Chapter 153: The Church's Strength

Chapter 153: The Church's Strength



Soon, Rain's group was about to arrive at the area where Lagre's team had previously encountered the elderly ogre.

At this moment, Rudolf, the Church Elder on horseback, suddenly lifted his head and gazed forward, furrowing his brows slightly.

Almost simultaneously, Rain raised his right hand, signaling for everyone to halt, and shouted, "Stop!"

Just then, Rain had sensed a very clear and malicious gaze, emanating from the dense forest about several dozen meters to his left.

This gaze, he was certain, did not belong to an ordinary beast but was from some intelligent being.

Additionally, the fact that Rain could sense the malevolence so clearly indicated that the opponent's strength was not to be underestimated.

However, Elder Rudolf did not pay attention to that gaze but instead turned his head in surprise to look at Rain.

Nevertheless, Rain's purpose for coming to the Night Song Forest this time was twofold: to help Lagra fulfill her wish and to gain some experience along the way. So, there was no better time than now.

Suddenly, the black-armored knight was surrounded by the group, and an intense battle ensued.

This scene caused Elder Rudolf, who had just rejected Rain's request to join them, to turn solemn. He flipped through the book he had been holding, and as the pages rustled, he shouted:

But at this moment, the combination of the Temple Knights and Rudolf's divine arts created a synergy where one plus one was far greater than two.

There's a saying, 'What's not yours will eventually be returned.'

Rain thought for a moment; this was normal.

The previous attack by the black-armored knight, filled with dark energy, caused Elder Rudolf of the Sea Goddess Church to turn solemn.

Rudolf understood this feeling of being reminded of a person upon seeing an object, so Rain remained silent.

As the Church Elder responsible for demon hunting and exorcism in the Sea Goddess Church, Rudolf immediately recognized that the black-armored knight was indeed a Demon Knight, and the dark energy enveloping him and his steed was the best proof.

The whooshing sound created by the knight's swinging lance allowed Rain to quickly determine that the opponent's strength surpassed that of a veteran knight and reached the level of an Elite Knight, not far from his own.

Rain was well aware of this fact.

However, as they gradually approached the area, the calls of various birds and beasts gradually quieted down, eventually fading into complete silence as if they had all disappeared.

After hearing Rain's order, the Night Watchmen, who had been looking for opportunities to assist in the fight, relaxed their tense expressions and began to stand guard and observe the battle.

"We beseech the great Sea Goddess for her divine arts: the blessing of protection!"

The dark energy enveloping the Demon Knight suddenly erupted, and the powerful shockwave caused the four Temple Knights to retreat several steps.

It was clear that even with the blessing of the divine art 'blessing of protection,' the Temple Knights could not match a Demon Knight in a one-on-one fight and would be at an absolute disadvantage within a few moves.

Aside from the opponent's formidable personal strength, which posed a significant threat to the team, according to Lagra's previous account, these hyena-men were likely vassals of an elderly ogre.

"My brother's remains are over there, not far from the stone pillar wrapped in vines," Lagra pointed.

However, to everyone's surprise, the hyena-men seemed to be merely scouting and showed no signs of launching an attack.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Elder Rudolf, but I will be participating in the Imperial Investiture Examination in a few days, so it's a real shame." Rain politely declined.

It seemed that the battle that took place over half a month ago was extremely fierce.

Secondly, with half a month left until the Investiture Examination, there was still time to level up.

"The appearance of a Demon Knight signifies that some evil is invading or reviving! Demon Knights are the minions of evil gods, and they must have sensed some kind of summoning to appear."

Hamilton had once told Rain about the origin of Demon Knights:

After all, if nothing unexpected happened, the experience from this battle should be enough for Rain to level up his Extraordinary Knight profession.

What Rain found most unsettling was that the Church's seemingly invincible power did not originate from within but seemed to be granted by a divine being they worshipped.

At this moment, the three remaining Temple Knights in silver armor seized the opportunity created by their fallen comrade and charged towards the black-armored knight.

Read the error-free version on the 69 Book Bar! 6=9+Book_Bar

Why?

Since the Night Watchmen elite regularly practiced archery, their eyesight was generally excellent, which was why Rain had them take up the role of sentinels.

It seemed the battle was already decided!

"Yes, that's right. We found the elderly ogre not far ahead just the other day."

"Bang!"

The knight's steed was exceptionally large, and both it and its rider were covered in black armor, creating a unified black entity. As they charged forward, they resembled a moving black castle, rushing towards the group.

