Chapter 180: Holy Man
Before I start my journey toward Castlevania, I need to participate in a Main Scenario as part of my mission. I set my course toward Moscow, as the directions indicated.
On my way there, I encountered many survivors, and some chose to join me, considering my power and skill far beyond their own. Once I arrived in Moscow, I met with the leader of the Russian survivors—a seasoned and confident individual.
He assessed me by observing my abilities. I didn't hold back or show any hesitation. No need to be humble; I had no intention of babysitting anyone again.
I annihilated entire waves of monsters alone, using martial arts first, followed by magic, technology, and finally, my bare hands. My methodical but efficient approach left no doubt about my strength.
We reached Main Scenario 4 faster than the rest of the planet—a clear speed run, indeed.
Due to our rapid completion of the scenario, I found myself becoming the de facto leader of the Russia Dome.
They now call me Koschei, the legendary Immortal and Avatar of Chernoborg. My appearance—draped in a full black doctor's robe and wearing the mask of Lubu—solidified my image as both enigmatic and powerful.
Surprisingly, actual deities took notice of me. Some of them, including Asgard, desired me to become their incarnation. But the most astonishing revelation came from the Slavic Nebulae, who also expressed interest in having me as part of their divine will.
With the entire world on the brink of invasion, I chose to remain in Moscow for the time being. I focused on my own training—training that closely resembled the harsh Hell Training I had undergone before. However, this time the benefits were immense, offering far greater results.
[Vigor Lv. 1234567 (18518519)], [Attunement Lv. 9876543 (148148148)], [Endurance Lv. 2345678 (35185185)], [Vitality Lv. 8765432 (131481481)], [Strength Lv. 3456789 (51851852)], [Dexterity Lv. 6543210 (98148148)], [Intelligence Lv. 4567890 (68518518)], [Faith Lv. 123456789 (185185185)], [Luck Lv. 8765432 (131481481)], [Divinity Lv. 987654321 (148148148)]
My stats were increasing at an alarming rate—far more than I anticipated. But it wasn't just the physical stats; my mental and combat mastery had reached a level that signaled the end of a stage. I could feel it
Passive Ability (Divine) Level Up ! > Fierce Deity Set Lv. Undetermined (Beauty, Mark, Eye. 3/5), Anomaly Lv. 1001, Primordial Beads Lv. Undetermined (Floating Orbs, Source of Primordial, Beads Form. 3/4), Bonfire Maiden Lv. Undetermined (Stats Level Up, Skill Storage, Checkpoint Reincarnation, Sacrifice. 5/10)
Active Ability (Divine) Level Up ! > Armament Saint Lv. Undetermined( Weapon Mastery, Weapon Abilities Boost, Weapon Bond, Full Potential Armament, Perfect Union of Weapon. 5/5), Deification Mode Lv. Undetermined ( Maximize Potential, Ascend State, Deity Manifestation, Transcendence, Deity Mode), Domain Expansion Lv. Undetermined(Space Control, Zone , Reality Warp, Domain, Omni-Domain. 5/5) God Engine Lv. Undetermined (Grand Blueprint, Systema Mechanism, Material Foundation, , God Chef Lv. Undetermined, Fusion Lv. 100, Mid-Suavemente Lv. 100, Navy The Fairy Lv. Undetermined, Light Type Ranged Weapon Lv. Undetermined
Ability Passive (Mortal) Level Up ! > Zero Focus Lv. Undetermined, King Of The Monster Lv. Undetermined (Beast Mastery, Alpha Beast, Titanic Evolution, Primordial Beast, Apex Monster. 5/5), Instant Merit Lv. Undetermined, Super-brain Lv. Undetermined( Infinite Memory, Quick Absorption Knowledge, Instant Understanding, Nano-second Brain Function, Ultra-genius. 5/5), Team Synergy Lv. Undetermined ( Team Reorganize, Team Synergy, Team Command, Team Tactician, Team Coordination and Assimilation. 5/5)
Ability Active (Mortal) Level Up ! > Energy Blade Lv. Undetermined(Energy Blade, Great Sword, Broad Sword, Halberd, Jian Sword, Spear, Fist, Trident, Bident, Scythe. 10/20), One Man Army Lv. Undetermined (Human, Spiritual, Primordial, God, Transcendence, Monster, Eldritch, Demon, Angel. 9/10), Light Spirit Gathering Lv. Undetermined (Pure Spirit manifestation, Light Spirit Empowerment, Light Spirit Gathering, Light Spirit Attunement, Light Spirit Infusion, Pure State. 7/7), Perfect Guard Lv. Undetermined( Timing Shield, Item Shield, Body Shield, Great Punishment, Grand Shield, Light Shield, Heaven Phalanx. 7/7), Flurry Rush Lv. Undetermined (Instant Dodge, 5 Strike Counter, 7 Strike Counter, 9 Strike counter, 81 Strike Counter, 162 Strike Counter, 324 Strike Counter, 648 Strike Counter. 8/10), Great Doctor Lv. 100, Great Machina Lv. 100, Organizing Lv. 100, Summon Nightmare Lv. Undetermined (Nightmare Spawn, Nightmare Minion, Nightmare Monster, Nightmare Dream, Nightmare of The night. 5/5), Great Map Lv. Undetermined(Full Scale, Item Information, Pathway information, Space Information, Existence Information, Weather Information, Real World Condition. 7/7).
