Chapter 70

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At the heart of the Bukaksan Grand Sanctuary, there existed a circular space spanning 19,410 square meters. Known as "Saint Park," it was a place where all kinds of vegetation grew, not due to landscaping but because of the life force emitted by the "Holy Relic," which naturally caused them to flourish.

This was the most densely concentrated area of sacred power in the Republic of Korea.

At the center of this space stood a massive white altar.

It was an installed object that dramatically enhanced the effects of sacred magic.

On this altar, the Holy Maiden, Emilia Mueller, stood ready to cast "Holy Field." The annoying and obnoxious demeanor she had shown earlier was gone, and now she stood with her eyes closed, composed.

Meanwhile...

"As long as we are here, no one can threaten her life."

Peter Clark, the leader of the White Tree Guard, spoke with confidence.

This was not out of arrogance but a statement filled with certainty, backed by solid evidence.

"Yes, that's right. I believe it without a doubt."

Woo Seung-moon, standing beside him, nodded and looked toward the white altar.

Currently, 11 knights, excluding the leader Peter, were guarding the Holy Maiden.

Twelve knights of B-rank or higher, they were the elite of the elite, known as the "High Guard."

"Indeed... With 12 High Guard knights linked in that skill, even a nuclear explosion would be safe."

Their formation, a large circle, boasted absolute defensive power that could block any attack, making the assassination of the Holy Maiden practically impossible.

However, Woo Seung-moon shook his head.

"But, Peter... There won't be anything that can breach your wall of belief. Because... the place we provided will not allow any external infiltration."

This time, Woo Seung-moon revealed his confidence.

He had never even considered the possibility of someone attacking this place. It was a natural judgment, given that the Holy Maiden's arrival was a secret, and the Bukaksan Grand Sanctuary itself was a hidden location.

"Moreover, an A-rank magic barrier and 15 wave detectors are installed."

Naturally, the internal defenses were also perfect.

"Haha—A place where not even a mouse can enter, and a shield that nothing can penetrate..."

Thus, the two leaders subtly boasted about their capabilities to each other.

However...

'Tsk, the two of them will have their pride crushed a bit today...'

Lee Hyun-wook clicked his tongue.

He was over a hundred meters away from the two, but he could hear their conversation.

This was thanks to the 50x enhanced senses—specifically, hearing—provided by "Hugin."

'Well, this is an unavoidable problem...'

Their preparations were not lacking or careless.

'The flaw lies within... in the most trusted corner.'

Lee Hyun-wook looked at the 12 high-ranking knights through Hugin's eyes.

'Among them is a Death Knight, a knight who will later be known as such.'

The vanguard of the death army commanded by the necromancer, a villain who would trample the world... He was none other than one of the "High Guard," hiding his dark heart behind a white armor.

Lee Hyun-wook knew that he would detonate a massive bomb here.

However, he couldn't simply remove the bomb prematurely.

'Without any evidence, I can't accuse him of being a traitor.'

Although the Holy Maiden trusted Lee Hyun-wook and entrusted him with the task of uncovering the traitor, acting rashly could ruin everything. Everyone believed the Holy Maiden was in an abnormal state, making it even more difficult...

'Therefore, for a perfect uncovering, this incident must happen.'

Lee Hyun-wook intended to wait for the right moment.

"...By the way, who exactly is this Lee Hyun-wook?"

At that moment, Peter mentioned Lee Hyun-wook's name.

"To be able to use Hugin like that, how much mana does he have...?"

"Well, I can't give you the details, but he is one of the promising leaders of this country."

Peter, through Hugin, saw a skeptical look on his face.

"To be honest, I find it quite strange. How could an F-rank player achieve such strength...? In my subordinates, there are even rumors of manipulation."

"Yes, it's understandable to think that... but once you see his performance, you'll have no choice but to acknowledge it. Lee Hyun-wook, that young blood has saved this land twice."

Woo Seung-moon's repeated defense made Peter nod.

"If you say so, Mr. Woo. But at least today, we won't see his performance. As long as we have the shield, there's no chance for him to shine."

Peter firmly believed that nothing would go wrong today.

'Well, will today really be the exception...'

At that moment, a voice came from the earpiece he was wearing.

-10 minutes until the Seoul Purification Operation begins.

The casting of "Holy Field" was about to start.

"Alright! Everyone, move to your positions!"

Only the White Tree Guard, the Holy Maiden's personal guard, would remain in this "Saint Park." They did not allow outsiders to approach the Holy Maiden, even in an alliance.

Therefore, Lee Hyun-wook also had to move to another location with Woo Seung-moon.

However, Lee Hyun-wook's gaze remained fixed on the black crow in the sky, overlooking Saint Park and the Holy Maiden. The first explosion would start there...

'I will wait. And move one step ahead.'

***

"5 minutes until the Holy Field casting begins! Everyone, raise your swords and shields!"

A B-rank knight named Carlos Belfort shouted.

He was the deputy leader of the White Tree Guard.

