Chapter 286

Isaac was also utterly exhausted. Blood streamed from his eyes, nose, and mouth.

"Ah... This is brutal. I've really overdone it."

"What... what is this?"

Atlan, gasping for breath, tried to grip his sword, only to realize it was already shattered, and his arms were broken. In contrast, despite his insides being torn to shreds, Isaac was still standing, holding his sword.

At this point, the outcome was clear.

What Isaac had visualized to create his new advanced sword technique was a black hole.

If the opponent was as fast as light, then all he had to do was devour that light. It was an absurd conclusion, but Isaac, in true Codex of Light Paladin fashion, had reached it.

Isaac wiped away the blood from his nose and licked it with his tongue.

Given that Isaac's swordsmanship consumed only satiety and imposed minimal physical strain, it was clear just how reckless his endeavor had been. Fortunately, thanks to the Intestines of the Dead God, his internal injuries were healing rapidly, but if something had gone wrong, he might have collapsed from hunger right in front of Atlan.

'Isaac's Swordsmanship: Event Horizon' was not all that different from Elil's swordsmanship.

If Elil's sword was overwhelmingly fast, then Event Horizon was overwhelmingly heavy.

At its core, it was just a simple downward slash.

But the unique reality-warping effect of advanced swordsmanship, combined with Isaac's experience as the Nameless Chaos, was layered onto it.

However, Isaac was confident that the only beings capable of blocking this downward slash would be angels.

Of course, the power was far less than Isaac had expected.

'Maybe... 2% of the power I hoped for?'

In any case, it was a success, 1% for managing to execute it and another 1% for surviving the attempt.

It was a sword technique conceived to face angels or gods, not mere mortals.

Although its performance had a long way to go, it was a first step.

Isaac struggled to stand, glaring at Atlan.

"What now, Atlan? Do you still think this fight isn't over?"

"..."

Atlan's fighting spirit had completely vanished.

If he still had the will to fight after witnessing that, Isaac would have admired him. But Isaac was also out of energy to continue the battle.

Finally, Atlan spoke.

"Did you spare me on purpose?"

Isaac shrugged.

"Maybe?"

"Why?"

"Come on, Atlan. I'm being vague on purpose. If I say I spared you, it'll hurt your pride, and if I say no, I'm afraid you'll come after me again later. As you can see, this technique isn't something I can just throw around anytime. I'm exhausted."

Atlan remained silent at Isaac's chiding.

He accepted the outcome and chose to retreat gracefully. Before withdrawing, Atlan addressed Isaac one more time.

"Isaac, surrender."

"Again with this nonsense?"

"If you surrender, I will personally ask the Khan to guarantee you the rank of Manho, no, a general. It's an honor and position hard to come by for an apostate. Besides, you're not really a Paladin of the Codex of Light anymore, are you? You could even prevent the destruction of the Issacrea estate if you make the decision."

"..."

Isaac merely smiled, giving no answer. Atlan found this frustrating.

Despite Isaac's impressive display of power, as he himself admitted, the sword technique was not something he could use at will. At most, he might use it once or twice more before being crushed by the Olkan army. Wouldn't it be better to surrender?

Atlan couldn't understand Isaac's stubbornness.

"Let me put it the other way, Atlan. Surrender."

"...What did you say?"

"Surrender, and I'll offer you the position of our village's chief guard. The current chief would step down willingly for you. We don't have a standing army of a thousand, and in peacetime, it's usually about five hundred, but still, it's a respectable title in these parts. Plus, we don't discriminate against different faiths."

"What kind of nonsense is this...!"

"Alright, understood. Take care."

Leaving those words behind, Isaac disappeared into the forest.

Atlan stood there with a baffled expression, staring blankly at the spot where Isaac had vanished.

***

Isaac managed to rescue Hesabel and Nel safely, but that was all.

The shamans, the Keshik, Sahulan Khan, and the Netherworld had utterly neutralized the resistance of the Issacrea forces. Having reached the point where he could no longer fight, Isaac abandoned his guerrilla tactics and retreated to the Issacrea estate. Though news of Atlan's defeat spread, the Khan merely judged it as a mutual defeat and ordered him to recover.

