The view from the carriage window was breathtaking, just as it had been every other time William had traveled in it. The world below was a serene tapestry of snow-covered landscapes, winding rivers, and dense forests, all bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight. The quietness of the night added to the beauty, creating a sense of peace that felt almost surreal given the tension William was feeling.

He stared out the window, his mind racing even as he tried to appear calm. The moonlight illuminated the scenery, casting long shadows and highlighting the icy sparkle of the snow. It was a stark contrast to the dark, oppressive atmosphere of the mansion he had left behind.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Jonas said, breaking the silence. He was also looking out the window, his expression unreadable.

“Yes, it is,” William replied, his tone neutral. He didn’t want to engage in conversation, but he knew he had to. Staying silent would only make him seem suspicious.

Jonas leaned back in his seat, his gaze still fixed on the landscape below. “We’re going to meet a man named Father Malakai,” he said casually, as if discussing the weather. “He’s part of a… unique group. A cult, you could say. What do you think about joining it? If you’re truly committed, we might even consider removing that seal on your body.”

William’s heart skipped a beat. This was the last thing he had expected. Why would Jonas invite him, a slave, to join the cult? It didn’t make sense. William was just a tool to Jonas, someone bought to perform menial tasks and guard duties. Why would he offer him a place in something as significant as the cult of flesh?

‘Should I consider this, or is it a trap?’ William thought, his mind racing.

Joining the cult could provide an easier way to dismantle it from within. He would have direct access to their secrets, their plans, and their weaknesses. But at the same time, he couldn’t afford to lose focus. Kier had already gone to the forbidden zone, and William needed to get there as soon as possible. The secrets of the demons were at stake, and he couldn’t afford to waste time playing double agent in a cult.

He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “I don’t know… Let’s first meet this Father Malakai, and then we can discuss it further.”

Jonas smiled, seemingly satisfied with the answer. “Of course. I understand. It’s a big decision, after all.”

William nodded, his expression calm but his mind working furiously. He couldn’t afford to tip Jonas off, but he also couldn’t let himself be drawn into the cult’s web.

The journey to the city took the entire night, but given the speed of Jonas’s flying carriage, it felt remarkably fast. The enchanted vehicle glided smoothly through the air, its runes glowing faintly as it cut through the cold night. William couldn’t help but compare its speed to that of the dragon he and Victoria had commandeered. While the dragon was faster, the carriage was still impressive, a testament to Jonas’s wealth and influence.

By the time they arrived, the first light of dawn was breaking over the horizon. The city was already coming to life, its streets bustling with early risers and merchants setting up their stalls.

The guards at the city gates instantly recognized Jonas and greeted him with a level of respect reserved for the elite. They even assigned a special group of guards to oversee his carriage, ensuring its safety and maintenance.

William observed the scene quietly, noting how easily Jonas commanded attention and deference. It was no surprise—only the wealthiest and most influential individuals could afford a flying carriage like Jonas’s. The guards’ behavior only reinforced the nobleman’s status as a figure of importance.

As soon as they arrived, William seized the opportunity to reach out to Victoria through their mental connection. She had been hiding on a mountain nearby, close enough to monitor the city but far enough to avoid detection. The dragon was with her, its massive form concealed among the trees and rocks.

“The demon and the noble from the Black Pine family have arrived,” William communicated, his mental voice calm but urgent. “Let’s wait for the best opportunity to act.”

Victoria, unaware that the “demon” William referred to was actually his real body, responded with curiosity. “Really? How did they get here so fast?”

“A flying carriage,” William explained. “Jonas’s is nearly as fast as the dragon. They traveled through the night.”

Victoria was silent for a moment, processing the information. “Alright. We’ll stay hidden and wait for your signal. Just let us know when it’s time to move.”

Jonas led the way through the city’s bustling streets, his confident stride making it clear he was familiar with the area.

William followed closely, his eyes scanning the surroundings. The city was alive with activity, its streets lined with merchants hawking their wares and shops displaying an array of goods. The air was filled with the sounds of haggling, laughter, and the occasional clatter of carts rolling over cobblestones.

