At this point, Tavis Craig couldn't help but shout, "You still doubt Rex!"

"I'm just dissatisfied with his outcome!" Asur answered bluntly without any hesitation, "He was expelled from the Church of Torm, but that's all. If he truly is a devil's man, then isn't that exactly what he wants?! If he isn't a devil's man, he shouldn't be punished! Hesitation like this will only cause the greatest harm!"

The Supreme Observer also became angry and shouted, "What harm can he do when he was kicked out of the house and even his weapons and armor were confiscated?"

"A recent example," Asur snorted coldly, "The Rite of Truth will be held in a few days. According to our agreement with Baldur's Gate, the official government and church of Elturgard will not send any contestants. Yet, Mr. Rex, the former emissary of Eltoril and former rising star of the Church of Torm, has become a free man at this very moment!

"Do you want to see the betrayers of the Church of Torm win the Ritual of Truth?!"

The Supreme Observer was silent for a moment, then finally exhaled, "Attacking Hell is our common goal... these trivial matters...!"

"You think this is a trivial matter, but we don't. That's why we're leaving," Asur said calmly. "Don't worry, Baldur's Gate doesn't know about this."

"The Church of Tyr is still the main supporter of the Hell Knights. But that's where it ends."

"Goodbye. Supreme Observer."

The opening of the 16th opera

Time flies by like a white horse.

It is now several days after Emya and his party arrived in Eltoril.

On this trip, Emiya and his companions inexplicably took on several identities - they were messengers of Baldur's Gate, sorting out the discord between Eltoril and Baldur's Gate, and they were also benefactors of Eltoril, avenging the murder of their messenger.

Of course, the most unacceptable thing was that on the first day of arriving in Eltoril, I was forced to stay in a church located in the administrative district, the core area of ​​Eltoril.

In the previous few days, they had successfully met the Supreme Observer and completed all the complicated courtesies, identity verification and merit verification.

During this process, Emiya and his party officially became distinguished guests of Eltoril. At this moment, the distinguished guests of Eltoril were following the Supreme Observer, observing the most important ceremony in Eltoril.

Rituals of Fortitude.

The Hell Knights are the most important armed force in Eltoril and even Elturgard. They are the most loyal, noble and fearless group in this country.

Naturally, joining this group is the highest honor in all of Eltoril—although not the most sought-after.

After a long process of screening and testing, the Hell Knights who passed the test will face the final step - reciting the Creed of Fortitude aloud under the sun.

The High Hall, the administrative center of Eltoril, is even larger than Baldur's Gate because of its multiple functions.

One of the most magnificent buildings or areas is Eltoril's Sun Chamber.

Yet, this building was one of the most modest in all of Eltoril—aside from the pristine marble floor, there were only a few stone pillars arranged in a distant circle. The murals on the pillars depicted the history of the Coming of the Sun. In the past, when the undead roamed rampant, the Sun descended from the sky, ushering in a new future for the people of Eltoril. From then on, the people of Eltoril were freed from fear, no longer living in an eternal night without a future.

“This area cannot be sheltered from wind and rain, for the things kept here are not afraid of thunder, frost, or snow.

"This area cannot be exorcised, because the things kept here are the things that the villains fear the most.

"Banri, the most important symbol of Eltoril is currently hanging high above the hall!"

This was also the first time that Emiya and his group were so close to Banri.

Emiya was naturally curious and wanted to see Banri's condition with her own eyes...

But no, because just last night, out of curiosity, he tried to analyze the status of the debt collectors in their trophies.

The result was horrific; his brain was nearly frying instantly. The others had to rush Mr. Emya to the Church of Oghma for treatment in the middle of the night. Looking back now, his initial success in using Gond's weapon as a foundation for the "Divide of Weapons" was likely due to the God of Craftsmanship's help. His current failure might be due to some special encryption within the debt collector, or perhaps he wasn't yet able to freely analyze the artifact.

Fortunately, the thing they have the most in this line of work is money. With sufficient medical expenses, Mr. Emiya successfully saved his life.

