Paladin of the Dead God

Chapter 11:

As the term ‘Holy Body’ was mentioned, the monastery’s abbot fell into a moment of silence. However, Gebel quickly continued.

“I saw a person who manifested a Holy Body when I was young. Overnight, they possessed abilities beyond verbal explanation. Isaac is young and small in stature, so it’s this much for now, but as he grows, it will manifest more strongly.”

“Indeed, his appearance is not that of an ordinary child…”

Isaac’s surreal appearance even baffled the abbot. Frankly, it seemed more plausible that his appearance itself could be a Holy Body rather than just his ability to lift a heavy ax. But under Gebel’s intense gaze, the abbot cleared his throat.

“Miracles are granted through achievements, and a Holy Body manifests through divine revelation. If Isaac truly is a Holy Body, we must consider it carefully. It’s not a matter we can decide lightly.”

There are indeed many people in the world who possess miracles. People who have entered burning furnaces and come out alive, those who can move incredibly fast over long distances, and even those who have returned from death. Monks can even routinely perform the miracle of lighting candles.

But those with a manifested Holy Body are fundamentally different. The Church calls them individuals born into the world with a mission.

Born with miracles without any achievements, they are undoubtedly messengers sent by God to fulfill a divine mission.

Many holders of a Holy Body have ascended to sainthood or left significant marks in history. Some even reached the rank of angels.

Therefore, the manifestation of a Holy Body isn’t something to be decided lightly; it requires the Church’s recognition. It’s a matter that could shake the direction of the Church.

It indicates the direction of God’s will.

But Gebel answered coldly.

“Do you trust the ‘Lamps Underneath the Blind’?”

‘Lamps Underneath the Blind’ was a euphemism for high priests of the Codex of Light. It means that though they are closest to the light, they are blinded by its brilliance, unable to see even their feet.

Gebel despised the Church’s high priests.

That’s also why he deliberately hid Isaac in the monastery when he found him.

“If Isaac is truly a Holy Body and recognized as a divine messenger, he will ultimately be used politically, according to their whims. Isaac may be precocious for his age, but he’s still a child.”

Let’s say Isaac is a Holy Body with innate strength. Those who want war will interpret his existence as a call to vanquish the Church’s enemies, and those who want the status quo will see it as a sign to flaunt the prosperity of the Baije Empire.

The scale might tip somewhat, but eventually, the stronger side will prevail.

The abbot somewhat agreed with Gebel’s view. He too disliked the politics of the central Church, which is why he came to an outlying monastery.

“So, what do you propose?”

“I’m suggesting we be cautious before others discover Isaac’s identity. That’s all, Abbot.”

Gebel’s voice was filled with tension.

“Of course, all the monks here are good people, and the children are innocent. But the monastery isn’t just them.”

To operate the monastery, continuous donations from the village or trade with merchants are necessary. Lost travelers or pilgrims might visit, and there could be visits from neighboring monasteries or the Church hierarchy.

“At least until Isaac is over 16, we can consider the timing. If the world knows about him now…”

Gebel stopped, unable to continue. The abbot sighed deeply.

“As you know, hiding a Holy Body is like hiding God’s will from the world.”

“I am aware, Abbot.”

“Then you shouldn’t have told me.”

Gebel bowed to the abbot.

In truth, he was conflicted. He had hoped Isaac would be a Holy Body since Kalsen’s disappearance, but accepting this reality now was difficult.

‘If only it had been certain from the beginning.’

A Holy Body is often described as the will of God manifested in human flesh. As a former paladin, Gebel should receive this devoutly. However, having been close to Isaac for so long, he now felt fear at the thought of the young boy bearing such a heavy mission.

Therefore, Gebel wanted to confide and accept this truth with someone he could trust the most.

Otherwise, he felt he might hide Isaac’s existence from everyone.

The abbot, seeing Gebel didn’t respond, spoke tiredly.

“The manifestation of a Holy Body means the will of God has incarnated. You know that Emperor Waltzemer of Gertonnia manifested as a Holy Body at 20 and ascended the throne in 6 years?”

“Of course.”

The Gerthonia Empire, only properly formed about 30 years ago. Emperor Waltzemer, with the power of a Holy Body, subdued numerous lords and warlords, creating a strong empire. The Church accepted this as God’s will.

“If we hide the Holy Body, how are we different from those ‘Lamps Underneath the Blind’?”

“At least we don’t need to play the trumpet openly to the world, do we?”

“So…”

“If Isaac truly is a Holy Body, he will undoubtedly stand out. It must be God’s will. But that time should be when God deems it right, not too soon.”

With the abbot’s help, that is.

Gebel left his last words unsaid. The abbot, sighing lightly, understood Gebel’s intent. Let Isaac decide the timing himself, at least when he has grown enough not to be exploited.

He too was once part of the central Church’s political games. Tired of the strife, he may have left, but his influence was still significant. Only the abbot could smooth things over if word got out.

