Barbarian in a Failed Game

A barbarian visiting the main temple of the Pantheon Church, where external visitors were rare. For the priests of the main temple, this news was alarming enough to spark an immediate emergency meeting among the hardline cardinals in the church leadership.

“Why now…? Could the news of the heresy trials have leaked?”

“This information has never leaked outside the main temple.”

“No, it’s already spread outside. The culprit is the royal family. The Oath of Purification, heresy trials targeting the entire non-human race. These are issues that couldn’t proceed without discussions with the emperor.”

The culprit was the emperor. It was the emperor who had spread the information about the heresy trials to the non-human races. There was no other way to think about it. Yet no one dared to mention the emperor out loud.

‘No matter what, openly antagonizing the emperor would be too risky.’

‘We haven’t secured a solid foundation yet.’

The faction of cardinals leading the Oath of Purification and the heresy trials, who had effectively imprisoned Elena and seventeen paladins, was far from being the mainstream.

For the Oath of Purification and the heresy trials, there had been divine oracles from the heavens, enabling negotiations with the imperial family without significant opposition.

And regarding Elena’s situation, the justification that “Elena and the paladins lost their faith, causing the Goddess of Justice to fall silent” couldn’t be easily refuted, so most were simply observing the situation.

‘If we carelessly invoke the name of the imperial family now….’

The hardline cardinals glanced at the empty seat at the round table. The cardinal of Levant, where the imperial palace was located. The leader of the moderate faction, fiercely opposing the hardliners over Elena’s imprisonment.

Cardinal Zion wouldn’t remain silent.

“……What about Apostle E-Urel?”

“No news yet. The last we heard, he had escaped from the great demonic realm.”

“Damn…. That barbarian, isn’t he the one who recently went missing? The one who achieved numerous feats across the frontier kingdoms and became the Borderland Marquis of Canuta…. The Dragon Marquis.”

As cardinals of the main temple, they had to be well-informed about external affairs.

The barbarian with the unprecedented title of Dragon Marquis. Unless one was a fool living with closed ears, they would have heard of the heroic deeds he had accomplished.

But the hardline cardinals knew about Borderland Marquis Gordi Khan for another reason.

“Of all times, now….”

“We haven’t forgotten the prophecy that he would return someday, but the timing is too coincidental.”

Their target had always been Gordi Khan from the beginning. They were aware of the divine oracle from their God concerning a mortal on earth.

“That Gordi Khan must be eliminated.”

“The gods of the Pantheon have said that he has allied with the Scion of the Arch Demon.”

“Hmm… So, you’re saying that a scion informed him? But how could demons from Hell manage that?”

“No, what’s more puzzling is why he came to the main temple alone. Was he here to rampage out of anger? If so, he’s being far too calm.”

Indeed.

The reason why the hardline cardinals could afford to engage in leisurely debate was that their uninvited guest had calmly accepted his detention.

But why? This fundamental question finally emerged among the hardline cardinals.

“… There’s no choice but to ask him directly.”

The cardinals, thinking there might be room for negotiation given his willingness to accept detention rather than rely on his strength to cause chaos, ordered their crusaders to bring Khan in.

Simultaneously, they issued a state of emergency throughout the main temple, distributing supplies as if preparing for a battle with demons.

“The Borderland Marquis of Canuta is here─!”

Just as preparations to greet their ‘guest’ were completed, the hardline cardinals moved to a larger venue.

Facing a warrior who had slain demons and dragons in a cramped meeting room seemed unwise; they felt safer in a spacious area with their forces ready.

“This is quite a commotion. Are the new cardinals rather fearful?”

“… Welcome, Dragon Marquis. Given the circumstances, we ask for your understanding of the large number of people present.”

In the center of the main temple. In a vast open space occasionally used for large-scale training of paladins, three hardline cardinals stood facing the Dragon Marquis Khan, who wore a white cloth around his wrist.

Surrounding them, crusaders formed a perimeter around the open space.

The crusaders were armed with blessed swords and shields, reinforced by holy power, and equipped with crossbows imbued with divine lightning. Their eyes, trained for battles against demons, showed no trace of fear.

The cardinals seemed bolstered by the crusaders’ stance.

“Your understanding is appreciated. Since you came uninvited, this much I can concede.”

“… Thank you.”

Until they looked directly into Khan’s blazing golden eyes.

Tremble—

Cold sweat trickled down, and their hands shook. They couldn’t even meet his gaze properly, their eyes unable to lift from a downward glance.

‘What is this?’

These were men who had faced numerous nobles, knights, and mages to rise to their positions. They had never lacked resolve and weren’t the type to shrink at the sight of a mere glance.

“Are you unwell? You seem to be trembling quite a bit.”

“N-No, nothing of the sort!”

They tried to shout forcefully, but they couldn’t hide the tremor in their voices.

‘Why am I reacting like this? Am I afraid of a single barbarian? This is absurd…!’

“It’s dark magic.”

This man was using some demonic trickery to unsettle their minds!

“Huff!”

Suddenly, a holy spell spread from the three cardinals, encompassing the entire open space. It was an anti-psychotic holy spell usually deployed against demons or their mind-controlling powers.

Casting it over such a wide area demonstrated that these cardinals hadn’t earned their positions purely through politicking.

However.

‘Wh-Why…!’

Despite this, their trembling did not subside.

『Of course not. This isn’t some vile power; it’s the inherent might of a dragon.』

The Spirit of Resentment, finding their resistance amusing, offered a snide comment.

‘He’s not wrong.’

Khan chuckled as he observed the cardinals, who still couldn’t meet his gaze.