"WTG, we will never let our guard down! For the next 30 minutes, we will be on high alert!"

Following his loud command, 12 High Guard knights, 30 knights, and 10 priests moved. There were a total of 52 holy-class players defending this place. It was an absurd sight, with dozens of paladins, who are rare in a single party, gathered in one place.

Carlos, confirming that all members were in position, looked at the leader, Peter Clark.

"Peter! Everyone is in position and waiting for the next order."

Peter nodded, pulling out his shield from behind his back.

Then, he looked at the White Tree Guard knights and slowly spoke.

"From now on... we will cast it."

With a short command, the 12 High Guard knights, surrounding the Holy Maiden, gripped their shields and knelt on one knee.

Then, a white light emerged from the center of their shields, merging together...

Rumble—

A cluster of white light formed a massive dome, covering the area.

- Twelve high-ranking paladins have linked all their holy power to form a "Wall of Belief."

* Caution! If you leave the designated area, the effect will be "nullified" and cannot be restored.

"We will not move for the next 30 minutes!"

The Wall of Belief was the highest-level defensive skill that required 12 B-rank or higher paladins to link their powers. However, to maintain the skill, they could not leave their designated positions.

In other words, the High Guard, the elite paladins, would be rendered combat ineffective.

But it was a skill worth the sacrifice, as it provided the safest protection for the Holy Maiden.

"Peter, if I suddenly need to use the bathroom, can you take over as leader for a moment?"

Carlos looked at Peter and joked.

"Carlos, I hope you can maintain your composure during such an important moment."

The two men smiled at each other.

They were comrades for seven years, understanding each other's intentions with just a glance—so Peter thought. However, Carlos's thoughts were quite different.

'Peter... this place is not yours. It was originally meant for me.'

Carlos thought this with a playful smile on his face.

He hated Peter. It was the result of long-hidden jealousy and envy.

He awakened faster than anyone here and joined the organization earlier than anyone.

He believed he had dedicated himself more to the organization than anyone. However...

'Why should I receive worse treatment than you?'

The highest position was never his. Peter, favored by the former leader Nicholas and the Holy Maiden Emilia, always took a step ahead of him. Despite having a higher level...

'To think that the highest paladin order is determined by mere connections is absurd.'

His misguided jealousy gradually ignited a wicked spark in his heart.

Then, four years ago, he met a man by chance, and that spark turned into a flame.

'Gordon Price... my new guide...'

This man understood Carlos's inner thoughts and made a shockingly secret proposal.

To trap and eliminate the former leader Nicholas Steele... Carlos followed the request.

When he trapped Nicholas, a strange system message appeared before his eyes.

- (!) A quest has arrived.

It was a hidden quest with strange content, which Carlos accepted.

Thus...

- From a faint light, a deep darkness emerged...

1) The death of Emilia Mueller (in progress)

* Reward: Hidden class change (Death Knight)

He was currently on a villain quest.

A quest to kill the Holy Maiden, which was extremely difficult.

'I will never regret starting on this new path.'

As he thought this, a white light began to spread from the Holy Maiden's hands.

Rumble—

- The Holy Field is being deployed in this area. (1%)

The first step of the Seoul Purification Operation had finally begun.

At the same time, the first bullet of the Holy Maiden's assassination plan was loaded.

"Alright! The Holy Field has started! Focus for the next 30 minutes!"

The average casting time for the Holy Field is 31 minutes, which can be shortened to 28 minutes if Emilia is in good condition.

And the point where she completely immerses herself and loses consciousness is around 15 minutes...

'At that point, she won't be able to stop the skill...'

Carlos waited for that moment.

He suppressed his roughening breath and glanced at the Holy Maiden.

A frail but beautiful blonde woman—

Soon, her head would be cut off, and a fountain of blood would spurt.

Time passed...

- The Holy Field is being deployed in this area. (50%)

As the skill reached its halfway point, a massive white ring formed above Emilia's head.

Rumble—

This meant that the Holy Field deployment had reached a point of no return.

'Now, it's completely defenseless.'

In other words, the time had finally come.

He exhaled the hot breath he had been holding and slowly stood up.

Creak—

"Huh? Deputy Leader... What are you doing?"

A knight to his right was startled and asked.

"Deputy Leader, if you move any further, your 'area' will be damaged!"

"Walter, I know that better than you. What do you take me for?"

"Um? Then why are you...?"

As he took a step forward—

Crack—

One of the 12 parts forming the Wall of Belief shattered like glass.

- Wall of Belief (11/12)

Crack—

The remaining 11 parts were still maintained, but the large gap created by the missing part was a fatal flaw. The entire White Tree Guard was shocked and looked at Carlos.

- Excessive use of holy power has caused a significant reduction in holy power for 60 minutes. (-50%)

"Ugh—"

Thud!

He threw away his shield and stepped out of the circular formation.

"...Carlos, what are you doing?"

Peter's voice, filled with confusion, hit him from behind.

