The One Who Defies Fate: The Law of the Strong (Transcendental Murim)

At last, Damian and his companions arrived at the White Citadel.

Unlike any of the fortresses they had passed before, this one was entirely different.Towering walls, grand architectural lines, and sacred emblems carved into every stoneleft no doubt—this was not merely a military bastion, but a domain of the divine.

The golden gates slowly creaked open.Beyond them stood knights clad in heavy armor.Their breastplates bore sacred engravings, and with each movement,they emanated an aura as if embodying the authority of a god.

Leanne spoke softly."Those are Paladins. Warriors who directly wield divine power."

Ian raised an eyebrow."So what makes them different from regular knights?"

Leanne explained slowly."Regular knights fight with swordsmanship and tactics.Paladins, however, draw directly on 'the power of the gods.'It may look like magic, but at its core, it's something else.Their strength comes from belief."

Damian observed them quietly.Indeed, their movements were on another level.

Where ordinary warriors moved on instinct in battle,these knights lifted their swords like they were offering a prayer.At the edge of their blades, faint divine light shimmered.

One of them approached and spoke with formality."We ask that you do not bear arms here. The sanctuary is not a place of violence."

Damian slowly lowered his sword."But you still carry weapons."

The Paladin didn't look away."A sword in service of the divine is a tool to uphold sacred order."

He extended his hand."Please hand over your weapons."

Requesting an Audience with Ras Bark

Leanne stepped forward.In this place, strength alone would not suffice—respect and decorum were just as vital.He spoke with a composed voice.

"We have come to request an audience with Lord Ras Bark."

The knights exchanged glances at his words.Then, the leading Paladin gave a small nod.

"You seek the Grand Marshal.He mentioned that someone might arrive."

Ian narrowed her eyes and muttered,"...Don't tell me this is another 'fate' thing again."

But the Paladin paid no attention.Instead, with a gentle motion, he produced an envelope glowing faintly with blue light.

"Still, we ask you to cover your weaponsand seal them within this.Weapons without divine blessing must not be exposed inside the citadel."

Ian noticed something subtle—the way the Paladins treated Leanne differed slightly from how they treated the rest of them.

She muttered under her breath."What, do Paladins show more respect to sorcerers or something?"

Leanne shrugged."Faith and knowledge can coexist."

Ian pouted but took the envelope without further protest.

Damian, too, had no intention of starting a fight.He complied and sealed his sword.

Now, they were ready to step into the sacred heart of the Citadel.

**

Chapter – Conversations in the Citadel

Damian and his companions stepped into the White Citadel.

This place was nothing like a typical military fortress.

Towering ceilings, stone statues lined along the walls,and stained glass windows cast soft light throughout the hall.

Ian looked around and muttered,"This feels more like a cathedral than a citadel."

Damian agreed.This wasn't just a military outpost—it served as a spiritual stronghold as well.

And one more thing—

There weren't as many Paladins as expected.

Those they had seen earlier were disciplined warriors,yet within the citadel, there were more figures that resembled priests than armored knights.

Leanne quietly explained."The Paladins here act more like clerics in times of peace.They don their arms only when battle calls."

Ian tilted her head."So, most of the time they just… pray or something?"

Leanne smiled."Faith is crucial for wielding divine power.Prayer is as important as training."

Damian listened silently as they walked through the sanctum.

Then, a figure stepped forward to meet them—Ras Bark, commander of the Paladin Order.

Meeting Ras Bark

Ras Bark was unexpectedly young.But it wasn't youth in appearance alone—his aura radiated a unique mix of faith and discipline.

His armor shimmered faintly with a blue light,emblazoned with the sigil of the divine guardian of this citadel.Even before he spoke, one could sense his strength and unwavering devotion.

He looked at Damian and said,"We meet again."

Ras Bark smiled."During our last duel… you gave me something to reflect upon.""This time, perhaps we can speak instead of fight."

He gestured toward a chamber and continued,"This citadel is not merely a military bastion.It is the spiritual heart of our order—a place where divine authority dwells."

He folded his hands quietly."And I suspect you've come with questions about the gods."

Damian remained silent for a moment… then finally spoke."…Yes."

The Gods of This World

Ras Bark pointed toward the central hall,where an enormous mural spread across the wall.

Depicted were the many gods of this world.

"There isn't just one god here.This world is home to many."

Damian gazed at the painting.

A god wrapped in radiant light.Another wielding a sword, leading legions into war.And yet another, reveling in drink and celebration.

Ian asked with a hint of curiosity,"So which one do you follow?"

Ras Bark answered solemnly,"The one our order worships… is a being of strength and sanctity.A god of war and justice, who governs the world with order."

Then he paused,a strange, ambiguous look crossing his face.

After a moment, he added,"But there are many gods who differ greatly from ours."

Ian grinned and said playfully,"You mean like… a god of alcohol?"

Ras Bark cleared his throat awkwardly."W-Well, yes. That too."

Ian tried not to laugh."What about love and romance? Got a god for that too?"

Ras Bark looked even more flustered, averting his eyes."…There is."

Ian's eyes sparkled with amusement."Ooh, so if a Paladin follows that god, do they offer relationship advice during prayer?"

Ras Bark was speechless, coughing to hide his embarrassment.

Meanwhile, Damian simply stood there,gazing quietly at the mural.

Gods—they were not just sacred and powerful beings.They seemed to reflect the emotions and lives of the people who worshiped them.

So then—

What is a god?

Is it something that truly exists?

Or… is it something born of human belief?

That question echoed in his mind.