With Fusion of Video Game fictional thing, I become Irregular

I arrived at Rinaldo's hut and opened the door, my eyes landing on a wounded Leon lying nearby.

"You must be Mathias. Your friend here always speaks your name."

"Did he bring someone with him?"

"Glad you asked."

Rinaldo led me to a secret dungeon. As we descended into its depths, my heart sank as I saw her, Sara, now fully transformed into a vampire.

"Mathias... I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

"You sold us, didn't you?" Sara remained silent. Her hesitation confirmed everything.

"Your silence is confirmation. You were tempted by envy and betrayed us while we were away. I never thought you would do this. But I will spare you because you are my fiancée's friend and Elisabetha's friend. Drink this. It will cure vampirism. Everyone in our homeland is cured." Leon, limping and hearing this exchange, was overcome with disbelief, anger, and betrayal.

"Is that true, Mathias?" I didn't respond to him immediately.

"I leave that to her. I must save my wife before she becomes Walter's next meal. You do you." I left the dungeon without another word, whispering to Leon as I passed:

"I know you're a noble man, Leon. Don't let this betrayal rob you of hope. Everyone can find a second chance. It's time for you to watch over her. It's hard, I know, but life is not always kind." I set off, heading to challenge Walter's trials by myself.

"You're going to the castle?"

"Yes. Why?"

"Can I ask you a favor?"

"Justine, correct?" Rinaldo's surprise was evident.

"How did you know?"

"I am the strategist of the Belmond family. I knew everything four steps ahead. You may wonder why I know how to cure vampirism, but let's get to the point. I will bring your daughter back, but I need you to do something for me."

"What is it?" I drew out my Red Crucifix, and Rinaldo's face showed visible alarm.

"This..." Rinaldo inspected it, eyes wide, then carefully set it back on the table.

"Where did you get this?"

"In my attic. My family left it to me. I need you to infuse it with Holy magic." Rinaldo hesitated but ultimately nodded.

"It shall be done. Wait here." Rinaldo set to work, coating the crucifix with holy magic. Just then, Leon and Sara appeared. Sara bore a fresh slap mark on her face—a visible punishment for her actions.

"Leon..."

"What is it?" Leon was in a foul mood. I would be harsher this time.

"When you return to our homeland, tell everyone: I was the one who sent the monster and poisoned the water." The reaction came fast.

"What?!" Leon, Sara, and Rinaldo looked at me in unison.

"What do you mean?"

"I saw the future. Sara will bear guilt for her actions, drowning herself in depression. This leads to a domino effect: your anger, distrust, and hatred will isolate you and leave Elisabetha and me exiled. Do not argue with me—if you do, the Church will hunt her as a witch. Church decrees are absolute, and nothing can save her from that fate."

"It's not fair!"

"It is fair. You chose this path—your friendship or your love life. You may forget me and my exile, but I will always remember you as my friend. Live your life with her. You lose a friend, but you save your love—a small price to prevent inevitable ruin and endless cycles of hatred. We will meet again, Leon, in holy war. When that time comes, we will fight together."

Rinaldo handed me the now Holy-infused crucifix, and I left with style, vanishing into the darkness of the night.

Leon punched the wall in frustration, his bad day compounding. Betrayal, heartbreak, and the burden of his choices all came crashing down on him.

I reached the castle and was welcomed by a sea of monstrous figures.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here? A human. A holy human with so much power. I hear you are the man who received the word of Heaven to embark on a pilgrimage."

Before the monster could finish his sentence, I appeared and ripped him apart before he could react.

"What...?"

"Death. Now."

Death appeared beside me, his presence as cold and powerful as ever. I gestured, and his hands grasped the monster's soul, pulling it directly into my Crimson Crucifix.

"Master, the Crimson Stone is already collecting the vampire's abilities. Would you like to harness them?"

I shook my head.

"I have no interest in vampire abilities, Death."

I summoned my King of the Monster Apex Aura. The monsters before me dropped to their knees, trembling uncontrollably under my sheer willpower. My aura was a manifestation of dominance, raw and primal, demanding complete submission from even the most powerful of creatures.

