The Holy Maiden’s Banner

For the duration that followed, Anto walked amongst her fellow sisters. Knight Ilivy, fully armored and prepared, then approached her. Observing the knight’s readiness, Anto inquired,

“Knight Ilivy, have you decided to accompany us to the border?”

“Yes, Sister,” Ilivy replied at that moment. “Someone must ensure your safety at the border.”

“Beyond the Holy Light Aid Team composed solely of sisters, our Church also permits a guard unit of knights and soldiers to protect the sisters. In the past, there would have been a dedicated Holy Guard organization. However, now…” Bishop Rhys Delvos trailed off, and a person at his side responded,

“Rest assured, truly rest assured. Entrust any matters to our Volunteer Legion. We guarantee that not a single vile otherworldly creature will harm our sisters before our entire army is annihilated.” The person spoke, then rose. “I am Knight Commander Greer of the Royal Knights. I shall lead this Volunteer Legion to the border, to support the operations of a portion of the border legions, and to reclaim our villages along the frontier. We are here to fulfill the command of our King of Draynes. We will expel the dark forces plaguing our kingdom’s border! All of you assembled here are doing so to obey our King’s directive and to fulfill your duties as subjects of this border kingdom. Today, we shall officially set out, and I am confident we will accomplish our mission! Now, I ask Bishop Rhys Delvos, the esteemed Border Bishop, to bestow his blessings upon the departing legions and all of us!”

As martial music swelled, everyone watched Bishop Rhys Delvos advance step by step towards the platform. Then, gazing at the legions assembled below, Rhys Delvos took a deep breath and began to speak:

“…Warriors, I know that many among you may not share our faith. For those who have faced such dark entities, it is true that such experiences can shake one’s beliefs. No one can comprehend how, if He truly loved us, such evil could ever manifest here. If He loved us, why would He allow us to endure such suffering? If He truly loved us, why would He not answer our pleas? I understand that many harbor these thoughts, and over the years, many have scorned us with such words, which is entirely natural. You are not alone in pondering this; I, too, have questioned whether my devotion is true, and whether my thoughts can truly reach Him, who is both unknown and omnipresent. Yet, I have ceased to dwell on this question, for instead of contemplating such matters, we should strive to accomplish what we can and what is most necessary. Just as we are here now, we must do what is within our power. Prayer alone cannot make the world a better place, but action can. The world we desire is one we must forge ourselves. Therefore, today we will fight together upon this snowy ground. The Holy Light, this torch guiding humanity forward, still shines upon this land. Our faiths may differ, but the conviction of kindness and protection can bind us together. Let us reclaim our land, and make those wicked invaders pay the price they deserve. This is a righteous war, and justice and truth, glory and noble character, shall guide you all to the path of victory! I pray here now, imploring glory for our warriors, and victory over our wicked foes!”

As Rhys Delvos’s voice resonated, light gradually descended from the front. Rhys Delvos took a deep breath, raised a banner, and infused it with the Holy Light:

“Brave warriors, as you embark on your campaign today, I bestow all glory upon you. May your courage and faith guide you to victory and safe return! May the Holy Light be with you, Amen.”

“May the Holy Light be with me,” many below murmured the prayer softly. At that moment, Rhys Delvos approached Sister Anto and then handed her the banner:

“This is an Aid Cross banner, crafted overnight, and its core also serves as a Holy Light staff. However, a banner-type weapon truly seems most fitting for you.”

“…Thank you, Lord Rhys Delvos. Yet, to fight with a banner—that carries quite an explicit meaning, doesn’t it?” Anto remarked, offering a slight smile. After all, in ancient tales, generally only one kind of person within the Holy Church wielded banner-weapons in battle: those revered as Holy Maidens, who alone were deemed worthy to raise the banner symbolizing light. Rhys Delvos handing her this banner now, its implication to outsiders was already self-evident. Responding to this, Rhys Delvos continued:

“Should you return victorious this time, you will, of course, be hailed as the Holy Maiden of the Border. Indeed, haven’t many already recognized you as such? My actions merely align with their sentiments, and moreover, entrusting this banner to you was not my idea, but the King’s.”

“The King…” Anto was momentarily stunned. Rhys Delvos nodded. “He once said that your very existence would be like a banner, and thus, equipping you with one is, without a doubt, the most fitting choice.”

“That truly sounds like something that monarch would say,” Anto sighed at that moment. “Then I shall accept it, and I promise to bring it back.”

“You certainly will,” Rhys Delvos said, smiling. After Anto nodded, she advanced, holding the banner high. As the rallying music for departure began, the Border Support Team and the Volunteer Legion marched grandly out of the city, heading towards the frontier ahead, which was blanketed in white snow and stained with crimson.

In the wake of that border incident, warfare rapidly spread. Not only Draynes, but countless border nations were affected to varying degrees by the Legion of the Undead. Consequently, the Transmigrators’ Council mobilized considerable manpower, sending adventurers to fight on the front lines. As one ventured further towards the border, the immense damage wrought by the conflict ahead became increasingly palpable. Along the way, Sister Antolia led her team, advancing alongside the Volunteer Legion, while the returning path was marked by scattered lines of soldiers retreating from the front.

“This is only the first day. We’ve only been marching for one day,” Lu Wei remarked at that moment. “What is the situation like on the front lines now?”

“It’s not optimistic,” Anto mused, speaking her thoughts aloud. “Wounded soldiers are constantly being transported to the rear. Though the front line has stabilized its position, it is far from secure. At this rate of casualties, Lindes Fortress will likely soon find itself isolated. It seems a fierce battle awaits us as soon as we arrive.”

“Is that so… things are rather urgent, then,” Lu Wei said, a hint of surprise in her voice as she listened to Anto’s analysis. “I never realized little Anto had such military acumen?”

“…It’s not military knowledge,” Anto replied. “It’s merely common sense one acquires after witnessing the border situation extensively.” As Anto spoke, the knight leading the vanguard declared:

“We must hasten our march! The battle ahead is urgent! The commander demands a forced march to fill the gaps in the fortress’s defensive line! Warriors, run! We must push forward!”