What is an offensive priest?

Chapter 20 Safe Return

The leading drow elf rode a wolf and wore light armor woven from shadow spider silk, the plates of which were dark purple and almost blended into the darkness under the faint moonlight.

Behind him, Grey Dwarf Sergeant Grom Kate led his Grey Dwarf army, impatiently pounding his shoulder armor with his warhammer.

The gray dwarves are only about four feet tall, but their width is almost the same as their height. They wear heavy black iron plate armor.

Each person carried a two-handed warhammer on their shoulder, the hammerhead being the size of a pumpkin and the entire body being cast from dark steel.

Upon hearing the goblin's report, the True Soul Master Drow slowly raised his head, his scarlet pupils slightly contracting.

Where is the person I asked for?

Her voice was ethereal and lifeless, as if it came from some kind of dark echo.

The goblin scout trembled, his hunched body trembling, fearing the drow elves' wrath, his cunning eyes constantly darting away.

"It's...it's gone too..."

Upon hearing this, the True Soul Being Zhuo Er fell silent.

Grom, the gray dwarf sergeant behind him, suddenly spoke, his voice like two rough stones rubbing together.

"My Lord True Soul Master, these goblin corpses are still warm. The intruders can't have gone far. I'll lead men to pursue them!"

True Soul Master Zhuo Er shook his head, his deep eyes revealing confidence.

"No rush."

"The roads to Blackrock Town have been completely blocked; they cannot escape my control."

"Spread the message, and they will find the chosen people of the Most Supreme God for me!"

-

Dawn breaks.

Outside the walls of Blackstone Town.

The smoke of war has completely dissipated, leaving only scorched earth and ruins.

At the breach in the eastern wall blasted open by the gunpowder barrel, Chief of the Guards, Weiss, was directing the still-mobile guards to urgently repair it overnight to prevent the goblins from invading again.

"Glenn, bring that log over here!"

"Yes, that one!"

"Tom, go to the warehouse and get more hard soil adhesive! Quickly!"

Beside them, a group of village women were gathered inside the wall, gazing expectantly towards the distant forest, waiting for Richard to return with their children.

"Timmy will be alright..."

"Pastor Richard will bring him back..."

The blacksmith Gron's wife, Manna, murmured to herself, holding her hands reverently to her heart.

As Chief of Staff watched this scene from afar, a wave of sorrow welled up in his heart.

"Don't worry," the veteran said, trying to keep his voice as gentle as possible. "With Reverend Richard's help, your children will return safely."

As he spoke, seemingly to add some persuasiveness, he continued to elaborate.

"I've seen Reverend Richard fight with my own eyes; those goblins and gnolls were as fragile as straws before him!"

"Go back and wait. I will let you know as soon as Pastor Richard returns."

But no one moved.

The women's empty eyes remained fixed on the distant forest, as if they hadn't heard him.

Weiss sighed and turned around to continue directing the repair work.

"Report!"

A young guard rushed down from the watchtower, panting.

"A group of people has been spotted in the forest ahead! They are approaching the town!"

Chief of Staff Weiss's heart sank to the bottom.

He grabbed the long-handled battle axe leaning against the wall. Although he only had one hand left to use, his years of combat instincts made him reflexively ready to fight.

"Everyone! Prepare for battle!"

"Women, step back! Now!"

The guards immediately dropped their tools, grabbed their weapons, and quickly formed a defensive line at the breach.

Although most of them were injured and there were only a dozen or so of them, there was not a trace of retreat in their eyes.

Just as Chief of Staff Weiss ordered the archers to take their positions.

The guards on the watchtower suddenly shouted excitedly.

"It's Pastor Richard! And...and the children!"

"They rescued the children from the goblins!"

The crowd stood there stunned for a moment beneath the wall.

"My child—!"

The women were the first to react, and like a flood breaking through a dam, they instantly broke through the guards' defenses and rushed towards the forest like madmen!

Chief of Staff Weiss stood frozen in place for a full three breaths before slowly lowering his battle axe.

He looked up at the gradually clearing dawn in the east, with the sun badge on his chest, the one-armed figure.

