The abyss... Arthur pondered the weight of Jason's words.
"So, can we keep growing and continue becoming stronger?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
Jason studied Arthur's expression, trying to gauge his thoughts despite his experience in this dark world.
"Of course you can," he replied. "But how? That's classified information we can't share easily. If you want to know, you might have to join one of the organizations or churches that hold that knowledge. Even if we knew, we couldn't offer that information freely; it's expensive and could change the course of the world."
Organizations and churches, Arthur reflected on Jason's words. "So, if I joined a church or an organization, I could access the information I want?" he clarified.
"Yes," Jason confirmed.
Arthur pressed on. "How do I join these churches and organizations?"
Jason considered his response. "For churches, you can't just join on a whim. You'll need to be selected as a disciple, undergoing education about the church's tenets and responsibilities. After completing your education, you'll be appointed as an official disciple and start carrying out tasks for the church. This disciple position is typically for those who haven't yet stepped into the world of mystics."
He continued, "Even someone who has already entered the mystic realm can join the churches, but they must undergo a background check and take an oath to uphold the church's order. After passing that, you wouldn't become a disciple but rather a private unit that operates under the church. These private units handle most tasks that endanger the world. Each church has its own private unit."
Jason paused, recalling something important. "By the way, there are six Orthodox churches, each with their own gods and domains. The one we belong to is the Church of Solar and Illumination. We are one of the private units assigned to this task," he explained, his tone earnest as if trying to convey the gravity of their mission.
Gods? Arthur thought, intrigued yet confused. He wasn't sure if Jason was referring to real gods like those in the novels he used to read or if these were gods born out of faith, as he had known in his previous life.
"As for organizations, there are many secret ones in the mystic world. Some are lunatics, like the ones who summoned that entity, while others are shrouded in mystery—we've only heard whispers of them. There are also smaller secret organizations, some of which collaborate with the churches. You can join them if you meet their criteria," Jason concluded with a sigh, indicating that this was all the information he possessed.
Arthur fell into deep thought, weighing his options in this mysterious world. "Why don't you join the Church of Solar and Illumination with us?" Jason asked, sensing Arthur's internal struggle.
Arthur raised his gaze and met Jason's eyes for a moment before responding. "Thank you for saving me from this death hole, but I would like to decline," he said, his expression apologetic yet firm.
There were many things Arthur wanted to know about this world and its mysteries, but he didn't want to be tied down to one place, doing work for others. He preferred to find his own way to acquire information rather than be bound by the churches.
A place that there is power and class can be dangerous, he thought, reaching his conclusion. For now, I want to be free to explore this world.
Jason sighed but then laughed softly. "Hahaha, I understand. Being tied down can be stifling. I hope we can meet again in this mystic world," he said, a hint of camaraderie in his voice.
"Now then, let's move out. I think the other units will arrive soon," Jason said, standing up and placing his high hat atop his head, ready to leave.
"Where is our destination?" Arthur asked, realizing he was unfamiliar with this world and needed guidance.
"Sidon. We're going to submit our report there, so let's move together. It's not far," Jason suggested.
Arthur felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of exploring the outside world. After feeling that he will be lost for so long at Isle, but he was ready to leave the isle just few days after his arrival.
"Okay..." he said, standing up alongside Jason, followed by Theo and Tito, who had remained silent during their conversation.
They stepped outside the inn and began their journey, walking further away from the street of the isle. Soon, they passed through the remnants of the isle and entered an abandoned area—Sidon, the city left desolate after the calamity that happened at Isle.
Arthur turned to glance back at the isle, now visible in the distance. It was a dead land, forever etched in memory as the place that raised the dead. After a few moments of reflection, he withdrew his gaze and continued to follow Jason and the others through the abandoned city.
---
Inside a small, dimly lit office illuminated by flickering golden candles, an elder clad in a dark robe embroidered with golden silk stood before a window. The back of his robe bore a large sun symbol. He clasped a sigil shaped like a sun in his hands, praying softly as the night breeze tousled his white hair.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
The sound of knocking interrupted the elder's prayers. He turned and called out, "It's open. You may enter."
The door creaked open, and a young man dressed in a similar dark robe, adorned with the sigil of the sun on a chain around his neck, stepped inside.
"Priest, Jason and the others have completed their task and are on their way here," the young man reported, bowing respectfully to the elder.
The priest regarded the young man, his voice soft yet resonant.
"Deacon Hazel," he called, his tone soothing.
"Yes, your holiness," Deacon Hazel replied, bowing again.
The priest remained silent for a moment before asking, "Do you think this is enough for me to regain my honor that I lost ten years ago?"