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Chapter: [Paladin]

Looking at the man in front of him wearing a costume of stars and stripes, Forseti instantly recognized who he was.

Steve Rogers, the famous Captain America.

During the Battle of New York, Forseti noticed Steve and wanted to introduce him to the Holy Light, but Loki's sudden death left Forseti no time to approach him.

Just like in the original story, Steve Rogers, who can wield Mjölnir, possesses a fearless heroic quality. The Paladin's Eye of Reckoning revealed his pure soul.

So far, aside from Bill, Steve is the only one with such a trait.

Although Beta Ray Bill had joined the Silver Hand, he primarily focused on guarding Corbyn and training newcomers, rarely participating in battles outside the Knights.

If Steve joins the Order, he would be the only active Flawless Paladin on the battlefield.

"I'm part of the Avengers now..." Steve hesitated.

In the last battle, Steve's skilled use of his shield had quickly forged a deep friendship with Brunnok. However, his commitment to the Avengers made him uncertain about joining the Order and fulfilling both roles.

Brunnok said, "The Silver Hand's mission aligns closely with that of the Avengers. We both protect the Earth. Joining us won't hinder your duties with the Avengers."

"More importantly, the Holy Light will make you stronger. Frankly, your current strength is still limited. A high-level demon could pose a significant challenge, and the threats we face in the future will be even more dangerous."

Steve had witnessed the power of the Holy Light. Many members of the Silver Hand were ordinary people, yet under the blessing of the Holy Light, they could often match his strength when fighting demons.

He yearned for the Holy Light, not only for its power but also for its purity, like a plant yearning for sunlight.

He thought for a while. "What are the responsibilities of becoming your knight? I think I need to understand that first."

Forseti explained, "Combat responsibilities and the duty of inheritance. The former often overlaps with the Avengers' duties, but we also deal with some cosmic threats."

"The duty of inheritance means that each Paladin must train at least one new member to ensure the Silver Hand's legacy."

After a pause, Forseti continued, "We welcome newcomers, especially those like you... Believe in the Holy Light, Steve, it will protect you."

Steve glanced at Brunnok again and finally nodded. "Okay, I am willing to join the Knights."

"Welcome, young knight." Forseti smiled, then looked at his vibranium shield. "Would you like a stronger shield?"

"A stronger shield?" Steve was startled. He thought his shield was strong enough.

Forseti said, "You can talk with Brunnok. He is not only an outstanding defensive knight but also an excellent blacksmith."

Brunnok took out his shield and turned it in his hand. "This is a dragon's shield. I can also recast your shield into a dragon's shield, making it stronger and imbuing it with some dragon attributes."

The Dragon Shield was now standard for defensive knights, and most had one. All thanks to Dragon Goch , they rarely broke and were passed down to next generation.

Although Steve's shield was sturdy, it was entirely made of vibranium, and the processing technology wasn't the best. Recasting it as a dragon's shield would enhance its sturdiness significantly.

"Steve, have you become a Paladin?" Iron Man asked in surprise when he heard the news.

Steve nodded. "Yes, so I will be away for a while to receive the baptism of the Holy Light."

Tony Stark thought for a while, then got close and asked, "Well... do you think I can become a Paladin?"

"You?" Steve's expression was a little strange.

Then he said, "The Knights have some commandments that you may not accept."

Tony asked, "What discipline can't I follow? Quit drinking? Quit smoking?"

"It's not that strict, but at the very least, Paladins won't participate in... 'multiplayer activities.'" Steve didn't say it explicitly.

But as a master of time management, Tony naturally understood. "Well, I don't want to be a Paladin."

...

A few months later.

On the streets of New York at night, Steve Rogers was talking on the phone while pulling his suitcase. He looked a little dusty.

In fact, this was indeed the case. He had just finished training on the Antarctic continent. With his excellent physical fitness, military skills, and qualities, he had become a very good Paladin in just a few months.

It might be difficult for others to see the change in him, but Steve knew he had been reborn.

Back at his residence, as soon as Steve entered the door, he suddenly frowned, sensing something amiss.

Immediately, golden rays of light emerged from his eyes, pulsing slightly like flames.

Eye of Reckoning!

Activating the Eye of Reckoning, Steve looked around and quickly confirmed his suspicion: someone had sneaked into his room.

Behind the wall on the left, a man sat quietly in a chair.

However, judging from the aura, this person was not a thief or a Hydra agent.

"Captain, is that you?" A weak voice sounded.

"Fury?" Steve was startled. He hurried over and found Nick Fury.

The director of S.H.I.E.L.D. looked bad, with a lot of bloodstains on his body, and his voice was weak as if he had just experienced a hard battle.

"What happened?" Steve stepped forward, a holy glow in his hands.

"You... have you become a Paladin?" Fury asked in surprise, feeling his wounds heal quickly.

"Yeah. What the hell happened, how did you end up like this?" Steve asked again.

Fury replied, "S.H.I.E.L.D. has been compromised by the enemy. I don't have many people I can trust now. Fortunately, you are back..."

At this moment, Steve's expression changed, and he quickly conjured a shield of light.

"Boom!"

A gunshot rang out, and the bullet, which flew through the window, was blocked by the Holy Light Shield.

Steve threw his shield backhand, and the Eye of Reckoning allowed him to accurately find the enemy hidden outside the wall.

The vibranium Dragon Shield passed through the window, turned a corner, and struck the enemy's side.

Under the tremendous force, the enemy was knocked into the air. Steve followed closely, turned out the window, and saw a masked man fleeing on the roof.

The man's left hand was a robotic arm, damaged in the impact with the Dragon's Shield.