Chapter 29：The Dark Church

"Failure, what were the reasons? The nerves and blood vessels are properly connected. Everything has been double checked. It should have been a successful experiment. Why can't I get attain the same strength as Knights of Light? Where were the mistakes made? Ah..."?Dudian reminded himself of the mutation on Rosyard's shoulder. It was recorded as a failed experiment in the Alchemist Notes. However, Dudian's attention was fully concentrated on the phrase 'the same strength as Knights of Light'. Was their purpose to create their own Knights of Light? No, it should be precisely be attaining the same level of power of the Knights of Light.

Could it be that Knights of Light were genetically modified human beings and they had obtained power beyond the imagination of ordinary person?

This was definitely sensational piece of information!

It was established that life alchemists would use surgery methods to genetically modify their physical bodies. If Knights of Light are in any way modified human beings then The Holy Church is an extremely terrible existence. If they aren't, at least behind there must be shady deals that occurred behind the scenes.

Dudian was shocked. He continued to read on.

The Alchemist Notes contained 10 years of experimental experiences recorded personally by Rosyard. After the failure of self-modification incident, Rosyard turned cautious according to the notes. So he would kidnap children to experiment on them. In the case where he would be successful, he would later kill the child. Then he would share the details and results of the experiments with the 'Church of Darkness'. After his deeds accumulated to a certain extent it would then be regarded as a meritorious service. He could then acquire certification ranking to a higher level (TL: the number stars if you guys remember) and access to greater rights and resources.

It was noted in Rosyard's notes that this 'Church of Darkness' is comprised of alchemists, potion masters, puppeteers and other outside members of greater factions. They were not just limited to people outside the wall but their membership also included members of nobilities, civilians from both residential areas and slums, as well as military personnel who make up part of this organization. In simple terms, if the Holy Church was standing proudly under the sunlight, then the 'Church of Darkness' was the horrible monster lurking in the darkness of the night!

"The Holy Church, The Military, The Church of Darkness...", Dudian murmured. From his current point of view, these three forces were like a tripod which were involved in everything that happened within and beyond the giant wall of Silva. Right now, he did not know which force would be the best to join, either the Military or The Holy Church. For now, at least he wouldn't be leaning towards 'Church of Darkness'.?"I know way too little ...", Dudian sighed. His heart was at loss as he didn't know where to head to in the future.

He couldn't stand the restrictions that would be imposed by the military.

The Holy Church was more inclined towards beliefs and faith. He couldn't face his own conscience if he sought refuge with the Holy Church.

It can be seen from the Alchemy Notes that the various powers gathered within the Holy Church were naturally in fact scientists of different fields. However, any group of scientists without regards for the rule of law and zero moral conscience were no different from the devil.

Dudian felt that for an unknown person without status like him to ascend to the peak of the world would be very difficult. However, he never thought of ascending to the heavens as an easy feat. In his mind, another idea emerged. How easy would it be to just live a normal life instead?

As the idea appeared, he reminded himself of the sharp words previously said by the aristocratic girl. The image of the Jura couple's humble posture in front of the nobles was reflected in front of his eyes. He remembered how he had almost lost his life in the 'hunter' castle.

He slowly closed his eyes and asked himself. Would you be able to live a normal life? What would be standing and your posture in that case? Would you be able to escape the disaster the next time it happens?

No, no!

In the future, when his life is threatened he would not be able to put up any meaningful resistance!

He slowly opened his eyes. There was an unprecedented glint of firmness in his eyes. Even at the expense of freedom! Even if I have to abandon my beliefs! Even if I have to abandon compassion! I should live well. If I'm left in the darkness, I will crawl and dig out my own way into the light!?He grabbed a small iron sheet and cut a finger long wound on his arm. He clenched his teeth to withstood the pain. His eyes turned cold as he whispered to himself, "Dudian, feel this pain. You were the one who came up with such a cowardly idea. Are you worthy of the sacrifices that your parents and sister made previously to give you the only opportunity to survive?"?He clenched his teeth and stared at the blood flowing from his arm as if to constantly remind himself of the pain that he felt. He quietly warned himself that in the future no matter how many difficulties or obstacles he would encounter, he would never change his path. He would never let this world to dominate him!

Mason, who returned to the bedroom, saw the blood flowing from Dudian's arm. Mason sent Dudian off to the infirmary.

...

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Scavengers in training.

Time flew by and in the blink of an eye three years passed by.

"Dean, the special training is finally over and today is the graduation ceremony. We will finally be able return home to our parents," Zach smiled. He was the only dutiful son in the bedroom. Every month he would take a day off to see his parents. Dudian, Mason and Sham only visited their parents occasionally. They usually wrote letters to their parents instead.

Dudian grinned. In the past three years his appearance had changed greatly. The color of his skin is not as white as before, but as of now, it was a healthy wheat color because of the exposure under the sun. His height reached one meters and sixty centimeters which made him one of the tallest individuals within his peers. After all, he was only twelve years old this year.

"Hey, this was the most special bedroom in the entire dormitory. All four of us completed the training!" Macon grinned, exposing two rows of white teeth.

Sham said: "I hope in the future when we are in the military, we would be assigned into same unit. However, in case we are separated, don't forget to come my family's pub... The treat's on me!"

Dudian and the other two have long heard about Sham's tavern, Mason laughed and replied, "Absolutely!"

"Let's go or we will be late." Dudian said.

All of them walked out towards the huge school field. There were dozens of students chatting with each other.

Mason sadly said, "Three years ago there were more than 300 people. We are really lucky to graduate!"

"There are others who have not arrived yet." Sham shrugged, "I had counted before. There are 106 students who would graduate."

Zach looked at the woods outside the school field and then pointed. He said, "Who are they and why they are coming to our graduation?"

Dudian, Sham and Mason looked towards the place Zach pointed at. They saw Tobu, but there were also eight other individuals besides him. They were talking and laughing. All of them were dressed in an elegant manner.

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