Chapter 33:

Chapter 33:

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 wouldn’t have been surprising if Gebel had some inkling about Isaac’s true nature.

“I truly don’t care whether you’re 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 didn’t 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...”

“There’s no one left who recognizes the Avalanche swordsmanship. Unless they are a knight practicing the same technique. So you don’t 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.

That’s 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 Isaac’s first devouring target, and his talent in swordsmanship was the basis for Isaac’s 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 wasn’t 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 couldn’t have done it alone. There’s a real traitor within the Order.”

Conflict and murderous intent flickered in Gebel’s 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 couldn’t openly investigate due to my branded status. That’s why I placed the burden of my revenge on you...”

Gebel looked at Isaac with an apologetic expression.

“I don’t know what you’re hiding, but it’s 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.

“You’ll 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, it’s time.”

“For what?”

“You don’t 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 Gebel’s implication.

Rotenhammer’s eyes widened.

“Gebel? The crazy ruffian? No way, you’ve 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 hadn’t 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. It’s hard to believe you’re in a monastery now. How unpredictable life is.”

Rotenhammer’s 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 it’s not because of the war. Frankly, if Linde had died, I would’ve 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 wasn’t the only one.”

“Right, I can’t say I never thought the same.”

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

“Who killed them?”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“It’s not certain. I fled and haven’t seen or heard anything since. I’ve 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 couldn’t do it himself. But revealing everything would put Rotenhammer at risk, so Gebel chose the coward’s path.

“I see.”

But Rotenhammer didn’t 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.”

Rotenhammer’s gaze shifted from Gebel to Isaac.

“I may have messed up teaching him the basics, but I believe he’ll greatly improve under your guidance.”

“...Miss Isolde also praised this young man to no end.”

Rotenhammer examined Isaac’s hands and arms. Compared to Rotenhammer’s iron-like hands and thick limbs, Isaac’s body seemed frail, but Rotenhammer wasn’t 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 can’t make him a knight on my own authority. I’ll take him as my guest and apprentice to assess his skills. But if he’s been trained by you... he might already be able to outperform my trainees.”

“Well, he won’t be lacking.”

“Good. So, your name is Isaac? I’ll take responsibility and get you into the Briant Knight Order.”

Rotenhammer’s 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 don’t plan on joining the Briant Knight Order.”