Many of it is undetermined and need shards to collect. Considering the training I've received, I must fully harness my capabilities and superpowers. Never let power control you; let it serve you.
The invasion starts. I thought it would be the same as a returnee event, but no—it was a fucking Tunguska. This meteor created all these winter monsters, similar to Wendigos, with some having killed humans and turned into man-eating monsters.
Due to my Purified Cursed Dark Soul, these dark monsters are drawn to me and targeting me alone. I use my Energy Blade and magic.
I activated my Active Magic, Sunlight Great Sword Phalanx. Eight great swords made out of sunlight energy appeared beside me, so bright they almost seemed ethereal. They floated and whispered as they resonated with my magical energy and divinity.
Everyone looked at that magic in awe; some even called it cool. Meanwhile, the monsters howled and growled as my magic was their literal bane.
I activated my Passive Self-Generating Magic, Complex Magic, to increase the length and range of my Active Magic. I then used Transcendence Magic, Soul Searching, targeting all enemies with my power, followed by Zero Cooldown.
Complete. It was time to rampage.
The first great sword traveled at the speed of light, piercing all Wendigos in sight. It was so fast that it looked like Russia was full of shooting stars in the form of great swords. I simply walked toward the monster meat to cook while my magic did its job. Not a single soul could escape the great sword's hunt. Even if you hid in caves, underground, or behind victims, the sword would find you and pierce you to death.
I prepared a simple meat dish and soup, but somehow, the smell was amazing. I couldn't argue with it, considering my God Chef Capability. No matter how absurd the ingredient, the smell and taste always came out as the best.
Everyone who smelled it grew hungry, but I didn't want to share. Communism was gone; this was my food. If you wanted my food, you could cook it yourself.
I took out my coat and showed my real face.
The Fierce Deity Mark was emblazoned on my face. My skin was smooth and clear like whitest milk crystal. My body was ripped, tightly hugged by my shirt. It must have been hard for anyone to hold that kind of monster muscle.
Because my doctor robe was unequipped, some of my abilities activated automatically. Light spirits floated beside me, loyal, as if I were their master. I smiled at them as they perched near my body. Some wild animals approached me, some of them terrifyingly feral.
I thought about the effect of Primordial Wood. I had become one with nature, despite having destroyed much of it. Perhaps it was my Innocence ability that allowed nature to forgive me no matter how much I had done.
All Dokkaebi streamers who watched in different perspectives outside of Satan's saw my real face. Fortunately, Satan had used this opportunity to promote the VVVIP bundle, as I was the strongest Incarnation in this world and worth far more than mere power.
After finishing my meal, some random children gave me a bowl. I looked at her—she looked down shyly, hesitant to speak her thoughts.
"Uncle... can you share the food?" she stuttered, almost in tears. Her introverted nature was making her think I was angry or insulted, though I gave no expression.
I patted her head and stood up, stopping my magic. I used Active Magic: Spell Craft.
A magical spell appeared in front of me, and I crafted it despite it still being at Level 1. I could only craft Active Magic for now; upgrading other abilities would require more experience.
[Active Magic Obtained: Food Banquet Lv. 1]
I clapped my hands in a manner similar to a Disney princess. A table appeared out of nowhere, covered in flying cloth as magical cutlery and food appeared out of thin air. Soon, a feast appeared before me: hearty meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, delicate pastries, and exotic dishes from distant lands.
The food was enough to feed 80% of the Russian population—considering 20% had already perished.
I patted the child's head again and used my magic to search for something. Instead of searching, I ran toward the northern edge of Russia to find a place where I could be alone.
I reached the northern edge, building my own Igloo and staying inside it. I called Maria.
