Paladin of the Dead God

Chapter 12:

Whoosh!

The blade of the axe flashed, sending a strong wind in all directions.

A straightforward downward strike.

It was a simple and fundamental move with an axe.

Isaac recognized it as a similar technique to the one Gebel used when he had cut down a wild boar.

With a dull sound, the log split in two. The cut was clean. It was split along the grain, but even if it had been against the grain, the result would have likely been the same.

Gebel, having completed the move cleanly, was pleased to see Isaac’s surprised face.

But Isaac’s surprise wasn’t due to watching Gebel’s move.

[Basic Holy Knight Swordsmanship has been unlocked.]

[‘Kalsen Miller’ Predation effect greatly increases proficiency.]

[Lower Holy Knight Swordsmanship Proficiency (Lv 1) (11/10000)]

‘Just by watching?’

Isaac still couldn’t fully utilize the Predation effect of Kalsen Miller due to the level difference. However, the message suggested that the Predation effect could grant more than just ability scores.

‘The talent in swordsmanship… The talent of a Holy Knight that Kalsen Miller possessed.’

The top-ranking Holy Knight known as the Saint of Swords. Unbeknownst to him, Isaac had been harboring Kalsen Miller’s talent. That meant the ultimate skill he obtained from consuming Miller, ‘Lighthouse of the Watcher’, could also be unlocked through similar growth.

“Let’s start with this.”

“Do it like you, Mr. Gebel?”

At that, Gebel looked at him as if it was ridiculous.

“Think you can mimic it? If you really did it exactly, you might tear a muscle. Just try a simple downward strike.”

A simple downward strike was something anyone could do. But without skill, Isaac, despite his astonishing strength, would be no more than a strong lumberjack.

It was just basic training for now.

“But do you understand what that move was?”

Suddenly, Gebel remembered that Isaac might have meant he couldn’t replicate such a move. The technique Gebel used was only possible after thousands of repetitions by someone highly focused.

It would have seemed trivial to an ordinary person since Gebel had trained enough to perform it with little effort. Recognizing such a level of skill required someone of a certain level themselves.

Moreover, Isaac, who had never held a sword until now…

Isaac was about to say it was obvious but stopped himself. He remembered something similar to Gebel.

If Kalsen Miller’s talent had seeped into him, then his discernment might also remain. But he couldn’t mention that.

“That just seemed like a hard move to follow, even if you brought Murzik over.”

Isaac diverted the topic naturally, and Gebel smiled at the expected response.

Isaac received the hand axe from Gebel and staggered momentarily under its weight. But he managed to steady himself by exerting force on his feet.

‘If I hadn’t consumed anything until now, I wouldn’t even be able to hold it.’

In truth, the boar in Isaac’s body had been fully digested, leaving no more temporary benefits.

The digestion of such a large boar was improbable, but thanks to it, Isaac had grown in muscle and stature. That he could barely lift the axe was also due to this reason.

Seeing Isaac struggling to hold the axe, Gebel tilted his head in confusion. Yesterday, Isaac had effortlessly lifted the axe stuck in the wood, but today he was barely managing.

Inside Gebel’s curious gaze, Isaac, for the time being, mimicked what he had done, barely lifting it and then barely striking down. Stopping the axe before it hit the ground was harder than lifting it.

Whoosh!

[Lower Holy Knight Swordsmanship Proficiency (Lv 1) (22/10000)]

“Phew.”

“What’s wrong? Is it too heavy?”

“No, it’s not that.”

Isaac contemplated secretly using his tentacles, conflicted. If he found it too difficult today after lifting it easily before, Gebel might become suspicious.

But Gebel, in fact, was relieved.

‘It would be a relief if that day’s incident was just a temporary phenomenon.’

A temporary phenomenon meant it wasn’t a Holy Body but just a random miracle. Such small miracles happened often in the order. If so, it meant Isaac wouldn’t attract unnecessary attention or trouble.

Then he felt confused about being pleased. For his purpose, Isaac needed to be a Holy Body and achieve greatness with his exceptional talent. Yet at the same time, he hoped Isaac would grow up ordinary and enjoy a peaceful life.