The monsters bowed before me, their existence entirely eclipsed by the regal, beastly presence I now wielded.

"Keep an eye on them, Death. I'll search for my wife first."

"Your wish is my command."

I took the Ebony Stone and added it to my Treasury before proceeding further into the castle. Within its treasures, I found many gems and items of value, perfect for my collection. I also noted that Walter had refined tastes—his clothing and decor were a pleasant surprise.

Eventually, I reached a chamber where I could hear soft sobbing. Elisabetha was wailing, locked within a holy circle.

"Mathias... hurry."

Before I could enter quietly, Elisabetha startled and passed out from the shock.

"Hey..."

I slapped my head, frustrated with myself.

"Nice one, idiot. I forgot my silent step."

I picked Elisabetha up in my arms and began walking away from the castle. Death stayed behind, overseeing the monsters and maintaining order.

"Master, my lady has finally returned to you."

"Yes, for now, Death. But we must hunt more vampires across Europe and claim their souls."

Death pointed toward a lesser monster.

"Are you able to summon them?"

"Technically, yes. They will become mine, their souls bound to me. Their bodies, however, will be annihilated."

I inspected their soul paths and confirmed my plan.

"Return her to someone near the hut. I'll wait for your report."

The next day, my betrayal sent shockwaves throughout the homeland. Everyone was in shock, but I didn't care. I stayed in the church to gather solid proof. It took two days, but I was granted something by the Church.

I was to be crowned as a Saint.

However, during the coronation, a miracle occurred.

A host of angels appeared in this holy land, their presence both overwhelming and divine. Among them stood twin seraphim, carrying a staff, not overly ornate, but radiant with a brilliance that outshone all else before us.

"In the name of the Almighty, let the radiant call to divine duty resound throughout the celestial realms. Behold now the sacred mandate bestowed upon thee, Elisabetha Cronqvist, Wife of Mathias Cronqvist, as you are entrusted with the Staff of Guidance, forged in the divine light of Heaven itself. Your duty is to serve as the guiding light for the chosen pilgrim who married you, ensuring his path remains uncorrupted and reminding him of his holy task. Embrace this divine duty with unwavering devotion, as you journey forth with the following celestial directives:

1. Illuminate the Path with Divine Wisdom: Let the radiance of the Staff of Guidance shine brightly, illuminating the pilgrim's way with the timeless wisdom of the Almighty.

2. Protect the Pilgrim from Temptation: Shield the chosen one from the dark allure of corruption and temptation, preserving the purity of his heart and soul.

3. Uphold the Sacred Mission: Remind the pilgrim of his sacred mission and the solemn vows they have sworn to uphold, ensuring his remain steadfast in his devotion to the divine cause.

4. Channel the Heavenly Light: Draw upon the Divine energies imbued within the Staff of Guidance, channeling the power of Heaven to guide and protect the pilgrim on his journey.

5. Guard Against Malevolent Forces: Stand vigilant against the malevolent forces that seek to thwart the pilgrim's divine purpose, wielding the Staff of Guidance as a beacon of hope and strength against the encroaching darkness.

6. Sustain the Pilgrim's Faith: Strengthen the pilgrim's faith in the face of adversity, infusing him with the unwavering resolve to persevere in him righteous quest.

7. Commune with the Divine: Seek guidance and counsel from the heavenly realms, communing with the divine spirits to gain insight and clarity in your sacred duty.

8. Heal the Pilgrim's Spirit: Offer solace and comfort to the pilgrim when his spirit falters, using the soothing light of the Staff of Guidance to mend his wounded soul.

9. Inspire Hope and Courage: Be a beacon of hope and courage for the pilgrim, inspiring him to press onward with unwavering determination and resolve.

10. Guide the Pilgrim to Salvation: Lead the pilgrim ever closer to the radiant shores of salvation, guiding him along the path of righteousness with the unwavering light of the Staff of Guidance.