The Spirit of Resentment had restored its original level and dispersed its essence within Khan’s mental realm, blending Khan’s psyche with that of a dragon. The natural aura of a dragon that now emanated from him was pressing down on the mortal minds.

It wasn’t an demonic energy, so the holy spell meant to counteract demonic influence had little effect.

“…We have nothing to say to the Dragon Marquis. By merely overlooking the impropriety of your unannounced visit to the main temple, we have fulfilled our duty.”

Perhaps the spell had some minor effect, as one stern-looking cardinal stepped forward and began to speak arrogantly. Khan, instead of rebuking him, responded with a sly tone.

“Impropriety, you say….”

“The main temple is the sacred ground of the Pantheon Church, accessible only with special permission. Not even the nobility of the Empire can enter unannounced, let alone with muddy feet. Not even His Majesty the Emperor could do such a thing.”

As he spoke, the cardinal’s confidence seemed to grow, and his trembling eyes steadied.

Yes, this was the holy ground of the Pantheon, guarded by crusaders and paladins armed with holy power. It wouldn’t crumble just because an enraged barbarian caused a ruckus!

“So, it would be best if you leave now. No matter what rumors brought you here. Once we make an official announcement, you can lodge an official complaint, which will be more beneficial to your status as Borderland Marquis—”

“That’s an amusing notion. Do you genuinely believe that the church has the power to judge and punish me…?”

“How dare you…! Must you truly experience the might of the Pantheon Church firsthand before you relent-!”

…BOOM─!! Rumble.

A deafening roar echoed, and something collapsed. The cardinals and the crusaders all failed to grasp what had happened at that moment.

“… The tower!”

Only belatedly did they notice one of the spires had been smashed to pieces, leaving only debris. Khan was retrieving his outstretched hand, having seemingly punched the air, and the demolished tower made the implications clear even to a fool.

“Crusaders! Judge this rogue! No trial is necessary! Execute him─! Make him pay for rampaging in the sacred ground of the Pantheon-!”

At the command, the crusaders, in legion formation, began to move simultaneously. However, their blades never reached Khan.

“No matter how grave the sin, a trial is still necessary. You primitive medieval simpletons.”

Khan laughed softly and lifted his head.

“I even brought all the sinners here.”

At his words, the cardinal who had been shouting frantically followed Khan’s gaze to the sky.

“A shadow…?”

For a moment, the cardinal couldn’t believe his eyes. There was a shadow in the sky. How could there be a shadow in the clear sky?

“It seems to be getting closer…?”

“Not seems, it really is getting closer! And that’s not a shadow…!”

“It’s a dragon! The Dragon Marquis summoned a dragon─!”

Finally, the cardinals’ eyes snapped back to Khan, who stood calmly. The Dragon Marquis, the Borderland Marquis of the Empire known as the Dragon’s Consort. That man was Gordi Khan. Naturally, summoning dragons was within his capabilities.

“If all you have is a dragon, it changes nothing! Kill him! He’s obviously a demon’s contractor!”

“One dragon? I told you.”

I brought them all. Sensing something off in Khan’s derisive smile, the cardinals prepared to cast their strongest divine spells.

Thud…!

Suddenly, a small figure descended from the sky, landing lightly. The figure’s platinum hair, glistening in the sunlight, swayed gently. She wore no armor, but the radiant holy armor enveloping her slender body drew everyone’s attention.

Anyone from the main temple would recognize her immediately. The Sword of Justice, a paladin renowned for her heroic feats in the war against the Beastmen, hailed as a saint.

“S-Saint Aries….”

Her eyes, typically devoid of emotion, appeared even more indifferent, sending chills down the cardinals’ spines.

But the arrivals from the sky didn’t stop there.

“Hrng. In all my years, I never thought I’d visit the main temple of the Pantheon. Should I take a piss before I leave?”

“William, you need to maintain your dignity. After all, you’re a prince.”

“Prince, my ass! I’m the Dwarf King, and I never had a son like that! Stop spouting nonsense, elf!”

Present were the Dwarf King and Prince William, who were now under the command of Borderland Marquis of Canuta, along with High Elf Neria.

“Why did I even come here…”

“Kahahah! Such a whining youngster!”

Gold Badge Mercenary Veil, known as the Spellblade. Great Warrior Gordi, the apostle of Karyan who commanded the warriors of Hoarfrost Gorge.

“My lord, as you commanded, everyone except those sent to scout the great demonic realm has been assembled.”

『Anyone would think it was you who gathered them. It was I who swallowed my pride and lent my back.』

And Khan’s apostle Maya Eldred, the last surviving sea dragon Natrix, and the mixed army of elves, dwarves, and barbarian. Essentially, the entire military strength of the Borderland Marquis’s domain had gathered in one place.

“What… What is this…”

The sight of a force capable of attacking the capital of the Empire assembling in the blink of an eye left the cardinals stunned beyond belief. Even the steps of the crusaders, usually fortified by near-fanatical faith, faltered.

“I told you. I came for a trial.”

“A trial! This looks more like you’re preparing for war…!”

“It is war. I plan to sweep away the fools who were completely deceived by a false angel. But I’ll still take the trial.”

Khan sneered at the frantic cardinals, pointing his finger at the sun.

“Not by some nobodies like you. By the gods of the heavens themselves. So…”

Tell those vaunted gods of the Pantheon to come out, all of them. Khan’s gaze, more arrogant and absurd than ever, fixed on a certain point. He directed his attention towards the unseen observers, the divine entities of the Pantheon who were still hiding and watching the situation unfold.

“If they don’t come out, I’ll storm in myself.”

TL’s Corner:
Is it a war with the Gods?