Ch.95Chapter 95. The Seven Holy Knights (5)

Chapter 95. The Seven Paladins (5)

“And what is that talking statue?”

The platinum-haired female Paladin pointed at me. This woman before me was undoubtedly Princess Dina.

“How did you recognize me?”

“…”

Surprised by the sudden situation, Hanna couldn’t speak. She’s weak at improvisation and unexpected situations.

I should step in.

– Paladin, my name is Malak, god of the barbarians.

“…A god? Could you be the Roa that NotACatfish mentioned?”

Princess Dina asked with a slightly surprised tone. This time she was looking directly at me, attached to Lakye’s waist.

It’s funny hearing someone say “NotACatfish” in reality. It’s even more ridiculous when said with a serious expression and tone.

This person must have quite an unusual personality too.

“That’s right. I am NotACat…fish, and this is Roa Malak.”

Hanna finally regained her composure and answered. Was it my imagination that her voice got a bit quieter when saying “NotACatfish”?

“God of the barbarians… I never thought such a being actually existed.”

Princess Dina, who had been staring intently at me, blinked once.

“Indeed, I sense a peculiar energy. Something alien and ominous… that kind of feeling.”

It seems Princess Dina has some kind of sensor similar to mine that can feel the energy of others.

“Ominous…?”

– A Paladin is an apostle who receives power from Ishtania. There’s no way the energy of another god would feel sacred to you.

I spoke before Lakye could get upset.

“That makes sense.”

Princess Dina nodded.

I don’t actually know if that’s true or not. I just made it up, thinking it might help reduce any hostility.

“I heard you aim to save the world. Is it true that you’re promoting cooperation between Paladins, barbarians, and civilized people?”

“Does a mere Paladin of the Goddess Church dare question the truth from Roa?”

It was Lakye, speaking with a sharp voice, seemingly unable to hold back any longer.

“And who are you?”

“I am Lakye, guardian of Lord Malak.”

The serious and cautious eyes of Princess Dina clash in mid-air with Lakye’s eyes, filled with wildness and divinity.

“…”

“…”

Neither of them backs down as they stare at each other. What kind of situation is this now?

Is this some kind of staring contest? Are you two filming a comedy skit?

“…Clearly not a Paladin. I didn’t know such people existed among this world’s inhabitants.”

Princess Dina, who had muttered quietly, turned her gaze toward me. The battle between two proud warriors had ended with Lakye’s victory.

“If everything NotACatfish said is true, then you must also know that we are possessed individuals.”

– Of course. I know that you use a community, and that you first encountered this world through a medium called a game.

“Do you also know about the clear conditions?”

She’s asking something different from Siwoo. At least it’s much better than asking to be sent back to Earth.

– Yes. It says to drive out the demons and reclaim the cathedral.

“…I don’t know how strong you are, or how strong you can become.”

She’s carefully choosing her words.

– I suppose you wouldn’t.

“Is Lord Malak saving everyone regardless of whether they’re civilized people, Paladins, or barbarians?”

Her attitude was different from when she asked earlier. This time, even Lakye didn’t object.

– That’s right. Three Paladins already belong to our tribal federation. If you wish, you can confirm through them.

I was about to introduce the Paladin named “UltraSansMadWithMoonlightMassacreMode,” but then remembered that such a ridiculous nickname was too absurd to be spoken by me, a god, so I gave her the nicknames “PetitNoah” and “MorningTentInstaller” instead.

Whew, that was close. Of course, I didn’t forget to inform Noah and Siwoo first.

I also told her that Sans was my messenger, and if she had any urgent messages, she should leave him a private message.

Princess Dina just blinked for a few minutes, staring into space. She must be exchanging messages.

[PetitNoah: Um, Mr. Sans? Princess Dina wants to see the tribal federation headquarters. Could you ask Lord Malak if it’s okay to attach images?]

I replied after a brief pause.

[Sure, take pics focusing on children smiling with civilized people]

Nothing moves people’s hearts like the smiles of healthy children.

“…”

Princess Dina’s face, which had been staring into space, softened a bit. I wonder what pictures she’s looking at.

[Show me what you showed Princess Dina]

[PetitNoah: Oh! Isn’t that a line from the Yugi manga?]

[?]

What is this kid talking about?

[PetitNoah: Ah… yes! Just a moment!]

