Chapter 327
"Calling? What a ridiculous…" Ian trailed off, realizing abruptly that this wasn’t the time to refuse help. His lips curled into a slight smirk right after.
"I’m not saying I want to fight on the front lines," Lucia quickly added, watching him. "I’ll move between the back of the barrier and focus only on maintaining the sacred flame. Even that will probably be exhausting."
She must have thought Ian’s smile was a sign of gentle refusal.
Of course, that was a misunderstanding. It wasn’t Lucia’s words that made him smile.
Decide already. Stick to one thing.
It was a cynical smile directed at his own shallow, contradictory nature. Even now, part of him insisted he couldn’t bring this expressionless girl, whom he once protected, to that horrific battlefield.
Yet another part of him believed it was only natural to use any means necessary to survive. And the latter was gaining the upper hand.
In the end, he did not differ from the hypocrites of the royal house and the Order. He was both a liar, as deceitful as a fairy, and as selfish as a dwarf. He was as ruthless as a beastfolk and a master of self-justification, like any other mage.
Even now, he was convincing himself that taking Lucia to the battlefield was the fault of the Emperor and the Order.
However, of course, that wasn’t the only thing he was thinking."No," Ian spoke, and Lucia’s eyebrows dropped slightly in hesitation.
"But Sir Ian, I—"
"But Sir Ian—"
"You’ve got the order wrong. It’s not up to me; you need the temple’s permission first. You’re under their authority now. Besides, you left a letter and ran off to meet me. I can’t take you to the front lines without proper authorization."
Lucia blinked as if she hadn’t expected such a fundamental response.
Ian shrugged and continued. "Besides, there’s probably a more efficient way to handle this. The front line is long and dangerous. I don’t know where or how you’re planning to ignite the sacred fire, but going back and forth along the front lines is out of the question."
"That’s… true, but still," Lucia murmured as if contemplating, then nodded. "I’ll do that. By the time we return, someone should be waiting at the settlement. I’ve sent word to the temple through the mercenaries, so I’m sure of it. I’ll seek their approval and discuss potential methods. Maybe..."
She looked at Ian and added calmly. "The High Priestess might already have a plan. I’m sure she’ll have the same thoughts as me, and she’s far more experienced. If that’s the case, the Vice-Priest will wait for us at the settlement."
So, she’s determined to come along, no matter what.
Ian snorted briefly. Well, if she fully grasps the situation, the Saintess of the Brazier might even decide to send Lucia to the front lines herself.
"Thinking about running into that woman makes my breath catch. She’ll probably rain fire down on us."
Catching Ian’s gaze, Miguel shook his head. "She’s not just strict—she’s passionately strict. She’s nitpicky, and she’s especially fond of nagging."
"So, she’s a proper priest," Ian remarked.
"Well, that’s true. I wouldn’t be surprised if she receives a revelation one day. She can hold an insane amount of the sacred flame."
Unexpectedly laughing, Miguel nodded. "And the Goddess herself bestows her grace from time to time. Plus, she’s exceptionally skilled in combat. I’ve faced her many times, but never once emerged victorious."
"Even against you?" Ian blinked.
While not a renowned fighter, Miguel was a seasoned mercenary with a vast amount of battle experience. He wasn’t someone a temple acolyte would easily defeat.
Ian came to his conclusion and muttered, "It seems all the priests from that temple are skilled fighters."
Lucia promptly nodded. "Of course. Did you know the Temple of the Brazier thrived during the age of war?"
"No."
"It was a time when the teachings of the Blazing Goddess were considered virtues. The priests who served her were treated no differently than paladins or crusaders. Their roles were similar as well."
"So, you’re saying your priests are the most battle-skilled among them?"
Lucia’s lips curled into a faint smile. The change in her expression was subtle, but it was enough to show her pride.
"Yes, we’ve made considerable progress in using the sacred fire in combat. Though, I have to admit, there were times when our passion went overboard. Those flaws only became apparent after the Black Wall emerged."
Before she could delve into a full history lesson, Ian cut her off. "So, the techniques developed back then are still being passed down?"
"All priests learn them. Miguel and I do as well, though we’re not exactly masters yet."
Ian recalled their battle with the host spiders. The flames that turned the spiders into charred remains had been striking, and contrary to what he expected, there was hardly any collateral damage. Lucia and Miguel’s movements had been anything but clumsy.
Battle priests... Was that one of the possible tech trees for acolytes?
