The last sentence was filled with cold murderous intent, and his gaze seemed to penetrate the layers of collapsing ice valleys and see the remnants of the Dark Church who fled in panic or were simply destroyed.
"Take them with you," the captain ordered solemnly. "Leave the collapsed area immediately and set up camp somewhere safe! I need a more detailed battle report!"
He stopped looking at Team Mark and turned his horse around, but that heavy sense of oppression had already permeated the tense posture of every knight of the Eighth Order.
Mark's team didn't know Theodore, but as knights who had followed the legendary knight Theodore for decades, how could they not know him?
Theodore, who was assigned to the ice field to stabilize the situation, had long wanted to find an opportunity to make merit and strive to return to the central continent.
Their Eighth Knights can finally show their might on this ice field!
Within three days after setting up camp ten miles away from the Rift Valley ruins.
The magicians and priests under Captain Theodore conducted detailed inquiries to Mark's team and used the magic retracing array to survey the remains of the Frostwhisper Rift.
The results proved that Mark's statement was basically true. Even Theodore, who was at the legendary level, was secretly frightened by the lingering aura of the terrifying power that collapsed the rift valley for hundreds of miles.
He originally thought that there were only a few legendary human warriors on this ice field, but he did not expect to meet at least two of them at once when he came here according to the guidance of the Holy See.
"The report is correct." Theodore's adjutant closed the record scroll and said in a low voice, "The core structure of the Frostwhisper rift was directly annihilated by the destructive energy containing the laws of dark space, triggering a large-scale chain collapse. This is consistent with the characteristics of the 'Oracle' attack described by the target.
"A high concentration of stellar energy dissipation points was detected at the scene, consistent with the manipulation of 'Torg Greybeard'. The Black Anvil stronghold and the Dark Church fortress have been confirmed to have been destroyed and buried, with no signs of survival."
There was not much expression on Theodore's wrinkled face, but the sharp light in his eyes softened slightly.
He turned to Mark, whose condition had clearly improved and whose body still retained the warmth of high-level holy light healing magic, and nodded slightly:
"Clergy Apprentice Mark, you and your team's actions have provided the Church with invaluable firsthand intelligence, exposing the hidden threat and astonishing plot of the Enlightenment Society. This achievement is unquestionable."
He paused, and stared at Mark with a hawk-like gaze, with a rare scrutiny from a superior:
"That kid Alfonso... The Thirteenth Knights are lucky to have received a young talent like you who is courageous and responsible in advance, although... the circumstances are a bit unusual."
He glanced at the pink slime in Mark's arms, which was staring at him quietly with a pair of pink eyes. "If not, my Eighth Knights would really like to offer better conditions and recruit a clergyman like you to join the group."
His words carried a sense of regret for the loss of talent, but also clearly drew the line.
Mark is already on Alfonso's side.
After all, as a group leader, he would still say some polite words.
He couldn't possibly tell Mark that if one's strength was not at the seventh level, he would not be qualified to join any group above the Tenth Holy Knights.
After all, what the Holy Light Church lacks the least is high-quality believers.
Even if he is a clergyman, only a junior like Alfonso would look upon him.
Of course, I said this today to establish a good relationship with Mark.
If this kid could gain the recognition of the God of Holy Light and successfully cross the boundary between the middle and high levels, his Eighth Holy Knights might accept such a young talent.
During the three days, Mark's team did not waste the healing scrolls that Mark had stored.
With the high-level healing provided by the chaplain of the Eighth Knights' Barracks, Mark's collapsed sternum healed quickly, and his lost spirit and magic power were nourished by the holy light.
Anna and Monica's weakness caused by the damage to their origins was greatly alleviated by the priest's dispelling prayers and the nourishment of magic. Although their faces were still pale, they were able to move without any problems.
Enzo, the most resilient one, has, thanks to the dwarf's strong physique and the priest's treatment, had his injuries deep enough to see the bones scabbed and healed. He looks much more energetic than Mark.
"Hmph, the priests of the Holy Light Church have pretty good skills. They set the bones pretty well."
Enzo moved his strong arms and muttered in a muffled voice, acknowledging the medical skills of the military chaplain of the Church of Holy Light.
After the team members had basically recovered their ability to move, Theodore summoned them again.
"Mark, the existence of the 'Heart of the Star Remains' concerns the safety of humanity across the entire continent. It's a high-level threat that must be dealt with as soon as possible. As for the Enlightenment Society, while it's only a third-rate evil organization, the crimes it's committed are innumerable."
Theodore sat in his plain command chair and said in a serious tone, “The clues you provided are extremely important, and I need you to provide every detail.
"In particular, please fully describe the encounter with the Oracle of the Enlightenment Society, his unique abilities, and any clues to his intentions to control the Heart of the Star Remains. I will compile and report this to the highest levels of the Vatican."
He walked to the center of the tent and looked at Mark: "Given the need to clean up and scout the remnants of the Enlightenment Society, the Eighth Knights' strength in the ice field is indeed... stretched.
"You are a clergyman, possessing divine power, and you recently demonstrated the courage to face powerful enemies. Please assist us in our defense.
"In the name of Theodore Pellegrini, Captain of the Eighth Sacred Knights, I am temporarily recruiting your squad as a temporary member. You will accompany our group and assist with some support, security, and tracking missions."
Mark's heart was slightly alarmed.
Of course he couldn't refuse. This was not only part of his "merit", but also the duty of a "priest" that he had to maintain on the other party's territory.
To refuse would be to expose his abnormality as not being a pure clergyman.
Besides, now is a good opportunity for their team to understand the real combat methods of the top legions on the continent. If they really go to the Lor Swamp or the Misty Forest in the future, they can learn some experience first.
"It is our honor to serve the Church, to protect order, and to fight against the evil Enlightenment Society." Mark bowed slightly, his voice steady and his expression frank, "I will follow the Captain's orders."
"Very good." Theodore nodded and then called over a sturdy and tough-looking officer.
"Lieutenant Gerard, these extraneous personnel will be temporarily assigned to your Third Scouting Team. They will be responsible for perimeter reconnaissance and the detection of magical traps. They are all experienced adventurers, so please keep a safe distance."
"Yes! Captain!" Lieutenant Gerard accepted the order solemnly. His eyes swept over Mark's team. When he saw Anna's elven longbow and the dagger on Monica's waist, his expression remained unchanged. It was obvious that Theodore had already explained the details.
He took the initiative and nodded slightly to Mark: "Brother Mark, come with me and get familiar with the camp and the brothers of your temporary team."
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