The Guilty Knight's Revenge

Chapter 41: The Vengeance of the Guilty Knights

A magnificent palace, the Judicial Court of the Lyne Empire. James Watson, the chief editor of Legendary Spell, sat at his desk, meticulously reviewing a thick stack of reports.

Perhaps at this moment, he should be addressed as His Excellency Watson, the Supreme Arbiter of the Lyne Empire.

Being chief editor was only a part-time role; James Watson's main job was to judge domestic heretics.

The Lyne Empire's sole legitimate faith was the Lord of Dawn. Any act of worship towards other Deities within the Lyne Empire was considered heresy.

However, the Lyne Empire had recently expanded its territory significantly. Many newly incorporated Freemen could not immediately adapt to these strict religious laws and still held onto their faith in the old gods.

But these were all humans, fellow countrymen who could be educated. James Watson did not send everyone to the stake indiscriminately. Instead, he carefully read the investigation reports, formulating propaganda plans for new territories based on their specific regions and circumstances.

Whether through appeasement or severity, these were clear and effective targeted measures.

Although this work appeared daunting, it was second nature to James Watson, a devout believer who had risen from the ranks of a grassroots priest. He believed that in a few more years, the humans in these regions would become steadfast believers of the Light.

Problems that would take others ten days to half a month to resolve, James Watson could handle in just over half a day. This was also why he could firmly hold the position of Supreme Arbiter.

Only after finishing his official duties would James Watson begin his part-time work of reviewing manuscripts. However, he generally treated this review work as entertainment and a diversion. Seeing what kind of articles heretics wrote, and then vehemently rejecting them, was the most enjoyable game for him.

Casually jotting down rejection reasons for a few manuscripts from Dwarves and Elves, James Watson's attention was caught by a peculiar article.

My Paladin Friend Allen – A Discussion on the Influence of Faith on Young People

"What is this?"

Judging by the title, he knew the submission was for the supplementary section of Legendary Spell. These pieces, more akin to gossip columns and fabricated stories, had become quite popular recently. James Watson usually paid little attention to such things; no matter how high their sales, they couldn't compare to the influence of the main publication of Legendary Spell.

James Watson even hoped that heretics would write more of these supplementary gossip novels, continuing their descent into obscurity, allowing Legendary Spell to truly become a treasure trove of human magical scholarship. Therefore, James Watson was very lenient in approving submissions for the supplementary section, usually just glancing at them before passing them.

But this name—Paladin Allen?

James Watson looked at the author of the article, William Harvey, a name he had never heard before. It was either a pseudonym or the work of an unknown individual.

However, after reading just the beginning, James Watson's expression changed drastically.

The Supreme Arbiter frowned deeply, rubbing his ring. A light screen unfolded before his eyes, but what should have been a clear communication image was now filled with large patches of flickering static.

This was supposed to be a communication ring with his son, Allen, allowing them to communicate anytime, anywhere. Now, contact had been lost.

This article was likely not fake. His son, Allen Watson, had indeed been captured, and by a Lich.

James Watson picked up the article again, carefully reading every word. Soon, his face turned ashen.

The article portrayed James Watson as a fanatical zealot devoid of reason, who brainwashed his son with twisted doctrines of the Light, and employed inhumane methods to torture others' bodies and minds. If it were merely a distortion of facts, James Watson had endured countless slanders and attacks throughout his life; a mere article would have no impact on him.

What truly enraged James Watson was that the article analyzed the faith of the Lord of Dawn from another perspective. The author, from an observer's viewpoint, stated that the Lord of Dawn was not much different from other Deities. Whether it was the Lord of Light or the God of Nature, their doctrines were similar, their followers acted in similar ways, and even their enemies seemed the same—all hostile towards Undead. However, the followers of the Lord of Dawn were more xenophobic than Druids.

The author argued that this was a blasphemy against the Lord of Dawn, a distortion of the doctrines of Light. Under this twisted faith, the Lyne Empire was creating countless tragedies and conflicts, a result of James Watson, the Supreme Arbiter, satisfying his personal ambitions.

This analytical angle made James Watson's face extremely grim. The Lyne Empire was actively expanding outwards recently, which inevitably involved war. The article's argument was absurd and lacked substantial evidence, but it was filled with conspiracy theories, and readers loved conspiracy theories.

James Watson was certain that once this article was published, such conspiracy theories would spread rapidly, plunging the Lyne Empire into an unfavorable public opinion environment. It might not necessarily affect the outcome of battles, but it would undoubtedly be a disadvantageous situation.

However, if he refused to publish the article, his son Allen might lose his life.

"I told him to go to the Silver Moon High Court, why did he go to Alchemy City? This brat, did he also hear about that nonsensical prophecy?"

James Watson wished he could grab Allen and give him a stern lecture. The Paladin's trial journey had already been arranged; this kid must have changed his plans himself and gone straight to Alchemy City.

There was a treasure in the sewers of Alchemy City that could lead to godhood. This prophecy had circulated in the Lyne Empire for a long time, but a Legendary expert like James Watson disdained it. Logically, Allen wasn't ignorant either, so why would he believe the prophecy and go to Alchemy City?

But dwelling on this was meaningless now.

"Foolish! Reckless! Ignorant of heaven and earth..." James Watson cursed vehemently.

The author had made it very clear: if Allen was to live, this article must be published, and then a reply would be sent with comments asking if they were willing to pay a ransom. The ransom itself was not the issue; a mere few million Gold Coins was nothing. But the impact of this article on the Empire was too great; it absolutely could not be published, otherwise, he would be a sinner of the Empire.

After reviewing it one last time without any errors!

After a moment of contemplation, James Watson said with a sorrowful tone, "Allen, forgive me."

James Watson extended his palm and placed it on a crystal on the table. A holy light flashed, and a Paladin clad in silver-white armor appeared before James Watson. The Paladin knelt respectfully on one knee.

"Supreme Arbiter, please give your command."

"Select ten people from the Order of the Guilty Knights and travel to Alchemy City to find my son, Allen. If he is alive, try your best to rescue him. If he cannot be rescued, then completely annihilate the Lich who kidnapped Allen. Be cautious; you may face an Undead of the Legendary rank."

The Paladin said with great confidence, "My Lord, rest assured, our Order of the Guilty Knights was established to deal with Legendaries. That humiliation from years ago will never be repeated."

Hearing the mention of "that humiliation," James Watson couldn't help but recall the legend: before he was even born, the Lyne Empire had dispatched the entire Paladin legion to hunt down a Headless Knight. However, the result was tragic. The Paladin legion suffered heavy casualties, and the Headless Knight broke through the Empire's defenses and eventually disappeared without a trace.

This was a major historical event etched on the Empire's Pillar of Shame. It was also after that humiliating pursuit mission that the Empire established the Order of the Guilty Knights, specifically to deal with special enemies like Legendary Undead. It was a pity that for many years since the Order of the Guilty Knights was founded, the older generation of Paladins never got the chance to avenge their honor and had all returned to the Divine Kingdom of Light. The new generation of Guilty Knights trained with gritted teeth every day, hoping for the day they could avenge their predecessors.

Although the target this time might not be the same enemy from the past, being able to deal with a Legendary Undead was a challenge the Order of the Guilty Knights had long dreamed of.

Let the soul of this Undead be an offering to the Lord of Dawn, may that evil soul be purified.

James Watson stood up, clenching his fist, and said, "Remember, no matter what conditions the other party proposes, do not agree. The Lyne Empire never accepts threats."

"As you command, Supreme Arbiter."

(End of Chapter)