“I understand. It’s a request from Gebel, and there must be a plan prepared by the Codex of Light. It’s presumptuous of us to blow trumpets on our own.”

Relieved by the abbot’s words, Gebel sighed. Observing him, the abbot asked.

“So, how did the Holy Body manifest?”

“Excuse me?”

“Even the manifestation of a holy body can take various forms. I’ve heard there are those who show no visible change, others who appear amidst light or other special phenomena, and some even reveal their incarnate body.”

“By incarnate body, you mean the physical form changes?”

“As you know, Emperor Waltzemer grew shining horns on his head, and the lighthouse keeper Luadin, who appeared at the stake with the dawn’s stone slab, was said to have been in the form of burning light. It is said that the closer the body transforms to the image of a deity, the greater the power and destiny reserved for it.”

Hearing the abbot’s words, Gebel recalled another holy body he had seen. He had manifested the holy body without any apparent physical change.

Gebel recalled the moment when Isaac had raised the axe.

“It didn’t seem like anything special.”

The abbot smiled in relief.

“That’s fortunate. It’ll be easier to conceal, and perhaps the Codex of Light has not placed a heavy destiny on Isaac’s shoulders. Maybe he’s just a youngster with extraordinary strength.”

That possibility was not out of the question. There have been instances where miracles were temporary. There were also holy bodies that left no significant historical trace and disappeared. However, Gebel had dismissed that possibility since he brought Isaac from the annihilated village.

A miracle happening once could be a coincidence, but twice indicates intent.

The abbot murmured in passing.

“Let’s pretend today’s conversation never happened. It’s better not to mention the holy body to Isaac.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Though they promised to keep it a secret, another set of ears had already heard their conversation.

***

Soon after, Isaac withdrew his tentacles with a confused expression.

‘Gebel brought me to the monastery?’

Isaac recalled the day he was struck by Kalsen’s sword.

He couldn’t clearly remember how he got from there to the monastery, but if Gebel was involved, it meant he had deliberately hidden his identity for some reason.

Isaac was perplexed, not knowing how to take this.

‘Then why hasn’t he acted like he knew all this time?’

Maybe the intention was to hide him among other orphans and raise him as a normal child. It implied the need to conceal Isaac’s identity. Not informing the higher echelons of the order about his status as a ‘holy body’ might have been for the same reason.

‘I didn’t expect this kind of situation, though I wasn’t hoping for special treatment.’

The new information was surprising, but nothing had changed. However, he knew how to act if an unforeseen situation arose.

Historically, the life of a young child hiding their identity was as precarious as a candle in the wind.

And if that candle managed to survive, it could become a fire that engulfs the world.

***

“I’ll teach you swordsmanship.”

The next morning.

Already aware of this, Isaac was not greatly surprised. However, he pretended to be pleased, so as not to arouse Gebel’s suspicion.

“But there’s a condition.”

“A condition?”

“Avoid unnecessarily displaying your strength elsewhere, like when you lifted the axe yesterday. You understand what I mean?”

It meant not to speak of the miracles he performed.

‘Although, strictly speaking, it’s more a monster’s power than a miracle.’

Isaac was actually glad about Gebel’s words.

He had shown his strength, trusting that the unsociable Gebel wouldn’t go around talking about it. Besides, Gebel’s identity as a deserted holy knight was also better kept out of unnecessary attention.

The same went for Isaac.

Isaac knew that the strength he showed was not a miracle, but a trick using a tentacled monster. If he was thoroughly investigated by the higher order, he’d end up as a well-cooked barbecue.

‘I was just about to enjoy the easy life here and then make my escape. This is perfect.’

“Yes, that’s fine.”

Isaac readily agreed, causing Gebel to look at him curiously.

“You accept it quite readily.”

‘Maybe I agreed too easily?’

It was an age when he should have been starved for attention.

But Isaac brazenly responded.

“If I said no, you wouldn’t teach me swordsmanship, right?”

Gebel had actually intended to teach Isaac swordsmanship regardless of his response. It was to reduce Isaac’s time with others, preventing the accidental reveal of his holy body. He also hoped Isaac would learn some means of protecting himself when he eventually left the monastery.

“Well, fine.”

Gebel said this while taking out the hand axe he had stuck into the firewood yesterday.

“Let’s start with this.”

“An axe? Am I to lift it again?”

“No. There’s no sword that fits you right now. My sword is too long and ill-suited for your hand. Until your body grows properly, you’ll practice with whatever you can hold.”

The monastery had no real weapons, only clubs or staff. Of course, Gebel had several spare weapons prepared for emergencies, but none were suitable for Isaac.

“A weapon can break or get damaged easier than you think. In battle, you must be able to fight with whatever you can grab. After all, the basics of all weapons are the same.”

“The basics?”

“To strike the enemy quickly with the sharp end.”

Gebel gripped the hand axe and focused ahead.

Gone was the Gebel who used to handle menial tasks at the monastery.

In his place stood a battle-worn, veteran Paladin.