Fahab and Rowan agreed to visit the grand temple in their village. In their village, there were four different temples, each with its own traditions and purposes. They headed to the largest temple located in the center of the village. During the journey, Rowan could see the local residents working, from farming to trading. Rowan asked Fahab, "Why do we need to go to this grand temple?" Fahab replied while showing a thick book, "We will bring this to the High Priest there."
Then, Rowan asked again, "Who is the High Priest there?" Fahab answered, "The High Priest is someone who has achieved extraordinary knowledge and faith, above average. The High Priest in this temple is named Tariq, just call him the High Priest." Rowan nodded in understanding.
They eventually arrived at the grand temple, and Rowan was impressed by the patterns and colors used to carve the temple's pillars. Fahab invited him inside, where Rowan saw many people reading and learning various sciences and books there. The temple resembled a school, where everyone seemed to be studying. Then, the sound of a bell rang from the top of the temple, and the High Priest descended.
Everyone greeted the High Priest. While giving greetings, Rowan noticed the luxurious robe worn by the High Priest, with verses written in golden ink. However, Fahab stopped the High Priest, who was about to announce something, saying that something needed to be discussed. The High Priest seemed to understand and spoke privately with Fahab. Then, the High Priest addressed everyone that he would explain later, leaving everyone below wondering about what was happening. Fahab then decided to return home.
Rowan, surprised by this turn of events, asked Fahab why they had to go so far without getting any answers. Fahab scolded him and asked Rowan to be patient. Finally, Rowan agreed to go back.
They didn't walk back home but Fahab borrowed the horse carriage of High Priest Tariq, which was approved by Tariq himself. They returned home with the help of Jameel, an assistant to High Priest who had once been a student of Tariq and had undergone various challenges during his apprenticeship.
Upon arriving home, a disappointed Rowan went inside the house, while Fahab prepared a fire to cook food outside. While Fahab was outside, he saw a group dressed in black robes carrying a box, similar to what Rowan had seen before. Fahab was surprised and entered the house, leaving his belongings outside. Rowan, feeling frightened, asked Fahab what was happening. Fahab only told him to stay quiet.
Then, there was a knock on the door, and Fahab opened it, finding the High Priest coming to their house. The High Priest inquired about the book brought by Fahab. Fahab took it out and invited the High Priest to sit down. The High Priest asked Rowan if he was from outside the village. Rowan answered that he was indeed from outside. The High Priest then warned them not to reveal the village's secret to the outside world, as it would be dangerous if many visitors came, like entering a crocodile's mouth. Rowan asked why, and the High Priest opened the book provided by Fahab, showing pictures and a long narrative.
The High Priest sat before them and began to explain the history of their village. He opened the book brought by Fahab, and inside were strange pictures and a long verse explaining the history of the village of Afauz:
"In ancient times, two nations, Anhar and Afjad, were engaged in a bloody and brutal war. However, the true darkness lay within that war. Both nations relied on dark knowledge and black magic to gain the upper hand. In the midst of the barren desert located on the border of both nations, there was a secluded village named Afauz.
In that war, the village of Afauz became a victim of their inability to control the power of dark knowledge. The malevolence of the war seeped into the village, transforming its inhabitants into shadowy creatures thirsty for blood. Sorcerers from both nations attempted to manipulate this dark power to defeat their enemies. However, the power of dark knowledge gave birth to even stronger dark entities.
Bloodstained ghosts began to haunt the village of Afauz at night, terrorizing anyone who dared to approach. The remaining villagers of this village tried to sacrifice someone from their own community as an offering to the demon that controlled the place. The demon promised not to disturb the village's inhabitants if provided with sustenance like animals and even humans. Nevertheless, there were hungry demons that were not fed and attacked the villagers. So, they also learned mystical arts and how to ward off the dark forces."
After hearing this explanation, Rowan understood why their village had unique temples and traditions, and why they had to keep the village's secret from the outside world. This dark history had shaped the lives of the people of the village of Afauz and compelled them to seek ways to protect themselves from the dark forces that threatened them.
Finally, Rowan understood why there were many events and phenomena in this village that he had never seen before.