“This city is known for its trading,” Jonas explained as they walked, his tone casual but proud. “I come here often to buy and sell goods. It’s one of the best places on the continent for commerce.”

William didn’t need the explanation to understand. The sheer volume of people and the variety of goods on display spoke for themselves. From exotic spices and fabrics to intricate tools and weapons, the city was a hub of trade and opportunity. Despite the early hour, the energy was palpable.

As they moved deeper into the city, William decided to probe further. “And are we going to see this Father Malakai today?” he asked, keeping his tone neutral.

Jonas shook his head. “No, not today. Tomorrow. I hope you like him. It would mean a lot to me if you decided to join the cult.”

William’s curiosity—and suspicion—grew. He couldn’t understand why Jonas was so eager to include him in something as significant as the cult. “Why are you considering letting me join?” he asked carefully. “Aren’t I just a slave?”

Jonas paused, turning to look at William with an expression that was both thoughtful and calculating. “Well, not anymore,” he said. “I’ve seen your talents in combat, and I believe you have potential. More than that, I feel I can trust you. There’s no reason for me to keep you as a slave. But I do hope we can become… friends.”

The word hung in the air, loaded with implications. William studied Jonas’s face, trying to gauge his sincerity. Was this a genuine offer, or was it another layer of manipulation? Either way, William knew he had to tread carefully.

“I appreciate that,” William said, choosing his words with care. “But joining a cult is a big decision. I’d like to meet Father Malakai first and understand more about what it entails.”

Of course, William had no intention of joining the cult. His priority was to escape, find Kier, and uncover the secrets of the forbidden zone as quickly as possible. Every moment spent with Jonas was a moment wasted, but he had to play along until the right opportunity presented itself.

Their next stop was a tavern that looked more like a luxurious hotel than a place for casual dining. Its grand facade stood out even in the upscale part of the city, far removed from the chaotic trading center. The building was adorned with intricate carvings, polished marble columns, and large windows that reflected the morning sunlight. It was clear that only the wealthiest could afford to stay there.

“This is where we’ll be staying today,” Jonas said, gesturing to the imposing structure. “It’s nice, isn’t it?”

William nodded, his expression neutral. “Yes, it is.”

The area around the tavern was heavily guarded, with patrolling sentinels keeping a watchful eye for any intruders. When they spotted Jonas, however, their stern expressions softened into polite smiles. They didn’t stop him or ask questions—either they recognized him or simply assumed he was someone important based on his fine attire and confident demeanor.

Jonas approached the front desk, where a well-dressed woman greeted him with a warm smile. After a brief conversation, he secured a room for the two of them. It was a single room but spacious, with two separate beds—a common arrangement for wealthy travelers and their guards. The room itself was lavishly decorated, with plush carpets, ornate furniture, and a large window offering a view of the city.

Once inside, Jonas set his belongings down and stretched. “I’m going to take a shower,” he said, heading toward the bathroom. “You’re free to roam the city if you’d like. Just don’t wander too far.”

He tossed a small purse filled with coins to William, who caught it with a surprised expression. “Take this and buy something for yourself,” Jonas added. “But please, don’t lose it.”

William weighed the purse in his hand, feeling the jingle of coins inside. “Are you really giving me money?” he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and gratitude. “Well, thank you.”

Jonas waved a hand dismissively. “No problem. Just make sure you’re back here in a few hours. I’ll need you later.”

William nodded, slipping the purse into his pocket. As soon as Jonas disappeared into the bathroom, William seized the opportunity. He stepped out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him, and made his way out of the tavern. The moment he was outside, he reached out to Victoria through their mental connection.

“I think we have a chance to flee,” he said, his mental voice urgent but controlled. “Prepare yourself. The demon will be leaving the city soon.”

Victoria, who had been waiting on the mountain with the dragon, responded immediately. “Alright. I’ll try to get closer to the city with the dragon. Just give me the signal when it’s time.”

William took a deep breath, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety. This was it—the moment he had been waiting for. He just had to make sure everything went according to plan.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep