The great Master gave orders to the Chief Administrator, Celia.
Everyone in the dungeon focused on Celia’s words.
“To spread our Master’s will, our first goal is the salvation of the Sail Kingdom.”
At her words, Necros, the Guardian of the first level, tilted his head.
“Clap?”
It was a question as to why they were going to save a human kingdom. Celia explained slowly to Necros’s question.
“Currently, the White Church is committing unspeakable atrocities within the kingdom.”
She spoke of the current situation of the Sail Kingdom. She also explained that the White Church had ambitions to swallow the Sail Kingdom whole.
“…The Church has been continuously encroaching upon the Master’s domain. What will happen if the Church swallows the kingdom?”
Only then did Necros nod. Indeed, the Church had consistently invaded the dungeon. The dungeon was currently located in the Silent Mountain Range. The Sail Kingdom was a country close to the Silent Mountain Range. What if the Sail Kingdom fell into the hands of the White Church? The rest of the story was obvious even without hearing it.
“How dare they displease our Master. They deserve to die ten thousand times over.”
This time, she intended to officially hold the Church accountable for its sins.
“In addition, we plan to offer the kingdom to our Master.”
Celia had been constantly communicating with the princess of the Sail Kingdom. Although it was difficult for now, she had a plan to subjugate the Sail Kingdom with the help of Princess Irena. Then, a variable arose. It was for the better.
‘I can’t believe our Master is giving us so much help…’ Celia’s gaze turned to Maru. Maru was not the only one who had crossed over from another dimension. Even the Gargoyle that guarded the Master’s residence had crossed over. It was clearly a Gargoyle brought from the Demonic Realm Merchant Guild’s auction. The once insignificant Gargoyle now rivaled the dungeon’s sub-bosses in status.
‘His magic is incredibly pure. As expected, our Master is amazing.’ Celia nodded as if it were natural. Maru and the Gargoyle sent by the Master alone would be of immense help. On top of that, they even sent Betta, the subordinate officer who assisted Azmo. Thanks to this, she could craft a more perfect scenario than the original plan. Celia smiled and spoke. The overall framework had already been set by the Master. She had to act according to His will, and the details were to be executed by herself, the Chief Administrator.
“According to our Master’s will, the Commander-in-Chief for this operation is Maru.” Celia introduced Maru to everyone. Maru was the key to this operation.
‘He’s truly formidable.’ Celia had only thought of swallowing the Sail Kingdom. And she had planned to place Princess Irena on the throne. Of course, there would be immense backlash. However, she judged that by slowly expanding their influence, they could eventually swallow the kingdom whole. But the Master must have wanted it to end quickly. Just as Maru had won over Liana, the Vice Captain of the Knights of the Church, this time the target had shifted to the Sail Kingdom.
‘It means capturing the hearts of all the people of the Sail Kingdom, just like the miracle back then.’ If that happened, the Sail Kingdom would undoubtedly transform into a nation that praised the Master.
‘A kingdom where everyone praises the Master.’ It would not just be a kingdom that was ruled, but one that truly worked for the Master. Celia marveled at the Master’s hidden intentions. The expression ‘truly amazing’ was insufficient.
“Maru will be accompanying Princess Irena of the kingdom.” At Celia’s words, the Skeleton Knights brought armor. It was ordinary armor, the kind adventurers would wear. Maru was scheduled to create a miracle. If he wore royal or knightly armor from the beginning, the wonder of the miracle would be diminished. This was Celia’s calculation.
“Ah, it would be good to change Maru’s sword as well.” Celia also pointed out the demonic sword Maru was holding. No matter how much Holy Power Maru possessed, holding a demonic sword was unacceptable. The power constantly emitted by the demonic sword carried the risk of the Church noticing.
“Instead, try holding this sword.” Celia handed Maru the sword that was attached to the Death Knight’s waist. This sword was made from the tooth of a young Wyvern. It was a weapon obtained through auction at the Demonic Realm Merchant Guild. Although Celia had handed over the sword to the Death Knight, the Master’s command took precedence now. Maru placed the demonic sword on the floor and took the sword Celia offered.
“It certainly suits you. Even if it’s a young one, it’s a sword made from a Wyvern’s tooth. Not only is it durable, but its cutting power is no less than that of an ordinary famous sword.” Furthermore, it had no impact on Maru not possessing the demonic sword. After all, the skill ‘Loyalty as a Paladin (S+)’ was already linked to Kanghyeon Lee, so it didn’t matter. As long as Maru’s existence did not vanish, the effect of that skill would continue. However, there was someone else who coveted Maru’s demonic sword.
