#423
Helmut
Episode 423
The preparations for departure were finally completed. Because it had been a long time since we had gone on a mission, and because we had made all the preparations, it only took time, but there was no hesitation in making a decision.
It was late at night, no, early in the morning.
The cloudless sky was clear and dark as death, and the holy stars illuminated the darkness like hope.
Paladins, priests, and temple soldiers.
Everyone in the temple was overcome by a sublime feeling as they looked at the serene sky.
It was truly a noble day. Because today, they will suppress human rebellion and cleanse themselves of all evil.
When Lumen’s will is spread across the world, Linosa will shed blood before the sacred sword.
“When the sun shines brightly at dawn, we will arrive at Latona in Linosa.”
There was no light, but the white light flowing from the Paladins’ armor was softly coloring the surroundings.
And on the platform in front of it, six high priests were gathered together.
This time, not at the round table, but in front of their army.
They are the highest ranking people in the temple of Lumen.
The believers of Lumen were considered so noble that they were willing to kneel down and kiss the hem of their clothes to receive their blessings.
It has been believed that these six high priests represent Lumen’s will and represent the temple.
The meaning of Lumen they chose was temple.
A few days before that, at a round table meeting held ahead of the expedition, the ministers had to make an important decision.
“This enemy is formidable, so more than half of the high priests must go to battle.”
At Levina’s words, everyone nodded in unison. Paul opened his mouth.
“More than half, that means there are three people. Would that be enough? “We are dealing with more than just one person.”
It was a word that reminded me of the disappearance of the Sword Saint, who had led Basor to help Rinosa.
This Paul here was also one of the main culprits who sent the Sword Saint to the Forest of Pahe along with the two high priests whom Helmut had killed.
However, at that time, they colluded with Basor’s inner circle, and all they did was drive the Sword Saint into a trap and eliminate it.
It is a full-scale invasion with levels of difficulty that cannot be compared to those of that time.
Although no one here thought of this as an invasion.
“then?”
“All the high priests except one must head to Rinosa. Wouldn’t that end the war without sacrifice? There is a Black Wing Knights in Rinosa, and the Wizards Association helps them. “If we delay, that treacherous empire and Basor will come rushing in and make things a hassle.”
The other high priest nodded.
“That is correct. We must go to Rinosa with all our might. “We must achieve our goal before reinforcements arrive.”
Their purpose was simple. To punish Helmut, who had deceived even the Archduke with his evil power, and to take down Archduke Rinosa from his place.
All that is necessary is to place a person close to the temple on the throne of the Linosa family.
Agato asked heavily.
“So, does that mean one person will stay behind to guard the temple, and the rest will all go to Rinosa?”
“That is… … Wouldn’t it be better? “Not everyone can go.”
Paul laughed suspiciously. There was a stir among the ministers.
That doesn’t mean they were pleased with the role of vanguard of the temple.
It is much more comfortable to stay and guard the temple and there is no danger.
Above all, the principle was that at least one high priest should guard the temple.
All that was left was enough for one high priest. Even if the number increases, there is no significant difference in defense.
The temple itself had a fortress-like function, and could be activated by one or more priests.
Although it was not as effective as the sacred barrier, the temple’s defense was stronger than the barrier of any existing city.
However, then, how should we decide who will be the lucky one who will remain and protect the temple?
The ministers turned their gazes and glanced at each other.
However, the answer was to some extent determined.
In case of emergency, one of the high priests old enough to command the temple had to remain.
Among them, the oldest high priest was Agato, followed by Levina.
Among the high priests, they were the most honest and did not cause any personal scandal.
Because he carried himself well, he was considered a role model within the temple and had high influence.
The two high priests were strong comrades, but this time they could not be together.
Agato spoke first.
“High Priest Levina recently poured a lot of energy into the sacred barrier. So now it’s time for others to step up.”
His eyes moved and met Levina. Levina had a somber face, but her eyes were clear. Her sacred language flowed into her.
[We cannot leave Paul behind.]
Levina knew immediately what he was talking about.
The third oldest of these, Paul, is greedy.
Even though he was in the arms of the same Lumen, he was someone who could not be completely trusted.
Unfortunately, we could not hand over unchecked decision-making power to him.
Levina, or Agato, must remain.
Agato thought it was right for Levina to stay. Levina also strongly agreed with that judgment.
Paul obeyed Agato’s words and came out. He stroked his chin and nodded his head.
