Morland - Blood and Sweat [Ongoing✓]

Chapter 8 : Discussion, The Greyheart's 108th Dungeon

- ORIS PRISON CAMP -

The extravagantly armored Knights gathered in the largest tent where the bare ground had been adorned with a thick carpet that bore the Empire's emblem.

Cushioned armchairs were arrayed in a circular pattern around the wooden table, and on that table, several figurines depicting flags, soldiers, and monsters had been placed systematically.

This gathering was unlike the others that were annually conducted in the capital, where they would sit around a large golden table and each would share tales of valiant deeds that they had accomplished during their travels.

Due to recent events, the meeting they were having here held a different purpose and such gatherings were rare among the knights.

The Holy Knights were known throughout Morland to be symbols of great power and justice, and it was rumored among the mortals in Morland that if all thirteen knights were to gather in the same place at once, their combined presence would be enough to purge evil in a region.

All Holy Knights were trained in Moriandia, the capital of the Imperial region, and out of the hundreds of candidates, only thirteen knights were allowed to exist at the same time. In rare cases, potential candidates may endure the trials, and these are assigned squireship under one of the knights and await appointment if one of the current Holy Knights were to perish.

'An event that rarely ever happens.' Vedial mused.

This had been declared by Emperor Gherial decades ago, and he had only done this to instill hope to those that overcame the trials but were not chosen.

After years of waiting anxiously, a group of nobles came together and proposed a new division to be formed from the recruits that had been left out in the Holy Knight selections. To maintain the noble's support Emperor Gherial allowed the establishment of the division and named it 'The Golden Embrace'.

When it was first formed the Golden Embrace was held in high regard, especially since it was composed of highly talented nobles. The Embrace was trusted with protecting both the Imperial capital and the surrounding regions while the Holy Knights' were absent.

The Golden Embrace stole the Holy Knight's spotlight and due to their popularity, they soon became the new heroes of Moriandia.

Unfortunately, this all changed during the great war when the group suddenly split into two factions and fought against one another, however, with strength equal to the Holy Knights, their battles escalated and nearly brought down the entire capital.

Echoes of a raging battle in the capital caught the Holy Knight's attention, and their immediate return brought the rebellion to a close.

After the war, the notorious Golden Embrace was quickly dissolved because of its instability. The Knights regained the people's trust with their heroic effort and drew the Emperor's favor, and by Moria's hand, the Emperor blessed them with a boon that carried over from the first-generation knights to the present.

That's why regardless of their small number, one Holy Knight could rival a platoon of soldiers from the Imperial army. However, to avoid a similar revolt, the most powerful Holy Knight in each generation is bound by oath and duty to remain in the capital at all times, his task is to protect the capital and its people.

At first, people thought that the power that had been granted to them might have been too great for any mortal to possess, but this was only true when that power was pointed against them.

The Holy Knights stood by the people and even the soldiers went out to war boldly knowing that a much greater force stood beside them, that's how it has been since the beginning.