20. Temple
The library was a place of books.
A lot of books.
Lots and lots of books.
I didnt know how else to describe it all I knew was that we once again left it with no new information on how to get back to the Netherworld.
Im sorry, Salvos. I thought they would have had so information in there about it.
And they didnt?
They did, but nothing beyond the bare basics.
Apparently what the bare basics ant was just Human summons Demon with a sacrifice, Human and Demon form contract, Demon completes contract then goes back. It was not sothing I had known prior to this, but it was just so vague that I almost felt like I was no more knowledgeable now about it than before.
So we were now headed to the local temple. Daniel had explained what they were to briefly while we were still in the library. He compared them to be Demon-like creatures except they were not?
They ca from what he called the Spirit Plane, which seed sothing akin to the Netherworld for . I asked the Human man to describe it, but he didnt really grasp the idea either. He just knew that that was where Spirits ca from connecting to the Mortal Realm through temples.
The [Priests] of the temple maintained this connection although it wasnt active at all tis; they simply ensured that the connection was ready to be made for whenever a Spirit summoning ritual was needed for whatever reason. And apparently, so Spirits liked to stay in these temples, choosing not to return to the Spirit Plane.
And that was what worried Daniel.
Do you think theyll be able to see through this necklace you gave ?
No but dont you think its possible they can tell youre a Demon just by looking at you?
I stared at him, face blank.
No.
But why not? Isnt there like, so sort of intuition that tells you whether soone is a Demon or not? Wouldnt it be the sa thing for Spirits?
I scratched the side of my head, considering this.
I dont think so. If a [Fiend] wore this Cloak of Shadows and hid their Subspecies, nothing would tell that theyre a Demon and not a Human.
Are you sure?
Daniel looked at uncertainly. I nodded.
Im sure. Now lets just go to the temple. I want to go back already.
Not much ti had actually passed since we began trekking through Hazelbury in search for a way to get back to the Netherworld. The sun was still high up in the sky. And compared to the amount of ti I had spent running around fighting monsters, the morning we wasted in the Adventurers Guild and library was like a small rock in a pile of large rocks.
So clearly, my drive to return to the Netherworld wasnt the most pressing compulsion; Haec could wait for as long as I returned eventually. He seed capable of taking care of himself. But there was sothing that drove even harder; sothing that made want to get this over with as soon as possible. And it was
I glanced around at the [Traders] and [Vendors] lining the streets, their shouts filling my ears as they tried to sell their wares; at the [Butchers] and [Hunters], carrying the at of dead animals with them to their shops as the scent of food wafted to my nose; and at the dozens and dozens of Humans bustling about, hustling to the things they had to do. I saw all this, and I knew...
...I was already starting to get bored of the city.
--
We stood before the structure that Daniel called the temple. The Human man hesitated for a mont, but I just walked forward and up its marble steps and into the building. He hurried behind , stepping up beside as we passed the tall columns that supported its large ceiling.
Everythings so white its almost like the place. That place I want to go to! You know?
Yes, Salvos. Youre about as subtle as a hamr.
I nodded, not really understanding what that saying ant at first. Then it hit , and I frowned. But I was too distracted by my surroundings to respond as I found my head turning at every corner, staring at the pristine, white walls of the temple. Is this made out of the sa rocks in the Netherworld? I thought, starting to feel excited at the prospect of going back. If they got this from the Netherworld, then they must be able to help go back!
I nearly jumped as a man greeted us.
Welco visitors. What business do you have at our humble Sanctuary of Fauna?
I warily backed up, identifying him.
[Priest - Lvl. 31]
He was almost 10 levels higher than ! But I narrowed my eyes. Why is his face so wrinkly?
Daniel quickly patted in the shoulder, not-so-subtly pushing my hands down because he wasnt a subtle person unlike .
Are you the head [Priest] of this temple? Were just here to learn more about your summoning rituals.
Of course, wed be delighted to show anyone interested in the Spirits the magnificent way theyve beco connected to and a part of our world. And while Im not the head [Priest], I do hope my service would be to your satisfaction.
The [Priest] gestured at us to follow and we did. We walked down the halls of the temple, entering a spacious, open area with a pond on either side of it. There was flora growing out of the rocks lining the bank of the small body of water, with buzzing insects and tiny animals fluttering or scurrying around this miniature garden.
Every temple belonging to our sect has an area reserved to let nature flow through our sacred lands. This practice was first done to preserve nature, but now it has beco a place of rest. Of recovery.
His gaze turned to a group of Human won to the left. There were seven of them in total, all of them ranging in appearance and height one of them was a head shorter than . They were huddled around the pond there, all dressed in simple white robes as they quietly spoke to each other. It wasn't the raucous conversation that defined the Adventurers Guild, nor was it just the demanding silence that filled the library. It almost felt somber.
I glanced at Daniel as his brows arched darkly over his eyes.
Whats wrong with them?
I theyve just had terrible things happen to them, alright? Sorry Salvos, but could you save your questions for later?
