Isaac exhaled heavily.

His sword was buried in the sand of the beach. He glared at his ejected weapon, but that didnt cause it to return to his hand.

It was Isaac who had seized the chance to turn the tables. Bashuls sword was broken, and he was defenselessly exposed before Isaacs blade. Yet, the next moment was a blur, and he couldnt tell what had happened.

All that was evident was a bite-like wound on Bashuls hand.

Did he really deflect it with his bare hands?

It was a sword technique developed to rip apart angels, and he had deflected it bare-handedwhat kind of monster was he?

Bashul looked down at his hand and then spoke.

So, I see how you caught an angel. You have a talent that other knights lack.

To Isaac, it sounded like a veiled way of calling him cowardly.

Are you trying to say Im cowardly?

No. Cowardice is a trait all paladins might as well have. Theres no need for manners or rules when youre judging heretics.

It was a conversation that defied common sense, but in this world, it was the truth.

In the face of faith, all rules are ignored. Courtesy, honor, rules, none of these matter.

Only true faith suffices.

What I mean is this. Your master couldnt have taught you this.

Bashul stretched out his torn palm towards Isaac. At the same time, a faint blue glow sparked up like a flame from his hand. Isaac watched him with suspicion.

Facing Isaacs gaze, Bashul tilted his head as if puzzled.

You mean you dont even know what you did?

What is it?

Sword energy. The Miracle seen by those chosen by Elil. Dont you know what it is?

Sword energy? Having played as a follower of Elil before, Isaac certainly knew what it was.

Many legends exist about Elil, most of which involve Elil slicing, dicing, or smashing someone.

The Red Chalice seduces, the Codex of Light converts, and the Worlds Forge bestows precious treasuressuch legends exemplify the nature of their respective deities.

And Elil favors the strong, often bestowing those with talents in powerful weapons or abilities with his blessings. Among these, those with extraordinary talents might hold the Miracle of Sword Energy, capable of slicing anything effortlessly.

In the game, selecting the Elil faith and reaching the highest levels granted this ability.

When Sword Energy is activated, it doesnt wear down the sword, and if the opponent has no resistance to miracles, it completely ignores their armor.

However, at that stage in the game, since the players weapons, stats, and skills are at their peak, Sword Energy isnt exactly necessaryusually, youre about to face the games end anyway.

But who wouldnt be fascinated by a lightsaber that slices through anything?

Isaac was no exception.

But Ive never heard of a lightsaber that gnaws like a chainsaw with tentacles and teeth.

This was somewhat disappointing news for Isaac.

However, Bashuls explanation had a flaw.

Isnt Sword Energy something only followers of Elil can manifest?

Thats why youre special. How you did it I dont know, but other knights of the Codex of Light cant use Sword Energy. Unless you were always a paladin of Elil.

Isaac was startled to learn that the Blade tear he thought he had invented was actually Sword Energy. Yet, the similarities were undeniable.

After all, it was an ability meant to tear opponents apart.

Now that I think about it

When he fought Liberation Bishop Al Duard, he faced a Dullahan from Elil. Even then, he had sensed a faint aura, which must have been an unconscious attempt to activate Sword Energy.

If consciously manifested, it became Blade Rip.

The question of how was irrelevant.

Isaac was a Nephilim. Using the miracles of gods as if they were his own was second nature to him. Moreover, in the faith of the Nameless Chaos, there are no standardized scriptures or doctrines. Isaac realized the issue wasnt solely with him.

Wait, then you too

Bashul was using Sword Energy. He nodded as if it were obvious.

Yes. I am a follower of Elil.

Isaac was at a loss for words at Bashuls confident admission.

A chief knight of the Imperial Guard of the Gerthonia Empire, supposed to be devoted to the Codex of Light, was a follower of Elil? Moreover, Bashul had previously been a knight of the Avalanche Knight Order.

He was technically a heretic that could be executed on the spot.

The political ramifications for the Emperor could be immense.

Isaac felt anger before confusion.

If I had known earlier, I could have killed him without even fighting

He could have manipulated situations such that the Emperor would dismiss him or the church would stab him in the back. But now, that wasnt possible.

He shared the same vulnerability as Bashul.

Thats why Bashul could afford to be open about his use of Sword Energy.

We both seem to have many secrets, Holy Knight. Shall we talk for a moment?

***

Isaac agreed to Bashuls proposal for a temporary truce.

He was curious about how a follower of Elil had ended up as a knight for the Emperor, and he wanted to uncover secrets that Gabel had not revealed.

As they walked along the beach, Bashul asked:

Who taught you swordsmanship?

Gabel Krantz.

That mad dog is he still alive? No, of course. He would be the only one. Did he order you to kill anyone using Avalanche Che swordsmanship on sight?

It wasnt an order, but a caution.

Thats the same thing.

Bashul crossed his arms and looked at Isaac intently.

Regrettably, you cant kill me. And it seems I cant kill you either.

I havent played all my cards yet.

Neither have I. And the reason you havent shown all your cards is that we both might survive, right? I feel the same way.

Isaac burst into laughter.

It was true. Isaac had not resorted to using his tentacles to the end. He had restrained himself in case Bashul managed to escape after a desperate struggle. Bashul was indeed an adversary to be cautious of.

And now that he knew Bashul was a follower of Elil, he couldnt recklessly engage him. After all, his opponent could also perform miracles.

In retrospect, not revealing his tentacles was a prudent decision.

