Chapter – 69
Episode 14: Holy Sword or Cursed Sword?
9 hours earlier, Holy Capital.
The College of Cardinals had urgently decided to form a task force. The reason was a dungeon sync that had occurred in the northern part of the Elfenheim Church territory.
The dungeon was called “The Hill Sealed with the Sword of Saint and Demon” and had two very unusual characteristics.
The first characteristic was that the dungeon periodically reappeared within the Church’s territory.
Every 60 years, it would trigger a large-scale sync and spectacularly emerge. Being the fifth cycle already, there were established strategies—considered a stroke of luck in this era.
The second characteristic was that the difficulty could swing drastically depending on the initial handling.
If done correctly, it could be closed more peacefully than even a D-rank dungeon that had already been cleared. But if handled poorly, it could become a catastrophe equivalent to an S-rank dungeon or higher.
Indeed, the records of the previous third and fourth cycles had been extremely contrasting.
In the third cycle, thousands had died, whereas in the fourth cycle, it had ended without a single casualty.
The Holy Capital treated the dungeon as S-rank and prepared accordingly.
Thus, at present, a large number of people had been urgently summoned to the grand hall.
It was filled with cardinals from the Holy Capital’s core command and the commanding officers of the three knightly orders assigned to this task.
The meeting had not yet begun. Murmurs continued across the amphitheater-like hall.
“This time, the participating knightly orders are Cheonmyeong, Holy Spirit, and Blessing, right? They are the largest and strongest orders in the Church.”
“Will Sir Maximus, the leader of the Blessing Order, take overall command? He’s a veteran, so he seems reliable.”
“Also, if it’s Cheonmyeong, that’s Sir Ileon’s order. This cycle should be manageable at D-rank difficulty as usual. Heh-heh.”
“Exactly! With the ‘Scarlet Flame Knight,’ we can trust him completely!”
Thanks to the success of the fourth cycle, everyone was optimistic. The conversation shifted to praising certain individuals—until someone brought up a different topic.
“I heard a few Saint-Brand Knights from the Sword Temple might join as well.”
“Heh-heh, there won’t even be a fight. Isn’t that overstaffing? Who are they sending?”
“Only one has been confirmed. You know, the holy knight who wiped out the heretics and stopped the demon lord’s ritual last time.”
“Ah, you mean Tessilide Argent!”
Just as the words were spoken, the subject of conversation entered the hall.
Those seeing him after a long time were momentarily stunned and couldn’t look away.
Even from childhood, his beauty had been praised as a living divine artwork, and it had matured perfectly under the grace of God.
Tessilide Argent, just past twenty, had grown into an exceptionally handsome young man.
His pure silver hair and plaster-like pale skin, combined with the white holy knight uniform, exuded a sacred aura.
It wasn’t just good looks—he was divinely blessed in appearance. Truly, a child favored by the deity of “strict order and virtue.”
He gracefully extended his tall legs, moving with dignity to take his seat.
Even without any attention-seeking gestures, all eyes seemed drawn to him.
Respect, admiration, and a hint of jealousy.
Tessilide Argent was undeniably a special presence.
With silver hair symbolizing divine blessing, overwhelming holy power awakened by Saint marks, and innate aura talent, he stood out even among the strongest of the Saint-Brand Knights.
It was clear he would become the strongest of the Holy Capital in just a few years.
His fame outside the Church was just as remarkable. Recently, his reputation had skyrocketed.
A few months ago, he had single-handedly prevented a major catastrophe.
A group of heretics had been hiding in a dungeon, attempting to complete a dark ritual using themselves as sacrifices.
If successful, the dungeon might have fallen under the control of the demon lord Carpeios, increasing his power.
Tessilide decisively intervened, sacrificing himself before the heretics could complete the ritual, halting the process.
By judging and executing the heretics while suppressing the demon lord’s forces, he achieved a double victory, and the Holy Capital praised his contribution.
Naturally, his fame spread throughout the Elfenheim Church. Though he disliked mentioning it himself.
When the hall quieted for a moment due to Tessilide’s presence, a cardinal in red vestments stepped forward to announce the start of the meeting.
It was Cattleya Gillette, newly appointed Minister of State this year.
“I trust you’ve all been briefed, but I will repeat the key points for emphasis.”
The official explanation followed, in a formal tone befitting the occasion.
“The dungeon boss is the ‘Sword of Saint and Demon.’ Whoever is worthy can claim it as a holy sword. Even the hero, Sir Valcus Odrec, obtained a sword here.”
He was a proven candidate, though he had passed away fifteen years ago.
