Resurrection Arc 7

Everything looks ordinary. Almost like a normal religious faction. Had it not been for the black cloak and strange symbols around the premises, Kaizo would believe it's an ordinary church.

After praying, People begin to scatter and chat. Before Ardyn can approach Kaizo, a few Umbrans swarm him. One of them talks to Ardyn while pointing at Kaizo. The few people behind them seemed to look at Kaizo reluctantly.

It looks like they know who Kaizo is.

Ardyn is seen calming down the crowd with a smile. He then sits beside Kaizo.

"So, how have you been? I hope my speech doesn't bore you," said Ardyn.

"No. On the contrary, I'm interested," said Kaizo. "What teaching are you sharing here?"

"Ah, yes. We believe in an immortal life. Our Lord, the great Lord of death is believed to be capable of breaking the wall between life and death. Freeing us from death and putting an end to the cycle of life and death," said Ardyn. "Can you imagine? A wonderful world that is forever peaceful without being threatened by death, where everyone can live together for eternity. No more goodbyes. No more loss. No more grief. All stayed together, forever."

"You're worshiping a Lord of Death, for an immortal life?"

Ardyn chuckled. "It might doesn't make any sense to you. But if you think about it. Death is the very end of a man's journey. Once we die, we won't die again. I mean, surely you cannot kill someone who's already dead," said Ardyn. "Nothing goes beyond death. Once our soul leaves our body, we are in the highest state of existence."

"I'm not so sure about that," said Kaizo.

"Why not? Your girlfriend is the same, isn't she?" said Ardyn. "You came this far believing that this is not the end of her. That you can still see her again, in a world of eternity."

"If you truly believe death gives you immortality, why don't you kill yourself instead of killing others as sacrifices?" Kaizo asked menacingly.

"Ah… that. We send pure souls as proof that the world is still within salvation. There are so many tragedies in this world. Too much even. The rich stomping on the poor. The greedy, the hypocrites, the liars. If the Lord knows there are still innocent people in this world, the Lord will give mercy to us all."

"The messenger between two realms…."

"Yes! You're getting it," said Ardyn. "Those pure souls are how we send words to the Lord." He looked at Kaizo. "Now that you've learned about us, I'm sure you can understand. Especially after you've tasted great magic beforehand. This woman that you loved is very skilled in magic, is she not?"

"The best I've ever met."

"Then our teaching mustn't be hard for you to comprehend," said Ardyn. "We merely wish for an everlasting peace."

"...."

"That aside, I believe you've taken care of a few of our people. How very kind," said Ardyn. "I believe it was just a misunderstanding. I must admit, our teaching is often misunderstood. Now that you've learned about us, I hope we can reach a mutual understanding."

"...of course. I apologize for the trouble I've made," said Kaizo.

Ardyn chuckled. "No, no, no. On the contrary, I am delighted to meet a fine man such as you. Between you and me, lots of people here are savages."

"Now that we finally understand each other, I hope you'll tell me more about The Necromantia," said Kaizo.

"I see you've learned quite well from our people," said Ardyn.

"Funny story. It wasn't your people who first told me about it," said Kaizo.

"Oh?" Ardyn looked at him with interest.

"There was this little demon, popping out of nowhere back at Melmore cave. He told me about it," said Kaizo as he looked Ardyn in the eyes.

"Could be a servant of our Lord. Our Lord is known to reign over Demons."

"Yeah. And I figure you can help me with this," said Kaizo as he pulled out an obsidian crown from under his cloak.

Ardyn slightly jolted back. The people around them put their attention on the crown.

Ardyn looked at the crown both in awe and fear.

"This was her crown," said Kaizo. "Help me find her."

Ardyn suddenly looked at Kaizo. He can see the determination in Kaizo's eyes.

"Of course. If she is truly the Queen of darkness as you claimed, then the Lord must be able to help you," said Ardyn. "Tell me about the crown."

"By the looks of it, I'm sure you notice the immense magic power coming out of this crown," said Kaizo.

"I do indeed."

"She wears this crown to reign her army of demons. Although so far, all I see are savage beasts. I've been trying to wear it. See if I can use its power for her. But every time I put it on my head, it hurts my head so much."

"It's a crown worthy of a Queen. Surely, not anybody can wear it. Or perhaps, she's the only one who can," said Ardyn.

"The last time I wore it, I had a vision."

"A vision?"

"I saw her," said Kaizo. "It was like she's calling out to me." He looked at Ardyn. "By any chance, can I meet with the Apostle who has The Necromantia? The answer I'm looking for might be there."

"Preposterous!" yelled a man. "You ruined our ritual and took our people. And you have the audacity to meet the Apostle?"

"Yes!! We failed to send the Lord a pure soul to prove the world's innocence."

People begin murmuring.

"People, people. Please. As I said, it was just a misunderstanding. He didn't know what we were doing. Besides, the crown that he brought to us is a sign," said Ardyn. "Can't you feel the magic in that crown? This is a great sign that our Lord will be coming soon. The Queen of Darkness must be coming to prepare the Lord's arrival. We must help this man find the Queen."

The crowds begin to be separated into two.

"It was indeed a misunderstanding. There are so many pretenders claiming to be adept at magic. I need to be sure that you are not another impostor," said Kaizo, playing along with the situation.

"See? Now that he's here, he admits that we are indeed the real ones and not some scammer giving petty fortune-telling on the streets," said Ardyn.

More people begin to believe in Kaizo.

Ardyn turned to Kaizo. "Now, I shall help you meet with the Apostles," he said with a smile.