Even Ghislain, the ever-unflappable, hadn't expected to receive a request from the Pope. Everyone waited in suspense, curious about what would be said. Just then, the priest beside Ghislain grabbed his arm again and snapped, "Who gave you the right to stand here with your arms crossed like that?!" "......" "Uncross your arms and kneel before His Holiness, now!" "...You’ve got to be kidding me." Ghislain let out a sigh, his expression one of exhausted disbelief. "And who exactly are you supposed to be?" The priest replied with a grave face. "I am Borisco, one of the six cardinals who serve His Holiness the Pope." That caught Ghislain off guard. "Wait... Porisco? Seriously?" "Borisco!" "Ah... guess the name just sounded similar." It was true that this man looked far more austere than the infamous false saint of Ruthania, Porisco, whose greed had become legend. His demeanor screamed strict and uptight, but there was no mistaking his sincerity. Ghislain clicked his tongue inwardly and uncrossed his arms. He could have stood his ground, but it wasn't worth the hassle. Borisco looked ready to raise hell again, this time insisting he kneel—but the Pope’s voice cut through the tension. "Cardinal, please step aside with the knights. I need to speak with these individuals in private." "Your Holiness! That is unacceptable! How could you engage in private discourse with mere mercenaries of uncertain origin—!" "Are you questioning my judgment now?" The Pope’s tone was calm, but carried a chill that silenced the cardinal. Even the surrounding knights grew visibly tense. Their expressions betrayed a flicker of unmistakable emotion: fear. Ghislain didn’t miss it. ‘Hmm... I’m not sensing any actual power from him, though.’ Was it because he couldn't grasp divine power properly? Or was there some veil concealing the Pope’s presence? Regardless, the reactions of those around him suggested this man had an undeniable force behind him. Eventually, the cardinal, priests, and knights guarding the area all bowed deeply and retreated. Once he confirmed their departure, Ghislain casually crossed his arms again and asked, “So, what sort of request do you intend to make?” The Pope remained silent for a moment before speaking slowly. “I’ll ask you this plainly. Do you know what started the war between mankind and the Demonic Realm?” “Well... I know the general gist. The Demon God and his followers tried to invade this world, but the goddesses stopped them. The Demon God died, but remnants of his energy remained. And now, his cultists are trying to use that to conquer the world and bring him back... That’s about right, isn’t it?” Truthfully, Ghislain didn’t know much. Most of what he did know came from Ereneth. But it was common knowledge in this era, so he tried to play it off casually. He glanced toward the Pope. Beyond the veil, he could barely make out a nod. “You’re not wrong in the broad strokes. But I’ll keep it brief—there’s no point in delving into theology right now.” The Pope’s voice rang out, clear and ethereal. “As you’ve said, the cult known as the Salvation Order is using the Demon God’s power to wage war against humanity. Yet even when mankind wins battle after battle, the war never ends.” “That is because the Demon God’s essence still lingers in this world. It continues to empower his followers, making true peace impossible. Humanity has tried to purge this essence many times, but failed each time.” “People are growing weary of endless war. You must have seen it yourselves—the rising hatred, the growing disregard for human life.” Ghislain nodded. This era, more than any other, treated life cheaply. Everyone chased their own interests, ignoring the suffering of others. The wealthy trampled the poor, and the poor bit at the heels of anyone who had more than they did. Not everyone was like that, of course. But the majority were. Even Ghislain’s party had once been attacked by people they had just helped. Only their strength allowed them to survive such injustice. Others, less fortunate, lived and died in a world spiraling into chaos. And the greatest reason for that chaos... “It’s the Demonic Realm, isn’t it?” “Exactly. The fear of sudden death has twisted people. They chase only immediate pleasure and profit, with no thought of the future.” “So... is the request you have for us related to the Demonic Realm?” Ghislain’s question hung in the air. The Pope didn’t answer right away. After a moment’s pause, he began to speak of something far more arcane. “Then let me tell you of a myth that few remember anymore.” Ghislain’s eyes lit up. Learning something new—especially something forgotten—was always a pleasure. Seeing his reaction, the Pope smiled faintly behind the veil. This mercenary truly lacked any sense of tension. “The goddesses managed to repel the Demon God, but at great cost. ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) They lost the ability to manifest in this world. From then on, they existed only as will—drifting beyond the boundaries of this dimension.” “But that doesn’t mean they lost all influence. If they had, divine power itself would no longer exist.” “Before retreating beyond the veil, the goddesses left behind four gemstones imbued with their power. Through them, they maintained a faint, indirect presence in this world.” The Pope’s voice once again echoed throughout the sacred hall. “We call these stones Holy Gems.” ‘Holy Gems?’ Ghislain tilted his head. He’d never heard of them—not in his era, not in any legend or scripture. If they were that important, there should’ve been at least some mention of them. Even Parniel, the Saintess, had never brought them up. And Parniel didn’t seem like the type to keep such things secret, unlike Ereneth. In fact, she hadn’t even known much about the myths surrounding the Demonic Realm’s origins. ‘Well, the Saintess of this era is different from the ones in mine.’ A Saintess—one who could communicate with the goddesses. Though even for a Saintess, that communication wasn’t easy. Still, they were said to be beloved by the divine. They were granted powerful holy energy and often received visions and revelations, which the Church would then share with the world. But having lived in this era, Ghislain knew the truth was a bit different. ‘They just pick a priestess with strong divine energy or a good reputation and call her a Saintess.’ There was no sign they actually communed with the goddesses. No proof of divine selection. ‘Come to think of it...’ In the myths of his original time, Deneb had been called the “First Saintess.” But the title of Saintess existed even in this era. Deneb couldn’t have been the first—not if the role had already existed. ‘Did Deneb redefine what it meant to be a Saintess?’ In the dream he had before regressing, Deneb had wielded the powers of all four goddesses. She had likely been the first to succeed at full divine channeling. With that kind of power, she deserved the exclusive title. How she came to possess such strength was still a mystery. “What thoughts trouble you?” Pulled from his reverie, Ghislain gave an embarrassed smile. “Ah, nothing. I just found it all quite fascinating. Please, continue.” “...The four Holy Gems have long been guarded—one by each race. Humans. Elves. Dwarves. And the last, the Dragons.” “I have pondered this deeply—how we might end this ceaseless war. And at last, I have reached a conclusion.” “We must use the Holy Gems to erase the Demonic Realm once and for all.” There was a strange fervor in the Pope’s voice as he spoke those words. But no one found it strange. After all, he was the Pope—a vessel of the divine, just like the Saintess. Of course he would want to banish the Demonic Realm and spread the goddesses’ will throughout the world. Listening in silence, Ghislain finally spoke. “Is this request... related to those Holy Gems you mentioned?” “It is,” the Pope replied. “I possess one of the four Holy Gems, as the representative of mankind. What I ask of you is this—retrieve the remaining gems from the other races.” Ghislain stared at him, incredulous. The rest of his group looked just as baffled. This wasn’t the kind of task you handed off to mercenaries. Shouldn’t the Pope—the single most powerful religious figure on the continent—be the one handling it? “Um... Your Holiness?” Ghislain ventured. “Speak.” “Wouldn’t it be better if you sent envoys and opened negotiations? That might be faster.” The Pope answered, unbothered. “I already did. They were refused.” “......” “These gems are believed to safeguard the fate of each race. Of course they wouldn’t hand them over lightly. I, too, would never surrender mine to anyone who came asking.” “......” So shameless... Was that just something that came with rank? Ghislain gave a dry laugh and asked again, “You want us to fetch them? We’re just mercenaries. The ones who refused even you—you think they’ll give them to us?” “I do not hold any grand expectations,” the Pope said calmly. “But you are the most renowned mercenary group on the continent right now, are you not?” “Well... that’s not wrong.” “I have heard of your deeds—resolving difficult conflicts for various kingdoms with ease. I place great faith in your talents. This is simply a small hope I entrust to you.” “So