightest provocation.

It would have been fortunate if this were the end of it, but problems overflowed from every direction like a flood.

‘For instance, the power struggle between the Nobility and the Royalty.’

When all was said and done, everything could be attributed to the divided factions of the royalists and the nobles.

The Kingdom’s strength was fractured.

As a result, other factions began to encroach, looking for opportunities.

Although they had recently struck a blow to Aspen, which had been picking a fight from the north.

‘Wasn’t that a bit much?’

The bishop thought so. They had pulled some forces stationed in the south and west to strike Aspen. Yes, it was unavoidable.

Had they left it alone, the entire Green Pearl plain in the north would have been lost.

But the bishop had expected them to merely hold the line and maintain the status quo, yet Naurillia had won a decisive victory.

Nevertheless, the effort to fend off Aspen had drained their strength.

Taking advantage of the shortage, the city of raiders in the west stealthily moved in.

The Human Butcher Kingdom in the southeast also advanced.

What about the Black Blade Bandits? Would they just watch?

Moreover, the south of the Kingdom was plagued by monsters, casting a shadow over the southern region.

There were reports of refugees lining up.

But would it end just because Aspen retreated?

‘What about the conflicts between the remaining cities?’

If Aspen retreated, what would be left?

The Green Pearl would remain. Moreover, trade routes in all directions would be open.

Then everyone would be desperate to grab a bigger piece of the pie.

With the Kingdom exhausted, mediation would be out of the question.

‘It’s a miracle it’s not ruined already.’

Given the state of the Kingdom, it was no wonder the bishop was here.

There were many gaps and plenty of spoils. Many rotten places.

How could he ignore such a tempting piece of meat?

It wasn’t without reason that the Sacred Cult of Demon Realm had established itself here.

What about the resources and capital invested in this place?

This area was sufficient to become a new Demon Realm. It could become a sanctuary.

The damage caused by the failure of one such preparation was indeed disheartening.

‘Because of a mere Platoon leader?’

How much Krona was invested in preparing for this?

It wasn’t just a few gold coins. What about the armament provided to the knolls?

The investment of Krona made was now in the hands of the pioneer village. As a reward, Encrid received some monetary compensation.

To be precise, it was Krais who acted as an intermediary and received it.

The bishop wasn’t aware of this detail.

He was simply displeased.

What to do? After a brief deliberation.

Was it just a mere Platoon leader?

Was he just lucky?

In reality, no one from their side had witnessed Encrid’s fight.

There were a few surviving monsters, but they weren’t capable of conveying the details.

It was likely just luck. Upon reflection, that seemed plausible.

The wall was sturdy, a member of the cult had probably been accidentally discovered, and in the process of managing the situation, the priest’s identity was exposed.

Moreover, by coincidence, preparations had already been made at a siege level.

…But weren’t there too many coincidences?

Perhaps there was some level of skill involved.

However, the conclusion was that it was luck.

So then.

‘Even if he’s lucky, will that luck hold forever?’

That seemed unlikely.

“Send someone skilled in assassination.”

The bishop decided to handle the problem with restraint if needed.

Of course, he never received any news of Encrid’s assassination.

The bishop wasn’t even listening to such news.

He was simply preparing for the next step.

If he were a member of the Kingdom, what would be the biggest issue?

Not the Black Blade, the monster rampages, or the predatory neighboring countries.

Their greatest issue would be the cultists.

And among those they called cultists, he was the backbone in this area.

The bishop prepared for what was next, soon forgetting about Encrid.

Occasionally, such extraordinary individuals emerged. Sometimes, they were even mere soldiers, but it was always temporary.

Survived among a thousand monsters? Let’s say it was a stroke of luck. What about next time? What if a similar crisis occurs? He was bound to die eventually.

So he dismissed it.

* * *

The Border Guard was unchanged. There was nothing different.

“Have you arrived?”

Well, there was something different.

The soldiers’ attitude had completely changed towards Encrid.

A soldier on duty at the outer gate saluted.

Nodding.

With a nod, he saw a familiar face.

“Are you here to greet me?”

It was the Fairy Company Commander. She responded to Encrid’s joke with a playful tone.

“Of course, I had to come if my fiancé was returning. If my betrothed came back missing a limb, especially an important one, I’d have to give up one of my life’s pleasures.”

Wasn’t the joke a bit inappropriate? While Encrid thought so, the Fairy Company Commander continued without a hint of laughter.

“If you were missing arms, you wouldn’t be able to hug me, but you seem fine since you have both arms intact.”

The Fairy’s eyes scrutinized Encrid’s entire body. Something seemed different?

Fairies had keen senses.

“I need to report to the Battalion Commander.”

“Go ahead.”

At Encrid’s words, the Fairy nodded and continued on her way. It seemed she had other business to attend to.