"Praise be to Losanda..." The old soldier's eyes reddened slightly, "You have bestowed upon our Blackrock Town a trustworthy divine messenger!"

When the adventure team arrived at the foot of the wall, they were greeted by a tidal wave of embraces and tears.

The village women hugged their children tightly, weeping and embracing each other, overwhelmed with joy at having their children back.

Just as he was about to look up and thank Pastor Richard, he discovered that the young pastor, who always stood at the forefront and silently protected everyone, was now lying unconscious on the back of Paladin Crow.

The white sacrificial robe was stained with blood and dust, the fine iron chainmail was dented in many places, and her face was as pale as a sheet of paper.

"Pastor Richard is injured!?"

This shout instantly silenced the surroundings.

The children in the woman's arms stopped sobbing, and the guards who were carrying stones and logs also changed their expressions.

Everyone hurriedly put down what they were doing and gathered around the adventure team, looking at the unconscious figure on Kro's back.

"What's wrong with Pastor Richard?!"

Seeing the crowd surrounding the adventure team, all concerned about Richard's injuries, Chloe was filled with emotion.

He suddenly realized something.

In Blackrock, Richard is not a high-ranking clergyman, nor a powerful figure to be worshipped, but family, a protector, and the only pillar supporting the town in its desperate situation.

Avel gestured for everyone to be quiet and not disturb Pastor Richard.

"Pastor Richard is fine, he just needs to rest."

Chief of Staff Weiss finally squeezed in, and the one-armed veteran used his body to make way for Crowe while shouting at him.

"Everyone, stand back!"

"Let Pastor Richard go back to church first; Sister Sharon will heal him!"

He paused, then looked at the women who still refused to leave.

"Your children need rest too!"

"Take them home first, make them some hot soup, and let them take a nap."

This time, the women finally listened.

Wiping away tears, they carried their children and walked into the town with worried eyes.

Chief of Staff Weiss then turned around and escorted Kro and the others toward the church.

On the way, he couldn't help but ask in a low voice.

How badly is Pastor Richard injured? Is it serious?

In his memory, Pastor Richard had always been an invincible figure, showing no pressure even when facing a powerful goblin.

This is the first time I've seen a situation like today...

Avel looked at Richard with concern in his eyes.

"Your Excellency Richard is alright, but he is a little overworked and needs to rest."

Kro couldn't help but sigh.

"Being ambushed by a goblin, taking a solid hit, and suffering some kind of magical backlash, even a barbarian would probably be down by now."

Listening to everyone recount the battle at the goblin camp, even though Chief Weiss hadn't witnessed the fighting firsthand, he could already imagine the level of danger from these snippets of information.

"Thank you for your contributions; Blackrock Town owes you a debt of gratitude!"

Avel shook his head.

"It is mainly thanks to His Excellency Richard. His heroic performance exceeded my expectations. I have never seen a pastor like him."

Chief of Staff Weiss nodded, his eyes revealing an indescribable pride.

"Pastor Richard is a gift Losanda bestowed upon Blackrock!"

Churches and temples.

The wounded guards returned home to recuperate after receiving treatment from Sister Sharon.

The main hall has now returned to its former tranquility and solemnity.

In that small copy room on the second floor.

Sister Sharon was standing by the window, holding a brass watering can, carefully watering a pot of moonflower.

This is Richard's favorite bonsai, and it's an activity she does every day, like a morning prayer, which she never forgets no matter how busy she is.

But today, her mind wasn't on the potted plants.

Sharon's gaze turned somewhat serious as she watched the water droplets fall from the green leaves.

For some reason, ever since Pastor Richard went to the goblin camp, her heart had been restless.

"Lossandra, please protect me..." Sharon whispered in prayer, "Please protect Pastor Richard and bring him back safely..."

creak-

The sound of the heavy oak door being pushed open on the first floor of the church clearly reached the second floor.

Sharon's body trembled violently.

The watering can slipped from my hand and crashed to the floor with a thud, spilling water everywhere.

But she couldn't care less about any of that.

The young nun lifted the hem of her linen gown, completely forgetting the ladylike manners she had been taught since childhood, and practically rushed down the spiral staircase.

But when she saw Richard unconscious and being carried back by Chloe, her heart sank to the bottom.