Bashul turned his head to look at the crashing waves. Regret was evident in his eyes.

Did you ever hear why Gabel ordered us to kill anyone using Avalanche Knight Order techniques?

The Avalanche Knight Order was annihilated during a battle with the Immortal Order, and they became Death Knights, either by choice or force. As a result, the Avalanche Order was branded as traitors, and Gabel had fled to live in the monastery.

Gabel believed that the whole affair was a conspiracy orchestrated by someone high up in the Codex of Light.

However, why he specifically ordered them to kill anyone using the same sword techniques was not something Isaac had heard. Only that the other person would try to kill Isaac as well. Indeed, there was some truth to that.

I heard that the Avalanche Knight Order was wiped out. And that it was believed to be an inside job, like what Kalsen Miller did.

Kalsen Miller had driven all his fellow knights to their deaths just before he defected. Gabel believed the same thing had happened to the Avalanche Knight Order.

Bashul nodded.

What you know matches what I know. So Gabel himself is not the traitor, meaning the other survivor must be? So Im that traitor?

Is that so?

Exactly.

Isaac absentmindedly touched his palm, fearing his tentacles might burst out.

With a blank expression, Bashul looked at Isaac and said,

I led the Avalanche Knight Order into a valley ambush. I watched as my comrades were slaughtered by the undead of the Immortal Order. Thinking back, Gabel was absent without leave and in confinement thats how he survived.

Should I kill him now? But there might be more to learn.

Yes, Gabel was right.

As Isaac struggled to suppress the squirming tentacles within him, Bashul continued calmly,

I did it. I was following an angels orders.

Isaac paused before asking,

You were following an angels orders?

Yes.

Which angel?

I dont know. It was passed down through an inquisitor who accompanied us. It was during the 12th Dawn Army, as usual, an oracle and blessings from an angel were received. The inquisitor didnt specify which angel. But it was an angels command. Is there any reason to doubt?

No. If theres no conflict between Gods instructions and an angels commands, the latter are absolute. They are chosen to act on behalf of Gods will in heaven and on earth.

But if Bashuls words were true, it wasnt just a matter of corruption within the churchs upper echelons.

It implied that an angel had fallen.

Bashul continued,

Only after hearing my comrades screams did I realize what I had done. Thats why I ran away. I couldnt face those I had dragged into hell.

***

This is not good.

Isaac thought he had heard something he shouldnt have. Bashul might be lying, but just knowing this information could endanger lives.

Even if it was not a fallen angel but a directive from God, it was still problematic.

Isaac decided to point out a flaw in Bashuls story.

If what you say is true, why would you try to kill someone using Avalanche sword techniques?

In Bashuls story, he was portrayed as someone who fled due to guilt over his comrades. But then, why would he want to kill someone using the same techniques as his comrades?

Bashul tilted his head and looked at Isaac.

Look, Isaac. I had been living under the belief that all my comrades had turned into Death Knights. They probably want to kill me. Maybe they even agreed to become Death Knights for that reason. Then someone shows up using Avalanche sword techniques. What would I think?

A spy for the Immortal Order?

Or another monster created by the Codex of Light that I didnt know about. I put my bets on the latter. You appeared out of nowhere as a Paladin.

I have no ties to the church.

Thats not something a paladin usually says. Anyway, Im the same.

Bashul sighed and looked at Isaac, his gaze complicated.

To think Gabel is still alive its both reassuring and frightening.

If you still feel like repenting, I can arrange a meeting for you.

Well, no matter what excuses I make, it wont work. I can apologize, but I cant just offer up my neck.

Snap. Bashul stopped and faced Isaac.

Why do you think I turned apostate and devoted myself to Elil? Why did I leave my knighthood to become an Imperial Guard?

Probably because if he had stayed with the Codex of Light, those who knew the forbidden secrets he was aware of would have killed him. Isaac thought this but Bashul was implying more.

My goal is to destroy the backstabbers in the Codex of Light. After I kill all those damned people, Ill ask them why my comrades had to die, what schemes necessitated this chaos.

Bashuls eyes were cold as he stared at Isaac.

If you still cant forgive me, feel free to try and kill me anytime, Isaac. But I wont just let myself be killed. When the time comes, Ill go see Gabel myself.

Really?

Isaac was visibly pleased by this revelation.

After making his declaration, Bashul was startled by Isaacs eager expression.

Realizing he might have spoken too hastily, Bashul felt the wound on his palm again.

Thinking about Isaacs rapidly improving skills and his unscrupulous methods, it seemed he might have been too rash.

Let me rephrase. Id rather you didnt try to kill me if possible. After all, my goals align with Gabels. Doesnt he also want to resolve the Churchs grudges?

Are you asking for a double deal?

Then tell me what you want, Paladin. Apart from killing me.

With that, Isaac finally smiled.

Give me the chance to kill you until I am dispatched as an ambassador to the Kingdom of Elil. In return, Ill use only my swordsmanship. If you survive until then, Ill leave your fate to Gabel.

Bashul pondered Isaacs words.

It was a strange proposal. If it was just about swordsmanship, Bashul was superior. Typically, its the other way aroundabsolute power offering a chance to grow stronger if they can survive.

But then Bashul understood Isaacs intention.

You want to duel daily?

You risk your life, Ill barely not.

Isaac was soon to go to the Kingdom of Elil.

He needed to improve his swordsmanship before then.