Before you embark on this celestial pilgrimage with your husband as he vow to do our will, Elisabetha Cronqvist, is there any question you wish to ask ?" and that moment Elisabet stop thinking, her brain get instantly shutdown, and she forget to bow down, almost everyone almost forget to bow down except me who already in bow down situation.

She hurriedly bowed, unsure how to respond. The weight of her new role pressed upon her—she had already felt like a burden while her husband was away, and now she had inherited yet another responsibility, one that matched the intentions of the Lord. She had never before felt like the luckiest woman alive.

Her thoughts wandered to Mathias. Meanwhile, my own were a mess:

"Oh my God!?!?!??!? This was supposed to be an easy scenario, so why is everything turning into a chaotic mess?!"

"I have no questions to ask or wishes to fulfill. I will solely devote myself to my husband and his pilgrimage. I may not be immortal like my husband's cursed existence, but through this duty given to me by The Almighty, I will bear no burden of evil upon him. I will protect myself should he not be by my side."

The angels giggled softly at Elisabeth's nervous stammer. That bastard had taken this situation far too seriously, but I was the one barely holding my composure. Hearing Elisabeth's voice stutter like that threatened to break me entirely.

"May the divine light of Heaven guide and protect you on your sacred mission with your husband," one of the angels spoke, "and should you waver in your sacred duty with him, we will speak to you through the staff as proxy."

One by one, the angels began disappearing into the ether, and the Seraphim handed Elisabeth the staff directly. It shimmered brilliantly—a symbol of their authority. Elisabeth accepted it with trembling hands.

"What a lovely wife you have," one of the Seraphim chuckled as they vanished, leaving Elisabeth clutching the staff nervously. I, meanwhile, was on the verge of losing it entirely.

While everyone else had bowed in reverence, they all stood as the Pope approached me. Without hesitation, he rushed to me and kissed my hand as if it were the most sacred of gestures. Reflexively, I pulled my hand back. The act was rude, and I couldn't let it slide.

"By the Church's decree and the Lord's messenger's authentic proof, as the current Pope and upholder of Holy Law, Mathias Cronqvist and Elisabeth Cronqvist are officially coronated as Saints. Furthermore, by the hierarchy of the Church, both husband and wife shall now become Honorary Cardinals, spreading the Order of the Lord and His will throughout the realms of faith."

I smiled and looked at the new path ahead of us, my expression calm but filled with purpose

[ 3. Make a name for yourself to The Church (Complete)]

"We shall leave; we cannot delay the pilgrimage any longer." I grabbed Elisabeth's hand while she continued staring at the horizon, unable to fully comprehend what was happening. Just a short time ago, she was in her homeland; now, she was in the church, bearing the weight of a holy duty, destined to guide her husband. She didn't know anymore whether this was a blessing from Heaven or just pure luck.

As we departed, the news spread like wildfire. Within just three days, the entire Byzantine Empire knew that two Saints, directly watched over by the Almighty God, were on their way to France. Saint Mathias was embarking on a pilgrimage to seek spiritual beings.

While I rested in an unknown village in France, I received both good and bad news.

The good news was this:

[2. Well-known to many supernatural beings across Europe.]

Yes, my existence was now known to all supernatural beings across Europe, which made my job much easier.

The bad news was:

Once my coronation reached Leon's region, Leon was devastated. His friend had exiled himself, but he gained the title of Saint and an honorary Cardinal by the Church. To make matters worse, Elisabeth had received another holy duty, holding the sacred staff given to her by the Seraphim, to accompany me on my pilgrimage.

Leon had never felt such failure. He was a skilled swordsman, but what was the point of mastering every weapon if you weren't the chosen one? It was a hard truth that he couldn't endure. Meanwhile, Sara, consumed by envy, cursed Elisabeth with witchcraft right under Leon's nose. Leon, in his depression, started neglecting her, which made everything more complicated. That's why I had to leave; otherwise, there would have been a bloodbath.

Now, the majority of the people from Leon's region were migrating to follow me to France as Leon's leadership dwindled.

"Do you find it?" I asked, searching around before shaking my head.

