"You shall be called Galahad, named after a great knight known for his nobility and pure heart. In this life, seek out your quest and find your own Holy Grail. Strive to be the Great Knight your heart aspires to be."
Six months had passed since the Holy City fell. The once-sacred grounds had become a nightmarish dungeon known as the Heavenly Yard. The Pope, Cardinals, and Bishops—once revered as paragons of virtue—were now monstrous entities haunting the corrupted sanctum. The so-called angels here wielded twisted holy power, draining adventurers of their strength. Imps, with their dark minions, attacked swiftly and vanished before being defeated. Spectral remnants of the holy men, draped in tattered robes, strangled adventurers who came too close, leaving their bodies to rot and fuel the dungeon’s malevolent growth.
Yet, these horrors were met with valor by Galahad’s Party, known as the Holy Grail Party. This esteemed group—an Arch Bishop, an Executioner Assassin, a Frost Sniper, a Grand Sorceress, and the Great Knight—were all at the peak of their strength, each holding the prestigious Level 99. For a decade, they had journeyed together, striving to create a world where future generations would be shielded from monsters and dungeons.
Their noble quest met with tragedy. When they reached the final chamber before the Boss Room, their number dwindled from five to one. Galahad alone survived, his heart untainted by the dark desires that the incubi and succubi exploited. Raised under the Pope’s guidance to embody virtue, Galahad’s spirit remained pure. Yet, even his virtue could not fully protect him from the dungeon’s perils. Overwhelmed by demons, he fought bravely but was ultimately forced to a shameful retreat, leaving his comrades’ souls unprayed and the dungeon boss unconquered.
Undeterred, Galahad embarked on a desperate search for allies. He traveled across five regions, seeking heroes and adventurers capable of withstanding the dungeon’s threats. His entreaties were met with rejection: many were entangled in their own crises, some feared death and rebirth, and others were simply ill-equipped to face the high-level demons. Galahad’s determination remained unshaken as he pressed on, driven by the need to find aid.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
During his search, hope came in the form of a new lead. “There is one individual I know of,” said the High Priest, tending his gardenias with practiced care. “An Assassin from the desert lands of Sol. His name is Tupa. He ventured into the Heavenly Yard the day after it transformed and emerged unscathed.”
The mention of Tupa caught Galahad’s attention. “An Assassin who survived without harm? Tell me more of this Tupa…”
“Yes,” the High Priest confirmed, his tone serious. “Though he is Level 79, he has not pursued further advancement. His potential remains untapped due to his own inner darkness.”
Galahad’s eyes widened with a mix of disbelief and awe. “How could someone at such a level navigate the dangers of the Heavenly Yard unharmed? He is no mere survivor—he exited the dungeon without a scratch. This is both incredible and perplexing!” His armor clanked as he stood taller, his resolve solidifying. “I must seek out this Assassin, Tupa!”
The High Priest’s gaze met Galahad’s, his expression thoughtful. “Beware, for Tupa is elusive. You must find him before you can recruit him.” The priest raised a hand in blessing. Galahad knelt with reverent devotion to receive it. “May the Gods guide your path and grant you success in bringing sanctuary to the lost souls of the Heavenly Yard.”
“Praise the Gods who watch over us,” Galahad replied, rising with renewed hope and determination. “I will find this man and convince him to join me. If he can enter the dungeon unscathed, he might lead me through its trials.”
With a final, respectful bow, Galahad set off on his quest. His first destination was Tupa’s homeland. Should Tupa not be found there, Galahad would follow any trail, undeterred by the assassin’s elusiveness. The difference in their levels mattered little; what mattered was finding an ally who could help him succeed.
Meanwhile, in the depths of a shadowed forest, Tupa sat alone by a dying campfire. The fire’s weak glow flickered against the encroaching darkness, casting long, mournful shadows. Huddled in ragged clothes, Tupa’s dark skin contrasted with the dying embers. Once a vibrant adventurer, he now appeared a mere specter, consumed by loneliness and disillusionment. Distrustful and deeply unmotivated, he clung to the meager warmth of the fire, a solitary figure in a world that seemed indifferent to his plight.
Little did he know, a determined knight was on his trail, driven by hope. Galahad’s pursuit was not just a search; it was a quest to bring light to a lost soul and forge a path to a grand adventure. As Galahad followed the whispers of Tupa’s trail, the promise of a new beginning lay just beyond the horizon, waiting for their paths to converge.