The Betrayal and Fanaticism (5)
Tower of Souls, Sublevel 8. Pabellon’s Subaquatic Gardens.
Sitting amidst the ruins of a massive underwater archaeological site, Lenok looked at his cell phone.
Tick, tock.
“No connection… it’s not working.”
Even with Davy’s help to establish a connection, the cell phone wouldn’t respond.
In the brief moment of respite, Lenok had planned to check on Pandemonium’s movements, but things didn’t go as planned.
The only remaining message was the one Hierea had sent right before Lenok entered Yorta.
[Victor. The scheduled mid-term settlement at Tocoppers was canceled. Several personnel, including the doctor, sent notices of their absence.]
“…”
[The internal circuits of Pandemonium are in turmoil. Be aware that something is about to happen.]
With a simple statement, Hierea’s message was abruptly cut off.
However, Lenok realized that this seemingly simple message held a deeper meaning.
“It implies that something significant has happened to the point where Agnetha can’t fulfill her role as a messenger.”
Agnetha, the offspring of the ancient race and the messenger who traveled between dimensions to deliver messages.
Either a significant event had already occurred, or one was about to take place.
“The last time I saw Agnetha was clearly…”
After completing the operation at Jillion’s fortress, Agnetha had left the continent at the request of the clown.
If it was a warning that something big might happen, it was likely related to that situation.
While silently watching Davy nod off, a loud noise echoed from behind.
“Oh, here you are.”
Thump!
It took the shape of a massive plaster door.
“The view from here is quite nice, isn’t it?”
The Judge, who had summoned the subordinate Inductors and moved them to the hill of the archaeological site, smiled and asked.
“The river flowing from both the material realm and the spiritual realm… it collects the tears of the living and the dead and never runs dry.”
“…”
“In other words, this river has deepened over time and is destined to flow until the moment the world perishes.”
The Judge laughed, seemingly indifferent, while looking at the silent Lenok.
“Only the gods of the outer sea know where the souls slumbering under this river will ultimately head.”
“Do you consider the endings in the outer sea as gods?”
“Oh, come on. Shall we discuss theology in the presence of a priestess? It’s not a topic I’m particularly fond of discussing.”
[…]
The boy shrugged in response.
“But it’s true that both the Church and Yorta once shared similar views regarding the existence of the outer sea. That’s why the Papacy and the Tower of Souls kept the remains of the Ascendants beyond Mookgan.”
“…”
“The Ritual of the Journey of the Ear, which was created through the crossing of souls, was a hopeful step based on the belief that the next world existed beyond the outer sea.”
The Journey of the Ear in Yorta was a ritual to create a bridge for souls to cross into the next world.
They believed that the next world existed beyond the outer sea.
Lenok, who had witnessed the monsters swimming in the sea of darkness, didn’t find it strange to consider them as gods.
The essence and presence of the outer gods, the fear and awe they evoked, were natural.
Not only for ordinary humans but even for extraordinary beings who knew the secrets of the world, they would be no different in their presence.
In fact, because it was the city that had existed for the longest time, it was more likely that they understood and revered the outer gods more deeply.
However, Lenok hadn’t considered the fact that Yorta and the Church had formed alliances in the past.
“You’re insane. To know about them and yet feel no enthusiasm about it?”
Oris laughed as if he had read Lenok’s thoughts and nodded his head.
“Ah, I understand. Well, it’s because it’s you, someone like you, that I was able to inherit Onyon’s legacy.”
“…So, you know what Madrich Onyon was doing in Balcan.”
“The Black Consumer Project? I’ve heard of it. Wasn’t it the last Ascension ritual attempted on this continent?”
The Judge responded indifferently, as if it was of little consequence.
“I heard that it bore unimaginable fruits, taking advantage of the failures of Maki and me.”
“…”
“Yes, when Kaiysera died, there was a time when Yorta also attempted to find his soul… I’m not directly involved, so I don’t really know.”
Lenok didn’t feel the need to delve further. There was no need to reveal his connection to the metropolis under his identity as Victor.
“You seem quite interested in the power dynamics of the city.”