I was wide-eyed to see not just Maria, but Priscilla appearing before me.
"We meet again," I said as I hugged her—and Maria as well.
"Priscilla," she giggled, smiling as she saw me.
We talked for hours. Priscilla was a special Maiden who had sacrificed everything I had in my Save Data, turning it into a Soul. But I wondered: what should I sacrifice?
Sacred Stone and Angel Voice—both were practically useless as personal attributes. I would prefer to convert them into Mortal Passive Abilities so I wouldn't have to silence myself every time I met new individuals.
"Priscilla, can you sacrifice my personal attributes Sacred Stone and Angel Voice? Then, once you're done, Maria, could you salvage those attributes and turn them into abilities for me?"
"Willingly."
"Thy demand shall be fulfilled."
Once we completed the process, it succeeded. What a great synergy.
The abilities appeared: Sacred Stone and Angel Voice as unique mortal abilities, not divine ones.
"Maria, take out the storage skill."
Maria retrieved it, and I searched for the abilities there.
I chose Bard Class as a base and found it granted me many class-specific abilities. I selected Soul Voice as my base, allowing my voice to resonate directly with a target's soul. I added the Sing ability as a proxy for how Soul Voice would manifest, though I recognized that constant singing wasn't sustainable long-term.
I then infused it with Rune Fencer. Their abilities allowed me to inscribe and imbue words with Rune magic, turning every spoken word or hum into Soul Voice effects.
To amplify the effects further, I integrated Angel Voice into my singing, creating a voice that was heavenly in every way. I added Charm and Quick Stagger abilities to ensure that anyone who heard my voice would be instantly charmed or stopped, even during chaotic situations.
But I wanted more. I selected White Mage, Scholar, and Paladin Classes. The Scholar class gave me Grimoire, which allowed me to read and comprehend lost texts and ancient texts from any origin. I chose White Sage's Devotion, which, when reciting holy words seriously, summoned a divine aura capable of showcasing godly majesty.
Finally, I chose Paladin's Crusade ability. This gave me the ability to weaponize holy words through sheer willpower.
Now my voice was not only divine but a weapon. My enemies would learn to fear not only the might of my blade but the ethereal majesty of my voice.
[Mortal Ability (Passive) Obtained, Seraphim Voice : an extraordinary ability that combines the essence of Bard, Rune Fencer, White Mage, Scholar, and Paladin classes, enabling the user to wield their voice as a powerful instrument of influence, charm, and divine authority.
1. Aegir Soul Muses: By harnessing Soul Voice, this aspect enables the user's words to penetrate directly into the souls of their targets, establishing an instant connection. Infused with Singing, each utterance carries the user's soul emotion and intention, captivating listeners with its otherworldly resonance. Additionally, the user's voice adopts a majestic and awe-inspiring quality, compelling all who hear it to heed its call.
2. Angelic Call: Seraphim Voice channels the celestial beauty of Angel Voice, enchanting listeners with its divine allure. Combined with Charm and Quick Stagger abilities, the user's voice captivates and immobilizes instantly, commanding attention and obedience amidst chaos, regardless of the spoken word.
3. Word of the Lord: Drawing from the White Mage, Scholar, and Paladin disciplines, Seraphim Voice is further enriched by Grimoire, Devotion, and Crusade abilities. With Grimoire, the user effortlessly accesses lost texts and ancient knowledge, delivering them with captivating eloquence akin to a master storyteller. Devotion infuses holy words with divine majesty, invoking the presence of the divine and imbuing sacred texts with celestial power. Through Crusade, these holy words become potent weapons of divine intervention and righteous justice.
Current Level: 1 Maximum Level: Undetermined
Curse of Seraphim: The user can only speak one word at a time, excluding hums and grunts. There is a cooldown of 7 seconds for each word spoken. As the level increases (at milestones such as 100, 300, 500, 700, 900, 1000, and beyond), the cooldown decreases, and the number of words that can be spoken increases accordingly. This restriction does not apply when the user is reading a text.]
I created magical words out of nothing and began reading the text.
"Maria, Priscilla, thank you for your aid. I gain this voice because of the two of you. Thank you." The words disappeared as if struck by an invisible charm, and upon reading them, it felt as though they were ensnared by my voice's influence. I formed another word from the air and read it aloud.
"Sorry, my voice charms you, but the curse of this voice allows me to only speak one word for every seven seconds. However, I can read prepared words, so please adjust this situation for now."
Priscilla and Maria wrote something on the icy walls of the igloo. I read what they wrote and smiled, appreciating their effort.