It was no wonder that LaGrea's brother, a renowned barbarian known for his strength, had reached the level of 40% Brutalization, yet he still met his end at the hands of the enemy's mounted lance.

As they approached, the wall also inconveniently started to collapse. At that moment, the core skill 'Danger Perception' activated, warning them of the impending danger as the wall began to tilt.

First, they needed to rest for a while, allowing the horses to regain their strength after the long journey. Second, they would send someone to scout the surrounding area.

"This..." Rain hesitated.

Unfortunately, this tranquility only lasted a few seconds before it was interrupted by a loud whinny.

For Rain, this meant a significant amount of experience was about to slip through his fingers. "Father Rudolf, perhaps I can lend a hand to the Temple Knights," Rain decided to try again.

So, this time, Father Rudolf only brought four Temple Knights with him.

Soon, after finishing their rest, they cautiously continued their journey, remaining vigilant for any possible ambushes.

"Clang!"

Clearly, there were two Demon Knights here, so there must be some treasure that summoned them to this dilapidated and ancient temple, or perhaps some evil presence? At that moment, the four Temple Knights noticed a Demon Knight with a great axe charging from the side. After a brief exchange of glances, one of them immediately stepped forward to intercept the enemy.

"If they don't know their place and dare to take advantage while we're dealing with the Demon Knight, I think you, Rain, should teach them a lesson, right?"

In terms of strength, the combination of Rain and the four Temple Knights was more than enough to defeat a single Demon Knight with ease.

Not only did the Demon Knight knock a Temple Knight flying with a single strike, but he also severely injured him! Rain could clearly see that the Temple Knight's left arm, which held the shield, had a dislocated elbow joint, indicating a fracture.

It was as if you were standing near a wall that was about to collapse, and if your perception was sharp enough, your body would instinctively tell you that the wall might fall and crush you if you got too close.

As everyone looked around, searching for the source of the sound, they saw a black-armored knight with a three to four-meter-long lance suddenly charging out from the left side of the dense forest!

Additionally, even if they encountered dozens of werewolves mixed with several Brutalized werewolves, the team's strength would still be more than enough to handle the situation.

To be honest, how strong was the Church? Undoubtedly, they were very powerful! Even compared to the Imperial forces, they seemed to be no less formidable.

Rain focused his gaze and saw a battleaxe that had left a deep impression on him. At this moment, it lay quietly beside a pillar, and from the exposed blade, it didn't seem to have suffered any serious damage.

Even he had only just noticed that prying gaze moments ago.

"The battle didn't last long. My brother defeated him and fled in this direction."

The young man before him, who had reached the extraordinary rank of Knight at such a young age, seemed increasingly inscrutable to Rain.

Upon hearing Rain's question, Father Rudolf smiled and said, "Let's head directly to the target area. Werewolves have a wide range of activities, and it would be a waste of time to try to eradicate them."

However, ogres were a different story.

Fortunately, although the Black-armored Knight was clearly superior in individual strength, the Temple Knights worked together seamlessly, and for a while, they managed to hold their own in the battle, making it a stalemate.

At this moment, all the Night Watch members and the group of officers from the county town who had reached the Extraordinary rank dismounted and began to be on guard.

Just as Father Rudolf was considering what conditions he could offer to convince the young man before him, whom he believed should devote himself to the embrace of the Goddess, Rain took the initiative to ask, "Father Rudolf, it seemed like something was lurking in that direction just now, watching us. Should we stop and check it out?"

This danger was not an obvious one, so Rain's core skill 'Danger Perception' did not provide an advance warning.

"That's good. Let's take a break and let everyone rest for a while." Father Rudolf decided to take a short break after some thought.

Rain could sense that under Father Rudolf's divine art, the black-armored knight's lance attacks, which were comparable to an Elite Knight's full-power strike, were significantly weakened by the silver glow.

Rain guessed that it was probably because LaGrea was reminded of the scene from that day.

"Father Rudolf, take a look at this." Rain turned to ask.

These cowardly creatures, if not commanded by a stronger force, were unlikely to initiate an attack on their own.

"This..." Rain fell silent.

After making these arrangements, Rain approached LaGrea and asked, "LaGrea, is this the place?"

But the black-armored knight's lance struck out like lightning, accompanied by a sinister shadow aura coiling around the black lance like a giant python.

This was highly likely.

"Swoosh!"

"Of course.

