Return of the Calamity-Class Death Knight

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Chapter 281: The Secret (2)

***

Damien and two others departed the Tartarus Kingdom and went straight for Church.

Upon reaching Church, the trio submitted a written report detailing their circumstances.

The report sent shockwaves through the Church.

“A Duke class demon? How could such a monstrous creature be summoned to the mortal realm?”

A Duke class demon was the kingpin of demons, the ruler of Inferno. In the past, when a Duke class demon was summoned to the continent, humanity faced the grim prospect of annihilation.

“What about the sacrifice? What happened to the sacrifice?”

“The entire Tartarus Kingdom, let alone just the southern region, would be insufficient to summon a Duke class demon.”

To refer to the victims as ‘just’ was an outrageous statement. Yet, the paladins and priests of the Church had no time for such considerations.

“Perhaps it was an avatar?”

“Don’t be absurd! Even an avatar of a Duke class demon is in a league of its own!”

Summoning a demon to the mortal realm demanded a commensurate price. Countless examples attested to this fact.

But this absolute truth had been shattered without mercy.

“Can lightning strike twice in the same place? We must uncover the cause of this.”

“I agree. If a Duke class demon is summoned again…if it’s the main body this time…!”

The high-ranking members shuddered involuntarily.

“I was just glad to see Sla gone, and now this happens…”

“It’s a blessing in disguise. The Five Great Elders are unharmed, and so are the paladins.”

Considering the appearance of a Duke class demon, the damage was surprisingly minimal. Or rather, nonexistent.

“Elder Green Wind said Sir Damien played a very important role in this victory.”

“Not only did he confront a Duke class demon alone, but he also freed Elder Cheongyeum.”

“His skills are terrifying. No wonder the Empire is desperate to recruit him.”

“It’s not just the Empire. I heard the Mercenary King is also trying to marry his daughter with Sir Damien.”

The moment Damien’s name was mentioned, people’s expressions softened noticeably.

Stories about a young genius were always entertaining. Damien was like a flower blooming in a swamp.

“But doesn’t something seem off?”

Suddenly, someone poured cold water on the warm atmosphere.

“Sir Damien is undoubtedly a formidable warrior, but…he faced a Duke class demon. Even if it was an avatar, defeating such a monster alone is unusual.”

“Ah, you’ve forgotten. Sir Damien was the one who killed Sla single-handedly.”

“Sla was a terrifying monster, but it’s no match for a Duke class demon.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“I have my doubts.”

The person looked utterly serious as he expressed his suspicions.

“They might be setting him up for a mission in enemy territory to build his reputation. It’s a common tactic among heretics. And the fact that he hasn’t become a paladin is also suspicious.”

The other paladins exchanged glances. It wasn’t agreement with his words; it was something else.

“Aren’t geniuses supposed to defy common sense?”

“Indeed. We need not look far. Our own founder was such a being.”

“Sir Damien’s accomplishments have been recognized by the Five Great Elders themselves…”

“Considering that, it’s rather suspicious to be doubting Sir Damien.”

All the paladins and priests cast suspicious glances.

The priest who had raised the question was taken aback.

“Oh, no! I’m not a heretic!”

“That’s what all heretics say.”

“In these bad times, wicked forces might have infiltrated our Church.”

“Drag him away!”

“Ugh, no! Not me!”

***

As the priest was being dragged to the interrogation room during the meeting…

“Sigh…”

The Holy Empress let out a deep breath. The reason for her deep contemplation was Damien.

“Green Wind, is it true? Cheongyeum proposed to bestow a fitting reward upon Sir Damien?”

In response to the Holy Empress’s question, Green Wind knelt on one knee and replied.

“Yes, that is correct.”

“And he didn’t specify the nature of the reward?”

“I was only told to follow Your Holiness’s wishes.”

“And you and Radiant Light have no objections to this?”

“I do not. As for sister… I think she had some doubts, but she didn’t voice them.”

Pinching her brow, the Holy Empress appeared troubled.

It was only natural to reward Damien. He had earned it with his remarkable deeds.

The problem was that his contributions were too great.

If it weren’t for Damien, the Church might have lost Cheongyeum, Radiant Light, and Green Wind.

The Five Great Elders were the Church’s most powerful assets.

Losing three of them would have been a devastating blow, threatening the very existence of the Church.

And the man who had prevented that was none other than Damien Haksen. The Church was now in his debt.

To entrust her with the task of repaying this immense debt? It was truly a challenging task.

“…I suppose I should extend the paperwork deadline by five months.”

“Yes?”

“Oh, nothing. Never mind.”

The Holy Empress relaxed her stern expression.

After all, there was no solution to a problem that couldn’t be solved by thinking about it. Moreover, she couldn’t just leave the hero who had saved the Church unattended.

“Green Wind, you may dismiss now. Thank you for your hard work.”

“No, Your Holiness. It was my duty to serve the Church.”

“Oh, and on your way out, could you please tell Damien to come in?”

Green Wind left the Holy Empress’s chambers.

A moment later, Damien entered the Holy Empress’s office.

“Your Holiness, you summoned me?”

The Holy Empress couldn’t help but be surprised by Damien’s appearance.

The Holy Empress possessed the divine power to see through the true nature of people.

With this power, she could also gauge a person’s strength and abilities.

Damien had grown even more formidable during the short time since their last encounter.

A chill ran down the Holy Empress’s spine.

As the Holy Empress, she had observed countless geniuses, including the Five Great Elders.

But none of them had grown as rapidly as Damien.

No, could this even be called growth? Was he even human?

The Holy Empress shook her head from side to side. Now was not the time for such contemplation.

“Sir Damien, you have done a great service this time. I am truly grateful.”

Damien offered a wry smile.

For someone of his caliber, the title of Honorary Paladin was far too meager.

She wondered if she should elevate him to the rank of Honorary Elder.

“Cheongyeum, Radiant Light, and Green Wind unanimously suggested that you deserve a fitting reward. I concur.”

“I did not act with the expectation of reward.”

Damien spoke with a serious expression.

Yet, for some reason, the Holy Empress had a strong feeling that this was not entirely true.

“…However, I have no idea how to adequately repay you. So, I decided to make a proposal.”

The Holy Empress stared into Damien’s eyes and said,

“Sir Damien, name your request. I will ensure that you are granted whatever you desire, even if it means emptying the Church’s coffers.”

This was no empty promise.

The Holy Empress was genuinely prepared to empty the treasury if it meant satisfying Damien’s request.

After all, the Church’s very existence was thanks to Damien.

So, wasn’t it only fitting to strip the treasury bare to repay him?

“Then I shall humbly ask a favor of Your Holiness.”

But the reward Damien requested was surprisingly modest.

“Please grant me access to all the grimoires in the Church’s possession.”

***

“…Is that all you ask?”

The Holy Empress asked with a bewildered expression. Damien nodded.

“Yes, that is all I require.”

In truth, Damien’s request was far from ‘all he asked.’

This was because the grimoires held by the Church were all Master Class grimoires.

They included the grimoires of Master Classes produced by the Church, Master Classes defeated by the Church, and even those of the Five Great Elders from various eras.

Damien was asking for access to the grimoires left behind by these legendary figures.

“You are free to request anything else.”

“I need those most of all right now.”

Damien’s reason for seeking these as his reward was to ascend to the Grandmaster level.

Witnessing the clash between Cheongyeum and Vahel, Damien felt pressure that he need to elevate himself to the Grandmaster level.

He was always prepared for the worst.

Yet, even Damien had not anticipated the emergence of a Duke class demon.

The future Damien knew had vanished, leaving him uncertain of what lay ahead.

This realization fueled Damien’s determination to ascend to Grandmaster as soon as possible.

‘I already know what I lack.’

During his time as a Death Knight, Damien had once reached the Grandmaster level.

Therefore, he was well-versed in the requirements for achieving this pinnacle.

He needed neither elixirs nor leaps of faith; rather, he sought knowledge to fill the gaps in his technical prowess.

“If that is your desire, then I shall not object. However…I fear that may not be enough.”

The Holy Empress pondered for a moment before addressing Damien.

“Sir Damien, are you familiar with the First Holy Emperor?”

Damien nodded in confirmation.

Bartholomeo, the First Holy Emperor.

The first person to awaken divine power.

A transcendent who crushed a dragon’s head with a single mace blow.

A hero who saved humanity as a member of the Salvation Squad.

Countless heroes emerged after the Salvation Squad saved humanity, but none could match their achievements.

As a result, the Salvation Squad was regarded as a group of transcendents who surpassed the Grandmaster level.

“I will grant you access to the profound insights left behind by him.”

***