Thunder God's Reincarnation

Chapter 242

Luther and Carlson of the Yupir Church strategically organized the Paladin Order and the Priest Clergy into four groups through discussions. Each group, consisting of three paladins and priests, was evenly distributed to provide support to one of the four great mountain ranges.

The Paladin Captain, Luther, and the High Priest, Carlson, opted to bolster the expedition on the Alfne Mountain Range, considering it the most vulnerable among the four. Simultaneously, the nations overseeing the other three mountain ranges received additional support from the Yupir Church.

With the formidable forces of the Paladin Order and the Priest Clergy from the Yupir Church, their contribution proved substantial, rivaling even the might of the Pamar Empire. Their support significantly enhanced the chances of success in the expedition across the four great mountain ranges.

The day arrived for the assault on the Patagon Mountain Range. Accompanied by the members of the Avalon Order and the Yupir Church, Mu-Gun made his way to the Evelyn fief, adjacent to the Patagon Mountain Range. The Golden Dragon Order from the Pantheon Kingdom had already arrived and awaited Mu-Gun's presence.

Sir Walter, leading the Golden Dragon Order, widened his eyes in surprise as he noticed the knights accompanying Mu-Gun. While the Golden Lion Order and the Yupir Church's Paladin Order were notable, it was the presence of the Kraiss Kingdom's Crimson Dragon Order that caught his attention.

What happened? They look like the Kraiss Kingdoms Crimson Dragon Order, why have you come with them?

As you said, they are the Kraiss Kingdoms Crimson Dragon Knights. However, they have come as members of the Avalon Order, not the Crimson Dragon Order.

The Avalon Order?

As its name suggests, it is a Knight Order formed to protect Avalon from the evil hands of the Demon God.

That means it has no relation with the Kraiss Kingdom or the Crimson Dragon Order then.

Yes. The Avalon Order is an organization united under the determination to protect Avalon from the Demon God, and it transcends other nations or Knight Orders.

If my eyes do not fail me, they all seem to be at the Master Rank. Did you perhaps grant them the Sky Gods authority?

That is right.

Are you in your right mind? How could you grant the Sky Gods authority to the Kraiss Kingdoms knights when they are not even from the Pantheon Kingdom? Walter asked in disbelief.

Mu-Guns expression stiffened at his interrogative speech.

You must have forgotten what I said a while ago. They are not here as knights of the Kraiss Kingdom. They are here as the Knights of Avalon, who will carry out the mission given by the Sky God. There is nothing strange about them gaining power from the Sky Gods authority.

Walter flinched momentarily at Mu-Gun's resolute words but quickly composed himself, standing tall. He spoke, "Ahem, the Golden Dragon Knights are equally committed to safeguarding Avalon from the Demon God. Therefore, shouldn't they also receive the Sky God's authority?

"If they set aside their responsibilities as a Golden Dragon Order member and commit to safeguarding Avalon under the Avalon Order, the Sky God will willingly bestow upon them its power.

Are you telling us to leave the Golden Dragon Order?

It is only until we eradicate the Demon God. The Avalon Order will be disbanded as soon as the Demon God is defeated. Then, the Avalon Orders knights will return to their respective nations and Knight Orders.

That means we have to perform our duties as a member of the Avalon Order until then.

"Yes, while serving as Avalon Knights, they must release their allegiance to the Pantheon Kingdom and the Golden Dragon Order from their thoughts. It is imperative that they refrain from acting solely for the advantage of either the Pantheon Kingdom or the Golden Dragon Order. Strict adherence to the commands of Sir Philford, Captain of the Avalon Order, is an absolute requirement.

Thats

"This is not a compulsion; the choice rests with the Golden Dragon Knights. If they prefer, they can continue as members of the Golden Dragon Order, just as they are now.

Even if the Golden Dragon Knights want to be part of the Avalon Order, His Majesty will never allow it.

"It all hinges on the knights' determination. Luck isn't bestowed effortlessly; it's something earned. If they seek the authority of the Sky God, they must exhibit a level of determination that aligns with such a privilege.

"I won't be the one deciding. As you mentioned, it appears to be a choice for the Golden Dragon Knights to make on their own. I'll let them decide for themselves."

