'Lord… can't you be a little gentle?' Hall thought weakly, his head dizzy.

If Ethan had heard him, he would have cursed. "Gentle my ass. I just saved your life and you're thinking about that?"

He stood straight, his expression cold and sharp. Dust and smoke filled the air. From the cloud of debris, a figure slowly emerged

It belongs to Priest Mureno.

The priest stood with a wide grin that didn't reach his eyes. His face was half hidden in shadow, but the twisted curve of his mouth was clear. "My Lord," he said softly. "Welcome to our humble abode."

Ethan's jaw tightened. "Cut the talk," he said flatly. "Tell me, whose followers are you?" He pulled out his sword, its edge gleaming faintly under the dim light.

Mureno tilted his head to the side, his grin widening. "Why? Do you want to worship our Lord too?"

"Bullshit!" Ethan snapped. His voice echoed through the ruined chamber. With a single step, he disappeared and reappeared right before Mureno, swinging his sword down with full force.

CLANG!

The sound of metal striking something unseen roared across the room. A wave of pressure burst outward, scattering dust in every direction. When the haze cleared, Ethan's eyes narrowed. His sword had hit something.

It was an invisible barrier that shimmered faintly before vanishing.

Mureno's smile grew even darker, exposing his eerie, crooked lips. "Kekeke… Has no one ever told you that knights always fall short before mages?"

Ethan's instincts screamed. His heart tightened in warning, and he instantly bent backward just as a flash of light burst through the air where his head had been. The spell smashed into the wall behind him, scorching it black.

Then, Mureno began to chant. His voice was deep and cold.

"Spiritual Interference."

A metallic hum filled the room, followed by an invisible wave that slammed into everything.

TANG!

Ethan felt it before he even saw it. The force struck his mind like a hammer. His body reeled, his vision spun, and for a brief moment, it felt as if the world itself had flipped upside down.

He wasn't the only one.

"ARGHHHH!"

"Kurhhh!"

The other priests inside screamed, collapsing onto the ground. They clutched their heads, writhing in agony, twisting like worms on the floor.

Ethan staggered but didn't fall. He pressed a hand to his temple, his jaw clenched tightly as pain throbbed through his skull. It was a direct attack on the soul, meant to crush one's mental strength. His endurance alone showed how strong his will was.

"My Lord!" Hall shouted from behind. He had stayed far enough to escape the worst of the spell. He drew his sword and started running forward, panic written all over his face.

"Stop! Don't come here! Run!" Ethan barked, his voice strained but firm.

Mureno appeared right before Ethan again, his grin twisting wider. "Oh, what a touching bond you two share," he said mockingly, pulling out a blackened sword.

His body began to glow faintly, a dark crimson light seeping from his skin. The air trembled around him. The light gathered along his blade until it burned like blood made solid. With a roar, he swung at Ethan.

CLANG!

The blades clashed, sparks flying in all directions. But Mureno froze mid-swing. His eyes widened in disbelief.

Ethan hadn't moved much. His head had tilted slightly, and the sword that should have cut through his neck had done nothing. The blade screamed as if it had struck solid steel instead of flesh.

"What… how?" Mureno stammered, his eyes shaking.

Ethan's gaze turned cold and deadly. In one swift motion, he grabbed Mureno's arm, pulled him forward, and thrust his sword straight into the priest's chest.

BLERHHH!

Blood sprayed across the floor, staining Ethan's clothes as Mureno's body jerked violently. Blood poured from his chest and lips. His eyes were wide, full of disbelief and terror.

"How…" Mureno gasped, his voice weak. He clutched at his neck as blood bubbled from his mouth.

Ethan's lips curved into a faint, chilling smile. A soft, warm light began to glow from his chest, spreading faintly through his armor.

Mureno's eyes widened further in shock. "The Light Goddess Charm…" he whispered. His voice trembled. "You… you acted weak to bait me…"

Ethan didn't respond. He just stared coldly as Mureno's legs gave out. The priest fell backward, the sword still impaled through his chest.

THUD.

The sound echoed through the silent room.

Hall stood frozen, staring at the scene. "Is it over?" he asked hesitantly.

"Isn't it too easy?"

"Easy my ass," Ethan muttered under his breath, wiping blood off his cheek.

If he didn't have the means,he might have fucked up badly here

"My Lord, what was his level?" Hall asked, his voice uneasy as he looked around the room filled with unconscious priests.

Ethan glanced at Mureno's body and replied calmly, "Late E-rank mage."

He stepped closer to retrieve his sword, but the moment his hand touched the hilt, he froze.

The body twitched. Then, with a sickening crack, Mureno's head began to turn.

Slowly….slowly…It kept turning until it twisted a full one hundred and eighty degrees.

"Did you think I was dead?" Mureno's voice was cold, his tone mocking. His lips moved unnaturally. "Then… surprise, my Lord."

Ethan's eyes darkened. "Stop calling me your Lord!" he shouted, kicking forward.

But before his foot connected, the door behind him burst open.

Several figures lunged out of the darkness. Their eyes were hollow, their skin pale and tight against their bones.

Ethan spun on instinct. His body twisted, and his leg shot out in a wide arc.

BANG! BANG!

The first two figures were kicked away, slamming into the walls. But more came. The other doors of the hall swung open one after another, and from each one, pale, lifeless humans stumbled out. Their faces were blank, their movements stiff, but their strength was terrifying.

Mureno laughed, emitting a low, raspy sound. His body trembled as he raised his hand, casting another spell. A curse shot through the air, a dark mist swirling toward Ethan.

It hit him but dissolved instantly in a warm, golden glow that shimmered around his body.

Mureno's smile faltered seeing this.

Ethan glared at him and shouted, "How are you still alive?"

He slammed his foot into the ground, pouring all his mana into one explosive strike.

The floor cracked beneath him, and the entire Church trembled.

BOOOOOOOOOM!

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