Chapter 1479

<Paladin: The Journey of Evil Annihilation - Chapter 1479>

Having used the Full Restoration skill, I narrowed my eyes as I glared at the demon’s corpse.

I had always tried not to use Full Restoration. After all, using it would purge the corrupt energy seeping into my body. That’s what I believed—until now. In reality, some of that corrupt energy *did* vanish.

‘As soon as I used Full Restoration, the corrupt energy latched onto me again.’

In hindsight, it made perfect sense.

Corrupt energy might seem like a curse, but its true nature is far darker—it’s the spirits of demons and the fallen. Full Restoration restores my body to its purest state, but it lacks the ability to purify those malevolent souls clinging to me.

‘I’ll return to the Holy Shrine and undergo a purification ritual to cleanse this corruption. Then I’ll accumulate blessings and grow even stronger.’

I glanced at the demon’s remains—just its head and arms left. Not too cumbersome to carry. With the corpse in hand, I retraced my steps. Along the way, I encountered the holy knights.

“Paladin! The rats have suddenly slowed down, making them easier to handle! You’ve vanquished the demon, haven’t you?”

“That thing you’re carrying… it’s the demon’s corpse, isn’t it? Its appearance is truly horrifying.”

“Return ahead of us. We’ll tidy up the underground sewers before heading back.”

The holy knights were brimming with zeal. I nodded and spoke to them.

“Good work. The minions of evil serve no purpose for us. Burn every one you encounter.”

Afterward, I returned to the shrine.

The Holy Maiden was praying before the statue of the goddess as usual. When she noticed me, she stood up.

“You’re always here. Do you sleep in the shrine too?”

“There’s a small room behind the shrine where I rest and eat.”

“Is the rest of your time spent in prayer?”

“I manage the shrine. Since only a minimal number of people are allowed inside, I handle all the minor tasks myself.”

“For example?”

“Replacing candlesticks, maintaining the quality of holy water, and cleaning the shrine—all of that falls under my responsibility.”

Holy Maiden.

Despite her lofty title, her treatment within the church isn’t as grand as one might expect. Her duties are primarily focused on supporting the paladins.

I can’t help but feel she resembles a bird trapped in a cage, yet she seems content with her life.

‘It’s probably better than struggling to survive outside.’

Coming from someone familiar with the conveniences of modern life, I find her disciplined lifestyle difficult to comprehend—and it’s not my place to pity her so freely.

“Very well. Please conduct the purification ritual.”

“Yes, Paladin.”

I disrobed and entered the sacred pool, lying down in its holy waters. The purification ritual cleansed every trace of corruption from my body. It felt refreshing. For a while, I remained seated in the sacred pool.

“Amelia.”

“Yes, what do you require?”

“Is there any information about the next demon?”

“…Yes. There have been traces of a demon found in a small village to the east of Valintier.”

“I should go check it out.”

“Right away? Perhaps you should rest a little longer.”

“The thought of demons wreaking havoc while I rest makes me sick to my stomach. There’s no time for leisure.”


“Is that so…?”

Seeing the Holy Maiden brings back memories of the original game.

The developers of the original game poured the most effort into the Holy Maiden NPC. Not only was her modeling top-notch, but her interactions were several times more than other NPCs. There was even a favorability system in place.

Of course, players couldn’t see the Holy Maiden’s favorability level. However, if you frequently spoke with her and gave her a few gifts, eventually her attitude would become friendlier. Sometimes she’d even give you gifts.

Since it didn’t affect the main quest, her favorability wasn’t crucial.

“On the other hand, there’s no need to maintain a hostile relationship with the Holy Maiden either.”

As I was about to leave the sanctuary, I took a box containing several small candies from my inventory and handed it to her.

“Oh holy paladin, what is this?”

“It’s candy.”

“Candy…?”

“It’s something you eat.”

“I’ve never seen such food before. May I try one now?”

“Yeah. Don’t chew it—roll it around on your tongue and savor it.”

She opened the candy box and froze in surprise.

“It looks like a jewel. Is this really food?”

“Do I seem like someone who lies?”

“I apologize. That was thoughtless of me.”

She carefully picked up a piece of candy and placed it under her veil. The candy entered her mouth. Amelia’s body stiffened. Since she wore a veil, I couldn’t see her expression, but judging by how rigid her body became, she must have been shocked.

“It’s incredibly sweet! This is the first time I’ve tasted something so sweet.”

I recalled the world’s primitive culture of food, clothing, and shelter. Civilization hasn’t advanced due to demons and corrupt individuals—it’s worse than the medieval era.

“This isn’t ordinary food. Am I allowed to accept this?”

“It’s a gift specifically for you. Don’t report it to the church; enjoy it alone. If they find out… it’ll just cause unnecessary trouble.”

“I understand. Thank you very much for giving me such wonderful food, oh holy paladin.”

With that, I left her behind and set off to slay demons.

[Name: Eugene


Origin: Holy Knight


Level: 44


Strength: 25 Agility: 15 Vitality: 15 Spirituality: 17


Skills: Holiness (Lv. Master), Holy Aura (Lv.3), Divine Blade (Lv.5), Dash (Lv.1), Holy Light (Lv.1)]

This was the result of two weeks spent patrolling near Valenthia City, exterminating demons and corrupted beings.

“At this level, aside from the Greater Demon in Valenthia, I shouldn’t have any trouble dealing with regular demons and corrupted creatures.”

I began planning to grow stronger systematically. My intention was to uncover hidden treasures within Valenthia.

“First, healing elixirs. I’ll consume them myself. As for ancient relics or holy artifacts I don’t need, I’ll hand them over to the church. The more influence I gain within the church, the more support they’ll provide.”

I also considered using Ascension Techniques to enhance elixirs or weapons. But there simply wasn’t enough time. Strengthening an elixir would take at least several dozen days. In the worst case, it might stretch into years.

I can’t afford to waste time. While I grow stronger by killing demons, the Greater Demons aren’t idle either.

Right now, they’re following the original storyline, but there’s no guarantee when things might deviate. Worst-case scenario, they could go into hiding, potentially leading to quest failure.

“Holy Paladin, there are rumors of a witch residing in the Ghost Forest outside Valenthia. Please investigate these rumors. If the rumors are true and there is indeed a witch…”

“I will eliminate her. A witch is no different from a demon.”

A witch—a woman who contracts with demons to wield demonic power and cast dark magic.

“They say witches use their evil magic to torment people’s spirits. Be cautious.”

“With the blessings of Lady Herianne, my spirit won’t fall prey to some witch.”

The church provided me with a horse—a white steed. It was larger than ordinary horses, with superior strength and vitality.


From the very breed, it was extraordinary—a horse nurtured and blessed by the Vatican itself. It feared neither demons nor the fallen. And its combat prowess was such that it could even triumph against fierce beasts.

The horse’s name was Cavallena, and she was a mare. I had a conviction never to ride stallions, so I requested a mare from the Vatican.

“Let’s go, Cavallena.”

“Neighhhhhh!”

We arrived at the Forest of Wailing Spirits. I entrusted Cavallena to the village church near the forest. It was far too dangerous for her to accompany me into the forest.

Clad in armor, I walked boldly toward the entrance of the forest when suddenly, a man hiding behind a large tree leapt out. Reflexively, I raised my sword and pointed it at him.

He appeared to be a mercenary and knelt before me, bowing his head.

“Calm yourself! I have no intention of harming you, Paladin!”

Kiiiiiiing.

I used Gender Sense. He wasn’t a demon or a sinner. I lowered my greatsword but remained vigilant.

The man collapsed onto his knees before me.

“I am Hans! A mercenary! I’ve heard you’ve come here to slay the witch! Please take me with you! Give me the chance to exact revenge on that accursed witch! I beg you!”

“Do you not wish to save your children?”

“My wife… She rotted away and died due to the witch’s magic. My young son and daughter were kidnapped by her. I’ll do anything. Please grant me this chance for vengeance!”

“Don’t you want to rescue your children?”

The mercenary gnawed on his lips in response to my question. Blood dripped down from his mouth.

“…My children were abducted a week ago. I only learned of this yesterday after finishing a job.”

“A week is too long. The chances of them still being alive are slim. You didn’t rush in alone… Were you waiting for me?”

“Yes. I heard rumors of your arrival and decided to wait here.”

I stared intently at the prostrate mercenary. If I refused, he’d likely follow me secretly anyway. Revenge was all he had left.

“Fine. Follow me. I’ll give you the chance for vengeance. But don’t hinder me. The moment you slow me down, I’ll leave you behind. My priority is exterminating the witch.”

“I will never impede you, Paladin. Thank you for granting me this opportunity for revenge.”

I tossed a silver dagger to the mercenary.

“It’s imbued with Holy Poison. Harmless to humans, but excruciatingly painful for evil beings. Consider it a loan.”

“…Thank you! Oh mighty Paladin!”

We moved forward. Hans trailed behind me like a loyal puppy.

Ssssuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.

A chilling wind howled. This wasn’t an ordinary breeze. I stopped walking and turned my head toward the source of the sound.

Moments later, a translucent ghost burst forth from the trees. The grotesque monster-like spirit screamed as it lunged at me.

“Keeeearrrrrrrrrrrr!”

I plunged my sword into the ghost’s form. Despite having no physical body, the ghost was pierced by the blade. It stared at the sword in disbelief.

“You bastards are no match for my preparation.”

This sword is blessed with the Aura of Holiness. Even incorporeal spirits cannot withstand it.

“Holy Blade.”

The blade glowed with golden light.

“Kraaaahhhhhhhhhhh!”

The ghost’s scream changed. Earlier, it was a cry meant to instill fear and mental anguish, but now it was a shriek of sheer agony. I swung my sword downward. The ghost flickered like a candle and vanished. Its soul clung to me without fail.

“The wails of the Wailing Spirits instill terror and suffering in humans. Are you alright?”

“…I’m fine. I’m not so weak-minded that I’d break from something this trivial.”

“Good. Let’s press on.”