The Old Knight

Kaite opened her eyes as soon as dawn broke.

As a paladin, he is still very young, but Kaite already possesses considerable combat experience, and he has never stopped honing his combat skills. Kaite has always earnestly adhered to the paladin's tenets of humility, courage, and rationality. Although he has not never failed, the perseverance unique to young people has enabled him to rise from each setback and achieve even greater success.

Although Kaite, like the other paladins, was filled with righteous indignation upon learning of the undead army's invasion of the Federation and wanted to go there to save the innocent civilians facing death, his rank was too low, and his master, Paladin Walast, did not want him to go to battle. Walast believed that the Lesser God's strategy was too audacious and reckless, and was likely to fail, thus preventing Walast's actions. Of course, Walast's decision did cause controversy within the Temple; some thought he was cowardly, others thought he was disrespectful to the gods. However, after the Temple's defeat in the war against the Federation, no one dared to say anything anymore. Those clergy who had previously thought Walast was afraid of death now needed his help to get through the current crisis. Of course, Kaite saw all this and kept it to himself, but he didn't say anything. He had already made up his mind to use his actions to fight for the treatment that Lord Walast deserved.

This trial at the Lesser God presented the perfect opportunity. Like all young paladins, Kaite dreamed of meeting Her Highness Saintess Catherine. Therefore, he did his utmost to defeat the opponents who stood in his way.

Thinking of this, Kaite couldn't help but look at the longsword hanging on the wall. It wasn't the knight's sword, but a holy sword that Kaite had obtained from the ruins of a Temple. Even the learned Walast didn't know much about the origin of this holy sword. However, it exuded a powerful divine power that could be easily sensed.

Obtaining this sword was also a test for Kaite. Before him, many knights had tried to wield it, but without exception, they were all reduced to ashes by the sudden burst of silver flames. Clearly, this holy sword had exceptionally high requirements for its master, and not everyone could possess it. However, Kaite at that time grasped it and gained ownership of it.

Of course, Kaite himself wasn't entirely without doubt about this. After all, among the paladins before him, some were better swordsmen, some had more seniority, and their devotion was no less than his. Yet, the holy sword chose him, not them. This puzzled Kaite greatly. Moreover, while the holy sword allowed him to use it, anyone else who rashly picked it up would still face annihilation. This drove Kaite to be even more cautious, to avoid causing disaster.

Sometimes, Kaite himself wondered if this sword was truly a sacred entity, and why it was so dangerous, seemingly completely out of control. This was entirely different from the kindness and justice taught by the gods. He had even asked his teacher about this, but Walast told him a story instead.

"Long ago, there was a brave swordsman who single-handedly fended off a pack of wolves that invaded his homeland, rescuing his friends and family from their clutches. He fought valiantly for three days and three nights, wiping out the wolves that originally lived deep in the forest. And do you know what his final fate was?"

"What is it, teacher?"

He was sent to the gallows and hanged in public.

As Walast recounted the story, his expression was resolute.

"Because he believed the wolves in the forest posed a threat to his village, he killed the wolf king's cub, thus incurring the wolf pack's wrath. The village rules clearly forbade any conflict with the wolves. Before that, the wolves had never invaded the village. It was the swordsman's overconfidence in his strength that brought such a devastating disaster upon his village. He broke the rules and disrupted the balance. For his own selfish reasons, he caused immense loss and suffering to countless innocent families; many never saw their loved ones again, all because of one man's actions. Although humanity ultimately triumphed, it was a victory that no one needed."

"But, as you said, he fought to the death and redeemed himself through meritorious service, didn't he?"

Kaite protested somewhat reluctantly.

"Is his merit not worth the crime he committed? That's not fair!"

"This isn't a credit, child."

Walast reached out and placed his hand on his shoulder.

"This is merely compensation. That man is simply making amends for the crimes he committed. But no matter how hard he tries, he cannot bring those who have already died back to life. Because of his foolish actions, some people have closed their eyes forever, never to see this beautiful world again. Although his power was indeed strong enough to kill all the wolves, it still cannot undo the destruction caused by his mistakes."

