Chapter Seventy: The Paladin's Trial

After the atmosphere had reached a certain height, Link spoke once more: “In the name of the Father God, everyone, this is the second miracle bestowed upon us by the Father—the Hall of Paladins. Like the Grand Cathedral of Light, it is a manifestation of the Father God’s divine power, but unlike the cathedral, it is not open to the public. It belongs to the very heart of our faith, a sacred space only accessible to the faithful of the Father.” He paused, then spread his arms wide. “Not long ago, the great Father discovered the forces of evil stirring once more in our world. Thus, He gifted us the Hall of Paladins. Warriors of devotion and courage, having passed the trials of the Hall, may then wield the purest power of light—the power of Holy Radiance—and become glorious Paladins!”

Upon hearing this, many with aspirations of becoming mighty warriors looked on with hope. Most, however, were puzzled. They had never heard of the power of Holy Radiance. They knew of the power of Light, but did not understand the difference between the two.

Link noticed their confusion and continued, “By the Father’s grace, the power of Holy Radiance is the purest and most potent form of Light. It is the embodiment of the sacred, and only those warriors who master it are worthy of the title Paladin. Paladins are the incarnation of justice and fairness. They may not possess the sheer strength of the Saints, but their powers of support are beyond compare. They can fight and heal, purify evil and guide others toward goodness. They are unyielding, devout, and courageous. If the Saints are our church’s sharpest edge, the Paladins are its steadfast shield, spreading the Father’s glory throughout the world.” He paused again, waiting as longing and admiration lit up many faces, then continued, “The Father’s Paladins are executors of Holy Radiance, embodiments of wisdom, and the very face of justice. Only those who are sincere, upright, brave, and wise may become Paladins.”

Hopeful at first, the crowd’s spirits soon dampened at the mention of wisdom. In the Kingdom of the Stars, education was scarce; few were truly educated, most could only read. Did wisdom not mean they would be excluded?

At this, the newly joined Uther asked, “Your Eminence, does this mean only the clever may become Paladins?”

Link shook his head. “To possess wisdom does not mean one must master the heavens, the earth, or the affairs of state and war. It means you must be able to read, and discern right from wrong. Without this, how could you comprehend the true meaning of Holy Radiance, teach others goodness, and spread the Father’s glory?”

Hearing this, many eyes brightened. While their education was limited, there were still many who could read, and as for telling right from wrong, who among those with any sense could not?

At once, many wavered between caution and eagerness.

This was precisely the effect Link desired. He declared, “In the name of the Father, all who wish to try for the Paladin’s path, come forth without fear of failure. The Father is merciful and generous; even if you fail this time, there will be another chance. As long as you believe you can pass the trial of Holy Radiance and gain its recognition, you may try!”

The hesitant were immediately inflamed with hope. Even many of the former Celestial Spirit adherents felt the urge to try; courageous women were found in every land.

Soon, the first to step forward was none other than the aged Uther himself, his face resolute and devout, exuding a spirit unafraid of anything.

With Uther leading, the others who had hesitated now also stepped forward, including the former Celestial Spirit followers. Of all present, only the Saints remained unmoved—Link had already explained that the Saints were the church’s ultimate warriors, while Paladins were its missionaries; their roles did not overlap. The Saints, clearly, were more appealing to these youths—wasn’t it obvious that the Saints, with their sacred armor, were far more impressive than the seemingly vague Paladins?

In the end, over sixty stepped up to the challenge, while the rest either lacked interest, couldn’t read, or doubted their resolve.

Surveying the challengers, Link’s expression grew solemn and sacred. “By the Father’s grace, your courage and decisiveness please me greatly. Yet the true test lies within the Hall of Paladins. Steady your resolve, calm your hearts, and follow me!”

With that, Link turned and ascended the steps to the Hall. The others, led by Uther and several brave youths, followed.

After eighteen steps, Link stopped before the massive doors flanked by two statues. He turned to the challengers and said, “In the name of the Father, brave warriors yearning to become Paladins, look up. These two figures are the embodiment of the Paladins’ faith and ideals. Only by comprehending their spirit are you worthy to become a Paladin.”