Priscilla used the Anor Londo language, while Maria used Yharnam language. I began with Maria's words.
"Oh, good hunter, if this be but a dream for me, I shall not wake. Thy voice is truly a marvel, I cannot cease from listening to it. Oh, good hunter, I know the curse of the divine shall inevitably demand a sacrifice. I pray thee, good hunter, be cautious in thy ventures. May the moon accompany thee."
"O Chosen Undead, thy voice, a majesty divine, an ethereal sound that doth fill the painting world; with thy voice within the painting, completeness shall be wrought upon the canvas."
I carved the words into the igloo's ice and read them aloud.
"The fearful one and the forgotten one, ye both serve a great purpose, and shall be duly rewarded. Though I may be unable to offer material recompense, mayhap this deed shall satisfy thy needs." I approached them, leaned in, and gave them each a gentle kiss on the forehead—a simple gesture, accompanied by a smile.
They vanished out of sheer shame, and I couldn't help but giggle uncontrollably.
"Casanova indeed."
"Fuck you."
"Hey, there are millions of VVVIP members already paying. Now they can see your stats."
"Show them, I don't mind."
"I hide the Fable, passive Divine Ability, game-related skills in my abilities."
"Thank you, God."
"You are welcome. I will remain on the Order side; Satan will stay on the Evil side. You must conquer the Chaos Entity Valtor, so we can create balance."
"Your will is my command. By the way, there's one thing I'm curious about. God Weave?"
[God Weave : a type of attack that can be executed by user to summon forth Aid by using their specific as conduit.
God Weave summon the Aid of Contracted Deity user has made a pact with. The richer a combo to use Wicked Weave, the more powerful it becomes.
In addition to using normal God Weaves for every attack, the end of combos cause Deity to manifest the Specific ability, power, or direct aid for damage in a large area-of-effect. Depending on the combo, user attacks will perform different God Weave ability and effects.
there is special variant on God Weaves is the God Masquerade, where user takes on the physical form of the Deity themselves to summon their powers in combat, currently user not obtained the shard, user unable to use it.
For more information regarding the God Weave, check this.
God > God Great Sword (Downward Kick)
Satan > Satan Sneer (Standing Menacingly)
Azathoth > Azathoth Tentacle Punisher (Finger Snap)
Amaterasu > Amaterasu Yasakani (Hand Guard Stance)
Oblivion > Oblivion Orb (Clap)
Alice > Alice Sparkle Stage (Idol Dance)]
"I lack the shard, very well. I will obtain it in no time."
"Here is your scenario."
[Hidden Main Scenario #7 – Holy Vampire >
Category: Special Hidden Main
Difficulty: Easy
Clear Conditions > Complete all Quest
Scenario Quest >
1. Become Brilliance Tactician As Mathias Cronqvist
2. well known to many supernatural being across Europe
3. Make a name for yourself to The Church
4. Understand Order and Chaos as Mathias Cronqvist
5. Understand Divine, Holy, Light and any other aspect of Order and White Force.
6. Understand Demonic, Cursed, dark and any other aspect of Chaos and Black Force.
7. well known to many supernatural being across Middle East
8. Collect Many Holy and Cursed Relic as Mathias Cronqvist (More Relic You Obtained, will saved into Fairy Treasure)
9. Join Crusade (Dont matter which one)
10. Understand Other Religion
Additional Scenario Quest >
1. Prevent Unjustified Witch Trial
2. Punish Corrupt and Unjust Church People by the God Name (More person you punish, more reward)
3. Punish Corrupt and Unjust Church follower by the God Name (More person you punish, more reward)
4. Conquer The Sun as you turn into Dracula.
Special Personal Quest >
1. Prevent Elisabetha Death or Be There went she in her last day (each option can give different reward)
2. Win Against Many Strong Vampire While Still be Mathias (Europe, Asia, Africa. Reward is depend which region you successfully win)
3. Defeat Or Slain Each Evil God when you be Dracula (Each option give different Reward)
4. Become Great Duke of Valachia (The reward is entirely depend on how much faithful your people to you)
Time Limit: -
Main Reward > Enhanced Philosopher Heart Poise
Additional Reward >
1. Witch Coven Badge
2. God Relic (Unique)
3. Messiah Relic (Unique)
4. New Divine Ability
Special Reward >
1. New Fable
2. New Fable
3. New Fable
4. New Fable ]
"I need some adjustment."
"What? Interesting, it's easy."
