Paladin of the Dead God

There was no definitive conclusion as to why the Immortal Order’s territory remained in perpetual winter.

The most popular theory was that the frigid air of the afterlife, exuded by the dead, summoned the endless winter. Another suggestion was that winter had been fixed in place ever since the Immortal Emperor Beshek had dragged the underworld to the mortal plane during the coldest season.

A more poetic yet unconventional perspective suggested that a snow-covered winter was a season of burial, concealing the dead past while preparing for the rebirth of spring.

However, in this land, no spring of renewal would ever come. The undead of the Immortal Order existed in eternal winter, living eternal lives without the need for memorials or tombstones.

Isaac’s opponents were the remnants of that unyielding past.

“Let’s get this sorted out.”

Isaac’s gaze swept over the assembled commanders: Rottenhammer, Tuhalin, and Edelred.

“Commander Rottenhammer, it goes without saying you have no intention of sending Gebel alone, correct?”

“I’ve known the Avalanche Knight Order for a long time,” Rottenhammer replied firmly. “I can’t just leave them like this. Do you realize how much the soldiers respect Gebel? If word spreads that he went into danger alone, it’ll sow unrest.”

“Your Majesty Edelred, you’ll also need to recover the desecrated remains of your ancestors, won’t you?”

“Indeed. Many of the knights who joined this campaign did so to reclaim their forebears’ remains. As I’ve mentioned before...”

“Yes, I remember,” Isaac interrupted. “And I also said that when the time came, I would accompany you.”

Edelred relaxed slightly at Isaac’s reassurance, his tension easing.

“Still, given the circumstances, I’ll understand if you cannot join us. But I hope you’ll allow us to take a brief detour.”

Rottenhammer spoke carefully, his earlier frustration now tempered.

“Isaac, you are the Holy Saint and Supreme Commander of the Issacrea Paladin Order. I have no intention of denying or challenging your authority. If you order me not to go, I won’t. But...”

In stark contrast, Tuhalin was growing increasingly exasperated as the discussion progressed.

“What in the abyss is this madness? Splitting up when we’re still so far from our goal? Do you even know if we’ll meet again? Do you think this is some playground? We’re deep in the heart of the Black Empire’s territory!”

As the oldest among them, even older than the most ancient undead, Tuhalin harbored no personal grudges against the Immortal Order. To him, the situation seemed utterly absurd. Isaac, though suffering from a splitting headache, found this predictable.

These people were allies, not subordinates.

Alliances were formed when different paths converged for a time. Disputes, divisions, and disagreements were commonplace in such arrangements. That the Issacrea Dawn Army had cooperated so well until now was the anomaly.

Even Tuhalin, the most vocal proponent of a relentless advance, had little personal stake in this campaign. If the Issacrea Paladins and the Elil Army decided to part ways, Tuhalin might also walk away, declaring, “I can’t work with this rabble.” History was littered with alliances that fractured on the verge of their goals.

‘The Immortal Order has crafted their strategy well. Is this what the Sword of May warned about?’

The Sword of May had foreseen division, though Isaac had assumed it would manifest as betrayal over death insurance. Instead, the mere presence of the enemy had begun to splinter them.

In a way, this was the most effective method to dismantle the Issacrea Dawn Army.

A similar situation had occurred early in the campaign, but that had been within the White Empire’s territory, where resupply was manageable. Now, both morale and resources were precariously strained.

After deliberating, Isaac finally spoke.

“As the Supreme Commander of the Issacrea Dawn Army, I will issue an order.”

***

The rare invocation of his authority drew tense expressions from everyone present. While they had pledged allegiance to him, there was a palpable undercurrent of anxiety about the morale repercussions.

Isaac first addressed Rottenhammer and Gebel.

“The Issacrea Paladin Order and Gebel Krantz are to uncover the truth behind the Avalanche Knight Order. If it is confirmed that they have strayed onto a misguided path, you are to act immediately to save them.”

Gebel’s eyes widened, but Isaac continued without waiting for a response. Turning to Edelred, he added:

“The Elil Army will investigate those bearing the banner of the Bellin family and recover the remains of your ancestors. It is the duty of descendants to rescue the lost and ensure their safe return.”

“With pleasure,” Edelred replied with a faint smile.

Finally, Isaac addressed the assembly as a whole.

“To reiterate, this is the Supreme Commander’s order. You are not deviating from the alliance for personal pursuits. This is a coordinated special operation under my command.”

His tone grew stern as he continued.

“This operation will last precisely one week. At the end of that week, regardless of the results, you must reconvene with the main force. Any unit failing to do so will be considered deserters.”

Although such a warning was unnecessary, Isaac emphasized it to underline the seriousness of his command. Edelred and Rottenhammer, understanding the gravity of the situation, did not protest.

“We will return without fail,” Edelred assured him.

“Isaac, this is all fine, but...”

Tuhalin began hesitantly. As the plan stood, only the World’s Forge would remain on the front lines, despite having no vested interest in retaking the Holy Land Lua. But Isaac had no intention of leaving them to face the crucible alone.

“Tuhalin, rest assured. The World’s Forge will serve as the backbone of the Issacrea Dawn Army. Without your steadfast support, I wouldn’t dare propose such a plan.”

“Don’t try to placate me with flattery,” Tuhalin muttered.

“I’m sincere,” Isaac replied. “The World’s Forge will advance steadily, holding the line to show that the Issacrea Dawn Army is neither divided nor shaken. Your presence will ensure the return of those undertaking special missions.”

He leaned in closer, speaking in a conspiratorial tone.

“I’m just a young figurehead, after all. Only an elder of your stature can lend the weight and stability needed to keep our alliance intact.”