"It seems the relic is gone. Another waste of time."

"Is it okay? So, is this a Holy Relic?"

"Not quite. There are three Historical Relics. All of them are swords."

"I see. Durendal, Joyeuse, and Curtana?"

"Correct. It seems you've learned."

"An angel whispered it to me."

"I almost forgot we have the staff. Anyway, let's continue our journey."

As we moved on through France, we eventually found the three swords and received the following notification:

[Durendal, Joyeuse, Curtana Obtained.]

"Finally, we found them."

"Yeah, let's head to Spain and England."

"Why don't we rest?" I nodded and agreed, and we took a two-day rest. The rest was simple—Elisabeth was... rather eager.

That was the problem. Amaterasu kept glaring at me every time, and she was not having it. Yes, I was using Mathias' body, not my true body, because my true body would unlock once I gained vampirism. But seeing an unknown woman happily jumping on my hips, moaning like a high-class mistress and screaming Mathias' name while I was in control... it was a mess. My pent-up frustration was released, but Amaterasu was furious and kept spamming me.

[I WILL NEVER LET YOU SLEEP UNTIL I'M DONE WITH YOU.]

She wasn't using a simple constellation modifier; she was literally Super chatting me with death threats. Let me rephrase that, correction, it felt like one. It would only get worse once we reached Japan. Lucky for me, Mifuyu wasn't part of the roster; if she was, oh, my. I couldn't stop her once she was enraged, full of envy and hatred, especially if her husband was with someone else.

After releasing all my sexual frustration, Elisabeth fell asleep with a smile on her face. Despite the curse preventing me from having heirs, I gave her so much that every time I refilled her womb, a sudden surge of energy seemed to charge her up. She continued eagerly, sucking my essence out.

I sensed many hexes being sent our way, and I knew who was behind them—Sara. I hexed her back by making her and Leon fall in love with each other. This hex was so potent that they would both accept each other's flaws and form a healthy relationship as husband and wife. Despite Sara still doing witchcraft, this would help Leon understand who the true villain was.

Definitely not me. Humans themselves—miserable creatures with their piles of secrecy. But enough monologue for now.

[Active Magic: Hex Reversal Lv. 1 Obtained.]

The spell countered, and I sensed them having a good time. Then, I sensed someone else nearby. I pulled the blanket over Elisabeth and grabbed the staff. I stepped outside and encountered a vampire.

"My lord," it spoke, bowing.

"I'm not your lord. What do you want?"

"I hear you are a great spiritual hunter. Perhaps you would like to—"

I yawned and glanced at the time.

"It seems your monologue doesn't interest me. See you around." I started walking away, but the vampire attacked me. Mid-air, Death appeared and reaped his soul.

"Another vampire has been claimed, master."

"Good work. Let the sunlight dispose of his body." We moved on, and as the sun rose, his body turned to ashes. It wasn't cruel, just satisfying to watch a vampire burn away.

We reached Spain and searched for the Cursed or Holy Relics, but found nothing. So, we made our way to England, where I sensed the presence of fairies.

"Those lights..."

"Fairies. It seems demons and magical entities are more potent here than before."

"Oh, Saint, we greet you upon your arrival. The Lady of the Lake wishes to meet you."

We exchanged glances and followed the fairy. When we arrived at the lake, a beautiful fairy greeted us with a smile.

"Vivian? Morgan le Fay? Or Lady of the Lake?" I asked, recognizing her.

She giggled. Elisabeth gripped my hand, her instincts telling her this woman was dangerous.

"It seems I'm famous among the God-chosen ones. You are the dangerous being in this land, and I remind you, evil entities are hunting you down."

"Including you?"

"Yes, including me." She slipped up, and I couldn't help but laugh. Elisabeth giggled beside me. The overconfidence of the fairy made her blush with embarrassment.

"No, um, I will not do that."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Like, for real?"

"Yes, I will not hunt you."

"Legit?"

"Is that a new word?"