Immediately, all sixty gazed upon the statues. Suddenly, a magnificent yet gentle golden light burst forth, sacred and awe-inspiring. All were taken aback, drawn irresistibly to the radiance.

Through this divine light, the challengers’ minds were filled with visions—justice, devotion, integrity, honor, selflessness… all the virtues of true goodness and beauty struck their hearts, compelling them to gaze inward and ask if they truly embodied these virtues.

One by one, those who felt unworthy backed away with ashamed and humble expressions, ultimately kneeling in silent repentance at the foot of the steps. Those who had not dared to take the trial looked on in awe, their faith deepened by the display.

Among all present, only Link was unaffected, nor could he wield the power of the Hall. But in the eyes of the others, Link’s immunity made him the perfect embodiment of all virtues, the living expression of goodness, truth, and beauty. Why else would the Hall, which affected everyone, be powerless before him? Clearly, he was too perfect to be tested even by the Holy Radiance.

The devotion for Link among the faithful only deepened, and even the new converts admired and revered this flawless Archbishop. No wonder the Father had chosen him as His envoy—only such perfection was worthy.

At the end, from the more than sixty challengers, only eighteen remained; the rest knelt below the steps in repentance and prayer.

Link regarded the remaining eighteen and nodded. “By the Father’s grace, you have passed the first trial. Follow me—there are further tests ahead.”

Having just experienced a spiritual cleansing, the eighteen were now in a state of reverence and sanctity. At Link’s words, they performed a graceful knight’s salute, then followed him into the great hall, upright and dignified.

Within, the hall was even grander and more solemn, with rows of circular stone pedestals along both sides, seemingly meant for statues, though none currently stood upon them.

Noticing their curiosity, Link explained with a gentle smile, “By the Father’s will, brave and devout warriors, do not be puzzled. These pedestals are left for you by the great Father. When you achieve deeds of immeasurable merit or feats that shape the fate of the world, the Father will craft statues in your honor to be placed in this hall, where you will be revered by generations to come.”

At this, the participants’ eyes shone like hundreds of glowing lamps, their breath quickening. The thought of being immortalized in stone, receiving the veneration of posterity—this was a reward beyond all material wealth, one worth any sacrifice.

Link was well pleased. A Paladin with ambition was a true Paladin; those without desire were not Paladins, but mere machines.

Sensing the time was right, Link fanned the flames: “I hope that a century from now, many of your statues will stand here. As the first Paladins, under my command, I expect no less from you than from any who come after. I hope you all become legends—can you do this?”

Inflamed with zeal, the eighteen men and youths answered with a resounding “We can!” Their voices echoed through the hall, fearless and unyielding.

Link nodded with satisfaction. “Excellent. Maintain this spirit, but remember, the final trial remains. Only those who pass can truly become Paladins.”

Turning, he led them deeper into the sanctuary, the aspiring Paladins following with tense but eager hearts.

Soon, they reached the end, where a massive stone stele stood. At its top glimmered a golden emblem, radiant like a sun—seemingly forged of pure gold, but shining even brighter. This was the symbol of Holy Radiance.

Inscribed below was a lengthy text—the Eight Virtues of the Paladin, each explained in detail.

Humility, Honesty, Compassion, Courage, Justice, Sacrifice, Honor, and Spirit.

Eight virtues, with full commentary, laying out the Paladin’s code and character. The candidates gazed, transfixed.

Not one of the eighteen looked away, intent on committing the words to memory, engraving them upon their souls. They all understood: only those who truly grasped and followed the Eight Virtues could become true Paladins.

None noticed, however, that at that very moment, the symbol of Holy Radiance at the stele’s summit emitted eighteen slender beams of golden light, each falling upon a different candidate. This was the Hall of Paladins’ final test—measuring whether their souls and bodies were attuned to the power of Holy Radiance, and selecting those most in harmony to bestow upon them its power, along with the arts and magic of the Paladin.