The Former Holy Knight. Having Lost My Job and Childhood Friend, I Decided to Start a Dark Guild - Chapter 6

Even a night after my skill manifested, I could not accept reality.

Until yesterday, somewhere in my heart, I harbored hope that perhaps, if I could speak directly to Cecil, I might be able to return to the Knights Order. I couldn’t fully believe the projection of Cecil, undressed in her underwear, adopting indecent poses in front of Prince Raymond, known for seducing the wives and daughters of his subordinates.

The hope that everything could be resolved through a conversation vanished with the manifestation of my heretical skill.

“What even is this incomprehensible skill…”

I could only mutter while looking at the ferocious face in the mirror, which didn’t seem like it belonged to me.

“Leon-san, that’s amazing! You look like a completely different person!”

Kano and Sani, the Elf sisters who had grown quite close, said that, but the skill I had wished for wasn’t like this. I wanted a skill useful as a warrior that wouldn’t necessarily make me a Sword Saint or a Master Swordsman.

Skills are considered a blessing from the gods and were systematized by theologians hundreds of years ago, so it’s immediately clear what kind of ability it is once it manifests. Skill studies are mandatory for the Holy Knights Order entrance exam, so I, a former knight, could recite every skill.

However, heretical skills considered to bring calamity to society are different. Many theologians have attempted to classify and compare heretical skills, but unlike normal skills, there isn’t even a method to appraise them yet.

So, I was half-expecting what the “King of Heretics” skill would entail, but my swordsmanship had no change.

The only ability that could be called a skill was the “Hidden Face” sub-skill I acquired, along with the King of Heretics skill.

This skill allows me to change my face when activated, a metamorphosis ability. However, the transformation is not under my control; it temporarily turns me into a man with a fierce countenance, a rather inconvenient ability.

“I think it’s a pretty useful ability. Changing your face would be convenient when the Knights Order is pursuing you.”

Kano said it so casually.

“Besides, Leon-san will be the boss of a dark guild from now on, so having a heretical skill adds to your prestige.”

“I never agreed to become a boss!”

Ignoring my rejection, Kano continued.

“Moreover, Leon-san’s skill is almost in a pristine state. It will unlock further as you progress.”

“Unlocking a skill, huh.”

Skills are often compared to a tree. If the base skill that first manifests is the trunk, then the sub-skills are the branches and leaves. Depending on the owner’s way of life, it can grow into a strong ability like a big tree lush with greenery. Cecil’s Saint skill, for instance, was unlocked further with each heretic she subjected to an inquisition. But without knowing the specific abilities of the base skill, the King of Heretics, it’s hard to guess the conditions for its unlocking.

“So, what will you do about your name, Leon-san?”

“My name?”

“Well, since you’re going to be the boss of a dark guild, using your real name, the former Holy Knight Leon, as an alias might cause problems.”

“I told you I have no intention of becoming a boss…”

I was about to say more but then reconsidered, realizing there was some truth to Kano’s words. Given my situation of being pursued by the Knights Order, it might be better to change my face and use a different name when going out.

“But what should I call myself…”

Pondering a new identity for myself…