"..."

"Power is not something everyone can wield, and those who possess power may not necessarily master it. The most important thing is whether one can control their impulses, avoid being deceived by the appearance of power, and make the right choices. After all, the danger of power lies not in the power itself, but in the person who wields it. Just as for wolves, humans are the murderers of their cubs, nothing more."

That was all that Walast had to say.

Although he didn't give Kaite an answer, Kaite seemed to understand something.

Kaite drew the sword from its scabbard, gazing intently at the beautiful silver blade, and sighed involuntarily. Since arriving here, Kaite had noticed something amiss with his holy sword. It intermittently emitted a soft white light, seemingly resonating with something, but Kaite couldn't perceive or detect anything. He didn't tell his trusted advisor about it; after all, Lord Walast had been working tirelessly these past few days to prevent a surprise attack from the undead army within the Federation, and it was best not to bother him with such a trivial matter. Besides, it was his own sword; naturally, he needed to figure out what was wrong with it himself.

Yesterday's unexpected battle stunned everyone, including Kaite. After all, Kaite had already defeated his opponent, which meant that his next opponent would be one of the two outsiders. Kaite himself had thought that the strange little girl was likely to be his opponent, given her extraordinary speed that had completely surpassed human limits. To be honest, Kaite didn't want to fight her. However, as a knight, he absolutely could not back down because of fear, which was also his creed. Therefore, before even watching the battle, Kaite had already mentally prepared himself.

However, this result was a huge disappointment for Kaite. It was like a warrior who had made up his mind to slay a dragon, and after mentally preparing himself and charging into the dragon's lair, he found that the dragon was gone. That feeling of emptiness was indeed unbearable. Although Kaite did not mean to look down on Li Lin, he subconsciously thought that the little girl was an opponent several times more difficult to deal with than the masked warrior.

But what's done is done, and there's no point in dwelling on it. Kaite shook his head, clearing his mind of those chaotic thoughts, and then began practicing his swordsmanship inside the room. In any case, the masked warrior who had managed to get this far must have considerable strength. Although Kaite himself was an outstanding knight, he wouldn't underestimate his opponent. Therefore, he had to be extremely prepared before going into battle.

Meanwhile, in the tavern, Angela was smugly swinging her legs, restlessly rocking back and forth in her chair.

"Master, I really want to know what kind of expressions those pigs had yesterday when they didn't see me."

That was incredibly surprising.

Li Lin picked up the bread and answered casually.

"And they were overjoyed, especially the clergy. I guarantee they had a huge celebration when they got back."

"An idiot is an idiot."

Angela gave a cold smile.

"I will go and witness the stupidity of those idiots with my own eyes today."

"It's really kind of you to have endured this for so long."

As Li Lin spoke, he reached out and touched Angela's hair, and Angela squinted her eyes like a kitten, enjoying Li Lin's caress.

"After the match, it will be your time to shine. Don't let me down."

"Certainly."

Angela proudly puffed out her chest.

"Leave everything to me, Master. These good-for-nothings are no match for me."

Just then, there was a soft knock on the door.

Although it was still morning, Li Lin didn't seem surprised by the knocking. He simply picked up his mask and put it back on before speaking.

"Please come in."

Then, the wooden door slowly opened, and a tall, slightly aged figure appeared before the two of them.

"It's been a long time, Mr. Li Lin."

Walast entered the room and spoke to Li Lin, who was wearing a mask.

"I think you may have mistaken me for someone else, Sir Paladin."

Li Lin smiled and tapped the tabletop lightly with his finger.

"I don't know you, and my name isn't Li Lin."

"I'm still very confident in my memory. Although I'm getting a bit old, I'm not senile yet."

Walast smiled slightly.

"And you didn't specifically change your accent."

My name is indeed not Li Lin.

Li Lin made no reaction to Walast's arrival, but instead gestured for the old paladin to sit down. Angela, equally languidly lying on the bed, watched the old paladin with a playful gaze.

"Of course, you can continue to call me Li Lin, or you can call me... Arcane Mage, whichever you prefer."

