Chapter 32:

Chapter 32:

Chapter 32. Holy Grail Knight (1)

Relic.

Just as a miracle residing in a person’s body is called a holy body, an object imbued with a miracle is called a relic. However, there are grades among relics.

The radiance stone necklace that Isaac once had could be considered a low-grade relic. But the sword before him now was of a different class.

It was an item that should be preserved like a cultural heritage or national treasure.

[The Rite of Division (EX)]

[The dagger used by Muhui when she decided to part ways with the emperor, extracting his heart. Through this brutal ritual, one being split into two gods, hence named the Rite of Division. Usable in high-grade rituals of both the Red Chalice Club and the Elil Sect.]

This was the dagger that birthed the Nine Faiths’ Red Chalice and Elil. Even objects blessed by angels are hard to appraise, but relics directly related to gods are treasures managed by the sect itself.

‘There’s even a class like Holy Grail Knights who wander searching for such relics...’

If a Grail Knight found this sword, they’d go mad with excitement.

Of course, as a weapon, this dagger had no value. It was merely a ritual tool. But its true worth came to light in those very rituals. To perform a powerful miracle, many conditions are needed.

Sacrifices, long prayers, potions, timing, circumstances, and more.

But with this dagger, many of those conditions could be disregarded.

‘Why is this even here?’

Isaac felt incredulous.

Perhaps Heinkel did more than just escort the Immortal Order; he might have assisted in performing rituals.

Almost reflexively, Isaac hastily concealed the dagger.

If it became known that he possessed it, people would come after him. Especially the Wallachia hunters would relentlessly pursue him.

It was an item fraught with potential trouble.

But Isaac wasn’t foolish enough to pass up such an opportunity because of fear. A sly smile formed on his lips.

‘Heinkel, you truly gave without reservation.’

Isaac hoped Heinkel was enjoying his afterlife in the Red Chalice’s heaven, though he wasn’t sure if someone drained of blood could reach heaven.

Suddenly, the rising sun appeared over the valley. The morning sunlight touched his hand, feeling more pleasant than ever.

***

“Lord Gebel, we’re almost there. Just a bit further...”

Gebel groaned, moving forward. Heinkel’s attack must have been deeply cursed, as his bleeding wouldn’t stop. Pale and slowing down, Gebel didn’t stop Isolde from dragging him along.

Gebel didn’t argue with Isolde, who initially suggested leaving him behind and seeking help from the Knight Order. She had been dragged along after knocking him on the back of his head at dawn.

Then, Isolde suddenly stopped. Her expression brightened as the rhythmic sound of galloping hooves grew louder.

Dudu-du-du-du.

Around the valley corner, knights in white armor on horses galloped towards them, crushing gravel underfoot.

Leading them was a familiar knight, Rotenhammer, wielding a hammer as big as his head.

“Captain Rotenhammer!”

“Rotenhammer?”

Gebel muttered in surprise and quickly bowed his head. It was an awkward moment to meet him.

Rotenhammer halted the Knight Order upon spotting Isolde and Gebel. Only five knights had arrived, all heavily armed and imbued with various miracles and blessings. Rotenhammer took off his helmet, revealing a middle-aged face with grey hair.

“I rushed upon receiving your call. Inquisitor, lieutenant! Attend to the injured.”

Understanding the urgency, Rotenhammer skipped formalities and got straight to the point.

“Where are the heretics? Send the crows, and we’ll track them immediately.”

“There were Wallachia hunters in ambush. Duke Gulmar was among them.”

The mention of Wallachia hunters caused a ripple of concern among the knights. Rotenhammer’s reaction was no different. He frowned for a moment before speaking.

Isaac wondered if he overdid it, but Rotenhammer approached with a laughing face.

“Surviving an overnight chase by Wallachia hunters without a scratch, impressive! Just as Miss Isolde said, a young hero is born.”

‘Miss Isolde?’

Did Isaac have a personal connection with the Brant family? While Isaac pondered, Rotenhammer gave orders to the other knights.

“You two, escort this young hero back. He must be tired after wandering the valley all night.”

“Yes!”

“I will now track down the Wallachia hunters and obliterate them. They troubled us all night; now it’s our turn in daylight!”

Isaac didn’t mention that the hunters were already dead. Just surviving and luring them was an achievement enough. Adding that he also killed Heinkel Gulmar would make it unbelievably bizarre.

“We’ll discuss our young hero’s night achievements later. The Inquisitor is waiting, let’s go meet her.”

***

“I knew you’d be safe, Isaac.”

The first person Isaac met was Gebel.

Gebel was resting at the Briant Knight Order’s main camp. They seemed to have brought around 10 knights, 50 trainees, and support troops. Most would likely engage in search and surrounding operations, not direct combat.

“Are you alright?”

“A skilled priest was here.”

After removing the curse, Gebel’s complexion improved, though the injury site was severe. He’d need to rest for a while. Isaac examined Gebel’s bandaged wound.

‘Damn tentacles.’

Efficient in killing and tearing apart, but not in healing. Isaac’s healing ability came from his special skill, ‘The Dead God’s Innards.’

“Where did the Inquisitor girl go? She should be nursing or something.”

Isaac muttered, a bit annoyed that Isolde had left without a word of thanks. He didn’t do it for gratitude, but it still felt irksome.

“She got basic healing and joined the search party to provide descriptions of the Wallachia hunters. The more combatants, the better. It’s impressive considering she walked all night like me.”

It wasn’t disdain, but prioritizing correctly. In retrospect, it would be a waste of talent for an Inquisitor to be nursing.

After summoning the fire beast and walking non-stop since yesterday morning, she should be tired, but she’s ready for combat again.

“The Wallachia hunters are all already eaten by tentacles, so it’s wasted effort.”

“I’m glad Gebel didn’t die.”

“That seems like something I should say to the person who survived being chased by Wallachia hunters all night... Hmm.”

Gebel coughed and regulated his breath.

He looked at the tent’s ceiling and spoke.

“It may sound sudden, but let me ask, Isaac. Just to confirm.”

Gebel stared directly at Isaac.

“Did you kill all the Wallachia hunters?”

Isaac tried to deny it.

But Gebel’s tone suggested he already knew and was just probing. So, as Isaac hesitated to respond, Gebel continued.

“Even Duke Gulmar?”

“...”

“Amazing. How did you... No, never mind. I won’t ask.”

Gebel clenched his mouth, staring at the ceiling with strained eyes.

“Don’t ask how I know. When I heard you returned alive, I didn’t think the Wallachia hunters would still be alive. Rotenhammer and the Inquisitor must be searching an empty valley now.”

“Why do you think so?”

“It may sound silly, but I’ve thought you could do it since the day you were brought to the monastery. Since you survived the attack by Kalsen.”