Chapter 241

Mu-Gun expressed his intention to form the Avalon Order to Philford.

“The Avalon Order?”

"Yes, it is a Knight Order with a singular mission—to safeguard Avalon, transcending national or Knight Order affiliations. The Avalon Order's primary objective is to vanquish the Demon God. Once the Demon God is eradicated, the Avalon Order will be promptly disbanded, and each member will return to their original affiliations."

"Indeed, the Golden Lion Knights and the Crimson Dragon Knights hail from diverse affiliations and nations. Uniting them under the banner of the Avalon Order provides a solid foundation for enhanced cohesion and collaboration."

Philford responded positively to establishing the Avalon Order.

“Then, do you agree?”

“Yes, let’s do that. Then, will you be the Captain of the Avalon Order?”

“No. I would like for you to take the lead, Sir Philford.”

"You want me to lead? How could I be the Avalon Order's Captain when you are with us? Even if we consider skills alone, it is only fitting for you to be the Captain."

"While confronting the Demon God, there will be numerous occasions where I'll need to operate independently of the Avalon Order. Moreover, despite being God’s Representative, I lack the practical leadership experience to effectively lead the Avalon Order. I believe it would be in the Order's best interest for Sir Philford to assume the role of Captain rather than myself,"

"Hmm, setting aside the Crimson Dragon Knights, I'm uncertain whether the Golden Lion Knights will readily accept me as their Captain."

Mu-Gun reassured, "There isn't a knight on the Avalon Continent unfamiliar with your expertise and capabilities. The Golden Lion Knights, too, will undoubtedly trust and follow you, Sir Philford."

“If you say it so confidently, then, even if I may not be entirely deserving, I will wholeheartedly lead the Order with sincerity.”

“Thank you.”

“But is it possible to grant the Sky God’s authority to the knights I brought with me?”

"Starting tomorrow, every member of the Avalon Order will receive the Sky God’s authority. I will begin by bestowing the Sky God’s authority upon the knights you have brought with you.”

"If, through the Sky God’s authority, they attain the Master Rank, the Avalon Order will earnestly strive to repay your generosity," Philford expressed, displaying satisfaction at Mu-Gun's words.

While temporarily setting aside his duties to the Kraiss Kingdom and the Crimson Dragon Order for the cause of safeguarding Avalon from the Demon God, Philford's loyalty to his homeland and Knight Order remained unwavering. The potential elevation of the seventeen knights under his command to the rank of Master Knights could indeed propel the Kraiss Kingdom and the Crimson Dragon Order forward, contingent upon their survival in the impending battle against the Demon God.

“I do not doubt that you and the Avalon Order will spare no efforts in the war against the Demon God.”

“I won’t disappoint you.”

"By the way, once the knights you bring attain the Master Rank, you'll need suitable Chevalier Armor for them. Have you considered that?" Mu-Gun inquired.

"I wish I could furnish E-Class Chevalier Armor for the knights upon achieving the rank of Master, but given the current state of Chevalier Armor production technology in the Kraiss Kingdom, that might prove challenging. Do you happen to have a solution?"

“The Pantheon Kingdom is also in a similar situation.”

"Considering the current circumstances, producing E-Class Chevalier Armor is a formidable challenge for the six kingdoms, excluding the Pamar Empire. Although the only option to equip the Avalon Order is to import them from the Pamar Empire, even with the Anti-Demon God Alliance in place, convincing them to part with their E-Class Chevalier Armors might prove difficult," Philford acknowledged with a smile.

“Still, there is nothing to lose, so let’s try requesting the Pamar Empire.” Mu-Gun decided to meet the Pamar Empire’s Emperor to ask for it.

Acknowledging Philford's observation that the Pamar Empire might decline their request for Chevalier Armors, Mu-Gun, nevertheless, found it worth pursuing. After concluding his meeting with Philford, Mu-Gun summoned the Golden Lion Knights. Immersed in training to acclimate to their newly attained Master Rank through the Thunder God Enlightenment Spell, the Golden Lion Knights eagerly responded to Mu-Gun's call.

“May I know what you called us for?” Schwartz, the Golden Lion Order’s Knight Captain, asked.

"I've gathered you all here to share some information and also to give you something."

“Please, go ahead.”

