Logs and timber beams joined together formed the skeletal structure, and around this frame, they wrapped fabric to create a makeshift tent.
Though the process was simple, the Holy Knight appeared well-versed, setting up the tent quickly and efficiently with only a few movements.
It wasn’t a very stable setup meant to serve as a temporary base, but it seemed fine for taking a rest.
Inside the tent, Id quietly sat down on the ground. The land was barren, and only tough weeds grew here and there, causing a slight discomfort, but it wasn’t too bothersome.
“…It’s quiet.”
An awkward silence filled the tent. Glancing around, Id saw the female priest and the Holy Knight sitting side by side.
Thinking to exchange greetings first, but the priest appeared busy in prayer, and the Holy Knight, too, was deep in prayer, quietly holding a cross while his eyes were closed.
Watching them in this awkward atmosphere was quite a burden. Perhaps sensing Id’s uneasiness, Sibley offered a criticism from inside Id’s mind.
[Why so awkward?]
“It’s our first meeting.”
[Ah, so our contractor is introverted, huh.]
Sibley chuckled at Id’s words, which felt so irritating that an involuntary sigh escaped Id.
“Quiet.”
[Alright, I’ll shut up.]
With that, Sibley immediately severed the mental link. Though Id had complained about the noise, he hadn’t asked him to be silent.
With Sibley’s voice gone from his mind, the awkwardness doubled. The oppressive stillness inside the tent made it hard to breathe.
Since it was their prayer time, it was also impossible to initiate a conversation, adding to the frustration.
Just as Id was growing weary, the Holy Knight quietly put down his cross and took a deep breath before standing up.
Then he bowed his head and spoke.
“Excuse me. I couldn’t speak because it was prayer time.”
“Ah, no, it’s okay.”
It wasn’t entirely okay, but Id was relieved that the prayers hadn’t lasted too long.
Adjusting his voice, the blue-haired Holy Knight continued.
“I am Karl Heron, a Holy Knight from the First Holy Knight Order.”
“Ah, I am Id, an elemental knight from the Black Raven Knights.”
Id touched the pendant around his neck as he spoke, relieved that the disguise was working correctly.
Thankfully, his white hair remained intact, so the disguise should work as planned.
“We discussed needing a disguise.”
Adelle von Este.
It would have been impossible to participate in the extermination campaign as a noblewoman from a baronial family. This kind of campaign was far from an ordinary event.
A battlefield was no place for someone of that status.
Thus, Id’s new identity was created—an elemental knight named Id.
With white hair and blue eyes, the disguise necklace he’d used before transformed him into someone else for the sake of participating in the campaign.
The disguise still felt a bit alien, but he’d have to get used to it soon since he’d need to continue in this guise indefinitely.
With the significant amount of mana Abel had infused into the necklace, there was little chance of it failing.
When the Pope had come close earlier, there was tension fearing exposure.
“Fortunately, it seems he didn’t notice.”
This necklace was in itself a powerful Artifact, though its lack of basic recognition-blocking features was a flaw. Still, it was a perfect disguise for assuming another person’s identity.
“Please work with me, Id.”
Karl extended his right hand, and Id reciprocated, their hands meeting in a firm handshake.
“Of course, my pleasure, Karl.”
Notable calluses marked his hand, a strong grip that inspired trust. He smiled warmly with a genial laugh.
Karl turned his head slightly and glanced at the priest, who was still in deep prayer. Looking at her, he sighed faintly.
“Yurph, your prayer time is already over.”
“Is it?”
The priest opened her eyes upon hearing Karl’s words. She pulled down the hood that had been covering her face.
Slowly, she stood up from the ground.
Yurph’s appearance was different from what Id had expected. Her hands were thin like twigs, her arms skeletal, hollow cheeks, and deep dark circles under her eyes.
Noticing Id’s gaze, she approached quietly to introduce herself.
“I’ve never met you before. I’m an elemental knight named Id.”
“I know. I’ve heard about you.”
“..Yurph.”
Karl gave her a look, signaling her to act accordingly.
“I understand, I do.”
Reluctantly nodding her head, Yurph bowed politely.
