Matt Cougar is a high-ranking officer within the Global Holy Church’s Paladin Corps, serving as the lieutenant colonel of the Sixth Battalion. He comes from the prestigious Cugat family, a lineage renowned for its mastery of elemental conjuration. Despite being human, Matt possesses power that rivals that of a witch, thanks to a pact he has made with a primordial entity known as the Great Ice Elemental. This bond grants him command over ice-based magic, earning him the moniker the “Man of Ice.” He is easily recognized by his long silver hair, golden eyes, and distinctive uniform that often includes a mask and a beret. His demeanor is aloof and serious, but underneath lies a strong sense of integrity and justice. Matt is deeply motivated by duty to the Church and a personal code of honor, though he sometimes pursues his own objectives independently, which can put him at odds with the Church’s broader strategies. His battalion once suffered devastating losses during an incident involving the demonic sword Ashgan, a trauma that shapes his later actions. Key relationships include his second-in-command, Lowell, who betrays him during a confrontation involving Guideau and Helga Velvette, leading to severe injuries that Matt barely survives. Over the course of the story, Matt’s role highlights the internal conflicts within the Church, as his ambition and independent streak create tension with the Executioners and other factions. He remains a formidable and resilient figure, capable of engaging powerful opponents and surviving clashes that would break lesser mages. His abilities make him one of the few humans able to stand against a witch in direct combat, and his presence in the narrative serves to illustrate the intersection of human will and primordial magical power.