If Reif were to guess what enabled Nath to continue living when he was hit at point-blank range, it would be the barrier around them
Rhash has informed him of the abilities of Nath he can remember from his dreams
The barrier of the Martyrs. It was a type of barrier that would transfer any injury of the chosen individual to another person inside the barrier
This was a magic barrier that defied even the laws of the world. Even magic has its limits
How was it possible that Reif should have bursts Nath's head already but the damage was transferred to another individual?
Even normal magic cannot do something like this. Only Divine Arts/Magic has this kind of ability
This barrier would protect the higher ranking member of the church while sacrificing the weaker ones
But of course, it also has its own limitations. The first one was the demand on one's energy and the other was that only the really pious church members can be involved in making this barrier
If their belief in God is not strong enough, they wouldn't be able to participate
This barrier is a special one but the requirements are also high. Thus, this barrier cannot possibly last long
Reif might be able to realize what the barrier was and read Nath's movements since he was educated by Rhash but he was not in his best state of mind
The worry he have for his big brother suffering inside the lightless cube affected his decision-making skills, giving Nath a chance to heavily wound him
He was not only stabbed in his abdomen, Nath's holy power is also eating him away!
If this goes on, he might not last until the barrier vanishes
"What to do?" Reif asked himself as he found himself surrounded by the Paladins
The Paladins numbered only around 30 but each of them is strong
Not to mention, despite his injuries (since the barrier can only transfer injuries done inside it) Nath can still use his Divine Powers!
While facing an attack from all directions, Nath also created a magic formation above Reif that sent beams of light
With swords aimed from his back, front, and sides along with the countless light beams from the sky, the situation is really bad for the injured Reif
Even then, he must do everything he can to survive not just for his sake but also for his big brother's sake!
While gritting his teeth, Reif waved his hand above him, increasing the gravitational resistance from the light beams
Reif brought himself some time and he moved with the help of gravity
In the next second Reif appeared on top of one of the Paladins while clenching his fist
Reif gave that Paladin a heavy punch in the face and a human head instantly exploded
Since the people around want him dead, there is no need to give mercy
Reif instantly grabbed the fallen Paladin's body and he threw them in the air
As expected, the Paladin's comrades faltered a bit. They might be loyal to the church but they are also real people with bonds
Seeing their once alive comrade's body affected their mental state
Reif raises his arm in the air before clenching his hand again
The gravitational pull was altered and all the light beams landed on the Paladin's corpse, reducing it into nothing
"Evil Demon!" One of the Paladins raged. His bloodshot eyes stared at Reif with endless hatred
From how things look like, he might be close to that fallen paladin. This was Reif's goal
His big brother said that when he was in a weaker position and he can't run, what he should do was to keep his mental state at its peak while lowering that to his enemy!
An enraged person would attack with even greater power but they would also become mindless
As expected, that Paladin charged at Reif with his fastest speed. Originally, Reif should have a harder time dealing with that but he has the right weapon to counter berserk enemies
Reif stayed in his position and only moved when the Paladin is close enough to him
The gravity was manipulated yet again. The Paladin's sword moved to the side, opposite to where Reif's body move, missing his target
The Paladin uses everything he has in that sword thrust and he can't easily change his direction
Reif knew of that fact and he sent another crimson beam of energy into his enemy that resulted in an explosion
Yet another head was thoroughly abused, killing its owner
As long as the enemy puts everything they have in a single charge attack, it was easier to deal with them by altering gravity
Those kinds of people put all they have in that single attack and they wouldn't be able to change their reaction nor react easily
This was one of Reif's power but...
"Cough! Cough"
In the next second, Reif pukes out more blood. The Holy Power was really eating him from the inside. He has to do something about it if he doesn't want to die
The problem was how? He might be able to deal with it if he was given time but time is not on his side. His enemies would make sure that he can't purge out the Holy Power inside him
What should he do?
Reif racks his brain for the answer and he remembered one thing. It was the thing that he just obtained
The Shard of Brilliance was placed by Reif inside his spatial ring to prevent Nath from obtaining it
The Shard of Brilliance also uses Holy Powers. Could it deal with the one inside Reif's body, especially considering that it was the Shard of Life and Healing?
With that in mind, Reif retrieved the shard from his ring and he tried to use it yet an unexpected thing happened
As soon as Reif had the thought of using the shard, it instantly entered his body
It not only shock him but also all the people around him
If that wasn't enough, his body even glowed with a brilliant white light. The light was so intense that it blinded his enemies
Reif can feel a great amount of life force flowing inside his body. It gave him an illusion that he was the most powerful existence in this world
The amount of lifeforce he gained would make every other creature pale in comparison
Even his dark eyes glowed with white light. His body also emitted holy power before that holy power was corrupted
The once white light glowing in Reif's body slowly turned black in color. It feels like the holiest object in this world was corrupted
"AAAAHHHHH !!!!" Reif shouted from pain. It felt like every cell in his body was being burned
The pain was so severe that he lost control of his now floating body. The only thing that Reif can do was to try and endure this unbelievable pain
He instinctively knows that what is currently happening to him was beneficial for him but it was still too painful!
If not for Reif holding on for his big brother's sake, he might have chosen death already
"What are you all doing? Kill him!"
The thing that was happening right now made Nath's instinct fearful. He knows that whatever is happening to Reif is far from being a good thing for him
Nath must stop that at all cost!
As a result, Nath uses his Holy Power again. He condensed hundreds of swords around him and all of them went to harvest Reif's life
Even the Paladins brandished their weapons to kill
However, whether it be Nath's power to the Paladins', both were ineffective. The corrupted light from Reif's body prevented him from being harmed
Fortunately for Reif, the pain didn't last long before it was replaced by great comfort. He can feel that his body became lighter. Even the movement of his blood can be clearly sensed by him
In Reif's forehead, a smaller version of the shard can be seen. However, it was far from having its originally pure white color
The shard was not pitch black, darker than even the night itself
Reif opened his eyes that also became darker than usual. Tattoo lines spread from the shard to his whole forehead
It gave him a terrifying look and vibes. The Holy Power eating him away earlier was nowhere to be seen anymore and he pointed his finger at Nath
A small crimson dot appeared from the tip of his finger that swiftly moves to take Nath's life
The Son of God tried to defend himself but the crimson light's speed was too fast. He can't even react at all before a hole in his forehead appeared
Luckily for Nath, he is inside the Barrier of the Martyrs. If not, he would have died twice from Reif's hands already
This outcome was far from being the outcome that Nath wants and he knew that even with his followers, he cannot win and he has to flee!