Shinji didn't need to ask that last question. When Hermit publicly revealed the shocking fact that the new captain was evenly matched with Lorelei, no one dared to question Shinji's strength anymore.
The brigade values strength and every member of the Chelon Canticle Brigade had been defeated by Lorelei before joining the squad. Lorelei's powerful image was deeply rooted in everyone's hearts. Now, a monster emerged who could rival the young lady herself, and it was acknowledged by the young lady herself. Who wouldn't be convinced? Looking for trouble?
Some even started to believe that this new captain might be even stronger than the young lady. During occasional internal combat drills, Lorelei had also fought against the Pentacle squad, and although she emerged victorious, it wasn't as easy as Shinji.
The main reason for this outcome was Shinji's C-level resistance to magic. This skill wasn't very useful when facing experts like Lorelei, but it played a significant role against opponents with relatively lower levels. Shinji could resist direct attack magic from the Pentacle squad, such as magic bullets and curses, either within his resistance range or weakened by defensive runes to a manageable level. This essentially nullified Pentacle One and Pentacle Two.
Without long-range and support constraints, how could Pentacle Three, who lacked proper skills, be Shinji's opponent?
As for Pentacle Four, he deserved his misfortune. His concealment magic was shadow magecraft, and he was quite skilled at it. But no matter how skilled he was, compared to Queen Scathach, the ruler of the land of Shadow, he was still child's play. As a disciple who had been beaten up by Scathach all the way, Shinji didn't even need special detection magecraft to easily locate the enemy.
It's not an exaggeration to say that Shinji had complete control over the entire Pentacle squad. He could win even with his eyes closed.
However, only Shinji knew the reasons behind this. In the eyes of all the members of the Chelon Canticle Brigade, the new captain effortlessly suppressed the pentacle squad, possessing unfathomable strength. Being led by such a person was not embarrassing.
Shinji didn't clarify these misunderstandings. He established his authority like this and smoothly carried out his duties as the captain.
Shinji's first order was: "To celebrate the young lady's successful inheritance of the Lordship and my appointment as the new captain, let's go and cut off the heads of two dead apostates as a gift."
This was not a joke; it was a serious command. Of course, the main purpose was not the celebration but training.
In Shinji's eyes, the current Chelon Canticle Brigade was far from reaching the heights of "The Dark Six," and their combat power didn't match the squad's title. There were reasons for the lack of manpower, and the immaturity of the existing members was also a significant factor.
This newly established team has not yet undergone sufficient integration and lacks extensive combat experience. They are not ignorant rookies, but they cannot be considered veterans either.
To become the legendary Holy Squad that commands respect from the Magic Association and instills fear in the Dead Apostles, they have a long way to go and need enough blood, fire, and smoke to grow.
Entrusted by others, loyal to the cause.
In one's position, plan for its governance.
Since Shinji has taken on Lorelei's commission, he must devote himself wholeheartedly. This is Shinji's principle. Therefore, he will do everything possible to improve the combat power of the Chelon Canticle Brigade, and hunting Dead Apostles is the most efficient method, aligning with the principle of "strength above all" in the post-Lorelei.
Perhaps there will be casualties among the members in the battles against the Dead Apostles, but this is not the tranquil Clock Tower Academy. Before joining, Lorelei had already informed everyone of the dangers of becoming a brigade member. If they have chosen to come, they must be prepared to die in battle. Shinji, as the captain, is no exception. Ever since he made up his mind to kill Zouken, he has been mentally prepared for this.
It's either life or death—just as Scathach demanded of Shinji back then, Shinji demands the same from this greatly anticipated squad entrusted by Lorelei.
Under Shinji's leadership, the Brigade is like a fully fueled tank, speeding into the battlefield with brute force.
In Romania, they killed a Dead Apostle who claimed to be a descendant of Count Dracula.
In Norway, they crusaded against the Dead Apostle of the Lake, Louvre, and his blood-collecting faction.
In Denmark, they found the infamous "Bloody Mary" of the Dead Apostle world and successfully killed her after a fierce battle. In this battle, the squad experienced its first casualty. Sword Three of the Sword Squad, a very handsome guy who loved to smile, died from the curse of Bloody Mary before her death.
His death brought immense grief to the entire Brigade and made everyone realize the brutality of the battlefield. Under Shinji's guidance, all members of the Brigade joined forces to escort their fallen comrade's remains back home. At the funeral, Shinji established his first rule—a fallen comrade's sacrifice must be commemorated with the heads of five enemies.
Afterward, the Brigade returned to the forefront of hunting Dead Apostles with a more insane and mature demeanor. Following the clues obtained from Bloody Mary, they systematically exterminated the entire Dead Apostles faction she belonged to.
It was during this battle that the Holy Squad, Chelon Canticle Brigade, officially stepped onto the grand stage of the mysterious world, and even the Holy Church, which specializes in eradicating heresy, took notice.
Just as various forces, such as the Magic Association (especially the Wandering Sea and the Atlas Institute, while the Clock Tower had long been keeping an eye on them), the Holy Church, and the 27 Ancestors of the Apostates, began to pay attention to this newly emerged magus combat unit and anticipate their next move, the squad retreated to their castle headquarters on the outskirts of London and remained silent for half a month.
After relentlessly hunting down numerous Dead Apostles, the entire squad had reached their limits. It was time for them to rest and recuperate, to relax their bodies and minds, and to reflect on their achievements during this period.
The members of the Brigade are all magus. Although they are considered outsiders in the eyes of mainstream magus, they still need seclusion and study to improve themselves. It is almost impossible for the magus to level up through battles.
Shinji also needed time to handle another task—eliminating dissent and striking against hostile forces on behalf of Kenneth. That was his fundamental purpose for coming to London. Even during the period of hunting Dead Apostles, he did not forget his priorities. As long as Kenneth entrusted him with a task, he would make time to complete it.
Even if he couldn't spare the time, he would find an excuse to have a few of his subordinates, with whom he had good relationships, "take care" of it. For example, Pentacle Two and Pentacle Four became his fans after being defeated by Shinji once, and their magical abilities were suitable for underhanded actions (curses, assassinations). Shinji was not the kind of selfless person; occasionally using his power for personal gain wouldn't hurt.
Juggling these two roles, he was busy for three months straight. Then, on a sunny morning, Shinji received news from a distant land in the Far East.
"Shiki and an unidentified man are living together."
PS: If you are familiar with the Original story of Kara no Kyoukai, you can easily know the identity of the unidentified man.
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