Chapter 152: Holy Power (3)

King Barbosa of the Denian Kingdom finally let out a sigh of relief. “It’s over.” For some time, his kingdom had been plagued by Nano’s actions, a crisis that shook the neighboring Lutein Kingdom. The royal capital of the Lutein Kingdom had collapsed due to the Demon Realm’s incursion, leaving only a single royal survivor. It was an event so severe that it threatened the very existence of that kingdom. Now, at last, it had reached a temporary resolution. Although a host of smaller issues remained, they were no longer Barbosa’s responsibility. At this point, it was up to the sole surviving member of Lutein’s royal line—Elene—to straighten things out. Barbosa rubbed his forehead as though exhausted. For over a month, he’d barely slept while handling countless emergencies. Sounding morose, he muttered, “I wish I could take a vacation.” Of course, that was impossible. The world was still in turmoil, and his own capital—half-destroyed by the two named demons—remained far from fully rebuilt. There was an endless list of things that demanded his attention, but at least the most pressing external threats had been dealt with. Finally able to pause, Barbosa leaned back against his throne and closed his eyes. He was just beginning to relax when he sensed someone behind him. “Your Majesty,” a voice called out. Barbosa opened his eyes. “Maximus?” “Yes,” Maximus replied with a subdued look. His emotions barely registered on his face. Barbosa studied him curiously. Maximus was someone with a strong need for recognition. Whatever he did, his first thought was always how others would perceive him or whether he’d earn their respect. Yet, at some point, that habit had seemed to vanish. Instead of constantly seeking approval, he simply carried out his duties in quiet diligence. Barbosa, who had often been caught in Maximus’s stubborn schemes, found this change deeply relieving. I suppose I owe Ketal for that as well, Barbosa thought. He was quite sure this change in Maximus had come about after he met Ketal, and silently thanked the barbarian for it. As Barbosa thought about the past events, memories of Ketal emerged. He recalled how Ketal had left the Denian Kingdom and gone off toward Kalocia’s holy land. I hope he doesn’t cause any trouble there, Barbosa thought. It was impossible to predict what a barbarian might do in a god’s sanctuary. Shaking off the small pang of concern, he turned his full attention back to Maximus. “So, what is it?” he asked Maximus. “A priestess of the gods has come to see you,” Maximus informed him. “A priestess? From the Earth Goddess’s religious order? If so, show her every courtesy,” Barbosa said, sounding as if he already knew the reason. Priests of the Earth Goddess had aided them during the demon invasion, and sometimes they returned to handle post-battle matters. Likely, Barbosa thought that was the reason for this visit. However, Maximus shook his head. “No, Your Majesty. It’s not from the Earth Goddess’s order.” “Oh? Then who is it?” “She is from Ferderica’s order,” Maximus replied. Barbosa’s eyes widened. *** King Barbosa sat in the reception room of the royal palace, offering a polite greeting. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Barbosa Denian, King of the Denian Kingdom.” “I am honored to meet you as well.” A clear, resonant voice rang out. The speaker was a black-haired woman with a cold aura. She wore her straight hair long, and her eyes were a striking crimson hue. “My name is Riltara. I serve as one of Ferderica’s priestesses. Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty.” Barbosa nodded his head and replied, “Indeed.” “To begin, let me offer my condolences for what has happened here. Two named demons invading at once... It must have been a grave ordeal.” “Thank you for your concern,” Barbosa said. “It’s all been taken care of now.” “It was only possible under your leadership, Your Majesty,” she responded smoothly. “Even if that’s just flattery, I appreciate it,” Barbosa replied, though his expression remained guarded. He continued making conversation with Riltara, and for a moment, their exchange proceeded without much issue. However, deep down, Barbosa felt uneasy. A priestess of Ferderica, of all people..., Barbosa thought. This world recognized many gods, each worshipped through its own order, and not all of them were welcomed in polite society. The Church of Kaloisa, for instance, had historically committed atrocities under the tenets of deceit and trickery, which led to widespread condemnation. While Kalosia’s followers had been relatively quiet in recent times, Ferderica’s order was causing trouble in the present day—more so than Kalosia’s ever had. Frankly, Barbosa was anything but thrilled to receive her. He asked, “May I ask the reason for your visit?” Riltara regarded him in silence. Those crimson eyes, resembling fresh blood, locked onto Barbosa. “The barbarian.” She broke the silence. “I’ve heard rumors that there is a barbarian here.” Barbosa’s eyes went wide. He had carefully restricted information about Ketal so that no word leaked outside the capital. After all, two named demons had descended, and the capital had suffered massive destruction, yet the damage hadn’t been worse thanks to Ketal’s intervention. Many groups sought answers, but on the advice of the Tower Master, Barbosa had chosen to remain silent. He certainly hadn’t breathed a word of it to anyone in Ferderica’s far-off church. “How could you possibly know that?” Barbosa demanded. “I see no reason to explain,” Riltara replied, narrowing her eyes. “Where is he?” She spoke with such certainty that lying would have been futile. Slowly, Barbosa said, “He’s not here anymore. He left the capital quite some time ago.” “Where did he go?” “It was his own journey. I’ve no reason to share that with you,” he said, choosing his words carefully. “Are you really planning to keep secrets from a priestess of the gods?” Riltara’s tone became sharp, almost accusatory. Her approach rankled Barbosa, who frowned. “I see no reason to explain myself. Priestess or not, I am King of the Denian Kingdom,” he declared, voice firm. He was a monarch, and it was not his duty to humor a hostile inquisition from some church—especially not one with which his kingdom had no special relationship, unlike the Earth Goddess’s order, to whom he owed a debt of gratitude. There was no need to put up with her disrespect. .bg-ssp-10081{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} Barbosa made his displeasure known, and Riltara, seeming to realize she had overstepped, softened her stance. “I see. Very well. In any case, we can find him ourselves.” With that, she made to leave. However, Barbosa called after her. “But why are you looking for the barbarian in the first place?” “I have no reason to explain that,” she replied. “You request an audience with the king of a nation, yet you refuse even to state your purpose? Quite the upstanding church you belong to,” Barbosa remarked dryly. Riltara opened her mouth as if to retort but closed it again. She sighed. “You’re right... I was discourteous. My apologies. The matter is urgent, and I allowed myself to act rudely.” “It’s fine,” Barbosa said. “So, what is your reason for seeking him?” Riltara spoke without changing expressions. “We received a revelation.” Barbosa’s eyes widened at that. She continued in a calm voice, “The great Ferderica has decreed: ‘Apprehend that barbarian and deliver him before me.’” *** “Are you feeling better?” Ketal asked Rakuza. “Yes. Thank you for waiting.” The next day, Ketal and Rakuza met once again. “So, I will now explain how you can wield holy power,” Rakuza said. “Ooh!” Ketal’s eyes sparkled. Rakuza continued slowly, “Holy power is different from Aura or mana. Wielding Aura or mana typically demands considerable skill, but holy power is not like that.” Holy power was a gift directly bestowed by a deity. Unlike Aura or mana, it did not come from one’s own strength, so it required less technique to handle. “In that case, how do I use it?” Ketal asked him. “All you need is a sincere wish, deep in your heart,” Rakuza replied. “That’s really all? Sounds simple enough.” Rakuza smiled. “Why don’t we start with something basic—like strengthening your body? Just pray that your physique becomes tougher and faster.” “That sounds good,” Ketal agreed. He closed his eyes and wished fervently, picturing himself becoming stronger and quicker. Immediately, divine light enveloped him. “Whoa!” Ketal exclaimed, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer wonder of it. He was so moved, he nearly teared up. “Is my body really stronger now?” “Yes,” Rakuza assured him. “Thanks to the holy energy, your physique should have been enhanced.” Rakuza gulped hard. He knew Ketal’s body was already exceptional—strong enough to overpower even a demon like Lubitra. If he now had holy power amplifying his strength, Rakuza couldn’t fathom how much stronger he would become. “Hmm.” Ketal clenched his fist, momentarily sensing the changes in his body. They were standing outside the sanctuary, in a barren field still scarred from many battles. The ground was uneven, littered with rocks and debris. Ketal swung his fist toward the open plain. A tremendous shockwave thundered across the plain. Rakuza staggered back, bracing himself against the powerful gust. When the dust finally settled, he stared in astonishment. The once messy patch of earth looked as though someone had tidied it up. All the rocks and scattered debris had been blasted far away. “Incredible... I didn’t realize holy power could be that strong,” Rakuza murmured. After all, it had taken a single punch to do what would normally require many people working together. He assumed it had to be the holy power’s assistance. However, Ketal shook his head. “No, that punch didn’t feel enhanced by holy power at all.” “I’m sorry?” Rakuza blinked. “I don’t sense any significant change in my physical strength,” Ketal replied. “A-are you sure?” “Yes. Could it be that the enhancement is so slight I can’t notice it?” “That normally shouldn’t be the case,” Rakuza said. Holy power’s strengthening effect was usually impressive enough to let any ordinary human stand against an individual who could wield Myst. After thinking it over, Rakuza cautiously asked him, “Do you think it might be due to the unique properties of your body?” “Ah, that could be it.” Ketal’s physique could endure a demon’s authority without special preparation. Whatever the reason behind that ability, his body possessed a nearly absolute resistance to external force—holy power included. Holy power was still energy granted from outside; even if Ketal himself used it, it was no different from a demon’s authority in that respect. There was no reason for his body to absorb it. “That’s disappointing,” Ketal said in a heartfelt tone. He had hoped to finally merge holy power into his physical form, only to learn it was impossible. “Do you think the same would happen with Aura or mana?” Ketal asked him, looking worried. Rakuza shook his head. “No, I doubt it. Aura and mana would come from your own strength, so they wouldn’t conflict with your body’s special traits. If you ever learn to wield them, you should be able to use them freely.” Ketal looked relieved. “Good to know.” “So it seems you can’t bolster your body with holy power,” Rakuza observed. “I’ve never encountered a situation like this before.” He trailed off, his eyes suddenly widening in realization. Wait, Rakuza thought. That shockwave that cleared the plain—did he really do that with just his raw strength, no divine boost at all? It defied logic, and Rakuza felt a twinge of awe, or perhaps dread. Seemingly oblivious, Ketal asked him, “Then, aside from physically empowering the body, what else can holy power do?” “Oh, right.” Rakuza collected himself. Body strengthening was merely one aspect of what holy power could accomplish. There were many other ways to use it, so he began explaining them one by one.