Upon hearing this, Walast's eyes narrowed slightly, and his hand suddenly clenched, but he quickly regained his composure and sat down in front of Li Lin.

"So you already knew?"

Having observed the old paladin's actions, Li Lin was not surprised at all.

"You were the one who issued a declaration of war to the Five-Nation Alliance in your own name, Your Arcane Mage."

Walast continued to smile, seemingly unaffected by Li Lin's identity.

"Our Temple naturally received this information as well. To be honest, I never imagined that the young man I met in Kudel would actually be the heir to the Magic Empire."

"I think you've misunderstood something, Mr. Walast."

Li Lin calmly changed his posture.

"I am not the heir, and what you see before you is not my true form. I am a genuine, unadulterated Arcane Mage... the former ruler of the Magic Empire, and the current ruler of the Magic Empire. If you came here intending to spout nonsense, then you can skip this."

"..."

Upon hearing this, Walast's expression froze for a moment, then he nodded heavily.

"I understand. Well then, I won't waste any more words. Your Arcane Mage, I'd like to get straight to the point: what exactly do you intend to do in Kudel?"

"War, massacre."

Li Lin put down the cup beside him.

"At least not today, not now, can you rest assured now?"

"So you..."

Walast frowned, unsure what to say. In fact, Walast was able to guess Li Lin's identity because of Angela. Angela's absence from yesterday's match had aroused the old paladin's suspicion, and he immediately recalled the person he had encountered in the capital of Kudel. Although Angela's demeanor didn't match the one from before, and her age was significantly different, her signature red eyes and white hair were the same. Furthermore, although Li Lin wore a mask, his height, build, and voice hadn't been deliberately altered. Therefore, the old paladin quickly derived the answer from his memories. This was why he had come to the inn where the two were staying so early to investigate.

Although Li Lin hadn't given his name during their meeting in Kudel, Walast wasn't an idiot. He had already discerned from the fat merchant's eyes that this young man was the true mastermind behind the Dark Elf. Because of this, he had specifically sent people to investigate Li Lin and obtain his name. He simply hadn't expected him to be an Arcane Mage and the ruler of the Magic Empire. It was precisely for this reason that Walast had come here, not only for the sake of the country but also for his student—after all, his opponent today was this terrifying Arcane Mage.

Why did you choose to participate in this competition at the Temple?

"I'm bored, so I'm giving myself a break."

As he spoke, Li Lin shrugged.

"So I have no intention of launching an attack on Kudel now, are you satisfied, Mr. Walast?"

"..."

"You're a smart person, I don't need to spell it out for you."

Li Lin smiled as he gazed at the silent Walast.

"If you dare to make a move, Angela and I wouldn't mind launching an attack ahead of schedule. You don't really think that a mere few hundred paladins can stop us, do you? We're here for a reason, of course, but at least not to take your lives right now. I can guarantee that. So, I hope you can make a wise choice and not do anything too troublesome."

"Of course I understand that."

Walast shook his head helplessly.

"I will not drag these innocent civilians into our dispute based on my own momentary judgment, Your Arcane Mage. I simply wish to know your true purpose. If there is anything I can do to help you, I believe I can do so without compromising my principles."

"This is to save your life?"

Angela suddenly asked.

"Would you be willing to do anything to protect your life?"

"I just hope you two can leave as soon as possible."

Walast did not conceal his true intentions.

"I am a paladin, and I will never beg for mercy from my enemies. I would rather die standing than live a life of dishonor. But now I am not alone. All around me, beneath my feet, are innocent civilians. I do not wish to use their lives as bargaining chips to satisfy my own selfish desires."

"Compared to that mad dog Henderson, you seem much more pleasing to the eye. Although I think your pointless self-satisfaction is utterly meaningless. They're all going to die sooner or later, aren't they? What's the point of these people living even a moment longer?"

After making her Angela lay back down on the bed.

I don't think so.

However, Walast retorted.

"At least, they can observe the world for a little longer, appreciating its beauty and splendor. For humanity, that's enough."

"To be honest, you've piqued my curiosity, Mr. Walast."

