Chapter 123

Chapter 123

In the infamous underground prison of the empire, Urich was held captive.

Clunk.

Urich looked at the iron bars. The air was damp. An odd stench wafted through the darkness.

'So, this was what he was talking about.'

Until last night, Urich had been treated lavishly. He had indulged in the royal family's finest delicacies and drank exquisite wine like water. He laughed and chatted while embracing slender-waisted dancers.

"Ugh."

Urich massaged his head that felt heavy with a hangover. He recalled his promise to the emperor.

'There is a heretic captured by the guard in this underground prison.'

He slowly recalled the memory.

'I have to escape with that heretic and find the hideout of the Serpentism remnants.'

Despite the empire's many talents, none were suitable for this task. A civilized persons approach wasnt going to be trusted by the heretic, and the Sun Warriors, with their strong faith, would likely kill the heretic before the job was finished. It was rare to find a barbarian both trustworthy and competent.

Aaaaaaaaah!!

From deeper levels than where Urich was imprisoned, intermittent screams arose. Tortured prisoners were dragged out in a dreadful state. Some no longer resembled humans.

"The shedding snake achieves immortality, merely leaving the flesh in order to advance to the next world..."

Urich heard a prayer. They came from the cell next to his.

Tap, tap.

Urich knocked on the wall.

"What is it?"

"Im new here. Thought we might introduce ourselves."

There was a hesitation from beyond the wall. Urich waited for the person to speak.

'Just as planned, the Serpentist is in the cell next to mine.'

The emperor had said this person held a significant position along the Serpentists.

" They locked me up just because I'm a barbarian, and that pissed me off. So, I smashed the guardhouse door. Next thing I knew, I was in this dungeon."

Urich mixed half-truths into his story. Afterall, it was true he had been imprisoned in the guardhouse for being a barbarian.

"We both are left with nothing but to await death," the man in the next cell spoke softly, returning to his prayers.

"So, you're the infamous Serpentist."

Urich broached the subject.

"Infamous, indeed, the man responded dully.

"Given what your religion does, isnt the hatred more than deserved?"

"Misunderstandings often accompany infamy."

"Misunderstandings my ass."

Urich scoffed.

"The world is a hell. Its only natural for those who do good deeds in hell to be persecuted."

Serpentism was a religion born in the harshest deserts of the south. It was a minority religion even in the south but has survived tenaciously.

Urich spent three days in the prison. The stale air made his throat raw after just three days, and the lack of light frayed his nerves.

This feels like death.'

Urich did push-ups to keep himself going. If he didnt move, he felt he might truly lose his mind.

"Youre making quite the noise there, Kylios."

Urich had said his name was Kylios. The name Urich might be known to some.

"I dont plan on dying here, Trikee."

The man's name was Trikee. Over the past three days, they had shared many conversations. Urich's natural charisma had led them to open up to each other.

"Your attachment to life is strong."

"Yeah, no shit. Hup!"

Urich responded, doing one-handed push-ups.

"I am not afraid of death. Im just saddened that I cant guide more people before moving on to the next world."

"The next world?"

"A better world than this. Each time we shed our flesh without regret, we move toward a better world. The more we cling to the flesh, the worse the world were dragged into."

"I dont get it."

Urich frowned.

Urich grumbled. After walking for a while, he grabbed Trikee's arm and covered his mouth.

"Mmph!"

Trikee's eyes widened as he looked at Urich. Urich put his finger to his lips and whispered 'shh.'

"There was a noise from over there. It was the sound of footsteps."

Urich whispered, and Trikee nodded in agreement.

Step, step.

There were footsteps. Around the corner of the sewer, a red light flickered. A group holding torches was approaching Urich's direction.

'There are three of them.'

Urich readied himself against the corner, prepared to spring out at any moment. He couldn't let Trikee be caught here.

'The emperor promised to grant any request if I finished this task.'

Urich smirked. Considering Yanchinus' actions so far, he seemed to be a man of great generosity. As long as the request wasn't too outrageous, Yanchinus would likely comply.

'Forget about the reward for now, I have to deal with those guys right now.'

Urich's fingers twitched. He had already visualized the battle in his mind.

'First, snatch the torch and throw it away, then use the darkness to overpower the enemies.'

Urich's heart pounded. His eyes narrowed fiercely, and he crouched low like a predator stalking its prey.

Thump!

Urich leaped out silently. He acted as planned, pouncing on the shadow cast by the torch. He threw the torchbearer against the wall. The other two noticed Urich and shouted. Urich raised his fist, ready to smash their heads.

"S-stop!"

Suddenly, Trikee threw himself at Urich, grabbing his waist. Despite Trikee hanging on, Urich moved unfazed, his body strong and solid.

"These are my disciples!"

Trikee shouted. Only then did Urich stop and pick up the fallen torch.

"Disciples?"

Urich asked. Trikee and the men were speaking in a language unknown to Urich.

"Speak Hamelian in front of me."

Urich kicked the wall and demanded. Trikee nodded.

"This man helped me escape from the prison. He is not our enemy."

Trikee pointed to Urich, explaining. The man who had been hit by Urich slowly lifted his head.

"Is that true? Did you save our Ark?"

"Ark?"

Urich looked at Trikee in confusion. The term 'Ark' the men used to refer to Trikee was unfamiliar to him.

That is what they refer to me as, Kylios. These men are my disciples, they must have come to find me.

Trikee hugged each of the three men.

We heard about the riot in the jail and rushed here in the hopes that you had escaped through the sewers.

You have my gratitude, Bahan.

We are glad you are safe, Ark. You still have much to teach us.

Urich glanced between Trikee and Bahan, who whispered among themselves, looking back at Urich.

Its best to leave him here. His identity is unconfirmed.

This man was locked in the prison with me, not to mention that he saved me from it as well. If he goes on by himself, hell just be captured by the Imperial soldiers again. We must take him with us, Trikee demanded that Urich move with them.

If thats what you wish, then

Bahan nodded and snatched the torch out of Urichs hand.

Come with us, Kylios.

Trikees men took the lead. Urich jabbed Trikees side and asked.

Whats an Ark?

"Think of it as a large boat," Trikee explained.

Urich's confusion wasn't cleared. He would have understood if it were a shaman or a priest, but 'Ark' was a term for a boat.

'Why would they use 'Ark' as a title for a person?'

Urich looked at Trikee and his disciples. Trikee was in a higher position within the religion than what the empire had assumed.

'So, following them means going straight to the heart of Serpentism.'

Urich felt around his waist, but it felt empty without his weapons. He shrugged and followed the others through the sewer. The stench of filth was familiar to him.