Chapter 1: I Have Arrived!

At the first light of dawn, a young man was seen walking hastily from a forest. Wearing khaki shorts and a plain blue shirt, Lain, looked slightly exhausted from his long and arduous journey. After walking for another mile through the forest that’s currently barely walkable due to the low amount of light coming from the morning sun, he finally exited the foreign and slightly creepy forest and entered an open field.

The first sight that greeted him was the sky-high gray walls that greeted him far in the distance. Filled with complicated markings that seem to glitter in the early morning darkness, it illuminated its surroundings, filled with grasses. The walls stretched as far as the eyes could see, from east to west. 

The next sight that greeted him were the random carriages and people who were lining up in front of the gates situated on that wall. Some carriages were at least 200 feet in length. While others were less than 40 feet long. Every carriage was unique in its own way, but with one exception. All these carriages levitated off the ground and were pulled by one or more tall, gaunt creatures of an unknown species. These creatures had four long legs that increased their heights to over 7 feet tall. Their entire bodies were also covered in hard, and black, insect-like carapaces that glistened in a light blue shine due to the lights coming from the walls in front of them. Each creature also had curled, steel-like tails that ended with hardened spikes at their tips.

The heads of these creatures were situated on their long and thick necks, and were elongated like those of a shark. Their mouths were covered in jagged teeth, like those of a ferocious predator. With holes for ears, these creatures were a ferocious sight to see in the early mornings of the wilderness. 

Seeing the carriages and people busily coming from far distances to queue up in front of the gates in a long line, Lain quickly made his way over as well.

By the time Lain arrived, he was already miles behind on the queue line. Feeling defeated, he sighed softly, and looked around one more time. As he was busily looking at the scenery of the forest behind him, and the short grasses around him that covered the area around the tall walls, he heard a voice. “Hey! What are you looking at?” 

Turning around, he saw a very young girl, the next in line, sitting on top of an unknown creature, waving at him. She looked about seven years of age, and wore a ponytail with black hair on her head. She was riding a red, ferocious looking giant bird-like creature. This creature, which was about 10 feet in height, was covered in bright red feathers. Its chicken-like head had two, 12 feet long, blue colored antennas growing from the side of its two noses. These antennas waved constantly in the air, and then sometimes curled themselves next to its nose, as if constantly sensing the air for something.

Chapter 2: Big Sister Emily!

Looking at the little girl that was sitting on top of the back of this giant bird-like creature, bewildered, he asked her, “Are you talking to me, little girl?”

Seeing him reply, the girl immediately beamed, and responded in a huff, “Yes! But I’m not a little girl! My name is Elena! Remember that!”

Hearing this, Lain responded with a smile, saying, “Got it. My name is Lain. How can I help you?”

Elena immediately responded with, “You don’t need to help me. I just wanted to talk to you!” as her large, red feathered bird moved slightly closer to Lain, staring at him with its large dark eyes that seem to see through his being, as if to measure him up and ascertain if he’s a dangerous threat that must be dealt with mercilessly.

Its long blue antennas even roamed around Lain’s body a few times, almost touching him, before withdrawing back onto its head. 

Lain, who was completely tensed throughout the experience, finally eased his mind after the antennas were withdrawn completely. He then smiled lightly and said to Elena, “So, what are you doing here? And where are your parents?”

Elena, sitting on the bird’s back, shifted comfortably as if to find a proper sitting position, before leaning forward slightly and replying with “I just came back from the forest behind us!”

Then, pointing at the bird, she continued, “Big sister Emily was hungry so we had come here in order for her to look for food for her to eat.” 

Lain, finally knowing the name of her bird, responded, “So your bird’s name is Emily? What does she eat?”

Hearing this, Elena chuckled and said, “Yes! Her name is Emily, and she’s a big bird! Big birds eat big monsters! My dad always took us out every time big sister Emily became hungry, but since my dad is sleeping, I decided to do it instead! Today, Emily caught a very big monster and ate it all!”

Lain, hearing the words “big monsters” felt slightly unsettled, and asked “Shouldn’t you have waited for your dad to wake up before you came out to eat big monsters? Those big monsters sound way too dangerous for a little girl like you to be around them. Be careful in the future.”

Elena immediately shook her head in a frown and said, “I’m not afraid of big monsters, because big sister Emily is very strong. I think the monsters are afraid of her. Besides, my dad has been sleeping for hours now, and me and big sister Emily were tired of waiting for him to wake up.”

Chapter 3: Sleeping? Missing?

‘Hours?’ Lain thought, as he felt that something was wrong with little Elena’s choice of words. He then quickly asked in doubt, “Was your dad also sleeping for hours yesterday as well? And also, did he ever wake up?”

Hearing his questions, Elena responded after thinking for a few seconds, “No! My dad has been sleeping for a very long time. He didn’t even wake up to make me breakfast yesterday or today. I had to eat the snacks that were in the storage thing at home.”

‘Something must be wrong with her father’ Lain thought, as he quickly pieced together the clues from her words and reasoned that her father must either be dead or in a coma of sorts. But he could be wrong. 

Thinking this, he asked her, “What about your mother? Is she also sleeping too?”  Elena quickly responded in an angry huff, after hearing his words, “No! My mom isn’t sleeping. My dad told me that my mother left us a long time ago! And that she was a very busy hero, so she’ll come back home after she was done being a busy hero.” as her right hand reached for the back of her head to twirl her ponytail while thinking deeply, in order to make sure she said everything that came to her mind clearly.

Seeing this and hearing her response, Lain further questioned, “Have you ever met your mother?” as he was starting to believe that Elena’s mother may have been missing throughout her life.

Thinking ‘Big brother Lain is asking so many questions!’ Elena responded, “No! I have never met my mom. But my dad said she was a very beautiful and powerful hero. He even told me that big sister Emily was her pet and she loved her dearly, so I should always take good care of big sister Emily until mom gets back.”
 

Feeling slightly depressed after hearing her words, Lain responded to her gently and said, “I hope your mother gets back very soon. I bet she’ll be proud of how you’re taking care of Emily right now.” As he started to believe, following the hidden clues in her words, that her mother may have passed away a long time ago, but her father hasn’t been able to tell the young girl the truth yet, due to her young age.

But knowing that her father was also in a predicament, made him even more unsettled, as he thought to himself, ‘It may have been weeks since her father started his sleeping spell. I can’t believe a child this young is left to raise herself.’

Not thinking much of her current predicament, Elena beamed and said to Lain, “Look behind you big brother!” as she and her bird both fixed their gaze behind him, with her eyes gleaming of worship, deep reverence and amazement. 

Chapter 4: A Heavenly Being!

Feeling depressed by her situation, he slowly turned around, only to also be amazed by who he saw. 

Walking towards them was an almost seven-foot tall priest. Garbed in a light blue priest robe with a resting hoodie situated behind his neck, he gave off a faint golden glow from his body. With a golden, glistening halo of light situated above his bald head, each step he took caused the grasses next to his bare feet to grow a few inches taller, as they bent closer to him, as if to feel the touch of a holy god, and bask in his divine presence. 

Upon closer look, Lain even saw that over a mile around him, all the grasses in the area bent slightly towards the priest’s direction, as if they were bowing down to his holy presence as well.

Looking at the perfect smile on the priest’s handsome face, even Lain felt refreshed and at ease, with a slight feeling of worship welling up from within him. The feeling of depression that had gripped his heart all morning melted away, the moment his sight fell on the holy priest that was coming towards them.

As the priest walked closer to the line, the more minute details of his presence began to come to light. Looking closer at the golden glow that shone off his body, you could see faint butterfly and moth-like etheric creatures, dancing gleefully around him, as their beautiful and colorful figures phased in and out of existence periodically. 

His face looked perfectly chiseled and masculine, like a sculpture created by a divine god of beauty. His eyes, which were closed as he walked, made you feel like he could see through all things, both physical and metaphysical.

Seeing the priest up close, can only leave you feeling a deep sense of worship and reverence for his etheric and divine existence.

Elena, upon seeing the god-like priest walk towards them, immediately started waving at him frantically, beckoning him over with a wide, happy and endearing smile plastered on her face, as if she was welcoming her long-lost brother, who she missed so dearly, even though Lain could easily tell that she likely may have never met such a figure before in her life. 

Even Emily, who previously looked to always be on high alert as if sensing the environment for all forms of danger, both hidden and in sight, became completely relaxed, as her sharp eyes seemed to close slightly, as she enjoyed the etheric and relaxing feeling of reverence emanating from the depths of her soul, as she gazed at the upcoming priest in the distance.

Upon walking close to Lain, and Elena, the priest laughed lightly as an angelic sound, like the most beautiful hymns sung by holy gods, escaped his mouth, “Good morning, my fellow brothers and sisters. My name is Hui Shi. How are you two doing this morning?”

Chapter 5: An Average Person

Elena, upon hearing his beautiful, and divine voice, replied in pure satisfaction and glee, “My name is Elena! And this is my big brother, Lain! You’re so beautiful! Are you really a priest?”

Hui Shi, the priest, replied with a smile on his face that radiated such a relaxing feeling that made Lain and Elena almost feel like bowing down to him in reverence. “Of course.”  He said. “I’ve been traveling for a while now, and decided to come back home to visit my parents here in this city, before I continue on with my journey of preaching the gospel of my god, Ensieth, and healing those who are in sick health with his holy grace.” he continued, as his voice bathed all of those who heard him in peaceful bliss.

“That’s awesome!” replied Elena, as she smiled and looked at his handsome facial features gleefully. 

Hearing Hui Shi’s words, Lain on the other hand had a head filled with thoughts about Elena’s sleeping father, so he asked Hui Shi in desperation. “Are you really a priest that’s capable of healing? I have an issue that I have that I hope you can help me resolve.”

Looking at Lain, who was a plain looking five-foot tall young man, wearing a plain blue shirt and some khaki shorts, as well as a curved sword strapped to his belt at the waist, Hui Shi could only see the energy of an average person, with no outstanding qualities, radiating from him.

But on a closer look, Hui Shi noticed a hidden edge to Lain that made him respect his existence. 

Hearing Lain’s question, he beamed and put his right arm in front of his chest in a show of solidarity and righteousness, as he responded “By the grace of god Ensieth, there is no ailment that I cannot cure. I am willing to help you resolve any issues that you may have!”

‘A righteous and holy man of this caliber will definitely be capable of helping Elena’s father heal from his current sleeping illness, if it’s not already too late.’ Lain thought, as he slowly said to Hui Shi, careful not to irritate him with his begging. “Elena here, has a father that’s been sleeping for more than a couple of days, and I believe something must be wrong with him. Is it possible for you to follow us to her home briefly in order to check out his illness? I believe something very wrong is occurring to him as of this moment.”

Listening to Lain, Hui Shi briefly stood quietly as he thought about his offer. Elena on the other hand beamed and said, “Are you two coming to my house? That’s awesome! I can’t wait to tell dad that I found two big brothers after he wakes up!” 

Chapter 6: First Realization

Looking at the beaming little Elena, Hui Shi slowly walks up to her, then rubs her head gently while saying “Sure! I can follow you guys to little sister Elena’s home.” The gentle rub from Hui Shi, made Elena relax, as she felt a radiating energy from Hui Shi’s hand that washed away all the fatigue and stress that had built up over the past few months that she’s spent frantically trying to take care of herself, and Emily, without her father’s help.

That gentle touch made Elena realize for the first time in her life that there were truly divine beings capable of healing those in need, as she looked at him with her small yearning eyes in worship.

Seeing Elena’s relaxed visage, Emily who was carefully watching Hui Shi’s hands, hoping he doesn’t do anything uncanny, relaxes as well, as she also basks in the radiating glow coming from Hui Shi’s body, blissfully. That soft golden glow also healed her weary heart and body that just finished an arduous day and night of hunting and trekking.

Even during the few minutes that they’ve interacted, the grass below the group’s feet had already grown from the previous height of barely reaching Lain’s ankles, to being knee-high in length, as they also basked in the holy glow radiating from Hui Shi, rubbing against his body gently, as if they were caressing a loved one.

Taking his hand off her head, Hui Shi states, “Since we’re pressed for time, it’s best if we go directly to the front of the line.” as he started making his way forward, slowly. Beckoning Elena, and Emily to follow him with his hand.

Hearing this, Lain asks in concern, as he also moves with the group, “Won’t the guards get angry at our blatant breaking of the rules?” 

To that question, Hui Shi laughs and balls up his fist while turning back to look at Lain with his closed eyes, as his once handsome and relaxing face took a dark twist that made him give off a presence that was more horrifying and dangerous than anything Lain had seen recently. He then said to Lain, with an evil grin on his face, “This city is my home. And here, I have quite the bit of reputation and fame that could help us get through those guards easily. And if that doesn’t work, I can always use my fists! ”

Seeing the evil visage on his face that made the gently swirling plants from before shiver in fear, Lain had no choice but to agree and continued moving forward.

But as soon as they walked a couple miles ahead of the line, they heard a loud buzzing that filled their ear drums, as if a large helicopter was about to land. Following the obnoxiously loud buzzing was also a nauseating stench that permeated the entire area.  

Chapter 7: The Stench…

The stench, that was worse than that of a decaying corpse, was so grotesque, that most of the people in line had no choice but to throw up and empty their bowels on the violently swaying grass below them. 

Many had no choice but to sit on the ground, as their stomachs felt an excruciating feeling of nausea. Even little Elena wasn’t spared. But due to the quick thinking of Hui Shi, who gently placed his right hand over her head again, soothing her aching stomach, she didn’t throw up like everyone else, as her aching stomach pains subsided.

Even Lain’s stomach acted up due to the smell. But due to his body’s unique constitution, he overcame that feeling of nausea easily.

Due to all the noise and disturbances, the carriage that was parked in line next to the walking group of four opened up, as a handsome man with blue flames for hair came out of the carriage. Looking towards the back of the line, his face with blue flames in replacement for where hairs should be on a normal man’s face, scrunched up in disgust, as flame sparks danced angrily around him.

Hui Shi and Lain also looked in that direction in worry, as they stood in front of Elena and Emily, as a form of protection from the violent winds.

In the direction that they looked, far in the distant horizon, you could see a creepy looking moth-like insect. Covered in eerily green and dark black fur, with a moth-like face so grotesque that it caused little Elena to dry heave immediately in deep fear, as the red feathers on Emily’s back raised in fear, panic, and defiance, it was so large that each of its four, dark green and translucent wings must’ve been at least a mile long. 

Sitting on that terrifying insect creature, with two large, dark eyes that looked like they were hiding creatures of the underworld within them, that were desperately trying to escape from within every second, was a tall man, with a hardened face, with sharp ugly facial features.

The man, dressed in a dark blue shirt, shoes, and pants, looked condescendingly at the approaching crowd in the distance, as its mount moved countless miles a second, and the radiating stench coming from the creepy moth-like insect below him, grew unbearably stronger.

After coming from the horizon and flying past the long line of people and carriages within a short span of a few seconds, the moth-like insect and man came down at the gates of the city noisily, as everyone stared at them in utter disgust.

Chapter 8: A Shrinking Monster

Swiftly jumping off his mount and onto the violently swaying grass on the ground beneath him, he steadily walked pass the two guards situated by the gates, without uttering a word of greeting, as if he was walking pass two worthless corpses. 

His companion, the large moth-like insect, strangely began to shrink in size, as its large and horrifyingly grotesque, two mile long body shrank in seconds to the size of a small mosquito. After shrinking to that tiny size, it quickly flew into the nose of the walking man in front, bypassing the guards that almost threw up at the smell coming from the tiny insect that seemed to bypass their armor and enter their noses. 

Even their unique full-body armors that were extremely durable, and covered in complicated glowing markings, designed to protect the guards from all external forces, started to creak, as tiny fissures and cracks started to form all over them, as if a creepy, violent and supernatural force was trying to break them in order to harvest the lives of the guards within them.

The guards quickly had to steady themselves, otherwise the overwhelming nausea coming from their bowels would’ve forced them to vomit inside the helmets of their armor, and fall to the ground in extreme anguish.

As the tiny insect borrowed into the nose of the ugly and evil looking, dark blue garbed man, crunching sounds echo out, as if the insect was digging violently within the insides of his nose.

The man quickly disappeared into the far reaches of the city beyond the gates, taking the nauseating stench with him, as everyone slowly started to calm down from the torturous experience that they had just been through. With many suffering from what could be considered permanent mental trauma, from the horrifying stench that entered their nostrils.

With the holy hand of Hui Shi situated on her head, used to calm down the deep terror that she felt within her after looking at the insect, Elena said carefully as her fear subsided “That was a scary looking bird! It can even shrink its body. I think it’s a monster…” With the nauseating stench from the insect still a fresh, nightmarish memory in her mind.

Seeing the terrified little girl, Lain said to her, while trying to comfort her, “That thing is not a bird, Elena. It’s a terrifying insect that can only be considered a monster.”

The dashing man, with blue flames for hair also added with a frown on his handsome face, “That thing definitely doesn’t exist within our kingdom. I wonder where this monstrous creature and that cruel looking man originated from.” As he looked into the distant gate where the horrifying man disappeared into, and the blue flame-like sparks that wildly danced around his body, slowly subsided.

Chapter 9: Mon Dupa

Looking at the handsome man before him, and the 20-foot-long, levitating carriage next to him that was colored in cyan, and was in the shape of a rectangle, with its sleek design, and the ferocious creature pulling the ropes connected to it, Lain couldn’t help but wonder to himself ‘Such a magnificent and wealthy looking man! Riding that carriage must save him a lot of effort when traveling. Even the creature pulling it looks extremely dangerous.’ 

Hui Shi, who seemed oblivious to Lain’s curious and jealous glances at the interesting looking carriage of the flame haired man, said to the man, “That creature can only be found within the lands of a different empire. Also brother, my name is Hui Shi, and these two are my brother and sister, Lain and Elena. Who might you be?”

Seeing the smile on Hui Shi’s extremely handsome and divine face, and the gentle golden glow that radiated off his body, the aching and irritating feeling of nausea and disgust, quickly washed away from the mind and body of the blue flame haired man, as he couldn’t help but smile as well in reverence of such a holy priest, as he replied with a light laugh, “Divine priest of Ensieth, my name is Mon Dupa. I feel blessed to have encountered you here today.” as his left hand reached his head and stroked his slightly messy blue flamed hair down, to make sure they’re resting neatly over his shoulders. 

Looking at the joyful Mon Dupa, and feeling the golden glow emanating from Hui Shi’s body, Elena’s mental trauma also disappeared completely, as she started noticing the weird features on his handsome face. His handsome face had a beard and mustache that were nothing but blue flames, as well as the long, and slick, hair on his head that reached down to his shoulders that were also blue flames. Upon seeing them, Elena couldn’t help but want to reach out and touch them in curiosity, as her young mind took in the visually stunning experience in great wonder.

Mon Dupa continued, oblivious to the young lady’s thoughts, “Do you happen to know what empire that may be? I’m truly curious about the origins of that man.”

Listening to his words, Lain also nodded in agreement and added, “Please let us know, brother Hui Shi. I’m also quite curious.”

“That man is a very dangerous man, from an evil family called the Fang Clan. This clan is a powerful clan that dwells deep within the Arkate Empire, which is a neighboring empire…” Starting to speak, Hui Shi couldn’t help but stop halfway through as the sounds of the aching people waiting in line reached his ears. 

It seems the countless people waiting in line were all heavily affected by the nauseating smell that emanated from the insect of the Fang clan villain. Many were still vomiting on the floor, in distress and pain, while the others standing still held their stomachs in extreme anguish.

Chapter 10: Manifestation of a God

Noticing this, Hui Shi couldn’t help but stop his words and look around, as the group also looked around in curiosity and empathy at the aching people that were lined up for miles. 

Feeling deep concern, Hui Shi couldn’t help but take immediate action, as he reached his right hand into the air.

The moment his right hand was raised, a holy feeling permeated the entire area, covering miles of land within half a millisecond. All the people waiting in line, including their mounts, started glowing in a divine golden light, as their injuries and mental traumas started to heal. Those on the ground quickly felt so uplifted and relaxed that they couldn’t help but smile in glee and satisfaction as they stood up and looked at the golden glow that emanated from their bodies in shock and awe.

Most even saw small beautiful, fairy-like butterflies flying around them in the most mystical and graceful ways, causing many children to happily chase these mystical creatures around. Even Elena, couldn’t help but desire to get off her mount in order to chase these graceful sprites around in glee, as their mesmerizing dance entranced her mind. 

The entire scene felt like a great god of nature was manifesting his great presence into the world, as even the old injuries of the people gotten by them in the distant past, healed within a span of seconds.

The grasses that were around the people in line, also danced in glee as they waved around in peaceful bliss. The mounts and various creatures accompanying the people also gave out happy sounds from their mouths, as they joyfully enjoyed the healing experience. 

Lain, Emily, and Mon Dupa, couldn’t help but enjoy the peaceful glow that originated from their bodies, as all the stresses of life from their past till now that have been wearing on their poor souls, slowly melted away in seconds.

But in just seconds, the blissful experience came, and also in seconds the experience left them as well. With Hui Shi’s hand coming back down, as he prayed in a quiet, low voice that everyone in the area could mysteriously hear, “Praise be to my father, Ensieth. May your blessings never be forgotten.”

Feeling the blissful experience disappear, everyone couldn’t help but look around, hoping to find the cause of it. But due to the length of the line being multiple miles long, they could only give up searching for answers after a few minutes of searching with their eyes, as they started gossiping hectically amongst themselves in glee and wonder.

Elena knowing what just happened couldn’t help but shout in reverence, “You’re so awesome, big brother! Can I become a priest too!?” As she looked at Hui Shi with hope filled eyes.

Chapter 11: An Instrument

Seeing the look in her eyes, Hui Shi couldn’t bear to turn her down due to her young age, so he said, “Sure, little sister. Once you grow up, I’ll take you to our church and help you become a priest, just like me.”

As soon as his voice died down, the few people in line that noticed his priest attire, after hearing Elena’s shout, quickly realized that he was likely the cause of the great phenomenon, and couldn’t help but come forward to tell him thanks for his miraculous help. 

 A slightly short, 4 foot tall man within the group, surrounded by bodyguards also said to Hui Shi, and his group, after a couple minutes of heartfelt praises, “For helping us so gracefully, I wish to invite you to my pet shop. If you’re ever in need of a pet or mount, please feel free to come to us. By the way, my name is Drunter Dwarg, of the Dwargian Pet Foundation.” He then handed white cards covered in dark blue rune markings to Hui Shi, and his group, before walking away with his bodyguards.

Looking at the card in his hand, then turning to the group of people, Hui Shi quickly said to them with a smile, in a voice so holy, gentle, and memorable that everyone couldn’t help but quieten down and listen to him patiently. “You’re welcome, my fellow brothers and sisters. I thank you greatly for showing your appreciation, but me and my brothers and sisters here have an important matter that we have to attend to immediately, so please have a great rest of your day. May god Ensieth bless your souls with prosperity!”

Hearing this, the group of people, including Mon Dupa, quickly dispersed in great happiness, as Hui Shi, Lain, Elena, and Emily quietly continued on their walk towards the gates that would require a few more hours to arrive.

While walking, Lain couldn’t help but ask, “So, how does this card work? There’s nothing but complicated lines on it?” as he looked at the card in his hand in curiosity. 

Elena also looked at the card in her right hand, before trying to bite it, to see if it’ll either break or tear. Seeing this, Hui Shi couldn’t help but laugh gracefully, as he warned, “That card is very durable. Biting it will only hurt your teeth, little sister.” Hearing this, Elena couldn’t help but pause her actions in defeat, as she held the card in hand.

Hui Shi then continued as he looked at Lain with his closed eyes as they walked, “That card is a simple Instrument. If pressed gently in the middle, it will open up a holographic map, with a red dot that points to a certain location. That location is likely the pet shop mentioned by the brother who calls himself Drunter Dwarg.”

Chapter 12: What is an Instrument?

After hearing his words, Elena immediately pressed down at the center of the card, as a large holographic screen appeared in front of her, with a red dot in the middle of it. She and Lain were immediately marveled at such a wonderful object. As Lain drew closer to Elena in order to see the card’s screen better, Emily also leaned in as well, as she turned her head to face her back where Elena was sitting, for a closer look at the screen in curiosity and bewilderment.

Looking at the complicated map screen, curiosity overwhelmed Elena, as she couldn’t help but reach towards the red dot on the holographic map, that was a few inches in front of her body. As soon as she touched the red dot, both her, Emily and Lain, immediately saw a complicated red line start to form, that shot directly from the red dot towards a distant region on the map, as the map seemed to zoom outwards. 

After a couple seconds, the long line that zigzagged through the map, went through a long wall on the map, and seemed to stop at their current location, connecting their current location to the red dot that was previously at the center of the map.

Seeing this, Lain was bewildered as he thought to himself ‘It seems, if we follow that line, it’ll lead us to the pet shop. What an interesting instrument.’ 

 Thinking these thoughts, he was curious to what an instrument truly was. But before he could ask Hui Shi a question, Elena had already pressed down at the middle of the card again in excitement as she blurted out to Hui Shi, while the holographic screen silently disappeared after her actions, “What is an Instrument?” 

Seeing the holographic screen disappear, she couldn’t even wait for Hui Shi to answer, as curiosity quickly overwhelmed her mind, as she pressed down on the card one more time, as the holographic screen appeared in front of her again. Seeing this, she was hopelessly entranced by the mechanics of the device and continued to press down on the card over and over again, while the holographic screen blinked in and out of existence, as Hui Shi decided to slowly answer her question anyway.

He then turned to Lain, as it seemed he was just as curious as her in finding the answer to her question, before saying in a dignified, and holy voice “An instrument is a magical device that’s created using the blood of powerful creatures. Using a creature's magical blood, individuals called rune crafters draw complicated lines on objects, using special techniques that enhance or alter the magical properties of the blood, in order to create one or more effects. These objects that have been carved on with blood are called instruments, while the complicated markings made out of blood that are carved on them are called runes.”

Chapter 13: A Look Around

Hearing his words, Elena felt defeated, as she had only heard a couple words, due to her being too preoccupied with playing with the holographic screen in her hand.  Another reason for her feeling of defeat was due to the fact that what Hui Shi said was also a bit too complicated for her young mind, and she couldn’t fully understand the concepts that he uttered from his mouth, so she could only accept her defeat, and continue playing with the holographic screen in her hand, while the group continued on with their journey.

Feeling enlightened, Lain on the other hand quickly thanked Hui Shi for his explanation, as he thought ‘There are so many interesting things in this world. First was the evil man with his creepy insect, now there’s such a thing as runes and instruments. It seems I still have much to learn on this journey of mine.’ 

The group then continued on their journey in peace, hoping to get to the gate before the day was over.

After hours of trekking, the group finally arrived at the front gates, just when the two glowing suns in the sky, one green, and the other golden, disappeared into the horizon and the evening sky filled with stars welcomed them with open arms.

The group, feeling tired, were met by the two guards that were dressed head to toe in armor with complicated light blue, glowing rune lines carved all over them.

Having arrived, Lain couldn’t help but look around him once more at the outskirts of the city, before they went inside the gates. The moment he looked, he was greeted by the most peaceful sight that he’s ever seen in a while. The night, filled with stars of various sizes, was truly wondrous to see. Then there were the green grasses that were covered in a hint of evening dew, that at some point in time had grown long green stalks with beautiful pink and blue flowers situated at the top end of them. Giving Lain the feeling of standing within a wondrous river of pink and blue. 

The fresh breeze blowing in the night sky permeated a slightly sweet smell into the air that seemed to erase all feelings of hunger and tiredness from Lain’s body, as colorful butterflies and incandescent insects of various colors danced around in the air, while going from flower to flower. 

The opened gates, upon closer look, were magnificent to behold. Countless miles in height, and over 20 miles in length, Lain could only gawk at the intricacies of its design. Drawn on the gates were complicated runes in the shape of majestic creatures that he had never seen before in his entire life. There were creatures with lithe figures, looking like they were prancing majestically through a mystical forest, bringing delight and joy to those who chanced upon them, as well and large, ferocious and monstrous figures that looked like they could devour the world, and destroy the heavens. 

Chapter 14: Majestic Beauty

They were all drawn in such a life-like way, using the same glowing light blue runes that painted the walls in incandescent light, that Lain could feel their presence emanating from the wall. The majestic and mystical presence of the creatures drawn on the gates all seemed to want to escape the confines of the gates, and bath the world in terror and destruction, as well as delight and joy. 

Entranced by the beauty of the scenery, Lain, could only gawk at its splendor. Even Elena and Emily, who’ve experienced these scenes before countless times, couldn’t help but smile in relaxation as they also looked around them in bliss, marveling at the beauty of life.

Hui Shi, who was too busy with certain thoughts that plagued his mind throughout their journey here, was the only one who wasn’t entranced by the view, as he walked up to the guards aggressively.

The two guards were just about to start asking questions, when Hui Shi, immediately approached one of them and shoved him back violently. Saying to them with an angelic but angered voice, “Why did your men allow such a young child to wander outside the city? Isn’t it a crime to let an innocent child go to dangerous places unsupervised!?”

Steadying himself on the ground, the guard that was pushed was immediately driven into anger, but as soon as Hui Shi’s angelic voice reached his ears, his anger seemed to wash away from him, as he couldn’t help but gazed at the charming, and handsome man with a golden halo in front of him. The resplendent golden light, that was emanating from his body, could only fill the guard with endless warmth and deep comfort.

Being too tongue-tied by the beauty of the priest before him, the guard could only try to get up slowly. The other guard, seeing the altercation, couldn’t help but also be entranced by Hui Shi’s voice and presence, with the desire to exact revenge on Hui Shi, and help his fellow guard, completely washing away from his heart by the second. 

He determined instead, to just answer the question that was asked by the holy priest before him, as his heart couldn’t bare to hurt such a divine being. But before he could answer Hui Shi’s question on his friend’s behalf, a light blue screen appeared in front of him.

On the screen was the image of Hui Shi, that came with a blaring warning, that reverberated within the helmets of both guards, “This criminal is on the premises! Please arrest him immediately! I repeat! Arrest this criminal immediately!”

Chapter 15: An Honest Mistake

Hearing the warning, the two guards were in utter shock and awe, as they gazed at the holy priest in front of them, whose anger was still visible on his face. But weirdly, instead of trying to arrest Hui Shi, the previously shoved guard that at some point in time, finally righted himself and stood up from the ground, and in wonder and awe said cautiously to Hui Shi, “My humble priest of Ensieth. Are you truly Hui Shi, from the Holy Myan District?” 