So, it wasn’t a greeting. It was just a coincidence.

Encrid saluted the departing Fairy and turned back. Seeing how she left quickly, she indeed seemed to have something urgent.

‘It was just a coincidence, after all.’

Could she really have come to greet me?

It’s not like she has nothing to do, there’s no way that’s the case.

Upon entering the city, Esther disappeared.

“Do I need to go too?”

“No.”

Krais was also sent away, leaving only Finn to accompany him.

Finn fell silent, lost in thought, before suddenly speaking with a strangely assertive tone.

“I’ve made up my mind.”

“…About what?”

“I’m giving up on trying to take you down.”

…Was she still aiming for that?

“Instead, I’ll set my sights on Audin.”

Finn’s eyes sparkled with determination. Encrid inwardly shook his head.

As for himself, it was one thing, but Audin?

Audin wasn’t just deeply religious, he wielded divine power, which meant he was a priest.

Of course, being a priest didn’t mean he couldn’t marry or be with a woman, but…

‘That Audin?’

That bear of a man embracing a woman? Hard to imagine.

Encrid could only nod quietly.

“The Squad Leader of Enchantment is beyond my reach.”

Finn muttered nonsense and then quickly went her own way.

“Weren’t you coming with me to report?”

Apparently not. Left alone, Encrid headed to Marcus’s office.

Upon entering, he saluted. Marcus observed him silently before speaking.

“I’ve already received the report. However, there are conflicting opinions.”

Conflicting opinions?

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

If you don’t know, you don’t know. Guessing only leads to unnecessary chatter.

He had heard that there was communication from the pioneer village.

Marcus rested his chin on his hand.

“The pioneer village wants to name the wall after you, saying you slew a thousand knolls or something.”

Were they seriously considering naming the wall after him?

It seemed improbable that they would officially do something like that, but the village chief, Deutsche Pullman, and that craftsman seemed to be sincere.

The fact that it was mentioned in an official report confirmed it.

They were all crazy.

“And the other opinion comes from the commander of the Viscount’s Army of Bentra. He suggests that you only killed about fifty knolls and warns against exaggerating your achievements. Now, tell me, our Platoon leader, which is the truth?”

Encrid responded immediately.

“Believe what you want to believe.”

Would he believe it just because Encrid said so?

Did his words carry that much weight?

His counterpart was the Battalion Commander and a representative of the city. He likely already knew the answer.

Moreover, his eyes were already speaking. Despite his weary-looking face, his eyes were smiling.

“Is that so?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Marcus scrutinized Encrid closely. Where did such a person come from?

“Still aspiring to be a Knight?”

“Yes.”

“I see.”

What was he trying to say?

“I saw cultists.”

Regardless, he needed to report the key issue. The pioneer village wasn’t far from the Border Guard, and the presence of cultists was a sensitive matter.

“Those bastards.”

After expressing his view, Marcus removed his hand from his chin and took a sip of tea.

The cold tea slid down his throat.

‘A thousand knolls.’

He didn’t do it alone or all at once. Even for a Knight-level fighter, that would be a daunting task.

Marcus thought it was highly unlikely. Nonetheless, Encrid’s prowess couldn’t be dismissed. After all, he didn’t take the words of the Viscount’s Army of Bentra too seriously.

Marcus knew Encrid.

Of course, it was hard to believe that he literally cut down a large colony.

Yet, he must have achieved something significant.

Had Marcus seen it firsthand, he might not think this way, but it was still a hard story to believe for anyone.

What Encrid did was just that.

It wasn’t that the commander of the Viscount’s Army of Bentra was an idiot—though, to be fair, he was half an idiot—but the story was genuinely hard to believe.

It was more likely that the entire village was simply ecstatic to have survived such a dire situation.

After contemplating various thoughts, Marcus spoke.

“Do you love this city?”

“I don’t dislike it.”

“Do you have a lover?”

“No.”

“Perhaps?”

“I like women.”

Talking with a perceptive person is comfortable and easy. Marcus nodded and said,

“From this moment, your independent platoon is promoted to a company. You are now a Company Commander.”

“…Is that right?”

He had just returned from an external mission. Recognizing the merits of that mission wouldn’t be a small matter. That was true.

But hadn’t there been conflicting reports?

And now, a Company Commander?

“My platoon doesn’t even have ten members.”

“Now it’s a company.”

What kind of company has fewer than ten soldiers?

“Does that make sense?”

“I’m the person in charge of this city. If I say it does, it does.”

It seemed unreasonable.

“Are you criticizing your superior with your eyes?”

“No, sir.”

It still felt unreasonable.

“It’s not.”

He’s the Battalion Commander. What could Encrid do? He just nodded.