That’s why Lenok shifted the topic towards Oris, who seemed to be interested in the power structure.
“Continuously reminding yourself of Onyon’s existence and seizing the opportunity after the failure of the Journey of the Ear, do you want to take his place?”
“…”
“You’ve explained a lot. You’ve been sharp with your words since earlier.”
Oris smiled as if amused by Lenok’s reaction.
“Yes, you’re right. I want to bring down the Tower of Souls and change this stagnant city after the failed Journey of the Ear.”
“…”
“No need to overthink it. If the status of the Tower of Souls is shaken by helping you, then I might be able to take its place.”
The boy spoke confidently, placing both hands on his hips.
“Rather than being trapped by mediocre tombstones, wouldn’t I be more suited for the pinnacle of Yorta?”
[…]
“Well, I’m not sure.”
Lenok replied, unsure of what to make of it.
The High Inquisitor, despite being a formidable authority figure, did not perceive the young boy as particularly dignified in appearance.
The ethereal form of the celestial maiden merely lifted her head behind Renok with a captivating grace.
However, I could understand the boy’s desire to escape from the depths of the tower and seize control of the Council of Harmony.
“By the way, you seem to know more about Yorta’s current situation and structure than I expected,” Oris remarked, his gaze upon Renok sharpening.
“Encountering the Council of Harmony immediately upon entering the city and receiving knowledge from the spirits of the leaders, I presume?”
“No, it was because of an item I discovered while being confined in your prison,” Renok replied, revealing the scroll.
The expression of the High Inquisitor, upon inspecting the scroll Renok produced, transformed strangely.
“…A Spectral Manifest?”
“Through it, I have come to learn how to secretly observe the Council of Harmony and the entrance to the Abyss,” Renok affirmed.
“Ah, a Manifest indeed…”
A strong curiosity emanated from the High Inquisitor’s countenance.
Undoubtedly, he recognized that this scroll was no ordinary item.
“This ancient city possesses numerous extraordinary artifacts, but this one has its own unique charm…”
“…”
Revealing the existence of the Spectral Manifest to Oris at this point could potentially introduce an unexpected variable.
However, Renok chose to present the Manifest in response to Oris’ question, knowing that it functioned as a powerful source of knowledge within Yorta.
At this decisive moment, it was essential to contemplate the most effective way to utilize the resources at hand.
Perhaps as a participant in the nocturnal journey, Oris might possess a deeper understanding of how to make the most of this Spectral Manifest.
Nodding in response to Renok’s explanation, Oris proceeded to speak.
“Very well. This should suffice; there is no need for further preparation.”
“Preparation?”
“I have prepared various materials to educate myself and others on Yorta’s customs, traditions, and protocols…”
As Oris spoke, he lightly flipped open a gypsum tablet brought by his subordinate officials.
Within the gypsum, there were countless inscriptions and records, each containing minuscule characters.
Renok, realizing that these were records engraving Yorta’s internal customs and procedures, retreated with a sense of annoyance.
“So, you intended to educate me. Well, I suppose I can entertain the idea, but where will I find the time?”
“No, it is nevertheless an essential task,” the young boy affirmed resolutely.
“To infiltrate the Ghostward Citadel, one must commit these procedures to memory.”
“The Ghostward Citadel?”
“No need for me to explain it in detail.”
Oris remarked, casting a fleeting glance at the Spectral Manifest.
“Would it be appropriate to confirm it as a gesture of courtesy?”
As he suggested, the High Inquisitor placed the scroll given by Renok onto the papyrus, and the inscriptions on the Manifest slowly emerged.
=Ghostward Citadel. Located in the northernmost region of Yorta, in the upper echelons of the Heaven’s Ear territory.
=It is a formidable stronghold under the jurisdiction of the Ghostward Yaoshin, defying the dominion of the Council of Harmony. The sole city defense facility within Yorta.
=The ancient sanctuary where the Portal of Eternity is situated.
“…”
Only now did Renok realize that Oris had mentioned the Ghostward Citadel.
The Ghostward Citadel, a city defense facility and the only domain free from the dominion of the Council of Harmony.
It referred to the ancient sanctuary where the Portal of Eternity, a gateway that must be traversed to reach the Abyss.