Seeing the angered state that Hui Shi was in, and the wanted poster on the holographic screen, and lastly the words uttered by the guard, Lain could only come forward, as he placed his right hand on Hui Shi’s shoulder, while saying “Brother Hui Shi, there’s no need for such aggressiveness. I believe they may have a reasonable excuse why they would allow young Elena to wander about outside the city gates.” Then he also looked at the guards questioningly.

Elena, hearing her name, finally realized that the current conflict was her fault, so she shrank her neck due to shame and hid behind the large neck of Emily. Hoping Hui Shi and Lain wouldn’t notice her.

Seeing Elena’s overreaction to the situation and hearing Lain’s words, Hui Shi could only calm down his righteous anger, before replying to the guard’s question. “Of course, my brother. I am Hui Shi. Now, can you kindly answer my question? I’m truly curious to know your reasoning behind allowing a child to leave the city’s gates unsupervised.”

He then pointed to the hidden Elena, in grief and indignation, hoping the city’s law enforcement agency hasn’t degraded to such an unjust level within the span of the few years that he’s been away from home.

Hearing his question, the shoved guard could only answer him truthfully. “I’m sorry, but we guards are incapable of stopping a young noble lady from either entering or exiting any cities within the empire of Gilagesh.”  As the other guard calmly went towards Emily and Elena, before reaching out his hand toward the guilt ridden Elena. Seeing the out stretched hand of the guard, with practiced experience, Elena easily pulled off a small ring that she had worn on the pinky finger of her left hand, and handed it to the guard.

Seeing this action, Lain, could only become curious. But before he could ask his growing list of questions, the guard with the ring continued off where the other guard stopped, by saying, “Due to the fact that we had to allow her to do as she wished, all law enforcements by law have to provide a protection ring to all young nobles that ventured outside any city, until they’ve become of age. Making sure the ring is on their person, at all times.”

Hui Shi then wondered to himself for a few seconds as he gazed at the ring. Watching the ring, Lain couldn’t help but ask, “What are the functions of that ring? How does it guarantee their safety?”

Chapter 16: Lady Annette Duet

The previously shoved guard, lightly chuckled once he heard Lain’s questions, as he tapped on his helmet, and a 360 view of their current surroundings appeared in holographic form. Inside the hologram, all people within a circumference of five miles were shown, with the ring at the center of the circumference. Showing this, the shoved guard then started speaking, “This ring is an instrument that allows us to have a 360 view of its current surroundings, regardless of its distance from any nearby cities. It also gives us the ability to teleport to its location in less than a second with just a simple thought, in case any noble’s life is at risk.”

Soon after, the guard with the ring, quickly snapped his fingers, as the ring in his hand disappeared magically, before continuing where his fellow guard left off, “The ring has always been given to her, to ensure her protection, since she started leaving the city months ago. It is usually monitored, like all rings, by a team of specialist within the city, that are always ready to come to her rescue at a moment’s notice.”

Hearing his words, and seeing the vanishing 360 view hologram, Lain, and Hui Shi, couldn’t help but relax again, as it seemed their assumptions were wrong. Quickly apologizing, Hui Shi said, “I’m sorry, my brothers. Please forgive my previous actions.” as he bowed humbly to the guards, in relief, and humility.

Seeing the extremely divine being bow down to them so humbly, the guards couldn’t find it in their hearts to hold a grudge against him, and one of them quickly said to Hui Shi in endearment “You're fine, my priest. It’s your duty to protect and look after the wellbeing of all children, in place of our divine god, Ensieth.”

At this point in time, a woman, who seemed to be the next in line at the gates, walked up, as she greeted Hui Shi, with a sense of curiosity. “Our dearest priest of Ensieth. I may be mistaken, but it would seem that you were the one who rescued us from the ailment we suffered a few hours earlier. If so, please accept my graceful thanks. My name is Annette Duet, and I’m a hero of this city, that’s just returning from my arduous journey elsewhere.”

Hearing her words, Lain couldn’t help but think ‘What’s a hero?’ but he kept his thoughts to himself, as he gazed at the approaching young woman who looked to be around the age of 20. She was dressed in a red shirt, and a blue floral skirt. Her shoes were also blue in color, as they glowed slightly in the evening night due to the entirety of them being covered in light blue rune markings. 

Her body exuded the look of bravery, as her sharp eyes, and slightly beautiful face made her look charming and brave. The parts of her body that could be seen, were all covered in strong layers of muscles, as though she’s been a battle hardened warrior her entire life.

Chapter 17: A Couple Questions!

Looking at the heroic lady who walked up to him, Hui Shi couldn’t help but say in admiration, “It’s nothing, my sister Annette. It’s the duty of us priests to help everyone in need.” as he bowed slightly to her. 

With his handsome and calming aura bathing her in peaceful bliss, Annette couldn’t help but smile at such a divine and charming priest, as she said, “If you’re in a hurry, you’re free to take my place in line. Being graced by your presence is truly a great fortune to everyone here.”

She then stepped back, and walked towards her small black carriage that was pulled by two ferocious looking hard carapace beasts, that were similar to the ones seen by Lain earlier during the day.

After the woman stepped back, Lain couldn't help but marvel again at the beauty of these carriages, and the monstrous beasts that pulled each and every one of them. After thanking her, he then turned back, towards the gates, as the bored Emily and Elena began walking forward.

The bored Elena couldn’t help but urge Emily forward, as she was starting to get tired, as the peaceful night sky made her very drowsy. The guards at the entrance could only allow them to pass by.

Seeing Elena, and Emily start walking through the opened gates, Lain, and Hui Shi could only move forward in order to catch up. But as Lain was walking forward, he was stopped by the guards, one of them then said in a serious tone. “We must ask you a couple of questions before you can enter Yearning Peace City, as a newcomer. You must also have a license to carry a weapon in this city, unless you're a hero.”  As he pointed to the curved, green, bamboo blade that was harnessed at Lain’s waist.

Hearing this, Elena, Emily, and Hui Shi could only stop and turn around, in guilt, as they had forgotten about Lain, who had never visited the city before. 

Hui Shi could only walk back towards the guards slowly, as the previous guard continued, while the slightly tired Lain listened carefully. “What’s your name, and location of birth? And lastly, what’s the reason for your entry into this city?”

Lain listening to this, could only answer the guard’s question, as a holographic application screen appeared in front of the guard magically. “My name is Lain. I was born in Yearning Sweet Town. Lastly, I’m here to enjoy the beauty of the city. I was told this city had wondrous places that could enhance my view of life.”

Chapter 18: Arrest Him Immediately!

Hearing his words, the holographic application screen in front of the guard automatically filled up with words that were written in a foreign language, as a picture of Lain miraculously appeared in the upper left section of the application. The guard then said to Lain, “That’s all we’ll need from you. As for your weapon…” Before he could continue, Hui Shi couldn’t help but butt in and say gently, “Please brother, my brother Lain here is tired. Can you allow him in on my behalf?” as he placed his hand on the shoulder of the guard, with a slight aggression to his body language.

Seeing the slightly aggressive Hui Shi, the guard could only acquiesce to his demands, due to his feeling of reverence for the holy man. He then turned to Lain and said, “You are free to enter the city, but you have 30 days to find a place to store your weapon, or get the required license to carry it within the city.” before walking to the side to allow him to leave, as the light blue application screen in front of him disappeared before his eyes.

The group then carried on walking through the large opening of the gates that were opened towards the outskirts of the city and rested against the outer walls. Looking at the back of the receding group, holographic screens soon popped up in front of the guards again, as a picture of Hui Shi appeared on them, accompanied by blaring warnings echoing within their helmets. “This criminal is on the premises! Arrest him immediately! I repeat! Arrest him immediately!” 

The guards could only ignore the warnings as they continued staring at the back of the walking group, before turning around to greet the next person in line, Annette Duet.

After walking for a few minutes, Annette Duet quickly caught up to them while walking alongside her carriage, as she greeted “Hello there! I hope you don’t mind if I tag along with you guys, do you?”

Hui Shi quickly replied with a dashing smile, “Sure, sister Annette. We have a long journey ahead of us. You may call me Hui Shi. These two before me are brother Lain, and little sister Elena. Emily is the beautiful Griffith that little sister Elena is sitting on.” as he introduced the group to her.

While Hui Shi spoke, Lain could only look at Annette while thinking thoughts about the carriage that was being pulled beside her, as she held onto the reins that controlled the two monsters pulling it. 

After Hui Shi finished speaking, he couldn’t help but add, “Please accompany us. I have a few questions to ask you if you don’t mind me bothering you with them.”

Chapter 19: Masculine Energy

The drowsy Elena, looking at the smiling Annette, could only see a human shaped creature with ripped muscles, exuding the strongest masculine energy she’s ever seen in her entire life. Annette’s slightly beautiful face could only look plain and ordinary in the eyes of the little girl, as she replied to her in a slightly groggy tone, “Please join us big brother Annette.” before lying forward weakly on Emily’s back in tiredness.

Hearing her words, Hui Shi could only correct her awkwardly, “Little sister, sister Annette is a young lady just like you.” Annette couldn’t help but blush in shame, so she looked down at the ground as she walked and replied as well. “Yes, little sister, I’m a young lady just like you.”

She then looked up, after uttering her shame-filled words, only to notice the almost sleeping Elena nod at her, before falling asleep on the red feathered back of Emily. Feeling a bit of empathy, she couldn’t help but ask, “Hey little sister, why don’t sleep inside my carriage. The ride is much smoother, and you won’t be woken up by our conversations.”

Hui Shi, and Lain, hearing her words, could only find it reasonable. But Emily on the other hand became a bit more alert as her antennae went wild, and went towards Annette's body, before roaming around her frantically for a few seconds, then withdrawing.

After seeing Emily’s antenna probing, Hui Shi couldn’t help but say to Emily. “It’s not a bad idea. It’ll definitely help her sleep better.” Annette quickly added as well, “If you don’t feel secure, you can check the inside of the carriage yourself. I’m a lady of my words.” as she walked towards the door that was situated on the side of the black colored, square shaped, small carriage that was engraved with many light blue runes in the shape of little snakes, and opened it. 

Walking up to the opened door, Emily swiftly used her antennas to roam the insides of the carriage before sticking her head in. After looking into the carriage for a few seconds, she quickly removed her head. She then sat down, and looked at Annette, as if telling her to carry the sleeping Elena into the carriage. 

Hui Shi, and Lain, seeing this could only become curious as well, as they also went over to the narrow door opening, to look inside it, in order to make sure it’s safe as well. As the two were looking within the carriage, Annette quickly went around them towards Emily, as she began to pick the sleeping Elena up.

Looking inside the carriage, Hui Shi, and Lain felt like they entered another world. The inside of the carriage was surrounded by pink walls, with extremely tiny, light pink runes engraved all over them, also in the shape of various serpents of different sizes. The space inside of it was weirdly larger than the side of the small little carriage. It felt like they were looking into a large 3-bedroom house. But unlike a normal house, the furniture inside were all made of granite like stones. 

Chapter 20: A Small Carriage

The two of them looked directly into the living area of the carriage, that the outside carriage door led to and saw a light pink colored stone table situated at its center, surrounded by a large, four sectional sofa, that was also made out of the same light pink colored granite-like stone material.

On the left and right side of the large living room were open entryways with light pink holographic screens covering them that lead to two other rooms. The light pink screens that covered the entryway from top to bottom were see-through, allowing Hui Shi, and Lain to see the two rooms within, one of which appeared to be a kitchen of sorts from the small glimpse that the two could see from their current location. But before they could accurately tell what type of room it was, Annette’s slightly masculine but gentle voice rang out from behind them, “Please brother Hui Shi, and brother Lain, I have to bring little Elena inside now.” 

Hearing her words, the two could only give up and walk away from the mysterious, levitating carriage, to allow Annette through the door. 

While standing by the side of the carriage, waiting for Annette, Lain couldn’t help but marvel at the technology that powered the small carriage. Not only was its levitation technology very interesting, the inside also had a magical space enlargement effect, that made it much larger on the inside than it appeared on the outside.

Hui Shi on the other hand, could only think about other matters while he waited for Annette, as the technology within the carriage was nothing new to him, since he was someone who grew up within the upper class section of the city.

After entering the carriage for a few minutes, Annette came back, nodded to the three waiting for her outside before saying, “She’s sleeping on the sofa in the living room.”

The group then continued their walk forward, with Emily walking next to the carriage with slight concern for the sleeping Elena inside of it that she couldn’t see.

As the group walked, Lain, who was lost in thought, couldn’t help but look around at his surroundings while he formulated a question in his mind to ask Annette. As he looked around, he was immediately stunned by the differences of the surroundings inside the gates versus outside the gates.

Outside the gates of the city was a plain of short grasses, with beautiful flowers of pink and blue, accompanied by fluorescent insects prancing about in peaceful bliss. Inside the gates on the other hand, as far as the eyes could see, was a covering of tall grasses that were over 2000 feet in height. 

Chapter 21: The Price Of A Gremlin

He felt so small standing on the left edge of the large road that was over 10 miles wide, situated in the middle of two forests of gargantuan grasses, that he started to question why the forests of grasses were left unkept by the city’s government, while they kept the grasses outside the gates well trimmed. 

After thinking this, he then looked forward at the road, towards the direction in which he was walking towards. The road, in the middle of the night, that he saw, felt like it led nowhere, as its end reached all the way into the horizon. 

Due to Lain’s unique constitution, his eyes could see very clearly, even from countless miles away. Yet, he couldn’t see the end of the road that was paved in white granite-like stones, in which he walked.

Being baffled by the uniqueness of his current surroundings, he could only control his thoughts, and look towards Annette who was walking beside him, before asking, “Miss Annette, please help me answer these questions. What is that vehicle of yours called? How much does it cost to acquire them? And lastly, what are those beasts pulling it?”

Hearing his words, Hui Shi could only smirk slightly, as he looked towards Annette, waiting for her answers quietly. After thinking for a couple of minutes, Annette replied to Lain with a beautiful smile on her face, “My vehicle is called a chariot. Most chariots cost about $40,000 Yearning Dollars to acquire, on average, with the more luxurious brands costing over a million Yearning Dollars. My chariot was custom-made to my unique specifications and desires, giving it a higher production cost of over $200,000 Yearning Dollars.”

She then paused for a few seconds to make sure that her words were understood by the listening Lain, and Hui Shi, before continuing, “The beast that is pulling my chariot is called a gremlin. Most chariots are required by law to be pulled by one or more gremlins, along with standard protection runes that create a shield to block attacks aimed at the chariot. This is why there are runes embedded on the outside walls of my chariot. The world being filled with quite a bit of danger, forced the government to enforce these laws in order to protect the weak citizens of the empire.”

Hui Shi couldn’t help but nod at her words as he added, “The world is filled with a lot of dangerous creatures, many of which we may have never encountered before. This is why the Emperor of Gilagesh forced chariot producers to give a trained gremlin to each chariot owner to pull their chariots.”  

Lain, hearing their words, couldn’t help but ask in bewilderment, “Are gremlins powerful? Although they look pretty strong, what are their capabilities?”

Chapter 22: Jealousy?

After hearing his questions, Annette couldn’t help but reply, “Yes. Gremlins are very powerful creatures with steel-like tails that could reach over a mile around them. The spiked tips at the end of their tails can easily smash apart the hardest naturally made materials on the planet.” as she pointed to the tail end of one of her gremlins, where a coiled tail could be seen. 

Hui Shi quickly continued where she left off, after seeing her gesture, “Their tails are not the only things that make these creatures powerful. Although their tall and gaunt figures make them look slightly emaciated and weak, they’re very fast and agile creatures that can run over 200 miles an hour very easily, for days on end without feeling the slightest bit of exhaustion.”

Hearing their words, Lain could only reply gently, “I see… Thanks for your answers. It seems these chariots are worth their price, being protected by such a ferocious monster.” as he continued walking forward before jealousy slowly started filling his heart. Soon his thoughts also reflected his jealousy as he couldn’t stop thinking in his head ‘$200,000 Yearning Dollars…200 miles an hour…powerful gremlin…’

As Hui Shi and Annette saw the aimlessly walking Lain, with eyes that showed extreme jealousy, Annette couldn’t help but think ‘Is he jealous of me? He can’t be jealous of a young lady like me, right?’ Before being drowned in her own thoughts that were filled with questions about their origins, that she currently couldn’t bring herself to ask.

Hui Shi on the other hand could only feel embarrassed, while looking at the quietly walking Lain, as he noticed his jealousy as well, before looking away with a slight sigh. 

The four then continued walking for 10 minutes in silence, before Hui Shi looked around him casually in doubt, as he thought ‘Have we walked pass this area before?’ Seeing Hui Shi look around, Lain also began to feel weird. He then also looked around in silence as they continued walking forward, with thoughts of doubt gradually filling his head as well.

But as the two were quietly contemplating, they were interrupted by the voice of Annette as she asked “There’s something that has baffled me that I would like to ask you, brother Hui Shi.”

Pulled out of his thoughts, Hui Shi could only reply awkwardly to Annette, “What’s the issue, my dearest sister?”  Hearing their words, Lain, also came out of his train of thoughts as he anticipated her question.

“Why are you a wanted man? A great priest of Ensieth like yourself is usually held in high regard all over the empire. Who have you gone against to cause your current predicament?”

Hearing her question, Lain also added, “I’m also quite baffled about this as well. Please brother Hui Shi, who’ve made themselves your enemy in the past?”

Chapter 23: Burnt Down House

Hui Shi couldn’t help but answer them with a slight bit of bewilderment in his mind, “Honestly, I don’t know who I offended, but I do know who’s at fault based on who requested for my arrest.”

He then paused for a brief minute in thought, before continuing, “You see, a few years prior, I just graduated from my seminary back in Yearning Saint City, the capital of our Sval Kingdom. During that period of time, I often roamed the city streets, while helping those in need, preaching the gospel, and also exploring a small hobby of mine, which is looking for and reading old manuscripts that record hidden knowledge of the past.”

He then paused for a few minutes as he contemplated his next words before continuing with a slight sigh, “One day, as I was walking on an old, quiet backroad, situated at the distant outskirts of the capital, I chanced upon a burnt down house that was built close to the old road.” Explaining up to here, his handsome face could only be filled with a look of melancholy so great that it made all three listeners depressed at the sight.

He then continued solemnly after a brief pause, “Inside the house, I saw three corpses, and the badly bruised body of a dying old man. Driven into desperation, I tried my best to heal the poor old man, who quickly recovered with the help of his holiness Ensieth. After healing the old man, I took him while he was still unconscious due to the recent trauma, to a nearby hotel that I rented, before going back to his home to arrange for the removal of the corpses, after alerting the local authorities.”

Hearing his words, Annette could only quietly sigh in grief at the difficulties that the average citizen of this world experiences on a day-to-day basis. Lain could only listen while contemplating the sad words coming from Hui Shi’s mouth with depression in his mind.

As they were listening to Hui Shi, an old man silently appeared by the side of the road a few distances in front of them, silently listening in as well, but the group of four were too engrossed in the current story to notice his presence.

Not realizing they were being watched, Hui Shi continued, “A couple days went by before the old man woke up from his slumber. After waking up, I could only tell him who I was and what I saw at the burnt down house, as memories flooded the mind of the old man, and he began sobbing. In deep sadness, the old man recounted his story to me.”

At this moment, he took a deep breath as he couldn’t help but curse, “It’s a sad thing to see when a son turns against his own family. Praise my dear lord, Ensieth, for his mercy on this world.”

Chapter 24: A Gifted Child. An Ill Omen

Annette then also echoed “Praise my dear god Enseith, for his great mercy and grace.” as she, and the man hidden in the shadows, bowed for a brief moment, before righting themselves back up. Lain, on the other hand, not being a worshiper of Ensieth could only quietly contemplate the contents of Hui Shi’s story, on the side, while waiting for him to continue.

The group then continued walking unknowingly towards the man in front of them, as Hui Shi continued his speech, “Years back, the old man gave birth to a gifted child. After realizing the potential of the child, he, his wife and his two older children went through hell working to help that poor son of his get into a mighty sect in the area. After 5 years of hard, gruesome work, his son was finally accepted into the sect, using the money the entire family raised to bribe the officials of the sect to let his youngest son in.”

Pausing to take a deep breath, as the weird feeling of being watched by something slightly irritated him, Hui Shi continued, “The son was then raised by the sect, and came home once a year for a visit. One of the years that he came for a visit home, the old man, being too drunk after a night of celebration, blabbered on about a secret treasure that his father hid somewhere, back in the days when he was a grave robber. Due to the treasure being unique, and easily identifiable by the powerful noble family that it belonged to, his father warned that it would lead their family to its downfall, if anyone were to ever find out that the treasure was stolen by his father from a coffin of their deceased loved one.”

Looking around in confusion, and finding no one in sight, Hui Shi couldn’t help but continue speaking, as the other three listening, also looked around as well after seeing his actions, in futility as they couldn’t see anyone in sight, other than the four of them, and the chariot being pulled beside them. Even though the old man was still a few distances ahead of them, standing still, while they walked towards him.

“His youngest son, hearing his words, became obsessed with finding the location where the treasure was hidden, but the old man, listening to his late father’s words, could only keep the secret location of the hidden treasure buried in his heart in fear of his father’s threats. After years went by, and he wouldn’t tell his son the truth, the son could only come up with a devious plot. 

He ordered a few of his friends within his sect to attack his parent’s home, on the night he was to return from the sect. His friends then attacked and tortured his elder brother, and sister, as well as his mother, as they asked them individually where the secret treasure was hidden, in hopes that his father had divulged the secret accidentally to them. But it was fruitless, as only the father knew the secret. The friends driven into desperation could only torture them to death before their father’s eyes. 

Chapter 25: Unwilling

They then turned on the old man, who they had then brutally beaten, until he almost passed out, yet they couldn’t pull the secret from his mouth. After seeing the old man’s life slowly start to slip away, they quickly left the scene in regret and indignation. 

A short while later his son who was nearby watching, could only come out of the darkness, pretend to be surprised by what just occurred and ask the old man one last time, gently, where he left the secret treasure, saying if he had the treasure, he will use it to avenge the deaths of his dear family.

But yet, the old man refused, as he continued to slip away into unconsciousness. Noticing his refusal, the son immediately howled in anger, as he told his dying father the truth. That after all the money he spent hiring his close friends to torture his family to death, he still came up short. Feeling despair, the son violently stepped on the head of the dying old man angrily, before walking away. 

After the old man told me this, it felt like all the grief and indignation in his heart poured out. The poor old man, who was already nearing the end of his life before the fiasco occurred, then closed his eyes one last time and never opened them again, dying from old age, as he no longer desired to live in a world where his own son could betray him.

Watching the old man die, I could only try everything in my power to heal him and bring him back to life, but after a few minutes of prayers, my holy god, Ensieth indicated to me that his time had come, and a man of his age cannot be resurrected, as he didn’t die of injuries, but of natural causes. 

After watching the old man die in my arms, I could only bury him in the most fitting way possible, by the rest of his loved ones, before leaving the capital and traveling abroad for a couple of years. I then slowly made my way back home, until recently when I was in the outskirts of the kingdom, close to home and was told by my fellow clergymen in another city that I was wanted for theft.

They told me after some investigation, that the person who alerted the authorities of my crime, was called Vic Yure, from the Glorious Myth Sect situated in the capital. And that he wanted the law enforcement of the kingdom to arrest and bring me in for questioning, for I stole something of his, and he would like to have it back at all cost.

After hearing the words of my fellow clergymen, I could only sigh in grief, for the son of the old man, was named Vic Yure. From my understanding, It seems that he somehow became aware that I revived his dying father and accompanied him until his dying breath, and now believes I may know the secret location of the treasure, and wants the law enforcement of the kingdom to arrest me and bring me to him for further questioning using the powers of his sect.”

Chapter 26:  A Strange Voice

Annette couldn’t help but curse loudly after hearing his words, “What a rotten man! Killing your own family is blasphemy! Why didn’t you notify the authorities of his actions?” as she looked at Hui Shi in slight indignation. 

Hui Shi, quickly replied in righteousness, “I did report it, but it seems his sect somehow covered up for his crimes. The Glorious Myth Sect is a very powerful sect in our kingdom. I could only continue coming back home, after finding out years later that nothing came out of my report to the authorities in the capital for his heinous crimes. 

As for the warrant for my arrest? I’ll ask my father to help me get rid of it, once I arrive back home. My church of Ensieth is also a powerful force within the kingdom of Sval. And lastly, If Vic Yure ever decides to come after me himself? He’ll have to taste the power of my fists! ” He then balled up his fists in great indignation.

“Don’t worry, brother Hui Shi. I’m always willing to help you solve the matter, if this evil man called Vic Yure or his sect ever comes looking for you themselves.” Lain added, in righteous anger, as he balled up his two fists tightly.

“It seems you’ve been through a lot, little priest. Why don’t you count me in as well? I’ll always be willing to beat up a spoiled brat like Vic Yure any day.” Weirdly, a random voice rang out, in the dark night, that didn’t belong to the three of them. 

Looking towards the direction of where the voice came in surprise and slight anxiety, the three of them saw a short old man, dressed in a blue gown with a belt on his waist, standing in front of them, with a light brown, wooden cane in his hand. 

After seeing this old man, with a face covered in wrinkles, and a white beard that reached down to his chest, the three of them looked around anxiously as they started to realize that they’ve not moved a single inch from the spot where they placed little Elena into the chariot a while back, although they’ve been walking forward the entire time.

As they were looking around, Lain, noticing something was wrong with the carriage, couldn’t help but alert Annette. “Sister Annette, please go check within the chariot!” Annette then quickly jumped towards the door of the carriage with speed faster than her body’s small four-foot tall frame should be capable of producing. 

While Annette rushed into her chariot, Lain couldn’t help but place his hand on his bamboo sword as he stared at the old man in front of him. Hui Shi, looking closely at the old man, also steadied himself, as he stared at the old man, then at the chariot next to them in alertness, before slowly realizing that the man looked kind of familiar.

Chapter 27: Divine…Murder…

The old man, standing in the dark night, brought an extremely discomforting feeling to Lain. Causing Lain to grip the handle of his curved bamboo sword, as he slowly walked forward, for he knew the man before him may be as dangerous as the Fang clan man from before.

Lain’s aura slowly started to change the moment he took his first step towards the old man, as the short black hair on his head, as well as his eyebrows, slowly started to change to the color of red. After the second step, he slowly exhaled while staring at the old man in front of him and muttered under his breath, “Divine…murder…”

The moment those foul sounding words came out of his mouth, the thick stench of blood permeated the air, causing Hui Shi who was nearby to shiver slightly, in slight anxiety, as he immediately knew that Lain was about to do something very dangerous. 

Smelling the thick stench of blood coming from Lain that almost made him suffocate, Hui Shi couldn’t help but walk over to him quickly, before saying, “Brother Lain, I recognize this man. Please lay down your sword and let’s talk.” As placed his hand over the hand that Lain was using to hold the handle of his sword, trying to stop him from drawing his sword from its sheath.

Hearing Hui Shi’s words, Lain could only take in a deep breath, before calming down and saying “If you believe he’s not a threat, brother Hui Shi, I’ll let the matter rest.” After saying this, he slowly let go of his sword’s handle, as his hair turned back to black, and the thick stench of blood permeating the air, suffocating everyone around him, disappeared.

While watching Lain slowly calm down, the old man smiled, as he began walking towards the group, saying, “I’m glad you didn’t start a fight with a small old man like myself.” The discomforting feeling that made Lain very uncomfortable, also slowly disappeared, making Lain feel as if the dangerous predator that had been watching them in the darkness had finally closed its eyes.

Meanwhile, after opening the door of the chariot, Annette quickly entered the living room, only to be baffled by what she saw. Inside the room, she saw the still sleeping Elena. But the moment she turned towards the doorway leading to her kitchen, a decrepit old man that looked to be in his 80s, wearing red trousers, and a pink, long-sleeve shirt, slowly walked out of it. He then tossed a green, oval-shaped fruit towards her, which she instinctively caught in surprise.

“Eat this! I bet you’re hungry, right?” the elderly man said. He then began biting on another green, oval-shaped fruit that he had in hand, while slowly walking towards Annette.  

Seeing the dangerous aura emanating from the old man that made her heart shiver in extreme anxiety, Annette couldn’t help but ask, “Who are you?” as she gripped hard on the fruit in her left hand that she bought at a market a few days prior. Ready to attack him at any moment, if he tried to harm her or the sleeping Elena on the couch. 

Chapter 28: Serpents…

While holding the fruit, and seeing the dangerous old man slowly walking towards her like a predator that’s about to attack at any moment, the muscles on Annette’s entire body slowly started to squirm violently around, as if they were little serpents that were slowly waking up from deep slumber. The fruit in her left hand quickly started to disappear as the muscles on the palm that was holding the fruit turned into tiny flesh colored serpents of various shapes and sizes with mouths filled with jagged teeth. They started gnawing at the fruit ferociously, until it was devoured completely within a millisecond.

Looking at the young lady whose once beautiful face slowly morphed into a grotesque one filled with wriggling muscles that looked like a bunch of tiny serpents squirming around violently, the old man could only raise his hands in the air and say calmly, “Don’t worry child, I come in peace. My name is Trent Shiler. But you probably may not have heard of me.” as he continued chewing on the fruit in his mouth. The dangerous aura that made Annette’s hairs stand on end, also dissipated, as if it was all an illusion.

Hearing the old man call out his last name stunned the high-strunged Annette. She then slowly calmed down after the dangerous aura around him dissipated, as her wriggling muscles slowly wriggled back to their original position on her body, before lying still, like a den of snakes going back to sleep.  After calming down, she couldn’t help but stare into space in thought. For she knew that although she did not recognize the old man before her, or his first name, she knew that the entire district of the city that they were currently in was governed by the noble Shiler family.

Since he was an elder of the Shiler family, she decided it was best to be respectful in front of him, since it seems he didn’t enter her chariot with ill intentions. “Let’s talk outside. The little one is still asleep.” Trent Shiler softly said, as he then slowly walked by the stunned Annette, and left through the opened chariot doors, leaving her inside of it, while she was still lost in her own thoughts.

After seeing him leave, Annette quickly went over to inspect the sleeping Elena, to make sure she was doing fine, before following the old man out the chariot’s door. She couldn’t help but wonder as she left, ‘Why is a noble from the great Shiler family inside my chariot? How did he even get in? Also, why was he eating the food in my kitchen?’

