Chapter 57

Before joining the expedition, it was necessary to grasp how the situation was unfolding.

In other words… he needed information.

That wasn’t a major problem. If he simply stayed planted in Bow’s office, messengers from the Order Alliance would continuously bring letters.

“The second expedition will begin soon.”

That meant Duke Edwin had secured sufficient support from the Order Alliance.

The Order of Talos, God of Wisdom, had promised to provide troops. Knights and soldiers under Archbishop Conrad’s influence would march in the second expedition.

It was practically a declaration that they would board the same ship as the duke. Half of the Order of Wisdom’s total forces would be sent this time—if the expedition failed, the consequences would be irreversible.

‘For Conrad to make such a bold move… it may be because of pressure from the Order Alliance.’

By joining hands with Duke Edwin, Conrad had drawn the Alliance’s displeasure. To make up for it, he had to shoulder greater risk than anyone else.

Since Conrad was taking full responsibility for troop support, the other orders planned to send only materials and personnel that would offer tactical assistance—more as a token of sincerity.

The Order of Strife promised military supplies. Weapons and armor imbued with divine power. With those, it would be easier to slay demonic beasts.

The Order of Devotion promised to dispatch one Holy Knight company and several priests. They were not combat forces but medical support. They would tend to the wounded behind the front lines.

The Order of Trial promised to send five monks. Their support was smaller compared to the others, but it couldn’t be helped. The Order of Trial was an elite minority to begin with.

The Order of Valor… flatly refused to provide support. Composed of barbarian warriors, that order had never been on good terms with the Order of Wisdom.

On the other hand, the Order of Titania, Goddess of Prosperity, promised unusual support.

‘They said the Saintess would be dispatched.’

The Saintess of Verdure.

A clergyperson whose renown rivaled Conrad’s. The reason she would accompany the expedition was not disclosed. Only uncertain speculation abounded.

‘Their interests must have aligned somehow.’

That was the rough conclusion he reached.

And lastly… the Order of Harmony. They promised to dispatch a choir composed of outstanding priests.

“…So apparently seven orders will be providing support. It’s larger in scale than I expected.”

Woojin said this while cutting the meat on his plate. Cindy, who had been listening intently the whole time, corrected him.

“Technically, isn’t it six? You said the Order of Valor backed out.”

“Oh, right.”

It was a fair point. Woojin nodded in agreement and placed the freshly cut steak into his mouth. It was fine meat—pleasantly chewy.

Meals at Cindy’s estate were always delicious. With such expensive ingredients used without restraint, it was only natural.

After a brief pause for thought, Cindy spoke again.

“You said the second expeditionary force is coming soon, right? Then will the choir here be joining them?”

“Yeah. That’s what I heard.”

The Choir of Harmony dispatched for the first expedition was currently staying in this city.

Priests and nuns with experience purifying Rift Cores. They would participate in the second expedition, and the expeditionary force would come to the Third Pioneer City to rendezvous with them.

“…When that happens, Sir Jin, you’ll be joining the second expedition with the choir as well.”

Murmuring as she swirled her juice, Cindy glanced at him. Woojin was slightly startled. He had never mentioned that he planned to participate.

“How did you know?”

“I just took a guess.”

…He’d fallen for it.

“You’re really going to join the expedition?”

At her repeated question, Woojin nodded without much hesitation. He had planned to bring it up soon anyway.

“I’m thinking of going, like a trip. The scale is bigger than I expected, so I’d like to see how things are shaping up.”

“I see…”

Cindy’s expression darkened. It seemed she was worried about him following such a dangerous expedition.

He added a reassuring remark.

“Don’t worry too much. I’ll be traveling with a large army, so I won’t get hurt.”

“…Can’t you just not go?”

“It’s already decided.”

When Woojin answered firmly, Cindy let out a faint sigh, as if she had expected that response.

“It’s your decision, so I suppose I can’t stop you. Is there anything I can help you with?”

“If possible… I’d like to acquire some relics.”

The more cards in hand, the better. Carrying relics imbued with special powers would make it easier to handle unexpected situations during the expedition.

At that, Cindy smiled proudly.

“Since you mentioned it, come with me.”

“Where are we going all of a sudden?”

“There’s something I want to show you. It’ll only take a few minutes.”

She brushed it off vaguely and stood up, as if intending to continue the conversation after reaching their destination.

Where was she taking him?

Curious, Woojin obediently set down his utensils and followed. Cindy walked deeper into the estate. Soon, the two of them descended into the basement.

“Please light this.”

Cindy held out a candlestick. Woojin gave a light wave of his hand.

Fwoosh—

The flame that caught on the candle chased away the basement shadows. What was revealed were various kinds of wine hanging on wooden racks. Passing them and walking farther inside…

A large glass display case came into view. Inside it were all kinds of ornaments. Woojin quickly realized what they were.

