Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 423 (Part 2):

Remaining at the temple was the safest and most comfortable option.

Yet Paolo, far from being displeased, seemed delighted.

A thick glint of desire flickered in his eyes.

‘I’ll get to see Renosa’s treasure vault.’

Known for his greed, Paolo had a particular obsession with wealth. He was far removed from the frugality considered a virtue among priests.

Born into a noble family from a prosperous trading city, Paolo had married young, but after his wife’s death, he fell into despair, became a priest, and eventually rose to the rank of High Priest.

High Priests were chosen based on their capacity to wield holy power.

Typically, those with such talent were identified early, verified by the temple, and dedicated their lives to it from a young age.

But Paolo was a rare case, having unintentionally evaded such scrutiny.

One cannot wield holy power without faith in Lumen.

However, since faith does not determine the extent of one’s talent for holy power, it has little bearing on the selection of High Priests.

Thus, though rare, someone like Paolo could become a High Priest.

Unlike other High Priests who had cut ties with the secular world and devoted themselves to the temple from youth, Paolo maintained connections with his children and relatives outside.

Backed by a High Priest like Paolo, they amassed power and wealth, now living grandly in their homeland.

‘I’ve already identified a collateral line of Renosa. By blood, they’re distant, but…’

If Helmut were eliminated, the primary successors to the grand ducal throne would be Charlotte and Michael.

Charlotte, who sided with Helmut, would naturally be excluded.

Michael had maintained close ties with the temple and had met Paolo several times.

On those occasions, Michael had showered Paolo with riches.

Michael was a suitable candidate to replace the heir.

But he was frail. If he were to die, it would complicate matters, so another candidate needed to be prepared.

If Paolo could place his chosen candidate on Renosa’s throne, the benefits would be immense.

Having calculated his moves, Paolo surveyed the room and asked, “Any objections?”

As High Priests, none suffered from ill health. None of the other three High Priests stepped forward.

“Then, with all due respect, I shall guard the temple. May the blessing of light be with you all.”

Levina drew a holy sign with a reverent expression. Thus, five High Priests set out for this holy war.

And now, the day of the expedition had arrived. They would reach Renosa through a gate, the path of light.

To a place not far from Latona.

Before the six High Priests, a holy knight stepped forward.

The white armor he wore gleamed, and at his waist hung the holy sword, imbued with the mighty power of Lumen.

His golden eyes radiated a fierce aura.

“Levant.”

Levina called his name softly, gazing at him.

His true name was Levant, though he had been called ‘Servant’ at the martial arts tournament.

He had been captured at the tournament, treated like a sinner—unthinkable for a holy knight—and forced to endure hardships in a cramped, dark cell.

As his eyes met Levina’s, they trembled with painful emotion.

It was Levant who had disappointed her, who was like a mother to him.

The moment he returned to the temple and faced her for the first time, the devastation he felt was beyond words.

‘But this time, I will not fail.’

The defeat, misery, and humiliation he experienced in that cell had forged him stronger.

Gazing at the bars of the prison he could have broken at any moment, he gritted his teeth.

Levant was a holy knight upholding the will of Lumen, and his captivity was unjust.

He would leave that prison not as a sinner.

As if responding to his conviction, the holy sword granted him its power.

As if to say he was now worthy to wield it.

Facing a formidable foe was, for a swordsman, an unparalleled opportunity for growth.

Levant had grown stronger than when he faced Helmut in the tournament final match, and he had even gained the power of the holy sword.

This time, he would not lose. This, too, must be Lumen’s grand will, allowing him to recognize his shortcomings and grow.

Levant knelt before her.

“In the embrace of Lumen, and to you, I shall bring victory this time.”

Levina’s hand rested on his head. A gentle power of blessing seeped into him.

“I pray for the safety of all, and for you.”

Levina gave him a tender smile—a saintly smile.

As he returned to his place, Paolo’s impassioned cry resounded through the heavens.

“This is a holy war, and it is our mission to defeat those manipulated by evil forces. Glory be to those who uphold the will of Lumen! O Lumen, here stands your army; look upon us!”

A roar erupted from the army, shaking the entire temple. A dazzling light flared in the distance.

A massive gate, through which the land of Renosa could be seen, was opening.

With a heavy tremor reverberating through the ground, the temple’s army, leaving High Priest Levina behind, vanished beyond the gate.

Only those with holy power could use this gate.

Until their return, Levina would guard the temple.

The holy war had finally begun. They believed, without a shadow of doubt, that they would emerge victorious.

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