Chapter 36

The tent felt crowded with the three of them inside. Rotenhammer paused upon seeing Isolde wrapping Isaac's hand with a bandage.

"It's heartwarming to see such a fine lady and gentleman taking care of each other like this."

"Don't feel burdened, Mr. Isaac. It's just me looking after the life-saver. Commander."

Although Rotenhammer seemed to be teasing, Isolde smoothly brushed it off.

"Anyway, please discuss with Mr. Gebel what I've mentioned and let me know his decision. It's important what he decides."

Isolde took her leave with the bandages, understanding that Rotenhammer and Isaac were about to have a serious conversation. Isaac wondered why his decision mattered in what seemed to be a beneficial situation for Gebel, but missed the chance to ask. Rotenhammer watched her leave, then turned to Isaac.

"I never thought our generation would see another genius."

Isaac didn't ask who the other genius was, thinking to himself:

'That genius has been digested in my stomach, though...'

Isaac decided to modestly downplay his abilities.

"Was his name Ian? His skills seemed quite impressive, considering he's a newcomer lacking experience for his age..."

"Newcomer? Ha!"

Rotenhammer laughed.

"Ian is my son and the pupil I personally trained. Even as a trainee, he accompanied me on several actual combat situations during the Barbari suppression. Though lacking in advanced swordsmanship, I'm confident there's no one his age who can beat him."

"..."

"I had intended to send another newcomer. But seeing your skills, I realized you were no ordinary contender and made a quick change."

To think such a person represented the future of the knights. It seemed the overall level of knights was not as high as expected.

Or perhaps, the talent Isaac had consumed from Kalsen was extraordinarily remarkable.

Rotenhammer, sensing Isaac's thoughts, smiled.

"Old man talk, but there's a significant difference in level between generations who have and haven't experienced the Dawn Army. Moreover, the overall level of knights has significantly declined lately. After all, bandit suppression and the Crusades are different matters."

"Ah... I see."

Isaac quickly understood.

Even Gebel had considerable skills. Although Rotenhammer hadn't seen him fight, the aura he exuded was at least on par with Gebel's, if not more potent.

"There was hope for the next generation, albeit absurdly thwarted."

Another reference to Kalsen. There must be a reason he keeps bringing it up. In mentioning Kalsen, Rotenhammer conveyed his regret, a sense of déjà vu, and a warning to Isaac.

"Yet, today, I see a new future in this place."

"It seems like you're placing too high expectations on me."

"How could I not have expectations for a genius who effortlessly defeated the pupil I've trained? Especially when that genius willingly chooses the noble path of the Grail Knight, full of hardships and struggles."

'Is this sarcasm or discouragement?'

Probably the latter. The continuous mentions of Kalsen gave it away. Thus, Isaac anticipated Rotenhammer's next words.

"So, for the last time, I advise you. Isaac, consider joining the Briant Knight Order."

***

Isaac maintained a subtle silence, looking at Rotenhammer.

"You could have my full support, even considering the position of my successor."

"Ian would be disappointed."

"If he can't accept it, I'll make sure he does. Even if it means a bruised nose."

Rotenhammer seemed earnest. The opportunity to use the knight order's resources entirely was a significant offer, but Isaac's decision remained unchanged. Rotenhammer's eagerness to persuade Isaac hinted at another motive besides his skills.

To keep an eye on him.

"If you're worried I might wander off alone and be tempted into apostasy, rest assured, that won't happen."

Rotenhammer smiled bitterly, not embarrassed to have his intentions uncovered. Instead, he looked confidently at Isaac.

"If you know who I'm thinking of, you'd understand my concerns."

"Kalsen Miller, I suppose. Just say it outright."

"Alright. I personally knew Kalsen since his trainee days. Quiet, humble, and kind. No one thought he would turn apostate."

Yet, the most painful betrayals come from the most devout believers.

"Honestly, I've felt a strong sense of déjà vu seeing you. Not as humble or kind as he was, but your talent for your age is remarkably similar."

"So, you want to keep an eye on me?"

"Exactly. Is there a problem with that? Honor and wealth were all guaranteed for him, even becoming a Seraph. Yet, he chose apostasy."

Rotenhammer said so and fell silent for a moment before murmuring softly.

"Honestly, I'm curious about the circumstances that led him to apostasy without telling anyone."

Isaac pretended not to hear the last comment.

Such a statement could potentially implicate Rotenhammer as an apostate sympathizer. Regardless of his relationship with Kalsen, it was clear that his betrayal had shocked many.

Enough to unsettle a Paladin Commander who had dedicated his life to the Codex of Light.

"I heard he didn't talk much with those around him. Maybe that led him to some wrong conclusions. That's why..."

Rotenhammer gazed intensely at Isaac, expressing his concern.

"I was just worried that wandering the wilds alone, you might fall into the same trap."

Isaac sighed deeply.

"As I've mentioned, there's no need for concern."

"Why's that?"

Touching his forehead, Isaac explained.

"I have been verified by Abbot Evhar."

The miracle that inflicts burns if one's faith in the Codex of Light is lacking.

A potentially fatal trial, but Isaac had undergone it years ago at the Abbot's hands. Rotenhammer's face went blank for a moment before his eyes widened in shock.

"Proof of Faith? The trial invoked when there's evidence of apostasy? They performed that on someone as young as you?"

Clearly, it was an abnormal situation.

Isaac internally cursed the Abbot but decided to go easy on him since he too had paid a price.