Regardless, his decision to teach Isaac swordsmanship didn’t change. Gebel decided to teach and observe him more closely.

“Try again.”

Isaac repeated it a few times. But before even swinging five times, Gebel saw the axe hit the ground and smiled. It wasn’t a mocking smile, but one of relief.

Isaac noticed his smile and focused again, exerting strength in his hands holding the axe. He then began to visualize each of Gebel’s moves like pictures in his mind.

‘That move, one more time.’

Boom! The sound of slicing the air was different and clear this time. The smile faded slightly from Gebel’s face. Isaac was still barely lifting the axe, but the trajectory and vigor of his swings had started to change noticeably.

“No…”

Gebel murmured softly, but Isaac didn’t hear.

He only recalled the trajectory of Gebel’s sword in the autumn rain and the axe swing he just made.

Suddenly, that trajectory seemed vividly clear.

‘Just follow the blade’s path? When swinging a sword, you need to use your whole body. From your toes to the top of your head, direction, gaze, stride, even your breathing – pay attention to everything!’

Suddenly, Isaac felt like he heard a shout, not his own memory but someone else’s, someone else’s voice. At that moment, the motion of Gebel in his mind sparked, controlling Isaac’s body.

Whoosh!

A strong whirlwind filled the backyard. The axe stopped just before hitting the ground.

“Gasp, pant…”

[Critical!]

[High concentration achievement greatly increases proficiency.]

[Lower Holy Knight Swordsmanship Proficiency (Lv 1) (232/10000)]

Isaac was speechless at the tremendous improvement. His proficiency had increased by nearly 180 in one go. The more he concentrated, the more his proficiency achievements seemed to differ.

Isaac gasped for breath, his entire body soaked with sweat. He felt a burning heat throughout his body, his muscles on the verge of cramping. Surprised by his excessive immersion, Isaac inadvertently dropped the axe.

‘Was that just now Kalsen’s memory?’

It was the only explanation he could think of. It seemed like a memory from when Kalsen was either teaching someone or being taught. In that last move, Isaac felt like he was someone other than himself.

‘Did I just replicate Gebel’s move… or, Kalsen’s?’

Perhaps the Nameless Chaos’s consumption was more than just devouring the flesh and bones of enemies. It was as if someone else’s experiences were etched into his muscles.

Only then did Isaac remember that Gebel had said something to him. When he finally turned around, Gebel looked pale.

“What did you say?”

Gebel, rubbing his face in confusion, struggled to find the right words. After some time, he splashed his face with water and spoke.

“Let’s move on to the next.”

“Next?”

“Yes, next, or rather, back to the basics. What you did just now is too advanced for you. Let’s start with physical conditioning.”

Isaac looked a bit incredulous. Wasn’t what he had just done a basic move? A simple downward strike.

Gebel, realizing the absurdity of his own words, shook his head.

But on the other hand, he felt it was for the best. Frankly, Isaac’s arms and legs were trembling too much to continue. Muscle training with imminent cramps was meaningless.

It seemed like Isaac would need to focus on consuming meat and physical training for a while.

Gebel kept splashing his face with water, looking at Isaac, who seemed to take the recent event lightly. It was now clear to Gebel that Isaac was indeed a Holy Body.

It wasn’t just remarkable talent.

‘The skill Kalsen would have displayed at twenty…’

Gebel shook his head at the thought.

In any case, the direction he had to take was now clear.

He decided to get a little more involved in Isaac’s life.

‘Not using him, but adding my small pebble to the path guided by the light in return for helping this boy…’

Gebel repeated this to himself.

***

“The Holy Body is certain.”

Gebel repeated this to the abbot. The abbot, seeing Gebel’s expression, was puzzled.

“Then there’s nothing different from what we talked about earlier. But why do you look so troubled?”

“My expression?”

“Quite… complicated.”

Joy, confusion, and fear mingled on Gebel’s face. Returning to his usual stoicism, the abbot continued.

“Why are you suddenly so sure? I saw him swinging the axe, but he seemed exhausted after just a few swings.”

