Holy Kingdom – Appointment Ceremony (1)

The day of the appointment ceremony.

The streets of the Holy Kingdom had been packed with crowds since early dawn. The morning sun bathed the faces of people flocking toward the grand plaza in golden light.

“Wow, it’s truly packed to bursting. One wrong step and we might get trampled.”

“Didn’t you expect this much on such a day? Anyway, the remaining demon tribe remnants will finally meet their end. Some kingdoms must be cheering right now.”

“I heard this generation’s Hero is young and barely experienced. Isn’t that too much expectation?”

“Hmph. Are you doubting the Goddess’s discernment now?”

Amid the lively atmosphere, everyone’s faces showed a mix of anticipation, excitement, and hope.

Though the Great War had ended, the threat of Legion Commanders operating covertly across regions remained. Thus, kingdoms bordering the demon realm continued their unending wars.

Hero.

The one who would punctuate this prolonged conflict.

All eyes focused on that title.

**

The ceremony’s protagonist, Jade, stared blankly at the Holy Kingdom’s streets through his window.

“Haa…”

Each glance outside drew another sigh from Jade’s lips.

‘The day I knew would come is finally here.’

He hadn’t sought this attention. The weight of everyone’s expectations pressed down on him palpably.

If I make even one mistake before this crowd, it’ll be the end-

“Urk?!”

Jade covered his mouth against a sudden wave of nausea.

‘What… what’s this?’

He urgently circulated mana through his body but found no abnormalities.

After regaining his senses following the incident with Annie, he’d undergone days of grueling training. If anything, he’d grown stronger, not weaker.

‘…Am I just too tense?’

The unprecedented crowd was overwhelming. His body might be reacting to the immense pressure and nerves.

“Hoo… Need to pull myself together.”

The ceremony would begin soon. Far too late to escape now.

As Jade steadied himself and turned, his reflection caught in a nearby mirror.

Ornate ceremonial garb, golden epaulets, the Goddess’s emblem on his collar-he barely recognized the figure staring back.

“Well… at least I look somewhat presentable.”

‘Thankfully I’m not hideous.’

Jade meticulously adjusted his attire, checking for any imperfections.

-Knock knock.

“Huh?”

Before Jade could reach the door, it swung open abruptly.

“Who-“

Jade froze upon seeing the visitor’s face.

“It’s been a while.”

“…Good to see you. Cardinal Daniel-nim.”

Jade belatedly bowed, his body stiff.

‘Why is he visiting unannounced?’

Cardinal Daniel-known as the Pope’s Spear. The man who’d attacked Rena and Ian regardless of reasons. Jade couldn’t help feeling instinctively wary.

‘I could barely track his movements with my eyes.’

This surpassed even his dungeon battles against demons. If conflict with the Pope arose, Daniel would undoubtedly become his greatest obstacle.

“You seem startled by my sudden visit.”

“I never imagined you’d come personally, Your Eminence.”

“I’ve often wished to speak with the Hero, but you always seemed occupied. Curious.”

“Haha…”

Jade scratched his cheek while averting his eyes-he had indeed avoided meeting Daniel.

“Well, let’s set that aside. Are you prepared for the ceremony?”

“Yes. I was about to make final checks before heading out.”

“Then my timing is fortuitous. I came to share crucial information before your appointment.”

-Creak.

Daniel sat on a nearby chair, expression solemn.

“What do you know about the remaining Legion Commanders?”

“Legion Commanders… I’ve heard three remain active.”

Legion Commander Malus

Legion Commander Serenak

Legion Commander Graka

Names Jade had heard countless times during his academy days.

“The Holy Kingdom investigated the high-ranking demon Raspah.”

“…”

Jade clenched his fist until it felt like blood might seep out.

Raspah-how could he forget that name? The monster who’d inflicted unforgivable suffering on his friends. He’d find and repay that debt in full.

“So the investigation is complete?”

“Fortunately, Great War records expedited the process.”

Daniel produced documents from his robe and handed them to Jade.

“Read this. Raspah serves under Legion Commander Malus. With one of their bases near the Holy Kingdom, major incidents may soon occur.”

“Thank you.”

Jade snatched the papers and scanned them rapidly.

Estimated 7-star capability. Specialized in close combat. Utilizes wings for gliding and mobility.

Every ability Jade had witnessed firsthand was meticulously documented.

‘Must memorize every single detail.’

That tragedy must never repeat.

Turning the page, a name leaped out:

Legion Commander Malus.

‘A Legion Commander… I can’t even imagine facing such beings.’

Entities beyond comparison to ordinary monsters or even other demons. Jade’s true adversaries.

The report’s analysis stretched endlessly.

[Malus possesses the most dangerous abilities among the seven Legion Commanders. Countermeasures against spatial movement are essential.]

‘This appeared on academy exams too. Too unbelievable to forget.’

Spatial manipulation served more than offense-ambushes, assassinations, escapes. Nations desperately erected defenses like the Great Barriers surrounding major cities.

