“If I were to answer that question, my answer would only favor you, but you know yourself, and I know that no father wouldn’t do everything to make his child happy.”

“Don’t worry, if our paths ever cross, as a representative of the priesthood, I will talk to him for you.”

“Oh, thank you very much. If you only knew what it’s like to be a father, maybe you would feel the same way—the longing to see your child again.”

They had a short conversation until the topic turned to the recent Barbarian attack.

“That was the first time those Barbarian bandits touched your offering. Maybe they figured out how to attack the train.”

“Is that so?” Philip said. “That train is the most durable type of vehicle for transporting offerings, so it’s impossible that no one from the inside gave them information.”

“That’s right. Perhaps you need help from the country of Cypriox to prevent such a tragedy. Because they use explosives that, as far as I know, only Elanthro has the capability to supply.”

“Couldn’t they have bought weapons from Dreamithrio, since that’s where we trade goods? And since it has also become a business for the country of Dreamithrio, maybe that’s where they get their supply.”

“You have a point, King Philip… In fact, their confidence to cause trouble will increase,” Hyushen said. “As a representative, Cypriox wants you to find an immediate solution to this.”

“The only thing I see is that it will be difficult for us to find out who those Barbarians are. If we hunt down everyone living in Barbarian City, it’s like starting a war with that country. But don’t worry, I will send our people to other countries that we supply with explosive weapons; maybe we can get information from people who buy from Barbarian City.”

“We will cooperate in hunting down that group. It will be really hard to identify those people because they were all wearing masks at the time. The only way is to lure them into a trap. If Elanthro acts, Cypriox will also act.”

“I can count on your help.” Philip replied, pleased. “Have you heard that there’s going to be a war in Thallerion against Ossubuz?” Philip added.

“Since you’ve already mentioned it, I hope you won’t take it the wrong way if we provide some help, even in the form of additional weapons, to the country of Thallerion. That is to restore the Crux religion in their country.”

“I know that Cypriox is still trying to win back the favor of Thallerion, but don’t think that our treatment of them, especially Peronica, will be good.”

“The goal of Crux is to unite countries and people. If that’s still your belief and feeling, it’s like you’re saying Elanthro is no longer an angel of Crux.”

“You know, Hyushen, if you base it only on Cypriox’s diplomacy, that’s the characteristic you’ll see in us. But in terms of Elanthro… we were called warrior angels!”

“I understand you, but violence will pave the way for countries to fall apart.”

“Who are you kidding, Hyushen? All countries have a time of war. But let them do what they want. I won’t interfere with the decision of the three kings of Cypriox.”

“That’s good, because it would be a huge problem if you stopped Cypriox from what they want.”

“The king of Dreamithrio told me something.” He looked at Hyushen seriously and with a deep expression. “Orion will destroy all of us, according to the prophecy of their soothsayer. Thallerion now holds the power of war!”

“Why are you afraid?” Hyushen replied, unfazed. “Don’t you have faith in the power of Crux?”

“That’s what the king of Dreamithrio told me, that the chosen of Orion has come again… That’s why they have their current conflict with Ossubuz!”

“It’s Crux’s job to maintain peace and unity for everyone.”

“Really?” He smirked sarcastically. “Do you know that we lost the war before because Xerxez’s father interfered!” He answered passionately. “And what did Cypriox do?— nothing!”

“Cypriox allowed Thallerion to leave for your sake. You can’t say you were defeated, because only the chosen ones faced your war. Cypriox pleaded for Thallerion to fight the chosen of Peronica for the safety of many people. If the two beings return to the world, Crux will not let the same events of the past happen again.”

“What do you know about the history of Elanthro and Cypriox?” Philip said. “Don’t just rely on what the writers have made up.”

“If Aquila returns—the paths that Elanthro and Cypriox will take will change.”

“That won’t happen, because I am the next king in eastern Cypriox and you know who I am.”

“If you are the next King, you can count on my trust. You’re the only one I trust in Cypriox. If you succeed in becoming king that easily—you probably don’t know King Wendzar completely yet.”

“Yes. You are of the same blood. There’s no denying that. But when it comes to power, he won’t let himself be surpassed… He will use anyone to get what he wants.”

“When it comes to that topic, I’d rather stay silent. Because I don’t want to judge based on my own beliefs or the beliefs of others. Let me use my own way for that matter, because someone taught me that even if many people have different beliefs, when you personally interact with them, that’s where you’ll see the real answer.”

“Who is that person who seems to have a big influence on you?”

“Don’t worry, if I find him, I will bring him here and introduce him to you.”

Hyushen went back home looking like he had an answer to his hunch. But on his way home, he was writing something like his autobiography, which contained things he had discovered. He always wore a hood, not because Elanthro was cold, but to make it look like he was a traveling priest, even though he wasn’t a priest yet. He had high confidence that outsiders would think he was a real priest, which was to avoid attacks from evildoers, especially if he looked wealthy—it wouldn’t be surprising to be targeted by thieves. But instead of going down to Cypriox, he went to Barbarian City, known as an immoral society with a lot of violence and chaos. Everyone there, based on their speech, was full of evil. He also wore a face cover, and only his eyes were visible.