"I have decided to establish a Knight Order that will stand alongside me in the battle against the Demon God. This order shall be known as the Avalon Order, and I am extending an invitation for each of you to become a member."

“Then, what will happen to the Golden Lion Order?”

“The Avalon Order is only temporary and will be dissolved promptly upon the Demon God's eradication. After its disbandment, each of you is free to once again wield your swords in service of the Venatia fief, just as you were originally—as members of the Golden Lion Order.”

“Will you act as the Avalon Order’s Captain?”

"No, Sir Philford of the Kraiss Kingdom will assume the role of Captain. Additionally, the Crimson Dragon Knights, who have joined Sir Philford in the fight against the Demon God, will also be integral members of the Avalon Order.”

“Will the knights brought by Sir Philford receive the Sky God’s authority too?”

“Yes.”

“With all due respect, if the Kraiss Kingdom’s knights receive the Sky God’s authority, wouldn’t it be detrimental to the Pantheon Kingdom in the future?”

“That question is quite disappointing. Have you forgotten why I granted you all the Sky God’s authority?”

At Mu-Gun’s response, Schwartz looked embarrassed.

“I beg your pardon. I forgot that we should prioritize protecting Avalon instead of the Venatia fief or the Pantheon Kingdom.”

"It's inconsequential which kingdom or Knight Order they hail from. What matters is their willingness to combat the Demon God for the sake of Avalon. These individuals have resolved to sacrifice their lives for Avalon, and they are fully deserving of receiving the Sky God’s authority."

“That was thoughtless of me. From now on, I will think and act only for Avalon, regardless of nation or Knight Order.”

“I believe that you will.”

“But you said that you had something to give us. What is it?” Schwartz asked with anticipation.

“It’s a sword technique.”

“A sword technique?”

"It's a sword technique that complements the Mana circulation method I've instructed you on. By employing this sword technique in conjunction with the Mana circulation method, you'll be capable of exhibiting a significantly more potent form of swordsmanship than your current proficiency allows," Mu-Gun elucidated.

“If you teach us, we will do our best to learn it.”

“We will do our best to learn it-!”

In unison, Schwartz and the knights erupted in enthusiastic shouts, their faces adorned with uncontainable anticipation. Over time, they had come to recognize the remarkable effectiveness of Mu-Gun's Mana circulation method. Now, with the promise of an accompanying sword technique, their expectations soared to new heights.

“Let’s strike while the iron is hot. I will teach you from today onwards.”

“From today?”

“Why? Is there a reason why I cannot?”

“No, it’s just that I like the sound of that very much,” Schwartz said.

“Then, let’s get started right away.”

Amused by Schwartz's reaction, Mu-Gun proceeded to instruct Schwartz and the knights in the intricacies of the Nine Sky-Shaking Fire Blades technique.

*

The Yupir Church's Apostolic Jurisdiction, dedicated to serving the Sky God Yupir, awaited with anticipation the appointment of a new Saintess. The selection of the Saintess, who would directly commune with the Sky God Yupir, was a decision to be made solely by Yupir.

The chosen Saintess, designated by Yupir, would validate her qualification by emanating a golden surge of lightning that enveloped her entire body.

The Apostolic Jurisdiction harbored a sense of anxiety as the appointment of a new Saintess remained pending, despite a considerable period passing since the departure of the previous Saintess. The unease intensified given the mounting turmoil in Avalon, marked by the arrival of the Demon God and the emergence of the Sky God's Representative.

In the face of the potential descent of the Demon God, the Yupir Church needed to take proactive measures. However, lacking any indication of Yupir's divine revelation, they refrained from hasty actions. The urgent need for a Saintess persisted, as only through this selection could they hope to receive Yupir's divine guidance. The Pope and cardinals of the Apostolic Jurisdiction engaged in daily prayers, fervently seeking the intervention of the Sky God.

Possibly owing to the efficacy of their prayers, a Saintess selected by Yupir emerged after a prolonged wait—Maria Hermione. A devoted nun within the Yupir Church, Maria was renowned for her tireless efforts in aiding the impoverished and tending to the ailing. She epitomized the true essence of a Saintess, having been chosen by Yupir during her compassionate service to the sick.