“How’s my granddaughter doing in there? Is she still sleeping?” The other old man that was outside, slowly walking towards Hui Shi, and Lain, asked Trent Shiler, the moment he stepped down off the levitating chariot that was levitating about 2 feet off the ground.

Chapter 29: Trent Shiler

The old man, then stopped a few feet away from the stunned Hui Shi, and Lain, who couldn’t help but look towards the chariot in bewilderment, wondering who this second old man was, and how he arrived at their location.

As the two were watching Trent Shiler steady himself after coming down off the chariot, he lazily replied to the old man with a slight smile, “Your grandchild is fine, Micas. If I didn’t see the priest of Ensieth within this group of kids, I would’ve thought they were kidnapping her.” He then let out a light chuckle as he stared at the bewildered Hui Shi, and Lain as if he was questioning their morals.

Emily, who had been watching from the side the entire time, soon softly called out gently for the first time since Lain had met her, as a low, baritone sound of a fowl left her mouth. She then began walking towards the old man called Micas, with a slight tinge of happiness in her eyes.

Lain, seeing this, could only calm down a little more, because he finally realized the truth. With Emily walking over without the slightest bit of fear in her eyes, and understanding the words that escaped from the two old men’s mouths, these two old men whose weathered faces looked like they’ve been through decades of hard labor, may not be enemies, but relatives of Elena.

After a few steps, Emily reached the old man called Micas, before using her giant bird-like head to rub against his chest affectionately, as if she just met a long-lost loved one. The old man called Micas, also couldn’t help but rustle the feathers on her neck affectionately with his left hand, as his right hand held onto the cane that was used to support his body to the ground.

He then looked at Lain, Hui Shi, and Annette who just came out of her chariot and said softly, “My name is Micas Groundworth, from the Groundworth family of Yearning Trust City. I am the grandfather of little Elena. Pleased to meet you.” While Emily was still nestled in his chest, fawningly.

“I’m called Trent Shiler. I wonder what you three kids were doing with our gullible little Elena?” Trent questioned, as he stared into the eyes of Lain, Hui Shi, and Annette as if questioning their behavior and actions.

Hearing his accusatory words Lain, and Annette couldn’t help but scoff at him, while Hui Shi explained with a bright, and charming smile, that calmed Trent’s doubting heart, “My fellow elders, my name is Hui Shi. I am a humble priest of Ensieth. These two are my fellow brother and sister, Lain, and Annette. We were on our way to help cure an ailment that we believe the father of little sister Elena is currently suffering from.”

Micas, hearing his words, couldn’t help but raise his white colored brows, and say “Ailment? What do you mean?” 

Chapter 30: Foolish Son-In-Law

Hui Shi then pointed to Lain, hoping he’ll help him explain further. “Hello Elders. Sorry for my previous bad manners, but when I met little Elena a few hours earlier, she mentioned to me that her father had been sleeping for a few days, and hadn’t woken up since. So I assumed that something must’ve happened to him.

Feeling that I should help her, I requested for brother Hui Shi to escort me to her house, that way he can help cure her father using his god’s divine powers. We were on our way to her house when the two of you found us. I’m sorry if there’s been a misunderstanding.” Lain said, after seeing Hui Shi’s gesture in awkwardness.

Annette hearing their words couldn’t help but apologize to Hui Shi and Lain, as realization dawned upon her, and she said, “I didn’t know you two were on an urgent mission. I’m sorry for occupying your time to ask my silly questions.” She then turned to the two old men and said, “Elders, I am simply a passerby who decided to tag along, after meeting these two brothers at the front gate. They were very kind and courteous to little sister Elena, so I as a hero of the city didn’t think there was something wrong with the situation.”

“It’s fine, young ones. Earlier, when I saw you put my granddaughter inside your chariot, me and old Trent here couldn’t help but play a little trick on you in order to understand your current situation. You see, a while ago, I received a message from my men while in Yearning Trust, that there had been reports that my granddaughter had been frequently exiting the city alone, for months now. Due to fear that something bad may be happening to her, I couldn’t help but ask my old teacher Trent, who knows the ins and outs of the city, for help. 

As we were coming to get her, we chanced upon a warning that her life may be at risk, but that warning quickly went away, as I was told that a priest of Ensieth helped resolve the matter, by healing her of her ailments, which was extreme nausea and fear. 

Feeling blessed that she was cured, we decided to take our time and meet her when she arrives inside the city gates, while observing your actions from the side.

After seeing your actions, we decided you weren’t bandits and decided to reveal ourselves. We also mean you no harm.” Micas replied as his weathered, old voice sounded a bit long-winded, and tired at the end of his words.

Trent on the other hand couldn’t help but say towards Micas, “It seems something has truly happened to your son-in-law, Micas. That fool was definitely distraught by the death of your daughter. I knew his weak body was going to give out sooner or later due to me always receiving reports that he was always in an anxious and depressed state. I feel sad that he had to lose the mother of his child, soon after her birth.”

Chapter 31: Ill Omen

Micas couldn’t help but scoff in slight dissatisfaction by his words as he replied in anger, “That fool of a son-in-law of mine shouldn’t have married my daughter! If it wasn’t for him, she wouldn’t have moved to this city years ago. That fool was definitely an ill omen to my family. It was only a matter of time that he killed himself somehow.” 

He then said to everyone. “Since you all believe his life’s in danger, let’s quickly teleport to his home, and see what's wrong with that good for nothing teacher. Although I haven’t visited them in a while, I still remember their old trash of a home.”

After saying this, you could see his old face twist in sadness as he lamented in his mind, ‘It was already bad enough that my poor daughter decided to be a hero against my will. But to also marry a useless teacher? My dear god, Ensieth? Why did you bring that ill omen into my life? What did my forefathers do for me to deserve your curse, my great lord?” as a tear couldn’t help but escape his poor old eyes. He then sighed in deep grief and melancholy, as he looked up at the night sky.

Seeing the poor old Micas’ extremely sad eyes, everyone couldn’t help but become slightly melancholic.

Trent, upon seeing his melancholic behavior, easily understood his current issues, and couldn’t help but walk up to him, pat his shoulder to say, “It’s going to be okay, Micas. Although your daughter is dead and her body is missing, at least you still have a kind granddaughter to dote on. Let’s hurry to her home, before she loses not just her mother, but her father as well.”

Lain and Hui Shi immediately looked at each other, after hearing the old man Trent’s words as Lain finally realized in slight sadness that he was right on his earlier conjecture, that Elena’s mother had truly passed away.

Annette, also realizing the issues facing Elena, also couldn’t help but become melancholic as well. She then hastily said to Micas. “I hope I’m not bothering you elders, but may I tag along as well? I’m truly sorry for your loss. Your granddaughter is a beautiful young lady.”

Micas could only nod slowly as he looked at Annette, before he said, “Sure, little girl. I’ll take you guys there now.”  

He then raised his cane off the ground, as everyone’s vision became blurry for a short second. A second later, the raised cane then fell back down to the ground lightly, as the blurred vision that everyone experienced quickly disappeared.

Chapter 32: Teleportation!

Lain, Annette, and Hui Shi, started to look around the moment their visions cleared. What they saw intrigued their minds. Their environment looked almost identical to before. They were still standing on the large road that was over 10 miles wide, with its length stretched all the way to the horizon on both sides. 

But unlike before, situated in front of them, next to the right edge of the road that they were standing on, was a small granite-like, stone paved path that led to a small granite-like, stone house that was nestled between the tall 2000-foot grasses that could be seen everywhere their eyes looked, except on the large granite-like road that they were currently standing on. 

Strangely, as they looked left and right, they couldn’t find another house in sight. Only the long, wide road, and the small house was all that greeted their eyes.

As the three were marveling at their environment, Micas began walking in slow and steady steps towards the house, with Trent and Emily quickly following along behind him.

After a few minutes of walking, the two old men, and Emily reached the front door of the house, before Trent called out to the three still on the road in the distance. “Kids, stop daydreaming, and let’s go inside.”

Hui Shi, who was lost in his own thoughts about the origins of Trent and Micas, as he looked around, was the first to awaken from Trent’s words. He then quickly walked over to the waiting three at the door. Annette, also awakened soon after, she then quickly held onto the reins of her chariot, and walked over as well as she thought to herself in lamentation, ‘Teleportation truly is a wonderful spell to learn. Too bad I’m not a celestial, and can’t learn spells.’

Lain, being the last to awaken from his thoughts, couldn’t help but wonder as well, as he walked towards the house, ‘I wonder why there’s only one house in this area? Also, why are all the trees and grasses in the area the same length? It seems there are a lot of mysteries to be explored in this city.’

After the three arrived, Micas quietly looked at Trent, who was also by the door. Trent, noticing his gaze then said, “Although entering a house without the owner’s permission is against the rules. I don’t think the owner will mind in this case.” 

He then extended his left hand towards the door, as a ring on his old, wrinkled, pinky finger lit up in light blue runes. The moment the ring lit up, the stone door of the house also lit up in a glowing shade of light blue, as tiny light blue rune carvings that were engraved all over it started to shine. Trent then gently pushed the glowing door, until it opened all the way.

Chapter 33: Inside The Stone House

After the door opened, he then slowly entered the house, along with Micas, who softly said to Emily, “Sorry, little Emily. You know you can’t be allowed inside the house, so please wait outside for us.” 

Hearing his words, Emily nodded, before obediently standing by the side of the door, as everyone else walked pass her, into the house.

As the last to enter the house, the first thing that Lain saw, other than the people in front of him, was the inside of a stone house, with a small living room. On the green colored walls, furniture and green colored floors of the house, extremely small, light blue runes could be seen, etched all over them. These runes however weren’t glowing, except in certain locations.

In the living room, was a 2 sectional dark blue sofa, placed directly against the left side wall of the room. On the right side of the sofa, was a door leading to another room. 

Opposite the sofa was a wall of glowing light blue runes, with a holographic screen hovering in front of it, that was displaying what seems to be a cartoon of sorts. It seemed to Lain that the holographic screen functioned like a holographic television. 

Sounds of what was occurring on the holographic screen also echoed all over the small room, yet Lain was incapable of pinpointing where the sounds originated from. 

Opposite the outside doorway where Lain came in through from, was another doorway 30 feet away, that led to what looked like a kitchen. Inside the kitchen, from Lain’s vantage point, was a clear, see-through floor to ceiling window, situated another 20 feet from the kitchen’s doorway that showed the grass forest behind the house, with 2000 feet high, light red, evergreen-like trees mixed in.

The temperature within the home was slightly cooler on the inside, than outside the home, with slightly cool air circulating around the living room, making Lain feel refreshed and at ease. He couldn’t help but realize that there was some sort of cooling nature to the runes situated in the house, that was causing cool air to circulate, without wind.

As Lain, was marveling at the uniqueness of the house in front of him, Micas on the other hand,  gently sat down on the sofa in the living room, before saying to the group. “I believe that foolish son-in-law of mine, must be sleeping in the room on the left. Old Trent, please help me escort our dear little priest here to him. If I go with you, I may not want to see him healed. Everyone else, please sit down, and let’s wait for the results.”

Hearing his words, Trent couldn’t help but sigh and say, “Your son-in-law has lived a hard life, Micas. My child, let’s go help him.” before gesturing for Hui Shi to follow him into the room.

Chapter 34: The Middle-Aged Man

Watching Hui Shi, and Trent leave, Annette couldn’t help but say lightly, “May Ensieth guide him to full health.” before walking over to the sofa and sitting down. Lain, also snapped out of his marveling, and also sat down as well, on the stone sofa, that felt extremely soft and comfortable when sat down on. 

The texture of the sofa was very interesting to Lain, due to the fact that the sofa from his point of view was obviously made out of a large, granite-like stone. The same type of stone, that was used to make the hard walls, and doors of the house. Yet it seems from Lain’s point of view, that the light blue runes on the sofa, had somehow made the rock hard texture of the sofa, much softer than it should’ve been.

While Watching Lain touch and caress the sofa in awe, Micas couldn't help but look at his attire that looked slightly worn and old, as well as his face that looked ordinary and plain, and think to himself with a soft sigh, ‘I would have never believed in the past that I'll be sitting next to a young thug like him, who obviously looks like he has no future. At least he's a young thug with a kind and thoughtful heart.’

 Annette, who was also looking at Lain for the first time in detail, couldn't help but marvel at his ordinary facial features as she thought in dismay, ‘He truly has a face that I'll never call handsome.’ She then began to fawn over the extremely handsome looks of Hui Shi in her mind before looking away from Lain, in slight boredom, while thinking to herself, ‘Men truly are born unequal.’

Meanwhile, after leaving the living room, Hui Shi, and Trent entered a room that was also covered in microscopic sized light blue runes that were barely visible to the naked eye.

Inside the room, Hui Shi saw a dark blue, granite-like bed that was placed against the wall that was opposite the doorway. Above the bed was a holographic picture frame that featured a handsome man, standing behind a beautiful young lady, with his arms around her. The two people within the picture frame could be seen occasionally looking at each other for a few seconds with love in their eyes, before looking forward again towards the camera, as if within the picture frame was a short 20-second video, and not a still photograph.

On the bed, Hui Shi saw a very pale, middle-aged man who looked to be in his early 40s, lying in the fetal position with beads of sweat rolling down his forehead. His breathing was also very slow, as if he was already at death’s door.

Trent, also seeing the man, couldn’t help but walk forward to inspect him, before saying to Hui Shi, “My little priest. It seems he’s already at death’s door. If he wasn’t a strong-willed man, I doubt he would’ve even lived this long without food or water. Please help him quickly.”

Chapter 35: Healed

Hui Shi, hearing his words, could only nod before walking forward to stand by the stone bed, as Trent gave way. He then placed his left hand on the forehead of the sleeping man, as he muttered under his breath, “Praise my great lord Ensieth!”

After saying these words, the body of the man lying on the bed started to glow a deep golden color, as playful butterflies of beautiful colors, manifested all around the room like illusionary fairies, before flying into the man’s body. 

In just a few seconds of the phenomenon, Hui Shi withdrew his hand. The golden glow that emanated from the man also slowly disappeared, along with the room filled with butterflies, as the man, slowly opened his spirited eyes. 

His body, which once looked pale and sickly, now had a healthy tanned color. His breathing, which once was slow and uneven, now was rhythmic and steady. 

As the healthy, middle-aged man opened his eyes, he couldn’t help but look around the room, as he saw two people. Soon he realized that one of those people looked very familiar. 

Looking at Trent, the middle-aged man couldn’t help but nervously sit up on his bed, as he muttered in surprise, “Lord Trent? Why are you here?”

Hearing his words, and seeing his reaction, Trent and Hui Shi couldn’t help but smile, as Trent replied to him, “Son, you’ve been ill for the past few months. Me and Micas came with this priest, to help heal you of your ailment. It seems you couldn’t handle the death of your wife, and suffered ill health from depression, and anxiety.”

Hui Shi, then walked over to the man, as he reached out his hand towards him and said, “My name is Hui Shi. I came on behalf of your daughter, Elena to help you. Please praise lord Ensieth for his mercy and grace.” 

Seeing the outstretched, glowing hand of Hui Shi, with a glow that filled his heart with warmth, the middle-aged man, couldn’t help but reach out to grab it as he replied in thankfulness, with a smile full of happiness written on his face. “Thank you, great priest. May lord Ensieth’s grace last for eternity.” 

Hui Shi then gently pulled him up from the bed, as the man slowly found his footing on the ground before standing up.

Trent then said to the two, “Let’s go to the living room. Micas is waiting there, along with a couple other helpers.” as he began walking back toward the doorway that led to the living room, with a slight smile on his old face.

Chapter 36: Michelle Groundworth

Back in the living room, Lain, who was mesmerized by the chair, finally woke up from his entrancement, to ask a question that’s been on his mind since yesterday morning, when he met little Elena. “Elder Micas, I beg your forgiveness for asking this question, but what happened to Elena’s mother?”

The old Micas, who was busy watching the cartoon that was showing on the opposite wall of the room, while lost in melancholic thoughts, couldn’t help but answer his questions, after a few seconds of deliberation. 

“My daughter, Michelle, was a strong-willed child. Growing up, her head was filled with the desire to help those in need, like the heroes she saw on the news, and on the children’s cartoon series, Powerful Boys. Which was a show that she loved growing up. It is also the cartoon that’s currently playing on the holographic screen in front of us right now. It seems, my granddaughter also watches it.”

Hearing his words, Annette and Lain, couldn’t help but look towards the opposite wall, where a cartoon was playing on the holographic screen. The screen showed three children, fighting a villain with all their might, as a man watched from the side and cheered the three on.

Watching the screen for a few seconds, Annette and Lain could only sigh, as micas continued. “With a head filled with dreams of being a hero, she wouldn’t listen to my advice, and after she turned 18, signed up to be a hero of the kingdom. 

After years of being a hero against my will, she met a young man, who was at that time being bullied, and harassed by an underground crime gang called The Reed Establishment. That young man was called Edward Montiff, a fool, who grew up impoverished. That fool coincidentally also shared the same dream as my daughter. He swore to spend his life helping others the best way he could, and the only way he could do that with his poor economical background, and lack of strength was by becoming a teacher, and a role model for the younger generation.

Feeling the determination within Edward, as my daughter worked with him for months, as they looked for the whereabouts of the crime gang that she and her group of heroes were trying to get rid of, she couldn’t help but fall deeply in love with him.

After a couple years together, my daughter and her group of heroes, with the help of the daring Edward, easily rooted out The Reed Establishment, and all its syndicates from our city. The two of them then quickly got married, behind my back.

Chapter 37: Missing

After getting married, Michelle, with her husband, came back home to me, to announce that she was pregnant with a child in great jubilation. But I at that time couldn’t accept it. Not only did she get married behind my back, after going missing for a few years, she also slept with a random stranger of poor economic background.

How could I accept it? My child who could’ve been a great general in the kingdom’s army, got married, and now wanted to settle down with a stranger? Impossible!” After spitting his last words out, the temperature of the room dropped suddenly, as Micas’ eyes started to change from his previous dark brown, to a pale white color, as if he was going blind. 

A baleful aura then started to leak out from him, as his face twisted in slight anger. A few seconds later, he couldn’t help but sigh in sadness, as regret filled his mind. The baleful aura around him then slowly disappeared, before his eyes turned back to their original dark brown color.

 He then continued, with a sad tone of voice that made Lain, and Annette a bit melancholic. “Driven into anger by the situation, I warned them to never return to my house ever again, as I stormed off in anger. 

A year later, I received a message from Edward that my daughter had gone missing. She and Edward, fearing for their lives, as the number of missing people in our city increased, moved to a different city, hoping it was safer there. Just so you know, for decades now, periodically people will randomly disappear within our Yearning Trust City. 

Noticing the issue, our Yearning Trust City, with my help then spent countless amounts of resources, trying to find out why this missing person phenomenon was occurring and what was causing it, but till this day, we still haven’t found the reason for these people’s disappearances. 

As a result of the casualty numbers of this strange problem increasing, it seems my pregnant daughter, and Edward moved to Yearning Peace City, hoping it would be safer for them to raise their child here. But shortly after childbirth, my daughter went missing as well. Leaving her husband and child behind.

Hearing the news, I was immediately inflamed with anger. So I rushed over to this city, and almost killed that foolish son-in-law of mine. But due to the pleading of old Trent, and the fact that he was the father of my newborn granddaughter, the only blood of mine left to continue my heritage, I could only calm down my anger.

I then sought the help of this city’s law enforcement agents to help locate my daughter, but after years of searching, it all came to naught. In the end, I could only turn to the great priests of the Holy Cathedral here in Peaceful City to see if they could plead with Lord Ensieth to help me find out if she was still alive, and where she may currently dwell.

Chapter 38: Dead And Gone

After a couple months of waiting, I received a heart-wrenching reply from Bishop Hao Shi. He told me that although he couldn’t locate my daughter’s body, he was 100% sure from the indication given to him by lord Ensieth, that she had died years prior. Just a couple of days after giving birth to her child.

After hearing his reply, I could only leave Yearning Peace City in agony and regret. My only child had died, and there was nothing I did to stop it. Since then, I never returned to this godforsaken city that took away my daughter again, until yesterday.” Tears couldn’t help but fall from Micas’ old eyes, as he finished his last sentence. Lain, and Annette also felt extremely depressed listening to his words, as the room fell into silence for a couple of minutes after his speech ended.

After weeping for a couple minutes, Micas slowly wiped away the tears falling from his eyes, before he turned his head towards the door, to see Hui Shi, Trent, and Edward walk into the living room from it.

Entering the room, Edward quickly felt the depressive aura coming from the bodies of the three sitting on his sofa. He then walked in front of the depressed Micas, before kneeling down and bowing his head, as he said, “Great lord, I beg your forgiveness.”

“He’s the father of your grandchild, Micas. Go easy on him. He’s not a bad man to have as a son-in-law.” Trent, seeing this, couldn’t help but chime in as well, as he started to see the anger well up in the eyes of Micas, as Micas stared at the kneeling Edward.

Sighing, after feeling the healing warmth that emanated from Hui Shi’s glowing body, Micas finally let go of his hatred for the kneeling Edward before him, before saying to him, “Get up, child. Pack your bags, and I’ll take you and my granddaughter back home where it’s safer under my protection.”

After saying this, Micas couldn’t help but lean back on the sofa, as he rested his head, and closed his eyes in sadness.

Edward on the other hand, quickly rushed into his bedroom, for a few minutes, before heading to the kitchen, for another few minutes, and then heading to another room, with a doorway that led to it from the right side of the kitchen.

By the time he was done packing his items, and came back to the living room, over 40 minutes had passed.

Chapter 39: Thank You

He then came back empty-handed, although it seemed he was rummaging through his belongings when he visited each room. Seeing him empty-handed caused Lain, who saw him to wonder in his head, ‘Does Mr. Edward have a storage device of sorts, where he keeps his belongings that’s powered by runes? It must be…’

After coming back, Edward quickly knelt in front of Micas again. He then said to him, “I’m ready, my lord. I have all my necessities packed, as well as those of my daughter. Where’s my daughter, if I may ask? I couldn’t find her anywhere.” 

Hearing his question, Trent replied to him with a slight smile on his old face, as he walked over and patted him on his shoulder gently. “Little Elena’s sleeping outside in a chariot. Why is she outside? It’s a long story, so don’t bother asking.”

Micas slowly opened his eyes, after hearing Trent’s words to say, “Don’t worry about my granddaughter. I’ll teleport her, along with Emily, with us on our way out.”

After saying these words, he then leaned forward and stood up in front of the kneeling Edward, before reaching his right hand out in front of him, saying “Where’s the key to this house? This boy here is called Lain. He was the one who requested for our little priest here to come help inspect your conditions, when he found my granddaughter outside the city gates. 

Due to his help, we were able to come to your rescue. So, for his help, I believe it won’t be too much to reward him with the deed of this shoddy house of yours, since it currently looks like he needs a place to stay. We can always buy trillions more trash homes like this in the future.”

Hearing his words, Edward quickly acquiesced to his request, as a ring on his right hand’s finger lit up in a light blue glow. Then a small rectangular white, granite-like stone tablet appeared in his right hand. He then passed that stone tablet onto the outstretched hand of Micas.

After receiving the stone tablet, Micas quickly turned towards the sitting Lain on his right, before giving it to him, as he said to him, “Thank you son for helping my granddaughter and son-in-law. If you ever need my help in the future, you can always find me in Yearning Trust City. Just mention my name at any of the business offices that my Groundworth family owns, and they’ll notify me.”

Trent, after hearing Micas’ words, also added “Thank you children. If you ever require the help of my Shiler family in the future, do the same thing as well. I’ll be glad to lend a hand. Okay Micas, let’s get going.”

Right before Hui Shi, Lain, and Annette could say their thanks to Trent and Micas, Micas slowly raised his cane from the ground. Trent, Micas, and Edward then quickly disappeared from the room, as if they were specters.

Chapter 40: Vanished

Seeing them vanish, the others who had words of thanks still stuck in their mouths could only close their mouths in regret. Hui Shi then walked over to the sofa and sat down in a relaxed manner in the vacant position that Micas was previously sitting in.

After sitting down, he slowly said to the other two, with a questioning smile on his face. “I know you two are wondering about the backgrounds of the two elders, right?”

Lain, and Annette, couldn’t help but nod, after hearing his words, before they also relaxed in their sitting position on the sofa, and listened to Hui Shi quietly.

“Well, to start off. I’ll begin by letting you guys know about Yearning Peace City. Yearning Peace City, as we all know, has 18 districts. Each district of Yearning Peace was founded by a different noble family.

You see, when a man becomes a noble in our kingdom, they’re awarded a plot of land for them and their family to use. Our 18 noble families, instead of creating their own individual cities, decided that it was best to extend the current city, and become mayors of a district within the city instead.

The original land of Yearning Peace City was the Holy Myan District, where I grew up. After billions of years, a general of our Sval kingdom’s army who grew up in the city decided to retire. After he retired, he was awarded a noble title.

He then used his noble title to extend Yearning Peace City, with the approval of the noble Myan family, who governed Yearning Peace City, at that time. From then on, Yearning Peace city created the district system, where nobles could extend the city, and call their individual lands districts, with a governor overseeing the entire city, and district mayors overseeing each individual district.

As a district of the city, the noble families who govern the district as mayors must follow the city’s original rules and regulations, but they also have their own individual rights to rule their lands as they wish. This means, each district functions as a separate city to a certain extent. But its citizens must not only follow the rules created by the nobles who govern the district, but also the rules of the city, the rules of the Sval kingdom and lastly, the rules of our Gilagesh Empire.

Elder Trent from my understanding, is the founder of the Peaceful Shiler District, and should be the first noble of his family. But not many people know this, due to the fact that many noble families like to keep their pasts a secret, with the Shiler family being one of them. 

Chapter 41: Array

Elder Trent, after founding the Peaceful Shiler District billions of years ago, has been known to wander around the city, and has barely done anything notable since the foundation of the district. His family is also known for creating illusionary arrays, and own countless businesses all over the kingdom that were built around the creation of these types of arrays.”

Hui Shi couldn't help but catch his breath, after speaking for so long. He then looked at the two, as if in understanding, before asking. “I guess, you may not know what an array is, right?”

Lain quickly answered in slight awkwardness, “You’re correct. I’ve never came across an array before.” Annette also chimed in as she blushed in shame, “I also may need a better understanding of these things called arrays.”

Hearing their answers, Hui Shi nodded with a dashing smile, then answered them gently, “An Array, just like runes, is a type of formation. Any time energy is constructed in a certain manner in order to create a magical effect, that construction is called a formation. Arrays are formations that are created using special items that are rich in energy. 

Unlike a rune that is created strictly by using the blood of creatures, an array is created using items like rocks, trees, instruments, and even animals, and other lifeforms. 

The noble Shiler family are not only powerful celestials that use spells to create illusions, they are also well versed in the use of items to create arrays that have illusionary effects.

For example, our Peaceful Shiler District is actually situated on one giant array. The trees, creatures, and grasses that we see around us, does not technically exist. Neither does the sky above us nor the earth below us. The only thing that exists within this giant district, are the people, buildings, and certain pets and creatures that the citizens of the city have allowed into the district.

Billions of years ago, the trees and grasses of the district were 2000 feet in height. Billions of years later, the trees and grasses of the district are still the same height, and in the exact same location as they were billions of years ago, with the exception of places that have been excavated by its citizens to build roads, houses, and other infrastructures.”

Hearing his words, Lain finally came to an understanding as to why the forest of grasses all looked identical in height. He then sighed in wonder, and respect for such power. For he wasn’t even aware that he was in an illusion. The air within the district was still as fresh as those outside the city gates. The sounds of the various animals, echoing within the forests of grasses, were also just as real and intriguing as those of a real forest.

Chapter 42: The Shiler Family’s Illusions

Annette, also had a look of understanding on her face, as she thought in her head, ‘No wonder the grasses when cut, always grew back to the same length within 30 minutes in the past. This district has always been very secretive about the environment, with no one teaching us anything about it.”

 Looking at Annette, and Lain, Hui Shi couldn’t help but ask, “I bet you’re wondering, if this was an illusion, how come when you cut a blade of grass or when you pluck a fruit from the trees in the district, you can still eat and cook with them? Well, it’s because as long as your mind believes what you’re experiencing is not an illusion, then everything around you will function as if it is real. That is the power of an array.

A powerful illusion array has the power to convince your mind that everything you see and feel inside of it is real. If I were to tell you that the elder Trent and Micas that we met earlier weren’t their real selves, would you believe it?

The truth is, even I do not know if the two elders that we saw earlier were their real selves. Lastly, you may not believe this, but if you were to die inside an array’s illusion, by the illusionary mechanisms of that array, you will likely suffer real death.

Powerful spells that create illusions, also have the same permanent death effect as arrays. The illusions created by the Shiler family can be used not only to deceive people, but to also harm them as well, when needed.”

Annette hearing his warning couldn’t help but ask in doubt, “So you’re telling me that this entire district can be weaponized by the Shiler family at any point in time to harm enemies that enter it? Forgive me for my lack of knowledge. The Shiler family has always been mysterious and hidden from the public’s eye, since I was born.”

Hui Shi quickly nodded to her question, as he said “Yes. But this kingdom is usually very peaceful, even here in its outskirts, where we’re closer to our neighboring empire. That’s why the array that encloses the entire district has never been used to harm others before, but theoretically it is possible to use it as a weapon.”

Lain, understanding Hui Shi’s words and realizing the powers of arrays and the Shiler family couldn’t help but question. “So what about the Groundworth family? Are they just as mysterious as the Shiler family?”

“The Groundworth family was once a noble family on the decline about 400,000 years ago, until the birth of Micas Groundworth, from the historic records that I’ve read in my free time. You see, I love acquiring old books, and archives from the past as I try to understand certain things about my mother’s family history. 

Chapter 43: Groundworth’s Mystery

From a few of the hidden records that I read in the past, I learned that the Groundworth family was a noble family that was already at its end, with only less than 40 members of the family still alive. But that changed after the birth of Micas, whose talent in their family’s secret arts helped him gain a foothold in the kingdom and become a proud general of the kingdom’s army.

After becoming a general, he then used the lands and money awarded to him for his services to invest in all types of businesses across his home city, Yearning Trust. After that, his family members who could barely make ends meet, slowly began to thrive, as they finally became wealthy and married with confidence that their children will not starve to death in the future. 