With the guerrilla forces wiped out, Isaac ordered the remaining troops in the fort to withdraw as well. A final stand could only be made at the Issacrea estate.

Only within the monastery, where all the priests and Paladins offered protection, could they avoid the shamans' curses and sorcery.

"As expected."

Sahulan advanced, swiftly occupying the collapsing Issacrea territory. Now, only the bridge crossing the valley remained between them and the land known as the Issacrea village. As expected, the bridge had been destroyed.

"They're desperate, so this was inevitable. Construct a makeshift bridge."

Sahulan Khan, without much emotion, ordered the carpenters to build a temporary bridge. With the thick trees growing in abundance, finding timber was not difficult. The destruction of a centuries-old bridge bought the Issacrea estate only half a day's time.

Finally, the orcs set foot on the Issacrea estate.

Exactly two days.

Within the time that Kraxal had predicted, the Khan's army had entered the Issacrea village. No matter how skilled Isaac was, he couldn't hold back a flood by himself.

"If the left wing's flanking maneuver is timely, a complete encirclement will be established. Even the Grail Knight will find it hard to escape."

Sahulan was quite impressed with Isaac's resistance.

He hadn't expected such a small force to delay the massive army of the Olkan Code for several days. He was even more surprised when he heard that Atlan had challenged Isaac again but failed to defeat him.

Now, the army was marching toward the adversary who dared to defy the Olkan Code. Sahulan was eager to see what the Grail Knight would do next.

The village was already deserted. As a result, the orc army marched into Issacrea without any resistance, making it seem more like a triumphant procession than an occupation.

There were no roars, no bloodshed, no plunder, or arson. This place was to be used as their forward base, so it was only natural.

Sahulan Khan watched the advancing army, then shifted his gaze further ahead. On a position overlooking the valley where the village was located, there was a castle. He knew it had been converted into a monastery, but it was clearly a formidable fortress.

Of course, a few cannon shots would reduce it to rubble.

"All the remaining forces must be inside."

A powerful holy presence could be felt from the castle. It was no surprise, given that all the sacred artifacts, Paladins, and priests Isaac had gathered were likely holed up in there.

Sahulan Khan glanced at his general shaman, Teherma.

Teherma stared at the monastery for a moment, then shook his head in disbelief.

"The miracles and sacred artifacts of various faiths are intricately interwoven. I cannot unravel it alone."

"Is it that complex?"

"Miracles of the Codex of Light, the Shield of the Protector from Elil, the White Purification Doctrine of the Salt Council, and even runes engraved by the World's Forge. To mix all this without causing conflict, it's incredibly rare, even worldwide. The castle itself could be considered a sacred artifact."

Teherma's eyes sparkled with interest and excitement as he spoke. There was a mix of reverence as a priest, curiosity as a scholar, and greed as a plunderer.

However, Sahulan had no choice but to betray those emotions.

"Given that the food is still rotting, we cannot stay here long. Prepare the cannons."

"Ah..."

Teherma sighed regretfully, but there was no helping it.

They hadn't brought many heavy cannons due to the need to quickly cross the rough mountains. However, the five cannons they had were enough to destroy the fortress. Sahulan briefly considered using the Netherworld but decided to save it.

'If we pound the fortress with cannon fire, the Grail Knight will respond. I'd like to see if the sword technique that brought Atlan to his knees can withstand the Khan's arrows.'

The cannons lined up, all aiming at the monastery.

Just then, the monastery door opened slightly. And from within, a lone figure walked out.

"Cease fire."

"Hold fire!"

Sahulan gave the order to halt and watched the approaching figure. He walked neither too fast nor too slow, as if he were out for a stroll, heading straight toward the orc army. With his keen eyesight as a nomad, Sahulan immediately recognized the man as the famously handsome Grail Knight.

***

Isaac walked slowly, but Sahulan did not rush him, nor did he send soldiers.

In this situation, when a commander stands alone before an army, the meaning is clear. To the Grail Knight, who was practically crawling to them in submission, Sahulan generously allowed the time to approach.

Finally, Isaac stood alone before the orc army.

Despite the countless orcs Isaac had killed and tormented, no one hurled insults or threats at him.

