Creak, creak.
The sound of metal clashing echoed through the air. As I turned my head, an imposing sight came into view: silver-armored troops marching in perfect unison, their steps precise and synchronized.
Their movements were impeccable, executing a synchronized sword dance while advancing forward—a truly breathtaking spectacle.
Even without battle cries, their steps were in perfect harmony, leaving me awe-struck without realizing it.
‘This must be the Holy Knights.’
The silver armor glinted under the sunlight, their half-concealed faces shielded by silver helms. Their hands each bore a variety of weapons—silver in hue—all differing greatly.
Lances, maces, hammers, shields, the weapons varied widely. Following them were others clothed in pristine white robes.
Most appeared female, though a few males could also be seen. These clerics, clad in sacred garments, followed slowly behind the knights.
‘So it’s true.’
The sacred state established around the goddess’s faith, Numen Castle State; and under its banner, the Holy Knights, composed solely of elite warriors.
According to Abel’s explanation, the Holy Knights coming this time form an elite corps selected from among the most capable in the church.
The Holy Knights, wielding divine power bestowed by the goddess, along with the healing and blessings administered by the clerics from the rear, form a shield that even a catastrophic-level swarm of monsters struggles to penetrate.
‘They’re extraordinary.’
Although their number barely reached one hundred, their presence was as imposing as that of a considerable army. Could this be the Holy Knights of the Castle State that I’ve only heard about?
Turning my gaze again, Abel stood quietly nearby, looking unwaveringly at the advancing forces.
His steadfastness prompted me to straighten my own posture and calm my trembling heart.
Clank.
A slight signal, and the troops split neatly into two. Through the gap emerged an old man with white hair.
Using a staff as a cane, he moved slowly.
His long beard nearly brushing his chest, and the lines of age etched deeply into his face, but his brows remained strong, his eyes radiating an intensity that spoke of a man far from ordinary.
He stroked his beard as he walked up to Abel.
“It’s been a while, Duke Abel.”
“It has been. Your Holiness.”
So this was the Pope himself.
Though I’ve heard he is over a hundred years old this year, his vigor was undeniable. Despite his slight frame, his presence was undeniably commanding.
“Ho ho. You still have plenty of spirit, I see.”
“You flatter me.”
The two exchanged glances like combatants in a subtle battle of nerves, their dialogue continuing without either one retreating.
“I hear you’ve been quite active recently.”
“Yes. I didn’t expect the news to reach even the Castle State. Rumors do spread quickly.”
“Our state, too, is experiencing changes, with younger generations taking over. They seem quite well-informed.”
“That is fortunate indeed.”
Had the power struggle started already? Even as allies, the relationship didn’t seem as harmonious as one might expect.
After exchanging such heavy glances, the two broke into smiles.
“So you take offense to being called by your name?”
“I believe it’s more narrow-minded to intentionally provoke with words.”
“Ho ho. You have a point.”
As if all the tension just now were merely a jest, the Pope’s expression softened.
He adjusted his staff momentarily before inquiring of Abel in a calm tone.
“So, what’s your plan this time?”
“I’ll be participating directly. There’s no need to hide anything at this point.”
“Ho…is that so?”
“And what do you intend to do, Your Holiness?”
In response to Abel’s question, the Pope shook his head.
“I am far too old for such endeavors now. I don’t wish to take opportunities away from the younger generation.”
With that, the Pope quietly turned his gaze toward our direction, his eyes slowly sweeping over our team before landing on me.
Before I could react to his gaze, a spark of interest flickered in his eyes. Closing them briefly, he emitted a faint exclamation, as if deep in thought.
‘What is it?’
He tapped his cane against the ground and approached me. As the Pope stood before me, our eyes met.
The distance was so close that I could almost see the pores on his face, and without thinking, I instinctively took a step back. Yet he paid no heed to my reaction, muttering to himself.
“Fascinating. This must be what ‘fate’ is all about.”
I struggled to find words under the weight of his cryptic statement. Then, as I attempted to discern his intention, the Pope erupted in hearty laughter.
“I apologize for my forwardness, young lady. Consider this as a token of apology.”
Reaching into his robes, the Pope pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to me. Instinctively, I extended my right hand to catch the paper he tossed.
Unfolding it, I found an elegant piece of paper inscribed with intricate golden script, carrying traces of an intense, profound energy.
At a glance, it was no ordinary talisman.
“This wards off every ailment. Use it when you find it necessary.”
