A second time. Another hidden class.
Though momentarily dazed by this unexpected windfall, Nolan did not hesitate. He confirmed it at once.
“Yes.”
On his character panel, the Mercenary class vanished, replaced by a brand-new golden emblem. The level cap rose from fifteen to twenty-five.
【Paladin】: A special Warrior class that includes all basic Warrior abilities. Grants an additional “Trust” effect when interacting with followers of the Mother Goddess Sethis, and an added “Intimidation” effect against undead and cultist factions. Warning: betraying your faith will result in the loss of all abilities and transform you into an Oathbreaker, reducing all attributes by 50%.
【Class Advancement Successful! Exclusive skills unlocked.】
【Aura of Piety (Passive)】: Faith as a shield. Increases all allies’ defense by 25%, with doubled effectiveness against projectiles such as arrows and javelins.
【Aura of Conviction (Passive)】: Belief as a blade. Increases all allies’ attack by 15%, with doubled effectiveness for melee attacks.
【Divine Infusion (Active)】: Consumes 50% of maximum mana. Infuses the blessing of the Mother Goddess Sethis into a weapon. Duration depends on mana consumed, with a minimum of thirty seconds. Weapon attack increases by 30%, damage converts to holy attribute, and deals double damage to undead and cultists. Can stack with Assault.
This was perfectly tailored for the war to come.
It was the only thought in Nolan’s mind.
Two auras alone meant a permanent, powerful boost to both offense and defense for the entire team.
With all his abilities activated, his damage multiplier against undead had now reached a terrifying 380 percent. Combined with the Earth Holy Sword’s high base attack and his own exceptional swordsmanship, he was confident he could cut down even a Gold-rank undead in three strikes.
Originally, he had only intended to dabble in a cleric role for low-level auras. Now, not only had he saved a class slot, he had gained a far stronger version.
This gift from the heavens made Nolan feel that his plan to save Elfin had taken another decisive step forward.
Meanwhile, the others in the room were still stunned by Kayan’s sudden pledge of loyalty. They exchanged glances, none of them noticing Nolan’s brief distraction.
Hank was the first to step forward, clapping Kayan on the shoulder. “Relax, Kayan. We don’t really do that kind of thing here.”
Kayan raised his head. The fervor in his eyes had faded, returning to calm, but he simply smiled and shook his head.
They don’t understand, he thought. Only I know what kind of existence I’ve pledged myself to. Since Lord Nolan chose to act in the world under the guise of an ordinary man, there must be a deeper purpose. All I need to do is remain his most loyal sword and shield and guard that secret.
At that moment, Nolan happened to be sitting against the light. The setting sun outside cast a faint golden outline around him. Through Kayan’s lens of reverence, the sight was nothing short of divine.
Nolan, of course, had no idea that in the span of a few seconds, this burly man had completed an entire chain of self-convincing and elevated him to something almost godlike.
He was still wondering why Kayan had suddenly made such a solemn gesture, but no matter the reason, this unwavering loyalty was exactly what he needed right now.
“Don’t call me ‘lord,’” Nolan said as he stood, his tone sincere. “Just call me Nolan. We’re companions who share the same goal. There’s no hierarchy between us.”
Hearing this, Kayan felt another wave of admiration rise in his chest.
See, this is the humility and bearing of the divine. Compared to those nobles obsessed with rigid hierarchies, it’s on an entirely different level.
He nodded solemnly. “Yes… Mr. Nolan.”
***
That night, the group stayed in Kayan’s small house.
Dinner was prepared by Nolan himself, with Anna and Kreil helping. A pot of thick stew made with cured meat and fresh vegetables simmered on the stove, its rich aroma of spices filling the house with warmth.
The ingredients were simple, but Nolan’s cooking spoke for itself.
As the deep, savory flavor burst across his palate, Kayan, who was used to a humble diet of black bread and thin vegetable soup, found his eyes reddening once again. The others couldn’t help but notice.
Seeing his reaction, Little Donnie nudged him with his elbow. “So, what do you think? When I first tasted the boss’ cooking, I nearly swallowed my tongue.”
Kayan nodded vigorously, savoring the “divine” meal with something close to reverence. His voice caught as he said, “I think… I’m the happiest man alive.”