"Do as you wish. Additionally, we'll be heading to the Patagon Mountain Range tomorrow, so please prepare accordingly for our journey."

We will do so.

Following the conversation with Walter, Mu-Gun sought refuge alongside the Avalon Knights and members of the Yupir Church. The Wolfkans had ravaged the Evelyn fief as their initial target, leaving the entire territory in ruins and scarce options for shelter. Despite the challenges, Mu-Gun's group managed to locate a building in reasonably good condition and took a much-needed rest there.

Resting against a building's wall, Mu-Gun turned his head, sensing a presence from the side. He observed Maria standing there.

Can I sit down for a while?

If youd like to.

Maria bowed slightly and took a seat as Mu-Gun gestured with an okay sign for her to join him.

Do you have something to tell me? Mu-Gun asked.

"I simply wished to sit by your side. While you are chosen by the esteemed Yupir, Young Lord Argon, I realize I know little about you."

When Maria expressed her interest, Mu-Gun smirked and said, I will respectfully decline if you are asking out of personal interest.

You are greatly mistaken. I am a nun who serves God. Even if Yupir chose you, I have no interest in you as a woman.

Thats a relief to hear.

Still, it kind of hurts my pride.

Dont get me wrong. I am not declining because I hate you, Saintess.

Really?

I would have declined any other woman.

Since you are clarifying it to that extent, I will kindly understand it. Maria said with a timid smile.

Mu-Gun also chuckled, perhaps because he was not offended by her response.

So, how did you get chosen by Yupir?

Was that what you were curious about?

"Indeed. Honestly, within the Yupir Church, numerous individuals are highly qualified to be chosen by Yupir. There's no need to search extensively; the Yupir Order's Paladins are more than capable of becoming the esteemed Yupir's Representative."

Their faith in Yupir will also be much greater than mine.

Thats right. So I am curious why they chose you as their representative.

Do they need any special reason? They just chose the person most likely to eradicate the Demon God.

And they would have also chosen a person willing to spare no efforts to fulfill the duty imparted on them. Maria added another reason to Mu-Guns response.

Mu-Gun smiled wryly at her words. The reality diverged from Maria's perceptions. It wasn't that he cared nothing for wealth and honor and was solely committed to fulfilling his duties as God's Representative to save the world. The ability to dedicate himself as an incarnation stemmed from having a place to return to.

He was trying his best to return safely and promptly to the Central Plains, where his beloved family awaited. The Thunder God likely recognized this, perhaps explaining why they chose Mu-Gun as an incarnation and dispatched him to Avalon.

But are you confident that we can eradicate the Demon God? Maria asked.

"We must proceed with it, regardless of the cost. However, it's evident that accomplishing it will be challenging with the current extent of our power."

"Are you venturing into the Patagon Mountain Range to acquire strength to confront the Demon God?

Why do you think so?

"I've heard that dragons are restricted within the Gods' boundaries beyond the four great mountain ranges. Are you attempting to harness the power of those dragons to enhance your own strength?"

"As you've pointed out, dealing with the Demon God is challenging with my current strength, so I need to enhance it somehow. At the moment, my plan is to absorb the divinity of the dragons. Naturally, it won't be a straightforward task."

If you want to absorb their divinity, you will have to take their lives.

Of course.

"Hmm, I wonder if that's the best choice? Couldn't it be possible to form an alliance with the dragons and collectively combat the Demon God?

I wonder if the dragons will be willing to do that.

"The dragons had their minds dominated by the Demon God in the past, leading them to forsake their duty of protection and attempt to destroy Avalon. As a consequence, they were sealed within God's boundaries. If the dragons are remorseful for their past transgressions, it might be worth giving them an opportunity to redeem themselves.

"If, as you suggested, the dragons are willing to acknowledge their errors and combat the Demon God, they should indeed be considered for a second chance. Yet, considering the dragons were confined within God's boundaries for thousands of years, their thoughts remain uncertain. They could harbor resentment towards the Gods for their imprisonment, possibly plotting revenge."

"Indeed, the dragons' thoughts are uncertain, so it's crucial to prioritize understanding their stance. I express this concern because I worry that you may already perceive them as adversaries. I hope my words haven't caused offense.