As soon as he stepped into the sandy city, he got goosebumps from the loud noise. The surroundings were messy, without order. But he noticed children playing and chasing each other. “How do children survive in a place like this?”

There were drunks on the side of the walls or wherever they were left by their drunkenness. He entered a building; he knew the building because he had studied the area of Barbarian City before he entered the place, but it was his first time entering it, so he wasn’t sure if he was safe inside.

“What is a traveling priest doing here!?” A man asked with annoyance. “Here, of all places?!!!”

“Are you here to preach to us!!?” Everyone laughed and the tension rose.

“Are you from Cypriox?” Hyushen could see that the people’s faces looked angry at him.

“No!!!” He answered quickly.

“Then are you from the Shadow?” Another person who was sitting calmly asked. Hyushen didn’t answer. But a woman came, and from what he could see, she was respected by the drunken people, and even the drunks sobered up in her presence.

“Come with me, traveler!” She had many earrings on her face, especially on her ears. And when she spoke, it was like a dagger pointed at you. “Get out of the way, you worthless people!!!”

“Benibeni, may I ask a question!”

“What a disgusting name to call me. Hey, just because you’re a traveling priest, I don’t go by that kind of name. Call me—Rita!”

“Pardon me—Rita.”

“Where are you planning to take me?”

“Stop asking so many questions, just follow me!” They passed through narrow and dark passages, and they had secret codes to say before they were let in. And when the last door, which was larger than the others, opened, a man was sitting on a fancy chair with long hair that was slightly curly down his back. He was sucking smoke from his cigar.

“Chief, here is the new guy in our area,” Rita said.

“Good!” He smirked and put down his cigar. “It’s a good thing you kept an eye on him.”

“Speak, traveler!” Rita said. But Hyushen remained silent, sensing the people around him first.

“Is he deaf? Mute?” The chief said.

“No!” Hyushen replied, not afraid to answer.

“Brave,” the chief praised. “If so, what’s your purpose here? Are you here to investigate the chaos that happened on the train?”

“I am a traveler, preaching the word of religion to people who have no faith!”

“Are you from Cypriox?”

“I have no home to call my own. I am a traveler.”

“If so, do you have your own religion?”

“If you don’t mind, let me preach, and it would be an honor for you to be the first one I preach to.”

“Are you kidding me?” The chief said. “Don’t you know who I am? I am Elek, known here as the demon of Barbarian City. And you want me to listen to you?”

“Haven’t you heard that many travelers have not returned because of their worthless teachings?” Rita said.

“The truth is, there’s no reason to teach people who don’t want to listen to a teaching. Why force it on people who don’t want it?”

“That’s what I like, you’re smart. You don’t need to waste time here with people who have no plan to listen. Because they are like broken records that no one listens to!!!”

“You’re right, what good is bread to a person who asks for wine? It’s like you’re mocking them—if you give them bread, when they’re asking for wine. I didn’t come here for a fight, so why would I contend with you?”

“You impressed me!”

“Rita, I want you to give him a room,” he ordered. “Someone who thinks and doesn’t act impulsively—I’m happy with people like that.”

“No problem, chief… There’s still a vacant room there. Let’s go, traveler!”

The truth is, Elek didn’t really trust anyone, especially newcomers, because there was no one trustworthy in their place. Hyushen was very careful with his answers, so he thought about every word he said first. The people there were foolish—if they found out he was from Cypriox and a wealthy person, it wouldn’t be surprising for opportunistic people to target him.

“It’s rare for someone like you to impress our chief!” Rita said. “Where are you from? I know that’s just your reason.”

“I’ve already said what I know and the reason for my visit, so there’s no reason for me to explain anything to you now.”

“A snobby traveler, you probably think you can escape the drunks outside. They don’t like a lot of talk!”

“I also have no plan to get hurt.”

“Then you just came here to live? Here, in this hell?” Rita kept pestering.

“It’s only temporary.”

“Good, because a priest like you doesn’t belong in our world. Unless you’re a member of the Shadow of Crux.”

“What do you mean?”

“Let me see your hand.” She took Hyushen’s hand and looked for a sign. “What are you doing?”

“I’m just making sure you’re not a member of that organization…”

“And what if I have one?”

“I wouldn’t hesitate to kill you.”

“What kind of anger is that? Tell me the reason?”

“Stay out of that!”

“Don’t be afraid of me. Remember, I am a traveling priest, so whatever grudge you have in your heart, I’m ready to listen to you.”

“Stop talking when the topic of the Shadow of Crux comes up here in our place, because we might not even realize there are eyes watching us now.”

“I understand.”

“Here’s the key to your room. It costs something, though. Ten silver.”

“Here. And thank you for bringing me here.”

“The Shadow has a secret lair. The news is that they gather there every full moon for a ceremony they perform,” Rita whispered. “If you want to find out, it’s up to you.” She left.

