Assaulting the high priest was undoubtedly one of the greatest crimes one could commit. It was big enough to send one to prison for at least half of their lives.
However, the step before one reaches that dark cell wasn't that easy. Lucifer was beaten to the point where every inch of his body was in agonizing pain. But, despite being in pain, he couldn't help but smile at how fast his life changed in a moment.
For once, he felt like going back to the forest from the civilized society that people were so proud of. But then he realized his adventures were just beginning. There was a lot more he needed to experience in his life.
The soldiers dragged him through the passage and threw him into a dark cell with just small ventilation for light to get through.
The whole place stank like urine, and all that was there in the room was a small pot of water. However, upon a closer look, he noticed an old man who smelled like wine in the darkest corner of the room.
"Ho-ho! How rare it is to see a lad as young as you here."
It was dark, so Lucifer couldn't see his face, but it was apparent that he was completely drunk.
Lucifer was tired to the point he could barely stand. He crawled up to the corner on the other side and leaned by the wall.
"They did the number on you, didn't they? And you are still a minor who hasn't even gained a system"—the man sighed—"how did this city become like this?"
Lucifer stayed quiet. He was under so much pain that he didn't see any point in wasting his breath in this old man.
"Hou Hou! It doesn't matter, I guess. In this city where nothing except the air is free, you get free food in the worst place imaginable."
Lucifer was feeling irritated, but at the same time, the old man's words brought a small smile to his face.
"You know what old man, you make more sense than my old geezer. He was hellbent on keeping me within his arm's reach."
The old man moved closer to the beam of light that was coming through the ventilation and showed his wrinkled face along with the newsboy cap that he was wearing.
"Hou! So, you are like one of those rebellious kids, trying to leave the nest their parents carefully crafted for them. Sounds foolish to me."
"Now, don't be like that old man. The world is big, you know. What's the point of wasting your life in a corner without even being able to see a fair share of it?"
"Oh, how good it is to be young."
For some reason, both started laughing. For the first time, Lucifer felt like someone finally understands him.
After the laugh, there was a moment of silence since both had nothing to talk about. After a while, Lucifer broke the silence.
"It's a bit late at this point, but I am Edward Lucifer. Who are you, old man?"
"I am god—I mean, the man who is going to be your godfather. You can call me Author, Micheal R. Author. I heard guards talk about how badly you messed up that high priest's face."
Lucifer looked at his hands. It was aching all over, but as far as he could tell, nothing was broken until this moment.
"Yeah, but because of that, I will be stuck here for the rest of my life."
"Nah, all you need to do is escape this prison and get out of this city. Once you reach another city, you can do a ceremony there and do whatever you wish with your life."
"Ha-ha-ha! But the question is, how? How will I be able to escape this cell, let alone this city?"
"It's simple, actually." The old man stood up and touched the wall behind him. "This stone wall you see is 12 inches thick. Behind this wall is the forest where a guy I paid this morning is waiting with three horses. Now tell me, can you break this wall?"
Lucifer stood up with the support from the wall. Obviously, he thought that the old man was joking.
"Stop kidding, old man. Are you mad or something? How do you expect me to break a wall just like that?"
"Well, it's your one chance for freedom. I am even willing to take you to the next city. Maybe just give it a shot or something."
"Alright."
Lucifer mustered all the energy he could in his body and kicked the wall. The wall looked concrete from inside, and he was certain that it wouldn't break. But as soon as his legs touched the wall, the whole wall broke into pieces.
It was only then that he realized, compared to how it appeared, the wall was weak.
The guards rushed in as soon as they heard the noise. But by the time they were able to open the lock and enter the cell, Lucifer and Michel had already escaped.
As the old man said, there were three horses waiting for them outside.
After handing over two of the horses to them, the man took the remaining horse and rode in a different direction.
The soldiers followed them for a while, but they stopped the pursuit once the two reached a significant distance. Though by that time, it was almost midnight.
"Kid, do you hear me?! Let's stop under that bridge."
"Why, old man? I thought we weren't going to stop until we reach the next city."
"Tch! You are making me wish I was 30 years younger… Anyway, just stop. I have arranged our supplies there. Let's pick that, rest up a bit and we will continue."
"Alright, alright. I can't have you dying before becoming my godfather after all."
The two stopped under the wooden bridge over a small river a little ahead.
After jumping down from the horse, the old man started scratching the sand. Lucifer helped the man and the two pulled out several wooden boxes that were buried in the sand.
Inside the boxes, there were food, alcohol, tents, and necessary materials to survive several days in the forest.