Partly because he stood before the Khan, but also because Isaac exuded an unusual sense of intimidation.

Two figures on horseback rode up to Isaac. They were Kraxal, the Manho, and General Shaman Kima. They glared at Isaac, who had come out unarmed, with stern expressions.

Kraxal, acting as the Khan's envoy, spoke first.

"You seem quite bold for someone surrendering, but it's too late. You'll have to surrender your life. In return, we'll spare the villagers. They'll have to work as slaves for the Khan for a while, though."

Isaac tilted his head, looking at Kraxal and Kima with a derisive expression. Then, as if losing interest, he turned his gaze behind them.

"If you're not the decision-maker, bring me someone higher."

"What did you say?"

"I have an offer for the Khan. You'd just have to run back and ask him anyway, right? Don't waste time; bring someone who can answer with a 'yes' or 'no.'"

Kraxal wondered if Isaac had lost his mind from fear and despair. It was so absurd that he couldn't even ask if Isaac could see the tens of thousands of orc troops bearing down on him.

Kima spoke up instead.

"If it's surrender, we can make that decision."

"Really? You can decide on surrender? That's great."

Isaac cleared his throat and then shouted loudly.

"The Olkan Code will surrender immediately. I will ensure you all return safely to your wasteland. However, Sahulan Khan must come forward, kneel, and apologize to the destroyed cities and the murdered residents. He must also promise adequate compensation, and—"

"Enough, enough!"

As Isaac began to spout nonsense, Kraxal, horrified, cut him off. But despite his interruption, a low chuckle echoed from behind.

It was the sound of Sahulan Khan's satisfied laughter.

The Grail Knight had not disappointed him. There was only one more thing to confirm. If Isaac could prove he hadn't lost his mind, Sahulan planned to keep him around for a long time.

Stifling his laughter, Sahulan waved his hand.

Thud, thud.

Suddenly, eight Keshiks moved forward past Kraxal, approaching Isaac like shadows. Though they weren't on the level of Atlan, they were among the elite of the Keshiks.

One of the Keshiks spoke.

"We have orders to teach you manners by cutting off your knees and arms."

At the same time, the orcs notched arrows on their bowstrings, and the shamans began chanting spells. Kraxal expected to witness the brutal annihilation of Isaac, feeling a pang of regret.

Why had he spouted such madness, leading to a pointless death? It would be an unfortunate end for a great warrior, a worthy adversary of the Khan.

"Did you really think you could stop the Khan's millions-strong army with mere pebbles and a handful of troops? Did you think stuffing madness into that tiny head of yours would accomplish anything?"

As Kraxal lamented Isaac's fate, Isaac scrunched his face as if he was listening to utter nonsense.

"What are you talking about? When did I ever say I'd stop you with just those troops?"

"Then how—"

"I'm brave, not insane."

At that moment, Kima suddenly flinched.

Kraxal recognized that reaction well. It was what happened when someone suddenly received an overwhelming influx of souls. Just as Kraxal was about to ask what was wrong, Kima began to move his lips, turning his gaze to the west.

"The army flanking from the left wing..."

Thud, thud... The ground began to rumble softly.

While everyone's attention had been focused on Isaac, a massive dust cloud had risen from the western side of the Issacrea estate's valley. It was a new force charging forward after crushing the Olkan Code's army, which had been circling to cut off the retreat.

Ba-ba-ra, ba-baam!

A resounding trumpet blast echoed, throwing the orcs into confusion. Only the shamans, well-versed in other religions, understood the meaning of that trumpet.

"...Elil?"

Knights of Elil were charging forward with fierce speed. Finally recognizing the situation, Kraxal urgently ordered his troops to prepare for battle.

But then, another thunderous roar plunged them into deeper chaos.

Boom! A thunderous sound, like the boiling of hell, echoed from deep within the earth. As the shockwave rippled through the ground, the orcs found themselves involuntarily collapsing.

Soon, frantic shouts and screams began to echo from behind.

"The World's Forge! The Dwarves and Lycanthropes of the Forge Order are emerging from the caverns!"

The basics of strategy never change. The only way to wisely confront a massive army is with an even larger one.

Isaac had been well aware of that fact.