“Haha, who wouldn’t be in front of Mr. Nolan’s cooking?” Leus lifted his bowl and glanced around. “Is there any more?”
“None,” Anna said as she walked over with a bowl in hand. “I took the last serving.”
Seeing the disappointed looks on Leus and Little Donnie’s faces, everyone burst into laughter.
That night, as the only woman, Anna was given the cleanest bedroom on the top floor. The rest of them made do in the empty rooms on the second floor, spreading bedding across the floor since there were no extra beds.
Little Donnie spread out his bedding as he grumbled, “So after all that, we’re still basically camping indoors.”
Laughter broke out again, and the exhaustion from days of travel seemed to ease a little.
They slept soundly through the night.
The next morning, everyone split up to make final preparations for the journey ahead.
Hank and Little Donnie accompanied Leus and his son to transport some of the magic crystals they had retrieved from the underground cave to the market. They also planned to purchase a few specialized alchemical materials that couldn’t be found in Rosenberg.
Anna went with Nolan to the western commercial district of the city. His armor had been completely destroyed in the previous battle, and he needed a replacement. He also had to pick up a few sets of everyday clothing, since he had come back to life with nothing to his name.
Kayan had originally wanted to join them, but he still had some personal matters to settle. Nolan persuaded him to take care of those instead.
The commercial arteries of Veli City were far more bustling than those of Rosenberg. Nolan walked ahead, using his tall frame to part the dense crowd and shield Anna from the press of people.
“Excuse us, please. Thank you.”
It was Anna’s first time walking alone with a man her own age, and she trailed half a step behind him.
Watching his broad, reassuring back, a faint blush spread across her fair cheeks. Usually composed and capable, she now found herself oddly flustered.
It feels almost like something out of a story… like a date, she thought, her mind wandering.
For the moment, they set aside the tension of impending war and adventure. The air around them carried a rare sense of ease.
“It seems livelier up ahead,” Anna said, rising onto her toes to peer forward curiously.
“We’re probably nearing the weapons district,” Nolan replied, glancing at the shop signs along the street.
They had barely taken a few more steps when a sudden commotion rippled through the crowd.
A small figure in a hood was forcing her way through, calling out as she went, “Make way! Please, make way! It’s urgent!”
There were simply too many people, and no space to give. When she reached Nolan, she ran straight into his shoulder.
He didn’t budge an inch, but she staggered back from the impact. Her hood slipped halfway off, and she hurriedly pressed it back into place.
“Sorry. Are you alright?” Nolan asked, instinctively reaching out to steady her.
“I’m fine, I’m fine!”
The girl waved him off hastily. As soon as she regained her footing, she slipped back into the crowd without another word and vanished almost instantly.
“Nolan, are you okay?” Anna asked.
He shook his head, not paying much attention to the minor incident.
The two of them stepped into a fairly large blacksmith shop. Nolan glanced over the items hanging on the walls. Most were standard-issue armor, decently made but without any signs of enchantment.
He hadn’t expected much to begin with.
At this point in time, the best armor, Immovable Bulwark heavy plate, should still be lying quietly within the Tyr Ruins in Demont Province. In the original setting, that place was a level 45 dungeon. He would have to wait until things in his territory were settled before going after it.
After looking around for a bit, he pointed to a chainmail that seemed sturdy enough. “Boss, how much for this one?”
“Good eye! Finest iron rings forged right here in Veli. Only three silver coins!” the shopkeeper said with a grin, wiping sweat from his brow.
Nolan nodded. The price was reasonable.
Anna walked over, held the chainmail up against him, and nodded in satisfaction.
Nolan seriously suspected that, given her level of knowledge about armor, she was judging purely on appearance.
“This one, then.” He reached toward his coin pouch to pay.
The next second, his hand grasped at empty air.
A chill ran through his chest as he looked down. Where his pouch had been, there was now only a neatly cut strap, hanging uselessly from his belt.
His mind immediately went back to the brief encounter just moments ago.
A pickpocket.
So that was her “urgent matter.”
Sign up to join the discussion...
Already have an account? Log in
No comments yet. Be the first to discuss this chapter.