After this incident, he wouldn't dare do anything so risky again in the short term. To avoid repeating the same mistake, he decided to leave the analysis of the companionship until later.

Those impassioned expositions, of course, didn't originate from Tavis Craig. The Eltoril leader, along with Emya and her companions, was listening to a guide's introduction to the Supreme Hall. The guide wore the emblem of the Temple of Torm on his chest, and his words were true to the Church of Torm's usual fervor: "Look! The entire Supreme Hall has been reserved for the radiance of the Companion Sun. All walls that might obstruct it have been replaced with transparent glass. The Supreme Hall will not obstruct the Companion Sun in the slightest."

It seems that the Selune Church, which deliberately blocked the light of the companion sun, is indeed a bit out of place... Thinking of this, Emilia couldn't help but sigh.

The messenger of Baldur's Gate suddenly became the representative of the Church of Selûnne. This world is so fantastic.

While Silver appeared to be silent on the outside, he had actually been chattering non-stop in his team's telepathic link: "You're blowing it quite hard. I don't think it's good enough... This light is a bit too much. There's no need to maintain such a high intensity for so long. I think this companion sun is a bit overdoing it. If its existence is truly a display of power, then I have to say, its use of power is rather wasteful."

"Okay, Gilles," Tavis Craig said suddenly at this moment, "Today's schedule is too tight, so I'm afraid the tour will only end here."

"Yes." The tour guide, named Gilles, nodded, then turned to Emiya and said, "You've come at the right time. Today is the final step in the Hell Knights' recruitment process. Although the Hell Knights' followers have passed the test and have effectively become Hell Knights, only those followers who swear the Pledge of Fortitude before the Companion will be officially considered Hell Knights."

Sig asked curiously, "Is there really someone who gives up at the last step?"

At this point, Tavis Craig looked at the silent Mars with a slight smile on his face: "Very rarely, usually only one appears every few years."

Mars said bluntly, "I participated in the Hell Knight Trial and successfully qualified. But I didn't want to take the final step, so I'm not officially a Hell Knight—although I did help Eltoril train a squire before I left."

Coincidentally, the person leading the new Hell Knights to Under the Companion Sun was none other than Mr. Leon, known to both Emiya and Mars. A month after their separation, Leon's demeanor had noticeably changed. His initial enthusiasm, almost fanatical, had faded considerably, and he appeared quite composed as he walked at the front of the group.

Leon obviously recognized Mars and Emiya, but at this moment he was obviously not allowed to leave the team to meet them. Leon just nodded from a distance, and then led the new Hell Knights to the Companion Sun.

They lined up in a row before the sun, humbly bowed their heads in the light, their shining armor making them seem to melt into the light.

“My companion is here, please bear witness.

I, known to the world as Iens, hereby swear to the Companion, the Savior of Eltoril, that for the rest of my life I will uphold the principles of loyalty, zeal, kindness, humility, and integrity.

The needs of the good and innocent of Eltoril, Elturgard, and Faerûn are my needs, their troubles are my troubles, their lives are my life.

I will devote my time, attention, life and soul to this cause.

Wherever the sun shines, that's where I am. Wherever my duty lies, I will go there, regardless of the hardship, pain, or danger.

Even if he leaves for some reason one day, he will never betray or harm our cause in the future!

"

This is the Creed of Perseverance...Emiya thought thoughtfully.

[It seems that the creed is fine?] he asked in the telepathic link.

"But this oath is entirely based on the Companion Sun." Mars answered bluntly, "Why would I swear an oath on a strange object of unknown origin? Even the people of Eltoril don't know what the Companion Sun is! The God of Knowledge, the Moon Maiden, the God of Magic, my teacher, even the Three Pillars of Justice can all bear witness to my oath. But a magical item? It doesn't qualify."

If Mars had said this, the conflict between Baldur's Gate and Eltoril would probably start again.

"Next is the final and most grand ceremony of the day." Tavis Craig waved to the guide to let him leave, and then personally led Emiya and his party to a side hall.