Due to Micas’ ingenuity and business acumen, most of the newer sects and businesses that were created within the past 300,000 years, within Yearning Trust City all have connections to the Groundworth family, and can be said to be primarily owned by them monetarily.

But although Micas was a proud general in the army, I am still unable to determine his true strength even though his acts of bravery have been well documented in the past, due to the army’s privacy clauses, as well as the years that have passed since he did anything remarkable.

Our kingdom also rarely has strife that require nobles who usually control our cities to act personally, so the abilities of Micas, as well as the entire Groundworth family, like those of most nobles are generally unknown. But the powers of nobles are publicly recognized as the strongest in the kingdom, aside from certain sects, and the military of the kingdom. 

I believe the Groundworth family definitely isn’t a weak family, although it has had a rocky past.”

Lain, upon hearing this, couldn’t help but think back to when Micas first appeared before them, earlier. During that period of time, he felt slightly driven to attack him due to feeling an extremely discomforting pressure. But now that he was thinking about it, he finally realized that maybe his actions weren’t under his control at that period of time.

So he couldn’t help but ask Hui Shi, based on his suspicions, saying, “Does Elder Micas possibly have the ability to affect our behaviors or control our emotions? Because earlier when I met him, I felt a strong urge to assault him, even though I usually would never assault an elderly man unwarranted.”

Annette hearing Lain, immediately shivered because she also felt slightly pressured to attack when she met Elder Trent as well. She then responded with a question of her own, “I also felt the same way earlier as well. Do you mean to say that Elder Micas was somehow trying to force us to attack, using powers we were unable to defend ourselves against?”

Chapter 44: Mysterious Eyes

Hui Shi, noticing her actions, as well as their questions, nodded to the two of them as he answered them with a slight smile on his face, as if in understanding. “It’s highly possible that Elder Micas may have manipulated us when he first arrived in order to understand our strengths and weaknesses. The Groundworth family’s main ability from certain hidden records that I’ve read, has been stated to be related to the moon, and there are records of them being able to manipulate the emotions and minds of those around them. But that was records of the family over a billion years ago, when it was still in its prime.

Currently, the records of the Groundworth family and their current strengths and weaknesses in recent times are very few in number. Making it hard to know exactly how powerful they truly are, and what means they can currently use to defeat their enemies.” 

Pausing here to see if anyone had any more questions, Hui Shi continued. “The Groundworth family from my understanding, in general have innate abilities that are related to their eyes, as well as a system to cultivate their eyes beyond normal capacity. Once successfully cultivated, their eye abilities turn them into powerful celestials that can easily destroy countless enemies.

The Groundworth family, from what I remember, also share a common ancestry with the royal family of the Sval Kingdom. But they should not be directly related to them.”

Lain, hearing his explanations, couldn’t help but question further, as his understanding of a celestial was very limited, growing up in such an isolated, normal town called Yearning Sweet Town, that lacked the technology that the rest of the world seems to have. “What is a celestial? I was born in a town where our townsmen rarely met with outsiders, and lived primarily on farming and hunting.”

Hearing Lain’s words, Annette started to understand Lain’s current circumstances. So she couldn’t help but reply to him, with a look of realization on her face, “I see. I guess it’ll be hard for you to truly understand the world, living in such a remote town as Yearning Sweet. I’ve heard of this town before, although I’m not truly familiar with it. It should be one of the distant towns that’s situated around this city, closer to the edge of the kingdom.”

Lain, hearing her words, quickly replied, with a slight nod, “Yes, It is a very small town, that can even be considered a village. I grew up with two brothers and one sister in an orphanage. Growing up, I was raised by a strict teacher that taught me how to fight, as well as a foster father that taught me and my brothers and sister how to read and write from a young age. 

This is my first time leaving the city to learn more about our kingdom, so I may not understand a lot of the current situations going on within it. I beg your forgiveness for my lack of knowledge.”

Chapter 45: Celestials

Annette quickly replied, hearing Lain’s words as she smiled in understanding, “You’re fine. I grew up here in the Peaceful Shiler District as an orphan as well. Unlike you though, I had to live on the streets, until I was fortunate to be graced by a mysterious man, when I was six years old, who gave me a mysterious book that taught me how to cultivate a unique ability, that’ll turn me into an immortal.”

After talking up to here, you could see the complicated look in Annette’s eyes as she continued slowly. “Cultivating that ability, my body grew stronger, and the constant hunger for food that used to cause my small developing body to feel ill, and exhausted also slowly disappeared, until I was able to stand on my own two feet, and help the city’s law enforcement fight crimes. I also did a lot of miscellaneous jobs here and there growing up, in exchange for monetary benefits.”

Hearing her life’s story, Hui Shi, and Lain, couldn’t help but empathize, as they started to feel sorry for the orphaned Annette who could only live on the streets and fend desperately for herself.

Feeling slightly depressed by the mention of her past, Annette continued, as the other two quietly listened with empathetic looks written on their faces, “Due to the difficulty of having to raise myself, I didn’t have much time to go to school like most children, and I only have basic knowledge of the kingdom, based on word of mouth.

A year ago, I applied to become a hero of the city after turning 18 years old, that way I can take on more difficult tasks that will help save the lives of our fellow citizens. I was just coming back from an investigation mission given by the city’s law enforcement agency to one of the local towns, when I chanced upon the two of you at the gates.”

At this point, Hui Shi, after listening to Annette and Lain’s life stories, couldn’t help but feel guilt ridden by his well-educated and glorious background, as he replied in slight shame, “I’m sorry for the both of you. May lord Ensieth ensure that the past doesn’t repeat itself. I wish your missing parents great health, so they can one day unite with the both of you.”

Annette quickly nodded at his words, while Lain smiled slightly as he reminisced his own past in his head.

Hui Shi, after a moment of somber silence, couldn’t help but say, “Since you two are not well versed about the knowledge of celestials, let me fill you in.”

He then stretched his neck a bit on the chair, before relaxing back again on it and continuing, “This world has many divine beings. These beings from birth wield powers that can manipulate the world to do their bidding. Some of these beings are called gods, with the power to create worlds, and control the rules of reality, while others are called immortals who can live for eternity and celestials whose souls have the ability to force the world around them to do their bidding.”

Chapter 46: Will Power

“Our ancestors who were primarily birthed with the powers of immortals and celestials, pitying their children who weren’t born with such powers, decided to create the cultivation systems that we know of today. These systems create a process in which we can gain the powers that they gained naturally from birth through sheer effort.

From then on, the cultivation systems that we all use today were born. Those who cultivated their powers were called celestials or immortals, while those who are born with theirs were termed true celestials, and true immortals.”

After speaking, Hui Shi couldn’t help but caution the other two with stern words, as his face became somber, “Since most people tend to be cultivated celestials or immortals, I am assuming you two are in this category. So I must give you a word of caution. 

A cultivated celestial or immortal is incapable of defeating any divine beings who were birthed with their divine powers, as cultivated celestials and immortals are only fake replicas of the real things, and can never truly be an immortal or a celestial. Even a million cultivated celestials or immortals cannot trump a single true immortal or celestial. So if you ever encounter one, please be very cautious.”

Annette, hearing his explanations, couldn’t help but ponder, as she finally began to understand what a celestial and an immortal truly is. But as she was thinking to herself, Lain couldn't help but ask a question, “Brother Hui Shi. I’m sorry for this question but what is the difference between a celestial, an immortal, and a god. Are they all equal in power, or are gods stronger?”

Hui Shi, who heard his question, couldn’t help but pray in his head for a few seconds, as he begged for forgiveness from his god for what he was about to say. He then said, with a look of reverence on his face. “A true celestial or a true immortal, from the records that I’ve read, is capable of defeating a god in general. But like all powers in this world, each individual has their own strength. 

Some true immortals or celestials may never be capable of defeating a god, while some gods may never be capable of defeating a true immortal or celestial.

Lastly, the difference between a god, an immortal, and a celestial, is their will power, which is the source of their strength.

Divine beings are called so, due to them being born with a unique trait called will power. This will power grants them unique abilities, and characteristics that other lifeforms do not have. 

Chapter 47: I’ve Never Cultivated

Gods are born with a will power that grants them the ability to control the heavens, giving them the ability to supervise certain aspects of reality. An immortal is born with a will power that grants them a unique form of immortality, giving them the ability to live forever in their own unique ways. 

And lastly, a celestial is born with a will power that grants their souls the ability to temporarily control a certain aspect of reality, giving them the ability to change the rules of the world, and create something out of nothing. 

There are countless types of will powers in this world other than the ones that grant godhood, immortality, or a celestial soul, but humans in general are more likely to be birthed with the immortal and celestial will powers. With very few gods being born within our race.

As for my lord Ensieth, although I do not know his real race, due to it being blasphemy to record his real image, I do know he is a god that governs nature’s prosperity, and is publicly acknowledged to have the heaven’s will of nature’s prosperity. That means, wherever there’s nature, my lord will always ensure that it prospers, and wherever nature prospers, my lord will be there.”

Annette couldn’t help but murmur “I see.” after listening to Hui Shi, before she then said out loud, “It seems these will powers are more complex than I thought. And since I am cultivating a will power from a book, I should be considered a cultivated immortal, right? I guess I should stay away from true immortals in the future. Brother Hui Shi, and brother Lain, are you two cultivating will powers as well?”

Lain, hearing her question could only say, “No…I’ve never cultivated my entire life. That means I should be some sort of god, immortal or celestial from birth. My teacher was very secretive about my powers. Even now, most of my strength is restricted by my teacher, so that I can gain better control over myself in the future.”

Hui Shi, thinking back to Lain’s previous outburst that occurred due to Elder Mica's emotional manipulations, couldn’t help but say after hearing Lain’s words, “With the power that you showed me earlier while in front of Elder Micas, I can guess that your powers may be related to your race, as I’ve read records of an ancient race of humans with similar powers like yours in the past, but I am not sure what will power you have either, or the real details about your that ancient race.

But I do know that all members of that race, including their divine beings, have an innate ability related to something called a divine massacre. An ability that makes them a terror of destruction.

Chapter 48: Yearning Sweet Town Is Untouchable

As for me, I’ve never cultivated either, because most of my powers, as a priest, comes from my lord Ensieth. As for what will power I was personally born with, I am unable to truly tell, as of now, but I am also certain that I have an innate will power of sorts, that I’m currently investigating. This is truly the reason why I’m so fascinated with the historical records of the past. Maybe one day I’ll be able to answer that question for myself.

The will power of gods are too mysterious, and there are no historical records that I’ve come across that truly goes into depth on how they truly work. So I can only state for certain that I’m neither an immortal nor a celestial, but I am unsure if I’m a god, as there are many other unknown will powers aside from the previously mentioned three in this world.”

While Lain, was busy contemplating the words ‘divine massacre’, and the ancient human race that was just mentioned by Hui Shi, Annette, feeling slightly jealous by both of their answers, couldn’t help but say in shock, “Does that mean, you two were born with innate will powers, and can potentially rival gods in the future?”

 Hui Shi, immediately chuckled upon hearing her words, as he replied with a dashing smile, that eased her jealous heart, “I am unable to state that my will power can rival gods, because not all gods are created equal, but I hope to find out the limits of my capabilities in the future.”

 Lain, after a moment of thought, also added, after hearing Hui Shi’s words. “Maybe before my teacher limited my abilities, I could maybe rival a god. But right now, I can only say I’m much weaker than some cultivated immortals. And this may never change in the future, if I can not control my powers. For my teacher is very strict in the way he teaches, and will never remove my limits, until he’s sure I no longer need it.

As for the identity of my teacher? I’m truly not certain who or what he is, but I do know that when he trained us in the past, he was capable of easily defeating all four of us siblings, even at our maximum strength, and I’m starting to believe all my siblings, must each also have innate will powers as well.”

“Yearning Sweet Town was it? That’s definitely a place I would need to avoid in the future, in order to not offend your siblings or teacher who may be able to rival gods.” Annette said, as she felt tired from the feeling of defeat that washed her soul. ‘I can’t believe there are multiple gods in this world, much fewer people that can rival gods’ she thought in slight jealousy.

Hui Shi hearing her words, could only say in empathy, “There’s probably no need to be afraid of Yearning Sweet Town, if you're not an evil demon going there to harm its residents. I’m also not surprised that such a place exists, where people at the level of gods reside.

Chapter 49: Ancient Garund Temple Is Untouchable

Because there are many places within our empire that are called untouchable zones. These are places where unfathomable characters dwell within. Places that our empire cannot control. It seems Yearning Sweet Town may have become a new untouchable zone that the kingdom is currently unaware of.”

“My hometown, Yearning Sweet, is too peaceful for it to be a dangerous, untouchable, place where you can’t visit. My family does not harass outsiders either, so it will always be safe to visit it in the future if you ever decide to visit my hometown on your own.” Lain said, after hearing the anxiety in Annette’s voice. 

“Thanks brother Lain, for your kindness.” Annette, who heard his answer said, after finally letting go of the slight anxiety in her heart. She then asked another question that was on her mind, after hearing Hui Shi’s words. “Brother Hui Shi, what is an untouchable zone? I’ve not read much about the world, so I’m not sure what you truly mean.”

Lain, hearing her question, also nodded his head. He then perked his ears up in order to listen carefully to the answer of such an interesting subject.

Hui Shi couldn't help but answer after a moment spent gathering his thoughts, “Untouchable zones as I mentioned before are zones that are technically not under the control of our empire. Why are these zones not under our empire’s control?

Well, it’s because within these zones dwell monstrous figures and heritages from ancient times, with powers that can rival our empire. 

The closest untouchable zone to our city, other than the new Yearning Sweet Town, is called the Ancient Garund Temple. This temple houses the lineage of a fallen god from ancient times, long before our empire was founded. 

Due to the strength of the people who dwell within the temple, it was deemed unconquerable by our empire. There are even tales of demigods dwelling within the temple currently, but I am not truly sure if those tales are accurate, since the temple had locked its doors to outsiders since ancient times till now.

Now that I’ve mentioned the temple, I must warn you. Some untouchable zones, like the Ancient Candle King Sect, and the Ancient Evil Dungeon, may be opened to visitors, but not the Ancient Garund Temple. Never dwell within the premises of this temple, for you may never return.”

Chapter 50: Stone Key

Annette, hearing his words, couldn't help but shiver in fright. “Ancient Garund Temple. It seems I may have heard of this place before, I just wasn’t aware of what it was at that time. Thanks for your warning, brother Hui Shi. I’ll stay away from its premises in the future, if I ever venture to an area close to it.” She said, as she finally realized her lack of strength. She then thought in her head, ‘Who knew this empire houses such dangerous places.’

Lain could only say, “Thank you, brother Hui Shi. I’ll try to avoid going to these untouchable zones in the future as well.” as he marveled at the mysteries of the world in his head.

Hui Shi, after waiting for a couple of minutes while the other two contemplated their own ideas in their heads, finally realized that they had no more questions to ask him, so he slowly stood up and said to them. “Brother Lain, why don’t I show you around your new home, that way you can understand how to navigate it in the future, since you may not be used to our city’s architecture.”

Seeing Hui Shi get up, Lain, and Annette followed, with Lain saying, “Thank you, brother Hui Shi. I’ve been meaning to ask you how this key works as well.”

Hearing his words, Hui Shi walked over to Lain, bypassing the standing Annette that was situated between them, and said, “This key functions as both a remote and a key. As long as you have the key on your person, you can push open the front door of the house at any time, and it’ll open without resistance.”

He then pointed at the stone key that Lain held in his hand and said, “Push in the middle of the key, and a holographic menu will pop up in front of you.”

Lain, hearing his words, quickly pushed at the center of the stone key, which concaved slightly at his touch, before a holographic screen appeared in front of him that was as wide as a 40-inch TV. 

Inside the screen, was a menu with words at the top, and a blank, white canvas below it. On the menu were the words, doors, living room, kitchen, bedroom 1, and bedroom 2.

Looking at the menu that popped up, Hui Shi then said, “Click on the living room menu button at the top. It’ll display all the settings and changes that you can make within the living room.”

Hearing Hui Shi’s words, Lain quickly reached towards the living room section of the menu, accurately touching it. After Lain’s hand reached the living room section, a clicking sound echoed from the holographic screen, before the blank canvas below the menu showed a 3D version of the living room for Lain to see.

After the screen reflected the living room, Hui Shi continued, “Swiping with a finger vertically across the middle of the screen allows you to change the temperature of the room to your liking. 

Chapter 51: A New Screen

Swiping a finger across the holographic television situated on the opposite wall of the sofa. Allows you to increase the volume of the sounds emitted from the television.

Pressing on the television for more than 2 seconds, brings up a unique television menu, that allows you to surf the web, watch television programs, and the various news and public information available for the citizens of the kingdom to peruse. Through the web, you can even find unique games that you can use to entertain yourself.”

Lain, after listening to his instructions, reached towards the holographic television screen in front of him that was hovering in front of the wall, and let his finger rest on it for a couple seconds.

Just a second after he did this, a new holographic screen popped up on the left side of the previous screen that he was interacting with. This new holographic screen, as he looked over at it, had the same dimensions in width and length as the old one that’s currently still showing the living room area. 

Inside the new screen, was a menu section at its top, which had a row of these words; Vital Alerts, Global Archives, Live Archives, Entertainment Archives, and Gaming Archives. Below the menu was a rectangular search bar that was white in the middle, with a red border.

Below the search bar, was a white canvas, similar to the one from the holographic screen next to it before the living menu button was pressed.

Looking at the new screen that popped up, Lain couldn’t help but feel impressed. He even marveled at the level of technology that could turn mindless runes into such a versatile object as the screen in front of him.

While looking at Lain marvel at the screen, Annette couldn’t help but say, “This television is very useful in our empire. Almost everyone uses it to gather information these days.”

“Yup. It is vital to sharing information across large distances.” Hui Shi added, as he smiled at Annette and Lain.

Lain, hearing their words, quickly nodded his head. He then thought for a few seconds before replying. “I see. Can you please explain to me how it works? I’m becoming more interested in this television thing by the second.”

“Brother Hui Shi, please help us. I’m also not fully familiar with televisions. Because I spend most of my time either cultivating my will power or completing tasks given to me by our law enforcement agency.” Annette said, as she shrugged her shoulders in regret for being too busy to learn things properly, even though she was born and raised in such a technologically advanced city.

Chapter 52: Gilbrazen

“Sure. I’ll begin by letting you know more about the menu at the top section of the screen. On the menu you will find the Vital Alerts button as the first button on the left side of the menu. Clicking this button brings up vital information that the city, kingdom, or empire wishes to share with its citizens.

It is where you can learn all important happenings that have occurred or are currently occurring within the empire that the kingdom, city or empire wants you to be aware of.” Hui Shi stated.

Hearing Hui Shi's words, Lain quickly reached towards the Vital Alerts button on the menu. After touching it for a couple seconds, the white canvas below the search bar changed.

Replacing the white canvas was a screen of words that were written in a foreign language. Hidden amongst these words were sections of words that Lain could actually understand. These words seemed to be written in the kingdom’s native language that Lain grew up learning, Svalian, which is the Sval Kingdom’s official language.

Seeing the screen filled with words that he couldn’t understand, Lain couldn’t help but ask, “What language is that? Is that a language spoken by certain people in our kingdom?” as he pointed at the screen filled with foreign words.

“That’s Gilbrazen, the Gilagesh Empire’s official dialect.” Annette said, as she also looked towards the screen in curiosity.

“Gilbrazen is actually a mandatory language to learn in school within our empire. I’m surprised you’ve never learned it. But I guess it’s understandable, as Yearning Sweet Town sounds like a very rural area of the kingdom.” Hui Shi added, as a look of doubt appeared on his face.

“I was actually homeschooled, and my foster father only taught me Svalian, which he said was the official language of the kingdom, and all I need to learn in order to live a normal life. So I never learned Gilbrazen.” Lain replied, in slight regret. Since it now seems that he had to spend some time in the future learning Gilbrazen, otherwise he may look idiotic in front of others.

“We’re in the same boat here, brother Lain. I’ve also been trying to learn Gilbrazen in my spare time as well, since I also missed out on school in the past, growing up.” Annette added shyly.

“Well, this brings us to the next menu section, called the Global Archives. This section will help you learn Gilbrazen, if you ever wish to in the future. Clicking on the Global Archives button on the menu, will bring you to its page. Where you can scroll through links that take you to archive pages created by various citizens and organizations that are situated within our empire.

Chapter 53: Global Archives

These pages allow you to browse through information that these people wish for you to learn. You can also find Global Archives pages that allow you to connect and interact with various people all over the empire in real time, as well as other miscellaneous pages that I may not be aware of.

The Global Archives section is filled without countless links, so it may be very difficult for you to browse through. So If you’re looking for a specific page to browse or specific information to learn, click on the search bar at the top of the screen. After clicking on it, you may then type or speak words that you wish to find in the Global Archives section, before clicking on the search bar again and the search bar will locate all web pages related to those words.”

Hearing his words, Lain, quickly clicked on the Global Archives menu button at the top. He then looked down at the canvas below, only to find various rows of words, cluttering up the screen.

These words however were mostly written in Gilbrazen as well, so he could only shake his head in defeat. He then clicked on the search bar. After clicking on the search bar, a small holographic screen quickly popped up in front of the search bar, that looked like a small keyboard of sorts with Svalian letters situated on it. 

Lain quickly took a moment to understand what the holographic keyboard was, then typed the words ‘How to learn Gilbrazen’ in the search bar using the keyboard, before clicking the search bar again.

After clicking the search bar, the holographic keyboard phased out of existence, as the Global Archives screen quickly changed from words written in Gilbrazen to words written in Svalian.

Svalian words in neat rows now filled the screen. Each row of words was a sentence that talked about teaching Gilbrazen. After a moment of thought, Lain clicked on one of those rows of words.

After clicking on the row of words, the screen filled with words quickly changed, as a new screen took its place. Looking at the new screen with Svalian words that said “A Beginner’s Guide To Gilbrazen” situated at the top of it, Lain couldn’t help but feel impressed. 

The new screen’s background was dark green in color, and the words on the screen were all written using a unique dark blue font color. Even the font style of the words were a bit more curved, and cursive than the font style on the previous screen that was straight and rigid in styling.

On the right side of the new screen, was a rectangular menu column, colored in dark green, with a black, thin, border around it. 

Chapter 54: Live Archives

Looking at the screen, Lain couldn’t help but swipe up on the screen instinctively. Doing that caused the screen to move up. After less than a second, the words that Lain first saw, at the top of screen also moved up with Lain’s swipe, and disappeared into the recesses of the screen’s top border. A large paragraph of words, then moved up on the screen to take their place.

Looking at the screen with a large paragraph written on it, Lain quickly performed a cursory read on the paragraph. Reading the paragraph made him realize that it was an introductory paragraph that told him what the site was about, as well as how to use the menu on the right side of the screen.

Lain, after reading, then slowly looked away from the screen towards Hui Shi, due to coming to a realization of what the new screen page was about. Looking into the eyes of Hui Shi, Lain asked him, with a look of doubt written on his face. “Brother Hui Shi, this technology is pretty useful. But I have a question to ask. How do I go back to the previous screen? And also, how does this holographic screen relate to the large screen in the living room that’s currently playing the cartoon?”

“Going back to the previous screen is easy, just say ‘return’, and the screen will revert to its previous page. Saying ‘forward’ does the opposite.” Annette said with a chuckle.

 Lain did just that, and the screen reverted back to the previous screen, filled with rows of words that were written in Svalian. He then smiled in relief. 

Seeing the smiling Lain, Hui Shi continued. “Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the Global Archives section, we should move on to the Live Archives section. In this section, I’ll show you how the two TV screens are related.”

Hearing his words, Lain quickly reached over to the Live Archives button on the menu, and hovered his index finger on it for a couple seconds. Afterward, the screen below that was previously showing the search results quickly changed to a screen filled with boxes where he could see people, places and various things that he had never seen before. 

Directly below the search bar, were 8 small boxes, where people could be seen in each of them, either performing certain tasks or talking to the screen in front of them. Below those 8 boxes, were 8 more boxes. And below those 8 boxes were several more rows of boxes underneath, going all the way down, until the entire holographic screen was full.

Looking at the page cluttered with rows of boxes, with random people and things in each one, Hui Shi slowly said to Lain, “The Live Archives section lets you watch live events that occur in real time. These events, which are each separated into their own boxes on the screen, are hosted either by normal people or by the various organizations in the empire.

Chapter 55: Live Events

You can scroll down this section, like you can with the other sections on this holographic screen, by swiping up or down on the screen.

Clicking on a box on the screen enlarges it, and allows you to hear whatever sound is currently being broadcasted from the screen. “

Lain quickly reached towards a random box that had a person talking within it, and held his index finger on it for a couple of seconds. Afterward, the box enlarged, as the other boxes disappeared from the screen.

After the box enlarged, Lain began hearing sounds that came from the holographic screen, which synched with the moving mouth of the man that was situated on the screen.

Hearing those words, Lain, couldn’t help but feel confused. But before he could ask any questions, Hui Shi said to him, “The man in front of you is speaking Gilbrazen. So I guess you’re probably confused as to what he’s saying. But don’t worry, once you use the search bar to search for live events in Svalian, only live events in Svalian will reflect on the screen.”

“It’s best to use the search bar often, as most of the popular content that you’ll find on this holographic TV screen will be in Gilbrazen. I learned that the hard way.” Annette added shyly.

Hearing their words, Lain said, “Thank you. I finally understand.” in understanding, as he looked at the man on the screen in front of him.

“Now that you’re on this page, say the words ‘project this page onto the living room’s television’ and something magical will happen” Annette said to Lain. She then looked up at the living room’s television screen in anticipation.

Hearing her words, and looking at the anticipation in her eyes, Lain quickly said “Project this page onto the living room’s television.” He then also looked over the two 40 inch holographic screens in front of him towards the large holographic screen situated in front of the wall opposite him.

Seconds later, that holographic screen that was previously playing the show Powerful Boys, quickly morphed into a view of a man who was speaking in Gilbrazen inside a live event box.

“Cool isn’t it?” Annette asked happily. “It truly is…” Lain quickly responded in wonder and awe. 

“Until this live event ends, or you utter those words again while on a different screen, the holographic screen in the living room will always reflect this live event. Even if you start watching a different live event on the smaller screen in front of you, or close the two smaller screens entirely.” 

Chapter 56: Entertainment Archives

“All screens on the smaller TV screen in front of you can be projected to the larger TV, in the living room. This includes the Global Archives, and Vital Alerts sections.” Annette added, as she turned her head away from the large TV screen in the living room towards the smaller one in front of Lain.

After hearing her words, Lain quickly muttered “Return!” while looking at the large holographic screen, in order to test her words. After a couple seconds, the large holographic TV screen still had the man mouthing words in Gilbrazen, with no change to it at all. Seeing this, Lain quickly looked at the smaller TV screen in front of him, just to see the previous page filled with live event boxes appear before him again.

Seeing that changing the smaller screen didn’t affect the larger one, Lain couldn’t help but nod his head in understanding. 

Hui Shi, who was quietly standing by the side the entire time, after seeing the satisfied look on Lain’s face, finally decided to continue with his introduction of the small holographic TV screen. “The next section, which is called the Entertainment Archives section, functions similarly to the Live Archives section. But the difference between the Live Archives section, and the Entertainment Archives section, is that videos in the Entertainment Archives section are all pre-recorded videos, with previously set beginnings and ends. While the live events currently viewable in the Live Archives section are all real time videos, that can end at any moment, based on their hosts’ whims.”

Hearing his words, Lain, quickly clicked on the Entertainment Archives menu button, before glancing down at the canvas below the menu. After a brief moment, the screen filled with boxes changed, as a new screen took its place.

On this new screen, instead of boxes of moving people, and things, there were various pictures instead, with titles on them. Just like on the Live Archives screen with rows of 8 boxes, there were also rows upon rows of pictures cluttering the screen, each with vivid images that drew Lain’s eyes.

Clicking on one of those images, with a title that was written in Gilbrazen, the image enlarged and took over the screen. Then a video started playing on the screen, similar to a movie.

Looking at the video that was playing, Lain couldn’t help but feel very fascinated by the technology in front of him. But as he was watching the beginning scenes of the video, he heard Annette’s voice say, “You can stop, rewind, fast-forward or exit a video, simply by saying ‘stop, rewind, fast-forward or exit this video’ while watching a video.” 

Chapter 57: Bank

After hearing her words, Lain did just that. He fast forwarded the video, then went back a few seconds, before stopping, and exiting the video, using the voice commands. After he said, “Exit this video.” the enlarged video screen shrank back into a corner of the screen, as other pictures magically appeared and cluttered up the screen again, as it was before.

“This is a pretty interesting section that allows you to watch videos that were pre-recorded by others, that can either teach you various life lessons, and cultivation techniques, or just help entertain you in your free time. The videos will always be here for you to watch forever, and will continue from where you left off, unless you say the phrase ‘start this video from the beginning.’ while watching a video.

But I must warn you. This section also has paid videos that require you to purchase them with money before you can watch them.”

“Money? Are you talking about Yearning Dollars? How am I going to deposit Yearning Dollars into a virtual world? How would this technology even recognize who I am?” Lain asked, with a dumbfounded expression on his face.

“Don’t worry, just go to any bank in the city with your Yearning Dollar notes and say that you wish to deposit your money into a bank account. All banks have synchronized bank accounts, although they offer their customers different benefits for depositing money into them.

Lastly, every instrument that’s issued by the government or is connected to the government’s technology system all have people recognition technologies that can easily scan the body of the person currently using the instrument, and link their available bank accounts to the instrument that they’re currently using. If you had a bank account previously, a small screen would’ve popped up when you first pressed on the stone key, that would’ve shown you your current bank balances.” Annette said gleefully, as she saw the look on Lain’s face.

“Is that so?” Lain, asked as he found it unbelievable that his current whereabouts could be linked and monitored by the government through these instruments. He even felt that it was encroaching on his privacy a little.

“Yes it is. When you arrived at the city’s gates earlier and registered yourself, all information provided there will be used to create a government ID for you that’ll follow you all throughout the empire. If you already had an ID created previously, the guards would have never asked you any of the questions that they asked, as their armors are equipped with people scanning instruments that automatically scan everyone around them.” Annette said in happiness, as she felt proud of herself for knowing such detailed information about the government and the banking system. Which she learned after years of fumbling her way through the world.

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 Chapter 1: I Have Arrived!

At the first light of dawn, a young man was seen walking hastily from a forest. Wearing khaki shorts and a plain blue shirt, Lain, looked slightly exhausted from his long and arduous journey. After walking for another mile through the forest that’s currently barely walkable due to the low amount of light coming from the morning sun, he finally exited the foreign and slightly creepy forest and entered an open field.

The first sight that greeted him was the sky-high gray walls that greeted him far in the distance. Filled with complicated markings that seem to glitter in the early morning darkness, it illuminated its surroundings, filled with grasses. The walls stretched as far as the eyes could see, from east to west. 

The next sight that greeted him were the random carriages and people who were lining up in front of the gates situated on that wall. Some carriages were at least 200 feet in length. While others were less than 40 feet long. Every carriage was unique in its own way, but with one exception. All these carriages levitated off the ground and were pulled by one or more tall, gaunt creatures of an unknown species. These creatures had four long legs that increased their heights to over 7 feet tall. Their entire bodies were also covered in hard, and black, insect-like carapaces that glistened in a light blue shine due to the lights coming from the walls in front of them. Each creature also had curled, steel-like tails that ended with hardened spikes at their tips.

The heads of these creatures were situated on their long and thick necks, and were elongated like those of a shark. Their mouths were covered in jagged teeth, like those of a ferocious predator. With holes for ears, these creatures were a ferocious sight to see in the early mornings of the wilderness. 

Seeing the carriages and people busily coming from far distances to queue up in front of the gates in a long line, Lain quickly made his way over as well.

By the time Lain arrived, he was already miles behind on the queue line. Feeling defeated, he sighed softly, and looked around one more time. As he was busily looking at the scenery of the forest behind him, and the short grasses around him that covered the area around the tall walls, he heard a voice. “Hey! What are you looking at?” 

Turning around, he saw a very young girl, the next in line, sitting on top of an unknown creature, waving at him. She looked about seven years of age, and wore a ponytail with black hair on her head. She was riding a red, ferocious looking giant bird-like creature. This creature, which was about 10 feet in height, was covered in bright red feathers. Its chicken-like head had two, 12 feet long, blue colored antennas growing from the side of its two noses. These antennas waved constantly in the air, and then sometimes curled themselves next to its nose, as if constantly sensing the air for something.

Chapter 2: Big Sister Emily!

Looking at the little girl that was sitting on top of the back of this giant bird-like creature, bewildered, he asked her, “Are you talking to me, little girl?”

Seeing him reply, the girl immediately beamed, and responded in a huff, “Yes! But I’m not a little girl! My name is Elena! Remember that!”

Hearing this, Lain responded with a smile, saying, “Got it. My name is Lain. How can I help you?”

Elena immediately responded with, “You don’t need to help me. I just wanted to talk to you!” as her large, red feathered bird moved slightly closer to Lain, staring at him with its large dark eyes that seem to see through his being, as if to measure him up and ascertain if he’s a dangerous threat that must be dealt with mercilessly.

Its long blue antennas even roamed around Lain’s body a few times, almost touching him, before withdrawing back onto its head. 

Lain, who was completely tensed throughout the experience, finally eased his mind after the antennas were withdrawn completely. He then smiled lightly and said to Elena, “So, what are you doing here? And where are your parents?”

Elena, sitting on the bird’s back, shifted comfortably as if to find a proper sitting position, before leaning forward slightly and replying with “I just came back from the forest behind us!”

Then, pointing at the bird, she continued, “Big sister Emily was hungry so we had come here in order for her to look for food for her to eat.” 

Lain, finally knowing the name of her bird, responded, “So your bird’s name is Emily? What does she eat?”

Hearing this, Elena chuckled and said, “Yes! Her name is Emily, and she’s a big bird! Big birds eat big monsters! My dad always took us out every time big sister Emily became hungry, but since my dad is sleeping, I decided to do it instead! Today, Emily caught a very big monster and ate it all!”

Lain, hearing the words “big monsters” felt slightly unsettled, and asked “Shouldn’t you have waited for your dad to wake up before you came out to eat big monsters? Those big monsters sound way too dangerous for a little girl like you to be around them. Be careful in the future.”

Elena immediately shook her head in a frown and said, “I’m not afraid of big monsters, because big sister Emily is very strong. I think the monsters are afraid of her. Besides, my dad has been sleeping for hours now, and me and big sister Emily were tired of waiting for him to wake up.”

Chapter 3: Sleeping? Missing?

‘Hours?’ Lain thought, as he felt that something was wrong with little Elena’s choice of words. He then quickly asked in doubt, “Was your dad also sleeping for hours yesterday as well? And also, did he ever wake up?”

Hearing his questions, Elena responded after thinking for a few seconds, “No! My dad has been sleeping for a very long time. He didn’t even wake up to make me breakfast yesterday or today. I had to eat the snacks that were in the storage thing at home.”

‘Something must be wrong with her father’ Lain thought, as he quickly pieced together the clues from her words and reasoned that her father must either be dead or in a coma of sorts. But he could be wrong. 

Thinking this, he asked her, “What about your mother? Is she also sleeping too?”  Elena quickly responded in an angry huff, after hearing his words, “No! My mom isn’t sleeping. My dad told me that my mother left us a long time ago! And that she was a very busy hero, so she’ll come back home after she was done being a busy hero.” as her right hand reached for the back of her head to twirl her ponytail while thinking deeply, in order to make sure she said everything that came to her mind clearly.

Seeing this and hearing her response, Lain further questioned, “Have you ever met your mother?” as he was starting to believe that Elena’s mother may have been missing throughout her life.

Thinking ‘Big brother Lain is asking so many questions!’ Elena responded, “No! I have never met my mom. But my dad said she was a very beautiful and powerful hero. He even told me that big sister Emily was her pet and she loved her dearly, so I should always take good care of big sister Emily until mom gets back.”
 

Feeling slightly depressed after hearing her words, Lain responded to her gently and said, “I hope your mother gets back very soon. I bet she’ll be proud of how you’re taking care of Emily right now.” As he started to believe, following the hidden clues in her words, that her mother may have passed away a long time ago, but her father hasn’t been able to tell the young girl the truth yet, due to her young age.

But knowing that her father was also in a predicament, made him even more unsettled, as he thought to himself, ‘It may have been weeks since her father started his sleeping spell. I can’t believe a child this young is left to raise herself.’

Not thinking much of her current predicament, Elena beamed and said to Lain, “Look behind you big brother!” as she and her bird both fixed their gaze behind him, with her eyes gleaming of worship, deep reverence and amazement. 

Chapter 4: A Heavenly Being!

Feeling depressed by her situation, he slowly turned around, only to also be amazed by who he saw. 

Walking towards them was an almost seven-foot tall priest. Garbed in a light blue priest robe with a resting hoodie situated behind his neck, he gave off a faint golden glow from his body. With a golden, glistening halo of light situated above his bald head, each step he took caused the grasses next to his bare feet to grow a few inches taller, as they bent closer to him, as if to feel the touch of a holy god, and bask in his divine presence. 

Upon closer look, Lain even saw that over a mile around him, all the grasses in the area bent slightly towards the priest’s direction, as if they were bowing down to his holy presence as well.

Looking at the perfect smile on the priest’s handsome face, even Lain felt refreshed and at ease, with a slight feeling of worship welling up from within him. The feeling of depression that had gripped his heart all morning melted away, the moment his sight fell on the holy priest that was coming towards them.

As the priest walked closer to the line, the more minute details of his presence began to come to light. Looking closer at the golden glow that shone off his body, you could see faint butterfly and moth-like etheric creatures, dancing gleefully around him, as their beautiful and colorful figures phased in and out of existence periodically. 

His face looked perfectly chiseled and masculine, like a sculpture created by a divine god of beauty. His eyes, which were closed as he walked, made you feel like he could see through all things, both physical and metaphysical.

Seeing the priest up close, can only leave you feeling a deep sense of worship and reverence for his etheric and divine existence.

Elena, upon seeing the god-like priest walk towards them, immediately started waving at him frantically, beckoning him over with a wide, happy and endearing smile plastered on her face, as if she was welcoming her long-lost brother, who she missed so dearly, even though Lain could easily tell that she likely may have never met such a figure before in her life. 

Even Emily, who previously looked to always be on high alert as if sensing the environment for all forms of danger, both hidden and in sight, became completely relaxed, as her sharp eyes seemed to close slightly, as she enjoyed the etheric and relaxing feeling of reverence emanating from the depths of her soul, as she gazed at the upcoming priest in the distance.

Upon walking close to Lain, and Elena, the priest laughed lightly as an angelic sound, like the most beautiful hymns sung by holy gods, escaped his mouth, “Good morning, my fellow brothers and sisters. My name is Hui Shi. How are you two doing this morning?”

Chapter 5: An Average Person

Elena, upon hearing his beautiful, and divine voice, replied in pure satisfaction and glee, “My name is Elena! And this is my big brother, Lain! You’re so beautiful! Are you really a priest?”

Hui Shi, the priest, replied with a smile on his face that radiated such a relaxing feeling that made Lain and Elena almost feel like bowing down to him in reverence. “Of course.”  He said. “I’ve been traveling for a while now, and decided to come back home to visit my parents here in this city, before I continue on with my journey of preaching the gospel of my god, Ensieth, and healing those who are in sick health with his holy grace.” he continued, as his voice bathed all of those who heard him in peaceful bliss.

“That’s awesome!” replied Elena, as she smiled and looked at his handsome facial features gleefully. 

Hearing Hui Shi’s words, Lain on the other hand had a head filled with thoughts about Elena’s sleeping father, so he asked Hui Shi in desperation. “Are you really a priest that’s capable of healing? I have an issue that I have that I hope you can help me resolve.”

Looking at Lain, who was a plain looking five-foot tall young man, wearing a plain blue shirt and some khaki shorts, as well as a curved sword strapped to his belt at the waist, Hui Shi could only see the energy of an average person, with no outstanding qualities, radiating from him.

But on a closer look, Hui Shi noticed a hidden edge to Lain that made him respect his existence. 

Hearing Lain’s question, he beamed and put his right arm in front of his chest in a show of solidarity and righteousness, as he responded “By the grace of god Ensieth, there is no ailment that I cannot cure. I am willing to help you resolve any issues that you may have!”

‘A righteous and holy man of this caliber will definitely be capable of helping Elena’s father heal from his current sleeping illness, if it’s not already too late.’ Lain thought, as he slowly said to Hui Shi, careful not to irritate him with his begging. “Elena here, has a father that’s been sleeping for more than a couple of days, and I believe something must be wrong with him. Is it possible for you to follow us to her home briefly in order to check out his illness? I believe something very wrong is occurring to him as of this moment.”

Listening to Lain, Hui Shi briefly stood quietly as he thought about his offer. Elena on the other hand beamed and said, “Are you two coming to my house? That’s awesome! I can’t wait to tell dad that I found two big brothers after he wakes up!” 

Chapter 6: First Realization

Looking at the beaming little Elena, Hui Shi slowly walks up to her, then rubs her head gently while saying “Sure! I can follow you guys to little sister Elena’s home.” The gentle rub from Hui Shi, made Elena relax, as she felt a radiating energy from Hui Shi’s hand that washed away all the fatigue and stress that had built up over the past few months that she’s spent frantically trying to take care of herself, and Emily, without her father’s help.

That gentle touch made Elena realize for the first time in her life that there were truly divine beings capable of healing those in need, as she looked at him with her small yearning eyes in worship.

Seeing Elena’s relaxed visage, Emily who was carefully watching Hui Shi’s hands, hoping he doesn’t do anything uncanny, relaxes as well, as she also basks in the radiating glow coming from Hui Shi’s body, blissfully. That soft golden glow also healed her weary heart and body that just finished an arduous day and night of hunting and trekking.

Even during the few minutes that they’ve interacted, the grass below the group’s feet had already grown from the previous height of barely reaching Lain’s ankles, to being knee-high in length, as they also basked in the holy glow radiating from Hui Shi, rubbing against his body gently, as if they were caressing a loved one.

Taking his hand off her head, Hui Shi states, “Since we’re pressed for time, it’s best if we go directly to the front of the line.” as he started making his way forward, slowly. Beckoning Elena, and Emily to follow him with his hand.

Hearing this, Lain asks in concern, as he also moves with the group, “Won’t the guards get angry at our blatant breaking of the rules?” 

To that question, Hui Shi laughs and balls up his fist while turning back to look at Lain with his closed eyes, as his once handsome and relaxing face took a dark twist that made him give off a presence that was more horrifying and dangerous than anything Lain had seen recently. He then said to Lain, with an evil grin on his face, “This city is my home. And here, I have quite the bit of reputation and fame that could help us get through those guards easily. And if that doesn’t work, I can always use my fists! ”

Seeing the evil visage on his face that made the gently swirling plants from before shiver in fear, Lain had no choice but to agree and continued moving forward.

But as soon as they walked a couple miles ahead of the line, they heard a loud buzzing that filled their ear drums, as if a large helicopter was about to land. Following the obnoxiously loud buzzing was also a nauseating stench that permeated the entire area.  

Chapter 7: The Stench…

The stench, that was worse than that of a decaying corpse, was so grotesque, that most of the people in line had no choice but to throw up and empty their bowels on the violently swaying grass below them. 

Many had no choice but to sit on the ground, as their stomachs felt an excruciating feeling of nausea. Even little Elena wasn’t spared. But due to the quick thinking of Hui Shi, who gently placed his right hand over her head again, soothing her aching stomach, she didn’t throw up like everyone else, as her aching stomach pains subsided.

Even Lain’s stomach acted up due to the smell. But due to his body’s unique constitution, he overcame that feeling of nausea easily.

Due to all the noise and disturbances, the carriage that was parked in line next to the walking group of four opened up, as a handsome man with blue flames for hair came out of the carriage. Looking towards the back of the line, his face with blue flames in replacement for where hairs should be on a normal man’s face, scrunched up in disgust, as flame sparks danced angrily around him.

Hui Shi and Lain also looked in that direction in worry, as they stood in front of Elena and Emily, as a form of protection from the violent winds.

In the direction that they looked, far in the distant horizon, you could see a creepy looking moth-like insect. Covered in eerily green and dark black fur, with a moth-like face so grotesque that it caused little Elena to dry heave immediately in deep fear, as the red feathers on Emily’s back raised in fear, panic, and defiance, it was so large that each of its four, dark green and translucent wings must’ve been at least a mile long. 

Sitting on that terrifying insect creature, with two large, dark eyes that looked like they were hiding creatures of the underworld within them, that were desperately trying to escape from within every second, was a tall man, with a hardened face, with sharp ugly facial features.

The man, dressed in a dark blue shirt, shoes, and pants, looked condescendingly at the approaching crowd in the distance, as its mount moved countless miles a second, and the radiating stench coming from the creepy moth-like insect below him, grew unbearably stronger.

After coming from the horizon and flying past the long line of people and carriages within a short span of a few seconds, the moth-like insect and man came down at the gates of the city noisily, as everyone stared at them in utter disgust.

Chapter 8: A Shrinking Monster

Swiftly jumping off his mount and onto the violently swaying grass on the ground beneath him, he steadily walked pass the two guards situated by the gates, without uttering a word of greeting, as if he was walking pass two worthless corpses. 

His companion, the large moth-like insect, strangely began to shrink in size, as its large and horrifyingly grotesque, two mile long body shrank in seconds to the size of a small mosquito. After shrinking to that tiny size, it quickly flew into the nose of the walking man in front, bypassing the guards that almost threw up at the smell coming from the tiny insect that seemed to bypass their armor and enter their noses. 

Even their unique full-body armors that were extremely durable, and covered in complicated glowing markings, designed to protect the guards from all external forces, started to creak, as tiny fissures and cracks started to form all over them, as if a creepy, violent and supernatural force was trying to break them in order to harvest the lives of the guards within them.

The guards quickly had to steady themselves, otherwise the overwhelming nausea coming from their bowels would’ve forced them to vomit inside the helmets of their armor, and fall to the ground in extreme anguish.

As the tiny insect borrowed into the nose of the ugly and evil looking, dark blue garbed man, crunching sounds echo out, as if the insect was digging violently within the insides of his nose.

The man quickly disappeared into the far reaches of the city beyond the gates, taking the nauseating stench with him, as everyone slowly started to calm down from the torturous experience that they had just been through. With many suffering from what could be considered permanent mental trauma, from the horrifying stench that entered their nostrils.

With the holy hand of Hui Shi situated on her head, used to calm down the deep terror that she felt within her after looking at the insect, Elena said carefully as her fear subsided “That was a scary looking bird! It can even shrink its body. I think it’s a monster…” With the nauseating stench from the insect still a fresh, nightmarish memory in her mind.

Seeing the terrified little girl, Lain said to her, while trying to comfort her, “That thing is not a bird, Elena. It’s a terrifying insect that can only be considered a monster.”

The dashing man, with blue flames for hair also added with a frown on his handsome face, “That thing definitely doesn’t exist within our kingdom. I wonder where this monstrous creature and that cruel looking man originated from.” As he looked into the distant gate where the horrifying man disappeared into, and the blue flame-like sparks that wildly danced around his body, slowly subsided.

Chapter 9: Mon Dupa

Looking at the handsome man before him, and the 20-foot-long, levitating carriage next to him that was colored in cyan, and was in the shape of a rectangle, with its sleek design, and the ferocious creature pulling the ropes connected to it, Lain couldn’t help but wonder to himself ‘Such a magnificent and wealthy looking man! Riding that carriage must save him a lot of effort when traveling. Even the creature pulling it looks extremely dangerous.’ 

Hui Shi, who seemed oblivious to Lain’s curious and jealous glances at the interesting looking carriage of the flame haired man, said to the man, “That creature can only be found within the lands of a different empire. Also brother, my name is Hui Shi, and these two are my brother and sister, Lain and Elena. Who might you be?”

Seeing the smile on Hui Shi’s extremely handsome and divine face, and the gentle golden glow that radiated off his body, the aching and irritating feeling of nausea and disgust, quickly washed away from the mind and body of the blue flame haired man, as he couldn’t help but smile as well in reverence of such a holy priest, as he replied with a light laugh, “Divine priest of Ensieth, my name is Mon Dupa. I feel blessed to have encountered you here today.” as his left hand reached his head and stroked his slightly messy blue flamed hair down, to make sure they’re resting neatly over his shoulders. 

Looking at the joyful Mon Dupa, and feeling the golden glow emanating from Hui Shi’s body, Elena’s mental trauma also disappeared completely, as she started noticing the weird features on his handsome face. His handsome face had a beard and mustache that were nothing but blue flames, as well as the long, and slick, hair on his head that reached down to his shoulders that were also blue flames. Upon seeing them, Elena couldn’t help but want to reach out and touch them in curiosity, as her young mind took in the visually stunning experience in great wonder.

Mon Dupa continued, oblivious to the young lady’s thoughts, “Do you happen to know what empire that may be? I’m truly curious about the origins of that man.”

Listening to his words, Lain also nodded in agreement and added, “Please let us know, brother Hui Shi. I’m also quite curious.”

“That man is a very dangerous man, from an evil family called the Fang Clan. This clan is a powerful clan that dwells deep within the Arkate Empire, which is a neighboring empire…” Starting to speak, Hui Shi couldn’t help but stop halfway through as the sounds of the aching people waiting in line reached his ears. 

It seems the countless people waiting in line were all heavily affected by the nauseating smell that emanated from the insect of the Fang clan villain. Many were still vomiting on the floor, in distress and pain, while the others standing still held their stomachs in extreme anguish.

Chapter 10: Manifestation of a God

Noticing this, Hui Shi couldn’t help but stop his words and look around, as the group also looked around in curiosity and empathy at the aching people that were lined up for miles. 

Feeling deep concern, Hui Shi couldn’t help but take immediate action, as he reached his right hand into the air.

The moment his right hand was raised, a holy feeling permeated the entire area, covering miles of land within half a millisecond. All the people waiting in line, including their mounts, started glowing in a divine golden light, as their injuries and mental traumas started to heal. Those on the ground quickly felt so uplifted and relaxed that they couldn’t help but smile in glee and satisfaction as they stood up and looked at the golden glow that emanated from their bodies in shock and awe.

Most even saw small beautiful, fairy-like butterflies flying around them in the most mystical and graceful ways, causing many children to happily chase these mystical creatures around. Even Elena, couldn’t help but desire to get off her mount in order to chase these graceful sprites around in glee, as their mesmerizing dance entranced her mind. 

The entire scene felt like a great god of nature was manifesting his great presence into the world, as even the old injuries of the people gotten by them in the distant past, healed within a span of seconds.

The grasses that were around the people in line, also danced in glee as they waved around in peaceful bliss. The mounts and various creatures accompanying the people also gave out happy sounds from their mouths, as they joyfully enjoyed the healing experience. 

Lain, Emily, and Mon Dupa, couldn’t help but enjoy the peaceful glow that originated from their bodies, as all the stresses of life from their past till now that have been wearing on their poor souls, slowly melted away in seconds.

But in just seconds, the blissful experience came, and also in seconds the experience left them as well. With Hui Shi’s hand coming back down, as he prayed in a quiet, low voice that everyone in the area could mysteriously hear, “Praise be to my father, Ensieth. May your blessings never be forgotten.”

Feeling the blissful experience disappear, everyone couldn’t help but look around, hoping to find the cause of it. But due to the length of the line being multiple miles long, they could only give up searching for answers after a few minutes of searching with their eyes, as they started gossiping hectically amongst themselves in glee and wonder.

Elena knowing what just happened couldn’t help but shout in reverence, “You’re so awesome, big brother! Can I become a priest too!?” As she looked at Hui Shi with hope filled eyes.

Chapter 11: An Instrument

Seeing the look in her eyes, Hui Shi couldn’t bear to turn her down due to her young age, so he said, “Sure, little sister. Once you grow up, I’ll take you to our church and help you become a priest, just like me.”

As soon as his voice died down, the few people in line that noticed his priest attire, after hearing Elena’s shout, quickly realized that he was likely the cause of the great phenomenon, and couldn’t help but come forward to tell him thanks for his miraculous help. 

 A slightly short, 4 foot tall man within the group, surrounded by bodyguards also said to Hui Shi, and his group, after a couple minutes of heartfelt praises, “For helping us so gracefully, I wish to invite you to my pet shop. If you’re ever in need of a pet or mount, please feel free to come to us. By the way, my name is Drunter Dwarg, of the Dwargian Pet Foundation.” He then handed white cards covered in dark blue rune markings to Hui Shi, and his group, before walking away with his bodyguards.

Looking at the card in his hand, then turning to the group of people, Hui Shi quickly said to them with a smile, in a voice so holy, gentle, and memorable that everyone couldn’t help but quieten down and listen to him patiently. “You’re welcome, my fellow brothers and sisters. I thank you greatly for showing your appreciation, but me and my brothers and sisters here have an important matter that we have to attend to immediately, so please have a great rest of your day. May god Ensieth bless your souls with prosperity!”

Hearing this, the group of people, including Mon Dupa, quickly dispersed in great happiness, as Hui Shi, Lain, Elena, and Emily quietly continued on their walk towards the gates that would require a few more hours to arrive.

While walking, Lain couldn’t help but ask, “So, how does this card work? There’s nothing but complicated lines on it?” as he looked at the card in his hand in curiosity. 

Elena also looked at the card in her right hand, before trying to bite it, to see if it’ll either break or tear. Seeing this, Hui Shi couldn’t help but laugh gracefully, as he warned, “That card is very durable. Biting it will only hurt your teeth, little sister.” Hearing this, Elena couldn’t help but pause her actions in defeat, as she held the card in hand.

Hui Shi then continued as he looked at Lain with his closed eyes as they walked, “That card is a simple Instrument. If pressed gently in the middle, it will open up a holographic map, with a red dot that points to a certain location. That location is likely the pet shop mentioned by the brother who calls himself Drunter Dwarg.”

Chapter 12: What is an Instrument?

After hearing his words, Elena immediately pressed down at the center of the card, as a large holographic screen appeared in front of her, with a red dot in the middle of it. She and Lain were immediately marveled at such a wonderful object. As Lain drew closer to Elena in order to see the card’s screen better, Emily also leaned in as well, as she turned her head to face her back where Elena was sitting, for a closer look at the screen in curiosity and bewilderment.

Looking at the complicated map screen, curiosity overwhelmed Elena, as she couldn’t help but reach towards the red dot on the holographic map, that was a few inches in front of her body. As soon as she touched the red dot, both her, Emily and Lain, immediately saw a complicated red line start to form, that shot directly from the red dot towards a distant region on the map, as the map seemed to zoom outwards. 

After a couple seconds, the long line that zigzagged through the map, went through a long wall on the map, and seemed to stop at their current location, connecting their current location to the red dot that was previously at the center of the map.

Seeing this, Lain was bewildered as he thought to himself ‘It seems, if we follow that line, it’ll lead us to the pet shop. What an interesting instrument.’ 

 Thinking these thoughts, he was curious to what an instrument truly was. But before he could ask Hui Shi a question, Elena had already pressed down at the middle of the card again in excitement as she blurted out to Hui Shi, while the holographic screen silently disappeared after her actions, “What is an Instrument?” 

Seeing the holographic screen disappear, she couldn’t even wait for Hui Shi to answer, as curiosity quickly overwhelmed her mind, as she pressed down on the card one more time, as the holographic screen appeared in front of her again. Seeing this, she was hopelessly entranced by the mechanics of the device and continued to press down on the card over and over again, while the holographic screen blinked in and out of existence, as Hui Shi decided to slowly answer her question anyway.

He then turned to Lain, as it seemed he was just as curious as her in finding the answer to her question, before saying in a dignified, and holy voice “An instrument is a magical device that’s created using the blood of powerful creatures. Using a creature's magical blood, individuals called rune crafters draw complicated lines on objects, using special techniques that enhance or alter the magical properties of the blood, in order to create one or more effects. These objects that have been carved on with blood are called instruments, while the complicated markings made out of blood that are carved on them are called runes.”

Chapter 13: A Look Around

Hearing his words, Elena felt defeated, as she had only heard a couple words, due to her being too preoccupied with playing with the holographic screen in her hand.  Another reason for her feeling of defeat was due to the fact that what Hui Shi said was also a bit too complicated for her young mind, and she couldn’t fully understand the concepts that he uttered from his mouth, so she could only accept her defeat, and continue playing with the holographic screen in her hand, while the group continued on with their journey.

Feeling enlightened, Lain on the other hand quickly thanked Hui Shi for his explanation, as he thought ‘There are so many interesting things in this world. First was the evil man with his creepy insect, now there’s such a thing as runes and instruments. It seems I still have much to learn on this journey of mine.’ 

The group then continued on their journey in peace, hoping to get to the gate before the day was over.

After hours of trekking, the group finally arrived at the front gates, just when the two glowing suns in the sky, one green, and the other golden, disappeared into the horizon and the evening sky filled with stars welcomed them with open arms.

The group, feeling tired, were met by the two guards that were dressed head to toe in armor with complicated light blue, glowing rune lines carved all over them.

Having arrived, Lain couldn’t help but look around him once more at the outskirts of the city, before they went inside the gates. The moment he looked, he was greeted by the most peaceful sight that he’s ever seen in a while. The night, filled with stars of various sizes, was truly wondrous to see. Then there were the green grasses that were covered in a hint of evening dew, that at some point in time had grown long green stalks with beautiful pink and blue flowers situated at the top end of them. Giving Lain the feeling of standing within a wondrous river of pink and blue. 

The fresh breeze blowing in the night sky permeated a slightly sweet smell into the air that seemed to erase all feelings of hunger and tiredness from Lain’s body, as colorful butterflies and incandescent insects of various colors danced around in the air, while going from flower to flower. 

The opened gates, upon closer look, were magnificent to behold. Countless miles in height, and over 20 miles in length, Lain could only gawk at the intricacies of its design. Drawn on the gates were complicated runes in the shape of majestic creatures that he had never seen before in his entire life. There were creatures with lithe figures, looking like they were prancing majestically through a mystical forest, bringing delight and joy to those who chanced upon them, as well and large, ferocious and monstrous figures that looked like they could devour the world, and destroy the heavens. 

Chapter 14: Majestic Beauty

They were all drawn in such a life-like way, using the same glowing light blue runes that painted the walls in incandescent light, that Lain could feel their presence emanating from the wall. The majestic and mystical presence of the creatures drawn on the gates all seemed to want to escape the confines of the gates, and bath the world in terror and destruction, as well as delight and joy. 

Entranced by the beauty of the scenery, Lain, could only gawk at its splendor. Even Elena and Emily, who’ve experienced these scenes before countless times, couldn’t help but smile in relaxation as they also looked around them in bliss, marveling at the beauty of life.

Hui Shi, who was too busy with certain thoughts that plagued his mind throughout their journey here, was the only one who wasn’t entranced by the view, as he walked up to the guards aggressively.

The two guards were just about to start asking questions, when Hui Shi, immediately approached one of them and shoved him back violently. Saying to them with an angelic but angered voice, “Why did your men allow such a young child to wander outside the city? Isn’t it a crime to let an innocent child go to dangerous places unsupervised!?”

Steadying himself on the ground, the guard that was pushed was immediately driven into anger, but as soon as Hui Shi’s angelic voice reached his ears, his anger seemed to wash away from him, as he couldn’t help but gazed at the charming, and handsome man with a golden halo in front of him. The resplendent golden light, that was emanating from his body, could only fill the guard with endless warmth and deep comfort.

Being too tongue-tied by the beauty of the priest before him, the guard could only try to get up slowly. The other guard, seeing the altercation, couldn’t help but also be entranced by Hui Shi’s voice and presence, with the desire to exact revenge on Hui Shi, and help his fellow guard, completely washing away from his heart by the second. 

He determined instead, to just answer the question that was asked by the holy priest before him, as his heart couldn’t bare to hurt such a divine being. But before he could answer Hui Shi’s question on his friend’s behalf, a light blue screen appeared in front of him.

On the screen was the image of Hui Shi, that came with a blaring warning, that reverberated within the helmets of both guards, “This criminal is on the premises! Please arrest him immediately! I repeat! Arrest this criminal immediately!”

Chapter 15: An Honest Mistake

Hearing the warning, the two guards were in utter shock and awe, as they gazed at the holy priest in front of them, whose anger was still visible on his face. But weirdly, instead of trying to arrest Hui Shi, the previously shoved guard that at some point in time, finally righted himself and stood up from the ground, and in wonder and awe said cautiously to Hui Shi, “My humble priest of Ensieth. Are you truly Hui Shi, from the Holy Myan District?” 