“Are these… all artifacts?”

“That’s right. I used to collect them as a hobby, but I don’t need them anymore. So take as many as you need.”

If he wanted, he could take them all.

Cindy made the generous offer. For a moment, greed stirred in him… but he soon steadied his mind.

‘…I can’t just take everything from a young girl.’

I’ll just take a couple that catch my eye.

Woojin’s gaze swept across the inside of the display case. Judging by appearance alone, it was impossible to tell what each item did, so he had to ask Cindy several times.

“What’s this thing that looks like a water bottle?”

“It really is a water bottle. It’s a relic called the Fountain of Purification. If you fill it with contaminated water and wait an hour, it turns into clean water.”

“That’s incredible.”

He had found something useful right from the start. Seeing the interest in his eyes, Cindy took the relic out without hesitation and handed it to him.

“I think you should take it.”

“Isn’t it expensive?”

“Don’t worry about that. Anyway—this ring here is quite interesting too. It might help during the expedition!”

As she spoke, Cindy pulled out various items one by one. She seemed even more excited than he was. At some point, she stopped asking what he wanted and simply began pressing things into his hands.

‘…Looks like I’ll be going back with both arms full.’

For Woojin, that was nothing but good news.

**

The appointed day arrived.

Woojin, Bow, Roland, and the other Holy Knights came out to receive their guests.

Far in the distance… the expeditionary army marched toward the city.

Shining armor. An army clad in it advanced endlessly from beyond the horizon. It looked like a silver tide slowly rolling in.

A massive lizard-type demonic beast—a Tarasque—walked in formation with the army. It appeared to have been modified for cargo transport and combat; the end of its tail was thick like a mace.

The Second Expeditionary Force.

Its numbers reached a staggering eight thousand.

An absurdly large force—more than double what the Order Alliance had deployed in the first expedition. Such numbers were possible only because nobles of the Kingdom Alliance had lent part of their troops.

‘…They’ve started setting up camp.’

The soldiers stopped some distance from the city and erected numerous tents. It seemed they would encamp outside rather than enter the pioneer city.

A reasonable decision. The army was far too large; even if only twenty percent entered, the entire city would be paralyzed beyond its capacity.

Thus, only those of high rank could enter the city to rest—knights and priests. Even they numbered in the hundreds.

Representing them all…

Five individuals approached. Two were familiar faces.

‘Duke Edwin. Archbishop Conrad.’

To greet them, Bow stepped forward with an affable smile.

“I didn’t expect to meet you two here. Are you personally leading the expedition?”

Edwin laughed heartily.

“Ha ha! Lord Bow, of course. I’ve staked everything on this endeavor. I can’t simply sit in my domain twiddling my thumbs and waiting for news.”

“So you refuse to entrust your fate to others. A most gallant resolve.”

Bow smoothly gilded his words with praise. Apparently pleased, a bright smile spread across Edwin’s face.

In high spirits, Edwin began introducing those beside him.

“This is Sir Cornelius, the supreme commander of this expedition. A knight I trust more than anyone.”

The White Serpent, Cornelius.

An old knight even older than Bow—well past eighty. Yet his eyes were as sharp and vivid as a young man’s.

“And this is Saintess Cecilia, the very heart of this expedition.”

Saintess Cecilia of Verdure.

Her face was hidden beneath a light green veil. In her hand was a staff woven from vines, flowers blooming along its length.

Even at a glance, she did not seem like an ordinary priestess. Naturally so—the title of Saintess was not given lightly.

“Lastly, this young fellow here is the knight known as Beomont. The Giant Knight. I’m sure you’ve all heard the nickname at least once.”

The Giant Knight, Beomont.

It was Woojin’s first time hearing the name, but he could easily believe the man’s fame.

‘…He must be three meters tall.’

Enormous and muscular, like a man sculpted from massive slabs of rock. Wearing thick plate armor, he exuded overwhelming pressure even while standing still.

The seasoned old knight Cornelius would command, while the young, physically gifted Beomont would crush the enemy.

‘Judging by their selection, they’ve prepared well.’

If their supplies held and they executed an ideal strategy, they might actually stand a chance.

Just then—

“…Jin. Have you been well?”

Conrad addressed him, apparently remembering his face.

Woojin responded casually.

“It’s been a while.”

“Indeed. I thought we would meet again soon, yet you fluttered away like a migratory bird in autumn. Quite regrettable.”

Conrad smiled faintly as he added,

“But now it may be you who feels regret. Had you joined under my banner then, you could have fully shared in the expedition’s success. A pity.”

You missed a great opportunity.

With that unspoken message, Conrad moved to catch up with the others. It seemed he still harbored some resentment over having his recommendation declined in favor of Bow.

Watching his retreating figure, Woojin smiled.

‘This should be interesting to watch.’

Then as now…

He had no reason to regret the choice he had made.