When I was working as a civil servant, I was found out to be a muscle-brained knight by the princess knight and got sent to the front lines - Episode 204

Episode 204

Saint Lucretia Alma danced through the heart of the enemy camp, as if performing a divine offering, kicking the Holy Knights of the Holy Levia Knights one after another. The Fourth Saint’s personal guard, led by Alexia Gray, supported the freely-moving Saint. He neutralized any indecent enemies attempting to snipe her from afar as they swept through the battlefield.

At almost the same time that the rampaging Saint and her followers, seemingly venting their pent-up frustrations, landed on the battlefield. And so did Archbishop Edelmar Solemnis and his hundred-strong Solemnis faction. Having leaped from the Ark Mandjet/Mesektet as it soared through the sky, each of them held a massive, crude iron object in their hands.

Normally, Holy Knights wield standard weapons like swords and shields, and their armor is what distinguishes them. In essence, there isn’t much difference from ordinary knights. However, the Solennis faction wore no armor. Indeed, these hundred followers of Solennis weren’t even knights. They were merely clergy.

Led by Archbishop Edelmar Solennis, these priests, bishops, and deacons had taken up the strength to fight at humanity’s frontlines to protect their faith. They formed the unusual faction known as the Solennis Order within the Divina Church. Since they weren’t knights, they naturally carried no weapons. The only things they bore were what was necessary to spread their faith. To spread and practice their faith and to protect the people, they required no weapons—just a strong heart and conviction.

Some carried staffs, others books, and some bore nothing at all, showing their harmlessness. This was the Solennis Order. If that was all, they would be just ordinary clergy. But what distinguished them was their unique nature.

The staffs held by Edelmar and his followers were, by their own declaration, “scepters.” However, to anyone unfamiliar with the situation, they appeared to be nothing more than gigantic iron rods. Edelmar’s “staff” was over two meters long, blackened with what seemed to be splashes of bl00d and dented in various places. It had clearly been well-maintained, but the black stains that couldn’t be wiped away suggested the long years spent with its master and the overwhelming number of monsters it had defeated over time.

The other “scepters” wielded by Edelmar’s followers (iron rods, really) were in similar condition, showing the signs of heavy use. One could only imagine how many monsters they had vanquished over the years.

Some others carried books inscribed with sacred teachings. These too, according to Edelmar and his companions, were “holy scriptures.” However, to the uninitiated, they were merely dictionary-sized blocks of iron. The cover had ornate engravings, but the iron blocks couldn’t even be opened. They were books in appearance only. …Most people wouldn’t even call them books.

Those without a staff (iron rod) or scripture (iron block) were barehanded, showing their lack of malice and their commitment to faith. Yet, on the fists of these so-called unarmed clergy, brass knuckles gleamed dully. …This, apparently, was acceptable by Solennis Order standards.

The hundred followers of Edelmar Solennis descended from the sky, clad in their usual black clerical robes rather than armor and bearing no traditional weapons. The energy of their fall transformed into a force that reflected the sorrow of battle, leaving large craters in the ground as they landed.

“…O God, bring an end to this conflict… Nnngggghhhh!!!”

As Edelmar channeled his resolve, his biceps suddenly swelled, causing the sleeves of his clerical robe to tear apart. Lamenting the ongoing battle, he raised his staff (iron rod) and swung it with all his might.

A booming sound, shockwaves, vibrations, and explosions followed. Dozens of Holy Knights were blown away from the impact at the center of the strike. Edelmar was swinging his iron rod like a whirlwind. He proceeded to knock out each Holy Knight with a single blow.

“…Truly regrettable. At least rest peacefully for now, my brethren.”

With a sorrowful expression, Edelmar and his hundred-strong Solennis faction methodically neutralized the Holy Levia Knights. Edelmar continued to swing his iron rod in sorrow. The Holy Levia Knight was on the verge of a complete collapse under the pressure of the 11th Legion. But then—

“…It’s been a while, Edelmar. I’ve always wanted to face you in a serious battle someday. …Hah!”

Archbishop Lucius Agrippa appeared before Edelmar. As Lucius removed his upper body armor and flexed his muscles, his sleeves also tore from the sheer size of his pumped-up arms. Grasping a massive polearm, Lucius stood ready.

“…Lucius. It’s been a long time. Why are you doing something so foolish? …I see. There’s no point in asking, is there? Then let us speak through our actions.”

After years of not seeing Lucius Agrippa, Edelmar took one look at his expression, resolve, and aura, and seemed to understand something. He gave a single nod of acknowledgment. Seeing this, Lucius smiled lightly and adjusted his grip on his polearm.

These two martial archbishops, both representing the might of the Divina Papal State, often sparked debates among the people: Who is stronger? Now, the two were about to settle the score once and for all.

Their overwhelming presence stilled the battlefield. Even the sound of the wind sweeping through the battlefield fell silent in this tense moment.

““In the name of honor, let us duel!””

As if they had synchronized their movements, the iron staff wielded by Edelmar and the polearm held by Lucius clashed violently. The energy from the collision condensed for a brief moment. And then, with a deafening roar, a shockwave blasted out. Everyone around them was sent flying.