Seeing the angered state that Hui Shi was in, and the wanted poster on the holographic screen, and lastly the words uttered by the guard, Lain could only come forward, as he placed his right hand on Hui Shi’s shoulder, while saying “Brother Hui Shi, there’s no need for such aggressiveness. I believe they may have a reasonable excuse why they would allow young Elena to wander about outside the city gates.” Then he also looked at the guards questioningly.

Elena, hearing her name, finally realized that the current conflict was her fault, so she shrank her neck due to shame and hid behind the large neck of Emily. Hoping Hui Shi and Lain wouldn’t notice her.

Seeing Elena’s overreaction to the situation and hearing Lain’s words, Hui Shi could only calm down his righteous anger, before replying to the guard’s question. “Of course, my brother. I am Hui Shi. Now, can you kindly answer my question? I’m truly curious to know your reasoning behind allowing a child to leave the city’s gates unsupervised.”

He then pointed to the hidden Elena, in grief and indignation, hoping the city’s law enforcement agency hasn’t degraded to such an unjust level within the span of the few years that he’s been away from home.

Hearing his question, the shoved guard could only answer him truthfully. “I’m sorry, but we guards are incapable of stopping a young noble lady from either entering or exiting any cities within the empire of Gilagesh.”  As the other guard calmly went towards Emily and Elena, before reaching out his hand toward the guilt ridden Elena. Seeing the out stretched hand of the guard, with practiced experience, Elena easily pulled off a small ring that she had worn on the pinky finger of her left hand, and handed it to the guard.

Seeing this action, Lain, could only become curious. But before he could ask his growing list of questions, the guard with the ring continued off where the other guard stopped, by saying, “Due to the fact that we had to allow her to do as she wished, all law enforcements by law have to provide a protection ring to all young nobles that ventured outside any city, until they’ve become of age. Making sure the ring is on their person, at all times.”

Hui Shi then wondered to himself for a few seconds as he gazed at the ring. Watching the ring, Lain couldn’t help but ask, “What are the functions of that ring? How does it guarantee their safety?”

Chapter 16: Lady Annette Duet

The previously shoved guard, lightly chuckled once he heard Lain’s questions, as he tapped on his helmet, and a 360 view of their current surroundings appeared in holographic form. Inside the hologram, all people within a circumference of five miles were shown, with the ring at the center of the circumference. Showing this, the shoved guard then started speaking, “This ring is an instrument that allows us to have a 360 view of its current surroundings, regardless of its distance from any nearby cities. It also gives us the ability to teleport to its location in less than a second with just a simple thought, in case any noble’s life is at risk.”

Soon after, the guard with the ring, quickly snapped his fingers, as the ring in his hand disappeared magically, before continuing where his fellow guard left off, “The ring has always been given to her, to ensure her protection, since she started leaving the city months ago. It is usually monitored, like all rings, by a team of specialist within the city, that are always ready to come to her rescue at a moment’s notice.”

Hearing his words, and seeing the vanishing 360 view hologram, Lain, and Hui Shi, couldn’t help but relax again, as it seemed their assumptions were wrong. Quickly apologizing, Hui Shi said, “I’m sorry, my brothers. Please forgive my previous actions.” as he bowed humbly to the guards, in relief, and humility.

Seeing the extremely divine being bow down to them so humbly, the guards couldn’t find it in their hearts to hold a grudge against him, and one of them quickly said to Hui Shi in endearment “You're fine, my priest. It’s your duty to protect and look after the wellbeing of all children, in place of our divine god, Ensieth.”

At this point in time, a woman, who seemed to be the next in line at the gates, walked up, as she greeted Hui Shi, with a sense of curiosity. “Our dearest priest of Ensieth. I may be mistaken, but it would seem that you were the one who rescued us from the ailment we suffered a few hours earlier. If so, please accept my graceful thanks. My name is Annette Duet, and I’m a hero of this city, that’s just returning from my arduous journey elsewhere.”

Hearing her words, Lain couldn’t help but think ‘What’s a hero?’ but he kept his thoughts to himself, as he gazed at the approaching young woman who looked to be around the age of 20. She was dressed in a red shirt, and a blue floral skirt. Her shoes were also blue in color, as they glowed slightly in the evening night due to the entirety of them being covered in light blue rune markings. 

Her body exuded the look of bravery, as her sharp eyes, and slightly beautiful face made her look charming and brave. The parts of her body that could be seen, were all covered in strong layers of muscles, as though she’s been a battle hardened warrior her entire life.

Chapter 17: A Couple Questions!

Looking at the heroic lady who walked up to him, Hui Shi couldn’t help but say in admiration, “It’s nothing, my sister Annette. It’s the duty of us priests to help everyone in need.” as he bowed slightly to her. 

With his handsome and calming aura bathing her in peaceful bliss, Annette couldn’t help but smile at such a divine and charming priest, as she said, “If you’re in a hurry, you’re free to take my place in line. Being graced by your presence is truly a great fortune to everyone here.”

She then stepped back, and walked towards her small black carriage that was pulled by two ferocious looking hard carapace beasts, that were similar to the ones seen by Lain earlier during the day.

After the woman stepped back, Lain couldn't help but marvel again at the beauty of these carriages, and the monstrous beasts that pulled each and every one of them. After thanking her, he then turned back, towards the gates, as the bored Emily and Elena began walking forward.

The bored Elena couldn’t help but urge Emily forward, as she was starting to get tired, as the peaceful night sky made her very drowsy. The guards at the entrance could only allow them to pass by.

Seeing Elena, and Emily start walking through the opened gates, Lain, and Hui Shi could only move forward in order to catch up. But as Lain was walking forward, he was stopped by the guards, one of them then said in a serious tone. “We must ask you a couple of questions before you can enter Yearning Peace City, as a newcomer. You must also have a license to carry a weapon in this city, unless you're a hero.”  As he pointed to the curved, green, bamboo blade that was harnessed at Lain’s waist.

Hearing this, Elena, Emily, and Hui Shi could only stop and turn around, in guilt, as they had forgotten about Lain, who had never visited the city before. 

Hui Shi could only walk back towards the guards slowly, as the previous guard continued, while the slightly tired Lain listened carefully. “What’s your name, and location of birth? And lastly, what’s the reason for your entry into this city?”

Lain listening to this, could only answer the guard’s question, as a holographic application screen appeared in front of the guard magically. “My name is Lain. I was born in Yearning Sweet Town. Lastly, I’m here to enjoy the beauty of the city. I was told this city had wondrous places that could enhance my view of life.”

Chapter 18: Arrest Him Immediately!

Hearing his words, the holographic application screen in front of the guard automatically filled up with words that were written in a foreign language, as a picture of Lain miraculously appeared in the upper left section of the application. The guard then said to Lain, “That’s all we’ll need from you. As for your weapon…” Before he could continue, Hui Shi couldn’t help but butt in and say gently, “Please brother, my brother Lain here is tired. Can you allow him in on my behalf?” as he placed his hand on the shoulder of the guard, with a slight aggression to his body language.

Seeing the slightly aggressive Hui Shi, the guard could only acquiesce to his demands, due to his feeling of reverence for the holy man. He then turned to Lain and said, “You are free to enter the city, but you have 30 days to find a place to store your weapon, or get the required license to carry it within the city.” before walking to the side to allow him to leave, as the light blue application screen in front of him disappeared before his eyes.

The group then carried on walking through the large opening of the gates that were opened towards the outskirts of the city and rested against the outer walls. Looking at the back of the receding group, holographic screens soon popped up in front of the guards again, as a picture of Hui Shi appeared on them, accompanied by blaring warnings echoing within their helmets. “This criminal is on the premises! Arrest him immediately! I repeat! Arrest him immediately!” 

The guards could only ignore the warnings as they continued staring at the back of the walking group, before turning around to greet the next person in line, Annette Duet.

After walking for a few minutes, Annette Duet quickly caught up to them while walking alongside her carriage, as she greeted “Hello there! I hope you don’t mind if I tag along with you guys, do you?”

Hui Shi quickly replied with a dashing smile, “Sure, sister Annette. We have a long journey ahead of us. You may call me Hui Shi. These two before me are brother Lain, and little sister Elena. Emily is the beautiful Griffith that little sister Elena is sitting on.” as he introduced the group to her.

While Hui Shi spoke, Lain could only look at Annette while thinking thoughts about the carriage that was being pulled beside her, as she held onto the reins that controlled the two monsters pulling it. 

After Hui Shi finished speaking, he couldn’t help but add, “Please accompany us. I have a few questions to ask you if you don’t mind me bothering you with them.”

Chapter 19: Masculine Energy

The drowsy Elena, looking at the smiling Annette, could only see a human shaped creature with ripped muscles, exuding the strongest masculine energy she’s ever seen in her entire life. Annette’s slightly beautiful face could only look plain and ordinary in the eyes of the little girl, as she replied to her in a slightly groggy tone, “Please join us big brother Annette.” before lying forward weakly on Emily’s back in tiredness.

Hearing her words, Hui Shi could only correct her awkwardly, “Little sister, sister Annette is a young lady just like you.” Annette couldn’t help but blush in shame, so she looked down at the ground as she walked and replied as well. “Yes, little sister, I’m a young lady just like you.”

She then looked up, after uttering her shame-filled words, only to notice the almost sleeping Elena nod at her, before falling asleep on the red feathered back of Emily. Feeling a bit of empathy, she couldn’t help but ask, “Hey little sister, why don’t sleep inside my carriage. The ride is much smoother, and you won’t be woken up by our conversations.”

Hui Shi, and Lain, hearing her words, could only find it reasonable. But Emily on the other hand became a bit more alert as her antennae went wild, and went towards Annette's body, before roaming around her frantically for a few seconds, then withdrawing.

After seeing Emily’s antenna probing, Hui Shi couldn’t help but say to Emily. “It’s not a bad idea. It’ll definitely help her sleep better.” Annette quickly added as well, “If you don’t feel secure, you can check the inside of the carriage yourself. I’m a lady of my words.” as she walked towards the door that was situated on the side of the black colored, square shaped, small carriage that was engraved with many light blue runes in the shape of little snakes, and opened it. 

Walking up to the opened door, Emily swiftly used her antennas to roam the insides of the carriage before sticking her head in. After looking into the carriage for a few seconds, she quickly removed her head. She then sat down, and looked at Annette, as if telling her to carry the sleeping Elena into the carriage. 

Hui Shi, and Lain, seeing this could only become curious as well, as they also went over to the narrow door opening, to look inside it, in order to make sure it’s safe as well. As the two were looking within the carriage, Annette quickly went around them towards Emily, as she began to pick the sleeping Elena up.

Looking inside the carriage, Hui Shi, and Lain felt like they entered another world. The inside of the carriage was surrounded by pink walls, with extremely tiny, light pink runes engraved all over them, also in the shape of various serpents of different sizes. The space inside of it was weirdly larger than the side of the small little carriage. It felt like they were looking into a large 3-bedroom house. But unlike a normal house, the furniture inside were all made of granite like stones. 

Chapter 20: A Small Carriage

The two of them looked directly into the living area of the carriage, that the outside carriage door led to and saw a light pink colored stone table situated at its center, surrounded by a large, four sectional sofa, that was also made out of the same light pink colored granite-like stone material.

On the left and right side of the large living room were open entryways with light pink holographic screens covering them that lead to two other rooms. The light pink screens that covered the entryway from top to bottom were see-through, allowing Hui Shi, and Lain to see the two rooms within, one of which appeared to be a kitchen of sorts from the small glimpse that the two could see from their current location. But before they could accurately tell what type of room it was, Annette’s slightly masculine but gentle voice rang out from behind them, “Please brother Hui Shi, and brother Lain, I have to bring little Elena inside now.” 

Hearing her words, the two could only give up and walk away from the mysterious, levitating carriage, to allow Annette through the door. 

While standing by the side of the carriage, waiting for Annette, Lain couldn’t help but marvel at the technology that powered the small carriage. Not only was its levitation technology very interesting, the inside also had a magical space enlargement effect, that made it much larger on the inside than it appeared on the outside.

Hui Shi on the other hand, could only think about other matters while he waited for Annette, as the technology within the carriage was nothing new to him, since he was someone who grew up within the upper class section of the city.

After entering the carriage for a few minutes, Annette came back, nodded to the three waiting for her outside before saying, “She’s sleeping on the sofa in the living room.”

The group then continued their walk forward, with Emily walking next to the carriage with slight concern for the sleeping Elena inside of it that she couldn’t see.

As the group walked, Lain, who was lost in thought, couldn’t help but look around at his surroundings while he formulated a question in his mind to ask Annette. As he looked around, he was immediately stunned by the differences of the surroundings inside the gates versus outside the gates.

Outside the gates of the city was a plain of short grasses, with beautiful flowers of pink and blue, accompanied by fluorescent insects prancing about in peaceful bliss. Inside the gates on the other hand, as far as the eyes could see, was a covering of tall grasses that were over 2000 feet in height. 

Chapter 21: The Price Of A Gremlin

He felt so small standing on the left edge of the large road that was over 10 miles wide, situated in the middle of two forests of gargantuan grasses, that he started to question why the forests of grasses were left unkept by the city’s government, while they kept the grasses outside the gates well trimmed. 

After thinking this, he then looked forward at the road, towards the direction in which he was walking towards. The road, in the middle of the night, that he saw, felt like it led nowhere, as its end reached all the way into the horizon. 

Due to Lain’s unique constitution, his eyes could see very clearly, even from countless miles away. Yet, he couldn’t see the end of the road that was paved in white granite-like stones, in which he walked.

Being baffled by the uniqueness of his current surroundings, he could only control his thoughts, and look towards Annette who was walking beside him, before asking, “Miss Annette, please help me answer these questions. What is that vehicle of yours called? How much does it cost to acquire them? And lastly, what are those beasts pulling it?”

Hearing his words, Hui Shi could only smirk slightly, as he looked towards Annette, waiting for her answers quietly. After thinking for a couple of minutes, Annette replied to Lain with a beautiful smile on her face, “My vehicle is called a chariot. Most chariots cost about $40,000 Yearning Dollars to acquire, on average, with the more luxurious brands costing over a million Yearning Dollars. My chariot was custom-made to my unique specifications and desires, giving it a higher production cost of over $200,000 Yearning Dollars.”

She then paused for a few seconds to make sure that her words were understood by the listening Lain, and Hui Shi, before continuing, “The beast that is pulling my chariot is called a gremlin. Most chariots are required by law to be pulled by one or more gremlins, along with standard protection runes that create a shield to block attacks aimed at the chariot. This is why there are runes embedded on the outside walls of my chariot. The world being filled with quite a bit of danger, forced the government to enforce these laws in order to protect the weak citizens of the empire.”

Hui Shi couldn’t help but nod at her words as he added, “The world is filled with a lot of dangerous creatures, many of which we may have never encountered before. This is why the Emperor of Gilagesh forced chariot producers to give a trained gremlin to each chariot owner to pull their chariots.”  

Lain, hearing their words, couldn’t help but ask in bewilderment, “Are gremlins powerful? Although they look pretty strong, what are their capabilities?”

Chapter 22: Jealousy?

After hearing his questions, Annette couldn’t help but reply, “Yes. Gremlins are very powerful creatures with steel-like tails that could reach over a mile around them. The spiked tips at the end of their tails can easily smash apart the hardest naturally made materials on the planet.” as she pointed to the tail end of one of her gremlins, where a coiled tail could be seen. 

Hui Shi quickly continued where she left off, after seeing her gesture, “Their tails are not the only things that make these creatures powerful. Although their tall and gaunt figures make them look slightly emaciated and weak, they’re very fast and agile creatures that can run over 200 miles an hour very easily, for days on end without feeling the slightest bit of exhaustion.”

Hearing their words, Lain could only reply gently, “I see… Thanks for your answers. It seems these chariots are worth their price, being protected by such a ferocious monster.” as he continued walking forward before jealousy slowly started filling his heart. Soon his thoughts also reflected his jealousy as he couldn’t stop thinking in his head ‘$200,000 Yearning Dollars…200 miles an hour…powerful gremlin…’

As Hui Shi and Annette saw the aimlessly walking Lain, with eyes that showed extreme jealousy, Annette couldn’t help but think ‘Is he jealous of me? He can’t be jealous of a young lady like me, right?’ Before being drowned in her own thoughts that were filled with questions about their origins, that she currently couldn’t bring herself to ask.

Hui Shi on the other hand could only feel embarrassed, while looking at the quietly walking Lain, as he noticed his jealousy as well, before looking away with a slight sigh. 

The four then continued walking for 10 minutes in silence, before Hui Shi looked around him casually in doubt, as he thought ‘Have we walked pass this area before?’ Seeing Hui Shi look around, Lain also began to feel weird. He then also looked around in silence as they continued walking forward, with thoughts of doubt gradually filling his head as well.

But as the two were quietly contemplating, they were interrupted by the voice of Annette as she asked “There’s something that has baffled me that I would like to ask you, brother Hui Shi.”

Pulled out of his thoughts, Hui Shi could only reply awkwardly to Annette, “What’s the issue, my dearest sister?”  Hearing their words, Lain, also came out of his train of thoughts as he anticipated her question.

“Why are you a wanted man? A great priest of Ensieth like yourself is usually held in high regard all over the empire. Who have you gone against to cause your current predicament?”

Hearing her question, Lain also added, “I’m also quite baffled about this as well. Please brother Hui Shi, who’ve made themselves your enemy in the past?”

Chapter 23: Burnt Down House

Hui Shi couldn’t help but answer them with a slight bit of bewilderment in his mind, “Honestly, I don’t know who I offended, but I do know who’s at fault based on who requested for my arrest.”

He then paused for a brief minute in thought, before continuing, “You see, a few years prior, I just graduated from my seminary back in Yearning Saint City, the capital of our Sval Kingdom. During that period of time, I often roamed the city streets, while helping those in need, preaching the gospel, and also exploring a small hobby of mine, which is looking for and reading old manuscripts that record hidden knowledge of the past.”

He then paused for a few minutes as he contemplated his next words before continuing with a slight sigh, “One day, as I was walking on an old, quiet backroad, situated at the distant outskirts of the capital, I chanced upon a burnt down house that was built close to the old road.” Explaining up to here, his handsome face could only be filled with a look of melancholy so great that it made all three listeners depressed at the sight.

He then continued solemnly after a brief pause, “Inside the house, I saw three corpses, and the badly bruised body of a dying old man. Driven into desperation, I tried my best to heal the poor old man, who quickly recovered with the help of his holiness Ensieth. After healing the old man, I took him while he was still unconscious due to the recent trauma, to a nearby hotel that I rented, before going back to his home to arrange for the removal of the corpses, after alerting the local authorities.”

Hearing his words, Annette could only quietly sigh in grief at the difficulties that the average citizen of this world experiences on a day-to-day basis. Lain could only listen while contemplating the sad words coming from Hui Shi’s mouth with depression in his mind.

As they were listening to Hui Shi, an old man silently appeared by the side of the road a few distances in front of them, silently listening in as well, but the group of four were too engrossed in the current story to notice his presence.

Not realizing they were being watched, Hui Shi continued, “A couple days went by before the old man woke up from his slumber. After waking up, I could only tell him who I was and what I saw at the burnt down house, as memories flooded the mind of the old man, and he began sobbing. In deep sadness, the old man recounted his story to me.”

At this moment, he took a deep breath as he couldn’t help but curse, “It’s a sad thing to see when a son turns against his own family. Praise my dear lord, Ensieth, for his mercy on this world.”

Chapter 24: A Gifted Child. An Ill Omen

Annette then also echoed “Praise my dear god Enseith, for his great mercy and grace.” as she, and the man hidden in the shadows, bowed for a brief moment, before righting themselves back up. Lain, on the other hand, not being a worshiper of Ensieth could only quietly contemplate the contents of Hui Shi’s story, on the side, while waiting for him to continue.

The group then continued walking unknowingly towards the man in front of them, as Hui Shi continued his speech, “Years back, the old man gave birth to a gifted child. After realizing the potential of the child, he, his wife and his two older children went through hell working to help that poor son of his get into a mighty sect in the area. After 5 years of hard, gruesome work, his son was finally accepted into the sect, using the money the entire family raised to bribe the officials of the sect to let his youngest son in.”

Pausing to take a deep breath, as the weird feeling of being watched by something slightly irritated him, Hui Shi continued, “The son was then raised by the sect, and came home once a year for a visit. One of the years that he came for a visit home, the old man, being too drunk after a night of celebration, blabbered on about a secret treasure that his father hid somewhere, back in the days when he was a grave robber. Due to the treasure being unique, and easily identifiable by the powerful noble family that it belonged to, his father warned that it would lead their family to its downfall, if anyone were to ever find out that the treasure was stolen by his father from a coffin of their deceased loved one.”

Looking around in confusion, and finding no one in sight, Hui Shi couldn’t help but continue speaking, as the other three listening, also looked around as well after seeing his actions, in futility as they couldn’t see anyone in sight, other than the four of them, and the chariot being pulled beside them. Even though the old man was still a few distances ahead of them, standing still, while they walked towards him.

“His youngest son, hearing his words, became obsessed with finding the location where the treasure was hidden, but the old man, listening to his late father’s words, could only keep the secret location of the hidden treasure buried in his heart in fear of his father’s threats. After years went by, and he wouldn’t tell his son the truth, the son could only come up with a devious plot. 

He ordered a few of his friends within his sect to attack his parent’s home, on the night he was to return from the sect. His friends then attacked and tortured his elder brother, and sister, as well as his mother, as they asked them individually where the secret treasure was hidden, in hopes that his father had divulged the secret accidentally to them. But it was fruitless, as only the father knew the secret. The friends driven into desperation could only torture them to death before their father’s eyes. 

Chapter 25: Unwilling

They then turned on the old man, who they had then brutally beaten, until he almost passed out, yet they couldn’t pull the secret from his mouth. After seeing the old man’s life slowly start to slip away, they quickly left the scene in regret and indignation. 

A short while later his son who was nearby watching, could only come out of the darkness, pretend to be surprised by what just occurred and ask the old man one last time, gently, where he left the secret treasure, saying if he had the treasure, he will use it to avenge the deaths of his dear family.

But yet, the old man refused, as he continued to slip away into unconsciousness. Noticing his refusal, the son immediately howled in anger, as he told his dying father the truth. That after all the money he spent hiring his close friends to torture his family to death, he still came up short. Feeling despair, the son violently stepped on the head of the dying old man angrily, before walking away. 

After the old man told me this, it felt like all the grief and indignation in his heart poured out. The poor old man, who was already nearing the end of his life before the fiasco occurred, then closed his eyes one last time and never opened them again, dying from old age, as he no longer desired to live in a world where his own son could betray him.

Watching the old man die, I could only try everything in my power to heal him and bring him back to life, but after a few minutes of prayers, my holy god, Ensieth indicated to me that his time had come, and a man of his age cannot be resurrected, as he didn’t die of injuries, but of natural causes. 

After watching the old man die in my arms, I could only bury him in the most fitting way possible, by the rest of his loved ones, before leaving the capital and traveling abroad for a couple of years. I then slowly made my way back home, until recently when I was in the outskirts of the kingdom, close to home and was told by my fellow clergymen in another city that I was wanted for theft.

They told me after some investigation, that the person who alerted the authorities of my crime, was called Vic Yure, from the Glorious Myth Sect situated in the capital. And that he wanted the law enforcement of the kingdom to arrest and bring me in for questioning, for I stole something of his, and he would like to have it back at all cost.

After hearing the words of my fellow clergymen, I could only sigh in grief, for the son of the old man, was named Vic Yure. From my understanding, It seems that he somehow became aware that I revived his dying father and accompanied him until his dying breath, and now believes I may know the secret location of the treasure, and wants the law enforcement of the kingdom to arrest me and bring me to him for further questioning using the powers of his sect.”

Chapter 26:  A Strange Voice

Annette couldn’t help but curse loudly after hearing his words, “What a rotten man! Killing your own family is blasphemy! Why didn’t you notify the authorities of his actions?” as she looked at Hui Shi in slight indignation. 

Hui Shi, quickly replied in righteousness, “I did report it, but it seems his sect somehow covered up for his crimes. The Glorious Myth Sect is a very powerful sect in our kingdom. I could only continue coming back home, after finding out years later that nothing came out of my report to the authorities in the capital for his heinous crimes. 

As for the warrant for my arrest? I’ll ask my father to help me get rid of it, once I arrive back home. My church of Ensieth is also a powerful force within the kingdom of Sval. And lastly, If Vic Yure ever decides to come after me himself? He’ll have to taste the power of my fists! ” He then balled up his fists in great indignation.

“Don’t worry, brother Hui Shi. I’m always willing to help you solve the matter, if this evil man called Vic Yure or his sect ever comes looking for you themselves.” Lain added, in righteous anger, as he balled up his two fists tightly.

“It seems you’ve been through a lot, little priest. Why don’t you count me in as well? I’ll always be willing to beat up a spoiled brat like Vic Yure any day.” Weirdly, a random voice rang out, in the dark night, that didn’t belong to the three of them. 

Looking towards the direction of where the voice came in surprise and slight anxiety, the three of them saw a short old man, dressed in a blue gown with a belt on his waist, standing in front of them, with a light brown, wooden cane in his hand. 

After seeing this old man, with a face covered in wrinkles, and a white beard that reached down to his chest, the three of them looked around anxiously as they started to realize that they’ve not moved a single inch from the spot where they placed little Elena into the chariot a while back, although they’ve been walking forward the entire time.

As they were looking around, Lain, noticing something was wrong with the carriage, couldn’t help but alert Annette. “Sister Annette, please go check within the chariot!” Annette then quickly jumped towards the door of the carriage with speed faster than her body’s small four-foot tall frame should be capable of producing. 

While Annette rushed into her chariot, Lain couldn’t help but place his hand on his bamboo sword as he stared at the old man in front of him. Hui Shi, looking closely at the old man, also steadied himself, as he stared at the old man, then at the chariot next to them in alertness, before slowly realizing that the man looked kind of familiar.

Chapter 27: Divine…Murder…

The old man, standing in the dark night, brought an extremely discomforting feeling to Lain. Causing Lain to grip the handle of his curved bamboo sword, as he slowly walked forward, for he knew the man before him may be as dangerous as the Fang clan man from before.

Lain’s aura slowly started to change the moment he took his first step towards the old man, as the short black hair on his head, as well as his eyebrows, slowly started to change to the color of red. After the second step, he slowly exhaled while staring at the old man in front of him and muttered under his breath, “Divine…murder…”

The moment those foul sounding words came out of his mouth, the thick stench of blood permeated the air, causing Hui Shi who was nearby to shiver slightly, in slight anxiety, as he immediately knew that Lain was about to do something very dangerous. 

Smelling the thick stench of blood coming from Lain that almost made him suffocate, Hui Shi couldn’t help but walk over to him quickly, before saying, “Brother Lain, I recognize this man. Please lay down your sword and let’s talk.” As placed his hand over the hand that Lain was using to hold the handle of his sword, trying to stop him from drawing his sword from its sheath.

Hearing Hui Shi’s words, Lain could only take in a deep breath, before calming down and saying “If you believe he’s not a threat, brother Hui Shi, I’ll let the matter rest.” After saying this, he slowly let go of his sword’s handle, as his hair turned back to black, and the thick stench of blood permeating the air, suffocating everyone around him, disappeared.

While watching Lain slowly calm down, the old man smiled, as he began walking towards the group, saying, “I’m glad you didn’t start a fight with a small old man like myself.” The discomforting feeling that made Lain very uncomfortable, also slowly disappeared, making Lain feel as if the dangerous predator that had been watching them in the darkness had finally closed its eyes.

Meanwhile, after opening the door of the chariot, Annette quickly entered the living room, only to be baffled by what she saw. Inside the room, she saw the still sleeping Elena. But the moment she turned towards the doorway leading to her kitchen, a decrepit old man that looked to be in his 80s, wearing red trousers, and a pink, long-sleeve shirt, slowly walked out of it. He then tossed a green, oval-shaped fruit towards her, which she instinctively caught in surprise.

“Eat this! I bet you’re hungry, right?” the elderly man said. He then began biting on another green, oval-shaped fruit that he had in hand, while slowly walking towards Annette.  

Seeing the dangerous aura emanating from the old man that made her heart shiver in extreme anxiety, Annette couldn’t help but ask, “Who are you?” as she gripped hard on the fruit in her left hand that she bought at a market a few days prior. Ready to attack him at any moment, if he tried to harm her or the sleeping Elena on the couch. 

Chapter 28: Serpents…

While holding the fruit, and seeing the dangerous old man slowly walking towards her like a predator that’s about to attack at any moment, the muscles on Annette’s entire body slowly started to squirm violently around, as if they were little serpents that were slowly waking up from deep slumber. The fruit in her left hand quickly started to disappear as the muscles on the palm that was holding the fruit turned into tiny flesh colored serpents of various shapes and sizes with mouths filled with jagged teeth. They started gnawing at the fruit ferociously, until it was devoured completely within a millisecond.

Looking at the young lady whose once beautiful face slowly morphed into a grotesque one filled with wriggling muscles that looked like a bunch of tiny serpents squirming around violently, the old man could only raise his hands in the air and say calmly, “Don’t worry child, I come in peace. My name is Trent Shiler. But you probably may not have heard of me.” as he continued chewing on the fruit in his mouth. The dangerous aura that made Annette’s hairs stand on end, also dissipated, as if it was all an illusion.

Hearing the old man call out his last name stunned the high-strunged Annette. She then slowly calmed down after the dangerous aura around him dissipated, as her wriggling muscles slowly wriggled back to their original position on her body, before lying still, like a den of snakes going back to sleep.  After calming down, she couldn’t help but stare into space in thought. For she knew that although she did not recognize the old man before her, or his first name, she knew that the entire district of the city that they were currently in was governed by the noble Shiler family.

Since he was an elder of the Shiler family, she decided it was best to be respectful in front of him, since it seems he didn’t enter her chariot with ill intentions. “Let’s talk outside. The little one is still asleep.” Trent Shiler softly said, as he then slowly walked by the stunned Annette, and left through the opened chariot doors, leaving her inside of it, while she was still lost in her own thoughts.

After seeing him leave, Annette quickly went over to inspect the sleeping Elena, to make sure she was doing fine, before following the old man out the chariot’s door. She couldn’t help but wonder as she left, ‘Why is a noble from the great Shiler family inside my chariot? How did he even get in? Also, why was he eating the food in my kitchen?’

“How’s my granddaughter doing in there? Is she still sleeping?” The other old man that was outside, slowly walking towards Hui Shi, and Lain, asked Trent Shiler, the moment he stepped down off the levitating chariot that was levitating about 2 feet off the ground.

Chapter 29: Trent Shiler

The old man, then stopped a few feet away from the stunned Hui Shi, and Lain, who couldn’t help but look towards the chariot in bewilderment, wondering who this second old man was, and how he arrived at their location.

As the two were watching Trent Shiler steady himself after coming down off the chariot, he lazily replied to the old man with a slight smile, “Your grandchild is fine, Micas. If I didn’t see the priest of Ensieth within this group of kids, I would’ve thought they were kidnapping her.” He then let out a light chuckle as he stared at the bewildered Hui Shi, and Lain as if he was questioning their morals.

Emily, who had been watching from the side the entire time, soon softly called out gently for the first time since Lain had met her, as a low, baritone sound of a fowl left her mouth. She then began walking towards the old man called Micas, with a slight tinge of happiness in her eyes.

Lain, seeing this, could only calm down a little more, because he finally realized the truth. With Emily walking over without the slightest bit of fear in her eyes, and understanding the words that escaped from the two old men’s mouths, these two old men whose weathered faces looked like they’ve been through decades of hard labor, may not be enemies, but relatives of Elena.

After a few steps, Emily reached the old man called Micas, before using her giant bird-like head to rub against his chest affectionately, as if she just met a long-lost loved one. The old man called Micas, also couldn’t help but rustle the feathers on her neck affectionately with his left hand, as his right hand held onto the cane that was used to support his body to the ground.

He then looked at Lain, Hui Shi, and Annette who just came out of her chariot and said softly, “My name is Micas Groundworth, from the Groundworth family of Yearning Trust City. I am the grandfather of little Elena. Pleased to meet you.” While Emily was still nestled in his chest, fawningly.

“I’m called Trent Shiler. I wonder what you three kids were doing with our gullible little Elena?” Trent questioned, as he stared into the eyes of Lain, Hui Shi, and Annette as if questioning their behavior and actions.

Hearing his accusatory words Lain, and Annette couldn’t help but scoff at him, while Hui Shi explained with a bright, and charming smile, that calmed Trent’s doubting heart, “My fellow elders, my name is Hui Shi. I am a humble priest of Ensieth. These two are my fellow brother and sister, Lain, and Annette. We were on our way to help cure an ailment that we believe the father of little sister Elena is currently suffering from.”

Micas, hearing his words, couldn’t help but raise his white colored brows, and say “Ailment? What do you mean?” 

Chapter 30: Foolish Son-In-Law

Hui Shi then pointed to Lain, hoping he’ll help him explain further. “Hello Elders. Sorry for my previous bad manners, but when I met little Elena a few hours earlier, she mentioned to me that her father had been sleeping for a few days, and hadn’t woken up since. So I assumed that something must’ve happened to him.

Feeling that I should help her, I requested for brother Hui Shi to escort me to her house, that way he can help cure her father using his god’s divine powers. We were on our way to her house when the two of you found us. I’m sorry if there’s been a misunderstanding.” Lain said, after seeing Hui Shi’s gesture in awkwardness.

Annette hearing their words couldn’t help but apologize to Hui Shi and Lain, as realization dawned upon her, and she said, “I didn’t know you two were on an urgent mission. I’m sorry for occupying your time to ask my silly questions.” She then turned to the two old men and said, “Elders, I am simply a passerby who decided to tag along, after meeting these two brothers at the front gate. They were very kind and courteous to little sister Elena, so I as a hero of the city didn’t think there was something wrong with the situation.”

“It’s fine, young ones. Earlier, when I saw you put my granddaughter inside your chariot, me and old Trent here couldn’t help but play a little trick on you in order to understand your current situation. You see, a while ago, I received a message from my men while in Yearning Trust, that there had been reports that my granddaughter had been frequently exiting the city alone, for months now. Due to fear that something bad may be happening to her, I couldn’t help but ask my old teacher Trent, who knows the ins and outs of the city, for help. 

As we were coming to get her, we chanced upon a warning that her life may be at risk, but that warning quickly went away, as I was told that a priest of Ensieth helped resolve the matter, by healing her of her ailments, which was extreme nausea and fear. 

Feeling blessed that she was cured, we decided to take our time and meet her when she arrives inside the city gates, while observing your actions from the side.

After seeing your actions, we decided you weren’t bandits and decided to reveal ourselves. We also mean you no harm.” Micas replied as his weathered, old voice sounded a bit long-winded, and tired at the end of his words.

Trent on the other hand couldn’t help but say towards Micas, “It seems something has truly happened to your son-in-law, Micas. That fool was definitely distraught by the death of your daughter. I knew his weak body was going to give out sooner or later due to me always receiving reports that he was always in an anxious and depressed state. I feel sad that he had to lose the mother of his child, soon after her birth.”

Chapter 31: Ill Omen

Micas couldn’t help but scoff in slight dissatisfaction by his words as he replied in anger, “That fool of a son-in-law of mine shouldn’t have married my daughter! If it wasn’t for him, she wouldn’t have moved to this city years ago. That fool was definitely an ill omen to my family. It was only a matter of time that he killed himself somehow.” 

He then said to everyone. “Since you all believe his life’s in danger, let’s quickly teleport to his home, and see what's wrong with that good for nothing teacher. Although I haven’t visited them in a while, I still remember their old trash of a home.”

After saying this, you could see his old face twist in sadness as he lamented in his mind, ‘It was already bad enough that my poor daughter decided to be a hero against my will. But to also marry a useless teacher? My dear god, Ensieth? Why did you bring that ill omen into my life? What did my forefathers do for me to deserve your curse, my great lord?” as a tear couldn’t help but escape his poor old eyes. He then sighed in deep grief and melancholy, as he looked up at the night sky.

Seeing the poor old Micas’ extremely sad eyes, everyone couldn’t help but become slightly melancholic.

Trent, upon seeing his melancholic behavior, easily understood his current issues, and couldn’t help but walk up to him, pat his shoulder to say, “It’s going to be okay, Micas. Although your daughter is dead and her body is missing, at least you still have a kind granddaughter to dote on. Let’s hurry to her home, before she loses not just her mother, but her father as well.”

Lain and Hui Shi immediately looked at each other, after hearing the old man Trent’s words as Lain finally realized in slight sadness that he was right on his earlier conjecture, that Elena’s mother had truly passed away.

Annette, also realizing the issues facing Elena, also couldn’t help but become melancholic as well. She then hastily said to Micas. “I hope I’m not bothering you elders, but may I tag along as well? I’m truly sorry for your loss. Your granddaughter is a beautiful young lady.”

Micas could only nod slowly as he looked at Annette, before he said, “Sure, little girl. I’ll take you guys there now.”  

He then raised his cane off the ground, as everyone’s vision became blurry for a short second. A second later, the raised cane then fell back down to the ground lightly, as the blurred vision that everyone experienced quickly disappeared.

Chapter 32: Teleportation!

Lain, Annette, and Hui Shi, started to look around the moment their visions cleared. What they saw intrigued their minds. Their environment looked almost identical to before. They were still standing on the large road that was over 10 miles wide, with its length stretched all the way to the horizon on both sides. 

But unlike before, situated in front of them, next to the right edge of the road that they were standing on, was a small granite-like, stone paved path that led to a small granite-like, stone house that was nestled between the tall 2000-foot grasses that could be seen everywhere their eyes looked, except on the large granite-like road that they were currently standing on. 

Strangely, as they looked left and right, they couldn’t find another house in sight. Only the long, wide road, and the small house was all that greeted their eyes.

As the three were marveling at their environment, Micas began walking in slow and steady steps towards the house, with Trent and Emily quickly following along behind him.

After a few minutes of walking, the two old men, and Emily reached the front door of the house, before Trent called out to the three still on the road in the distance. “Kids, stop daydreaming, and let’s go inside.”

Hui Shi, who was lost in his own thoughts about the origins of Trent and Micas, as he looked around, was the first to awaken from Trent’s words. He then quickly walked over to the waiting three at the door. Annette, also awakened soon after, she then quickly held onto the reins of her chariot, and walked over as well as she thought to herself in lamentation, ‘Teleportation truly is a wonderful spell to learn. Too bad I’m not a celestial, and can’t learn spells.’

Lain, being the last to awaken from his thoughts, couldn’t help but wonder as well, as he walked towards the house, ‘I wonder why there’s only one house in this area? Also, why are all the trees and grasses in the area the same length? It seems there are a lot of mysteries to be explored in this city.’

After the three arrived, Micas quietly looked at Trent, who was also by the door. Trent, noticing his gaze then said, “Although entering a house without the owner’s permission is against the rules. I don’t think the owner will mind in this case.” 

He then extended his left hand towards the door, as a ring on his old, wrinkled, pinky finger lit up in light blue runes. The moment the ring lit up, the stone door of the house also lit up in a glowing shade of light blue, as tiny light blue rune carvings that were engraved all over it started to shine. Trent then gently pushed the glowing door, until it opened all the way.

Chapter 33: Inside The Stone House

After the door opened, he then slowly entered the house, along with Micas, who softly said to Emily, “Sorry, little Emily. You know you can’t be allowed inside the house, so please wait outside for us.” 

Hearing his words, Emily nodded, before obediently standing by the side of the door, as everyone else walked pass her, into the house.

As the last to enter the house, the first thing that Lain saw, other than the people in front of him, was the inside of a stone house, with a small living room. On the green colored walls, furniture and green colored floors of the house, extremely small, light blue runes could be seen, etched all over them. These runes however weren’t glowing, except in certain locations.

In the living room, was a 2 sectional dark blue sofa, placed directly against the left side wall of the room. On the right side of the sofa, was a door leading to another room. 

Opposite the sofa was a wall of glowing light blue runes, with a holographic screen hovering in front of it, that was displaying what seems to be a cartoon of sorts. It seemed to Lain that the holographic screen functioned like a holographic television. 

Sounds of what was occurring on the holographic screen also echoed all over the small room, yet Lain was incapable of pinpointing where the sounds originated from. 

Opposite the outside doorway where Lain came in through from, was another doorway 30 feet away, that led to what looked like a kitchen. Inside the kitchen, from Lain’s vantage point, was a clear, see-through floor to ceiling window, situated another 20 feet from the kitchen’s doorway that showed the grass forest behind the house, with 2000 feet high, light red, evergreen-like trees mixed in.

The temperature within the home was slightly cooler on the inside, than outside the home, with slightly cool air circulating around the living room, making Lain feel refreshed and at ease. He couldn’t help but realize that there was some sort of cooling nature to the runes situated in the house, that was causing cool air to circulate, without wind.

As Lain, was marveling at the uniqueness of the house in front of him, Micas on the other hand,  gently sat down on the sofa in the living room, before saying to the group. “I believe that foolish son-in-law of mine, must be sleeping in the room on the left. Old Trent, please help me escort our dear little priest here to him. If I go with you, I may not want to see him healed. Everyone else, please sit down, and let’s wait for the results.”

Hearing his words, Trent couldn’t help but sigh and say, “Your son-in-law has lived a hard life, Micas. My child, let’s go help him.” before gesturing for Hui Shi to follow him into the room.

Chapter 34: The Middle-Aged Man

Watching Hui Shi, and Trent leave, Annette couldn’t help but say lightly, “May Ensieth guide him to full health.” before walking over to the sofa and sitting down. Lain, also snapped out of his marveling, and also sat down as well, on the stone sofa, that felt extremely soft and comfortable when sat down on. 

The texture of the sofa was very interesting to Lain, due to the fact that the sofa from his point of view was obviously made out of a large, granite-like stone. The same type of stone, that was used to make the hard walls, and doors of the house. Yet it seems from Lain’s point of view, that the light blue runes on the sofa, had somehow made the rock hard texture of the sofa, much softer than it should’ve been.

While Watching Lain touch and caress the sofa in awe, Micas couldn't help but look at his attire that looked slightly worn and old, as well as his face that looked ordinary and plain, and think to himself with a soft sigh, ‘I would have never believed in the past that I'll be sitting next to a young thug like him, who obviously looks like he has no future. At least he's a young thug with a kind and thoughtful heart.’

 Annette, who was also looking at Lain for the first time in detail, couldn't help but marvel at his ordinary facial features as she thought in dismay, ‘He truly has a face that I'll never call handsome.’ She then began to fawn over the extremely handsome looks of Hui Shi in her mind before looking away from Lain, in slight boredom, while thinking to herself, ‘Men truly are born unequal.’

Meanwhile, after leaving the living room, Hui Shi, and Trent entered a room that was also covered in microscopic sized light blue runes that were barely visible to the naked eye.

Inside the room, Hui Shi saw a dark blue, granite-like bed that was placed against the wall that was opposite the doorway. Above the bed was a holographic picture frame that featured a handsome man, standing behind a beautiful young lady, with his arms around her. The two people within the picture frame could be seen occasionally looking at each other for a few seconds with love in their eyes, before looking forward again towards the camera, as if within the picture frame was a short 20-second video, and not a still photograph.

On the bed, Hui Shi saw a very pale, middle-aged man who looked to be in his early 40s, lying in the fetal position with beads of sweat rolling down his forehead. His breathing was also very slow, as if he was already at death’s door.

Trent, also seeing the man, couldn’t help but walk forward to inspect him, before saying to Hui Shi, “My little priest. It seems he’s already at death’s door. If he wasn’t a strong-willed man, I doubt he would’ve even lived this long without food or water. Please help him quickly.”

Chapter 35: Healed

Hui Shi, hearing his words, could only nod before walking forward to stand by the stone bed, as Trent gave way. He then placed his left hand on the forehead of the sleeping man, as he muttered under his breath, “Praise my great lord Ensieth!”

After saying these words, the body of the man lying on the bed started to glow a deep golden color, as playful butterflies of beautiful colors, manifested all around the room like illusionary fairies, before flying into the man’s body. 

In just a few seconds of the phenomenon, Hui Shi withdrew his hand. The golden glow that emanated from the man also slowly disappeared, along with the room filled with butterflies, as the man, slowly opened his spirited eyes. 

His body, which once looked pale and sickly, now had a healthy tanned color. His breathing, which once was slow and uneven, now was rhythmic and steady. 

As the healthy, middle-aged man opened his eyes, he couldn’t help but look around the room, as he saw two people. Soon he realized that one of those people looked very familiar. 

Looking at Trent, the middle-aged man couldn’t help but nervously sit up on his bed, as he muttered in surprise, “Lord Trent? Why are you here?”

Hearing his words, and seeing his reaction, Trent and Hui Shi couldn’t help but smile, as Trent replied to him, “Son, you’ve been ill for the past few months. Me and Micas came with this priest, to help heal you of your ailment. It seems you couldn’t handle the death of your wife, and suffered ill health from depression, and anxiety.”

Hui Shi, then walked over to the man, as he reached out his hand towards him and said, “My name is Hui Shi. I came on behalf of your daughter, Elena to help you. Please praise lord Ensieth for his mercy and grace.” 

Seeing the outstretched, glowing hand of Hui Shi, with a glow that filled his heart with warmth, the middle-aged man, couldn’t help but reach out to grab it as he replied in thankfulness, with a smile full of happiness written on his face. “Thank you, great priest. May lord Ensieth’s grace last for eternity.” 

Hui Shi then gently pulled him up from the bed, as the man slowly found his footing on the ground before standing up.

Trent then said to the two, “Let’s go to the living room. Micas is waiting there, along with a couple other helpers.” as he began walking back toward the doorway that led to the living room, with a slight smile on his old face.

Chapter 36: Michelle Groundworth

Back in the living room, Lain, who was mesmerized by the chair, finally woke up from his entrancement, to ask a question that’s been on his mind since yesterday morning, when he met little Elena. “Elder Micas, I beg your forgiveness for asking this question, but what happened to Elena’s mother?”

The old Micas, who was busy watching the cartoon that was showing on the opposite wall of the room, while lost in melancholic thoughts, couldn’t help but answer his questions, after a few seconds of deliberation. 

“My daughter, Michelle, was a strong-willed child. Growing up, her head was filled with the desire to help those in need, like the heroes she saw on the news, and on the children’s cartoon series, Powerful Boys. Which was a show that she loved growing up. It is also the cartoon that’s currently playing on the holographic screen in front of us right now. It seems, my granddaughter also watches it.”

Hearing his words, Annette and Lain, couldn’t help but look towards the opposite wall, where a cartoon was playing on the holographic screen. The screen showed three children, fighting a villain with all their might, as a man watched from the side and cheered the three on.

Watching the screen for a few seconds, Annette and Lain could only sigh, as micas continued. “With a head filled with dreams of being a hero, she wouldn’t listen to my advice, and after she turned 18, signed up to be a hero of the kingdom. 

After years of being a hero against my will, she met a young man, who was at that time being bullied, and harassed by an underground crime gang called The Reed Establishment. That young man was called Edward Montiff, a fool, who grew up impoverished. That fool coincidentally also shared the same dream as my daughter. He swore to spend his life helping others the best way he could, and the only way he could do that with his poor economical background, and lack of strength was by becoming a teacher, and a role model for the younger generation.

Feeling the determination within Edward, as my daughter worked with him for months, as they looked for the whereabouts of the crime gang that she and her group of heroes were trying to get rid of, she couldn’t help but fall deeply in love with him.

After a couple years together, my daughter and her group of heroes, with the help of the daring Edward, easily rooted out The Reed Establishment, and all its syndicates from our city. The two of them then quickly got married, behind my back.

Chapter 37: Missing

After getting married, Michelle, with her husband, came back home to me, to announce that she was pregnant with a child in great jubilation. But I at that time couldn’t accept it. Not only did she get married behind my back, after going missing for a few years, she also slept with a random stranger of poor economic background.

How could I accept it? My child who could’ve been a great general in the kingdom’s army, got married, and now wanted to settle down with a stranger? Impossible!” After spitting his last words out, the temperature of the room dropped suddenly, as Micas’ eyes started to change from his previous dark brown, to a pale white color, as if he was going blind. 

A baleful aura then started to leak out from him, as his face twisted in slight anger. A few seconds later, he couldn’t help but sigh in sadness, as regret filled his mind. The baleful aura around him then slowly disappeared, before his eyes turned back to their original dark brown color.

 He then continued, with a sad tone of voice that made Lain, and Annette a bit melancholic. “Driven into anger by the situation, I warned them to never return to my house ever again, as I stormed off in anger. 

A year later, I received a message from Edward that my daughter had gone missing. She and Edward, fearing for their lives, as the number of missing people in our city increased, moved to a different city, hoping it was safer there. Just so you know, for decades now, periodically people will randomly disappear within our Yearning Trust City. 

Noticing the issue, our Yearning Trust City, with my help then spent countless amounts of resources, trying to find out why this missing person phenomenon was occurring and what was causing it, but till this day, we still haven’t found the reason for these people’s disappearances. 

As a result of the casualty numbers of this strange problem increasing, it seems my pregnant daughter, and Edward moved to Yearning Peace City, hoping it would be safer for them to raise their child here. But shortly after childbirth, my daughter went missing as well. Leaving her husband and child behind.

Hearing the news, I was immediately inflamed with anger. So I rushed over to this city, and almost killed that foolish son-in-law of mine. But due to the pleading of old Trent, and the fact that he was the father of my newborn granddaughter, the only blood of mine left to continue my heritage, I could only calm down my anger.

I then sought the help of this city’s law enforcement agents to help locate my daughter, but after years of searching, it all came to naught. In the end, I could only turn to the great priests of the Holy Cathedral here in Peaceful City to see if they could plead with Lord Ensieth to help me find out if she was still alive, and where she may currently dwell.

Chapter 38: Dead And Gone

After a couple months of waiting, I received a heart-wrenching reply from Bishop Hao Shi. He told me that although he couldn’t locate my daughter’s body, he was 100% sure from the indication given to him by lord Ensieth, that she had died years prior. Just a couple of days after giving birth to her child.

After hearing his reply, I could only leave Yearning Peace City in agony and regret. My only child had died, and there was nothing I did to stop it. Since then, I never returned to this godforsaken city that took away my daughter again, until yesterday.” Tears couldn’t help but fall from Micas’ old eyes, as he finished his last sentence. Lain, and Annette also felt extremely depressed listening to his words, as the room fell into silence for a couple of minutes after his speech ended.

After weeping for a couple minutes, Micas slowly wiped away the tears falling from his eyes, before he turned his head towards the door, to see Hui Shi, Trent, and Edward walk into the living room from it.

Entering the room, Edward quickly felt the depressive aura coming from the bodies of the three sitting on his sofa. He then walked in front of the depressed Micas, before kneeling down and bowing his head, as he said, “Great lord, I beg your forgiveness.”

“He’s the father of your grandchild, Micas. Go easy on him. He’s not a bad man to have as a son-in-law.” Trent, seeing this, couldn’t help but chime in as well, as he started to see the anger well up in the eyes of Micas, as Micas stared at the kneeling Edward.

Sighing, after feeling the healing warmth that emanated from Hui Shi’s glowing body, Micas finally let go of his hatred for the kneeling Edward before him, before saying to him, “Get up, child. Pack your bags, and I’ll take you and my granddaughter back home where it’s safer under my protection.”

After saying this, Micas couldn’t help but lean back on the sofa, as he rested his head, and closed his eyes in sadness.

Edward on the other hand, quickly rushed into his bedroom, for a few minutes, before heading to the kitchen, for another few minutes, and then heading to another room, with a doorway that led to it from the right side of the kitchen.

By the time he was done packing his items, and came back to the living room, over 40 minutes had passed.

Chapter 39: Thank You

He then came back empty-handed, although it seemed he was rummaging through his belongings when he visited each room. Seeing him empty-handed caused Lain, who saw him to wonder in his head, ‘Does Mr. Edward have a storage device of sorts, where he keeps his belongings that’s powered by runes? It must be…’

After coming back, Edward quickly knelt in front of Micas again. He then said to him, “I’m ready, my lord. I have all my necessities packed, as well as those of my daughter. Where’s my daughter, if I may ask? I couldn’t find her anywhere.” 

Hearing his question, Trent replied to him with a slight smile on his old face, as he walked over and patted him on his shoulder gently. “Little Elena’s sleeping outside in a chariot. Why is she outside? It’s a long story, so don’t bother asking.”

Micas slowly opened his eyes, after hearing Trent’s words to say, “Don’t worry about my granddaughter. I’ll teleport her, along with Emily, with us on our way out.”

After saying these words, he then leaned forward and stood up in front of the kneeling Edward, before reaching his right hand out in front of him, saying “Where’s the key to this house? This boy here is called Lain. He was the one who requested for our little priest here to come help inspect your conditions, when he found my granddaughter outside the city gates. 

Due to his help, we were able to come to your rescue. So, for his help, I believe it won’t be too much to reward him with the deed of this shoddy house of yours, since it currently looks like he needs a place to stay. We can always buy trillions more trash homes like this in the future.”

Hearing his words, Edward quickly acquiesced to his request, as a ring on his right hand’s finger lit up in a light blue glow. Then a small rectangular white, granite-like stone tablet appeared in his right hand. He then passed that stone tablet onto the outstretched hand of Micas.

After receiving the stone tablet, Micas quickly turned towards the sitting Lain on his right, before giving it to him, as he said to him, “Thank you son for helping my granddaughter and son-in-law. If you ever need my help in the future, you can always find me in Yearning Trust City. Just mention my name at any of the business offices that my Groundworth family owns, and they’ll notify me.”

Trent, after hearing Micas’ words, also added “Thank you children. If you ever require the help of my Shiler family in the future, do the same thing as well. I’ll be glad to lend a hand. Okay Micas, let’s get going.”

Right before Hui Shi, Lain, and Annette could say their thanks to Trent and Micas, Micas slowly raised his cane from the ground. Trent, Micas, and Edward then quickly disappeared from the room, as if they were specters.

Chapter 40: Vanished

Seeing them vanish, the others who had words of thanks still stuck in their mouths could only close their mouths in regret. Hui Shi then walked over to the sofa and sat down in a relaxed manner in the vacant position that Micas was previously sitting in.

After sitting down, he slowly said to the other two, with a questioning smile on his face. “I know you two are wondering about the backgrounds of the two elders, right?”

Lain, and Annette, couldn’t help but nod, after hearing his words, before they also relaxed in their sitting position on the sofa, and listened to Hui Shi quietly.

“Well, to start off. I’ll begin by letting you guys know about Yearning Peace City. Yearning Peace City, as we all know, has 18 districts. Each district of Yearning Peace was founded by a different noble family.

You see, when a man becomes a noble in our kingdom, they’re awarded a plot of land for them and their family to use. Our 18 noble families, instead of creating their own individual cities, decided that it was best to extend the current city, and become mayors of a district within the city instead.

The original land of Yearning Peace City was the Holy Myan District, where I grew up. After billions of years, a general of our Sval kingdom’s army who grew up in the city decided to retire. After he retired, he was awarded a noble title.

He then used his noble title to extend Yearning Peace City, with the approval of the noble Myan family, who governed Yearning Peace City, at that time. From then on, Yearning Peace city created the district system, where nobles could extend the city, and call their individual lands districts, with a governor overseeing the entire city, and district mayors overseeing each individual district.

As a district of the city, the noble families who govern the district as mayors must follow the city’s original rules and regulations, but they also have their own individual rights to rule their lands as they wish. This means, each district functions as a separate city to a certain extent. But its citizens must not only follow the rules created by the nobles who govern the district, but also the rules of the city, the rules of the Sval kingdom and lastly, the rules of our Gilagesh Empire.

Elder Trent from my understanding, is the founder of the Peaceful Shiler District, and should be the first noble of his family. But not many people know this, due to the fact that many noble families like to keep their pasts a secret, with the Shiler family being one of them. 

Chapter 41: Array

Elder Trent, after founding the Peaceful Shiler District billions of years ago, has been known to wander around the city, and has barely done anything notable since the foundation of the district. His family is also known for creating illusionary arrays, and own countless businesses all over the kingdom that were built around the creation of these types of arrays.”

Hui Shi couldn't help but catch his breath, after speaking for so long. He then looked at the two, as if in understanding, before asking. “I guess, you may not know what an array is, right?”

Lain quickly answered in slight awkwardness, “You’re correct. I’ve never came across an array before.” Annette also chimed in as she blushed in shame, “I also may need a better understanding of these things called arrays.”

Hearing their answers, Hui Shi nodded with a dashing smile, then answered them gently, “An Array, just like runes, is a type of formation. Any time energy is constructed in a certain manner in order to create a magical effect, that construction is called a formation. Arrays are formations that are created using special items that are rich in energy. 

Unlike a rune that is created strictly by using the blood of creatures, an array is created using items like rocks, trees, instruments, and even animals, and other lifeforms. 

The noble Shiler family are not only powerful celestials that use spells to create illusions, they are also well versed in the use of items to create arrays that have illusionary effects.

For example, our Peaceful Shiler District is actually situated on one giant array. The trees, creatures, and grasses that we see around us, does not technically exist. Neither does the sky above us nor the earth below us. The only thing that exists within this giant district, are the people, buildings, and certain pets and creatures that the citizens of the city have allowed into the district.

Billions of years ago, the trees and grasses of the district were 2000 feet in height. Billions of years later, the trees and grasses of the district are still the same height, and in the exact same location as they were billions of years ago, with the exception of places that have been excavated by its citizens to build roads, houses, and other infrastructures.”

Hearing his words, Lain finally came to an understanding as to why the forest of grasses all looked identical in height. He then sighed in wonder, and respect for such power. For he wasn’t even aware that he was in an illusion. The air within the district was still as fresh as those outside the city gates. The sounds of the various animals, echoing within the forests of grasses, were also just as real and intriguing as those of a real forest.

Chapter 42: The Shiler Family’s Illusions

Annette, also had a look of understanding on her face, as she thought in her head, ‘No wonder the grasses when cut, always grew back to the same length within 30 minutes in the past. This district has always been very secretive about the environment, with no one teaching us anything about it.”

 Looking at Annette, and Lain, Hui Shi couldn’t help but ask, “I bet you’re wondering, if this was an illusion, how come when you cut a blade of grass or when you pluck a fruit from the trees in the district, you can still eat and cook with them? Well, it’s because as long as your mind believes what you’re experiencing is not an illusion, then everything around you will function as if it is real. That is the power of an array.

A powerful illusion array has the power to convince your mind that everything you see and feel inside of it is real. If I were to tell you that the elder Trent and Micas that we met earlier weren’t their real selves, would you believe it?

The truth is, even I do not know if the two elders that we saw earlier were their real selves. Lastly, you may not believe this, but if you were to die inside an array’s illusion, by the illusionary mechanisms of that array, you will likely suffer real death.

Powerful spells that create illusions, also have the same permanent death effect as arrays. The illusions created by the Shiler family can be used not only to deceive people, but to also harm them as well, when needed.”

Annette hearing his warning couldn’t help but ask in doubt, “So you’re telling me that this entire district can be weaponized by the Shiler family at any point in time to harm enemies that enter it? Forgive me for my lack of knowledge. The Shiler family has always been mysterious and hidden from the public’s eye, since I was born.”

Hui Shi quickly nodded to her question, as he said “Yes. But this kingdom is usually very peaceful, even here in its outskirts, where we’re closer to our neighboring empire. That’s why the array that encloses the entire district has never been used to harm others before, but theoretically it is possible to use it as a weapon.”

Lain, understanding Hui Shi’s words and realizing the powers of arrays and the Shiler family couldn’t help but question. “So what about the Groundworth family? Are they just as mysterious as the Shiler family?”

“The Groundworth family was once a noble family on the decline about 400,000 years ago, until the birth of Micas Groundworth, from the historic records that I’ve read in my free time. You see, I love acquiring old books, and archives from the past as I try to understand certain things about my mother’s family history. 

Chapter 43: Groundworth’s Mystery

From a few of the hidden records that I read in the past, I learned that the Groundworth family was a noble family that was already at its end, with only less than 40 members of the family still alive. But that changed after the birth of Micas, whose talent in their family’s secret arts helped him gain a foothold in the kingdom and become a proud general of the kingdom’s army.

After becoming a general, he then used the lands and money awarded to him for his services to invest in all types of businesses across his home city, Yearning Trust. After that, his family members who could barely make ends meet, slowly began to thrive, as they finally became wealthy and married with confidence that their children will not starve to death in the future. 

