## Chapter 947 – How Long Has It Been?

The next day was busy.

We worked to record everything we had witnessed and what Dor had said as accurately as possible.

All the paladins who had participated in the Dor battle gathered to share their opinions constructively, compiling them into a document. We reviewed it, discussed it, corrected what needed correcting, and revised what needed revising.

Since we couldn’t identify the creatures’ true nature, we decided to simply record the facts as they were.

What the creature said.
Its actions.
And even its combat power.

After reading the compiled document, it seemed to be properly recorded without any distortion.

“A giant with the head of a demonic sheep and a lower body was discovered in the deepest part of the dungeon, trapped in a crystal. When we surrounded the crystal, it soon shattered the crystal and awakened.”

“The creature single-handedly withstood the combined attack of 70% of the Holy Expedition Force, even launching an aggressive counterattack and repelling the paladins.”

“The creature identified itself as Dor, using the words ‘demon race’ and ‘compatriots,’ and shouted that it would await them.”

“And while mentioning ‘Infernal’ and creating a dimensional portal, it attempted to summon a monster calling itself ‘Leviathan,’ but was stopped by a paladin’s strike.”

That was roughly the summary.
No distortion, as expected.

The original content was accurately recorded.

The paladins weren’t ashamed at all of having ganged up on it with dozens of people, nor were they ashamed of being pushed back. They took it for granted that demonic beings were often transcendently strong and left a proper record for analysis.

There was no exaggeration whatsoever.

“Very good. It seems to be well organized.”
“If it’s organized to this extent, we’ll be able to deal with it better if it appears again.”
“But to think that even fifty paladins couldn’t easily handle it… this seems very dangerous.”

The paladins shared their opinions as they read the document.

“But we didn’t suffer any particular damage, did we?”
“Because there was only one. Of course, it’s true that we won without any damage, but that’s purely because we launched a perfectly executed encirclement attack. If such a being were to lead minions of evil and engage in a head-on battle, there’s no way we wouldn’t suffer damage.”
“That’s right. To judge coldly, the victory we were able to achieve without damage was because there was only one of them.”
“And we were able to treat the injured in a timely manner.”

As the paladins feared, Dor’s combat power was immense.

After all, it had endured the onslaught of the paladins, who were human weapons, and fought fiercely on its own. Still, it was eventually overwhelmed by the gang tackle, and we didn’t suffer much damage, and the creature died as well.

Risha said that this Dor was a general.

As a general, he was strong.
The minotaurs were also strong beings.

Anyway, after finishing the document organization, we organized the spoils of war. The minotaurs and cyclops, and Dor’s corpse as well, were preserved and properly stored.

“This Dor’s corpse… is too badly damaged.”
“I agree. But the minotaurs seem like they can be stuffed appropriately.”
“Shhhh. That sounds good.”

Even if Dor’s and the cyclops’ corpses couldn’t be, the minotaurs seemed like they could be stuffed appropriately. Because these were ancient monsters, they had to be preserved by stuffing them and used as teaching materials.

More believers would be horrified by this gruesome sight.

Above all, there were quite a few of them, so they could be divided among the orders amicably. But stuffing and moving all of these things costs money. Well, these guys will take care of it.

The Black Bronze Holy Church decided to take Dor’s sword. After all, I had the high score for defeating the Leviathan in one blow. Above all, it was Claudia who blew off Dor’s hand.

But what use do I have for this big sword?
I just told them to send it to the Grand Cathedral.

After doing all that, we finally assessed the merits.

“The paladin really played a big role in this. And you, who came as the paladin’s companion.”

Claudia and I, standing on the platform, received awards as the top contributors to the Dor battle. This wasn’t a document with any special effects, but it was a great thing to tell the Saintess.

If Dor had been released normally, there would probably have been huge damage. As always, it was fortunate that we were able to stop it early.

It seems like the Order should give me some land or a large farm.

“We hope you will continue to serve the Order.”
“Of course.”

I received the award and came down from the platform.

“Why don’t you join the Holy Expedition Force!”
“If we have a paladin, we won’t have to worry about anything.”
“It was really amazing!”

The paladins cheered.

“Hehehe, I’m so happy that my back is getting hot. I’m so grateful that you said that.”

I was lifted up again and received overwhelming praise. Yeah, in a group like this, the better you fight, the better you’re treated. This is social success. My reputation will spread to all the Orders, so I won’t be treated badly anywhere I go.

Anyway, after that, we went down to the city as a group and had a company dinner.

Renting out a tavern was nothing. The densely packed, muscular paladins glared and devoured alcohol and meat, but the atmosphere was pleasant enough that I could enjoy it too.

“Verde, hooray!!!”
“Oh, God of Order!!!”

But there were so many people and the atmosphere was so extremely noisy that Claudia and Risha were sent home early. This kind of powerful company dinner was nothing more than an extension of work, not a break.

In the first place, it was too macho of an atmosphere.

The paladins and ascetic crusaders were showing off their muscles and having drinking battles. Unable to withstand such an extreme sight, I went outside for a breath of fresh air.

“Ugh.”

I really did something huge.

It was as huge as conquering an otherworld dungeon. I can’t even grasp how much value this has.

My power is getting stronger, and my wealth is growing rapidly. But I still feel lacking. I felt it very keenly when I fought Dor.

As I was getting some fresh air,

“Sir Saint.”

