Paladins and Dark Knights

Lothar found himself fighting alone once more.

It seemed that at the start of every Combat Record, he had to be separated from the main force for a while.

But he was not panicking in the slightest now, because his individual combat strength had already become the greatest among all the retainers.

The "Magic Warrior" talent Vivianna had given him enhanced him even more terrifyingly in his normal state than in his true dragon form.

This paladin was powerful, but only at a level a Purge Squad of werewolves could handle—one tier above an elite centurion.

He was not a dark creature, so he was unaffected by the suppressive effects of holy radiance. In his normal state, dealing with this enemy should not be difficult, especially with the enhancement provided by the Holy Cross Plate Armor's "Dark State."

As he pondered, the paladin opposite him was already bathed in golden holy radiance. He looked like a god descending upon the world, majestic and imposing.

"Let all evil fiends fall."

"Slay evil and purge demons!"

The paladin loudly chanted Holy Words. A golden Hammer of Judgment condensed above his head, then locked directly onto Lothar and flew toward him.

Bang—

The warhammer, which seemed indestructible and capable of effortlessly killing a werewolf centurion, shattered beneath the Spear of Destiny into countless glittering motes of golden dust.

A flicker of astonishment crossed the paladin's eyes. The Hammer of Judgment was the bane of evil creatures, yet this black knight seemed completely unaffected by it. Could this monster's strength have already reached the "Progenitor" level?

Such an evil fiend was not someone he could possibly fight.

At that thought, a hint of resolve appeared on the paladin's face. He raised his silver-white lance, clamped his heels against his horse's flanks, and charged at