“The problem arises if someone unworthy touches the sword. It will turn into a cursed sword, using the wielder as a host to wreak havoc. Its strength grows as it consumes blood, potentially causing horrific carnage the longer the mission takes.”
With this, the strategy became clear.
The person who touches the Sword of Saint and Demon first must be carefully chosen. Only one person could handle it properly.
Cattleya’s expression turned stern.
“The one with both the qualification and conviction must draw the sword. That person is…”
“I will take it, myself.”
A firm voice echoed through the hall.
The one who stood, interrupting Cattleya, was a handsome man in his late twenties.
Murmurs rippled through the room.
“Oh! Sir Ileon Odrec!”
“As expected, he’s stepping forward. We trusted him!”
“If it’s the Scarlet Flame Knight, he’s fully qualified.”
“Of course. Isn’t he the successor of Sir Valcus?”
It was easy for everyone to accept that Ileon would take the Sword of Saint and Demon.
After all, he was the Holy Capital’s top holy knight, widely praised for his skill and character.
Countless accolades were bestowed upon him: the First Sword of the Holy Capital, God’s Representative, embodiment of chivalry, perfect holy knight, the Church’s prince, and more.
He had risen to commander of his order at a young age due to his outstanding swordsmanship, and his courteous demeanor drew followers, especially among women.
Even his appearance—blond hair and blue eyes—was like a prince from a fairy tale.
Ileon himself knew his position well, so…
“The successor of Sir Valcus shall become the master of the holy sword.”
“We might soon need to call him not just the Scarlet Flame Knight, but the Knight of the Holy Sword.”
Such praise only strengthened his reputation. Ileon smiled faintly, a charming curve on his lips.
Cattleya’s gaze lingered on him before she spoke again.
“Sir Ileon, we all recognize your excellence: remarkable swordsmanship, noble character, and righteous conviction. You possess everything.”
“Much too kind. I will ensure this mission meets expectations.”
But Cattleya was not finished.
“However, since many lives are at stake, the Church seeks the safest choice.”
“Excuse me?”
“Sir Ileon, you may remain seated.”
“….”
Ileon froze, unable to comprehend what he had just heard.
Cattleya’s gaze shifted to another person.
“Sir Tessilide Argent.”
“….”
This announcement caused a stir.
He had been chosen over the Scarlet Flame Knight.
Amid the murmurs, Tessilide’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, then he slowly rose and saluted.
“Yes, Your Eminence.”
Obedience was a holy knight’s virtue. He accepted it without a word.
Meanwhile, Ileon remained standing, not having returned to his seat.
‘My role was taken.’
Standing side by side with the comparison, the sense of frustration and defeat washed over him.
But with many watching, he did not display any childish behavior.
He merely glared at Tessilide as if piercing through him. The eyes of the Scarlet Flame Knight seemed to burn.
Tessilide’s eyes followed Ileon’s.
‘A potential adversary….’
Even if others did not notice, Tessilide could feel it clearly.
‘The Scarlet Flame Knight may have a nature different from his public reputation,’ he thought.
“Sir Maximus, Commander of the Blessing Order, shall take overall command. Deployment begins in one hour. Prepare thoroughly and complete the mission safely.”
Cattleya traced the sign of the cross.
“May the blessing of ‘Strict Order and Virtue’ accompany you.”
When the meeting ended, people immediately gathered around Ileon.
Regardless, he was the brightest young star of the Church. It never hurt to offer encouragement on a day he might feel dejected.
“Sir Ileon, don’t dwell on it too much.”
“Everyone recognizes your qualifications. It’s just that Sir Tessilide is an even more certain and safe choice.”
Though meant as comfort, it backfired, twisting his feelings further.
But he could not afford to ruin his image. Ileon maintained a gentlemanly, cheerful smile.
“Silver hair as proof of divine favor? That’s an old superstition. Judging people by hair color is hardly reasonable. I usually judge by the eyes.”
“Cough, cough.”
There was nothing more embarrassing than countering with conventional wisdom.
“Of course, that does not deny Sir Tessilide’s excellence. He is a knight with eyes like the greenery of a forest and a gentle disposition.”
Though a kind assessment, Ileon subtly injected his personal critique.
“Green? His eyes are like the ocean….”
“Compared to my vivid blue eyes, green is just… pale.”
He took great pride in his blond hair and blue eyes, considering his eyes the standard of color and essence.
Then came a voice.
“Sir Ileon.”
A voice with such depth and resonance that it was impossible to forget.
Everyone’s attention shifted from Ileon to the speaker.