"Peter, a few years ago, I received a quest... "

"What?"

"And, I'm sorry, but I have to kill that white whore..."

"What, why...?"

However, he couldn't directly kill the Holy Maiden or his fellow paladins due to the "Sacred Oath."

He needed someone else to do it.

He pulled out a dagger from his coat.

- Name: Unknown

- Effect: Unknown

This item, received from the "Shadow Baron," was the key to this operation.

Swish—

He cut his wrist with the dagger, and blood spurted out as the artery was severed.

Thud—

He raised his arm and sprinkled the blood in all directions.

"Ugh, Peter Clark, listen well... This is your failure!"

"Damn it, Carlos! What are you talking about!"

Faced with an incomprehensible situation, Peter's face was filled with deep confusion.

"I've always thought that a useless guy like you doesn't deserve to sit in that position."

"..."

"If you truly cared about the White Tree Guard and wanted to protect that white whore, you should have monitored your trusted friend thoroughly... I would have done that."

He said this while healing the wound on his wrist.

Meanwhile, the large amount of blood he had sprinkled began to move on its own and gathered together.

It bubbled and then evaporated into the air.

The ball of blood, surrounded by distorted space...

Rumble—

—A portal opened.

Soon, someone began to walk out of it.

Thud— Thud—

A tall figure wearing a plain gray mask and a purple robe...

"Th-That's the Shadow Baron—!"

Peter recognized the identity of the figure.

A red player with unknown characteristics, moving unpredictably with various unique methods, he was impossible to track due to his unknown movement skills.

'Opening a portal with blood... What nonsense...'

But right now, it seemed he had demonstrated a new movement technique.

And he had collaborated with their most trusted deputy leader, Carlos Belfort...

From the opened portal, more figures began to pour out.

"...The Holy Maiden! There she is!"

"Oh, a frail beauty! Can I play with her before killing her?"

"Hehe—Look at those panicked faces!"

Over 70 figures... They clearly looked like lawless players, and it was obvious they were part of a conspiracy to summon demons.

And...

Thud— Thud—

The 70 figures parted to the sides, and someone appeared in the middle.

A man with long hair, wearing a black coat and a black shirt,

"That's... the Sword Saint Slayer..."

The Sword Saint Slayer, Okita Kaito, finally revealed himself.

His cold, sharp gaze was fixed solely on the Holy Maiden, Emilia Mueller.

Like a predator ready to hunt, his eyes slowly widened.

'If I face that man one-on-one, I won't survive.'

Peter felt a deep sense of danger from him, a predator's instinct he had never felt before.

"Mr. Woo, are you watching this situation? Damn it! Please come quickly!"

- Yes! I'm on my way!

However...

"No, if they come in, it will be too chaotic and no fun."

The Shadow Baron said this, spreading his arms.

Then, his shadow began to rotate like a clock's hand.

Sssss—

In the next moment, it split into five streams and slithered along the ground, entering the five passages leading to "Saint Park."

- Caution! A 'Shadow Trap' has been activated in this area.

The floors and walls of the five passages turned black with his shadow.

As government agents rushed in from the buildings, they stepped on the shadows,

Sssss—

"Ugh! What is this!"

The dozens of shadow hands that sprang from the floor and walls grabbed the agents' ankles.

"Ugh! I can't get free!"

"Damn it, attack the floor with magic!"

It was a bizarre curse that even high-level players couldn't easily escape from.

Thus, the reinforcements were trapped right in front of them.

A chuckle came from inside the Shadow Baron's mask.

"Alright, Sword Saint, just 5 minutes. The time I can hold the guard dogs' leashes."

Okita Kaito nodded and placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

Following his movement, the seventy figures drew their weapons.

"White Tree Guard—block them and fill the space!"

The 40 White Tree Guard members, excluding the 11 High Guard, stood in front of the figures.

"—Don't spare your lives! You can hold out for the remaining 15 minutes!"

A combination of paladins and priests, numbering 40, would have formidable defensive power, even if their offensive capabilities were excluded.

If they formed a shield line, they could hold out somehow.

However...

- Caution! 'Griogori Azazel's Curse' is spreading! The holy power in the area is being suppressed!

The paladins and priests, seeing this message, could not help but shrink back.

Whirr—

One of the figures was holding up a bracelet, from which a black light was emanating.

It was a cursed item of a fallen angel, an anti-holy power item.

As its power took effect, the holy power of the paladins and priests was significantly reduced.

"Ugh—!"

"My power... is fading..."

"The sanctuary will bless us, so it will be temporary! Hold on—"

As they were pushed back, Okita Kaito charged forward.

Swish—

With a single swing of his sword, eight heads fell.

"It's... impossible..."

It was a scene that was hard to comprehend.

Peter Clark's face turned pale.

He turned to look at Emilia. She seemed unaware of the situation, her eyes closed as she continued to cast the Holy Field.

'Damn it, if I interrupt her now, the mana backlash will cause fatal