"Hmmm... Dost thou truly believe that thy assertion shall be accepted? For thou, too, art counted among spiritual beings in need of a constant supply of souls. Through thy proxy as a weapon, the Excalibur thou hast bestowed possesses an affinity for drawing forth the souls of its victims. Thou requirest a pure soul to wield it, for the sword's nature is to absorb the souls of the wicked." Vivian, hearing my old English language and reading it like a soothing storyteller, couldn't contain herself anymore.

"ALRIGHT, YOU WON! YES, I WANT YOU TO BE MY CONSORT. I'VE GROWN ENVIOUS OF YOUR WIFE THERE. I TRIED TO SEDUCE YOU WITH MY BEAUTY, AND YET YOUR WIFE'S BEAUTY SURPASSES MINE! EVEN ALL HIGH-CLASS SPIRITUAL BEINGS DEEM YOU AN IRRESISTIBLE DELICACY, ONE WHO WILL REACH DIVINE TRUTH IF TASTED!" She gasped for air after yelling, while Elisabeth closed her mouth with her hand. I nearly burst into laughter, this woman was so lonely.

"So... simply put, you're lonely?"

"How dare you call me lonely!"

"Alright, we're wasting time here. Let's go."

"Wait! I can give you a holy sword if you can prove your worth." The Lady of the Lake used her magic to manifest a holy weapon from the waters.

"So that is magic?"

"Yes. There are two types of magic: expression and manipulation. Witchcraft is considered manipulation, while the other is considered expression. Expression magic involves faith—like praying or having faith in the gods you believe in. When you connect with your beliefs, magic activates. From a human perspective, magic is something beyond common knowledge. Often, people consider it strange or heretical, depending on their beliefs.

Witches are typically female practitioners, while wizards are male. Many wizards have secluded themselves, and witches hide in plain sight. Some are evil, some neutral, and some are good. This is why my pilgrimage is to better understand other beliefs and religions, and how magic works. Whether dark or white arts, it's all knowledge—a means of expressing divine or demonic power, or manipulating divine or demonic energies."

"...I see. Should I learn magic?"

"With this staff, it's possible. But I warn you in advance, my love: you will be treated as a witch. Remember, female jealousy can be unrelenting. Rumors can spread, transforming into facts, and once something is proven, there is no arguing against it. Humanity's malice is boundless. They will go to great lengths to attain their desires by using rumor and baseless accusations as weapons.

I've seen this before... and now carry the burden of it. You are the most fortunate human woman alive, my love. Even spiritual beings envy you—churches, female priestesses, and soon-to-be Saintesses envy you because you can communicate directly with God through this staff and accompany your husband on holy missions. But there is something I must tell you."

I gripped her shoulder and looked at her seriously. "I will sacrifice the world for you. I will bear the burden of becoming everyone's enemy just to ensure you find the greatest satisfaction in being with me, with no regrets."

'SIMP.'

'Sure, shut the fuck up, Satan.'

Elisabeth looked at me with overwhelming joy. She never imagined her husband would truly sacrifice so much for her. Her heart was pounding, and she found herself wanting to spend every moment by his side, even if it meant venturing into the darkest abyss.

"Ehem... no flirting here. When will you prove your value?"

"Alright. We're wasting time here." I scooped some water from the lake and examined it.

[The Lake Potion]

Elisabeth and I set off again to search for vampires and monsters in the English Peninsula. Baoban Sith had already been defeated, and many supernatural beings were vanquished by our hands. Yet, when Elisabeth lost sight of me, I had Death claim their souls. Death had never been so jubilant while collecting the souls of supernatural beings across England.

But the real prize awaited us as we ventured further into the Dungeon.

"Dragon bone," Elisabeth said, looking at the enormous remains of the dragon.

"White Dragon Bone. We'll need to locate the Red Dragon bones in Wales, but these magical properties are impressive."

I carefully collected the dragon remains and safeguarded them.

[White Dragon Bone]

Next, we ventured into Ireland, uncovering numerous artifacts and relics, both holy and cursed. These were Irish mythological relics, and I took the responsibility of securing them.

Our journey then took us to Scotland, where we encountered many artifacts and evil faeries. These faeries enjoyed creating chaos, pretending not to exist. Eventually, we made our way into Wales, where we discovered the Red Dragon body.

"Carve that."

[Red Dragon Body]

After collecting these treasures, we returned to France—and encountered an unexpected surprise.

"My lord," a group of people from Leon appeared.

"Why are you here?"

"My lord, Leon has gone insane from losing you. We migrated here to search for you and confirmed your presence in England. According to our findings, you would appear in France on Monday after a three-day expedition in England." The church's intelligence was surprisingly good, and I didn't mind it.

"And then?"

They all groveled at my feet, and I rubbed my temples in frustration.

"We will join you on your holy task. Perhaps we are not chosen, and we do not possess the strength of the Lord, but we will endure this trial for our own salvation." Unexpected, yet fortuitous.

If I could lead this pilgrimage while also taking on the role of a mercenary general like Lu Bu, this could suffice. The majority of Leon's people were humble, family-oriented, and not power-hungry. However, their depression had led some individuals to attempt political schemes and backstabbing to attain noble baron positions.

"I see... but we have a problem."

"Is there any problem you wish to inform us of, my lord?"

"Who here is illiterate? I don't care if you're men or women—just be honest with me." One by one, they raised their hands. Around 70% were illiterate, and even worse, some had brought their children—infants—along. These people were insane.

"Sigh... Leon neglected proper education. He was preoccupied with feuds rather than focusing on building his kingdom. You know what? We'll stay in France for a week, and I'll teach all of you the languages of Europe: Portuguese, Finnish, Greek, and others."

In just three days, they mastered all the European languages I taught, including their dialects and informal expressions. France's voluntary participants were amazed at their progress, and even the royal family sent their children to learn from me for political reasons.

Using these four days, I secured the financial and material support necessary for the pilgrimage. Furthermore, word spread, and neighboring countries like Spain, Portugal, Romania, Ireland, and Scotland sent their own people to join me. I never intended to recruit so many people, but at this point, the more, the merrier.

We continued the pilgrimage north, into Sweden and Norway. Nordic myths came alive as we encountered numerous supernatural beings and evil gods. However, we retreated.

"Why did we retreat, my lord?"

"Evil gods are far too powerful. They can corrupt desires and twist souls. It isn't worth engaging them. For your information, evil gods exist as shadow aspects of the divine, and fighting them is an invitation to doom. You may win, but eventually, you will lose—not the way you expect. They will always have the last laugh."

"Such wisdom, thank you for the clarification, my lord."

"It is my responsibility. I cannot let anyone die as a result of my holy mission. Even though this holy task does not explicitly make me the shepherd of everyone, I must ensure it proceeds as intended."

After speaking, we pressed on with the pilgrimage until we reached Greece. This took nine months. Greece was far more brutal. Supernatural beings were stronger here, and we had to tread carefully.

"So, what do you do for a living?" I sipped tea as I glanced at Medusa, who had turned the rest of my group to stone.

"Are you sure you aren't helping everyone? I mean, they're stoned."

"Bah, they'll survive... maybe." I sipped my tea again and glanced at my group casually.

"...I do art and music. It has been quiet lately due to the reduced number of visitors. How did you find me? Many supernatural beings wouldn't bother searching for me."

"I came to find your other sisters, Stheno and Euryale—the complete Three Gorgon Sisters."

"They're already lost to monstrous states. If not for Perseus saving me with his mirror, I wouldn't even recognize my mortal face."

"Ah, how valiant of him. Too bad he's dead."

"Yes... well, time is up. It's been nice talking with you."

"I'll spare your sisters, Medusa. I promise. But they must tread carefully."

I executed a swift, clean decapitation, leaving her head intact.

[Medusa's Head]

I returned to the fountain, created an anti-petrification potion, and sprayed it on the group. They were restored to their human forms.

"Welcome back. I told you not to wander... and now look what happened."

"We apologize, my lord."

We continued, returning to France as word of my leadership spread. The church would soon call upon us to lead the Holy Crusade to reclaim the Holy Lands. Unexpectedly, I would lead the charge.

