Isaac felt a bit tense. Gebel was arguably the closest person to him in this world. He was the first person Isaac had met and knew the most about him. It wouldnt have been surprising if Gebel had some inkling about Isaacs true nature.

I truly dont care whether youre a saint or a demon. I decided that the day I brought you here. Especially since the day I started teaching you swordsmanship.

For revenge?

For revenge.

It was a story Isaac had heard from Gebel before. About the annihilation of the Avalanche Knight Order he belonged to.

Gebel, now seeming fully resolved, continued, I told you the Avalanche Knight Order was annihilated. But it didnt end there. Their bodies were all taken by the Immortal Order and turned into Death Knights. Since a soul must consent to become a Death Knight, they effectively committed apostasy. Consequently, the Avalanche Knight Order is now practically branded as traitors in the borderlands.

No

Theres no one left who recognizes the Avalanche swordsmanship. Unless they are a knight practicing the same technique. So you dont need to worry.

Isaac felt awkward but considered saying he never really worried. The Avalanche swordsmanship was too taxing on his body. The Isaac style he created himself was far more efficient.

Thats when Gebel dropped a bombshell.

And I believe someone from the Dukharian Faction is behind the annihilation of the Avalanche Knight Order.

Isaac looked at him with a stern expression. The Dukharian Faction was a derogatory term for the core of the Order of the Codex of Light. Even if the Avalanche Knight Order being labeled traitors was unjust, this statement could be seen as hostile towards the entire Order.

Why do you think so?

Gebel looked intently at Isaac and said, Remember Kalsen?

Kalsen Miller.

Impossible to forget. He was Isaacs first devouring target, and his talent in swordsmanship was the basis for Isaacs abilities.

Kalsen was expected to become an angel, even a Seraph. But just a few years after the Avalanche Knight Order was wiped out and branded traitors, Kalsen also became a traitor. Coincidence?

Are you saying Kalsen wasnt a traitor?

No, he was, undoubtedly. He betrayed his subordinates and mercilessly killed his fellow believers.

Gebel tapped his fingers, continuing, But someone tempted Kalsen to apostasy, just like they pushed someone to sacrifice their subordinates like the Avalanche Knight Order.

The Immortal Order

They must have been involved, but they couldnt have done it alone. Theres a real traitor within the Order.

Conflict and murderous intent flickered in Gebels eyes. Sharing this information was risky for both Gebel and Isaac.

But Gebel felt this might be his last chance to speak with Isaac. If not now, he might never have another opportunity.

I couldnt openly investigate due to my branded status. Thats why I placed the burden of my revenge on you

Gebel looked at Isaac with an apologetic expression.

I dont know what youre hiding, but its better to keep hiding it. I trust your character, but powers of unknown origin can instill fear, even if used with good intentions, especially with the current suspicious Order leadership.

Yes.

You said becoming a Paladin was your dream, Isaac.

Gebel cleared his throat and spoke again.

Youll definitely become a great Holy Knight. Maybe even someday

Gain access to the heart of the Order.

Gebel hoped Isaac, unlike Kalsen or the Avalanche Knight Order, would instead reach the core of the Order and cut out its corruption. For that, he needed to get Isaac away from here.

Alright, its time.

For what?

You dont need to return to the monastery. No need to go to Lancel Monastery either. The Briant Knight Order is much larger and more skilled. Rotenhammer, though ruthless to heretics, is a person of great character and ability towards allies.

Isaac looked stunned, understanding Gebels implication.

Join the Briant Knight Order?

Ill talk to Commander Rotenhammer. He owes me a favor, so hell listen. The Inquisitor will also put in a good word, so joining shouldnt be hard.

Isaac pondered Gebels sudden proposition. Lancel Monasterys knight order wasnt bad, but it would take time to become a knight through regular training there. Joining the Briant Knight Order would expedite the process.

Considering that, it was a no-brainer to join the Briant Knight Order for more practical experience and learning opportunities.

***

Rotenhammer returned around sunset.

The area glowed brightly, like daytime, thanks to the celestial creatures summoned by priests, as per the Codex of Light. This was a display of the Knight Orders grandeur, but Rotenhammer looked displeased.

He must not have caught any Wallachia hunters, Isaac thought. Before joining, he had scoured the entire valley with his chaos spawn. There were no Walraika hunters left after Heinikel Gulmar, his last devouring.

It looks like they all escaped.

Uh-huh, seems like it. Found their den and rummaged through their belongings they were definitely Wallachia hunters. The horses were gone too, probably bolted as soon as we arrived.

The horses brought by the hunters were all eaten by Zihilrat, a necessary move to eliminate evidence. Now Zihilrat was so full it wouldnt need to move for weeks.

Thought the hunters would be sluggish in the day, but Dukes direct hunters are different. They might be hiding underground for all we know. Weve released celestial creatures for the search, but I dont hold much hope.

Just then, Isolde peeked out from behind him. She emerged with an awkward expression, realizing she couldnt avoid the situation.

I owe you my life three times over. I dont even know what to say

Three times? Did I save her that much?

