Volume 1 Chapter 16 ACT.14.5 Thus, the Boy Falls into the Abyss of Carnage
"──Rai"
That day, Rai was suddenly called out in the corridor of the Holy Knight building.
When Rai turned around, there stood his mentor, Aslan.
"Master, it's been a while. Have you lost some weight?"
"Ah, yeah, a little."
Saying this, Aslan nods awkwardly.
His expression is darker than usual.
"──Rai. Are you really okay with this?"
Suddenly, Aslan posed that question to Rai.
Although it was an off-topic inquiry, Rai, knowing what day it was, grasped his intent and answered.
"Yes, I have no regrets. This is all thanks to you, Master, for raising me to this point. Truly, thank you."
With that, Rai deeply bowed to Aslan.
Aslan gazed at him with a sorrowful expression.
In the end, Aslan could not save the boy named Rai.
He even wondered if perhaps it was a mistake to get involved at all.
Yet, at that time.
The kind old knight surely could not have abandoned the boy standing amidst the ruins.
No matter how many times the scene were to play out, he would do the same thing.
And he would carry the same regret.
However, he thought that this 5-year journey was not in vain.
He could not show Rai any path other than revenge.
But it was undoubtedly thanks to Aslan that Rai had made it this far without straying from his path.
In Rai's heart, Aslan's kindness surely still thrived.
"──I see. If that's the case, then good."
However, this surely wouldn't reach Aslan.
Saying just that, Aslan turned on his heel.
Then, still facing away, he said one last thing.
"Rai, happy birthday."
With those few words, Aslan walked away.
Left behind, Rai quietly muttered to himself, feeling lonely.
"After all, Master isn't blessing me."
* * *
On the same day, a ceremony was held at the Holy Church's Grand Cathedral.
Standing before the massive Holy Cross at the back of the cathedral was the Blind Saint.
Flanking him were 2 Purge Knights clad in pitch-black armor.
The Purge Knights raised their ceremonial swords, quietly waiting for the day's main event to begin.
Just then, the cathedral doors opened, and a lone knight stepped inside.
His brand-new armor was jet black.
The helm he wore boasted a unique design reminiscent of a fierce expression of rage.
Kneeling before the Saint, the knight quietly removed his helm.
Underneath that intimidating helm appeared a youthful face──a boy still holding onto his childhood──Rai Conwell.
"Holy Knight, Rai Conwell"
"Yes"
The Saint solemnly spoke his name.
To that, Rai answered quietly.
"From this moment on, you will no longer be just a knight, but a Purge Knight who hunts heretics. There is no rest or salvation for a Purge Knight. Still, do you vow to walk this path?"
"Yes"
"──Then, take this."
With that, the Saint picked up a golden cup that was beside her and handed it to Rai.
The cup was filled to the brim with a deep crimson liquid.
"If you truly wish to make your vow, drink from the cup of blood. ──Then you will become a true knight."
"──."
With that, Rai peered into the cup.
His reflection on the crimson surface of the cup displayed a calm expression.
Then, Rai brought the cup to his lips and let the deep crimson liquid flow into his mouth.
Without savoring the unfamiliar, rich flavor, he drank it all and returned the cup.
Having emptied the cup, the boy who stood there was no longer the innocent child who had cried unjustly that day.
What stood there was a knight.
From now on, he would protect the people from the injustices that would assail them──as a Purge Knight.
"Rai Conwell. From today, I shall serve as the 8th-ranked Purge Knight. I vow here to be the sword of the goddess and the shield of the powerless."
On this day, the year 1682 of the sacred calendar, May 14th.
On the day of his 14th birthday, Rai Conwell stepped onto the path of conflict.
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