Li Lin gazed at the elderly paladin and suddenly asked a completely unrelated question.

"I'd like to know, what is your view of our Magic Empire? As a paladin who upholds justice, peace, and righteousness, do you consider us evil, terrifying, and beyond redemption? Or do you have other thoughts?"

Upon hearing this question, Walast's expression turned serious. However, before he could answer, Li Lin continued speaking.

"You just said that the people standing beneath our feet are innocent civilians. But I don't think so. A thousand years ago, this was the territory of the Magic Empire. The Five-Nation Alliance invaded our country, killed our people, and plundered our land and resources. Beneath our feet, beneath the feet of those so-called 'innocent' civilians, lie the corpses and bones of our Magic Empire's citizens. The Five-Nation Alliance invaded our country and destroyed our people. And yet, they built their own paradise on our blood-stained land. How do you view this?"

Li Lin's voice grew louder and louder, while Walast's expression became increasingly serious.

"Indeed, I have no evidence now, you can take it as me talking nonsense. After all, the Five-Nation Alliance emerged victorious, we lost. We are erased from history, no one knows the cruelty our people suffered. Indeed, the Undead Army was terrifying, we slaughtered the inhabitants of the Federation, but so what? Do you know how the Five-Nation Alliance treated our people? They raped women repeatedly, not even sparing the girls' corpses until they died. They lit fires at the feet of children, letting them scream and cry as they ran and jumped to their deaths in the sea of flames. They skinned mages, just to make their banners! So, I ask you, Paladin, who was more cruel? Our Undead Army? Or the Five-Nation Alliance? At least I gave them a quick death, not a torturous ordeal, didn't I? These so-called 'innocent' civilians, in my opinion, are all accomplices. They are the descendants of those executioners, they have the same filthy blood flowing through their veins, therefore, I do not believe they are innocent."

Li Lin stopped there.

"Now, I wish to hear your opinion, Mr. Walast, as a just, peaceful, and righteous paladin."

Faced with Li Lin's question, Walast remained silent for a long time before slowly asking.

"Why... it's me, Your Arcane Mage?"

"Because you are a person who sticks to principles."

Li Lin replied.

"Although we haven't met many times, I know you're a man of principle, but not stubborn. I know you're qualified to answer my questions, instead of jumping to conclusions like those idiots in the Temple."

After hearing Li Lin's answer, Walast raised his head, his eyes deep and sorrowful.

"I am not qualified to comment on that war, Your Arcane Mage."

He answered sincerely.

"That war ended far too long ago; perhaps it feels like yesterday to you. However, I didn't experience it firsthand, so I can't offer my answer. But I believe your revenge is meaningless. Even if you win and destroy the Five-Nation Alliance, so what? Unless you wipe out everyone on the entire continent, someone will eventually seek revenge, won't they? Just like now, as you lead your army to attack the Five-Nation Alliance."

There is no such thing as lasting peace in the world.

Faced with the old paladin's words, Li Lin looked firmly back into his eyes and answered.

"Since I've made my choice, I will naturally face the consequences. So what if it's the Five-Nation Alliance? They invaded and destroyed our Magic Empire; didn't they ever anticipate our potential retaliation? That's their problem, not mine. Sir Paladin, once a choice is made, a price must be paid. Indeed, my country may very well face another attack called revenge in the future, but so what?"

As Li Lin spoke, he stood up.

"I will wait, whether it's hundreds, thousands, or tens of thousands of years. If the avengers of the Five-Nation Alliance can come, I will annihilate them all! As long as the Arcane Mage live, the Magic Empire will not perish. Even if the Magic Empire ultimately falls again, as long as I live, I will rebuild and exact my revenge once more! This is the eternal cycle of the multiverse; no one can escape it. War is an eternal cycle, and no one can stop it. So-called peace is always fleeting. If you don't even understand this, then don't expect peace."

"I understand what you mean, Your Arcane Mage."

Walast also stood up, staring intently at Li Lin.

"But I will fight for my beliefs, for my choices, just like you."

With that, he turned and left the room.