Daniel continued explaining as Jade read:

“Given the situation, the Holy Kingdom has decided to assign you to track Malus’s movements post-ceremony. We consider the demons’ proximity highly dangerous.”

“Understood. I’ll be ready.”

Daniel nodded at Jade’s resolute response.

“That concludes official matters. Now… for personal words.”

The air thickened as Daniel’s gaze intensified.

“What do you intend to do as Hero?”

“That…”

After brief hesitation, Jade offered the standard answer:

“…I want to protect everyone.”

A textbook response. Embarrassingly, nothing else came to mind.

Having failed to protect even his comrades, he lacked leisure for philosophical depth about heroism.

‘My standing probably plummeted from that answer.’

Jade watched Daniel nervously.

But Daniel simply smiled quietly.

“Haha. No need for such tension. Goals change overnight. May I share my perspective instead?”

“Please. I’ll listen carefully.”

“My life’s purpose remains eradicating demons. Now and forever.”

The declaration was brief.

‘He became Cardinal through wartime achievements.’

Jade knew of Daniel’s annihilation of Graka’s elite forces a year prior through newspapers.

“But not everyone shares my views. Most kingdoms lack enthusiasm for demon eradication. Know why?”

“Because…”

The answer was simple enough for anyone:

“Without demons… they become each other’s enemies.”

“Correct. An open secret everyone ignores. Nations have lost their fervor, turning blades against neighbors for gain.”

Jade had witnessed this firsthand among nobles. With their common enemy gone, all sought to claim others’ possessions.

“Under these circumstances, demon extinction seems distant. Some nations might even ally with them to prevent it.”

“…They wouldn’t.”

“You know how many betrayed humanity during the Great War.”

Jade’s heart grew heavy at the undeniable truth.

Countless nations fell or suffered catastrophic losses from wartime betrayals.

‘That’s why beastkin became scarce.’

Demons weren’t this world’s only enemies.

“Thus I desire the Holy Kingdom’s ascendancy. The only path to achieving my goal.”

Daniel rose slowly from his chair.

“You may disapprove of Cardinal Antonio’s punishment or His Holiness’s future actions. Still, I hope you’ll understand his intentions.”

‘So this is his real purpose.’

Jade finally understood-Daniel wanted his cooperation with the Pope.

“May your blade become what fells the Legion Commanders. For that, I’d gladly sacrifice my life.”

“…Thank you.”

Jade felt flustered by a Cardinal’s deference to him, the Hero.

‘His arguments aren’t entirely wrong.’

A stronger Holy Kingdom could reduce conflicts between kingdoms. Moreover, Daniel’s support would prove invaluable against demons.

“I’ve burdened you with heavy words. Please consider them at your leisure.”

After catching his breath, Daniel opened the door wide.

“The Saint-nim and His Holiness await. Join them when ready.”

**

Grand Temple corridor.

Jade walked beside Cardinal Daniel.

‘He’s not usually this talkative.’

Just as the awkward silence became suffocating-

A familiar voice reached Jade’s ears.

“Jade-nim!”

In the distance, Veronica waved enthusiastically, clad in Saintly robes.

Jade stood rooted, staring blankly at her.

Her usual attire replaced by a black-and-white Saint’s gown that fluttered gracefully. Lustrous black hair cascaded over her shoulders, radiating sacredness.

‘No one could embody “Saint” more perfectly.’

Though her childish demeanor sometimes shattered the illusion, her sanctity remained undeniable.

Veronica approached with skipping steps, stopping before Jade.

“Jade-nim, it’s been too long. I missed you.”

“…Sorry. I needed time to sort things out.”

“No apologies needed. I completely understand.”

Veronica smiled warmly, gently taking Jade’s hand. Her small, warm fingers squeezed slightly as if to ease his tension.

‘How can my heart remain troubled seeing her like this…’

Jade smiled outwardly while wrestling with inner turmoil.

“Oh! You look absolutely splendid today. The outfit suits you perfectly.”

Veronica admired Jade’s appearance.

“Glad you think so. The Holy Kingdom prepared everything.”

“Are you fully prepared then?”

“Yes. Nearly perfect.”

Veronica’s gaze swept over him before settling on his waist.

“Ah, are you taking that sword along?”

“My sword? Is there a problem?”

Were weapons prohibited at the ceremony?

“Today’s when you receive the Holy Sword. Another blade might seem… incongruous.”

“Hmm…”

Upon reflection, she was right. Today’s optics mattered-no need for extra weapons. From now on, the Holy Sword would be his companion.

Jade unbuckled his sword and handed it to a nearby Holy Knight.

“Could you safeguard this until the ceremony concludes?”

“Of course. I’ll remain nearby-summon me if needed.”

“Thank you.”

Veronica tugged Jade’s hand.

“Shall we go? Everyone’s waiting.”

“Yes… let’s.”

Jade began walking forward with slow, deliberate steps.

‘No major problems should arise. No-even if they do, I’ll handle them.’

He offered a silent prayer to the Goddess beyond the heavens.

May this day pass peacefully.