Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 613: The Iron Monks

Benedict sensed no anger from the Cult Leaderʼs voice, but he felt that he would be killed if he said the wrong words.

Just when he thought he would run out of excuses, he thought about Alaric.

”We didnʼt expect the Astanian Prince to help them this far. It seems they are intent on allying with the empress to eliminate our cult.”

Hearing this, there was no ripple in Kim Chon-jaeʼs eyes. ”Are you saying that Astania would get involved in our fight?”

Benedict nodded. ”Iʼm afraid that is the case.”

”I see… ”

Kim Chon-jae fell silent for a moment.

The old priest didnʼt know what he was thinking. The silence was making him more uncomfortable and nervous.

After a long while, the Cult Leader finally spoke. ”The Astanian Prince, we must capture him in case Astania comes to Veronica with its army.”

Benedictʼs eyes flashed upon hearing this. ”That is a brilliant plan, my lord! If we have Alaric in our hands, Astania wouldnʼt dare interfere in our war!”

He had to admit that the Cult Leader was a lot wiser than he looked.

Kim Chon-jae waved his hand and instructed. ”Bring Cheolseong here.”

Benedict furrowed his eyebrows.

Why is he looking for that old monk now?

Although he was curious, he didnʼt dare ask.

”Right away, my lord!”

Benedict left the building and hurried to find the abbot.

He later found Cheolseong praying before the Buddha statue, looking incredibly solemn.

Look at this hypocritical old man.

Benedict chuckled when he saw this.

Sensing his arrival, Cheolseong opened his eyes. ”How was your conversation with the Cult Leader?”

Benedict smiled faintly and responded. ”Itʼs alright. Come with me. He is looking for you.”

The old monk raised an eyebrow. The cult leader had rarely summoned him.

”Alright.” He nodded and followed Benedict to the old building.

When they arrived at the Cult Leaderʼs quarters, they saw him seated on a chair. He beckoned to them and motioned for them to sit down.

”Take your seats.”

Benedict and Cheolseong thanked him before taking their seats on the chairs adjacent to the cult leader.

”Cult Leader, Iʼm told that you were looking for me. What can I do for you?” Cheolseong spoke cautiously.

Kim Chon-jae nodded and replied. ”Thatʼs right. I want you to form a small team of elites to capture the Astanian Prince.”

Hearing this, both Cheolseong and Benedict were stunned.

”My lord, you can leave this task to me.” Benedict volunteered. He believed his position in the cult would be shaken if Cheolseong successfully captured the target.

He couldnʼt let that happen.

Kim Chon-jae turned his head to him and said with an indifferent look. ”You have already failed once, Benedict. Besides, the empress should be seething with rage because of you.”

”Cheolseong will take care of this task. You will stay here in the temple.” He added.

Hearing this, Benedict no longer insisted. He didnʼt want to incur the displeasure of the Cult Leader. ”I understand. I will follow your arrangements.”

Cheolseong smiled faintly, his eyes narrowing into slits. ”This old monk will handle this task well, Cult Leader. I will assemble my best disciples to capture the Astanian Prince.”

Kim Chon-jae nodded at his words. ”Then make your preparations at once.”

”Yes, Cult Leader!” The old monk saluted and lowered his head.

Kim Chon-jae stood up from his seat and walked towards the demonic statue. ”You two may leave.”

Benedict and Cheolseong no longer lingered upon hearing this. They stood up and quickly left the old building.

Upon stepping out of the building, Benedict warned the old monk. ”Youʼd better be careful, Cheolseong. The Astanian Prince may be young, but he is not as weak as he looks. He possesses a mysterious power that lets him control the power of destruction.”

Cheolseong chuckled. ”You can rest assured, Your Excellency. I have never failed a mission, not even once. I will bring back the Astanian Prince and give him to the Cult Leader.”

Looking at his smiling face, Benedict became slightly annoyed.

Look at this overconfident bastard. Letʼs see if you can still be this arrogant once you encounter him.

With a shake of his head, Benedict no longer said anything and parted ways with him.

Cheolseong watched the old priestʼs figure with a grin.

”Teasing him is always fun.”

The old monk left and summoned his disciples in front of the main building.

Ten monks gathered at his call. They looked curiously at the abbot, wondering why he had summoned them.

Sensing their gazes, Cheolseong smiled at them and said. ”You are my most trusted disciples. You have followed me without questioning what I do…”

”The Cult Leader has given me a task… one of great importance. I believe that you guys are the right people for the task.”

Hearing this, the faces of his disciples suddenly became serious. Just like their master, they were also followers of the heretic cult. They knew that there was someone above him, the Cult Leader.

”Our mission is to capture the Astanian Prince alive. This task will be perilous, but if we complete this, the Cult Leader will definitely reward us.”

The eyes of his disciples lit up.

The Cult Leader was generous to his loyal subordinates. He had given them numerous rewards. It was also because of his generosity that the old monk chose to abandon his religion to follow him.

”Pack your things. We will set off at once!” The abbot instructed.

”Yes, master!” The disciples cupped their fists and left to pack their things.

A quarter of an hour later, they returned all geared up and ready.

Looking at his disciples, Cheolseong was satisfied. ”Call the Iron Monks. They will be joining us for this trip.”

The disciples were stunned.

The Iron Monks was a secret force that their master had been training ever since he joined the heretic cult. There were only twenty of them, but they were all Transcendent Knights!

”Right away, master!”

Soon, a group of monks clad in steel armor gathered before him. They didnʼt have a weapon, but they had bladed gauntlets that looked incredibly terrifying.

With a deep look, Cheolseong announced. ”We are setting off!”