Unexpectedly caught in the cross-validation of the existence of the portal, Oris gestured toward the warship moored in the underwater garden.
“We do not have much time, so shall we continue with a detailed explanation on our way?”
* * *
“The Ghostward Yaoshin was never originally a resident of this city.”
Gooaaaah!!
The mystical cry of the ghostly shark reverberated through the depths of the river.
As the shark-propelled vessel glided beneath the river’s surface, Oris explained.
“If you have heard the name, you will understand that it was never a being originally classified as human.”
“According to the records, dragons are known to exist.”
“That is correct. The Ghostward Yaoshin is an ancient species of dragon known as Kundara. It is a true-blooded dragon of the Jin lineage, reborn as a ruler.”
“…”
Kundara, the concealed outer city.
A mysterious city where the ancient species sought refuge and fought to evade extinction.
The Ghostward Yaoshin, a reincarnated being of the Jin lineage, recognized as a ruler among the dragons, emerged from that place.
To a certain extent, one could compare the Ghostward Yaoshin to Clarisse Rishelen, who was Arist’s master among Renok’s acquaintances.
With a toothy grin, the young boy spoke in a somber tone.
“I don’t know if you’re aware, but ancient dragons lack souls.”
“…”
“As a result, the birth of ghostly dragons never occurs. All existing rulers are either of human or non-human origin.”
“So, why is the name Ghostward associated with the dragons?”
“That is due to the arcane practices mastered by the Ghostward dragons…”
Oris paused, engrossed in thought.
“Well, it would be better for you to see and judge for yourself. It’s a matter that could be influenced by my personal opinion.”
“What do you mean?”
“The arcane practices employed by the Ghostward dragons are heavily debated even within this city.”
Raising his gaze, the High Inquisitor uttered his words.
“Under the regulations existing within this citadel, the debates are even more fervent.”
Swoooosh!
At that moment, the ship explosively ascended, its form bouncing on the surface of the vast and serene water.
The expanse, beyond what one could fathom as a river, revealed the colossal citadel gleaming with a faint pearl hue at the edge of the horizon.
“The Ghostward Yaoshin maintains a strict isolation, distancing themselves from all. Even I rarely make contact, so my knowledge on the matter is limited.”
“…”
“It was only after being exiled that I discovered the existence of the concealed Portal of Eternity… Ultimately, the Council of Harmony concealed and harbored other secrets, unbeknownst to all.”
The High Inquisitor lamented, his hands clasped in contemplation.
“Now, I intend to engage with the Council of Harmony and negotiate. Thanks to your possession of the Spectral Manifest, I have acquired some spare time.”
“…Facing the Council of Harmony alone to buy time?”
The young boy chuckled, observing Renok’s reaction.
“Although I find myself expelled and in a position of surrender, I too am a part of the tower. I will not be easily vanquished.”
As Renok searched for the Portal of Eternity within the Ghostward Citadel, the High Inquisitor aimed to engage the Council of Harmony to buy time.
“That is because the Symphony Court concentrates all its capabilities, even within the Ghost Citadel, where its influence can be exerted.”
“Find the Abyssal Gate within the Citadel. Whether Yao Xin cooperates is up to your judgment.”
“You’re stating the obvious for far too long. From the beginning, I had such intentions.”
While retorting, Lenok stood on the deck and began to estimate the distance to the Citadel.
Despite Oris himself being unable to act directly, providing information about the Abyssal Gate was sufficient.
The peril of the Ascendant’s arrival, an ancient vessel within the Abyss.
Having confirmed its existence and assured of its value in knowledge, Lenok knew he had to act regardless of the circumstances.
This issue is not simply about one leader or one sect being involved.
Almost certainly, Etan Bajur would have confirmed the arrival’s existence from beyond the Abyss.
If that’s the case, the “Elixir of Resurrection” obtained by Etan would also be related to the power of the Ascendant’s remains.
“…”
All the peculiar secrets Lenok heard in Yorta are connected to the peril within the Abyss.
Undoubtedly, traces of the project left by Kaice Bajur would be the same.