Maria's body, enveloped in a radiant wave of golden lightning, exuded an undeniable sanctity. Having received Yupir's divine revelation, she promptly made her way to the Apostolic Jurisdiction. Upon witnessing the unmistakable golden wave of lightning emanating from her, the Apostolic Jurisdiction duly recognized her as the new Saintess. Subsequently, Maria conveyed Yupir's revelation to the Pope of the Apostolic Jurisdiction.

- Help Argon Laonia Venatia, the Sky God’s Representative, to eradicate the Demon God and save Avalon.

- The Yupir Church shall spare no efforts in helping the Sky God’s Representative.

Without conflicting with the dual revelations conveyed by Yupir, the Pope swiftly initiated measures to aid Argon. Summoning both the paladins and priests of the Yupir Church, he promptly dispatched them to Venatia, Argon's location, accompanied by the newly appointed Saintess.

Upon receiving word of the Yupir Church's dispatch, Mu-Gun promptly made his way to the Portal Management Office in the Venatia fief. Coinciding with his arrival, members of the Yupir Church, including paladins and priests, materialized through the portal, marking their arrival in Venatia.

The Yupir Church sent a contingent of twenty-five individuals to Venatia. This group consisted of twelve paladins, twelve priests, and Saintess Maria. Mu-Gun keenly sensed the energy of the Thunder God within them, with the twelve paladins standing out for their robust energy, all holding the esteemed rank of Grand Master.

In contrast, the priests emanated a more subtle presence of the Thunder God's energy. Yet, their significance should not be underestimated. Through fervent prayers, they could harness the authority of the Sky God Yupir. Additionally, the potency of this authority was directly proportional to the depth of their faith in the Sky God Yupir.

Mu-Gun directed his gaze toward a woman whose appearance differed markedly from the robust paladins and priests. In an instant, he recognized her as the newly appointed Saintess. In her early twenties, she possessed an ethereal quality that transcended mere physical beauty. While not overtly stunning, an ineffable sense of holiness radiated from her countenance.

“Welcome, those of the Yupir Church. From the looks of it, you must have come after receiving the esteemed Yupir’s revelation.” Mu-Gun started.

"Yes, indeed. I am Maria Hermione, the Saintess devoted to the revered Yupir. I have arrived to extend assistance to you, Young Lord Argon—or rather, God’s Representative—following a divine revelation."

"That is most welcome news. I had intended to launch an assault on the monsters in the Patagon Mountain Range in the coming days. Your presence, along with the Yupir Church's paladins and priests, would undoubtedly prove invaluable in our expedition."

“You are going to attack the Patagon Mountain Range?”

"Given the apparent descent of the Demon God, it's reasonable to assume that the monsters in the four great mountain ranges comprise the Demon God's army. Our strategy involves venturing into the mountain range preemptively, eradicating the monsters before they launch invasions into the nations of Avalon," Mu-Gun elucidated.

“I see. If you have decided so, our Church will faithfully follow your lead, for that is the will of the esteemed Yupir.”

Maria voiced no objections to Mu-Gun's plan. While there was nothing inherently flawed in his strategy, her primary intention was to wholeheartedly endorse Mu-Gun's efforts following Yupir's divine revelation.

“Thank you. Also, I have a favor to ask of you regarding the expedition on the four great mountain ranges.”

“Please go ahead.”

"It seems prudent to dispatch the Yupir Church's paladins and priests to each of the four mountain ranges. While having all your members assist in our assault on the Patagon Mountain Range would undoubtedly expedite our campaign, it appears that our forces might be overly abundant for that particular operation. It might be more advantageous, for several reasons, to lend aid to the other three mountain ranges by distributing your forces," Mu-Gun suggested, contemplating the most effective utilization of resources.

“What does the Paladin Captain and High Priest think?” Maria asked the Paladin Order’s Captain, Luther Carvaldo, and Carlson Robusta, the High Priest leading the other priests.

“Well, as Young Lord Argon said, if their forces are already strong enough, it would be better to split our forces.”

“I feel the same way as Captain Luther,” Carlson said in agreement.

“Then, let’s do as Young Lord Argon says. Divide our Church’s forces and support the other places together. You two will be in charge of dividing up our forces.”

“Understood.” Luther and Carlson nodded.

“Then, allow me to lead you to where you are going to stay during your time here.”

Once their conversation came to a brief conclusion, Mu-Gun personally guided the Yupir Church’s members to their accommodations.