“Thank you for coming all the way out to this remote area. I am Leonora Bessia, Vice-Leader of the Golden Idol Guild. We’ve made some preparations for your stay, including refurbishing the facilities and stocking supplies for your convenience.”

The paladins of the Golden Lion Order were caught off guard by this unexpected hospitality but were also pleased. Their hurried journey had left them little time to properly stock provisions. Since handling such formalities was the aide’s responsibility, he stepped forward and responded.

“We greatly appreciate the cooperation. The Golden Idol Guild has always been a trusted friend of the empire.”

“If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to let me know,” Leonora added, her voice full of professional courtesy.

Leonora’s interaction was a reminder of the delicate relationship between merchants and local military forces. A wealthy merchant like her always had to maintain friendly ties with the ruling power. As she finished her greetings and passed by Isaac, she whispered something to him.

“I heard you were planning to sell the Guild Leader’s seat to Shalok?”

“…Yes, that’s right. Is there a problem?”

“I bought that right. So, until I take over as Guild Leader, you’ll have to make sure not to get yourself killed or driven out of here.”

Isaac sighed inwardly. He had anticipated such an outcome. Shalok’s less-than-enthusiastic expression despite gaining the Guild Leader’s seat indicated that he hadn’t received as much compensation as he had hoped. Nevertheless, he had still secured a considerable sum.

Leonora glanced at the sea and added, “It seems the tide is out. We can proceed now.”

Milishar Monastery was built on an island, only accessible by land during low tide. Once the tide came in, the path would be submerged, making it difficult to leave.

The aide, still suspicious, approached Dera Heman. “Commander, do you think the Holy Grail Knight might be planning to trap us at the monastery?”

‘Perhaps.’

“He could have set traps or prepared an escape route ahead of time.”

‘Perhaps.’

“…Are you confident you can handle whatever might happen?”

At this, Dera Heman turned to look at his aide and gestured. The motion conveyed that he wasn’t entirely confident, causing the aide some surprise. But Dera Heman continued his gestures.

‘It doesn’t matter if the Holy Grail Knight sets traps, tries to escape, or hatches any schemes. If he does, it will simply prove that he is no match for Kalsen Miller.’

As Isaac had predicted, Dera Heman was seeing him through the lens of his past encounter with Kalsen. It wasn’t just Isaac’s actions and reputation that triggered this comparison. Having personally dueled Kalsen, Dera Heman felt a strong sense of déjà vu in Isaac’s demeanor and abilities.

In many ways, Isaac had inherited Kalsen’s techniques and habits, which made the connection inevitable.

‘Once the duel is over, Isaac will face a religious trial.’

The aide’s expression hardened.

‘Whether Isaac is a heretic, as the inquisitor claims, I can’t say for certain. But one thing is clear: he has certainly been influenced by Kalsen Miller or someone like him.’

The idea that the most promising paladin in the empire could be a heretic shook the aide, but if Dera Heman believed it, then it must be true.

‘If Isaac proves unfit to lead the Dawn Army, we will execute him and send his head to His Holiness. And until then, there is no better prison for him than Milishar Monastery.’

Whether Milishar would serve as a trap for the Golden Lion Paladins or a prison for Isaac remained to be seen.

***

As Leonora had promised, the monastery was in relatively good condition, despite having been hastily restored. While the repairs were limited due to time constraints, it was habitable. Then again, the monastery had always been a sparse and grim fortress, designed solely for the training of paladins.

Although the Golden Lion Paladins unpacked, they had no intention of staying long. Their goal was to take command of the Issacrea Dawn Army. However, they also knew this transition wouldn’t be quick or easy.

Dera Heman, on the other hand, had no interest in settling into his quarters. Instead, he immediately headed for the central courtyard. The courtyard, once meant for training, was now a desolate place, with dead trees and overgrown weeds everywhere. Dera Heman, unfazed, drew the Luadin Key and used its divine fire to burn the weeds away.

“Are we starting right now?” Isaac muttered, somewhat incredulous.

Dera Heman, of course, didn’t respond verbally. He simply stood there, waiting, his imposing figure exuding silent authority.

‘So, it’s not just that he can’t speak—he’s just a man of few words,’ Isaac mused.

Reluctantly, Isaac drew his sword, Kaldwin, and took his position across from Dera Heman. The Golden Lion Paladins formed a circle around them to observe. Though Isaac’s only true ally here was Hesabel, he knew countless others across the sea waited anxiously for the outcome of this duel.

Even with Isaac’s sword drawn, Dera Heman did not move.

‘Is he waiting for me to make the first move?’

Isaac found this odd. Among the knights of Elil, it was common knowledge that attacking first often put one at a disadvantage in a duel—assuming both sides were of similar skill. But that was because Elil knights adhered strictly to swordsmanship alone.

The Codex of Light, however, had no such qualms. Here, using a blinding flash of light to stun your opponent or setting their armor ablaze with holy fire was perfectly acceptable. In this world, miracles were just another part of a knight’s skill set.

For Isaac, however, using such powers against Dera Heman was out of the question. Dera’s ability to absorb holy energy meant that relying on divine abilities would be a fatal mistake.

‘Still, I’m confident in my swordsmanship.’

Isaac knew that the first strike would be crucial. Against someone like Dera Heman, there would be no second chance. Isaac lifted his blade, its black edge shimmering as it cut through the air, producing an ominous tearing sound.

The stage was set.

It was time for Isaac and Dera Heman to reenact the duel that had once taken place between Dera and Kalsen Miller.