Who Alcaid is and what qualifications they possess, there was no time for hesitation as Lenok could only speculate.
Splash!
As Lenok’s vessel descended into the river, the ghost ship rapidly diminished and disappeared into the folds of his robe.
The ethereal form of the young boy lying in the helm’s seat was forcibly bounced, plunging below the river.
“Damn it, couldn’t you have warned me in advance?!”
Grumbling, Lenok reached out his hand towards the river where Oris and the ghost shark vanished.
Crack!
The part of the water touched by his hand turned cold and froze, transforming into a thin board sliding over the river’s surface.
Lenok, manipulating it as a mage, immediately moved towards the waterfront where the Citadel was located.
Boom!
As waves crashed against the Citadel’s walls and the presence of guards became evident, Lenok slowly tilted his head.
Turning around the edge of the Citadel, Lenok muttered near the nearby pier.
“We must find a way to enter. The defenses seem more stringent than expected.”
[So you have no intention of infiltrating secretly.]
“To find the Abyssal Gate, cooperation from the Ghost Fangs may be necessary. There’s no need to violate Yao Xin’s rules from the very beginning.”
Lenok replied in this manner, flipping his robe and stepping through the crowd.
Given the circumstances of being pursued by the Symphony Court, maintaining such impressions would undoubtedly attract attention.
But if Lenok could anticipate that in advance, he could use such a situation to his advantage.
[Wouldn’t you find clues by examining the records in the Judgment Archive?]
“That’s what I intend to do, but investigating the Ghost Fangs’ true essence would take precedence.”
Lenok replied as such, casually stepping out of the crowd and shrugging his shoulders.
“Oris mentioned that the Ghost Fangs’ essence is related to the Citadel. If it’s significant enough to warrant personal judgment, there’s no doubt.”
[It seems the Arbiter had misjudged. Your unconventional perspective as a peculiar mage should not be underestimated, shouldn’t it?]
“Shall I only receive useless admonitions from a zealot lurking in the background?”
Lenok retorted as he glanced surreptitiously at the passersby.
“However… there seem to be many people wandering around the streets. It’s evidence that outsiders have been entering this area frequently.”
[…]
“Perhaps there’s an event or ritual near the Citadel where outsiders could participate—”
Whizz…
In that moment, something grazed Lenok’s senses and vanished, not just observing him but glaring at him as if to kill.
“…”
Intuiting Lenok’s chilling reaction, the divine maiden asked.
[…Sir?]
“No, it’s nothing.”
Lenok chuckled wryly and turned his body.
“I was just a bit surprised by their unusually quick arrival.”
Crack!
As his gaze followed, Lenok walked through the bustling streets and swiftly disappeared into a quiet alleyway.
Despite the bright daylight, the lack of people was unusual, likely an alley typically used for a night market.
Piled boxes toppled over, and various fruits cascaded beneath his feet.
Whoosh!
In the midst of the chilly gust, the view of the area behind the night market gradually became visible.
Dozens of ghostly figures surrounded Lenok in the heart of the night market, with their ethereal shapes glaring at him from various points in the street.
Clad in tattered and worn-out cloaks, they elongated scythes and sickles gripped by the army of spectral guards.
Only the faded insignia hanging from their shoulders indicated their organized movement.
“When did you expect to find me? Your reaction is overly swift.”
Lenok looked around at them and asked.
“Is the Symphony Court already moving to claim my life?”
“There aren’t many places for a guilt-ridden Yorta wanderer to escape.”
The pale-skinned man, previously hanging upside down, replied as he glanced at Lenok.
“If you’re still in this city, you must have headed to a place beyond the Symphony Court’s reach.”
“…”
“But to abandon numerous hideouts and sanctuaries, and specifically choose this Citadel…”
Has my intention to delve into the Abyssal Gate been exposed so quickly?
That’s what Lenok thought as he prepared to draw upon his magical power, grabbing the mage in both hands.
In that moment, however, something entirely unexpected burst forth from the specter’s mouth.
“It must be because you are the intended recipient of the Ghost Fangs’ vessel of divine manifestation, isn’t it?”
“… Vessel of divine manifestation?”