The decoration of this side hall is no different from other common rooms in the Supreme Hall, except that in this room, there is a huge transparent floor-to-ceiling window on one side.

Emiya looked out the window. From this position, they could just see the Oghma Church's headquarters from the side.

The station was originally a quiet mansion. However, in the past few days, countless carriages and horses had arrived in Eltoril. By the time Emiya and his companions arrived at the side hall, the cargo on these carriages and horses had already been unloaded.

More than a hundred meters away, Emiya could clearly see the outlines of the goods - square and very neat.

At the same time, the Church of Amaunator had also come out in full force, with their golden robes fluttering in the air, like ripples under the light of the twin suns.

And in the middle of the crowd of the Church of Amaunator is a huge container that is protected by layers of defense and is almost airtight.

I'm afraid this is the information Norwich and his team prepared for this Ceremony of Truth.

Of course, what is more eye-catching is the crowd that has begun to gather in front of the Church of Oghma like a stream.

In the past few days, publicity for the Ritual of Truth has begun to spread. By now, almost all residents who are eager for knowledge and secrets, as well as those who like to watch the excitement, have learned of the existence of the Ritual of Truth.

Mars pursed his lips, restrained his eager gaze, and asked the supreme leader of Eltoril, "...Sir Craig. Although we are here as envoys from Baldur's Gate, we don't seem to be worthy of your full-time companionship."

"If you were merely messengers, that would be true," Tavis Craig replied. "But you are here as Eltoril's benefactors—you avenged Eltoril's messenger and investigated the cause of Michel's death."

At this point, Tavis Craig was silent for a moment, and for some reason he suddenly glanced in the direction of Banri outside the door: "Besides, even the devil's long-planned plan was thwarted by you."

"We accept the first half of your thanks. As for reversing the crisis at Baldur's Gate, I believe it was more of a coincidence than anything else. I'm not worthy of praise here." Emilia waved her hand hastily. "If it weren't for Lord Apodel being at the center of the storm, the forces deployed by the demons at Baldur's Gate would be no match for Grand Duke Apodel. I'm still far behind."

"Ha!" Craig laughed without saying anything.

Just as the two were exchanging pleasantries, the unveiling ceremony of the Ceremony of Truth had officially begun.

Christine walked up to the makeshift platform and began to slowly read out the rules that Emilia and her group already knew.

At this moment, Craig said, "Well, as part of my gratitude to you, please allow me to explain one thing first—you seem to be interested in the Ritual of Truth. We have kept our promise and will not participate in the Ritual of Truth, but for some reason, we cannot tell you the secrets of the Church of Torm. At least, once you know them, you cannot hand them over to the Church of Oghma."

"To keep it secret?"

"No, it's entirely for your own good." Craig sighed. "We've learned in advance some of the special features of this Rite of Truth—please listen."

At this moment, Christine had just finished reading out the basic rules: "The Ritual of Truth will only last one month from now. During this period, we will use a team registration system for scoring. Team size is capped at six, but changes in members only require reporting, and there are no restrictions."

At this moment, she paused and said, "Also, after careful consideration, in addition to the double point reward, this Ritual of Truth will also adopt special rules."

"We will allow different teams to refute each other's information. The team that successfully refutes another team's information under the witness of the competition host will be able to obtain the points earned by the other team for this information."

This sentence caused Team Emia's expression to change immediately, and there was an uproar in the audience - this one point alone would inevitably increase the intensity of this Ceremony of Truth, and perhaps there would be fighting between different teams.

Mars snorted in frustration: "It seems the teacher is under a lot of pressure... even bringing up such a rule."

Then, Christine closed her eyes and sighed. "As usual, Candlekeep will send its own team. To be fair, we will submit all information on the first day as an example to everyone."

"However, this year, the composition of the Candlekeep team will be more diverse. Now, please allow me to let the Candlekeep team submit the first piece of intelligence for this year's opening."

At this time, it was not Norwich who came on the scene.

The Amaunatorians were dressed as flamboyantly as always, but at this moment, their actions were extremely cautious. They carefully surrounded the extremely real container.

