Richard and the others were making their way back to the main city.
Behind them, the Scarlet Swamp was visibly losing its blood-red hue.
The viscous mist dissipated, revealing the black soil and withered trees that had been polluted for months.
The nauseating stench in the air had also faded considerably.
"Lord Apostle Commander, your power has purified this cursed land!"
Gregory followed half a step behind Richard, his voice filled with barely contained excitement.
His gaze rested on Richard's back. He was no longer looking at a military commander, but gazing up at a divine envoy walking among mortals.
The other eleven knights were the same.
They could feel the surging power within their bodies—the enhancement brought by Richard's Divine Grace Aura.
More importantly, the battle lust and fury that welled up from the depths of their hearts left them no longer feeling fear or confusion.
"Roar—"
Several stragglers that had crawled out of the mud were the same Corrupted Beasts covered in pustules as before.
Sensing the presence of the living, they charged over with furious roars.
"Protect Lord Apostle Commander!"
One of the knights shouted instinctively and raised his shield.
Gregory, however, grabbed him and held him back.
"Use the flames bestowed upon us by our Lord and burn them to ashes!"
Gregory roared angrily. Instead of retreating, he advanced, swinging the longsword in his hand forward.
A golden blade of flame burst from the sword and instantly cleaved the foremost beast in two.
The flames clung to the corpse, blazing fiercely as they quickly reduced it to charcoal.
The other knights were greatly emboldened at the sight.
"For our Lord!"
They no longer formed a defensive formation. Instead, they launched a charge.
The twelve figures, trailing faint golden flames, swept through the beasts like tigers among