The Pope’s comment elicited murmurs from the Holy Knights, indicative of the item’s considerable value.
That he would offer such a treasure merely as an apology surprised me—were popes usually so generous?
I would reluctantly accept the gift, as it was directly bestowed.
What exactly was going through the Pope’s mind?
Abel, too, shared the same thoughts, his gaze skeptical as he eyed the Pope.
“What are you up to?”
“Ho ho. You really see right through me, don’t you?”
With a dismissive air, the Pope shrugged off Abel’s scrutiny.
Abel, seemingly unwilling to press further, released a sigh but refrained from further inquiries.
“Let’s begin then.”
At the Pope’s word, Abel silently nodded.
A young lady dressed in black approached between the two. Opening her arms, she retrieved a parchment.
Holding it steadily with her thin hands, she unfurled it vertically. Its contents, written in black ink, came into view.
Was this the alliance treaty between the Numen Castle State and the Arielle Empire?
Starting with a calm voice, though with numerous people watching, the young priestess began reading the treaty aloud.
Most of the details pertained to acts of betrayal against the alliance and the repercussions thereof.
There was, however, one clause that stood out among the rest.
“Article 10: The Nation of Numen does not collaborate with the Arielle Empire royal family.”
‘Royal family.’
Reflecting a moment, I realized that among the knights participating in this expedition from the Arielle Empire, only Abel’s Black Ravens were present.
No wonder I hadn’t seen knights from the royal family—this clause must be the reason.
Still, the question of why lingered in my mind. Could it be that the Castle State also recognized the potential dangers of the royal family?
Despite such thoughts crossing my mind, there was no way to confirm the truth.
“Having reviewed the alliance, I find no discrepancies. Are there any objections from your side?”
“This old man sees nothing amiss. Duke Abel?”
Quietly staring at the paper, Abel extended his hand. His eyes lit up with a silver glow, a beam of white light scanning the document.
“I find no faults.”
Following his declaration, a light emitted from the paper. The mana from both the Pope and Abel was absorbed, causing bright white light to emit from the inscribed characters.
Reaffirming treaties with the same content every time was indeed a cumbersome but necessary ritual for reinforcing mutual trust between the two states.
Given the somewhat fragile alliance between the state and the empire, renewing this ritual was especially crucial.
“Hereby, I declare the cooperation between the Black Ravens and the Holy Knights.”
A roar of approval erupted from our side and from the ranks of the Holy Knights who responded with matching enthusiasm.
“Looking forward to working with you again.”
“The sentiment is mutual.”
With that, all preparation for the expedition was completed. According to Abel, we would organize today, with the actual operation commencing tomorrow.
We’ll be facing a disaster-grade monster similar to the one we encountered before.
The thought caused some tension.
I knew the monster Evan faced was among the stronger of the disaster-grade creatures, but regardless of that knowledge, there was no calming my jitters.
Abel noticed my unease and placed his hand gently on my shoulder, speaking in a soothing voice.
“Are you nervous?”
“…Yes.”
Unable to deny it, I nodded slightly. Abel chuckled softly.
“There’s no need to be overly worried. There hasn’t been a casualty in any of the operations.”
“That…is definitely reassuring.”
Taking deep breaths, I managed to quell the trembling within. Abel was right; there’s no need to only worry. The healing clerics from the Holy State were here to support.
‘Since there’s…a final safeguard here.’
The regression ability.
I didn’t want to rely on it unless absolutely necessary. Not to mention, I hoped not to find myself in a situation that would warrant its use. After all, human events are unpredictable.
Still, I resolved not to depend on that power anymore.
[Don’t overthink it, Contractor. I’ll do my best to help you.]
‘Yeah. Thanks for worrying.’
[I wasn’t particularly worried, though.]
Sibyl’s somewhat disgruntled voice resounded in my mind. Thanks to a month of intensive training, I’d grown closer with Sibyl, enhancing my elemental affinity to the point where we could communicate without her physical manifestation.
“Well, get some rest. The real work starts tomorrow.”
“Yes. You too, Abel.”
With a nod, Abel turned away. Watching his retreating figure, I soon turned my gaze as well.
“First thing’s first, assignments.”
For a more effective operation, both the Holy Knights and the Black Ravens would be divided into protection and offense teams.
We would also form smaller units for the mission, thus which comrades I’d end up with was somewhat important.
‘Wonder how it’ll go.’
Though slightly anxious…
I was also looking forward to it.