Saluting and finishing his report, he turned to leave.

“I’d like it if you loved this city.”

“I’ll try.”

It was a model soldier’s response. Saying that, he turned back toward his quarters.

“You’re back?”

How should he describe this?

‘I don’t think I’d even feel this way going back to the village I was born in.’

It was just like that. It felt like coming home. Rem was watching as usual, holding an axe. The subtle expectation in his eyes urged Encrid.

Those eyes would not allow even a brief rest.

Well, he never rested as soon as he arrived.

The journey had been peaceful. He had rested enough along the way.

Encrid’s gaze turned to Rem’s face.

The scars that had been on his face before he left were now completely gone. A new goal suddenly came to mind.

“Sparring?”

Encrid spoke without thinking, his heart pounding. Rem’s lips curved into a wide smile.

“Did you get any better? They said you cut down hundreds of monsters? I heard you were flying. Let’s see how much fun you had.”

As Rem spoke, he gripped his axe with both hands and took a step forward.

Encrid felt a strange sensation.

Before, he didn’t understand what that step meant before a fight. No, he couldn’t grasp it.

But now, he understood.

Right foot half a step forward, the first axe swing comes from the left.

Rem showed all of this naturally, from his center of gravity to his next move. He didn’t even try to hide his intent.

Whether he knew Encrid could see it or not, Rem narrowed his eyes and looked at him.

“This feels a bit strange, doesn’t it?”

Encrid realized he wasn’t standing in front of the usual barracks.

Before Rem could respond, Ragna and the others started coming out one by one.

There wasn’t a single soldier around.

Wait, there was a training ground set up.

Right in front of the barracks. The area was cleared, and a low fence had been erected.

“They say the Company Commander made a private training ground for us?”

It was Krais who spoke, having arrived earlier. The perceptive Krais had read Encrid’s thoughts.

Why bother?

“After we roughed them up a bit, the Company Commander said it was disruptive to other soldiers’ training.”

Rem, still full of spirit, pointed back with his thumb and spoke in a calm tone, as if saying it was no big deal.

“Even barbarians aren’t allowed to kill allies within the barracks, we were told to do it here.”

Ragna chimed in from behind him.

“It seems it’s because of the noise. These guys are too rowdy. Not me.”

Jaxon gestured towards the group with a sweeping hand, adding his two cents.

“Haha, it seems our brothers’ camaraderie was so lively that the other soldiers wanted to join in, so the commander was considerate.”

Audin also spoke, making it seem like they were welcoming Encrid.

The real reason for the training ground surely wasn’t what they said.

So this was a kind of joke. From starting as a group of troublemakers to becoming the Madmen Platoon, they now knew each other well enough to make such jokes.

“Did you beat them up?”

Encrid’s question made Rem frown.

“Do I look like someone who goes around beating up others for fun?”

“…You’re the first person to make me speechless like this, Rem.”

What was he talking about, he beat them up every day.

Rem felt a bit unfairly treated. This time, he hadn’t beaten anyone.

He hadn’t beaten anyone. He was just so focused on sparring that he cleared away any distractions around him.

“Do you really believe I beat them up?”

Rem glared.

“Yes.”

“Damn, right answer.”

Rem chuckled. That was the signal. After the smile, he grounded his stance. The direction of his center of gravity indicated the direction of his attack.

Swordsmanship is a collection of techniques for killing people.

It was a path he had honed and sharpened over time.

Bang!

The axe and sword clashed. A loud metallic clang echoed. Even though the sword wasn’t sharp, its hardness surpassed any weapon he had wielded before.

Once called a cursed sword, it was now just a sturdy sword, almost on par with a legendary sword.

Encrid had quickly become familiar with his new sword.

Why, indeed?

He had come back just to face this axe.

The sword and axe clashed, a battle of wits and skills ensued.

Encrid’s blade moved with a snake-like fluidity, significantly faster than before.

This was one of the secret techniques of swordsmanship, utilizing a flick of the wrist.

Ting!

As the sword rebounded off the axe blade, it arced upward, forcing Rem to tilt his head back.

In response, he swiftly raised his axe and made a short, chopping motion.

Encrid also tilted his head to the side.

Swish, swish.

This left shallow cuts on both their cheeks.

Rem narrowed his eyes and exhaled sharply.

Surprised, but prioritizing something else over that—fighting spirit and momentum.

Rem’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

He then licked the drop of blood trickling down his lips and said,

“Damn, that surprised me.”

It was a genuine remark.

The onlookers all widened their eyes.

Encrid and Rem had exchanged blows with sword and axe, and Encrid had not been easily pushed back.

It was a growth rate that could not be ignored. It was almost miraculous.

Could this talentless person have transformed so dramatically upon returning? Everyone’s eyes were filled with such words.

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