Tuhalin scowled, scrutinizing Isaac for a long moment before breaking into a dry chuckle.

“Now I see. You earned that polished face and smooth tongue of yours, didn’t you? Fine, I get it. The Thunder Artisan will show those Immortal Order bastards what a real hammer looks like.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. Thank you.”

Isaac felt a wave of relief wash over him as he succeeded in persuading even Tuhalin, the most precarious of his allies. However, quelling division did not mean the problems had vanished. If anything, the challenges were only beginning to mount.

Tuhalin fixed Isaac with a sharp gaze and asked, “Pursuing separate goals is fine. But what’s your plan if we’re defeated one by one?”

It was the most worrisome possibility. But Isaac already had an answer prepared.

“I trust my comrades, allies, and friends,” he replied.

***

Isaac’s assertion of trust in his alliance was no lie.

However, trust became even more reassuring when bolstered by preparation for contingencies. Before parting ways, Isaac intended to do everything he could to ensure the success of each faction.

The announcement that the Issacrea Dawn Army would split into three groups unsettled the soldiers, but they followed orders, trusting their respective commanders.

Isaac first issued instructions to Hesabel.

“Stay with Nel and protect the Elil Army—or at the very least, ensure Edelred’s safety. Given the strength the undead forces from Elil have already shown, I’m not overly concerned, but things could take a turn if an Archangel appears.”

“Understood! Don’t worry about me,” Hesabel replied confidently. Freed from the domain of the Cursed Sun, she was now in peak condition. Although she couldn’t drain the blood of the undead, the current environment didn’t hinder her abilities.

Isaac also had a gift prepared for Tuhalin.

From a forgotten crate, he retrieved a stash of relics, among them the most notable: the Sash of the Chosen, seized after defeating the Liberated Bishop Al Durad. Handing the ominous relic to Tuhalin, Isaac watched as the elder examined it with a dubious expression.

“What is this?” Tuhalin asked, frowning.

“Tuhalin, as you march forward, you’ll likely encounter a fortress named Gehenna. If you don’t smash through its walls like thunder, we’ll be meeting there,” Isaac explained.

Tuhalin regarded him skeptically. “And?”

“This sash is a relic we took when the Immortal Order invaded our domain. Originally, it was meant to defend against the Olkan Code’s incursion, but thanks to your arrival, we didn’t need it. I brought it along just in case—it’ll be useful for breaching the fortress.”

“You want me to use a relic of the Immortal Order against the Immortal Order?” Tuhalin raised an eyebrow.

“Relics work best against those who believe in their power, don’t they?”

The miracles and powers contained in relics derived strength from the faith of their targets. The Archangels didn’t adopt their imposing, otherworldly appearances for no reason; the aura of immense authority and grandeur amplified their impact on mortals.

If the liches realized that this sash had once been used by Beshek during his time as a bishop, they’d surely react violently.

“This sash can invoke the miracles of the Immortal Order a limited number of times. The required offerings are prepared—all you need to do is recite the prayer.”

“I don’t know if I’ll ever have reason to use such sacrilegious nonsense instead of my hammer,” Tuhalin muttered.

“Well, if nothing else, you can always use it to strangle a lich,” Isaac said dryly.

If successful, Tuhalin might go down in history as the first to strangle an undead to death. Alongside the sash, Isaac handed over various other relics and equipment, prompting Tuhalin to scowl.

“You’re not planning to stay with the World’s Forge, are you?” Tuhalin asked, realization dawning on him.

“I’ll accompany the Issacrea Paladin Order for now,” Isaac replied.

“Why?”

“I was trained by the Avalanche Knight Order,” Isaac said simply.

Gebel looked up in surprise, his expression questioning. Isaac turned to address him directly.

“Gebel, do you remember what you told me when you sent me away? That you raised me for vengeance. Now, with that vengeance left directionless, isn’t this the time for me to act?”

“That’s...” Gebel hesitated.

“It’s time I proved myself worthy of the swordsmanship I’ve been taught,” Isaac said with finality.

In that moment, Isaac set aside his role as Supreme Commander, speaking as himself. Seeing the determination in his eyes, Tuhalin sighed and relented.

“Fine. With the Holy Grail Knight by their side, at least the Issacrea Paladins should return safely.”

Isaac suspected Tuhalin had grasped some of his deeper motives.

In truth, Isaac chose to accompany the Issacrea Paladin Order because they were the most vulnerable faction in the split.

Although they had the largest numbers, including the majority of the common soldiers, sheer quantity meant little against the Immortal Order. If anything, a large force of unskilled troops could serve only to bolster the enemy’s ranks.

Isaac also sensed a sinister strategy at play.

‘This isn’t Beshek’s style.’

Though it was unclear which Archangel of the Immortal Order was intervening, at least one was undoubtedly manipulating events.

This meant that one of the divided armies would encounter an Archangel.

Tuhalin had the Thunder Artisan’s blessing, and Edelred was protected by the Lion Knight’s favor. However, the Issacrea Paladin Order lacked a dedicated guardian. Though the Sword of May often aided Isaac, it was more a tactical partner than a protective force.

To compensate for this strategic vulnerability, Isaac needed to stand with the Issacrea Paladins.

‘And it gives me an excuse to help Gebel,’ Isaac thought.

Even if strategy hadn’t justified it, Isaac would have found a reason to assist Gebel. Combining his personal motivations with a clear strategic objective was simply the ideal solution.

Whoever the intervening Archangel was, if they targeted the weakest division, Isaac’s plan was clear: eliminate the threat swiftly and move to support the others.

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