“This place is dangerous,” he whispered in his mind. He looked out the window and saw the dusty town of Barbarian City. Many say it is a town abandoned by the gods. But even with the condition of the place, a civilization with an autocratic government still existed. The powerful one is always the winner in their area and has a lot of influence.

There were vehicles with wheels and others made of iron.

Instead of resting for a bit, he chose to walk outside. To interact with people, the dust served as a precaution for him, so his clothing and face cover were not surprising.

As he walked, some people stared at him, but others acted as if he wasn’t new to their sight. He approached the children who were gathered and playing.

“How are you, kids?” They were dirty and their sweat was smelly.

“Get away from us, you old geezer.” When Hyushen heard the children’s attitude, it was really different from the youth in Cypriox.

The truth is, Hyushen was hoping to find the man he had a hunch about—the man who could answer his questions. When night came, he tried to walk around to gather information about the so-called Shadow of Crux. He believed that the influence of that organization was strong in this area. He also asked questions, but as Rita said, they didn’t act on impulse. But, he saw a group of men wearing black cloaks and hoods covering their heads. But when he got a little closer, they took a person out of a private building. The person was already dead and looked like he was just a teenager. And then they put him in a vehicle and left.

Hyushen had a hunch that the building was possibly the lair of the Shadow cult. If you compare that part to other parts of the area, you could say that it was the quietest and most peaceful.

Hyushen tried to approach the entrance secretly and peeked if there were guards. But he didn’t see anyone and wondered why there was no one inside, and there was no other way inside except for a triangle on the wall with an eye in the middle.

“This can only mean one thing, the Shadow has an operation here,” he said in his mind.

When he heard the noise of a vehicle, he immediately hid in a dark corner. As he expected, their vehicle stopped right in front of the entrance. He saw four hooded figures. Their movements were very formal, and one of them was holding a large book.

Hyushen discovered that the real entrance could only be opened using their necklaces, which were a triangle with an eye in the middle. And they would stick it on the carved eye on the wall. And the triangle would split to become their door. One of them stayed in front of the entrance when one came out.

“The brethren are coming, so prepare our companions inside for the ceremonial ritual for the Triangle,” the higher-ranking one said. “One of you guard here.”

Hyushen saw how they greeted each other. When the surroundings became quiet, he tricked one man by attacking and putting him to sleep. Afterward, he disguised himself as one of their men by wearing the man’s clothes. And because it had a hood, people there wouldn’t recognize him. While he was surveying the surroundings, the people they called the brethren suddenly arrived. He joined them in entering, going inside when he opened the entrance.

The place was deep and going down, and not very bright, but the human skulls on the walls were noticeable as if they were a design. There were many candles in that place. From a distance, a trumpet sounded. Hyushen saw a large Triangle in front of many people.

“Brethren, prepare yourselves for tonight, you will witness the revival of the magic of the Triangle. The eye of the Triangle will light up, and we will be filled with grace.”

“Prepare yourselves because someone revealed to me that tonight, the King of the Triangle will be appointed,” the man said. “Perhaps one of you will be chosen now.”

Hyushen just listened. He noticed that only young men and women were standing in front of the Triangle. While he was there, he silently prayed to the power of Crux to guide and protect him against the power of the triangle eye or Illuminacion.

When the ritual began, they said things that only they understood, a ritual prayer. But a strange event happened at that time. When the eye of the Triangle lit up, the eyes of those wearing the triangle pendant also lit up. It was a good thing that Hyushen took off the necklace, so he saw what was happening. Everyone there was being possessed by some kind of spirit and was speaking some kind of language. Hyushen felt intense fear at that moment because he could hear the whispers of the souls in his ears.

When the whispers to him fell silent, the people looked at him with glowing eyes, but they were not conscious at that moment; another personality had entered their bodies. For they felt Hyushen’s presence, which had a strong force from Crux.

“You!” Everyone shouted. “The Crux is here!!!!” The spirits screamed. They couldn’t get close or look.

“Get out, you demons!!” Hyushen shouted. He pulled out the cross.

And after a few moments, the people screamed in extreme fear, and one by one, they fell to the floor and lost consciousness. So, Hyushen decided to leave immediately before the people returned to normal thinking. But a being wrapped in darkness and smoke blocked his way. He couldn’t see the face, but he knew it was a man.

“I will destroy the Crux when the time comes!” the being said. And it suddenly vanished like smoke.

That was the first time Hyushen saw something supernatural in his entire life, and when he got home, he immediately left Barbarian City because he knew the Shadow cult would find out that he was the one who stopped the demons from spreading. It was already early morning, so he was able to escape away from the Barbarian area in a hurry.

He had a reflection about what he heard about Crux. And he knew that he was the one those demons were referring to. He brought evidence that the Shadow was rampant in hidden places. And because of his discovery, which he previously doubted, especially since he only relied on history books and the stories of the ancestors of Cypriox, he was determined to find out the whole truth behind the Shadow of Crux while he was looking for Eavur. He hid the evidence from his acquaintances for now because his knowledge was still lacking, and it was even harder to tell people because he couldn’t be sure who the members of the Shadow were.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep