Volume 2, Chapter 14 – The Paladin’s Resolve

Indeed.

Even among the NPCs of this game world, there were those who were strong and those who were weak.

The strong held privileges, standing high above, ruling over the many weak.

And the weak were naturally the ones to be oppressed.

That was how class divisions came to be.

However, Paladins… were a very strange profession. Or rather, they were a very strange, contradictory group that could hardly be understood.

Among Paladins, some were born into noble families, others into common ones.

But once they became Paladins, they all, without exception, became equals.

They could cast aside their former prejudices for the Holy Light they pursued, and work hand in hand toward the harmonious world they envisioned, supporting one another along the way.

Although there were still superiors and subordinates among Paladins, what bound them together more deeply was a bond like brotherhood, unyielding and true.

And it was precisely because of that bond among Paladins that, when Karl gave the order to retreat, those Paladins, upon realizing that the situation was far from what it appeared to be on the surface… chose, without hesitation, to stay behind.

Rеαԁ οո КatRеαⅾiոgСafе

After being scolded by Karl, the Paladin at the front of the group flushed bright red, but still showed no sign of backing down.

“Captain… we can’t leave you behind…”

Simple yet firm words. Hearing them, Karl’s eyes reddened.

“I am your captain. Since you know that, then listen to your captain’s orders. Leave this place…”

The NPCs below began to stir in unrest.

For ordinary NPC soldiers, being able to retreat from this place was the best outcome. But since the Paladins were blocking the valley’s exit, commotion among those wanting to escape was inevitable.

Tianyin, mixed among them, was pulled by Mengyao by the hand and taken to a spot with fewer people.

“Master, let’s stay here for now. Things seem to be taking a strange turn…”

Mengyao sounded worried.

“Wuu… but I think we should be able to leave, right?”

Tianyin tilted her head innocently. After all, Karl was still here. Surely no Paladin would disobey the Holy Paladin Captain’s command, right?

Rеaⅾ οո KαtRеаⅾіngCafе

Probably…

「Xiaoyin, if something feels off later, remember to switch over to my personality.」

At that moment, Samael’s voice suddenly echoed in Tianyin’s mind.

Tianyin looked confused at the sudden request.

『Eh… what? Samael, is something about to happen?』

「Mm… if my guess is right, those Paladins won’t obey Karl’s orders quietly. Even if Karl is their captain…」

Indeed. To Samael, as someone who had once been a Blood Knight, there was no profession she understood better than the Paladin.

And these Paladins, who could commit treason as easily as eating or drinking in the name of righteousness, defying a superior’s command was something they were already well-practiced in and had no problem with.

It was precisely because Karl understood the temperament of Paladins so well that, standing high in the sky, he could only sigh as he looked down at the Paladins below, each gripping their weapons tightly.

“I understand… your decision.”

Karl’s voice slowly echoed through the air.

Reαd oո КаtRеαⅾiոɡСаfе

“But… but those ordinary soldiers are innocent. If you wish to stay, then stay. But let the innocent ones go.”

“Captain… These people don’t know the price you’ve paid. We may not understand either, but we know this much, at such a crucial moment, we must never retreat!”

“You…”

Karl slowly closed his eyes.

“In that case, matters between Paladins will be resolved by Paladins. Those who aren’t Paladins should leave this place.”

“We have no reason to drag them down just because of our own dissatisfaction, do you understand?”

At Karl’s words, the Paladins were silent for a few seconds. Then, those blocking the valley’s exit slowly stepped aside, making way.

“It seems… even the Captain can no longer fully command his subordinates,”

Watching the entire scene, Yunchou spoke with a calm smile.

“And since those Paladins have chosen to remain here, Captain… don’t blame me for killing them one by one.”

“…”

Rеαԁ оո KаtReаdіngСafе

Karl only slowly closed his eyes.

“Once the retreating soldiers leave the valley, I will end my own life.”

“Good.”

After saying that final word, Karl fell into silence.

As Karl went quiet, Yunchou raised his hand and snapped his fingers lightly.

A player soon came running up.

“Cancel the Time Stop of the Pseudo-Divine Scroll.”

“Understood…”

Shortly after that player left, the strange sky that had been frozen began to stir once more, something new was about to unfold.