Turning Chapter 906

Chapter 906

"It seems you've brought quite a few friends today. What's the occasion?"

The intent to intimidate Gloe and Lusan was palpable in the gloomy, flickering light of the eyes, reminiscent of a captured beast. However, neither Gloe nor Lusan seemed to be easily perturbed.

'I thought as much for Gloe, a fortune teller from a wandering troupe, accustomed to all sorts of people... But Lusan seems to have grown significantly stronger in spirit than before.'

Gloe's current lack of confidence in her abilities was apparent. Yet, independently of this, she had a history of surviving against numerous odds while casting fortunes in the wandering troupe. In her previous life, she rarely showed emotional fluctuation when dealing with people, a testament to her resilience. It seemed little had changed in that regard.

Lusan, too, seemed to have hardened significantly after being indiscriminately attacked by Nahan and subsequently recovering.

'I had prepared a contingency plan, fearing they might react or be frightened by that brute's demeanor... It seems unnecessary now.'

Aton furrowed his brows in surprise as his attempts to rattle them elicited no reaction. Though they appeared as meek herbivores, being part of the Cavalry, none should be underestimated.

Yuder was now determined to firmly impress this fact upon him.

"Do you remember your fallen comrades who, as you put it, 'shook the balance of the South'?" Yuder said, pulling a chair in front of Aton and sitting down. The ones Yuder referred to had hidden in Star of Nagran’s southern base, seeking cooperation, only to choose self-destruction just before being subdued by the Cavalry.

"The words they shouted before their deaths, I later learned, were phrases added at the end of prayers in the South. Unusual last words, I thought, so I sought advice from many, including the priests here."

"..."

"Well, I haven't found a definite answer yet. But one of the priests here raised an interesting point."

Yuder casually turned his gaze to Lusan.

"What did you say then, Priest?"

"...War is a human affair. Historically, numerous wars have erupted across the continent, but those who believe in God have always maintained an unwritten rule not to directly intervene in wars among humans in the name of God. It was a matter of course for us, followers of the Sun God, but, as I understand, the same was true for your followers of the Black Moon."

This was a little-known fact, but it had been an official discussion long ago between the Sun God and Black Moon faiths. A thousand years ago, after narrowly escaping destruction, both faiths held a leaders' summit, each represented by their respective figures: the Pope for the Sun God and Udaquan for the Black Moon. The records are largely lost, so the specifics of their conversation and the reasons for the meeting remain unclear.

However, it was certain that after that dialogue, both faiths established the unwritten rule not to interfere in human wars, focusing instead on safeguarding their respective faiths in their own realms.

In an era unimaginable now, at the very dawn of the Empire, there were shrines to the Black Moon faith scattered about, and records existed of Udaquans roaming the lands. Modern theologians and historians speculate that perhaps, in ancient times, the Black Moon faith wasn't confined to the South as it is now but was spread across the entire continent. Of course, further research was prohibited by the strict taboos of the Sun God faith.

The head priest, whom Lusan sought for knowledge, believed that finding and studying such records held historical and religious significance. After explaining in detail the aforementioned matters and the discussions that took place back then, he relayed to Lusan.

Lusan, I won't ask why you've suddenly taken an interest in Udaquan and the Black Moon faith. However, my research suggests that their core and role aren't much different from ours. Although our methods may differ, we both prioritize following the words of our God above all else.

This implied that, like the Sun God faith, following God's words was the most critical aspect.

Of course, just as there were corrupt and self-serving priests among the followers of the Sun God, like the Elder Priest Bertrail Shand Apeto, it wouldn't be impossible for the Udaquan followers.

However, Aton did not seem like one who would recklessly deviate on his own. Considering the scale of the various operations and financial transactions he had conducted while holding Duke Tain in his grasp, and the number of subordinates disguised as merchants, it was evident that many were lurking behind him.

After learning this much, Lusan said to Aton,

"For decades, perhaps centuries, numerous conflicts have erupted along the borders. Yet, like the Sun God faith, your Black Moon faith never once stepped forward in the name of the faith itself."

"..."

"Then why was it different this time? Why would the devout, praying the Black Sleep's prayers as they died, break God's commandment they've upheld for a thousand years and actively engage in the forefront?"

After speaking rapidly, Lusan paused to catch his breath, then looked straight into Aton's eyes and concluded,

"I can think of two reasons. One, the situation within the South has changed so drastically that even those who believe in the Moon are forced to partake in these destructive and terrible acts."

Or,

"Two, the entity planning and executing all this belongs to the core of the Black Moon faith. ...Which is it?"

"…Ha-ha."

Aton, who had been silently listening, now showed a different reaction. With a laugh, he scrutinized Lusan's face with an entirely new intensity.

"Until now, I've never set foot in your temple, nor have I been this close to a priest or Priest of the Sun God. An interesting one has come, knowing so much."

"..."

"But there is no reason for me to answer that. O believer of the Sun."

"The idea that those who profess faith in a god would lead the charge in harming others and fueling the world's chaos, without any guilt, is unthinkable to me. Is that what your god teaches? I don't think so."

Aton's eyes twitched slightly at Lusan's calm yet somewhat provocative remark. "How dare you insult my God and my faith with your limited knowledge?"

"If that's not the case, why not simply answer? It seems in your belief, isn’t there a saying that those who cannot speak the truth have no right to confess to their God with truthful lips."

Yuder couldn't discern the religious significance of the quote Lusan cited. However, Aton responded sharply, his voice bristling with sensitivity.

"I have never once been unfaithful to my beliefs."

"Then, is it true that the core of your faith stands behind you?"

Lusan quickly countered, as if reeling in a fish that had taken the bait. This question sparked a conversation filled with sharp exchanges, complex doctrines, and various quotations. Contrary to his earlier apprehensions, Lusan spoke eloquently. Yuder, who was accustomed to seeing him eagerly learn herbology beside Enon with sparkling eyes, was deeply impressed by this completely different aspect.

'No need to worry, after all.'

Indeed, fitting for a Priest of the Cavalry. While Aton had been like a stone, letting everything slide off him during Yuder's interrogation, he couldn't endure even thirty minutes of conversation with Lusan without grinding his teeth and showing unprecedented emotional agitation.

"You have a talent for twisting words. Just like despicable usurpers."

Despite claiming he had no reason to answer, Aton reacted profusely as soon as the name of God was mentioned. Yuder, observing Aton during his dialogue with Lusan, meticulously noted every detail, from the slight changes in his pupils to every shift in his breathing.

And now was the moment Yuder felt Aton's breath quicken the most. He immediately opened his mouth and spoke.

"Gloe, now is the time."