Chapter 27: The Legendary Apostle

What was once a peaceful journey for the Knights’ return had suddenly turned into chaos.

The one who died was a highly respected knight.

If a person is only praised by nobles, they are likely to be hypocritical.

But if even the commoners respect them from the heart, then they are truly worthy of respect.

Many commoners in the city heard of En Edwin’s death.

“Heavens, how could such a righteous knight die?”

This winter was destined to be shrouded in gloom.

But the old Sword Saint had no time to mourn.

He had already reclaimed the [Sword of the Hero].

Unfortunately, he, this aged Sword Saint, was not recognized by the Holy Sword.

When he was younger, he had confirmed this in foreign lands.

He couldn’t draw the sword; the massive stone seemed sealed by some powerful restriction, impossible to destroy.

They could only transport the stone along with the Holy Sword back to the Imperial City.

If one day humanity fell again and the true Hero appeared, there might still be hope.

Therefore, they could not let this sword fall into the hands of the Demon Race.

“I must see His Majesty, and the Pope as well.This matter concerns the survival of humanity.It must be dealt with immediately.”

The aged Sword Saint had already arrived at the Imperial Palace.

The awakening of the Demon King meant the existence of the Hero was certain.

So he needed to select the Hero with the utmost urgency.

A person’s talent and lifespan are limited.

If he could not end this within his lifetime, it would be a betrayal to his disciple, En.

“Sword Saint-sama, can this matter not wait until after Lord Edwin’s funeral?Was he not your disciple?”

Everyone knew En Edwin was the old Sword Saint’s most prized disciple.

The most talented swordsman in years.

Given time, he would have surely surpassed even the old Sword Saint.

“I know.But please understand, he is my disciple.I am respecting his will.”

The old Sword Saint took a deep breath.

His sorrow and anger were pressed deep into his weary eyes.

This old man must live even longer—ten years, twenty years, thirty years—until the day he can no longer swing his sword.

He was Sword Saint Eugene, the most outstanding swordsman in the Empire in a hundred years.

“Understood.I will report to His Majesty immediately.As for the Pope… as you know, His Majesty and the Pope have never seen eye to eye.”

“I will handle it.But the Selection of the Hero Squad must begin.”

“Can’t we wait as before, letting talented individuals grow, and then appoint them to the Hero Squad?”

The court official adjusted his glasses.

“Such a Hero could never defeat the current Demon King.If anyone can draw that sword, I would devote all my blood to nurture them.”

The old Sword Saint stood firm.

The priority of this matter had already been set in his heart after they encountered that Blood Demon warrior on the way home.

“What exactly did you encounter?There were no Demon King armies on the return route.Or were you ambushed by the Demon King’s subordinates?”

Hearing the question, the old Sword Saint instinctively gripped the sword at his waist, but soon suppressed the emotion.

He answered the person before him.

“We encountered a Blood Demon.His limbs were bound with shackles, with broken chains and ancient curse marks.Blood-black eyes, and an overwhelmingly domineering greatsword.”

In just an instant, the Knights were scattered.

“Lord Eugene, are you joking?

Such a being only appears in religious tales.

How could they exist?

I recall your level is 75.

Even you were defeated?”

“He was stronger than me.In a single exchange, other members of the Knights were reduced to blood mist—no corpses remained.”

“But do Apostles truly exist?”

The court official’s expression changed, all earlier composure lost.

What is an Apostle?

He’d heard of them in stories since childhood.

In the face of such a powerful being, any army seemed fragile.

The problem now was—if the Demon King had even such legendary monsters under his command, how powerful must he be?

He couldn’t imagine it.

He spoke no further with the Sword Saint, instead rushing to notify the Emperor of the Empire at once.

The Garde Empire had stood for two hundred years; such risks could not be ignored.

The Emperor of the Empire moved swiftly, putting aside other matters and coming to the old Sword Saint with grave expression.

“Master, is everything you say true?”

“Yes.I’m certain.The being we fought was most likely a legendary Apostle.The Imperial Knights, nearly two thousand strong, are the Empire’s elite second only to the Royal Knights.Yet half of them left not even a corpse.Your Majesty, you understand what I’m saying?”

“I will confirm this myself.Personally.Master, are you saying a single person could cause such devastation? Or did you face an attack from the Demon King’s army?”

He did not doubt the teacher who had taught him swordsmanship.

But as ruler of a nation, he had to consider more.

Perhaps they were deceived by high-level demon magic, suffering hallucinations.

That was better than believing a mythological creature had appeared in this era.

“Every surviving member of the Knights can testify.I speak not a single lie!”

The old Sword Saint’s tone was firm.

At the time, his mind was clear.

In battles on the edge of life and death, one must abandon all confusion and strike calmly.

But that overwhelming being had killed his disciple before his very eyes.

No matter his fury or his swordplay, he could not deal fatal damage to the [Blood Demon].

This was a legendary Apostle, yet now might already be a subordinate of the Demon King.

“Very well, I understand. If the Selection of the Hero Squad begins training now, when can we hope to defeat the Demon King’s army?”

“Hopefully within my lifetime.Your Majesty, the Empire has endured two hundred years.”

“Master Eugene!”

“You are now Emperor, and I am your subject.You need not address me so.”

After a brief silence, the Emperor composed himself and instructed the court official at his side.

“Summon the Pope. This is urgent. Since the Holy Sword has been recovered, we can begin. What puzzles me is—why must the Selection of the Hero begin today? Isn’t it too hasty?”

“Because I encountered another Apostle. The legendary [Prophet in Black Robes]. Right after En’s death. I met him.”

The old Sword Saint had never mentioned this to anyone before.

Now, he told the Emperor—because as the supreme authority of the nation, the Emperor had to know.

“Did the Prophet say the Hero would be found today? And then? Did you not bring the Prophet back?”

The Emperor pressed further.

“Your Majesty, it was raining then. He whispered in my ear, then vanished into the rain.”