I nodded, not getting why he was suddenly morose; we continued following the [Priest], entering another, smaller building across from the main temple complex. As we did, we passed by a group of [Priests] helping four n out into the garden. I would have thought nothing of this sight if two of them werent missing their legs and the other was missing an arm and an eye.
I wanted to question Daniel, but he had just told not to. So I didnt.
We walked into a large, spacious room with a blank white wall stretching around all four corners; in the center of the room, there was another body of water. But unlike the ponds outside, this one was not only large, it was also shallow.
This, my dear visitors, is the summoning pool the Sanctuary of Fauna uses to aid us in summoning our Spirits.
A pool?
Daniel stared down at his reflection on the glistening surface.
How does that work?
Water is one of the most fundantal things in nature that is often overlooked, you see. Without water, life can not sustain itself. Only the Spirits are capable of thriving without it. So we use water as a dium to form an understanding to lure in the Spirits that are most concerned with life. So we know that those that co through our portal will be our allies.
You say theres a portal how does it work?
The [Priest] raised an eyebrow.
You seem awfully curious about the exact details of our summoning ritual, visitor. I will oblige your question, but before that, let ask one of my own: why do you seek this wisdom? Is there sothing you wish to do with it?
Uh, thats
The Human man trailed off, glancing down at . He looked at expectedly, and I just shrugged. What do you want to say? He sighed, turning back to the [Priest].
Were adventurers, and weve been aning to take the contract to slay the Demon that has been ravaging the towns and villages in Falisfield. But as you can see were not that high leveled just yet. So we were thinking that we could maybe work around fighting it. Maybe we could banish it straight back to the Netherworld?
He said the last part like a question, looking unsure of himself. And I was surprised too. He was lying? That was odd. Could you really just say that you were doing sothing you didnt plan on even doing?
Im afraid I do not believe that is even possible. You see, the very nature of Spirit summon differs from Demon summoning greatly. Not only are Demon contracts only ever short term, the one who summons the Demon does not decide whether the Demon returns to where it ca from. Only the Demon decides for itself.
The [Priest] responded to Daniel as he asked more questions. But I didnt hear it as I considered the ramifications of what I just learned. Is is it possible that Daniel is lying to right now? Maybe he isnt actually helping return to the Netherworld! Maybe hes tricking to to to kill for experience!
I rembered, for a mont, the horned Demon that attacked Haec and I. But I quickly fixated on sothing else. And what about Haec? Hes my companion, right? What if hes lying to too!
My thoughts were interrupted as there was a splash, followed by a ripple forming in the water surface of the pool. I glanced up as the conversation between Daniel and the [Priest] was abruptly cut off.
Ah, Sakura.
I stared at the four legged creature that was striding through the water slowly towards . She looked like a wolf, but even larger. She had pink fur covered in streaks of red, and a white mane that wrapped around her neck. I cocked my head as she approached .
[Beastkin - Lvl. 42]
Daniel warily backed up and called my na.
Uh, Salvos.
I just t the [Beastkin]s gaze as she approached, prompting the Human man to add more caution in this voice.
Salvos.
Salvos. That is an interesting na.
The [Beastkin] spoke, erging from the shallow water and stepping lithely onto solid ground. She walked around , her elegant tail swaying from side to side as she inspected closely, but she never once touched . I nodded with alacrity.
Thats my na! Do you like it?
I wouldnt say I like it, but it is unique.
Daniel had his hand on his hilt now, as he glanced between us in a panic. The [Priest] laughed.
Dont be afraid. This is Sakura the guardian Spirit of our temple. She offered her services to guard it, a long ti ago when it was first established. And even when the [Priest] who summoned her passed, she yet remains. That is the contract between us and Spirits.
She walked up to him, lying on all fours in front of him. He laughed and slowly stroked her head, before bringing his hand under one of her ears. He scratched it as Sakura kicked one of her legs back and forth.
...are you supposed to be doing that with her?
Daniel asked apprehensively. The [Priest] stopped as the [Beastkin] got up.
And why not? She enjoys it. If she doesnt she would never let near her.
But dont you guys worship the [Beastkin]? This seems like its overstepping a few boundaries
The [Priest] snorted.
We do not worship the [Beastkin]. We believe nature is a sacred thing, just like how the Sanctum of Elents see the essence as a thing of itself. And the only Spirits that share this view with us are the [Beastkin]. So we share a kinship through this. That is all.
I see.
Daniel stared at Sakura as she nuzzled , bringing her head very close to . I tried to back up, realizing this, but it was too late.
The cloak fools eyes, but not the nose. I can still sll it. The scent of ash. The sll of your blood.
The [Beastkin] spoke softly into my ear, adding nothing more. I blinked as she pulled away, turning back to Daniel who she called.
You speak of wanting to slay the Demon that is ravaging these lands, adventurer. But while youre here wasting ti searching for foolish tricks to play, he is out there, getting stronger.
Daniel looked taken aback, opening his mouth to say sothing before slamming it shut. Sakura turned around, eting my gaze slowly.
The Demon shall not stop. He shall destroy all he can destroy, until he destroys everything, or he is destroyed. For no Demons that truly walk this plane will ever survive. It is only he, and no more. Until he is no more.
