300

What is the Holy Light

"How about becoming a Retribution Paladin? You're a warrior after all, and you've never used a shield," Forseti pondered aloud.

Beta Ray Bill didn't hesitate and accepted the suggestion directly, "Alright, I'll take your advice and become a Retribution Paladin."

Forseti explained further, "The first step to becoming a paladin is mastering Holy Light Invocation."

"Holy Light Invocation?"

"Yes, although Holy Light spells are unique, they require mana like any other magic. Holy Light Invocation forms the foundation for mastering holy mana," Forseti explained slowly.

He proceeded to elaborate on Holy Light Invocation in detail to Beta Ray Bill, who listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with questions. After a thoughtful pause, Beta Ray Bill suddenly asked, "Is Holy Light an objective reality or a subjective morality?"

Facing this question, Forseti found himself pondering as well, lacking a definitive answer.

Over the years, he had contemplated this issue without reaching a conclusive understanding.

"I believe it could be both," Forseti replied.

"Both?" Beta Ray Bill appeared puzzled.

Forseti posed a counter-question, "Bill, do you believe a 'circle' objectively exists?"

"Of course," Beta Ray Bill replied without hesitation.

Forseti continued, "But where does one find the perfect 'circle'? Even the shape of a neutron star, under close scrutiny, reveals undulations rather than a true circle."

"This..." Beta Ray Bill frowned, contemplating the analogy.

Forseti continued, "The true essence of a circle exists only in the mind, yet its concept transcends mere human thought. Similarly, Holy Light's purest form exists within the human heart, yet its influence permeates every corner of the universe, leaving traces of its existence everywhere."

Beta Ray Bill fell silent, reflecting on Forseti's words.

After a moment, he looked up and said earnestly, "Forseti, your insights have enlightened me. I didn't expect you to be such a profound philosopher."

Forseti realized he had inadvertently come across as overly philosophical and waved off the compliment with a smile, "Haha, not at all."

At that moment, Beta Ray Bill raised his right hand, and a surge of golden light emanated from his palm, illuminating the room.

Observing the Holy Light in his hand, he murmured to himself, "This is the power of Holy Light..."

Forseti's eyes widened in surprise, "You've learned so quickly?"

Confused, Beta Ray Bill looked at him, "What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

Forseti was momentarily speechless, realizing that Beta Ray Bill's noble character was his greatest asset for mastering Holy Light, far surpassing any physical aptitude.

With mixed emotions, Forseti sighed inwardly.

He then retrieved the Book of Retribution and handed it to Beta Ray Bill, explaining, "Every Paladin possesses their own holy deed. This is yours—the Book of Retribution... You can use it to learn Retribution Holy Light spells in the future."

Beta Ray Bill took the Book of Retribution and examined it, remarking, "It doesn't seem to contain any spells."

"Oh, you must first inscribe your name on the first page of the Book of Retribution using Holy Light. This will personalize it as your holy deed," Forseti clarified.

Beta Ray Bill turned to the first page of the Book of Retribution, his fingertips glowing with Holy Light as he carefully inscribed his name in Asgardian script: Beta Ray Bill.

A flash of Holy Light imprinted his name on the Book of Retribution, like a permanent engraving.

"I have a question," Beta Ray Bill suddenly spoke up after inscribing his name.

"What is it?"

"What happens if I change my name?" Beta Ray Bill inquired.

Forseti hesitated for a moment before dismissing it with a wave, "Your name is merely a codename."

"But..."

"Forget the details," Forseti insisted.

"Alright..."

As Beta Ray Bill inscribed his name, the contents of the Book of Retribution transformed. Initially filled with moral teachings, it now included spell descriptions and blank pages.

While categorized into sanctity, retribution, and protection, many spells overlapped between the three.

"Forseti, which spell should I learn first?" Beta Ray Bill asked, examining the spells in the Book of Retribution.

"Holy Light Infusion," Forseti decided. "It can alter a person's physique. Most aspirants must undergo Holy Light Infusion before becoming Paladins. Master this spell quickly, and you can assist new Silver Hand members sooner."

Though Forseti could recruit Earthlings purely based on potential, it would take weeks to imbue them with Holy Light. Yet, Earthlings had short lifespans, weak abilities, and limited training potential.

While talented individuals existed on Earth, finding them was time-consuming and cumbersome, dissuading Forseti from this approach.

Subsequently, Forseti began tutoring Beta Ray Bill in Holy Light spells from the Book of Retribution.

However, he encountered an unexpected development—Beta Ray Bill's rapid progress exceeded Forseti's expectations, akin to drinking water.

Although his learning speed astounded Forseti, Beta Ray Bill's spellcasting prowess remained comparable to Forseti's, reassuring him.

By day's end, realizing Beta Ray Bill required no further instruction, Forseti bid him farewell and departed.

Strolling along, he perused the holy deed, discovering a new entry: **Retribution Paladin Directory**.

**Retribution Paladin: Beta Ray Bill**

**Holy Paladin: None**

**Protection Paladin: None**

Two slots remained vacant.

"Heimdall, take me home," Forseti requested upon reaching the platform.

"Understood," the rainbow beam flashed, transporting Forseti to Asgard's teleportation chamber, where Heimdall awaited with his sword.

"Any word from Princess Hela?" Forseti inquired.

Heimdall shook his head solemnly, "None."

"It's been so long. How can there be no news?" Forseti frowned.

"The Nine Realms are vast, and the cosmos boundless. If Princess Hela chooses not to return, even my all-seeing eye may struggle to locate her," Heimdall explained.

Forseti fell silent, troubled by Hela's absence.

While pondering in the teleportation chamber, he heard distant chatter and the clang of iron boots approaching—evidently, a contingent of soldiers.

Raising his head at the sound, Forseti recognized a familiar face.