Chapter 252

"Ulsten, you haven't told anyone else about these fallen angels, have you?"

"Of course not. Who would I even consult about this?"

Ulsten's reaction upon seeing the state of the halting of sales and production indicated he was equally appalled. He must have realized what kind of beings he would have to deal with if he made a mistake.

But instead of stopping there, Isaac decided to take a step further.

"Alright. But please don't stop the production. If plucking a few feathers would wake them, they should have already awoken by now. Also, can you quietly investigate these beings within the World's Forge cult?"

The World's Forge cult's declaration of victory, 'Rebirth,' ends with the new Codex of Light emerging from beneath the earth. Isaac hypothesized that this 'new Codex of Light' might be these beings underground.

Even though this place had nothing to do with the World's Forge cult, there was definitely some connection.

"Are you saying... these fallen angels might be related to the World's Forge?"

Isaac nodded.

Ulsten understood the implication.

Although it was equally terrifying, the proposal was intriguing to Ulsten, who had directly ventured from the Svánbar Archipelago to the continent to create a 'new god.'

"Got it. I'll investigate as much as I can on my end. But..."

Ulsten, who had expected Isaac to bury the issue, showed interest in his investigative directive.

"It seems you aren't afraid?"

"How could I not be afraid?"

Isaac smiled, touching his trembling lips.

"But whatever happens later, I don't want to face it completely unprepared. At the very least, we should find a way to keep them buried."

"You're right. If these all start moving, the Issacrea estate would sink into the ground. So, what will you do?"

"Me? I will..."

Isaac's tasks were already clear.

"In this mad world, I'll continue finding ways to survive with my people."

***

Autumn began coloring the high slopes of the mountains.

Since Isaac started governing the Issacrea estate, the farmers, who had never once failed a harvest, anticipated another bountiful yield this year. Despite the growing population, they didn't need to import food from outside.

Moreover, exempted from imperial trade taxes, numerous goods were gathered and traded here. Though it wasn't a city yet, it was certain to become a significant trading hub in time.

The rapidly developing Issacrea estate attracted many immigrants. Especially thanks to the rumor of the Holy Grail Knight treating barbarians and heathens without discrimination, persecuted talents naturally gathered.

Among these were the dozens of immigrants who arrived with Neria.

Although Isaac hadn't ordered them to come here, there were few places the suddenly expelled heathens could go.

At first, the estate's people were wary when dozens of people suddenly wanted to settle. But seeing them eat without complaint, sleep soundly in humble homes, work diligently, and treat both people and animals kindly, they were soon accepted as part of the community.

A significant factor in their quick integration was their high level of education.

For example, Neria now worked as an accountant and physician in the estate. Initially helping with farm work, she naturally took on the role after aiding farmers being exploited by merchants who couldn't read.

Being literate and numerate was a remarkable skill in this era. On top of that, her knowledge of herbal medicine made many seek her out.

Of course, the sick or injured should see a priest. But there were times when it was difficult to ask a priest, such as with mental illnesses, animal diseases, or minor ailments like stomachaches or colds.

Other immigrants also knew how to read and possessed various skills or extensive knowledge in specific fields, greatly benefiting the estate.

"Miss Neria, my son recovered completely after using the herbs you recommended. Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'm glad to hear it helped."

Neria responded politely to the grateful farmers and moved on. Watching her, the farmers gossiped about her.

Her manner of speech, refined demeanor, and high education suggested she was undoubtedly a noble or a priest. But they couldn't understand why she lived humbly among them.

Many speculations arose, but it was clear Neria and her group were becoming a significant part of the estate.

"Hu..."

Returning to her room, Neria let out a deep sigh and lay on her bed. It was the empty house initially assigned to the immigrants. Given her leadership status among the immigrants, she had a small private room.

Today, she reviewed new contracts for the farmers, examined a calf's droppings to diagnose a dietary issue, and provided the necessary remedies.

Though her daily life was exhausting, she felt more fulfilled than ever. The more she prayed to the Nameless Chaos, the more she felt a void within her being filled.

'I couldn't understand His teachings at first, but now I feel I can grasp fragments of them.'

Neria thought of the masked man who had saved them from Camille.

Camille had undoubtedly become a monster due to the Nameless Chaos. But the man who saved them was also an agent of the Nameless Chaos.

She couldn't comprehend this contradiction but knew whom to serve.

***

[He had been watching.]

Suddenly, Neria's eyes flew open, and she sat up abruptly.

A man stood at the foot of her bed.

"[You have been faithfully following my teachings.]"

It wasn't a dream. Neria rolled off the bed and bowed her head to Isaac, the masked man. She couldn't bring herself to look directly at his mask, which gave her a chilling sensation.

"I have been waiting for you, Prophet."

"[You were waiting?]"

"I knew that what you told us back then wasn't everything. The teachings you gave us have been a great gift. I thought you would come to deliver punishment once we had atoned for our sins."