I had foreseen this outcome, but this time, I decided to take a different approach—risky, but better. The question was, could Christians unite under one banner, or would they be doomed by personal interests, especially with the Middle East's vast natural resources and power?

I stayed silent, knowing everyone was waiting for my decision. They believed that whatever choice I made would align with God's word and intentions, guiding everyone to salvation.

"Damn if I do, damned if I don't," I thought. "But I will do what needs to be done, even if it leads to war crimes."

I remembered Hannibal's strategy to make Rome fear him.

The first step was understanding the army I led. I had to know everything: the pros and cons of each soldier, their origins, habits, and cultures. I needed to understand their physical, mental, and spiritual capabilities so I could gain their trust more than their own families.

Second was understanding the army's composition. In this medieval era, there were many types of troops—infantry, cavalry, archers, and more. In this holy crusade, I anticipated that common people would join first, followed by royalty, especially if I played by the Pope's rules.

Third was control. Knowing the enemy and the battlefield was vital. Magic existed, and I had a Great Map to guide me. The condition of the battle was also crucial. We weren't fighting against religious people; the Pope's propaganda had split empires for political gain. My pilgrimage through Europe had allowed me to build good relationships with every ruler I met, earning me instant merit. Another key was diplomacy, trust, and hospitality. While the majority of our enemies were Muslims, we shared similar ideologies of peace. I respected their customs, recognizing that war should never be waged for the interests of royalty alone. I couldn't just brute force my way through. My army was still undisciplined and not a true legion, but a militia. Discipline was the first step. Lastly, I knew I shouldn't commit to battle unless all these factors were in place. Most commanders lose their armies because they lack intelligence, preparation, and a clear understanding of the situation.

I also considered the supernatural beings that could assist us, particularly those in the Middle East, such as Djinn, Ifrit, and the 72 demons of Goetia. The Solomon Demon was also a powerful ally. I was excited to head to Egypt and Africa to explore these mystical resources.

But alas, the day arrived when Elisabetha passed away. I didn't love her as Valtor did, but as Mathias, I loved her dearly. Sometimes, playing someone else's role led to an identity crisis, but this was a game world, and I immersed myself in it fully. Sigh… she would pass before I reached the Holy Land. I wondered if this body would succumb to deep depression, but for now, it wasn't my concern. My duty was to make her happy until her last breath.

"Very well, I shall lead the Crusaders," I declared. The news spread like wildfire across Europe. People rallied to join me in reclaiming the Holy Land, from prisoners to royalty.

From Portugal to Scotland, Norway to Greece, people of all walks of life joined the crusade. To my surprise, supernatural beings and witches also joined the fray. I could see them but pretended they were just ordinary humans. I had expected 80,000 men, but what I got was nearly 30 million. It was the largest crusade in the history of my game.

At first, the idea of women joining the battle seemed absurd in this era, but my words convinced them:

"Why not? You clearly don't understand human nature. We men were created from mud, and women were created from our ribs. Women are part of us. You clearly don't understand your faithful ones. Men like us fight for glory, personal agendas, and our interests, but what do women do? They protect. They protect our homes, our children, our families while we are away, fighting for what we believe is our sacred duty. But after my pilgrimage, I realized something. When a man protects something, nothing can make him yield. But when a woman fights for something, nothing will make her stop. We can endure torment for a just cause, but women will fight with everything they have for something they love. Now, the question is: What are you fighting for? Who are you protecting?"

The roar of voices responding was magnificent. They knew what they were fighting for.

Once we reached Constantinople, the Emperor was wide-eyed. Thirty million reinforcements from across Europe arrived at his door. He was shivering, unprepared to shelter so many, but my diplomatic tactics made things easier.

The crusade began, and our first battle was dominated by us. The Seljuk Empire had never seen my tactics before. We used all our advantages to force them into unconditional surrender. With my abilities—Fafnir's Treasure, Touch of Midas, and God's Luck—we obtained many supplies from the Seljuks. We treated them with honor and kindness, not killing or pillaging, but instead gaining their trust. They gave us clothes and information about their empire, making our conquest easier.

