Do something productive.
It sounded pretty simple but Ars had no idea what he could do in his situation. If there was one thing he knew, and could rely on, then it was praying.
Sometimes, it helped to settle his mind and heart when he was in a hopeless situation like this.
After changing his clothes, he exited his house and was greeted by the beautiful landscape of the metropolis he lived in. His house was located on a hill, so the scenery was beautiful. He could see many colorful houses lining adjacent to each other.
In the distance, where Dark Union was located, beyond the wall that separated the area from Light Union, the houses looked pretty monochrome. But that was a charm itself for people who lived there.
'Ah, my future home. How bleak and scary.' Ars mused, and another sigh escaped his mouth.
As a half non-human person, he knew that he had to move to the Dark Union soon or the scary Border Guard would force him. Based on what he knew, he had 3 days before he needed to take care of documents and everything.
"Dad will definitely do something about them. Let's just go to some Temples and pray to some light Gods so I have a bit of luck in Dark Union."
Ars needed everything he could have by now. If the stories he heard about the Dark Union from the internet, such as the people there eating each other and death was an everyday thing, then even a prayer would help him.
"What a day to start a beautiful Spring."
The weather was nice, but Ars felt like some demon or spirit had played something on him. He just couldn't be happy about it.
Moving along the street and turning at a few intersections, he arrived at the Temple Sector.
Many large buildings that looked like they were from Greek mythology lined up. Many priests and nuns from each faction stood in front of the buildings, calling out to passersby to visit their temples.
If they weren't dressed like servants of Gods, people might have thought that they were sales people.
Still, many people stopped by after getting called. Some were swayed by the benefit the temples offered. Some fell at first sight with the nuns and priests. There were many reasons for people to stop by. But certainly not out of pure faith.
Only Ars had a pure faith in this sector. But…
"Go away! Only humans are allowed at Light God Temple!"
"I am sorry, but Lady Sun doesn't allow anyone with… extra horns enter her Holy Home."
"Lord Sky Blue Lightning has spoken. Unfortunately, you're not welcome in our Temple. He's hiding his lightning so you won't steal it."
"Please find another one. We have too many believers right now. It's a virtue to share a believer with another God."
"You're a human? Last time I remembered, humans have no horns. That was a second ago. Sorry, but please find another Temple."
No one allowed him inside.
"This is absurd."
Standing at the end of the Temple Sector while holding a can of cola, Ars sighed exasperatedly.
"Even when I told them they are accessories, the barrier around the Temple blocked my entry. Why would they refuse such a pure believer like me? Yesterday, I was able to enter the Temple without any problem and they gave me an extravagant meal to celebrate my 18th birthday!"
Just because of these horns! Though they were probably an inheritance from his unknown mother, who was apparently an Eldritch entity in Dark Union.
'It seems I won't be able to pray. Let's just do it alone… in my room.'
Letting out a sigh, Ars prepared to leave. At that time, someone called out from behind.
"Wait, oh young man. I saw you were trying to find a Temple. How about coming to ours?"
Ars stopped on his track and turned around. He saw a person standing in the entrance of an alleyway. He was covered in dark clothes, the hood covered his face. When Ars looked at him, he chuckled eerily and raised a scroll that was oozing an uncomfortable aura,
"This can help–"
"No, thank you. I believe in the Dark God."
"Hehehe, perfect. I followed Droggorax–"
"I only believe in my ancestors, my bad." Ars raised his head and went on his way. The man in front of him smelt like bad news.
"Hehehe, even better." The man lowered his hood and his face could be seen now.
Ars's jaw dropped when he saw the man's face. Because that man's face was familiar!
How could he not be familiar?
The suspicious man was his own father.
"Take this, son. This will solve all your unneeded worries." Miller smiled at Ars and put the scroll on his hand. "With this, you won't need to worry about residence and identities in Dark Union. This is a guarantee of your smooth high school life in a new place!"
"What is this?"
Ars calmed down considerably after knowing that the suspicious man was his father. Miller had always done something like this when Ars was down or worried.
Sometimes he was a bit too much. However, this man was the best father Ars could ask for. Although he was a bit strange. Yes, it had to be said twice.
For example…
"This is a school admission. I contacted your mother when you were walking around and she arranged your stay on that side. I will visit soon after getting my visa, but enjoy yourself until then!"
"Huh?"
"Your transportation will arrive soon. I heard the examiner will tear a space and time for you. A special treatment recommended by your mother."
"Wait, what do you mean?"
Ars couldn't really comprehend what his Father had said, just like usual. But this one was worse.
Just as he tried to understand it…
"Oh? They are here."
The space around them folded.
A crack appeared in the middle of the street and created an oval void rift. From that rift, wriggling tentacles came out. They shot at lightning speeds, grabbing Ars who was caught off guard.
"???"
His expression showed all of his bewilderment as he looked at his father.
In response, Miller only waved his hand with a smile.
"Say hello to your mother when you meet her. Good luck, my son. Have fun at your new high school!"
And then, he was dragged into the rift without being given a chance to resist.