"Please rest assured, Father Rudolf. As for the wolfmen, I and the Night Watch will take on the responsibility of eliminating them." Rain nodded slightly, readily agreeing to the task of guarding against and exterminating the wolfmen.

Fortunately, the ground deep in the Night Song Forest was extremely soft, covered with thickets and flowers, which greatly cushioned the impact. The injuries of the Silver Armor Knight were not severe.

The Temple Knight flew several meters in the air and then landed heavily with a "bang!"

It's also possible that you might go over, but the wall doesn't collapse, remaining in a precarious state.

This divine art is called 'Blessing of Protection'? Indeed, it lives up to its name!

Clearly, Father Rudolf's 'well-intentioned' action was counterproductive. He wanted to give Rain and the Night Watch a chance to watch the show from a distance, and perhaps also to showcase the church's strength, laying the groundwork for later persuading Rain to join the church.

A battle that was long anticipated erupted unexpectedly!

"Alright then. All Night Watch members, be on alert!" Rain thought for a moment and gave the order.

For a moment, everyone was a bit flustered, especially the young Night Watchman responsible for the left front of the formation, who was stunned by the scene.

As they delved deeper into the Night Song Forest, Rain noticed that Lagra's mood seemed a bit low.

Lagra pointed forward with a serious expression.

At this moment, a Temple Knight in silver knight armor rode his horse forward quickly, seemingly trying to intercept the others.

"Haha, trust these young men of the church," Father Rudolf stroked his beard and laughed, declining Rain's suggestion.

From Flashgold Town to the Night Song Forest, although the Temple Knights felt nothing, the team of sheriffs from the county town and the Night Watch of Flashgold Town were gradually showing signs of fatigue.

Since beasts usually have keen senses, the wolfmen, who are comparable to beasts and also dwell in the forest, would certainly be able to sense the strength of their group.

Rain nodded and asked in return, "Have you found any traces of the old ogre?"

"Quick, get out of the way!" The small Matheo roared and pulled the other person forcefully, narrowly avoiding the black-armored knight's charge.

Could it be that the wolfmen are also afraid of this area? So they dare not continue to track them?

Perhaps, under the ruins, there lies a great secret unknown to others.

After another half hour of travel, the team finally reached the ruins Lagra mentioned.

Rain looked ahead and could vaguely see the signs of broken and fallen trees in the dense forest ahead.

Rain also realized this issue.

But if the other side has two people, the balance of power would shift towards equilibrium! Additionally, Rudolf quickly connected this issue, that the danger level of this place might far exceed expectations.

Suddenly, the sound of a warhorse's neighing came from not far away.

After all, this level of combat is something they, as elite among ordinary people, find it hard to get involved in.

Taking advantage of this, the black-armored Demon knight spurred his funeral horse, charging at a Temple Knight with a spear thrust.

Seeing this, Rain slowly dismounted and quietly walked to Lagra's side.

Upon reflection, the constant bird and insect sounds along the way were due to the forest.

And this silver glow had the effect of weakening the black aura's lethality. 'Clank, clank, Clank,' the black-armored Knight was once again surrounded, this time, however, he lacked the strength to break free again.

This isn't something that belongs to him, Rain felt as if it were borrowed.

At this moment, as Rain drew the 'Unyielding Force' from his back, intending to join the battle, Father Rudolf smiled and said, "Rain, you should arrange for the Night Watch to be on alert, to prevent interference from ogres or wolfmen."

If the four Temple Knights alone, Rain believed that he could still defeat them with all his might.

Even if the brutalized wolfman that once troubled him were to be resurrected, he was confident that he could now overcome him with a full strike.

The silver Armor on their bodies suddenly glowed with intricate white patterns, as if the silver armor had special engravings that were usually hidden but responded to divine arts by manifesting.

At this moment, the four Temple Knights, in their silver armor, looked like shining, small silver figures.

Since the main force of this expedition was the Sea Goddess Church, Rain maintained a respectful attitude.

As Rudolf Chanted the brutalized wolfman that once troubled him were to be resurrected, he was confident that he could now overcome him with a full strike.

The intricate white patterns on their silver armor glowed, as if the silver armor had special engravings that were usually hidden but responded to divine arts by manifesting.

At this moment, the four Temple Knights, in their silver armor, looked like shining, small silver figures.

Since the main force of this expedition was the Sea Goddess Church, Rain maintained a respectful attitude.