"No, hear me out. I don't want my existence to become as chaotic as it is, but rather focus on one thing. When I become Mathias, I can only use Mortal abilities. When I turn into Dracula, Divine Abilities can be used."
"What a great suggestion. I allow it, Satan."
"Nice, you're not like the easy way, aren't you?"
"Handicap."
"That is the Valtor I know. You should go now."
"Alright. Maria forgot to clean up the skill she forgot to bring."
"Don't worry, I will clean it up later."
[Hidden Scenario active... New Game Mode, Difficulty Easy. Save Data Active... Saving the relic obtained... recording start.]
"Transferring user existence to game world... Complete. Reincarnate as Mathias Cronqvist."
Europe, 11th Century
Where the Eastern Church dominates Europe, I was here, bedridden due to my assimilation. Apparently, Mathias now possessed me due to some alchemical experiment gone wrong. His body burned, and he could no longer be saved as the degree of burns was too extreme. He considered himself lucky to survive, though at the cost of his life. Before his soul could travel to the afterlife, I took his widow—what a bastard I had become.
This time, Elisabetha took care of me with all her might. I feared the reason for her eventual death. But I could only wait.
Once Elisabetha left the room, I stood up and heard something.
[System online.]
"Finally." I rose from my bed, stretching lightly and examining myself in the mirror. My face matched Mathias's. Fierce Deity had yet to activate, but this was enough for now. My body bore significant injuries—burns and other wounds—far worse than I expected, though I could manipulate them.
I wrote a note in imitation of Mathias's handwriting and placed it in Elisabetha's room, silently. Thanks to Total Silent, my steps left no sound. Returning to my own room, I focused on improving Mathias's body further. Truly, his body felt weaker than I thought.
Elisabetha found the letter at her door and read it:
"My love, it is me, Mathias. The effect of the accident has transformed my body into a different being, but I promise that I will always love you. For now, I cannot meet you due to my appearance and other effects that have left me almost completely mute. I can only utter one word at a time; if I say too much, I risk losing my voice forever. I do not want you to lose the sound of my voice. I love you."
She closed the letter, placing it in her drawer and staring at it, troubled. Her thoughts drifted—was her husband okay?
Meanwhile, I trained my body further, healing my wounds with alchemical medicines Mathias had possessed. Yet I had found Crimson Stone among his things. What a coincidence.
I theorized that Elisabetha's death could have stemmed from this stone. She had accidentally touched the cursed object while Mathias was away. His carelessness in storing such a dangerous artifact explained much—this was not the fault of the gods but his own.
The Crimson Stone absorbs evil essence, and Elisabetha's longing for Mathias activated it. My despair only further fueled its power. The mechanism that connected this stone to death and destruction was evident now. Though my fable's curse would protect me from its effects, the stone could still attract evil essence.
I crafted it into a new object: Crimson Crucifix.
After completing my work, I hid it, using it only for myself.
"Question: How do I increase my Seraphim Voice?"
"Good question. Read the holy Scripture. It doesn't matter which religion it belongs to. If you read it with passion and understanding, the level will increase."
"Thank you, God."
I retrieved the Holy Bible and read it with passion that very night.
My voice rang through the quiet night. Guards on their night watch heard my words—my voice, beautiful and divine, with the perfect intonation and pacing, echoed the holy verses. Some began to tear up, their souls cleansed, their hearts full.
By the time I reached specific verses regarding Guard, the divine energy surged within the soldiers. Their focus sharpened, their stamina swelled, and they became more vigilant.
By sunrise, my preaching ended. Everyone in the barracks had heard my voice, and news of it spread rapidly. Some assumed that a new pastor had come to their town to offer divine aid.
The usual pastors were equally impressed. It felt as though the verses I spoke were alive, as if I had lived through them myself.
By the time Leon Belmont returned from his battlefield with his exhausted army, word of my unusual actions had already reached him.
"Is Mathias okay?"
"My lord, Sir Mathias is not responding and is still bedridden. However, there is an issue: a new pastor has appeared, preaching holy words overnight until sunrise without pause. His voice sounded divine, as if it were sent directly by God."
Leon raised an eyebrow, concerned.
"The Nightguard has reported strange movements near the city. A disturbing monster has been lurking in the shadows. However, after the preaching, the monster fled—burning in white flames. My lord, this could mean that a divinely chosen pastor has come to aid us."
"I see. Priest, are you able to create holy equipment?"
"Unfortunately, my lord, we only have access to Holy Water from the church."
"This is troubling. The church has relied on our aid for their own merits, and now, with monsters invading, we are trapped in a difficult position."