[PetitNoah: (Photo of civilized and barbarian children sparring with axes)]

[Are you crazy]

[PetitNoah: ??? Why?]

Damn, how could you send something like this? Anyone would think we’re a warlord faction using child soldiers.

Why did Princess Dina’s face soften after seeing such a grim photo?

“Very well.”

What’s so good about it?

Was she satisfied seeing children playing war games? Indeed, she’s not a normal woman.

I knew she wasn’t right in the head when she told newbies to survive on their own.

“Let’s cooperate temporarily to defeat our common enemy.”

Princess Dina shook hands with me.

[No no, you did well]

Since things ended well, I decided to let it go too.

My Noah, I’d like to give you a forehead flick with my totem golem body later.

***

Princess Dina led us to a cave. She said it was where the Dina Special Forces were waiting.

Inside the cave, four men and women were sitting, fully armed.

“These people have come to help us defeat the sea monster.”

Princess Dina quickly and simply explained our temporary alliance.

“Shall we introduce ourselves briefly?”

At Princess Dina’s elementary school teacher-like suggestion, the special forces members who had been watching us stood up one by one. They’re all powerful individuals above level 7.

Self-introductions. They are necessary. You should know the names of those you’ll fight alongside.

“I’m Jackson.”

A taciturn-looking middle-aged man stepped forward first. He was carrying two swords.

Dual wielding and Jackson… huh?

Isn’t this person “SamuraiJackson,” an early community user who advocated for the supremacy of dual wielding?

I thought he was dead since he stopped posting, but he’s alive. And incredibly strong too.

“I’m… Gukbap. Nice to meet you.”

A young man with a huge tonkatsu hammer on his shoulder grinned.

Gukbap. What a hearty nickname. He’s definitely a Korean user.

I wanted to ask what kind of gukbap he was named after, but I held back.

“We’re the Bella sisters. I’m the older one, and this is my younger sister.”

Two similar-looking women slightly bowed their heads simultaneously. If they were twins in reality, did the goddess make them possess twins here too?

What a damn considerate goddess.

– Dina Special Forces, nice to meet you. I am Roa Malak.

I greeted them.

“My name is Lakye, guardian of Lord Malak. It seems none of you know Lord Malak. Lord Malak is the only one who came to save the world…”

Suddenly, Professor Lakye’s lecture that everyone had been waiting for began.

I was about to stop her but didn’t. Well, as a god, I should have an introduction of my achievements.

“That Colosseum? Oh, you mean the Imperial Arena? Anyway, you defeated the demon ruling there? Wow, that’s amazing. I barely escaped when I went there at level 6, haha.”

Only Gukbap was showing a good reaction and responding enthusiastically. This guy has a nice personality.

I quickly scanned the rest of the Paladins who were listening with impassive expressions. Including Princess Dina, there are five in total.

The rest must have been taken down by the dark cloud.

There must be other Paladins above level 7 out there. But most of them are probably like MeleeSpy, with broken spirits.

These five who haven’t lost hope and are still facing the apocalypse must be the core of the Paladin faction, or rather, the possessed individuals’ faction.

– …

Thinking about it that way, they looked a bit different to me. They transformed from just strong users to unparalleled warriors who had been through thick and thin.

Jackson must be a Zoro-level dual-wielding swordsman, and our reliable Gukbap must be a manly man who goes around smashing demon skulls with that super tonkatsu hammer.

The Bella sisters must also create tremendous synergy through their unique sibling bond, making two people as powerful as ten.

They are truly warriors of the apocalypse.

“Um, I’m NotACatfish… Just call me NotACat, please.”

With Hanna’s words, who suddenly became NotACat, the self-introduction time ended.

Hanna, are you embarrassed by your nickname too?

“Our cooperation lasts only until we defeat the sea monster. After that, we’ll operate separately.”

Princess Dina, briefly Dina, affirmed.

– That’s right. We’ll discuss the details when we get to the village.

I wanted to ask them to help with defeating the shadow demon too, but what could I do? Neither an equal relationship nor one where I concede a little is possible.

I am the god and spiritual pillar of the tribal federation. I cannot be seen clinging to their coattails.

Once I complete the royal return and gain enough power to clearly overwhelm the Dina Special Forces, I plan to request cooperation again. By then, the condition would be for the Dina Special Forces to come under my command.

Dina Special Forces, I’ll have you eventually.