“De…monic sword…” Berter, the former Vice Captain of the Knights of the Church, who had once invaded the dungeon. Berter had ended up in this dungeon while chasing after Arlen, the Vampire who wielded the demonic sword. The result was his death at the hands of the Death Knight, turning him into the current Dullahan. The head in Berter’s hand kept muttering the word ‘demonic sword…’. Even in death, his possessiveness over the demonic sword was immense. However, Celia did not permit it.
“The Death Knight is storing this demonic sword.” A Death Knight would not suffer significant harm even if they possessed the demonic sword. The Death Knight, holding a pickaxe, nodded.
“Then, the arrangements are almost complete. Next, I will announce the formations. First, Necros.” She called Necros, the Guardian of the level, first. Necros, who possessed the ‘Corpse Explosion’ skill, and even the skill to turn corpses into skeletons, was an Arch Lich, so he could be called an army of one. However, this time, no variables were allowed.
“I will assign fifteen Skeleton Knights and Berter to Necros.” Fifteen 3-star Skeleton Knights. And adding the 4-star Dullahan, Berter, made them a formidable force in themselves.
“De…monic sword…” Berter, still calling out for the demonic sword, met the eyes of Necros, who had become his superior.
“De…mo…” Necros possessed the ‘Corpse Explosion’ skill.
“……” Berter’s mouth shut. The formation was relaxed. After all, there were plenty of newly bestowed monsters by the Master. Rather, it was a shame that the number was limited to a hundred. Of course, it didn’t matter much. All of them were ready to sacrifice their lives for the Master. They were by no means opponents to be underestimated. The preparation time did not take long.
“Alright, let’s all move out.” At Celia’s words, the monsters began to leave the dungeon.
* * *
The Death Knight picked up the demonic sword that had fallen on the floor.
*Sparkle*
The Death Knight felt pain in his hand. Fortunately, it was not severe pain.
“……” The Death Knight also headed out of the dungeon, holding the demonic sword.
* * *
“Count! Have you truly joined hands with a demon!” The Titan Priest exclaimed. He was leading the Church’s envoy and had attended a banquet held at Count Beerton’s mansion. The banquet, which should have been enjoyable, was filled only with the smell of blood instead of delicious aromas. Corpses littered the floor, and the blood flowing from them formed puddles.
“I know nothing of this! Rather, isn’t this all a trap by the Church!” At the Titan Priest’s words, Count Beerton exclaimed as if he were wronged. Why were there skeletons in his mansion? And wearing knightly armor at that.
“How dare you defile the honor of the Church with your filthy mouth! This is unacceptable. Knights, listen up! Bring the Count here alive! I will interrogate him myself!” At the Titan Priest’s command, the Knights, who had been in a temporary lull, slowly advanced. The Count lamented at the sight.
‘Damn it! I should have listened to the butler…!’ The butler, Henrik, had appeared during the banquet. He had spoken of his suspicions about the Church. But had he not denied it himself? He had even thought the butler was mocking him and had imprisoned the butler in the underground prison. It was too late to regret not listening to him now. Things had already happened.
‘Why of all times…’ The Count’s gaze slightly shifted to the side. Amidst the fallen corpses on the floor were the remains of skeletons. The Skeleton Knights fought fiercely against the Church’s Paladins, fighting on the Count’s side. Looking at the current situation, it was not strange to hear that the Count had made a pact with demons. Of course, the Count believed this was all a trap by the Church.
‘To prepare to this extent. Damn Church bastards…’ The Count believed he had merely fallen into their meticulously prepared trap.
‘If only I could escape from here…!’ However, the Church side had not only the Titan Priest but also Gerard, the Captain leading the Knights of the Church. Their martial power was extraordinary. When those two swung their swords, the armor of the knights was cut as if it were paper. The Count might have had more knights, but qualitatively, the Church had an overwhelming advantage. In fact, the Count was being slowly pushed back.
“Call all the mansion’s knights!” However, the Count’s shout only echoed. The remaining butlers and maids in the mansion had already fled. Count Beerton bit his lip.
‘At least I have to escape from here…’ Only by escaping from here could he convey his innocence to the outside world. If he were captured like this, he wouldn’t be able to clear his name and would be branded a heretic by the Church. Being branded a heretic by the Church was a truly terrible thing.
‘My wife…’ If that happened, not only the Count’s family but all of his blood relatives would naturally be dragged to the Church. Some even said it was better to commit suicide than to let that happen.
‘I must absolutely not let that happen!’ Of course, the Count had no intention of committing suicide. The kingdom would soon be in his hands.