As he later discovered, acolytes were one of the most balanced classes, ideal for beginners. Depending on the skill tree, players could train acolytes for defense or offense. Serving Lu Entre leaned toward the latter.
"If the priests are strategically deployed, they could partially fill the gap left by the Crusaders. If I can maintain enough sacred flame, we could do even more," Lucia added.
"More than enough, I’d say. Priests armed with shields and flails, unleashing holy fire, are quite a sight," Miguel added with a proud look.
Ian gestured at him with a nod of his chin. "And you? Even if you haven’t received grace, can you handle the sacred flame?"
"I told you, I don’t have that gift. I still don’t understand how it’s done." Miguel shrugged and smiled nonchalantly. "It doesn’t make sense. Everyone else seems to handle that heat just fine, but I just feel like I’m suffocating. No matter how much I focus, it just doesn’t work. Maybe I’m just too dumb."
Ian tilted his head slightly.
It’s not like he lacks faith, nor does he act in a way that would earn the gods’ disdain…
Seeing Ian’s expression, Miguel burst into a hearty laugh. "Don’t look at me like that. It doesn’t bother me, really. You can only be disappointed if you have expectations, right? I became a priest thanks to Lucia, and that’s already more than I ever aimed for. Besides, I have this."
Miguel lifted his left arm, showing off his steel prosthetic. "This is incredibly useful in a fight. At the very least, it’s enough to buy time to protect our future Saintess. Plus, I’ve got a hidden trick up my sleeve."
It was clear—he wanted to reassure Ian about his concerns for Lucia.
He’s slipping that in smoothly.
Ian smirked quietly before saying, "You still carry that around?"
"Of course. It’s my lucky charm. You should never part with a charm," Miguel said, patting his thigh with the foot that rested on the stirrup.
"Don’t hold back this time." Ian’s words came then, spoken plainly as Miguel paused, eyes narrowing.
He added nonchalantly, "If, by any chance, the worst comes to pass—use it. Don’t hesitate. Hoarding it won’t do any good."
"Hey... now, come on..." Miguel’s brows furrowed.
"We have started nothing yet, and you’re already talking like that? It’s unsettling, especially coming from the Great Warrior of the North."
"You never know what might happen, and I’m saying this for the sake of both Lucia and me, not you," Ian said firmly, giving a slight nod. "Don’t hold back. Unless you want to cover your right arm and leg in steel as well."
"Goodness, even the way you talk is... Anyway, I get your point. You’re telling me not to rush headlong into danger and instead focus on staying alive because I’m the weakest, right?" Miguel shook his head slowly as he spoke, then met Ian’s gaze.
Clicking his tongue, he added, "I will. This time, especially. Everyone seems to have gotten the wrong idea, but I value my life more than anything. It’s not as if Lucia’s in imminent danger, so why should I push myself unnecessarily?"
Ian smirked. "Good. You caught on as quickly as a cat chasing a laser pointer."
"A laser pointer…? What is that?"
"Something fast."
Miguel looked baffled as if he had just heard something absurd, while Ian casually averted his gaze. There was no need to say anything more. The moment Miguel responded, Ian had seen the faint smile of relief that appeared on Lucia’s face. At least he could prevent a situation where Miguel’s actions would force her to risk herself.
If I’m taking him along, I might as well get rid of any potential risks
Ian muttered inwardly and took in the view of the snow-covered forest. The image of the battlefield he had envisioned countless times over the past two days came to life in his mind once more—a scene where mages and battle priests fortified the top of the walls.
***
The snow tapered off before nightfall. Still, the surroundings remained dim, and the thick clouds overhead seemed ready to unleash another storm at any moment. The pale landscape appeared brighter than the sky, giving an odd sense of inversion between heaven and earth.
"I have something I’d like to ask, brother." Miguel broke the silence as they ascended a gently winding slope. Ian turned to look at him, noting the enigmatic smile playing on Miguel’s lips.
"How does it feel to step on the land you rule?"
One of Ian’s eyebrows rose slightly. While he had claimed a vast territory, not all the snowfields belonged to him.
"Technically, we crossed into it a few hours ago. This is Gal Maro, I believe."
Ian let Miguel’s words drift past him, turning his head to look back. His vision suddenly expanded. Though he had been aware that they were climbing gradually as they traveled the winding path, he hadn’t realized just how high they’d ascended. The snow blanketing the surroundings had dulled his sense of elevation.