"Calm." My voice, still resonating with the divine, silenced the crowd. Everyone turned to me as I walked through the common folk's attire, no longer in my usual finery. Elisabetha clung to my hand tightly as I spoke, unwilling to let me go.
When I stopped reading at sunrise, Elisabetha sobbed into my hand for over thirty minutes. I explained everything to her.
The good news?
[Seraphim Voice Lv. 1 > Lv. 900.]
I could now speak 900 words in 2 seconds. A significant improvement.
"Mathias, are you okay? What happened to you?"
"No need to worry, Leon. The accident altered my voice and the burn marks on my body. I almost lost my life to it. So, I've decided to stop pursuing alchemy for now, for my own greater good. At the moment, I have detected a monster outside. It seems something is drawing these creatures here."
As I spoke, my voice was so enticing, so majestic, it stole the hearts of those around me. Even Elisabetha clung tightly to my hand, her grip showing how deeply affected she was by the allure of my words. The widows, virgins, and wives around us almost fainted from the seductive nature of my voice—it was like a whisper from an angel, teasing and tantalizing each time a word passed my lips.
"Before that... what truly happened to you? Why have you become... different?"
"I'll be honest, Leon. My family left me something—a cursed item to study. At first, I wasn't aware of its true nature. But it was too late when I realized. This cursed object tainted my existence, leaving me with severe burns and nearly losing all my organs when I was on death's doorstep. Yes, I truly would have died if not for Elisabetha's care. God has given me a second chance to redeem myself for my ignorance, but it comes with a price. Because of the curse, I can no longer die. My soul cannot be claimed by God, and Death cannot claim it either. That's the first part.
"Secondly, my body has become a target for all demonic entities and supernatural monsters. Once they taste my flesh, they will receive divine power from God, as I was told when I was on the brink of death. So I must be wary of anyone who gets close to me. If you don't believe me, I understand. It may sound like a lie or heresy, but I'll show you something. Something that may sound ridiculous to you.
"I can summon angels and holy beings simply by reading the Holy Scripture from night to sunrise without stopping. Yes, it was me who was reading those words. And angels demand sacrifice to manifest in this tainted world. I sacrificed my voice to change it into something... temptingly alluring and soothing. I apologize to anyone who has been charmed by it, as I had no intention of doing so. I am faithful to my wife. But God will send the order."
Without warning, angelic beings began to manifest, their luminous forms creating a breathtakingly beautiful formation in the sky
"We Angel From Heaven Mandate: Pilgrimage of the Faithful
In the name of the Almighty, let the call to divine duty resound throughout the realms. Heed now the sacred mandate bestowed upon thee, Mathias Cronqvist, as you embark upon the Pilgrimage of the Faithful, guided by the following divine decrees:
1. Embark on the Path of Divine Strategy: In the name of the Almighty, you shall hone your skills as a tactician.
2. Encounter the Supernatural: Journey across the lands of Europe, encountering and befriending the unknown supernatural entities that dwell within its borders and banish them if you deem necessary.
3. Earn Esteem in the Eyes of the Church: Let your deeds be known far and wide, earning recognition and honor from the sacred halls of the Church.
4. Comprehend the Balance of Order and Chaos: Delve deep into the mysteries of the cosmos, understanding the delicate equilibrium between the forces of Order and Chaos.
5. Embrace the Radiance of the Divine: Seek enlightenment in the teachings of the divine, embracing the purity and brilliance of Holy Light and Order.
6. Confront the Darkness of the Abyss: Confront the shadows that lurk in the heart of Chaos, understanding the abyssal energies of darkness and strife.
7. Forge Bonds Across the Sands of the Middle East: Extend your understatement beyond the borders of Europe, gaining the trust and respect of supernatural beings dwelling in the lands of the Middle East.
8. Collect Relics of Sacred and Profane Origin: Gather artifacts of both holiness and damnation, safeguarding them from misuse and corruption.
9. March in the Crusades: Stand among the righteous warriors in the Crusades, fighting for the glory of God.
10. Embrace the Diversity of Faiths: Open your heart and mind to the teachings of other religions, understanding their beliefs and perspectives.
11. End the Blight of Unjust Witch Trials: In the name of divine justice, prevent the persecution of the innocent and put an end to the tyranny of baseless accusations.
12. Administer Divine Judgment Upon Corrupt Church Officials: Let the wrath of the Almighty fall upon those who betray the trust bestowed upon them, purging the corruption that tarnishes the Church's purity.
13. Deliver Justice to Corrupt Followers: Mete out retribution to those who forsake the path of righteousness, ensuring that the faithful adhere to the true tenets of their faith.
Before you embark on this sacred journey, Mathias Cronqvist, is there any question you wish to ask? May your quest be blessed with enlightenment and fortitude."
God's tone was overly dramatic—almost theatrical, as if mocking the very ceremony. I could hear Satan laughing uncontrollably somewhere, clearly amused at the situation. My gaze lingered on the heavenly figures above: three Seraphim glided gracefully while the Cherubim hovered in an imposing manner. Behind them, God remained obscured, hidden in plain sight.
The other angels were unmistakably real, celestial beings from Heaven itself, not mere Castlevania-like apparitions. I could predict the intent behind this display; this was a game, wasn't it? We were all playing a part in this divine theater.
"Oh, Lord Almighty, I am Mathias Cronqvist. I will humbly fulfill your command as retribution for my ignorance, a curse that forced me to live this immortal life. Unable to bear heirs, forever hunted by demonic entities... perhaps I can ask for some relief."
I tightened my grip on Elisabetha's hand.
"Please, protect my wife from any dark forces during my pilgrimage."
The response was swift, the voices clear and divine, resonating with power:
"It shall be done. We will protect your wife from all malevolent forces, but we cannot protect you from them. Eventually, you will be tainted by the darkness, and you must understand the price of that corruption."
I took a deep breath, unwavering.
"I will endure the price as long as she is safe. I will fulfill your command without question."
"May you walk this sacred path with steadfast devotion, Mathias Cronqvist. In your actions, the divine will shall be made manifest. Go forth, and may the grace of the Almighty guide and protect you on your journey."
One by one, the angelic beings began to disappear. The radiant light grew softer, returning the world to its natural state.
I stood, taking a deep breath, still gripping Elisabetha's hand tightly.
"Elisabeth, this is my gift to you, given by God's direct command. A safeguard, a shield from all malevolent forces, as a testament to your love and dedication at my death's doorstep. I will endure this immortal life without you by my side, but when death eventually claims you, I will be there for you. Right where you'll find me."
[White Sun Wolf stares at you with malevolent intent.]
[Red Hood, carrying a golden apple, hides beneath her crimson robe.]
Wife angry! Wife angry! Husband has become a Casanova scumbag—correction will commence in the next life.
Fuck you.
Ahahahahahaha, God plays too. Have a good time, Chosen One.
God, why are you doing this to me?
I want to see your devotion.
I will.
Elisabetha's heart was an explosion of unexplainable emotion. Her husband, once on death's doorstep, now held immortality and direct divine mandate through angelic visitation. It was a gift beyond the greatest treasures of any kingdom, a symbol of love, sacrifice, and power.
A husband who gained recognition by the Lord Himself. His voice, divinely enchanting, capable of touching souls, offering communion directly with God. Elisabetha now found herself protected by celestial beings and vowed to remain by his side.
Despite the looming darkness, she would endure. She would become his guiding light in these trials. She would bear his burdens, ensuring his soul did not slip into the void.
"Oh, Almighty, I, Elisabetha Cronqvist, wish to be the source of light for my husband."
"Granted."
The voice of the Lord spoke directly to her mind. Tears welled in her eyes, and instinctively, she embraced me.
"What?"
"Nothing. I will be with you, wherever you go."
"I will."
Their interaction became a quiet spectacle—one that drew whispers from onlookers. Jealousy lingered in the air, especially among women who could sense Elisabetha's unique fortune: a husband blessed by God Himself, protected by angels, and now speaking words of divine love.
The next day, news of my pilgrimage and direct divine mandate reached the ears of the Church. Many "respected pastors" and "saints" questioned the authenticity of my claim. Yet, something felt off.
"LEON, WE MUST GO HOME NOW!"
I bellowed, startling everyone back in our homeland. The air grew tense as the others turned toward me with wide-eyed uncertainty.
"What happened?"
"Vampires are attacking our land. HURRY, WE DON'T HAVE MUCH TIME... OR—no, HOLD MY HAND, ALL OF YOU! HURRY! OR WE'LL LOSE EVERYONE!"
We grasped hands and I began to recite holy words with fervor. Angelic figures appeared, their presence ethereal yet powerful. They touched our shoulders, and in an instant, we vanished—teleporting back to our ravaged homeland.
"REINFORCEMENTS!" a soldier cried as we materialized.
The monsters rampaged, their fury undying. We charged into battle, holy fire consuming them. Despite our odds, the battle was fierce. We burned their corpses, only to discover something troubling.
