Three years later, fourteen years ago. Western Mist Kingdom. Temporary temple of the Goddess’s order. “Priest~ Uncle~!” “Play with us-!” Children from the slums ran into the temple courtyard, screaming noisily. Soon after, with a creak, the old door of the temporary temple opened, and Zenis appeared, scratching his unkempt hair. “…Not a priest, but…

First, I took Hannibal outside the barracks to separate him from the other men. Crouching in front of Hannibal, I touched my aching forehead and asked, “You said you were fifteen when I hired you.” Then, Hannibal, hesitatingly watching me, said in a shrinking voice, “I lied about my age then… But Kellibey realized it…

Rosetta also attended the funeral, as expected. A priest could not be absent from an event commemorating the dead. Dressed in her stark black priestly garb, devoid of any adornments, Rosetta was quietly praying in front of the graves. As I approached, Rosetta, hearing my footsteps, stopped her prayer and gave me a slight smile….

I drew the sword. Shring-! With a cool sound, the blade revealed itself to the world. I couldn’t help but marvel. “…It’s light.” Despite being a holder of such feeble strength that it would be laughable for an awakened character who has completed the third class advancement, I could swing this ceremonial longsword with ease….

“I can’t move aside.” Ignoring Rosetta’s warning, I put strength into my feet planted on the ground. “No, I won’t move aside, Rosetta.” “…” Rosetta’s gaze turned cold. I scoffed. “It seems you’re the one under a misconception.” “A misconception?” “This place, Crossroad, the Monster Front, and the World Guardian Front, are all independent entities…

As I stepped out of the hospital room, a woman dressed neatly in a tight-fitting priest’s robe was waiting. I called out her name. “Rosetta.” She was the newly joined commander of the First Holy Knights Division, Rosetta. Having been engaged in relief activities since our arrival at Crossroad, it was here that we met….

The next morning, at the forward base. This place, which had undergone reconstruction and continuous battles over the last three months, still bore the aftermath of the most recent battle. Parts of the outer walls had collapsed, eroded by tree roots. The tree monsters that had pressed up to the very edge of the forward…

Clank! Rattle, clank! The magic gun [Black Queen] began to transform on its own, morphing into the shape of a long railgun. Seven magic bullets combined into one and were loaded into the bullet slot – “I’m taking the shot-!” Flash-! With Damien’s shout, it was fired with a flash of light. The deadly strike…

Three months later. South of Crossroad. At the Black Lake Front. Forward Base. On the day of Stage 30. *** It was already the 30th defense battle. Every stage multiple of five is known as a boss stage, where especially difficult enemies appear. Until now, monsters up to the 10th rank under the Demon King…

I inadvertently smiled at Mikhail as he expressed his gratitude. “We have to help each other out. Especially when facing monsters together in battle.” “I challenged your command. That means, at some point, I might rebel against you again… From your perspective, I could be a hindrance to stable frontline command.” Mikhail rolled his crimson…