It was a silver metal box.

Made entirely of pure gold.

The person leading this team was not even Orndell of Amaunator, but a much older priest whose clothes almost blended in with the sunlight.

"...Archbishop Dregos II of the Twin Suns." At this point, even the Supreme Observer couldn't help but exclaim, "Isn't this a young people's event? Why is he here in person?"

And the answer didn't remain hidden for long.

Draigos II took out a bunch of keys from his arms and turned them one by one on the box.

Finally, the box opened, and the Archbishop of Twin Suns reached inside.

And what he took out was the third sun.

When Draigos returned his hands to his chest, a small ball of light was floating quietly in his palms. It was not large, but it clearly emitted a brilliant brilliance no less than that of the sun.

The archbishop solemnly held the ball of light and walked in front of O'Endell, and the young priest also took the treasure with the same solemnity and walked carefully step by step to Christine.

At this moment, there were hundreds or even thousands of people present, but no one dared to breathe, for fear that their breath would affect the tiny but extremely bright ball of light.

O'Ndell muttered a few words, and the brilliant light, like the morning sun, faded slightly. Only then did those present finally see the true face of the ball of light.

It was just a drop of blood.

Even though Kristen was knowledgeable, her body couldn't help but tremble at this moment: "...Does this mean...?"

O'Endell took a deep breath and said, "This is the first piece of knowledge submitted by the Norwich team."

"The greatest treasure of the Church of Lathander, a drop of blood left by our Lord's incarnation."

Artifact, Blood of Lathander.

The legend of this treasure is not known to everyone in Faerun, but it is at least well-known.

This artifact wasn't actually an absolute secret. It had always been openly worshipped in the same temple, and visitors flocked to it constantly.

The most terrifying thing today is how the Church of the Rising Sun was able to obtain it so openly and hand it over to the Church of Oghma in public.

This shows that the Shengyang Sect obtained it through formal means.

Christine carefully held the Blood of Lathander in her palm and almost immediately placed it on the table. "...This is undoubtedly a divine artifact. After I complete the appraisal and enter its information, it can be rated as fourth-level knowledge. The Norwich team receives 200 points."

"You misunderstood." Orndell shook his head heavily. "How can the blood of our Lord be worth 200 points? We are offering the blood of Lathander to prove something else."

Orndell turned and shouted, "For centuries, the Cult of the Rising Sun has firmly believed that Lathander is Amaunator, and Amaunator is Lathander! Today, more and more Lathander believers have discovered the truth and are standing with us! Now, I hope this matter will no longer be a simple doctrinal dispute, but will gradually be recognized by all of Faerûn."

At this point, Oendel took a deep breath and turned to say, "Sir Christine, we have successfully borrowed the greatest treasure of the Church of Lathander. Without the Lord's approval, this would never have been possible. I believe this is sufficient proof that Amaunator and Lathander are one."

Christine fell silent. She lowered her head, glanced in the direction of Emiya and the others, and sighed, "If this isn't enough evidence, then I'm afraid the great god Lathander will send down his avatar to punish me."

"Then, Team Norwich, submit another Level 4 knowledge. Current score: 400 points!"

400 points is equivalent to 40 first-level knowledge points, nearly 14 second-level knowledge points, and 5 third-level knowledge points.

And now, the real main force of the team, the people of Candle Castle, have not even started to take action.

Seventeen Invisible Hands

The originally bustling venue seemed to be cast under a spell of silence. Even the breeze on the hills had its hands and feet bound, not daring to pass by either side of the Blood of Losander. The onlookers in the audience didn't even dare to breathe.

All eyes were fixed on the Blood of Lathander with almost obsession.

If the Blood of Lathander's presence had been forewarned, it would have been one of Eltoril's most spectacular events of the year. The city would have begun preparations a month in advance, paving the way with countless flowers in anticipation of the Blood of Lathander's arrival.

However, this divine artifact, which was famous throughout the continent, appeared without any warning at the opening ceremony of the Ceremony of Truth.

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