Ch.318The Road to Hurichel Continent (3)

Gooooooo….

In the captain’s quarters of the Sky Warden, which blanketed the sky.

There, explanations about the four famous landmarks of the Hurychel continent were being given.

First, the historical landmark: Cape Bartholomew.

This Cape Bartholomew was where humanity’s first naval battle took place. Until then, naval battles had only occurred between humans and monsters. However, in the very early days of the Empire’s establishment, a naval battle broke out with independence fighters who opposed the Empire’s formation.

It was the first place where humans officially turned cannons against other humans. While not a positive part of history, how could history ever remain untainted?

Second, the religious landmark: Krix Hall.

The ascension site of Karil. What more explanation is needed?

Third, the landmark where great achievements were born: Ockran Swamp.

A vast wetland that has been visited by countless herbalists since ancient times to study the numerous medicinal herbs native to the swamp. It was designated as a landmark when cures for dementia and cancer were discovered there in the 20,000s Imperial calendar.

In modern times, it has cemented its position as the center and leader of world medicine, attracting scholars not just from the Hurychel continent but from all thirteen continents.

Fourth, the most beautiful landmark: Bloody Mary.

A forest where red cherry blossoms bloom, the legacy of a man who planted them until his death because his dying wife loved them.

His forest, created through extreme devotion and obsession, moved the hearts of many and was selected as the beauty of the Hurychel continent, beating out many other formidable candidates.

This continent, like the others, was a place of great achievements, so it wouldn’t be an easy place to conquer.

As this was now the seventh continent, those who disliked the Empire’s founding would begin to actively oppose them, and the apostles of the Four Ministers would also begin their activities in earnest.

New things are always challenged, after all.

“Already the seventh continent. We’ve come so far.”

“I still can’t believe there are six more continents left… Isn’t the world too big…”

When Viktor spoke of the Iron Walker party’s journey, Lucia sighed, slumping over the desk.

As she said, the world was vast.

Vast enough to make even gods seem insignificant.

“Don’t worry. If the world is big, we’ll just make it smaller.”

“…It’s scary when a god says things like that. Please don’t say that anymore.”

“Oh my.”

While bantering with Lucia, Viktor looked out the window.

The sea was noticeably shallower than before. It was a fact that anyone with good eyesight could notice, even without divine vision.

Only two days remained until they reached the Hurychel continent.

*

And while the god and his companions were listening to the sage’s explanation in the captain’s quarters, in the lower part of the ship, in the quarters of the faithful, a ceremony was being held to welcome another brother.

An ordination ceremony borrowed from the rituals of the Yangwol Order.

“Curtis. You who have received the mercy of the Sun. Rise and look upon us.”

The one receiving ordination was Curtis, who had received salvation through the grace of the Sun in Karluk. Now he was ready to accept not just the mercy of the Sun, but its gospel.

Clink… clink…

Incense wafted from the censer, and holy oil was poured on his forehead.

When Curtis opened his eyes and looked at the priests, he saw them dressed in ivory and burgundy, the colors of the Sun.

Ivory, not white, because the full radiance of the Sun cannot be perfectly expressed; burgundy, not red, because the warmth of the Sun cannot be truly represented. Attributing meaningless significance to every little detail was typical of fanatics.

But who could criticize their fanaticism? They were the ones saved through iron-clad faith.

“The Sun teaches us: the strong are called strong because there are the weak, and those with power must rightfully wield their strength for the weak. Do you swear to dedicate your life for the weak?”

“I swear.”

“The Sun shows us: the world is filled with unspeakable evil and vile injustice. Do you swear to wage eternal holy war against these, following the radiance of the Sun?”

“I swear.”

The two oaths were completed.

The priests dressed him in ivory and burgundy robes and presented him with a massive nodachi.

A huge sword resembling a purifier, yet not quite a purifier.

The long, heavy iron club that seemed capable of dislocating one’s arm just by holding it, and the priest’s robe embroidered with iron plates for protection, as heavy as lead.

But he endured it.

He had once lost his wife and son, his home, his family.

What is broken once can never be restored. Attempts to repair what is damaged only lead to madness and failure.

Then what is permitted to humanity? Creation.

Just as a wife receives her husband’s seed to conceive and bring forth new life to fill the void left by the dead and gain more, the power to create something new is the only power granted to humans.

And so he is reborn. He burns his failed past as firewood and turns it into charcoal.

“Curtis, Priest of the Sun. Your law is radiance, your commandment is brilliance. Fulfill your calling for all life under the Sun, the master of light and heat.”

“I, saved in the name of the Sun, say that I am ready.”

“Then rise, Priest of the Sun. Rise with your sword. In the name of the merciful Viktor Walker, I ordain you to the priesthood of the Sun.”

“Long live the Sun.”

Whisperingly, yet resonantly. One human receives the gospel of the Sun.

He receives the sacred words of one who was born in the lowest place and rose to the highest.

The Empire of Victory that will someday come will be the Empire of humanity, a nation for all built under the blessing of the Sun.

Curtis rose again.

Not as a powerless ordinary man, but as a Priest of the Sun, armed with faith and conviction.

“Are you really not going to stay with us?”

“As I decided before, I will disembark from the Sky Warden on this continent to spread the gospel of the Sun. The world is changing rapidly, and people need something to believe in. I believe the Sun is what people should believe in, so please respect my decision.”

“I wasn’t trying to change your mind. Isn’t a traveling priest the foundation of all clergy?”

Curtis nodded.

All clergy must fight with their lives for what they believe in, and to do so, they must embark on adventures.

Just as the one he decided to serve had done.

“Go all the way, brother. The radiance of the Sun will always be with you.”

“Thank you. Though I lost my family, I have found another one.”

Curtis thought of his family, whom he still couldn’t forget, with a bitter smile.

At twenty-seven, he was by no means old, so he might form a marital bond again as he meets many people on land.

If that time comes, it would mean his wounds have healed.

“I won’t disturb you for the remaining time. Your resolve is firm, and no temptation can break your oath.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

And then, while the priests were exchanging words of encouragement, someone’s voice was heard.

“The Sun!”

“We behold the honorable one!”

The owner of that voice was none other than the god they served, the earthly Sun, Viktor Walker. Everyone standing knelt down, and only one set of footsteps remained on the priests’ altar.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The light footsteps, as if whispering that he too belonged to this world, soon stopped at Curtis’s feet.

“Rise, my priest.”

“My lord.”

He looked down at him.

At one who had lived more lives than himself. One who was older.

“You wish to leave my side?”

“…”

He couldn’t answer.

The intense desire to say no, the feeling of being a piece of iron drawn to a divine magnet—who could understand it?

His lips trembled a thousand times, but eventually, recalling the wounds of ancient days, he nodded.

“Presumptuously, yes.”

“Then it cannot be helped. Remember, you have sworn eternal service. It means you must go forward knowing you will die, knowing your path leads to hell. Are you truly ready?”

“I am. I have already seen hell. All people have the strength to find happiness, but sadly, few have the strength to grasp it. I wish to be their third arm.”

The god looked at the human with a gentle smile.

Like a parent looking at a grown child.

“Then go and fulfill your will.”

November 3, 1203.

The Sky Warden arrived at the Hurychel continent.