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Johan clicked his tongue at the sight of the thoroughly destroyed and burned fiefdom. Those who had been so friendly to him, a fellow knight, had caused this havoc and left.
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Moreover, they had already advanced to the next target.
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“Sir Johan. Could you possibly assist the knights of the St. Iena Holy Knights’ Order?”
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The captain of the guards decided to change his plans when the knights did not wait and continued forward. He thought it better to send a few swift members to assist. It seemed like a good opportunity to avoid unnecessary trouble.
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Seeing a good opportunity, Johan nodded. Participating in the suppression under the banner of the guild, he didn’t rampage like the crazed elf knights but saw it as a chance to earn merit.
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“Let’s do that.”
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Johan decided to leave Geoffrey behind with the group. It didn’t seem dangerous enough to bring along another person. Geoffrey, unsure whether to be relieved for his safety or worried about being sold off as a laborer, wore a complicated expression.
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“Then, Suetlg-nim. I entrust this to you.”
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“What’s there to entrust? The dwarves will handle the fight. Just make sure to be careful.”
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Despite carrying iron shields and loads on their backs and holding weapons in their hands, the women of the St. Iena Holy Knights’ Order did not slow down compared to Johan on horseback. They were far more disciplined than the mercenaries.
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Leading them was Captain Valien, a monastic priestess.
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She was tall enough to reach Johan’s nose, with a well-trained body that was evident even under her ample monastic robes. In contrast, her youthful face with silver hair was quite incongruous.
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The first words she spoke after the greeting were as follows.
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“Sir Johan. What do you think of God?”
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“. . . . . .”
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Taken aback by the unexpected question, Johan was perplexed.
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The churches in this world were similar to those on Earth but not exactly the same. He had learned quite a bit from Priest Valberga, but he wasn’t knowledgeable enough to discuss theology.
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“I do not think it’s my place to speak on such matters.”
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“That’s a humble statement.”
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“?”
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Valien was expressionless, but Johan could feel that she was satisfied with his answer. He was slightly bewildered. Did he give the right response?
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“The knights from the Bartok family were indulging in sins. Gluttony, though pleasing to the tongue, corrupts the soul. It leads to pride.”
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Johan, who had been eating and drinking merrily with the elf knights, felt a bit guilty. He quickly changed the subject.
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“In that regard, the clerics are indeed leading a devout life. I have always respected that.”
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“Would you consider joining the monastery?”
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“I have family duties, so that might be difficult. . .”
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Valien nodded, understanding that such reasons were unavoidable.
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Throughout the walk, Johan, not wanting to discuss theology and frugality, posed another question.
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“I heard the St. Iena Holy Knights’ Order had encountered trolls. I’d like to hear about how you dealt with them.”
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“Sir Johan. Please, let’s not speak of trolls.”
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“?”
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“There is a saying that speaking of trolls brings them to life.”
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‘𝘐𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤?’
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In a world where magic exists, superstitions were unsettling to completely dismiss. So, he decided not to speak of trolls.
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Instead, Johan inquired about how the Holy Knights’ Order clerics lived, their daily routine, and if they had any discomforts.
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The clerics seemed intrigued by such questions.
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Johan was indeed different from other knights. Such questions were never posed by knights. Common questions from knights were about their achievements, the beauty of their new swords, or how much God loved them.
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The clerics responded kindly.
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“There are swordsmanship techniques unique to the Holy Knights’ Order. We practice and spar in our free time.”
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Since retired knights often joined the monastery, the Holy Knights’ Order’s swordsmanship was far from weak. They dedicated less time to scripture and more to honing their skills.
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Among these techniques were secret visions not disclosed to the outside, similar to what Johan had learned from Kaegal. Suddenly, Johan became interested.
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How do these paladins fight?
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Then, from afar, the sound of galloping horses approached rapidly. It was the sound of someone riding a horse at full speed. Johan and the clerics immediately stopped and grabbed their weapons.
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“Help us!”
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“!”
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Bursting through the bushes was a servant who accompanied the elf knights. He was hanging onto the horse, his face half dazed. He clearly looked severely distressed.
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“What happened?”
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“Alert! Alert! Milord has been attacked by a troll!”
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“. . . . . .”
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No. . .
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Johan glanced at Valien for a moment. Fortunately, it seemed Valien did not blame Johan.
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“Please help us!”
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“Understood. You go back to the main force and ask for help. I will go as I am to aid them.”
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“Thank you. . .!”
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After hearing the details of the location and situation from the servant, Johan looked at Valien. Since the troll had already appeared, there was no need to hold back words. They had to ask those who had hunted before.
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“Is the troll faster or slower than a horse?”
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“Slower than a horse, but. . . Alert, alert! Please stop!”
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As Johan was about to drive the horse away, Valien cried out in panic. Hunting a troll wasn’t like hunting a wild beast by just running and catching it. The troll’s skin was tough and its regenerative powers were even more tenacious, requiring full preparation.
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“Why?”
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“To capture the troll, we need to prepare. Please wait until we are ready with <𝐒𝐭. 𝐈𝐞𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞>.”
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One of its weaknesses was fire, especially a relentless fire that wouldn’t easily extinguish. Hearing Valien’s words, Johan thought to himself,
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‘𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺. . .’