The moment those words sounded out, in front of the shocked eyes, a pillar of divine light descended and landed on Xerxes.
When the light disappeared, the warrior appeared to be the same as usual. However, Reinhardt’s sharp eyes narrowed at this moment.
He could feel a mighty power now resting within the warrior. It was a kind of dormant power that would wake up once the wielder actively interacted with it.
What’s more, this kind of power was not only permanent, but also augmented all aspects of the warrior, essentially allowing him to wield power higher than his level.
And all of this change occurred during the brief time the pillar of light landed on him. Reinhardt reckoned that it was some kind of power bestowed by the Seven Gods.
It was not just him; the other five also carried the power of the Seven Gods.
As Arcanists were the executioners of the divine wills of the gods, it was no wonder that they were bestowed with a portion of their power.
Then there was also the item that suddenly appeared in the warrior named Xerxes’ hand. The Golden Scale. One look was enough for Reinhardt to determine that it was no ordinary item. It held a power far greater than the Holy Swords.
Supreme Divine Treasures... The scale was probably one of the items regarded as the Supreme Divine Treasure by the current era.
Reinhardt recalled the words that Minerva had said. "Sixth Arcanist and the wielder of the Golden Scale." It appeared that each of the Arcanists held a Supreme Divine Treasure.
The ceremony continued. Minerva called out once again. "The second candidate selected for the position of the Arcanist is..."
Everyone held their breath. Even Reinhardt’s other self could not help but bee a little tense. This was the last spot. If he did not make it, it meant that his dreams were over. Minerva did not keep them waiting for long.
"Sir Gavel Godfrey, please step forward."
A momentary silence followed, and then the audience erupted in cheers once again.
The response was louder than before. As the warrior who had slain a Dragon Lord, he was the crowd favorite for the position of Arcanist.
Amidst the cheers, Reinhardt noticed the warrior who had stood atop the slain dragon slowly step forward. His expression remained calm. Yet the pride in his eyes could not be concealed.
Minerva smiled faintly. "Sir Godfrey Aurelius. For slaying the Dragon Lord of Skarvath. For protecting the Imperial Legions and saving thousands of lives, you have earned the acknowledgment of the Seven Gods. From this day on, you are appointed as the Seventh Arcanist and wielder of the Sacred Ring."
Right after her voice fell, a pillar of light descended from above, engulfing the warrior in its brilliance. However, this was not the end, as more accolades were yet to e.
"By the will of the Seven Gods, you are hereby bestowed the class... Divine Paladin. Work hard and live up to the expectations of the Seven."
"Yes!"
The light dissipated, and the warrior named Godfrey knelt on one knee and loudly declared. With that, the selection of the Arcanists was pleted.
The hall shook. The warriors cheered loudly. Some even looked at Godfrey with admiration. The title they all dreamed of. The title countless heroes sought their entire lives. It had finally been achieved by one man.
To the crowd, it was pletely well deserved.
Amid the thunderous applause, Reinhardt’s gaze drifted toward his other self. He was smiling, his gaze respectful and polite.
Yet Reinhardt could see what others could not. Having seen multiple memories and the actions of his other self, he knew that the man standing amidst the cheering crowd with a small smile on his face had wanted it too.
He also dreamed of being an Arcanist and worked tirelessly to realize that goal. Not because he wanted fame or glory. But because he believed that being an Arcanist would allow him to protect more people.
He believed that being a Divine Paladin would bring him closer to fulfilling his purpose.
Yet after all the sacrifices, after all the battles, the dream he had chased slipped through his fingers. And the title went to someone else.
Although he feigned calmness outwardly, how could he not be affected inwardly?
Reinhardt watched as his other self’s hands tightened until his knuckles turned white. That said, it was only for a single moment. After that, he let go and simply stood amidst the crowd.
Reinhardt’s attention remained fixed on that solitary figure standing among the crowd, as if he could feel the emotional upheaval of the other party as if it were his own.
Soon after, the vision shifted again.
.
It was the same grand hall. Except that it was empty now. There was no longer the cheering gallery, the warriors, or the Arcanists.
The place was silent, with only the Seven Gods still standing in their positions in the air.
For a moment, none of them spoke. Then, a voice broke the silence.
"Why? Why did we choose Godfrey instead of that man?"
The voice was warm, almost sonorous, as if it could soothe one’s soul. Having heard that voice earlier in the memory, Reinhardt knew exactly who it belonged to.
The Goddess of Healing and Love, Odeth’Rhea.
"We had all witnessed that battle. We all saw it clearly. The one who truly wounded Dragon Lord Skarvath... was Reinhardt. The one who protected the rear lines against the breath... was also him."
The usual voice of the Goddess of Healing and Love was soothing, yet at this moment, it contained a faint trace of suppressed fury. She spoke, trying to make her point.
"Godfrey only delivered the finishing blow. If Reinhardt had not been there, the army would have been erased before that moment ever came."
Another voice spoke next in support. The Goddess of Death and Diligence, Aven’Nyxara.
"I agree with Odeth. What we witnessed was not a victory of strength, but of mind. The army would have been annihilated if not for Reinhardt’s spontaneous decision. Without him, there would have been no battlefield left to win."
The Goddess of Moon and Purity also added at that moment. Her voice was colder and more direct.
"His actions fulfilled every condition required for Arcanist candidacy. Strategic mand under a collapse scenario. Protection of retreating forces at personal cost. Subjugation level engagement against a Dragon Lord-class entity. There is no ambiguity in his merit."
Three voices... three goddesses opposed the decision.
However, as shown in the future, as fate would have it, the man was never meant to be chosen by the gods. The remaining gods stepped forward. The God of Might and Humility spoke first.
"The question is not about merit. It is stability. The Empire cannot afford uncertainty in its highest officials."
As the God of Might, his tone was fierce and unbending. God of Nature and Temperance followed next.
"I agree with Oros. That man carries origins tied to Draconia. We have been in conflict with the dragons of Draconia for centuries now. He is a resident of Valdonia, yes, but his lineage does not belong here."
His words caused a subtle shift in the atmosphere.
Reinhardt, observing, did not miss this. From Thas’Vaelon’s words, he could deduce certain things.
Centuries of war had caused people in masses to be displaced from their original homes. Some who had been sent to Draconia to wage war in their lands eventually settled there over time.
Similarly, those humans and demi-humans who were native to the continent of Draconia eventually came to live in Valdonia.
"However loyal a blade may appear... its origin determines where it may eventually point. He cannot be placed into the Arcanist seat. Nor can he be entrusted with a class as important as the Divine Paladin. Not while his bloodline traces back to the enemy continent."
God of Wisdom and Charity, Tyros’Ergo, gave his opinion.
"This is prejudice. As gods, how can we be tied to things as small as bloodlines?" Aven’Nyxara retorted.
"No, it is a precaution. And in war, precaution is survival."
The hall was split. Three voices spoke in favor of Reinhardt, while three spoke against. In the end, they all turned toward the central god who had yet to speak: Kael’Rhydon, God of Light and Justice, leader of the Seven.
He remained silent for a while, as if weighing their words. Then he made his decision.
"Both arguments are sound. However, the Empire does not gamble its highest positions on potential alone. Judgment aligns with caution."
At those words, the expression of the three goddesses changed. Reinhardt, observing everything, sighed. Even without hearing the rest, he knew what their decision was.
"Gavel Godfrey will serve as the Seventh Arcanist and bear the class of Divine Paladin for the foreseeable future. That is final. As for Reinhardt, he will continue to serve as one of the captains of the Elite Empire forces. However, his rank shall not rise above that."
Reviews
All reviews (0)