“I am Yurph, a priest from the First Holy Knight Order. Please work well together.”
Her voice was devoid of soul, as if she were reading from a textbook. Karl frowned at her tone.
It seemed like he wanted to say something but eventually sighed instead, perhaps asking her to maintain at least some basic decorum.
By the way, her physical condition was concerning. Her frail body made one question if she could even withstand the rigors of the battlefield.
If caught up in the turmoil of battle, she might sustain severe injuries.
“Are you doing alright?”
“Don’t worry. Even with this body, I can heal others accurately.”
Yurph’s response didn’t exactly inspire confidence, though Id hadn’t meant to doubt her healing abilities. It was simply out of concern for her safety.
[Lazy woman.]
For some reason, Sibley had re-opened the mental link and critiqued her. True as it may be, Id agreed.
Seeing this, Karl stepped in front of Yurph and interjected.
“Sorry. This girl is fasting voluntarily and has become quite sensitive.”
“Fasting? But…”
Fasting with a body as frail as hers that could collapse at any moment just didn’t make sense.
While religious fasting was usually respected, this situation seemed extreme.
Noticing the darkening expression on Id’s face, Karl quickly explained:
“This is something she has chosen for herself. Personally, I wish to stop her, but…”
Meanwhile, Yurph let out a dismissive sniff from behind Karl and sat down, stating firmly:
“I have no intention of stopping.”
Karl, witnessing this helpless situation, sighed deeply again.
“How’s her condition?”
[..Serious.]
Through the shared vision, Sibley’s low voice resonated in Id’s mind. Sibley, unusually serious, continued:
[Fortunately, it seems she drinks water, but overall, she’s in bad shape.]
“How bad?”
[Honestly, without divine power, it would be strange if she hadn’t collapsed by now.]
That level of resilience was almost commendable.
What could drive her to force herself in such a weakened state?
Looking to Karl for answers, he shook his head, indicating it was something he couldn’t discuss.
Is it confidential then? It appears Yurph’s fasting is more significant than it initially seemed.
Without knowing the details, it was frustrating.
For now, all we can do is watch.
§
A massive rift hung in the air, emanating intense azure energy from its core.
At the heart of this energy, a core swirled like a restless eye.
Could this be the legendary dimensional rift?
“Looks intimidating.”
To close this rift, we first need to weaken the power of the core. From there, it will summon monsters from another dimension.
In essence, that means hordes of disaster-level monsters will spew out through this rift.
Though mentally prepared, the reality is still making me tremble. I focused all attention on the rift, taking deep breaths.
[This is madness.]
Sibley came to stand beside me while sharing his own short review. Turning my head, the knights and holy knights, equally tense, stood beside me.
The knights of our order gripped their weapons firmly with both hands, never releasing their tension.
Abel, standing at the forefront, adjusted his attire and calmly stared at the dimensional rift.
His ability to maintain composure in such conditions was certainly something to admire.
[Get ready, contractor.]
“Okay.”
The moment Sibley spoke, a monstrous form emerged from the rift.
Dozens of eye-like orbs jutting out of its main body and armed with steel blades on its wings, a creature resembling a bird spotted us and released a deafening roar.
“Kroooaaaa!”
At Karl’s query, I nodded and raised my rapier. Even as a guard, we could not avoid battle.
The extermination team would handle the majority, but dealing with the more cunning monsters exploiting gaps would be our responsibility.
“Wind.”
A gentle breeze swept over my body.
My white hair fluttered slightly in the corner of my vision.
The priest, Yurph, watched the horde of monsters emerging from the rift with calm and unwavering composure.
Meanwhile, knights and holy knights belonging to the extermination team charged toward the incoming horde.
“In the name of the goddess, we shall offer this glory!”
“Destroy them!”
Various auras flared from the warriors. Even Sword Experts and Sword Masters were evident in their radiant auras.
The Holy Knights radiated their divine power, creating awe-inspiring energy. This divine light surrounded them, taking various forms.
Kwaang!
A devastating strike blending divine power and auras cleaved through a monstrous form. And yet, more monsters continued pouring out.
The extermination campaign had only just begun.