Recalling the wolf encounter, the monastery incident, and the valley situation, he realized her misfortune.

Its better if you leave this area quickly instead of thanking me. It seems this region is unlucky for you.

Isolde blushed at Isaacs comment, and Rotenhammer seemed conflicted between concern and irritation.

But Isaac didnt really want to rebuke Isolde. She had done her job well, uncovering a conspiracy to resurrect a plague god at the monastery and discovering the hidden ones in the valley. She even confidently summoned the Knight Order swiftly, sure of her findings.

Excluding the variable of Isaac, everything was a rational decision, and Isolde acted competently as an Inquisitor.

She almost became a dead Inquisitor, though.

Considering how rare it is for Inquisitors to die on duty, Isolde might not be as unlucky as I thought

Well, lets leave that aside. Thanks to you, Gebel could be treated and saved quickly.

No. Since I owe you three times, I will repay that debt three times. As an Inquisitor of the Codex of Light, as a member of the Brant family, and personally.

Owing a debt not just once, but thrice. Isaac, looking into Isoldes determined eyes, thought that as long as she didnt meet her end as a guest, she might be well worth leveraging.

Rotenhammer seemed quite surprised by Isoldes declaration but soon smiled.

Miss, you should go in and rest. You havent slept since yesterday, have you? Weve sent out messages to the surrounding lords and expanded the search area, so theres nothing left for you to do.

Thank you, Commander.

After finishing her apologies and thanks, Isolde, relieved, staggered back to her tent.

It was time for her to collapse in exhaustion.

Then shall we go inside and continue our talk? I have many questions about what you did in the valley.

***

The place where Isaac and Rotenhammer went to talk was the tent where Gebel was resting. Initially, they were going to use the commanders tent, but Isaac wanted to include Gebel in the conversation, so he called him. As Rotenhammer and Isaac entered, Gebel sat up.

Oh, the holy monk. Have you rested? Hows your wound?

Rotenhammer seemed to know Gebel only as a simple monk. However, Gebel greeted him with a wry smile and a bow.

You still look strong, Commander Rotenhammer.

Rotenhammer tilted his head, recognizing the tone indicating Gebels familiarity. Gebel then covered his beard-strewn chin with his hand.

Rotenhammers eyes widened.

Gebel? The crazy ruffian? No way, youve aged a lot since then.

The crazy ruffian Isaac became curious about what Gebel did in his youth.

Gebel smiled wryly at the nickname he hadnt heard in a long time.

Thank you for recognizing me even after all this time.

Of course! How can I forget the great deeds of you and the Avalanche Knight Order during the War of Dawn! Right, that makes sense. Miss Isolde praised your skills highly. Its hard to believe youre in a monastery now. How unpredictable life is.

Rotenhammers admiration continued, his gaze flickering towards Isaac, hinting he somewhat understood how Isaac had survived.

Attributing it to Gebel was only half true.

But what about Commander Linde? I thought you lacked the temperament to lead but could have been a senior knight at least. Why are you in this monastery?

Commander Linde is dead. The Avalanche Knight Order too.

The tent fell silent. Rotenhammer paused before speaking.

Both the Order and Linde were alive after the War of Dawn, so its not because of the war. Frankly, if Linde had died, I wouldve thought you lost your temper, killed him, and fled to a monastery.

I did think about killing that stubborn old fool more than once. And I wasnt the only one.

Right, I cant say I never thought the same.

Isaac watched the two old men chuckling and reminiscing. It seemed like their way of mourning someone theyd known on the battlefield. After a while, Rotenhammer took a deep breath and spoke again.

Who killed them?

I dont know.

You dont know?

Its not certain. I fled and havent seen or heard anything since. Ive been hiding in this monastery ever since. A fitting end for a coward.

Isaac knew Gebel had sharpened his blade for revenge, ready to use someone else if he couldnt do it himself. But revealing everything would put Rotenhammer at risk, so Gebel chose the cowards path.

I see.

But Rotenhammer didnt condemn Gebel as a coward, seeming to understand there were unspeakable circumstances.

So, I hope you can take care of this young man in my stead.

Rotenhammers gaze shifted from Gebel to Isaac.

I may have messed up teaching him the basics, but I believe hell greatly improve under your guidance.

Miss Isolde also praised this young man to no end.

Rotenhammer examined Isaacs hands and arms. Compared to Rotenhammers iron-like hands and thick limbs, Isaacs body seemed frail, but Rotenhammer wasnt deterred.

Do you want to become a Paladin?

Yes.

Rotenhammer seemed satisfied with that answer and looked back at Gebel.

I can take care of him, but I cant make him a knight on my own authority. Ill take him as my guest and apprentice to assess his skills. But if hes been trained by you he might already be able to outperform my trainees.

Well, he wont be lacking.

Good. So, your name is Isaac? Ill take responsibility and get you into the Briant Knight Order.

Rotenhammers assertion made Isaac feel the atmosphere might turn awkward, but he had no choice but to speak up.

Um, about that, Commander Rotenhammer.

Yes?

I dont plan on joining the Briant Knight Order.