Punishment (Part One)

Rock Town, War God Temple

Under the effects of magic, the fallen attendants lay quietly inside more than a dozen coffins. Their wounds had been stitched up and even forcibly healed, their expressions soothed into peace, as if they were merely asleep.

Faint holy light spilled across every corner of the Temple. The solemn War God priests conducted the final prayers, their voices low and steady, carrying a natural note of sorrowful compassion.

"You were believers of the War God, devout believers. Between life and death, facing the assassins' blades, you remained fearless. You fought until the final moment, defending the glory of the War God and the glory of order..."

Everyone lowered their heads in prayer, sending their blessings to the dead.

The families of those who had died in battle especially broke down in tears.

"You fought until the final moment, displaying the glory of warriors. Your heroic souls shall surely return to God's embrace and gain new life in the Divine Kingdom."

"Come, let us pray for every warrior who fought until their final breath!"

The holy light slowly receded, and everything was so sacred.

At the Temple entrance, a group of people narrowed their eyes as they watched the sacred funeral. The leader's face was livid.

That man was Bishop Tu Duoya.

He still could not let go of the battle two days ago. Ten Knights and a Fifth-Level Priest had instead been killed. Since when had the warriors of the Lord of Radiance become so disgraceful?

"What a disgrace!" Thinking of the archbishop's fury sent a chill through him.

What enraged him most was Tatshaw Territory's response.

The ten Knights and one priest had been accused of colluding with the Devil Race, while the attendants from Tatshaw Territory who had died received recognition from the