The ceremony of ascension for the Holy Knights unfolded with solemn grandeur. The great event hall rang with the voices of nobles, officers, and knights gathered to witness the rise of those moving up in rank.
Klaus drew a steady breath.
"This is it… my moment. I'm going to miss you, Quinn."
"You should be happy for me, Quinn . I'm moving to Tier two."
Edin who now lived within Quinn's body without fully understanding the life he had inherited turned his head and returned the smile.
"Do not worry. I'll support you from the corner."
Yet, inwardly, he wondered. He said he's moving up in rank… does that mean Klaus is the only one ascending? Why isn't Quinn ascending with him? Aren't they supposed to be close friends?
As these thoughts wandered through his mind, the hall continued to fill. This place, known as the Court of Order, had been built to conceal the existence of magic and other supernatural phenomena from ordinary citizens. Today's gathering was to honour the Holy Knight officers rising in rank granting them new standing, new authority, and new responsibilities.
The host chosen to announce the rankings was none other than the Second Commander himself:
Jäger Frost,
a Tier Three officer one of the highest-ranked individuals within the Holy Knight forces. The Holy Knights existed as a specialised unit, tasked with handling situations the public must never learn about. Whenever strange incidents occurred or forbidden alchemy ran rampant, it was their duty to purge the chaos and silence the truth.
Jäger Frost had been positioned as the under-rank commander for situations when the Iron Order's main forces arrived too late or were unable to respond. A precaution born from many battles against rogue alchemists those known as Chaos.
Edin lifted his gaze, observing the crowd. Nobles in elegant attire, dignitaries with composed expressions the hall was filled with refinement and ceremony.
Klaus touched Quinn's shoulder.
"I'll be going now. The officers who are ranking up have a waiting room. Stay here so you can see me properly."
Edin—Quinn—laughed lightly.
"Ah, today is your day. That must be why you've gathered the courage to speak to me like that."
Even he was surprised by the words that left his mouth; his body moved, but his mind lagged behind, still adjusting to this unfamiliar world.
Klaus smiled faintly before walking away.
Music drifted through the hall for several minutes before Jäger Frost finally emerged. The entire room fell silent so silent one could hear a spoon strike the floor.
He raised his voice, letting it carry across the hall.
"On this honourable day, the Court raises our devoted officers the Holy Knights. Today, we celebrate their tireless service as they ascend to Tier Two and Tier Three. Some of you will change divisions, yet remember this: wherever you go, the Holy Knights shall always regard you as family. We will never forget the efforts of those who rise today."
As the hall erupted into applause, Edin quietly slipped away, weaving through the dense crowd. He was searching for a library. He needed answers
about transmigration, about how he had arrived here, about whether he had died or had been dragged into this world by unknown forces.
The hall burst into cheers as the officers stepped forward.
Each officer received a badge
proof of their ascension.
Those rising from Tier 0 to 1, 2, or even 3 earned the right to serve directly under the Iron Order Court. Civilians respected these ranks, though they understood little of the true meaning behind them.
To the people of Valhalla, the Holy Knights were simply a force that kept thieves, bandits, and kidnappers at bay. They maintained order. That was all the public needed to know.
As the formal ceremony concluded, the celebration began
music, raised glasses, and heartfelt congratulations.
Klaus searched through the hall for Quinn. While moving through the crowd, he accidentally bumped into Helena Morrow, the female commander of the Iron Order
and Quinn Morrow's elder sister.
Unknown to Klaus and everyone else, Quinn Morrow and Edin Shan were now one.
Edin Shan had transmigrated into Quinn Morrow's body.