Chapter 252:

Name:Paladin of the Dead God Author:
Chapter 252:

“Ulsten, you haven’t told anyone else about these fallen angels, have you?”

“Of course not. Who would I even consult about this?”

Ulsten’s reaction upon seeing the state of the halting of sales and production indicated he was equally appalled. He must have realized what kind of beings he would have to deal with if he made a mistake.

But instead of stopping there, Isaac decided to take a step further.

“Alright. But please don’t stop the production. If plucking a few feathers would wake them, they should have already awoken by now. Also, can you quietly investigate these beings within the World’s Forge cult?”

The World’s Forge cult’s declaration of victory, ‘Rebirth,’ ends with the new Codex of Light emerging from beneath the earth. Isaac hypothesized that this ‘new Codex of Light’ might be these beings underground.

Even though this place had nothing to do with the World’s Forge cult, there was definitely some connection.

“Are you saying... these fallen angels might be related to the World’s Forge?”

Isaac nodded.

Ulsten understood the implication.

Although it was equally terrifying, the proposal was intriguing to Ulsten, who had directly ventured from the Svánbar Archipelago to the continent to create a ‘new god.’

“Got it. I’ll investigate as much as I can on my end. But...”

Ulsten, who had expected Isaac to bury the issue, showed interest in his investigative directive.

“It seems you aren’t afraid?”

“How could I not be afraid?”

Isaac smiled, touching his trembling lips.

“But whatever happens later, I don’t want to face it completely unprepared. At the very least, we should find a way to keep them buried.”

“You’re right. If these all start moving, the Issacrea estate would sink into the ground. So, what will you do?”

“Me? I will...”

Isaac’s tasks were already clear.

“In this mad world, I’ll continue finding ways to survive with my people.”

***

Autumn began coloring the high slopes of the mountains.

Since Isaac started governing the Issacrea estate, the farmers, who had never once failed a harvest, anticipated another bountiful yield this year. Despite the growing population, they didn’t need to import food from outside.

Moreover, exempted from imperial trade taxes, numerous goods were gathered and traded here. Though it wasn’t a city yet, it was certain to become a significant trading hub in time.

The rapidly developing Issacrea estate attracted many immigrants. Especially thanks to the rumor of the Holy Grail Knight treating barbarians and heathens without discrimination, persecuted talents naturally gathered.

Among these were the dozens of immigrants who arrived with Neria.

Although Isaac hadn’t ordered them to come here, there were few places the suddenly expelled heathens could go.

At first, the estate’s people were wary when dozens of people suddenly wanted to settle. But seeing them eat without complaint, sleep soundly in humble homes, work diligently, and treat both people and animals kindly, they were soon accepted as part of the community.

A significant factor in their quick integration was their high level of education.

For example, Neria now worked as an accountant and physician in the estate. Initially helping with farm work, she naturally took on the role after aiding farmers being exploited by merchants who couldn’t read.

Being literate and numerate was a remarkable skill in this era. On top of that, her knowledge of herbal medicine made many seek her out.

Of course, the sick or injured should see a priest. But there were times when it was difficult to ask a priest, such as with mental illnesses, animal diseases, or minor ailments like stomachaches or colds.

Other immigrants also knew how to read and possessed various skills or extensive knowledge in specific fields, greatly benefiting the estate.

“Miss Neria, my son recovered completely after using the herbs you recommended. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’m glad to hear it helped.”

Neria responded politely to the grateful farmers and moved on. Watching her, the farmers gossiped about her.

Her manner of speech, refined demeanor, and high education suggested she was undoubtedly a noble or a priest. But they couldn’t understand why she lived humbly among them.

Many speculations arose, but it was clear Neria and her group were becoming a significant part of the estate.

“[I am not an omnipotent being. Like you, I am also an imperfect being, as is everything in this world.]”

Isaac had long accepted his own imperfections.

All the evils and contradictions arising from faith stemmed from claiming that the gods were omnipotent and perfect. While a god who could do anything existed, it was born from the wishes of ordinary people.

“[Therefore, you must strive to make your lives a miracle. Be warm and kind miracles to yourselves and to each other.]”

Isaac pronounced this as if reaffirming it to himself.

“[Even so, if unbearable trials come, I will also come to you as a miracle.]”

“I will humbly accept your words.”

Neria responded, struggling to breathe in the tense atmosphere.

She realized that the teachings she received in the depths of Baelbaden were not punishments but doctrines and miracles. Despite her great sins, the Prophet had embraced and guided them compassionately.

Thus, Neria accepted the new faith.

In the absence of a god to call upon, they themselves had to become the miracles of their lives, a form of atheism.

***

Isaac promised Neria and her followers to continue teaching them and returned. He was surprised by how well Neria had adapted but was more astonished by their sincerity.

‘I honestly thought the followers of the Nameless Chaos would be opportunistic charlatans... did the events in Baelbaden leave such a deep psychological impact?’

It could be that the trauma had rendered them somewhat simple-minded. Or perhaps they were deeply impressed by the ‘Dark Communion.’ If not, the chaff might have already fallen away, leaving only the core followers who reached the Issacrea estate.

Isaac remembered that many more followers had escaped from Baelbaden.

He didn’t dwell on it. He decided to protect and care for those who had come under his wing. Ultimately, a person can only protect those within their reach.

‘But why hasn’t Claire arrived yet?’

Claire and her group, who had departed much earlier than Neria, had yet to arrive. Given their inexperience as theology students, getting lost was expected, but it felt too late. However, Isaac couldn’t go out to search for them himself.

As acolytes, they were unlikely to die on the road, so they would arrive eventually.

Isaac didn’t worry too much.

He patrolled the estate lightly on Nel. The residents were no longer startled by the silhouette of a dragon flying overhead.

Though the Issacrea estate in the valley had already darkened, Isaac, flying high, could still see the sun hanging on the western edge. As he scanned for any wandering travelers, he noticed a lone figure in monk robes walking from the east.

Due to the monk robes, he wondered if it was Claire, but it was unlikely they would come from the east unless they were severely off course.

Isaac descended.

As Nel approached, the man in monk robes swiftly drew his sword. Isaac’s eyes widened at the skilled movement.

At least the skill of a paladin or higher. There was no need to scare him off right away, but he needed to identify him.

Thud. Isaac landed, ready to draw his sword, and observed the stranger.

“Who are you?”

The stranger hesitated.

Instead of answering Isaac’s question, he lifted his hood slightly and asked.

“Isaac?”

Hearing the voice, Isaac felt as if he had traveled back in time several years. He barely managed to reply.

“Gebel?”

The deserter who had taken care of him and taught him swordsmanship at the Ariet Monastery stood before him. Isaac dropped his sword and rushed forward, embracing him tightly.

_____________

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