The Adventures of an Overpowered Knight in Another World

Chapter 517: Chapter 517- Great Holy Cleansing (4)

They weren’t just reeling in trauma but transforming. They were breaking not to collapse, but to rebuild. Each purge was a storm tearing away their naivety; each execution sharpened resolve, and each scream they silenced etched another line of steel into their souls.

They were blades on a whetstone, ground down painfully, slowly, mercilessly. And they were becoming sharper.

For many, their hidden traits were slowly surfacing, and for some, the knot in their heart was loosening up, allowing the genius traits they had subconsciously sealed to surface from time to time.

Yes, Reinhardt was looking at Delicia and the others. In this mission, she, Rolan, and a few others were showing the most growth.

.

The crusade continued without pause. Even battered and weary, they marched on because knights do not know when to stop.

Region after region was liberated. Corruption was burned down to its roots until finally, the order reached a city that seemed like it was made of ice and light from the distance.

Seeing the sight, the knights sighed in relief, and their auras relaxed a little. The reason being that the city sprawling in front of them was none other than Snowpoint City, their own home and base.

Reinhardt and the knights of the Temple of Light proceeded forward. By now, the crusade had already been going on for weeks; traces of the purge could be seen and felt from them.

Each and every member carried a bloodthirsty and terrifying aura. Their armour, once shining with the light of platinum, now glinted red blood that refused to fade away even after being washed so many times.

By the time the Order of the Temple of Light reached near the city, the gates were already open.

When they walked through the gates, people were already waiting in line by the sides, welcoming them with a warm reception. Reinhardt had already sent a message to his capable secretary of their arrival beforehand. Naturally, Melissa must have spread the news.

Reinhardt was not only the commander of the Temple of Light but also the governor of Snowpoint City. The populace was naturally happy by his return.

"Still, I can’t believe we managed to change this city so much," Zerina spoke, riding beside him.

Up until just half a year ago, the city had a dead and desolate atmosphere, and people had more close-minded personalities. Yet now, lined the streets, standing shoulder to shoulder in quiet reverence.

Some bowed, some pressed their fist to their heart in salute, and others wept openly. Children stared wide-eyed, elders nodded with relief, and merchants set aside their wares.

The Temple of Light received a hero’s glorious welcome.

In the city square, Melissa, Anastasia, and every subordinate of his were already waiting for him. Reinhardt raised his hand, halting the march. Then, without dismounting his horse, he spoke to his secretary.

"Have you informed the citizens of the royal decree?" Melissa nodded her head. "Yes, and they are all willing to obey."

That was good. As this was his own city, one that he built up from the ground from scratch, he would hate to see it burned. Since Melissa had already informed the masses, she made his work easier.

He did not give any speech or display of power and simply ordered his knights.

"Proceed as usual."

At once, the knights fanned out in a disciplined and silent manner. Weeks ago, such coordination would have taken long and lengthy commands.

Now, it just flowed effortlessly. In the blink of an eye, all the districts of the city were sealed with groups of knights placed at every intersection.

Purification corridors, simple structures and gates made out of wood and burning with Yggdrasil fire were erected in many places. Knights held vials of fairy water, and evacuation routes were prepared in advance for any chaos that might break out.

The Temple of Light worked with meticulous precision, a difference that came from experience.

Within half an hour, all preparations were complete. People watched the knights getting busy. Thanks to Melissa, word had already spread through Snowpoint long ago.

People knew what they were supposed to do; they understood the essence of the trial and the need to purge the demons.

Citizens came forward willingly, lining up in calm, orderly rows. Some even brought their own buckets of water, offering them without being asked.

Of course, they were afraid; the fear of fire was inborn in humans through the ages. However, in their eyes, alongside fear, there was another emotion... faith.

They trusted Reinhardt and the knights wholeheartedly. After all, their current lifestyle was a boon that came from them. The rest of it was the work of Melissa and Eleanor. The information system they had set up made the citizens of Snowpoint City aware of what was going on throughout the capital.

They had heard about the fire that judged without bias, and they had heard about the demons who burned when coming in contact with the flames. Most of all, they trusted Reinhardt.

And this trust was exactly what doomed the demons hiding within Snowpoint. When the purge began, the methods they usually depended on to induce panic, riot, and confusion did not work.

Forget about when the knights were almost at their doorstep; they had been trying to sow the seeds of chaos around the city ever since they got wind of the Great Holy Cleansing that was going on throughout the kingdom.

However, each and every attempt of theirs failed because of the damned faith these people had in their Governor and Knights.

They even thought of running away at some point. However, with the Great Cleansing covering the entire land, where could they even hide anymore?

And so, in the end, they could only resort to a last-ditch life and death battle.

The moment the Yggdrasil flames were lit, citizens started passing through it one after another. Those who refused were tracked down, their location encircled at the swiftest speed possible.

The knights moved instantly. Buildings were isolated before demons could flee.