"No... the water..."
We looked closer at the streams nearby—the water had turned a reddish hue, teeming with disease and vampiric corruption.
"Oh no... we're too late."
"What do you mean?"
"Vampires have already infiltrated this area. They've spread their corruption into the waters. I've been targeted by one in the Eternal Night Forest. I must choose: save Elisabetha and Sara, or save everyone here. If we fail, everyone will turn into vampires under this full moon. They'll lose themselves to bloodlust, seeking only the taste of mortal flesh. This isn't just a simple attack anymore—it's a curse. Symptoms manifest as glowing veins under sunlight exposure."
The soldiers froze in shock.
"Check everyone's body. Look for glowing veins. If you see them, do NOT attack them. Tell them to stay indoors and avoid any contact with blood. If a woman is menstruating, use holy water to cleanse your body or risk becoming their next meal."
"When did this happen, Mathias?"
"When the Church called us, Walter orchestrated this attack while we were away and vulnerable. Right now, Elisabetha is under Angelic protection—getting close to her would be a death sentence for Walter. But Sara... Sara won't have that protection. Leon, you must save them. Go to the Forest of Night and find someone skilled in crafting Holy weapons. I'll stay here to cure everyone. This is a ticking bomb; hurry before sunset. Find the man who can create Holy weapons in the forest, and I'll join you once everyone here is cured. Hurry!"
Leon mounted his horse, racing towards the Forest of Night, his face set in determination.
"All guards, hold the border! If you see any monsters like before, kill them on sight. Empty every arrow, break every weapon you have. Do not let them get close. Make sure you stand as the last line of defense until Leon returns and I finish curing everyone. If Leon doesn't return, we will act as reinforcement for him. The Church has forsaken us with their agenda; now is the time to fight with our own hands. IN THE NAME OF GOD, WE WILL FIGHT!"
"IN THE NAME OF GOD, WE WILL FIGHT!"
"Good. Now, clerics and doctors, help me prepare the medicine. For those unskilled in battle, follow my instructions: check for symptoms and do not, under any circumstances, strike those who have been affected. If the scent of blood spreads, we are all doomed."
"Yes, Sir!"
We worked swiftly, even as the monster rampage continued. Our soldiers fought valiantly, though we lost much of our weaponry in the chaos. Meanwhile, I focused on crafting the cure for vampirism, a vital reference for one day conquering the sun.
The first test of the cure was on a man already on the brink of vampirism. His skin had turned pale, his veins darkened, and his eyes nearly bled red. He was trembling, on the verge of breakdown.
"Sir, save me! Please!"
His desperation broke my heart, but we had to act. He drank the medicine, and within moments, his body began to recover. His skin regained its color, his veins returned to normal, and he was healthy again.
His family cried out in relief, seeing him restored to his human form, with no trace of vampirism left.
"The cure is a success! Spread it quickly, before sunset!"
We rushed to administer the cure to everyone, and by the time the sun set, all were healed. But Leon was still missing.
I felt a surge of dread. I had detected Leon, but to my surprise, he had failed. Severely wounded, he had ignored my advice to seek Rinaldo first.
"Open the armory of Baron Leon! Use the weapons inside. Baron Leon is in danger. I must go to him. If you see anything suspicious, guard yourselves and stay alert. Place light sources in every corner. If you notice any darkened spots in the shadows, be wary. Do not trust the darkness, no matter what. Not even the sound of a loved one calling."
"Yes, My Lord."
They called me "Lord" now. Sigh… looks like automatic merit does the job. Sorry, Leon, but I'm the Baron now.
I mounted my horse and set off toward the forest. Before I left, I grabbed my Red Crucifix and summoned Death.
"You summoned me, Master."
"Death, I want you to claim that Vampire's soul for me."
"Your wish is my command."
Together, we made our way toward Rinaldo, where I needed him to craft a Holy weapon for me.
As we traveled, Death could sense something within me—something too vast to fully comprehend. I wielded both dark and holy power, a duality that even Death had never witnessed. My hands, glowing with divine energy, radiated so much holy power that Death couldn't approach without risking his own demise.
Death, ever observant, realized that I was no ordinary person. I wasn't the kind who merely claimed divine power—I was a vessel of it. He understood that my words were not mere commands, but the will of God. There was no way He could refuse. This was a test of worth, and Death knew that his first task under my service was an important one.
In that moment, Death understood the weight of his new role. He served someone worthy—someone who had received the blessing of God, a being whose authority could not be denied. His loyalty was unshakable now, his belief in me complete.