"I think I don't need to say anything more, right?"
"Yes."
Nuolun bowed his head reverently, somewhat unable to look Ed in the eye.
Did I just... wield a sword against a god?
Thinking of this, she felt inexplicably apprehensive again.
Although the Holy Scripture almost constantly emphasize the greatness and benevolence of the Tree God, they still cannot avoid the sense of unreality that comes with religious descriptions.
If the Tree God is merely a great being, then such a thought is naturally incredibly presumptuous.
But now, the object of his faith, even if it's just Incarnation, is standing right in front of him, and he was just about to beat it half to death and then torture it...
But it's a different kind of feeling.
In the midst of his inner turmoil, Ed's gentle voice reached Nuolun's ears, a phrase of correct but meaningless truth:
"You are a worthy believer, a worthy Pure Ones, and I have accepted your faith."
Such affirmation is meaningless in itself, but it also depends on who says it.
So who gave her this evaluation?
He is the Incarnation of God on earth, the Son of God.
Nuolun felt his heart pounding at an unbelievable speed.
And Ed's words continued to come:
"My identity is currently known only to a few people, and it's not convenient to publicize it openly for the time being. This world has been severely corrupted by the Demonic Tide; this erosion and pollution not only affects the rules but also the human spirit. The once-powerful Tree Worship Church has fallen into depravity... It is no longer the benevolent entity it once was."
Nuolun wanted to nod upon hearing this, but his neck wouldn't cooperate.
What a disgrace and how ridiculous it is for a religious sect to be judged unfaithful by the very people it believes in.
If humanity survives the Demonic Tide, how will future generations record this event?
Will the Tree Worship Church become a permanent laughingstock?
Nuolun was in turmoil, but Ed had already finished speaking:
"Now I will announce the results."
"Gurgle."
Nuolun heard a swallowing sound coming from his throat.
"Grand Knight Commander Nuolun, you have passed the test and proven yourself to me."
Ed said seriously:
"A decaying world is destined to become the breeding ground for a new order. I now formally invite you to join the Second Holy See, and together we will bring peace back to this world."
The Grand Knight looked up and saw that the boy had already extended his hand to him.
She nervously reached out and shook hands with him for a moment, completely unaware that Ed was also starting to lose his composure.
After the two shook hands, Nuolun officially became a member of the Second Holy See.
She was filled with doubts and wanted to ask the boy in front of her for clarification immediately, but Ed did not notice her hesitation.
The boy casually flicked his finger, and the door, swallowed by Boston Ivy, reappeared on one side of the examination room, just as abruptly as it had disappeared.
"Let's go, we can get out now."
Nuolun reached out and pushed open the wooden door in front of her; the afternoon sunlight made her squint slightly.
Once her eyes had adjusted to the light, she suddenly realized that the examination room was already surrounded by people.
Among them were not only his own squad leaders and numerous soldiers, but also a large group of young people dressed in all sorts of clothes with expressions of surprise on their faces, and even " Duolin " on the city wall was among them.
Clearly, while Ed was interviewing Nuolun, the Soul Returner outside had already resolved all the other issues as planned.
The people in Nuolun's field of vision were getting along very well at the moment. The conflict he had imagined had not broken out. The countless reeds he had detonated were still flying in the air, but they no longer actively approached any living beings.
It must have been... that person who did it, right?
As Nuolun thought this, his gaze involuntarily drifted toward the Son of God behind him.
In that instant, her gaze fell upon the group of young people who looked exceptionally happy.
These people wore strange and inconsistent clothing with multiple pockets of different styles sewn on them, in which they stuffed various items that seemed to radiate life. They also carried all sorts of weapons on their waists and backs.
At this moment, all these people, regardless of gender, were looking at him with interest, as if they knew nothing of fear.
This feeling seems... somewhat familiar...
Nuolun's slightly furrowed brow instantly relaxed.
She suddenly realized why she felt a sense of familiarity. Just two days ago, about 100 kilometers Blue Gum Town, she had seen a prisoner with the same demeanor.
Now, that prisoner has died for unknown reasons.
The Holy Crusaders, who had assumed she was simply in a deep sleep due to food shortages, were surprised to find her dead before they entered the city.
This was an accident caused by her own negligence, and she has not yet reported it to the Son of God.
Her expression gradually turned ugly, and just as she was about to turn around and explain the matter to Ed, she suddenly caught a glimpse of a somewhat familiar face in the crowd.
When the man saw her gaze falling on him, he smiled and waved in her direction.
Ah, this...
Nuolun's expression froze.
At this moment, Ed approached Nuolun and introduced him to the many players who were watching:
"Grand Knight Commander Nuolun and her Fourteenth Knights Holy City, totaling five hundred men, none of whom are Fallen One, welcome the Holy Crusaders Knight Order to the Second Holy See!"
As Ed introduced the situation, Nuolun also showed a friendly expression. His long hair, which was similar in color to the reeds, fluttered in the wind, causing quite a stir among the players.
Nuolun had expected to receive the same gentle smiles and applause, but it was only her squad leader and soldiers who were truly applauding.
In contrast, the warriors dressed in bizarre costumes celebrated in their own unique ways, while also making strange noises.
"Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh!"
"Wow, this model definitely looks like an important NPC."
Are the Knights still recruiting?
" The Tree God is right, I'm telling you, the Tree God is right."
"I have never felt so devout, Amen."
"You've worshipped the wrong god, you fool!"
"Then let's go with 'tree gate'."
Don't you think it's weird?
"..."
Amidst a series of strange noises, Ed led Nuolun and his group toward the church in Blue Gum Town.
The well-trained Holy Crusaders were meticulous even when clapping, while the players, like elderly folks at a market, chatted happily all the way, passing the conversation back and forth between Ed, Nuolun, the Tree Worship Church, and the Second Holy See.
Compared to the other person, even Ed, who was good at playing dumb, felt a little embarrassed.