Due to Micas’ ingenuity and business acumen, most of the newer sects and businesses that were created within the past 300,000 years, within Yearning Trust City all have connections to the Groundworth family, and can be said to be primarily owned by them monetarily.

But although Micas was a proud general in the army, I am still unable to determine his true strength even though his acts of bravery have been well documented in the past, due to the army’s privacy clauses, as well as the years that have passed since he did anything remarkable.

Our kingdom also rarely has strife that require nobles who usually control our cities to act personally, so the abilities of Micas, as well as the entire Groundworth family, like those of most nobles are generally unknown. But the powers of nobles are publicly recognized as the strongest in the kingdom, aside from certain sects, and the military of the kingdom. 

I believe the Groundworth family definitely isn’t a weak family, although it has had a rocky past.”

Lain, upon hearing this, couldn’t help but think back to when Micas first appeared before them, earlier. During that period of time, he felt slightly driven to attack him due to feeling an extremely discomforting pressure. But now that he was thinking about it, he finally realized that maybe his actions weren’t under his control at that period of time.

So he couldn’t help but ask Hui Shi, based on his suspicions, saying, “Does Elder Micas possibly have the ability to affect our behaviors or control our emotions? Because earlier when I met him, I felt a strong urge to assault him, even though I usually would never assault an elderly man unwarranted.”

Annette hearing Lain, immediately shivered because she also felt slightly pressured to attack when she met Elder Trent as well. She then responded with a question of her own, “I also felt the same way earlier as well. Do you mean to say that Elder Micas was somehow trying to force us to attack, using powers we were unable to defend ourselves against?”

Chapter 44: Mysterious Eyes

Hui Shi, noticing her actions, as well as their questions, nodded to the two of them as he answered them with a slight smile on his face, as if in understanding. “It’s highly possible that Elder Micas may have manipulated us when he first arrived in order to understand our strengths and weaknesses. The Groundworth family’s main ability from certain hidden records that I’ve read, has been stated to be related to the moon, and there are records of them being able to manipulate the emotions and minds of those around them. But that was records of the family over a billion years ago, when it was still in its prime.

Currently, the records of the Groundworth family and their current strengths and weaknesses in recent times are very few in number. Making it hard to know exactly how powerful they truly are, and what means they can currently use to defeat their enemies.” 

Pausing here to see if anyone had any more questions, Hui Shi continued. “The Groundworth family from my understanding, in general have innate abilities that are related to their eyes, as well as a system to cultivate their eyes beyond normal capacity. Once successfully cultivated, their eye abilities turn them into powerful celestials that can easily destroy countless enemies.

The Groundworth family, from what I remember, also share a common ancestry with the royal family of the Sval Kingdom. But they should not be directly related to them.”

Lain, hearing his explanations, couldn’t help but question further, as his understanding of a celestial was very limited, growing up in such an isolated, normal town called Yearning Sweet Town, that lacked the technology that the rest of the world seems to have. “What is a celestial? I was born in a town where our townsmen rarely met with outsiders, and lived primarily on farming and hunting.”

Hearing Lain’s words, Annette started to understand Lain’s current circumstances. So she couldn’t help but reply to him, with a look of realization on her face, “I see. I guess it’ll be hard for you to truly understand the world, living in such a remote town as Yearning Sweet. I’ve heard of this town before, although I’m not truly familiar with it. It should be one of the distant towns that’s situated around this city, closer to the edge of the kingdom.”

Lain, hearing her words, quickly replied, with a slight nod, “Yes, It is a very small town, that can even be considered a village. I grew up with two brothers and one sister in an orphanage. Growing up, I was raised by a strict teacher that taught me how to fight, as well as a foster father that taught me and my brothers and sister how to read and write from a young age. 

This is my first time leaving the city to learn more about our kingdom, so I may not understand a lot of the current situations going on within it. I beg your forgiveness for my lack of knowledge.”

Chapter 45: Celestials

Annette quickly replied, hearing Lain’s words as she smiled in understanding, “You’re fine. I grew up here in the Peaceful Shiler District as an orphan as well. Unlike you though, I had to live on the streets, until I was fortunate to be graced by a mysterious man, when I was six years old, who gave me a mysterious book that taught me how to cultivate a unique ability, that’ll turn me into an immortal.”

After talking up to here, you could see the complicated look in Annette’s eyes as she continued slowly. “Cultivating that ability, my body grew stronger, and the constant hunger for food that used to cause my small developing body to feel ill, and exhausted also slowly disappeared, until I was able to stand on my own two feet, and help the city’s law enforcement fight crimes. I also did a lot of miscellaneous jobs here and there growing up, in exchange for monetary benefits.”

Hearing her life’s story, Hui Shi, and Lain, couldn’t help but empathize, as they started to feel sorry for the orphaned Annette who could only live on the streets and fend desperately for herself.

Feeling slightly depressed by the mention of her past, Annette continued, as the other two quietly listened with empathetic looks written on their faces, “Due to the difficulty of having to raise myself, I didn’t have much time to go to school like most children, and I only have basic knowledge of the kingdom, based on word of mouth.

A year ago, I applied to become a hero of the city after turning 18 years old, that way I can take on more difficult tasks that will help save the lives of our fellow citizens. I was just coming back from an investigation mission given by the city’s law enforcement agency to one of the local towns, when I chanced upon the two of you at the gates.”

At this point, Hui Shi, after listening to Annette and Lain’s life stories, couldn’t help but feel guilt ridden by his well-educated and glorious background, as he replied in slight shame, “I’m sorry for the both of you. May lord Ensieth ensure that the past doesn’t repeat itself. I wish your missing parents great health, so they can one day unite with the both of you.”

Annette quickly nodded at his words, while Lain smiled slightly as he reminisced his own past in his head.

Hui Shi, after a moment of somber silence, couldn’t help but say, “Since you two are not well versed about the knowledge of celestials, let me fill you in.”

He then stretched his neck a bit on the chair, before relaxing back again on it and continuing, “This world has many divine beings. These beings from birth wield powers that can manipulate the world to do their bidding. Some of these beings are called gods, with the power to create worlds, and control the rules of reality, while others are called immortals who can live for eternity and celestials whose souls have the ability to force the world around them to do their bidding.”

Chapter 46: Will Power

“Our ancestors who were primarily birthed with the powers of immortals and celestials, pitying their children who weren’t born with such powers, decided to create the cultivation systems that we know of today. These systems create a process in which we can gain the powers that they gained naturally from birth through sheer effort.

From then on, the cultivation systems that we all use today were born. Those who cultivated their powers were called celestials or immortals, while those who are born with theirs were termed true celestials, and true immortals.”

After speaking, Hui Shi couldn’t help but caution the other two with stern words, as his face became somber, “Since most people tend to be cultivated celestials or immortals, I am assuming you two are in this category. So I must give you a word of caution. 

A cultivated celestial or immortal is incapable of defeating any divine beings who were birthed with their divine powers, as cultivated celestials and immortals are only fake replicas of the real things, and can never truly be an immortal or a celestial. Even a million cultivated celestials or immortals cannot trump a single true immortal or celestial. So if you ever encounter one, please be very cautious.”

Annette, hearing his explanations, couldn’t help but ponder, as she finally began to understand what a celestial and an immortal truly is. But as she was thinking to herself, Lain couldn't help but ask a question, “Brother Hui Shi. I’m sorry for this question but what is the difference between a celestial, an immortal, and a god. Are they all equal in power, or are gods stronger?”

Hui Shi, who heard his question, couldn’t help but pray in his head for a few seconds, as he begged for forgiveness from his god for what he was about to say. He then said, with a look of reverence on his face. “A true celestial or a true immortal, from the records that I’ve read, is capable of defeating a god in general. But like all powers in this world, each individual has their own strength. 

Some true immortals or celestials may never be capable of defeating a god, while some gods may never be capable of defeating a true immortal or celestial.

Lastly, the difference between a god, an immortal, and a celestial, is their will power, which is the source of their strength.

Divine beings are called so, due to them being born with a unique trait called will power. This will power grants them unique abilities, and characteristics that other lifeforms do not have. 

Chapter 47: I’ve Never Cultivated

Gods are born with a will power that grants them the ability to control the heavens, giving them the ability to supervise certain aspects of reality. An immortal is born with a will power that grants them a unique form of immortality, giving them the ability to live forever in their own unique ways. 

And lastly, a celestial is born with a will power that grants their souls the ability to temporarily control a certain aspect of reality, giving them the ability to change the rules of the world, and create something out of nothing. 

There are countless types of will powers in this world other than the ones that grant godhood, immortality, or a celestial soul, but humans in general are more likely to be birthed with the immortal and celestial will powers. With very few gods being born within our race.

As for my lord Ensieth, although I do not know his real race, due to it being blasphemy to record his real image, I do know he is a god that governs nature’s prosperity, and is publicly acknowledged to have the heaven’s will of nature’s prosperity. That means, wherever there’s nature, my lord will always ensure that it prospers, and wherever nature prospers, my lord will be there.”

Annette couldn’t help but murmur “I see.” after listening to Hui Shi, before she then said out loud, “It seems these will powers are more complex than I thought. And since I am cultivating a will power from a book, I should be considered a cultivated immortal, right? I guess I should stay away from true immortals in the future. Brother Hui Shi, and brother Lain, are you two cultivating will powers as well?”

Lain, hearing her question could only say, “No…I’ve never cultivated my entire life. That means I should be some sort of god, immortal or celestial from birth. My teacher was very secretive about my powers. Even now, most of my strength is restricted by my teacher, so that I can gain better control over myself in the future.”

Hui Shi, thinking back to Lain’s previous outburst that occurred due to Elder Mica's emotional manipulations, couldn’t help but say after hearing Lain’s words, “With the power that you showed me earlier while in front of Elder Micas, I can guess that your powers may be related to your race, as I’ve read records of an ancient race of humans with similar powers like yours in the past, but I am not sure what will power you have either, or the real details about your that ancient race.

But I do know that all members of that race, including their divine beings, have an innate ability related to something called a divine massacre. An ability that makes them a terror of destruction.

Chapter 48: Yearning Sweet Town Is Untouchable

As for me, I’ve never cultivated either, because most of my powers, as a priest, comes from my lord Ensieth. As for what will power I was personally born with, I am unable to truly tell, as of now, but I am also certain that I have an innate will power of sorts, that I’m currently investigating. This is truly the reason why I’m so fascinated with the historical records of the past. Maybe one day I’ll be able to answer that question for myself.

The will power of gods are too mysterious, and there are no historical records that I’ve come across that truly goes into depth on how they truly work. So I can only state for certain that I’m neither an immortal nor a celestial, but I am unsure if I’m a god, as there are many other unknown will powers aside from the previously mentioned three in this world.”

While Lain, was busy contemplating the words ‘divine massacre’, and the ancient human race that was just mentioned by Hui Shi, Annette, feeling slightly jealous by both of their answers, couldn’t help but say in shock, “Does that mean, you two were born with innate will powers, and can potentially rival gods in the future?”

 Hui Shi, immediately chuckled upon hearing her words, as he replied with a dashing smile, that eased her jealous heart, “I am unable to state that my will power can rival gods, because not all gods are created equal, but I hope to find out the limits of my capabilities in the future.”

 Lain, after a moment of thought, also added, after hearing Hui Shi’s words. “Maybe before my teacher limited my abilities, I could maybe rival a god. But right now, I can only say I’m much weaker than some cultivated immortals. And this may never change in the future, if I can not control my powers. For my teacher is very strict in the way he teaches, and will never remove my limits, until he’s sure I no longer need it.

As for the identity of my teacher? I’m truly not certain who or what he is, but I do know that when he trained us in the past, he was capable of easily defeating all four of us siblings, even at our maximum strength, and I’m starting to believe all my siblings, must each also have innate will powers as well.”

“Yearning Sweet Town was it? That’s definitely a place I would need to avoid in the future, in order to not offend your siblings or teacher who may be able to rival gods.” Annette said, as she felt tired from the feeling of defeat that washed her soul. ‘I can’t believe there are multiple gods in this world, much fewer people that can rival gods’ she thought in slight jealousy.

Hui Shi hearing her words, could only say in empathy, “There’s probably no need to be afraid of Yearning Sweet Town, if you're not an evil demon going there to harm its residents. I’m also not surprised that such a place exists, where people at the level of gods reside.

Chapter 49: Ancient Garund Temple Is Untouchable

Because there are many places within our empire that are called untouchable zones. These are places where unfathomable characters dwell within. Places that our empire cannot control. It seems Yearning Sweet Town may have become a new untouchable zone that the kingdom is currently unaware of.”

“My hometown, Yearning Sweet, is too peaceful for it to be a dangerous, untouchable, place where you can’t visit. My family does not harass outsiders either, so it will always be safe to visit it in the future if you ever decide to visit my hometown on your own.” Lain said, after hearing the anxiety in Annette’s voice. 

“Thanks brother Lain, for your kindness.” Annette, who heard his answer said, after finally letting go of the slight anxiety in her heart. She then asked another question that was on her mind, after hearing Hui Shi’s words. “Brother Hui Shi, what is an untouchable zone? I’ve not read much about the world, so I’m not sure what you truly mean.”

Lain, hearing her question, also nodded his head. He then perked his ears up in order to listen carefully to the answer of such an interesting subject.

Hui Shi couldn't help but answer after a moment spent gathering his thoughts, “Untouchable zones as I mentioned before are zones that are technically not under the control of our empire. Why are these zones not under our empire’s control?

Well, it’s because within these zones dwell monstrous figures and heritages from ancient times, with powers that can rival our empire. 

The closest untouchable zone to our city, other than the new Yearning Sweet Town, is called the Ancient Garund Temple. This temple houses the lineage of a fallen god from ancient times, long before our empire was founded. 

Due to the strength of the people who dwell within the temple, it was deemed unconquerable by our empire. There are even tales of demigods dwelling within the temple currently, but I am not truly sure if those tales are accurate, since the temple had locked its doors to outsiders since ancient times till now.

Now that I’ve mentioned the temple, I must warn you. Some untouchable zones, like the Ancient Candle King Sect, and the Ancient Evil Dungeon, may be opened to visitors, but not the Ancient Garund Temple. Never dwell within the premises of this temple, for you may never return.”

Chapter 50: Stone Key

Annette, hearing his words, couldn't help but shiver in fright. “Ancient Garund Temple. It seems I may have heard of this place before, I just wasn’t aware of what it was at that time. Thanks for your warning, brother Hui Shi. I’ll stay away from its premises in the future, if I ever venture to an area close to it.” She said, as she finally realized her lack of strength. She then thought in her head, ‘Who knew this empire houses such dangerous places.’

Lain could only say, “Thank you, brother Hui Shi. I’ll try to avoid going to these untouchable zones in the future as well.” as he marveled at the mysteries of the world in his head.

Hui Shi, after waiting for a couple of minutes while the other two contemplated their own ideas in their heads, finally realized that they had no more questions to ask him, so he slowly stood up and said to them. “Brother Lain, why don’t I show you around your new home, that way you can understand how to navigate it in the future, since you may not be used to our city’s architecture.”

Seeing Hui Shi get up, Lain, and Annette followed, with Lain saying, “Thank you, brother Hui Shi. I’ve been meaning to ask you how this key works as well.”

Hearing his words, Hui Shi walked over to Lain, bypassing the standing Annette that was situated between them, and said, “This key functions as both a remote and a key. As long as you have the key on your person, you can push open the front door of the house at any time, and it’ll open without resistance.”

He then pointed at the stone key that Lain held in his hand and said, “Push in the middle of the key, and a holographic menu will pop up in front of you.”

Lain, hearing his words, quickly pushed at the center of the stone key, which concaved slightly at his touch, before a holographic screen appeared in front of him that was as wide as a 40-inch TV. 

Inside the screen, was a menu with words at the top, and a blank, white canvas below it. On the menu were the words, doors, living room, kitchen, bedroom 1, and bedroom 2.

Looking at the menu that popped up, Hui Shi then said, “Click on the living room menu button at the top. It’ll display all the settings and changes that you can make within the living room.”

Hearing Hui Shi’s words, Lain quickly reached towards the living room section of the menu, accurately touching it. After Lain’s hand reached the living room section, a clicking sound echoed from the holographic screen, before the blank canvas below the menu showed a 3D version of the living room for Lain to see.

After the screen reflected the living room, Hui Shi continued, “Swiping with a finger vertically across the middle of the screen allows you to change the temperature of the room to your liking. 

Chapter 51: A New Screen

Swiping a finger across the holographic television situated on the opposite wall of the sofa. Allows you to increase the volume of the sounds emitted from the television.

Pressing on the television for more than 2 seconds, brings up a unique television menu, that allows you to surf the web, watch television programs, and the various news and public information available for the citizens of the kingdom to peruse. Through the web, you can even find unique games that you can use to entertain yourself.”

Lain, after listening to his instructions, reached towards the holographic television screen in front of him that was hovering in front of the wall, and let his finger rest on it for a couple seconds.

Just a second after he did this, a new holographic screen popped up on the left side of the previous screen that he was interacting with. This new holographic screen, as he looked over at it, had the same dimensions in width and length as the old one that’s currently still showing the living room area. 

Inside the new screen, was a menu section at its top, which had a row of these words; Vital Alerts, Global Archives, Live Archives, Entertainment Archives, and Gaming Archives. Below the menu was a rectangular search bar that was white in the middle, with a red border.

Below the search bar, was a white canvas, similar to the one from the holographic screen next to it before the living menu button was pressed.

Looking at the new screen that popped up, Lain couldn’t help but feel impressed. He even marveled at the level of technology that could turn mindless runes into such a versatile object as the screen in front of him.

While looking at Lain marvel at the screen, Annette couldn’t help but say, “This television is very useful in our empire. Almost everyone uses it to gather information these days.”

“Yup. It is vital to sharing information across large distances.” Hui Shi added, as he smiled at Annette and Lain.

Lain, hearing their words, quickly nodded his head. He then thought for a few seconds before replying. “I see. Can you please explain to me how it works? I’m becoming more interested in this television thing by the second.”

“Brother Hui Shi, please help us. I’m also not fully familiar with televisions. Because I spend most of my time either cultivating my will power or completing tasks given to me by our law enforcement agency.” Annette said, as she shrugged her shoulders in regret for being too busy to learn things properly, even though she was born and raised in such a technologically advanced city.

Chapter 52: Gilbrazen

“Sure. I’ll begin by letting you know more about the menu at the top section of the screen. On the menu you will find the Vital Alerts button as the first button on the left side of the menu. Clicking this button brings up vital information that the city, kingdom, or empire wishes to share with its citizens.

It is where you can learn all important happenings that have occurred or are currently occurring within the empire that the kingdom, city or empire wants you to be aware of.” Hui Shi stated.

Hearing Hui Shi's words, Lain quickly reached towards the Vital Alerts button on the menu. After touching it for a couple seconds, the white canvas below the search bar changed.

Replacing the white canvas was a screen of words that were written in a foreign language. Hidden amongst these words were sections of words that Lain could actually understand. These words seemed to be written in the kingdom’s native language that Lain grew up learning, Svalian, which is the Sval Kingdom’s official language.

Seeing the screen filled with words that he couldn’t understand, Lain couldn’t help but ask, “What language is that? Is that a language spoken by certain people in our kingdom?” as he pointed at the screen filled with foreign words.

“That’s Gilbrazen, the Gilagesh Empire’s official dialect.” Annette said, as she also looked towards the screen in curiosity.

“Gilbrazen is actually a mandatory language to learn in school within our empire. I’m surprised you’ve never learned it. But I guess it’s understandable, as Yearning Sweet Town sounds like a very rural area of the kingdom.” Hui Shi added, as a look of doubt appeared on his face.

“I was actually homeschooled, and my foster father only taught me Svalian, which he said was the official language of the kingdom, and all I need to learn in order to live a normal life. So I never learned Gilbrazen.” Lain replied, in slight regret. Since it now seems that he had to spend some time in the future learning Gilbrazen, otherwise he may look idiotic in front of others.

“We’re in the same boat here, brother Lain. I’ve also been trying to learn Gilbrazen in my spare time as well, since I also missed out on school in the past, growing up.” Annette added shyly.

“Well, this brings us to the next menu section, called the Global Archives. This section will help you learn Gilbrazen, if you ever wish to in the future. Clicking on the Global Archives button on the menu, will bring you to its page. Where you can scroll through links that take you to archive pages created by various citizens and organizations that are situated within our empire.

Chapter 53: Global Archives

These pages allow you to browse through information that these people wish for you to learn. You can also find Global Archives pages that allow you to connect and interact with various people all over the empire in real time, as well as other miscellaneous pages that I may not be aware of.

The Global Archives section is filled without countless links, so it may be very difficult for you to browse through. So If you’re looking for a specific page to browse or specific information to learn, click on the search bar at the top of the screen. After clicking on it, you may then type or speak words that you wish to find in the Global Archives section, before clicking on the search bar again and the search bar will locate all web pages related to those words.”

Hearing his words, Lain, quickly clicked on the Global Archives menu button at the top. He then looked down at the canvas below, only to find various rows of words, cluttering up the screen.

These words however were mostly written in Gilbrazen as well, so he could only shake his head in defeat. He then clicked on the search bar. After clicking on the search bar, a small holographic screen quickly popped up in front of the search bar, that looked like a small keyboard of sorts with Svalian letters situated on it. 

Lain quickly took a moment to understand what the holographic keyboard was, then typed the words ‘How to learn Gilbrazen’ in the search bar using the keyboard, before clicking the search bar again.

After clicking the search bar, the holographic keyboard phased out of existence, as the Global Archives screen quickly changed from words written in Gilbrazen to words written in Svalian.

Svalian words in neat rows now filled the screen. Each row of words was a sentence that talked about teaching Gilbrazen. After a moment of thought, Lain clicked on one of those rows of words.

After clicking on the row of words, the screen filled with words quickly changed, as a new screen took its place. Looking at the new screen with Svalian words that said “A Beginner’s Guide To Gilbrazen” situated at the top of it, Lain couldn’t help but feel impressed. 

The new screen’s background was dark green in color, and the words on the screen were all written using a unique dark blue font color. Even the font style of the words were a bit more curved, and cursive than the font style on the previous screen that was straight and rigid in styling.

On the right side of the new screen, was a rectangular menu column, colored in dark green, with a black, thin, border around it. 

Chapter 54: Live Archives

Looking at the screen, Lain couldn’t help but swipe up on the screen instinctively. Doing that caused the screen to move up. After less than a second, the words that Lain first saw, at the top of screen also moved up with Lain’s swipe, and disappeared into the recesses of the screen’s top border. A large paragraph of words, then moved up on the screen to take their place.

Looking at the screen with a large paragraph written on it, Lain quickly performed a cursory read on the paragraph. Reading the paragraph made him realize that it was an introductory paragraph that told him what the site was about, as well as how to use the menu on the right side of the screen.

Lain, after reading, then slowly looked away from the screen towards Hui Shi, due to coming to a realization of what the new screen page was about. Looking into the eyes of Hui Shi, Lain asked him, with a look of doubt written on his face. “Brother Hui Shi, this technology is pretty useful. But I have a question to ask. How do I go back to the previous screen? And also, how does this holographic screen relate to the large screen in the living room that’s currently playing the cartoon?”

“Going back to the previous screen is easy, just say ‘return’, and the screen will revert to its previous page. Saying ‘forward’ does the opposite.” Annette said with a chuckle.

 Lain did just that, and the screen reverted back to the previous screen, filled with rows of words that were written in Svalian. He then smiled in relief. 

Seeing the smiling Lain, Hui Shi continued. “Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the Global Archives section, we should move on to the Live Archives section. In this section, I’ll show you how the two TV screens are related.”

Hearing his words, Lain quickly reached over to the Live Archives button on the menu, and hovered his index finger on it for a couple seconds. Afterward, the screen below that was previously showing the search results quickly changed to a screen filled with boxes where he could see people, places and various things that he had never seen before. 

Directly below the search bar, were 8 small boxes, where people could be seen in each of them, either performing certain tasks or talking to the screen in front of them. Below those 8 boxes, were 8 more boxes. And below those 8 boxes were several more rows of boxes underneath, going all the way down, until the entire holographic screen was full.

Looking at the page cluttered with rows of boxes, with random people and things in each one, Hui Shi slowly said to Lain, “The Live Archives section lets you watch live events that occur in real time. These events, which are each separated into their own boxes on the screen, are hosted either by normal people or by the various organizations in the empire.

Chapter 55: Live Events

You can scroll down this section, like you can with the other sections on this holographic screen, by swiping up or down on the screen.

Clicking on a box on the screen enlarges it, and allows you to hear whatever sound is currently being broadcasted from the screen. “

Lain quickly reached towards a random box that had a person talking within it, and held his index finger on it for a couple of seconds. Afterward, the box enlarged, as the other boxes disappeared from the screen.

After the box enlarged, Lain began hearing sounds that came from the holographic screen, which synched with the moving mouth of the man that was situated on the screen.

Hearing those words, Lain, couldn’t help but feel confused. But before he could ask any questions, Hui Shi said to him, “The man in front of you is speaking Gilbrazen. So I guess you’re probably confused as to what he’s saying. But don’t worry, once you use the search bar to search for live events in Svalian, only live events in Svalian will reflect on the screen.”

“It’s best to use the search bar often, as most of the popular content that you’ll find on this holographic TV screen will be in Gilbrazen. I learned that the hard way.” Annette added shyly.

Hearing their words, Lain said, “Thank you. I finally understand.” in understanding, as he looked at the man on the screen in front of him.

“Now that you’re on this page, say the words ‘project this page onto the living room’s television’ and something magical will happen” Annette said to Lain. She then looked up at the living room’s television screen in anticipation.

Hearing her words, and looking at the anticipation in her eyes, Lain quickly said “Project this page onto the living room’s television.” He then also looked over the two 40 inch holographic screens in front of him towards the large holographic screen situated in front of the wall opposite him.

Seconds later, that holographic screen that was previously playing the show Powerful Boys, quickly morphed into a view of a man who was speaking in Gilbrazen inside a live event box.

“Cool isn’t it?” Annette asked happily. “It truly is…” Lain quickly responded in wonder and awe. 

“Until this live event ends, or you utter those words again while on a different screen, the holographic screen in the living room will always reflect this live event. Even if you start watching a different live event on the smaller screen in front of you, or close the two smaller screens entirely.” 

Chapter 56: Entertainment Archives

“All screens on the smaller TV screen in front of you can be projected to the larger TV, in the living room. This includes the Global Archives, and Vital Alerts sections.” Annette added, as she turned her head away from the large TV screen in the living room towards the smaller one in front of Lain.

After hearing her words, Lain quickly muttered “Return!” while looking at the large holographic screen, in order to test her words. After a couple seconds, the large holographic TV screen still had the man mouthing words in Gilbrazen, with no change to it at all. Seeing this, Lain quickly looked at the smaller TV screen in front of him, just to see the previous page filled with live event boxes appear before him again.

Seeing that changing the smaller screen didn’t affect the larger one, Lain couldn’t help but nod his head in understanding. 

Hui Shi, who was quietly standing by the side the entire time, after seeing the satisfied look on Lain’s face, finally decided to continue with his introduction of the small holographic TV screen. “The next section, which is called the Entertainment Archives section, functions similarly to the Live Archives section. But the difference between the Live Archives section, and the Entertainment Archives section, is that videos in the Entertainment Archives section are all pre-recorded videos, with previously set beginnings and ends. While the live events currently viewable in the Live Archives section are all real time videos, that can end at any moment, based on their hosts’ whims.”

Hearing his words, Lain, quickly clicked on the Entertainment Archives menu button, before glancing down at the canvas below the menu. After a brief moment, the screen filled with boxes changed, as a new screen took its place.

On this new screen, instead of boxes of moving people, and things, there were various pictures instead, with titles on them. Just like on the Live Archives screen with rows of 8 boxes, there were also rows upon rows of pictures cluttering the screen, each with vivid images that drew Lain’s eyes.

Clicking on one of those images, with a title that was written in Gilbrazen, the image enlarged and took over the screen. Then a video started playing on the screen, similar to a movie.

Looking at the video that was playing, Lain couldn’t help but feel very fascinated by the technology in front of him. But as he was watching the beginning scenes of the video, he heard Annette’s voice say, “You can stop, rewind, fast-forward or exit a video, simply by saying ‘stop, rewind, fast-forward or exit this video’ while watching a video.” 

Chapter 57: Bank

After hearing her words, Lain did just that. He fast forwarded the video, then went back a few seconds, before stopping, and exiting the video, using the voice commands. After he said, “Exit this video.” the enlarged video screen shrank back into a corner of the screen, as other pictures magically appeared and cluttered up the screen again, as it was before.

“This is a pretty interesting section that allows you to watch videos that were pre-recorded by others, that can either teach you various life lessons, and cultivation techniques, or just help entertain you in your free time. The videos will always be here for you to watch forever, and will continue from where you left off, unless you say the phrase ‘start this video from the beginning.’ while watching a video.

But I must warn you. This section also has paid videos that require you to purchase them with money before you can watch them.”

“Money? Are you talking about Yearning Dollars? How am I going to deposit Yearning Dollars into a virtual world? How would this technology even recognize who I am?” Lain asked, with a dumbfounded expression on his face.

“Don’t worry, just go to any bank in the city with your Yearning Dollar notes and say that you wish to deposit your money into a bank account. All banks have synchronized bank accounts, although they offer their customers different benefits for depositing money into them.

Lastly, every instrument that’s issued by the government or is connected to the government’s technology system all have people recognition technologies that can easily scan the body of the person currently using the instrument, and link their available bank accounts to the instrument that they’re currently using. If you had a bank account previously, a small screen would’ve popped up when you first pressed on the stone key, that would’ve shown you your current bank balances.” Annette said gleefully, as she saw the look on Lain’s face.

“Is that so?” Lain, asked as he found it unbelievable that his current whereabouts could be linked and monitored by the government through these instruments. He even felt that it was encroaching on his privacy a little.

“Yes it is. When you arrived at the city’s gates earlier and registered yourself, all information provided there will be used to create a government ID for you that’ll follow you all throughout the empire. If you already had an ID created previously, the guards would have never asked you any of the questions that they asked, as their armors are equipped with people scanning instruments that automatically scan everyone around them.” Annette said in happiness, as she felt proud of herself for knowing such detailed information about the government and the banking system. Which she learned after years of fumbling her way through the world.

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