As Rudolf Chanted, Rain felt as if an unknown space beside him split open, and a powerful, vast, and sacred energy directly infused the nearby Rudolf. Then, with a wave of Rudolf's right hand, the four Temple Knights Glowed, as if responding to divine arts, and the four Temple Knights Glowed.

As they approached the area, the constant sense of being watched by the wolfmen Gradually disappeared.

(End of chapter )



The werewolf that once made him wary was now a thing of the past.

Not having to engage the Demon Knight head-on was a relief for the Night Watchers.

"Yes, sir!"

At this moment, Father Rudolf, seeing the situation under control, turned to Rain with a smile and said, "Rain, these young Temple Knights, though not as talented as you, can unleash formidable combat power under the radiance of the Goddess."

The accompanying shadow aura with each of their strikes was extremely eerie, and its presence enhanced their power further.

Rain observed carefully for a while and realized that this place was indeed peculiar.

Due to the increasing number of mysterious incidents in various areas of Maister County recently, to conserve manpower, the team's configuration for this mission was based on investigative intelligence, specifically designed to counter a single Demon Knight.

Was the previous peeping from a werewolf?

This was a potential danger, but it didn't necessarily mean it would occur.

Rain instructed Mateo to have the Night Watchers maintain vigilance in the surrounding area and sent a few skilled individuals to carefully inspect the area within a hundred meters, especially the left side where he had sensed the peeping gaze earlier.

"Mateo, inform the team to continue moving forward after the rest."

"We haven't found any traces of the elderly ogre yet," Mateo replied with a shake of his head.

Moreover, Rain's increasingly powerful mental energy was subtly reminding him of an unknown and hidden danger ahead.

"You are one of the most talented young knights in all of Maister County. Embracing the Goddess is your best choice! Rain, won't you consider it?"

The black lance heavily pierced the silver shield, instantly knocking the Temple Knight off his warhorse.

The crescent-shaped axe blade, almost as wide as a door, still gleamed with metallic luster.

Since Father Rudolf refused, Rain didn't insist, as this mysterious incident was primarily handled by the Sea Goddess Church.

"There are two Demon Knights!" Father Rudolf's pupils constricted, and his expression lost the previous ease.

Logically, in an environment like this primitive forest, where vegetation grew rapidly, ordinary combat traces would soon be concealed by the fast-growing plants.

So, the entire team quickly halted.

This was Lagra's brother's weapon—'Moon Blade Battle Axe'! Lagra quickly jumped down and ran over to pick up the 'Moon Blade Battle Axe', gently caressing it with her palms.

Soon, Mateo approached Rain and Father Rudolf and reported, "Sirs, some Night Watchers have reported traces of werewolves around our team. Judging from the footprints, there are quite a few of them."

"What's going on?" Mateo asked as he walked over.

Rain stood by, deep in thought, observing the scene.

Just as the two were talking, suddenly, from the right side of the team, a tall Black Armor Knight charged out of the dense forest. He wore the distinctive Crowned Knight helmet, but this time, instead of a long lance, he held a long battle axe.

Whether to clear out these werewolves first or head directly to the area where the Barbarian Squad encountered the Demon Knight was a decision for Father Rudolf, the team's Church leader.

"Captain, something just darted by over there. If I'm not mistaken, it was a werewolf," said a Night Watcher with a grave expression.

A scattered group of werewolves and a group of werewolves under the command of an elderly ogre were two very different combat forces.

The axe blade was about half a meter long, but the handle was one and a half meters long, perfectly suited for the tall Black Armor Knight and his large funeral horse.

A Night Watcher on guard duty suddenly shot an arrow into the depths of the forest.

Just as four Temple Knights were working together to suppress the Demon Knight with the long lance, the battle suddenly took a turn.

Several dozen meters ahead, there was a noticeable artificial architectural ruin, filled with collapsed, moss-covered, and vine-entangled tall stone pillars, seemingly the remains of an ancient temple.

But one thing was certain: if you decided not to approach, this potential danger wouldn't pose a threat to you.

The arrows of the Night Watchers were like mere scratches on the Black Armor, clanging and falling to the ground.

Obviously, they were ineffective!

This time, Rain didn't consult Father Rudolf, as the newly appeared Demon Knight directly threatened the safety of his subordinates.

Rain directly closed the face mask of the Knight's helmet and drew out the double-handed war hammer—'Unyielding Force' from behind his back, ready to charge forward.

Thanks to Book Friend 140809202729142 for the 100 Qidian Coins!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end