Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 543: Crossover

Chapter 543: Crossover

/51st Long Night/

The city of Albanum, just like the other 35 cities in Kastarus, had most of its inhabitants attend an evening mass at their local church to celebrate the Crossover, a celebration of death carried out every five days starting from the fifth day of the month of Astra to the sixty-fifth day.

It was characterized by white candles, white clothing, and white paper with the names of the deceased written in their native tongue of Crasseno and placed in a metal box kept at each door leading into the church.

Tonight would be the first time since the month of Astra began that they would have a chance to celebrate, due to the unfortunate circumstances that had struck the town as a result of the cursed red light that had once been the order of the night, leaving scores of dead people in its wake.

Even as more than half of the city needed repairs, none of those who were still alive dared to miss the celebration, seeking hope from the sanctuary of the Only One God after experiencing terror for so long.

Just then, the priest, a middle-aged man with blonde hair and a clean-shaven face, approached the pew and addressed them. "Brothers and sisters, today we are gathered to celebrate those who have found their way to the Master of the World. Let us ask that they offer supplication in our stead, so we may be lucky enough to join them in a peaceful afterlife. Please, bow your heads and pray silently for a moment."

Obliging, the worshippers picked up their candles and began to pray with their heads down, oblivious to what was happening around them.

Outside, a woman dressed in an all-white saree approached with her head down and her arms clasped as though in prayer.

Against the pure white backdrop, her brown skin stood out but she didn’t seem to mind this as she took measured steps, making her way to the church gates only to be stopped by the guards.

"State your name and business." The first guard remarked in Crasseno, his gaze trailing over the woman’s incredibly eye-catching physique.

The woman raised her head to meet his gaze, revealing her brown skin complexion and feline-shaped eyes.

With a seductive smile, she replied in devil-tongue while exerting her Will.

Missa hystoria

A scream echoed after which the darkness within the church rippled as though alive.

The winter winds billowed with a vengeance, causing the church doors to swing open, snapping most out of their prayers.

A few gasped as they glanced at the doors with worried looks while the priest frowned as he couldn’t understand what was happening.

But that wasn’t the end as a moment later, a powerful gale swept in and snuffed out their candles, swiftly plunging the hall into momentary darkness.

A few terrified screams echoed from amongst the congregation as they couldn’t understand what was happening.

Even the priest could not understand what was happening, instinctively clutching the likeness of Marduk hanging from his waist as he muttered a low prayer of protection.

Unbeknownst to him, his shadow began to stretch, growing further than it should considering the lack of light, until finally, a pair of blood-red eyes manifested.

He trembled, feeling a cold draft waft over his skin at which point he turned around to find a monstrosity born of shadow and brimming with malevolence, standing before him, blocking him from the statue of the deity he believed in.

The priest directly passed out from the shock while the congregation, upon noticing the monster, didn’t hesitate to flee for their lives, unwilling to wait for the monster to come for them.

Within minutes, the church was devoid of worshippers, leaving behind the unconscious priest to face the music alone.

Moments passed before the brown-skinned lady walked into the building, having remained undetected by the terrified masses.

Her gaze scrutinized the surroundings before landing on the unconscious priest who was slowly regaining himself.

Taking a deep breath, she approached the priest, taking steady steps that caused crisp sounds to echo in the hall as her heel struck the floor.

The priest, reacting to the sound, glanced in her direction only to freeze, his expression quickly turning pale.

Of course, he didn’t see the young lady but instead, a terrifying aberration that left him speechless.

He opened his mouth but no words came out as the aberration approached.

Once it came within arm’s length, it muttered in Razan.

"Father, I have sinned."

A dull thud echoed a moment later.

***

Why did you spare the boy?

Humphrey inquired as he stood tall beside Alex, watching as the latter put the finishing touches to what he termed a new and improved steam engine, one that did not need the Goddess of Automation’s blessing to work.

If completed, it would significantly reduce the authority of the Goddess in Ra’as, allowing the continent to enter a new age of innovation in technology.

Silence reigned for several seconds, prompting Humphrey to speak up again.

Why did you spare the Nester boy?... His identity as an Abyss Wheel Mystic makes him a liability. He is dangerous.

Alex let out an audible sigh as he replied. "I need his skills, at least for now. You said it yourself, the Nesters are the best guide I could have in my journey. Do you perhaps know where I can get another one to replace Ulysses?"

They can be found.

"I do not have the time, Humphrey. As it is, I can’t travel until the month of Eos and that is hoping the winter passes quickly, else I’d be stuck for longer. I need to use this time to recover my strength and prepare for what is to come."

So you would rather keep such a danger by your side?

"I’ll handle it if anything goes wrong."

You are playing a dangerous game.

"I know," Alex admitted. "But he is a valuable resource, so until a replacement is found... he remains, and that’s final."