it’s fine if we fail?” “Of course. I’m not one to demand the impossible.” “Hmm... well, in that case...” Ghislain closed his eyes and nodded. It clearly wasn’t going to be easy, but if failure was acceptable, there was no real reason to refuse. Still, something didn’t quite add up. “Did you try telling them what you told me—that the Holy Gems could be used to eliminate the Demonic Realm? If they believed that, they might’ve agreed. It seems worth a shot.” The Pope chuckled faintly. “You think no one’s tried that in all these long years? Many have. And every time, it ended the same way—with failure. Worse, those attempts sparked bloody conflicts as each side tried to seize the gems for themselves.” “Conflicts...?” “These are divine relics, imbued with the goddesses’ power. Of course greedy fools would want them for themselves.” “Ah...” “Because of those past betrayals, the other races have decided never to attempt such cooperation again.” “And yet, you still wish to try once more.” “Because it is the only way to erase the Demonic Realm.” Ghislain tilted his head slightly. There was a contradiction in what the Pope had said. “But if it’s failed every time so far... are you saying something has changed? That you have a new method?” “Just because we’ve failed before doesn’t mean we’ll fail again. I believe I can harness the Holy Gems properly.” “......” Ghislain decided not to push further. If the man thought he could do it, who was he to argue? “What do you say, then? Will you accept this request? I will cover all expenses. And if you succeed, I shall grant you anything within the Empire’s power.” “Seems like a decent job. I accept.” Ghislain accepted without hesitation. Outwardly, he acted as if it was no big deal. But inwardly, he was ready to beg for the chance. There’s definitely something going on here. Deneb had wielded the power of all four goddesses. Her strength was beyond question. But until now, Ghislain had never understood how she became so powerful. It seemed impossible that sheer virtue could lead to such divine might. But now, he had a new lead. The Holy Gems... they must be connected to Deneb’s power. Anyone with knowledge of the future would have made the same deduction. Even if there was no connection, it was worth investigating. He needed to see the Holy Gems with his own eyes before deciding anything. Ghislain looked toward the veil and asked, “This won’t be easy. Will we have the freedom to use whatever means necessary?” “So long as you bring the Holy Gems back, you may do whatever is required. You may even invoke my name.” In other words, even if it damaged the Pope’s reputation, he would accept it. That’s how desperately he wanted the Holy Gems. At this point, there was no other way to retrieve them aside from all-out war. That was why the Pope was willing to stake everything on even the slimmest hope. With that permission granted, Ghislain puffed out his chest and declared with confidence, “Don’t worry. I’ll bring them back no matter what it takes.” The rest of his party looked at him uneasily. Whenever Ghislain said “no matter what,” it usually meant something extreme. But the Pope merely gave a low, pleased laugh, entertained by his confidence. “You’re quite the amusing mercenary. I’ll look forward to your results with great interest.” “Thank you.” “However,” the Pope continued, “knowing how difficult this task will be, I’ve decided to assign someone to aid you.” “An aide? That won’t be necessary.” “To wield my name, you must have someone trustworthy to vouch for it. He is skilled enough not to be a burden.” Ghislain frowned. An aide, huh? More like a watcher. If they were lucky, he wouldn’t slow them down. He opened his mouth to object, already thinking of ways to decline politely. But the moment he saw who entered the grand chamber under the Pope’s command, he changed his mind. Well, now... The newcomer was a strikingly handsome man with a calm, reverent demeanor—exactly what one would expect from a knight of the Holy Church. Impeccably dressed, well-mannered, and radiating discipline, he immediately left a favorable impression. The man bowed slightly toward Ghislain and introduced himself. “It is an honor to meet you. I am Lionel, sword of His Holiness and his appointed envoy.” Ghislain smiled, intrigued. He didn’t recognize the man—but his instincts screamed otherwise. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢 Lionel... He was the knight from Ghislain’s dream. One of the future hero’s companions— And a warrior who had fought one of the Apostles of the Salvation Order. A knight believed to be the founding king of Ruthania.