"Yes. And as a result, the Abbot's wrist turned to ash."

"The wrist of the Abbot who performed the miracle flew off?!"

Rotenhammer exclaimed loudly enough to be heard outside. It seemed to be a shockingly significant event.

Isaac quickly gestured for silence.

"Please, don't spread this around. It could cause trouble for Abbot Evhar. He's a prudent man. He must have felt the need to verify."

Rotenhammer pondered for a moment then nodded.

"That makes sense. Given your talent, and considering Kalsen's apostasy occurred not far from here recently..."

He seemed to rationalize the situation by linking it to Kalsen once again.

Anyway, mentioning the "Proof of Faith" miracle seemed to have earned Isaac a considerable amount of trust from Rotenhammer. It appeared Rotenhammer no longer harbored any doubts about Isaac potentially turning apostate.

Instead, purely coveting his abilities, he continued trying to recruit him into the Briant Knight Order.

***

"Although I think it's time to teach you more..."

Realizing he couldn't persuade Isaac, Rotenhammer reluctantly agreed to acknowledge him as a knight. Of course, being recognized as a knight wasn't as simple as saying "I acknowledge you." Nor was it like ordinary knights, who received land and swore fealty.

'In games, joining a knight order usually means finding a monastery associated with them, accepting quests, and that's it.'

In this world, at least one high-ranking knight and a priest were needed to vouch for someone's skills.

Thus, a ceremony was arranged to officially name Isaac a knight, held in the same clearing prepared for his duel.

Finding a priest and knights to witness was not a problem, given Isaac's proven skills and Rotenhammer's position. Isolde, the inquisitor, also stepped forward as a witness.

The problem began thereafter. Each knight order had a kind of "tradition" that had to be performed.

Isaac tensed up a bit here. Gebel had mentioned that each knight order had different initiation rites, and the examples he provided were all bizarre.

Drinking until vomiting at least five times, being beaten up by a group of knights, being slapped across the face... Being military organizations, it seemed most traditions involved getting hit.

'Maybe knight orders aren't so different from college fraternities.'

"Ready?"

Rotenhammer approached Isaac with a sly grin. Isaac braced himself for the possibility of losing a few teeth. However, when Rotenhammer drew his sword, Isaac looked at him seriously.

"Bow your head."

Fortunately, it didn't involve being hit with the sword. Rotenhammer, surprisingly, followed a traditional knighthood ceremony, laying the flat side of his sword on Isaac's shoulders.

"I, Rotenhammer, Commander of the Briant Knight Order, in the name of the Codex of Light that brings order and light to the world, ask you, Isaac."

"Yes."

"Do you swear to aid those in trouble and not oppress the weak?"

"Yes."

"Do you swear to stand against evil and rage against the injustice of the powerful?"

"Yes."

"I, Rotenhammer, Commander of the Briant Knight Order, bless the noble journey of Knight Isaac in the name of the Codex of Light that brings order and light to the world."

Tap. Rotenhammer gently tapped Isaac's shoulders with the flat side of the sword. It wasn't painful. Isaac was then pulled to his feet by Rotenhammer. Knights and trainees from all around came to congratulate Isaac on his knighthood.

Isaac accepted the congratulations with a dazed feeling.

It ended easier than expected. Was this all? Just then, Rotenhammer whispered in his ear.

"It's a pity. If you had joined our knight order, you would have experienced the tradition of getting smeared with dung and punched by each knight... but since we're only going as far as the knighthood ceremony, you'll miss out on the initiation rites."

Isaac managed a wry smile.

That's when a message appeared, shattering any doubts Isaac had.

[You have been class-changed to a Knight.]

[Class change conditions completed!]

[With a holy relic in your possession, you are eligible for a class change to a Grail Knight.]

[Would you like to change your class to Grail Knight?]

This seemed more real than the ceremony itself.

Isaac hesitated before selecting 'Yes', not out of indecision but to organize his thoughts. Like the many times he had concluded before, Isaac made his decision.

It wasn't just because the buffs were good, or because it was convenient to travel alone.

'I need to travel alone.'

Isaac rubbed the palm of his hand wrapped in bandages, reflecting on his thoughts.

Killing Heinkel had made it clear. Though Heinkel's talent in swordsmanship was undeniably great, Isaac's frail body had its limits. He had to mobilize all the resources he possessed to survive in this world.

The 'Noble Journey' buff obtained by becoming a Grail Knight was, of course, important. But more crucially, Isaac felt he could only truly utilize his skills when alone.

For instance, with his current level of swordsmanship, Isaac couldn't defeat Rotenhammer or Gebel. He would also struggle against just two ordinary knights.

However, with the use of tentacles, it was hard to estimate what kind of enemy he could face.

Having already killed Kalsen, who was destined to become a angle, it wasn't an exaggeration to say he could kill almost any opponent.

On the other hand, while a knight order offered many resources, being discovered using tentacles could turn them into enemies.

It would become a shackle restricting Isaac's actions.

'That's why I chose to be a Grail Knight.'

The outcome is what matters.

As long as no one directly sees the tentacles, Isaac being hailed and honored for coming back victorious from reckless ventures is guaranteed.

Of course, he didn't plan to wander alone forever.

'2 years. Just roam as a Grail Knight for the 2 years until the Dawn Army starts.'

During that time, Isaac planned to modestly build his reputation, devour strong foes, and grow stronger by finding holy relics.

By then, he might not need to rely on the power of his tentacles anymore.