Not at all. I will take your advice into consideration.

Thank you for understanding. Then, please rest up.

Maria stood up and returned to her initial position. Mu-Gun contemplated Maria's words, realizing he had unwittingly deemed the dragons as enemies. Fearing potential allegiance with the Demon God, he believed it necessary to eliminate any future sources of trouble.

If the dragons genuinely reflect on their sins and are eager to combat the Demon God for Avalon's protection, it might be worthwhile to stand alongside them. Despite uncertainties about his authority to decide the dragons' fate, Mu-Gun opted to afford them an opportunity.

*

Walter, the Golden Dragon Orders Captain, gave the knights participating in the Patagon Mountain Range expedition an explanation of the Avalon Order, and allowed them to decide for themselves whether to become a member of the Avalon Order or not.

However, he did not tell them that they could become a Master Knight with the Sky Gods authority if they joined the Avalon Order. This was because of Mu-Guns request as he wanted someone who truly desired to defend Avalon, and not because of the Sky Gods authority.

Of course, for the Pantheon Kingdom and the Golden Dragon Order, it was beneficial for as many knights as possible to join the Avalon Order, knowing that they could reach the Master Rank since that would mean the Pantheon Kingdom would gain that many more Master Knights. Despite this, Walter did not do that.

Aligning with Mu-Gun's viewpoint that only knights prepared to sacrifice their lives for Avalon without expecting personal gain deserved the Sky God's authority, Walter sought to have the Golden Dragon Knights demonstrate their commitment. The outcome was that all seventy-two participating Golden Dragon Knights expressed their desire to join the Avalon Order.

Walter informed Mu-Gun of the decision. Surprised by the outcome, Mu-Gun hadn't anticipated that every knight would opt to join the Avalon Order.

With all due respect, did you perhaps reveal anything about the Sky Gods authority?

Absolutely not. I swear with my honor as a knight that I did not say a word.

Alright. I am sorry for suspecting you.

Its fine. I would have done the same.

As promised, I will accept them to the Avalon Order and grant them the Sky Gods authority. But what about you and the four Master Knights? Mu-Gun asked.

We will join the Avalon Order too.

Will that be fine?

His Majesty will understand if he knows our true intentions.

Putting aside His Majestys understanding, you will have to be under the command of Sir Philford.

The important thing is to protect Avalon. It doesnt matter who the captain is.

It makes me feel more comfortable hearing that. Thank you. Also, I sincerely welcome you and the Golden Dragon Knights. If I could, I would have loved to hold a welcoming banquet, but given the situation, lets defer that to another time.

In exchange, make sure you really hold one.

Understood.

By the way, when do we depart for the Patagon Mountain Range? The supply chain has been completed and we are all currently standing by.

Lets depart in an hour.

Okay. I will prepare knowing that. Walter nodded and left.

An hour later, the knights and members of the Yupir Church assembled on the path leading to the Patagon Mountain Range.

Mu-Gun relayed the news to the current members of the Avalon Order, sharing that the Golden Dragon Knights had joined their ranks. The Avalon Order warmly embraced their new companions with applause and cheers. Before venturing into the Patagon Mountain Range, Mu-Gun, announcing the Golden Dragon Knights' inclusion, delivered a brief speech to all the knights. It served as a kind of ceremony preceding the impending conflict..

"From this moment onward, we'll enter the Patagon Mountain Range and eradicate the monsters aligned with the Demon God. These creatures within the range are formidable adversaries, and that may entail some sacrifices. Yet, our sacrifices will secure the safety of countless lives in Avalon. For the sake of our beloved people and Avalon, we'll face these monsters with courage. With unwavering effort, we can triumph over even the mightiest adversaries. Additionally, the omnipotent Sky God Yupir will bless us from the shadows, as always. Let us all protect Avalon with courage and sacrifice."

Wahhhhh-!

Protect Avalon!

Defeat the monsters!

Eradicate the Demon God!

The Avalon Knights erupted in cheers following Mu-Gun's speech. With a brief address, Mu-Gun took the lead, stepping into the Patagon Mountain Range. The Avalon Knights and members of the Yupir Church trailed behind, ready to embark on the journey.