Isaac was momentarily taken aback.

Indeed, the current life of Neria and her group was a rather mild punishment.

But now, they had become a significant part of Isaac's domain. He didn't feel the need to punish them further.

However, he could use their guilt to his advantage.

"[Very well. Since you seem ready, I will tell you what you must do.]"

"I will devote myself to fulfilling the mission."

"[Spread my teachings throughout this estate. Let everyone whisper my teachings, listen to them, and let them be present in the farmers' seeds, the merchants' carts, and the priests' murmurs.]"

Neria froze momentarily.

Proselytizing was one of the most common and mundane doctrines. But this was Isaac Issacrea's estate. It was only natural for her to be afraid.

"This is Isaac Issacrea's estate, Prophet. No matter how benevolent and compassionate he is, I fear we may fall to his sword before we fully atone for our sins."

"[I will handle him, so do not worry.]"

Isaac spoke, trying to appear at ease.

"[You don't have to proselytize loudly. It is enough if you maintain the teachings, embody the philosophy, and set an example of the correct way of life.]"

Isaac spoke earnestly to Neria.

"[You are the scriptures and the relics of the cult. People will read the doctrine just by looking at you, and they will be influenced by my teachings by being close to you. You are the sacred texts and the relics.]"

Neria felt her heart flutter at Isaac's words. No one had ever said such things to her before. Even during her studies in the Codex of Light cult, the priests had always spoken as if they alone were the mouthpiece and instrument of the sacred texts.

Isaac continued his teachings.

"[You need no temple, altar, or priest. I will not set a prayer text. You need not seek the name of a god.]"

"Prophet, then... how should we rely on you when we need help?"

In a world with gods, not being able to expect divine help was like drifting alone on a vast sea. As the leader of the cult followers, Neria had felt this desperation many times and asked with urgency.

"[I cannot help you.]"

Isaac replied calmly.

"[I am not an omnipotent being. Like you, I am also an imperfect being, as is everything in this world.]"

Isaac had long accepted his own imperfections.

All the evils and contradictions arising from faith stemmed from claiming that the gods were omnipotent and perfect. While a god who could do anything existed, it was born from the wishes of ordinary people.

"[Therefore, you must strive to make your lives a miracle. Be warm and kind miracles to yourselves and to each other.]"

Isaac pronounced this as if reaffirming it to himself.

"[Even so, if unbearable trials come, I will also come to you as a miracle.]"

"I will humbly accept your words."

Neria responded, struggling to breathe in the tense atmosphere.

She realized that the teachings she received in the depths of Baelbaden were not punishments but doctrines and miracles. Despite her great sins, the Prophet had embraced and guided them compassionately.

Thus, Neria accepted the new faith.

In the absence of a god to call upon, they themselves had to become the miracles of their lives, a form of atheism.

***

Isaac promised Neria and her followers to continue teaching them and returned. He was surprised by how well Neria had adapted but was more astonished by their sincerity.

'I honestly thought the followers of the Nameless Chaos would be opportunistic charlatans... did the events in Baelbaden leave such a deep psychological impact?'

It could be that the trauma had rendered them somewhat simple-minded. Or perhaps they were deeply impressed by the 'Dark Communion.' If not, the chaff might have already fallen away, leaving only the core followers who reached the Issacrea estate.

Isaac remembered that many more followers had escaped from Baelbaden.

He didn't dwell on it. He decided to protect and care for those who had come under his wing. Ultimately, a person can only protect those within their reach.

'But why hasn't Claire arrived yet?'

Claire and her group, who had departed much earlier than Neria, had yet to arrive. Given their inexperience as theology students, getting lost was expected, but it felt too late. However, Isaac couldn't go out to search for them himself.

As acolytes, they were unlikely to die on the road, so they would arrive eventually.

Isaac didn't worry too much.

He patrolled the estate lightly on Nel. The residents were no longer startled by the silhouette of a dragon flying overhead.

Though the Issacrea estate in the valley had already darkened, Isaac, flying high, could still see the sun hanging on the western edge. As he scanned for any wandering travelers, he noticed a lone figure in monk robes walking from the east.

Due to the monk robes, he wondered if it was Claire, but it was unlikely they would come from the east unless they were severely off course.

Isaac descended.

As Nel approached, the man in monk robes swiftly drew his sword. Isaac's eyes widened at the skilled movement.

At least the skill of a paladin or higher. There was no need to scare him off right away, but he needed to identify him.

Thud. Isaac landed, ready to draw his sword, and observed the stranger.

"Who are you?"

The stranger hesitated.

Instead of answering Isaac's question, he lifted his hood slightly and asked.

"Isaac?"

Hearing the voice, Isaac felt as if he had traveled back in time several years. He barely managed to reply.

"Gebel?"

The deserter who had taken care of him and taught him swordsmanship at the Ariet Monastery stood before him. Isaac dropped his sword and rushed forward, embracing him tightly.