The atmosphere inside the pope's office grew heavier with each passing moment. Roman sat calmly, but his mind was already working ahead of everyone. After explaining his concerns and plans, he suddenly spoke
"What about the artillery division? Do we have one?"
Everyone turned toward him.
Roman continued sharply, "Because we'll need artillery units to deal with bigger monsters. If we can position them in high-altitude areas, they can get a clear view and retaliate effectively. Long-range support is essential."
Archbishop Desmond Herman adjusted his glasses and stood up.
"Yes, Warherald Roman. The Holy Empire has a specialized Artillery Division. Allow me to explain in detail."
Archbishop Desmond stepped forward and began his explanation:
> "The Holy Empire maintains three fully trained artillery regiments. Each regiment has over 700 soldiers, equipped with:
• Mana-infused cannons capable of long-range bombardment.
• Holy Ballistica — large stationary crossbows built to fire blessed spears 200 meters away.
• Ritual Siege Engines, which can channel the power of priests and generate explosive magic shots.
These units are positioned on mountain ridges and fortress walls across the empire. They are built to target dungeon hordes and large-class beasts.
During a breakout, their role is to slow down advancing monsters and provide cover for battlefield knights.
Each regiment operates under a High Priest Commander, assisted by two Pladdins, whose duty is to protect the artillery units while they fire.
If necessary, all three regiments can be merged into one massive artillery force, capable of covering an entire city in holy bombardment.
This is our strongest long-range division."
Roman nodded in approval.
"Good. This will be a major help in combat. We'll be needing them."
Suddenly, Captain Gabriel Velk of the Pladdins stepped forward.
"Warherald Roman," he said respectfully, "we would like to request something."
Roman raised a brow. "Go on."
Gabriel continued:
"We, the Twelve Pladdin Captains… would like to have a spar battle against you."
He spoke calmly, not as a challenge but a declaration.
The room tensed instantly.
"We want to test the power… upon which the survival of this world depends."
Gabriel bowed slightly. "We are not provoking you nor insulting you. We seek clarity… and readiness."
Archbishop Desmond slammed the table.
"Gabriel! Are you trying to insult the Warherald?! How dare you"
Gabriel shook his head, eyes firm.
"I am not provoking him, Your Holiness. This is necessary for us. If we are to follow him into war… we need to know his strength with our own eyes."
Everyone stared at Roman.
A small grin formed on his lips.
"I like your idea, Sir Gabriel." Roman said. "It was already in my mind to test my ability against the Twelve Pladdins Regiment. If you hadn't asked… I was going to."
Shock spread across the priests and nuns.
"You accept…?"
Roman stood up.
"Where should we begin?"
The Archbishop looked at Pope Lucius Seraphael. The Pope took a deep breath…
…then nodded.
"Let the test begin."
A priest stood up in panic:
"Your Holiness! This is too dangerous! It's like we're challenging the goddess's chosen warrior directly!"
Others echoed the same fear.
But the Pope raised his hand.
"Roman has agreed. And if the Warherald wills it, we have no reason to stop it."
Roman stepped forward and said calmly:
"This is not a challenge. It's a necessity.
I need to know the strength of the warriors… who will fight beside me to save this world."
Silence.
Then Gabriel placed his fist over his heart.
"Then we shall show you the power of the Twelve Pladdins."
Archbishop Desmond immediately called a Pladdin knight.
"Prepare the arena. Activate every barrier. No one is allowed inside unless authorized."
"Yes, Your Holiness!"
The knight ran and gave commands across the holy network.
A few minutes later, he returned.
"The arena is ready!"
Everyone stood.
Roman walked first.
Behind him
The Twelve Pladdin Regiment surrounded him like elite bodyguards.
The priests, nuns, archbishop, and Pope followed closely behind.
They entered the holy arena.
The Pope and others were seated in a safehouse with reinforced barriers — where they could witness the duel.
The Pladdin Regiment gathered in formation.
Gabriel spoke:
"Warherald Roman… shall we do it one by one?
I will decide who fights first"
Roman raised a hand and interrupted.
"No… I want ALL of you to come at me at once."
The holy arena fell completely silent.
"…ALL of us?" Ezra asked, eyes wide.
Roman simply smiled.
"Yes. If each one of you can defend a kingdom alone… then I must know if I can face all of you — together."
Ezra stepped forward as Vice-Captain.
"Then as warning… each of us possesses strength enough to defend an entire kingdom alone."
Roman's eyes burned.
"Then I have no problem.
Come at me with everything you have."
Gabriel looked at his men.
Their eyes hardened.
Their weapons lit with holy aura.
He raised his hand.
"Pladdin Regiment… READY!"
But once again…
Roman interrupted.
"One more thing."
They stopped.
Roman looked at all twelve… and said with a calm, fierce voice:
"Don't hold back.
My power… is also something I need to test."
The Pope leaned forward from the watching stand.
"This Warherald…
is interesting," he said, smiling.
"I am truly excited to witness this battle."
The arena trembled.
The air burned with divine pressure.
And the duel of fate was about to begin.