Elise called me, having also come outside.

“Oh, Elise. You came out?”
“Yes. I came out to take a breather. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like a banquet I can enjoy.”
“Hehehe, really? What’s wrong with it?”
“The age range and gender are all different, aren’t they?”

Well, it’s a place with only those old guys, so it would be difficult for Elise to enjoy it comfortably. I actually feel similarly.

“I feel similarly. The age range is too different.”
“Hehe, is that so?”

Then, Elise walked forward.

“It’s a little cooler outside.”
“You’re right.”

It’s too hot inside.
I stood next to Elise and walked down the street.

“Sir Saint. This time, the time we spent together wasn’t long since the Order was exploring as a group, but it was a very enjoyable and fruitful time. It was undoubtedly a healthy and fulfilling time, and it felt like my soul was being cleansed.”

Elise seemed to be very sorry that she couldn’t act with me. Of course, so am I.

But soul cleansing? That’s Elise for you. She built up her mind by defeating evil beings.

“Me too. This was an exploration by the Order, so there wasn’t much time to stick together. But it was a pretty healthy time. How many did we kill?”
“We killed quite a few. There were a little over a hundred minotaurs alone.”

That’s a company-sized force.

Was Dor in charge of a special unit consisting of minotaurs and cyclops? That’s really terrifying. If these guys had come up to the ground in perfect condition, it would have been a total disaster.

“That’s a lot.”
“There were a lot.”
“Are these guys all really from the Demon World?”

“That is…”

Elise nodded.

“I think it’s probably right. It’s very dangerous. If we combine the other world that Sir Saint mentioned with the Demon World, and even Infernal, which Dor mentioned…”
“There’s also the invasion of the Spirit World. Pandemonium and.”
“That’s right.”

Hundreds of years after the end of the Idol War. Invaders from other worlds are casting shadows of invasion again.

“There are even those heretics who are said to be led by that lich.”
“It’s a big deal.”

Suddenly, I thought of the fish people.
I wonder if those guys are doing well.

“Peace is being broken. Soon, we will be tested on the durability of what we have built up during the time of peace. I think so. Perhaps in a few years, this world will be in danger.”

ㅡChuckle.

Elise, who had stopped, looked at my face.
Elise was taking the situation very seriously.

“Still…”

She believes without a doubt that the Second Idol War will soon happen again.

“To think that I would meet Sir Saint again before that happens, I think it’s very fortunate. To see such a clear change with my own two eyes is the greatest achievement.”
“Hehehe, really? Ah, I’m embarrassed every time I hear that.”
“Hehe, you’re still humble.”

Elise smiled.

“I didn’t need to worry after all. It’s really wonderful to see you working so reverently.”

Wonderful…!
If I received praise, I have to return it!

“Elise. Your efforts are beautiful too!!!”
“Yes, yes?”
“People become beautiful when they’re working hard and concentrating!! Elise, you’re becoming a beautiful person as you worry about those threats, burn with fighting spirit, and work hard!!!”

I clenched my fist.

“Such efforts will definitely be rewarded, Elise!!! You can become stronger than you are now!! You can definitely do it! I guarantee it!!!”
“Th, that…”

Elise blushed as if she was embarrassed and slowly avoided my gaze.

“Sir Saint… Please don’t say embarrassing things too much.”
“No, what.”
“Beautiful… I’m embarrassed because it’s like I’m taking care of my appearance.”
“Well, that’s obvious.”

Is it because she’s a nun?

“Elise. Taking care of your appearance is not embarrassing at all.”
“But I feel a little uncomfortable.”

I checked Elise’s pure white face.

I don’t know if she’s at an age where she should be embarrassed to take care of her appearance, but in the first place, she has a cute face and her hair is well-groomed, so it’s very good.

“But, well. Elise doesn’t really need to take care of her appearance.”
“Yes?”
“Because you’re beautiful even if you don’t take care of it…! Elise! Have confidence!!! You’re beautiful even if you don’t take care of your appearance!!! So you can be proud of it!!!”

I grabbed Elise’s shoulders and declared as if shouting.

It’s not healthy for a girl of Elise’s age to be too absorbed in her religious life! You have to live doing what you want to do!!!

“Ah, no! Sir Saint! Please don’t say such embarrassing things so loudly!!!”
“If you don’t like this, it’s Divine!!!!”
“I’m sorry! Sir Saint, I’m sorry! I’m sorry, so please remember that it’s night now! You’ll be bothering the civilians!!!”
“Yeah. I should refrain from doing it at night, even if it’s okay during the day.”

I’m not so inconsiderate as to shout at night.

“Well, Elise. I’m very glad that I could check Elise’s changes. I’m also glad to see you after a long time.”
“…”
“Your appearance has changed quite a bit, but your righteous heart is still there. This is very commendable.”
“Th… Thank you. I feel very good that Sir Saint recognizes me.”
“Everyone likes to be praised.”

After all, Elise is the best when she’s embarrassed.

“How is it, Elise? What do you think will happen next?”
“That’s… If I finish this work, I might be able to be promoted to Senior Nun. It was such a big deal.”

It certainly deserves it.

“Senior Nun. Is the next one Paladin?”
“That’s right.”
“Originally, was there that Sera as a Paladin? Is that what you’re going to be like?”
“Yes. Ah, but the rank will be a little different.”

The difference in experience can’t be helped.