“Yes. I thought the same at first. But then…”

Gebel muttered, touching his face in disbelief.

“He nearly replicated Saint Arte’s Iron-Cutting Style with just ten swings of the axe.”

“I’m sorry, I’m not knowledgeable about swordsmanship. I know Saint Arte was a hero of the First Dawn Army, but…”

“Saint Arte laid the foundation for all Holy Knight swordsmanship. The order he founded branched into hundreds, becoming the genesis of the Holy Knight orders around the world.”

Gebel continued, stroking his chin.

“Saint Arte’s swordsmanship transformed ordinary knights into Holy Knights. It’s often said he elevated swordsmanship to a sacred level. It’s fundamental, and although outdated, it’s still standard to learn his techniques at the basic stage.”

“So, Isaac accomplished these basics in just one day?”

“It wasn’t perfect, but it seems to be just a matter of physical strength and equipment.”

Gebel explained non-stop.

“I was wrong. The miracle bestowed upon Isaac isn’t just brute strength but that talent. Such perfect talent can only be Kalsen’s…”

“Gebel.”

The abbot corrected Gebel’s slip. Realizing his mistake, Gebel fell silent. Excited or not, mentioning that name was inappropriate. Gebel felt his face flush.

“That betrayer is rumored to be missing, but comparing him to a child who lost everyone to that man seems unjust.”

“He must be rotting somewhere, wearing a skull. I apologize for my mistake.”

Gebel made the sign of the cross on his chest, repenting. Kalsen’s betrayal had caused much turmoil in the order. This monastery was quiet only because it distanced itself from church politics, but the situation in the rest of the order was severe.

There were even rumors that Kalsen was predestined in the Holy Scripture.

Regardless of one’s faith, ascending to an angel after achieving deeds worthy of divine recognition was a widely accepted belief. Among them, those who achieved deeds memorable to the deity themselves were named by the deity and called ‘Named Angels.’

In the thousand-year history of the Codex of Light, only six have reached the status of Named Angels.

Kalsen was rumored to be the seventh, but he committed an unimaginable sin of betrayal.

But the real issue began from there. If Kalsen had ascended to a Named Angel or an angel of the Immortal Order, there would be tales of a new Named Angel in the Immortal Order. But there were none.

Thus, the Codex of Light was troubled trying to ascertain the truth of Kalsen’s betrayal and his whereabouts.

However, all this was a distant story for the monastery. The abbot refocused on the immediate problem – Isaac.

“So, what have you decided to do with Isaac?”

“We’ll pause the swordsmanship lessons and start with real basics like breathing, stride, and strength training. I intended to give him a taste of hardship, but I didn’t expect such talent…”

“You did well. It’s best to postpone swordsmanship training for now.”

Gebel turned away.

Though it was his decision, he couldn’t understand why the abbot insisted.

“Why?”

“Gebel, I understand Isaac has great talent and may be a Holy Body. But he’s 14. He needs character education more than learning to be strong.”

Gebel fell silent, realizing what he had missed.

“Yes. Sometimes talking to Isaac, I feel like I’m speaking with an adult. He’s kind-hearted enough to jump into danger for others, but being precocious isn’t always a good thing.”

“That’s true. But…”

“There’s no need to rush, Gebel. If he learns that fast, focus on the direction, right?”

“That’s… yes, correct.”

The abbot had heard stories about Isaac from the other children. His concern stemmed from these stories.

He knew Isaac’s actions were noble and just. Therefore, it was necessary to firmly anchor his good nature.

After all, the most painful betrayal often comes from the most devout believers.

Gebel, having just mentioned Kalsen, felt the abbot’s words even more deeply.

The Codex of Light wouldn’t want to relive such a painful lesson.

“For now, I will teach Isaac. What do you think?”

“The abbot personally?”

Gebel asked, surprised. The abbot smiled softly.

“If Isaac wants to become a paladin, he’ll want to learn about miracles too. I don’t have much experience teaching children, but I believe I’ve demonstrated a respectable faith. He’ll enjoy it as much as swordsmanship.”