As more Christians joined our cause with their families, our forces grew. Reinforcements from the Pope arrived, as well as Saintly figures and even people from Russia and Finland.

We continued our journey toward Jerusalem, and along the way, we encountered many confused Seljuk soldiers who couldn't understand how I won every battle with minimal casualties.

When we reached Antioch, we had to siege the city, surrounded by nearly 20 million enemies.

"I have no desire to pillage your city," I told them. "I only wish to retrieve the Holy Lance, which is kept here. I will leave your city intact in exchange."

The Muslim defenders were stunned.

"You have proof of your claim?"

"In the name of the Lord, who I serve faithfully, God has commanded me to reclaim all cursed and holy relics across the world."

"Are you truly the man they say is chosen by God?"

"Yes," I affirmed.

The general hesitated but then asked, "Prove it."

I held my Crimson Crucifix and summoned angels. The sky darkened, and from the clouds, Seraphim, Cherubim, and Lesser Angels descended, creating a light that shone through the darkness.

"We answer your call, Mathias. Is there anything you wish to ask us?"

The Muslim soldiers watched in disbelief as the angels appeared. They allowed us to take the Holy Lance, though it turned out to be cursed.

[Cursed Holy Lance]

After leaving Antioch, many Muslims joined our crusade. There were disputes over differing ideologies, but I proposed an alliance of perseverance—Christianity and Islam united to seek peace and to free Jerusalem from those who would destroy it. The city surrendered without a fight, and Christians and Muslims rejoiced together. But the celebrations were short-lived when news of Elisabetha's passing reached us.

She had been sick since Greece, and I had known it. I had stayed by her side, trying to ease her suffering as best I could. She had coughed up blood, and I couldn't extend her life—it was tormenting her. I simply wanted to ease her pain.

I stayed with her in her final moments, holding her hand.

"Mathias, I'm so sorry. I wish I could be with you until the end of your pilgrimage. But fate says otherwise…"

"Elisabetha... thank you for being with me. I love you, and I will miss you."

She smiled weakly and held my hand.

"Mathias… I will wait for you in the afterlife."

I smiled back, and as her hand lost its strength, she passed away. I placed her hand on her chest and stayed there, silently grieving. My tears fell, not because I was crying as Mathias, but because it was the grief of someone who had loved her deeply.

I buried her in Jerusalem and mourned for nearly a day. I never left her grave until sunset. When night fell, I went to the sea to reflect.

[Be with Elisabetha in her last days. Complete.]

'Finally, I am free from my responsibility to care for someone else's wife.'

'But you do love her, right?'

'Nah... not at all. It was just part of the immersion.'

'You're a bastard.'

'By the way, the crusade is supposed to end. Why hasn't it?'

'There's an election in Jerusalem for the king. Will you take it?'

'No, I'll run from it.'

I left for Egypt to seek more cursed and holy relics, fighting supernatural beings with ease. My journey took me across the Middle East, including Iran, where I befriended many supernatural beings, such as Djinn.

[Well-known to many supernatural beings across the Middle East. Complete.]

I settled in Baghdad, during the Islamic Golden Age, to study. With my Instant Merit, scholars and scientists welcomed me, recognizing me as a great saint from Christianity. I told them I was on a pilgrimage to understand other religions, and they accepted me openly. I didn't convert; I studied their language, philosophy, and more. Occasionally, I joined discussions, but most of the time, I kept my thoughts to myself.

Meanwhile, back at the church, my disappearance after Elisabetha's death caused panic. Some began searching for me, but the Muslims hid me, as they had become fond of my modern knowledge. I adopted the scholar name Vlad Ţepeş.

After three years in Baghdad, I completed my studies.

[Understand Divine, Holy, Light, and all aspects of Order and White Force. Complete.]

[Understand Demonic, Cursed, dark and any other aspect of Chaos and Black Force. Complete]

now continue my journey to the East. this will belong run.