He realized he hadn’t glanced back even once. With Lucia and Miguel ahead of him and the landscape all around an unbroken expanse of white, there hadn’t been a need.
"Yes... we’ve come quite far."
Muttering under his breath, Ian fixed his gaze on a dark line that cut diagonally across the white expanse below—a wall, stark and imposing. It was far, but visible due to its height and the sharp contrast against the snowy landscape. This nameless fortress wall, with portions crumbling like missing teeth, had yet to be fully repaired.
If the front line were breached, that wall would become the last barrier, shielding the heart of their territory from the snowfields. What was once the most perilous area in the North could, paradoxically, become the safest haven.
Miguel’s voice broke the silence. "All that land you see now is yours. I saved telling you until now for a reason. Impressive, isn’t it?"
Facing forward again, Ian nodded. "Impressive enough."
"... That’s it?"
"What else were you expecting?"
"Come on... seriously?" Miguel clicked his tongue, his expression souring.
To Ian, it was the kind of look that begged for a playful jab.
"You’re too dry. Sure, it’s a cold, mostly barren place, but it’s still your land. If it were me, I’d kiss the ground and ask for its favor."
"I don’t think your kiss would bring any luck—maybe a curse, if anything."
"It’s just a saying, that’s all. And what’s wrong with me, anyway? I look plenty manly. Don’t you agree, Lucy?"
At Miguel’s pointed look, Lucia blinked rapidly. Then, tilting her head slightly, she stared at him intently, causing Miguel’s brow to furrow.
"Why are you just staring at me instead of answering?"
"Maybe because you’ve suddenly thrown her a challenge," Ian scoffed, nodding toward the map clenched in Miguel’s hand. "Just focus on finding the path and stop with the chatter."
"Don’t worry, we’re on track," Miguel replied, unfurling the map deftly with one hand. "Remember when I mentioned that the returning barbarians had built three new villages?"
"Yes." Ian nodded calmly.
It was already something he had heard from the Northern mercenaries who frequently traveled between Ninglosth and the snowfield region. The barbarians who left their settlements had scattered in three directions, forming alliances regardless of their tribes.
Their aim was not only to reclaim their homeland peacefully but also to absorb the remaining barbarian tribes. Many survivors had stayed in the snowfield, showing that there were still quite a few who had endured.
This made Ian realize that the undead army hadn’t swept through the entire snowfield. It made sense—Tahumrit’s motive was revenge, so anyone outside its southern path of invasion was simply irrelevant.
"The southernmost village is not far now. I hear it’s positioned to serve as a gateway to the autonomous region. That suggests they’re more open-minded than before...." Miguel’s rambling voice trailed off abruptly.
For an instant, the world flared with light, staining the snow with a crimson glow.
"... The Black Wall is having a seizure again," Lucia said, snapping her head to the right. The light’s source was to the east.
Yes. It’s starting again.
Rumble, crash!
Just as he turned to look, the sky rumbled with the deafening roar of thunder, as if it might collapse at any moment. The horses ridden by Lucia and Miguel instinctively slowed, their breaths ragged with fear. Though they hadn’t bolted in panic, it was clear they were frightened. Meanwhile, Nila, ever composed, merely snorted out a breath.
"Whoa, easy... easy...," Miguel whispered soothingly. "It’s alright... calm down..."
Their voices wove through the chaos as Ian’s gaze fixed on the eastern sky, where the crimson flashes were fading. The intervals between the pulses were becoming alarmingly short. Soon, when the true erosion began, that red glow would blaze all day.
The scarlet light flared anew, not from a single spot but casting its hue across the entire eastern horizon.
Ian’s eyes widened involuntarily as he saw crimson lightning pierce through the dark clouds, slicing outward like veins of blood. The jagged tendrils raced through the stormy sky, skimming directly above their heads.
I don’t think it’s been this bad so far...
The air reverberated with a thunderous boom, and the scarlet glow spread across the sky like ink spilling through water. The entire expanse flickered and churned, black clouds blending with veins of crimson, surging like waves.
"Damn it... Lu Entre, have mercy..." Miguel muttered, clutching his horse’s neck in a death grip.
Lucia, sensing the ominous shift, had lowered her posture, eyes raised to the sky. The next moment, a burst of red light flared behind them—an utterly unexpected direction.
Boom!
The lightning crackled almost simultaneously, sharper and closer than any previous strikes.