The [Priest] was nodding along, rubbing his chin as the [Beastkin] spoke. But when she finished, he opened his mouth to ask a question and she ran.
She nimbly exited the building, returning to wherever she ca from. The [Priest] put a hand out, calling to her.
Sakura, wait!
She didnt respond. He sighed, rubbing at his temples.
Sorry, she does that sotis. She probably wouldve been able to answer any other questions you had better than I, but shes gone now. If you want, I can
--
We left the temple shortly after, learning everything they could tell us. Once again, the Humans there were of no help to . And yet, I rembered the brief conversation we had with the [Beastkin]. The one thing that stuck out to .
It is only he, and no more.
No Demons lived in this world. Perhaps they were summoned for a contract, but only temporarily. This was everything I had just learned today.
Then it finally clicked.
That Demon attacking your Human places thats Lucerna!
Uh, what?
Daniel turned back to looking perplexed. I quickly spoke, explaining what I figured out to him.
Lucerna. Hes a [Djinn] that was summoned by so [Cultists] to kill a king or sothing? I dont exactly rember because I was tired and thinking of a way to escape. But hes the one you guys keep talking about.
The Human man frowned, furrowing his brows. He gave an accusing glance, which I didnt exactly like.
How do you know this? And why didnt you tell this sooner? We couldve told the Adventurers Guild inform the guards to send word to other towns. Maybe even tell the Iron Champions Guild.
I was summoned with him. I didnt want to go, but he dragged with him. And I didnt know! So what if I didnt tell you?
He folded his arms, snapping.
How could you not know? And if you told sooner, wed have been able to raise a warning about it being a [Djinn] yesterday. Not only is that a Greater Demon which no one knew, thats a rare one. Incredibly dangerous and dedicated to their contracts. You heard what Sakura said its your fault those people are dying right now!
I started getting annoyed. Why is he suddenly talking to like that? I didnt know, but I didnt like it one bit, so I punched him below the waist.
Oh what the fuck!
I stared down at him as he lay on the ground, clutching his pants. I spoke casually, ignoring his grunts of pain.
I didnt know there were no other Demons here. I thought there were others you Humans kept talking about Demons, so I assud this was like the Netherworld and there were plenty of Demons around.
But you knew that Demons have to be summoned here.
This ti, I was the one to cross my arms.
And why would that an there arent any Demons here?
The Human man opened his mouth, but I cut him off, jabbing a finger in his face.
Listen, Im telling you now that Lucerna is the one doing all these bad things to you Humans. So you can either do sothing about it or shut up. Stop trying to get mad at for no reason. I do not like it, and unlike you, I will do sothing about it.
I balled my clawed hands into a fist once again, waving it in front of his face. Daniel grimaced, but slowly got up. He averted his gaze from slowly, rubbing the back of his head.
I right. Sorry. I got a little heated there because...
He trailed off. I shook my head, walking ahead of him.
Anyway, youre the one who keeps telling you can bring back to the Netherworld.
The streets were empty here, so I spoke without hiding my voice.
And yet, here we are still as lost as we were in the beginning. Tell : were you lying to when you said that?
No I just didnt think it would be this difficult, Salvos. I didnt think that no one would be able to help us.
I narrowed my eyes.
So you arent a liar then?
Daniel flinched at the accusation. But he t my eyes as he responded.
I did not lie to you, Salvos.
I peered at him carefully, trying to determine whether I believed him or not. Realizing that I had no way to discern a lie from a truth, I decided that he was telling the truth.
Fine.
Plus, I was already over it; lying seed bad at first, but as long as it didnt hurt , I saw no reason to worry over things like lies. The Human man was walking next to once again, no longer as riled up as he was before.
I will help you, but we just have to do this first.
Do what?
I cocked my head.
We need to go to the Adventurers Guild. Itll take a minute, but we need to tell them about what you know.
I looked at him dubiously, but acquiesced.
Then lets hurry up and do it then. As long as we dont have to go to five different places for the rest of the day to achieve nothing, I dont really care.
He nodded and we changed course. We started heading back to the Adventurers Guild, turning corners and going down streets until we were back where we started in the morning. However, instead of just entering it like we did then, we stopped right outside.
Whats going on?
There was a crowd gathered in front of the Adventurers Guild. A tall man turned, noticing us as we approached.
Oh look whos back Its Daniel and the bitch who hit in the balls and ran.
I frowned, readying myself to hit the man again. But Daniel quickly stopped .
Whats going on, Blake? Whys everyone out here.
Thats what you get for fleeing like a coward this morning, Dan. You missed out on your chance to earn so recognition for yourself.
Blake laughed, then stopped. He placed a hand on his chin as if in thought.
Although if you were there, you wouldve made a fool out of yourself. And that wouldve been hilarious to see.
What scene? What are you talking about?
Daniel raised an eyebrow as Blake slowly responded.
The stupid Demon that has been attacking small villages and travelers around Falisfield? Yeah, its dead. Or at least, its going to be dead. It attacked Maplewell just a few miles east of here. And unfortunately for it, Hazelbury got the news as soon as it happened. A Gold Ranked team left a bit ago to exterminate it.
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