“You are right. “It seems most appropriate for Minister Levina to remain.”
It is safest and most comfortable to remain in the temple.
However, far from disapproving, Paul seemed to welcome it.
There was a deep desire in his eyes.
‘I guess I can take a look at Linosa’s treasure trove.’
Paul, who was known to be greedy, was particularly interested in wealth. He was far from frugality, which was considered a virtue of priests.
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Paul, who was from an aristocratic family in a prosperous commercial city and had married at an early age, became a priest in despair after the death of his wife, and then rose to the position of high priest.
High priests are vessels of divine power and are selected based on how much divine power they can use.
Usually, if a person with that much talent in divine power has been to a temple even once, he or she is immediately verified and enters the temple from an early age.
However, Paul was an unusual type who unintentionally avoided verification.
If you do not have faith in Lumen, you cannot handle divine power.
However, since piety does not determine talent for divine power, this fact has little influence on the selection of a high priest.
Because of this, although it was very rare, even someone like Paul could become a high priest.
Unlike other high priests who had cut off ties with the secular world and entered the temple since their youth, he maintained relationships with his children and relatives outside of the country.
They are people who built up power and wealth on the back of Paul, who became a high priest, and now live happily in their own country.
‘I also found a collateral branch of Rinosa. ‘In terms of blood, we are far apart.’
If Helmut is removed, the primary successors to the Archduke are Charlotte and Michael.
Charlotte, who sides with Helmut, is naturally excluded.
Michael had maintained quite a close relationship with the temple, and had even met Paul several times.
Each time, Michael gave Paul a lot of wealth.
Michael was a suitable person to replace the successor.
But he was very weak. If he dies, he will be in trouble, so we need to prepare someone else.
It would be a great benefit to appoint the person you have prepared to the position of Grand Duke of Rinosa.
After finishing the calculation, Paul looked around and asked.
“Does anyone have any objections?”
Since it is a high priest, there is no one with any health problems. None of the other three ministers came forward.
“Then, I’m sorry, but I will protect the temple. “May the light bless you.”
Levina made the sign of the cross with a reverential look on her face. Thus, five high priests went to this crusade.
And finally it was the day of departure. They will reach Linosa through the Gate and the Path of Light.
There, not far from Latona.
A paladin walked in front of the six priests.
Shining on his waist, clad in white armor, was a holy sword containing the mighty power of Lumen.
The golden eyes were full of mysterious energy.
“Levant.”
Levina looked at him and softly called his name.
He was called ‘Servant’ in the martial arts club, and his true name is Levant.
He was captured in the martial arts hall and had to endure hardships in a narrow, dark prison, being treated like a criminal, something that could not be possible for a Paladin of Lumen.
His eyes met Levina’s and contained a painful tremor.
It was Levant who disappointed her motherly expectations.
The moment he returned to the temple and encountered her for the first time, the devastation he felt cannot be expressed in words.
‘But this time, definitely.’
The defeat, misery, and humiliation he experienced for the first time made him stronger in prison.
He gritted his teeth, looking at the prison bars that could be broken at any time.
Levant was a paladin who followed Lumen’s will, and it was unfair to capture him.
I will leave this prison without being a criminal.
As if responding to Levant’s beliefs, the Holy Sword opened up power to him.
As if you now have the qualifications to deal with me.
The experience of fighting against a powerful enemy itself provides a swordsman with great advancement.
Levant has grown since he fought Helmut in the finals, and even gained the power of the Holy Sword.
I won’t lose this time. This may also have been Lumen’s great intention to recognize his shortcomings and help him grow.
Levant knelt down in front of her.
“In the arms of Lumen, and to you, I will give you victory this time.”
Levina’s hand rested on his head. A subtle power of blessing seeped into him.
“I hope everyone and you are safe.”
Levina smiled kindly at him. It was the smile of a saint.
As he returned to his seat, Paul’s angry cries filled the sky.
“This is a holy war, and it is our mission to defeat those who are controlled by evil forces. Glory be to those who uphold Lumen’s will! “Lumen, your army is here, help us.”
A shout rose from the army and shook the entire temple. A dazzling light arose from the other side.
A huge gate that reflects the land of Linosa. The gate was opening.
Leaving a dull tremor in the ground, the temple army disappeared beyond the gate, leaving High Priest Levina behind.
This gate can only be used by those with divine power.
Until they return, Levina will guard the temple.
It was finally the beginning of the temple. They had no doubt that they would win.