‘Yes, I just need to finish this now!’ He would suppress them immediately and set off to seize the royal palace. He would take possession of the kingdom and then lock the castle gates.
‘Good. There is still a possibility.’ The Count once again put strength into his sword. A blue light enveloped his sword. It was Aura.
“Yes, come at me! I will fight with the honor of a noble!” At the same time, the Count’s knights also ignited Aura in their swords. The knights were already drawing swords against the Paladins. It was unavoidable if they wanted to survive.
“Hah! Is that the honor you possess! All you possess is corruption and betrayal, not honor!” How dare he speak of honor when he betrayed humanity and joined hands with demons! The Titan Priest snorted at the Count’s words.
The two groups brandished their swords towards each other. Just as the time for slaughter was about to begin. The lights inside the banquet hall began to go out.
“……!” At the same time, the sky outside the window darkened.
* * *
White Church Headquarters. In a building far from the headquarters. The laughter of children was incessant. Twenty children sat in one space. And before them, an old priest smiled kindly.
“Ho ho, it’s good to see you so passionate. Don’t forget that all this we enjoy is a blessing bestowed by the Goddess.”
“Yes! Priest!” The old priest looked at each of the children’s faces. The children here were talents who would lead the Church in the future. The priest’s body was old, but the fact that he was teaching the sprouts who would grow up in the future reignited even his fading passion.
‘This must be fate.’ He did not have much life left. But he thought positively.
‘It’s not long until I see the Goddess directly.’ Perhaps the day his life ended here would be the day he met the Goddess. Therefore, he taught the children even more diligently. He wished to be able to proudly say that he had completed his mission when he met the Goddess…
“Today’s lesson ends here. If you have any questions, please ask.” The sun was already setting outside the window. Ordinary children might have wanted the lesson to end quickly, but the children here were not ordinary. At the priest’s words, the children raised their hands as if they wanted to ask first. The old priest was proud of their eagerness. These children would live lives serving the Goddess. Some would become priests who announced the Goddess’s words, and others would become swords that protected the Church. Perhaps they would even fight against the forces of evil that opposed the Church. Although there would be many hardships in life, he did not doubt that they would overcome any difficulty by looking only at the Goddess.
The priest chose one of the children who raised their hand. The child smiled at being chosen and asked, “Priest! I want to know about the Empress of Darkness!” The being the child mentioned was a creature that had plunged the continent into terror in the distant past. The Empress of Darkness, Salestra. A catastrophic monster of as high as 7-star rank. At the child’s question, everyone’s eyes sparkled as they looked at the priest.
“Ho ho…” They were still children, though. The priest thought so. Growing children were very interested in the wide world. They were particularly interested in monsters, and among them, they liked stories related to the Empress of Darkness. A 7-star being who had almost engulfed the continent in the past. To counter her, the Church joined hands with all the nations of the continent and eventually succeeded in sealing the Empress of Darkness, Salestra. The children were thrilled by the victory decorated by the Church. The priest organized his thoughts and began to tell the story.
“That being appeared without any warning. It was on a dark night.” The appearance of that being was something that had happened hundreds of years ago. Even the old priest had only heard it from books and stories. Still, he tried his best to convey a sense of realism.
“Suddenly, the stars in the sky began to fall, and the moonlight was swallowed by darkness.” The sky turned to darkness. But soon, red dots appeared in the dark sky. There was much debate about the red dots. Some argued that only stars had fallen, but it didn’t matter. The current goal was simply to entertain the children, wasn’t it?
“At that time-” As the priest spoke, the sunlight disappeared from the sky outside the window.
“……” It wasn’t evening. It had simply become dark.
“Wow! Just like you said, Priest, it’s night for us too!” The children clapped their hands and laughed, looking curious. But the priest’s expression was serious. He slowly walked to the window. Stars twinkled in the darkened sky. But then the sun suddenly disappeared. It was by no means an ordinary event. And then.
“Huh?!” The stars adorning the sky began to fall simultaneously.
“P-Priest…?” The children, who had finally realized that something was wrong, looked at the old priest. Some of them were crying. But the priest stared at the sky, mesmerized. And then he slowly murmured.
“Oh… Goddess.” In the sky where stars were falling.
“Please… look upon us.” Red dots began to rise in the black sky.
* * *
– Monster ‘Death Knight (★★★★★)’ was continuously affected by the demonic sword.
– Due to the influence of the demonic sword, the Death Knight’s rank was temporarily upgraded.
– Death Knight (★★★★★) has temporarily evolved.
– Legendary Monster, Death Knight King (★★★★★★★)
