Resurrection Arc 5

As soon as Kaizo returns to the ship, he immediately looks for information about Necromantia, the tome of Resurrection.

While Fang and Suhani are transporting evidence into the ship, Kaizo goes to the prison bay to interrogate the Umbran mages again.

"You better tell me what I want to know right now," said Kaizo. "What do you know about Necromantia?"

The Umbran mages gasp. They murmur under their breaths. Wondering how Kaizo managed to find out.

"So, you found out," said one of the mages. It's the middle-aged man from before. "Did you perhaps… get enlightened?"

"It doesn't matter how I know. Tell me what Necromantia is and where it is?" said Kaizo.

"Or what? Heh! Don't get cocky just because you received a sign from the Lord. We've been in his servitude far longer before you."

"Which is exactly why I'm asking you," said Kaizo.

"You don't deserve the knowledge of Necromantia. It would be a waste to share such magnificent knowledge with the likes of you," said the man.

"Then maybe you'll change your mind after seeing this," said Kaizo as he threw an obsidian crown into the cell.

The Umbran mages gasp. They took a step back but they were still looking at the crown curiously. Though their level isn't so high, they can still sense dark magic within the crown.

"What is that crown? Could it be?! You?!"

"You think you're the only one in this world who knows dark magic? Please…" Kaizo mocked. "I know what a Queen of darkness can do. Your power is nothing," said Kaizo sarcastically. "Tell me about the tome… and I might tell you about it."

The Umbrans whisper among themselves with uneasiness.

"The Necromantia is a guide given by the Lord. It teaches us how to go beyond existence and raise the dead. It's a gift to grant us immortality," said the man. "Only the purest of his servant may have the blessing of touching it. Let alone learn straight from it."

"Where is it?"

"The apostles should have it."

"And where are the apostles?"

"We don't know. We never met with the apostles. We only follow their messengers," said the middle-aged man.

"Then tell me what you know," said Kaizo with a threatening tone.

After a long interrogation, Kaizo finally learns something.

The hierarchy of Umbran Society is as follows.

7 Apostles

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The Messengers

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Leaders

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Members

The people who hold the highest power are called "The Apostle". There are 7 apostles. They all have direct access to the tome, Necromantia. Under the apostles are the "The Messenger". Numbers are unknown. But possibly a dozen. Messengers are the ones who serve and take orders straight from the apostles.

The apostles sent the messengers to appoint a "Leader" to lead a group/coven. A coven leader would then look for members.

After the coven grows, a messenger would come to scout. A member from a coven would be chosen to be a new Leader, and start a new group/coven at someplace new. A candidate for a future Leader is chosen by recommendation of a Leader and a test (ritual).

The middle-aged man said he would look for members at a bar. According to him, "A bar is where the sins of human desires gather. Greed, glutton, lust, pride… There's no better place than a bar to reap all those sins and present it to the lord."

Feeling enough, Kaizo picked the crown and turned away.

"Wait! You haven't told us about the crown," said the middle-aged man.

Kaizo glanced at him. His eyes looked menacing. He then looked away. "The crown belongs to someone called "Aeron ''. If you can find the person behind that name, then you'll know who you should truly serve," said Kaizo. He then went back to his room.

Kaizo stared at the crown in his hand. He slowly lifts it and tries to put it on his head.

Again, Kaizo groaned in pain. The crown is hurting his head, refusing him to be its wearer. But this time, Kaizo endured a few seconds longer than before. A glimpse of Axion's image appears in his mind. But before Kaizo can figure out anything, he throws away the crown from his head.

Kaizo breathes heavily. Trying to cope with the pain in his head.

"What was that? ...what are you trying to say?" Kaizo wondered. He picked up the crown.

"Is it because I'm too weak?" Kaizo asked himself.

"Do I need stronger magic? Or is there a key on figuring out this crown?"

Kaizo put the crown aside and continue his investigation.

Looking from the location around the murder cave, there's a small bar called 'nuit', south of Melmore. If Kaizo's hunch is right, he will find someone from Umbran society there. He picked his jacket and decided to check it himself.

The bar isn't big. It has that local country vibe in it. The building itself is mostly wood. It has two floors. The first floor is a bar. The second floor is probably where the owner lives. Despite being an old-looking bar, it has quite a modern touch in it.

Kaizo entered the busy bar and took a seat at the counter. He ordered a drink and silently watched his surroundings. The bartender noticed Kaizo's unfamiliar face and quietly served him a drink. The lights flicker dimly in the dim room. Some people dance to the music. Others converse with drinks on hand.

It doesn't take long until a man sits beside Kaizo.

"One bourbon," said the man.

Kaizo glanced at the man. He looks like he's in his 30's. Kaizo could barely catch a glimpse of his face under his black Panama hat. He wears a full suit and a long black coat. On the left chest of the coat, Kaizo noticed something shiny. It's a pin with a symbol of Umbran Society.

"What's up? New in town?" the long slightly curly dark red-haired stranger asked. His voice was deep.

"Just a passerby," said Kaizo.

"Ah, here to see the view?"

"...just a short pit stop before the next town," said Kaizo.

"A traveler? How nice. You've been to a lot of places?"

"Quite a lot, I suppose."

"Good. Bet you've seen quite a lot."

"And met quite a lot of people too."

The stranger chuckled.

Kaizo took a sip from his glass. The stranger looked closely at his gloomy face.

"Say, you're not looking so good for someone who roams the land free."

Kaizo didn't reply.

"I know that look. Life's been tough huh?"

Kaizo turned to him. "What makes you think so?"

"You're not the only person in distress that I've met, young man," said the stranger with a smile. "My name is Ardyn. Pleased to meet you," he said as he offered his hand.

Kaizo could see his face under his hat. He gave the man a handshake.

"I've met people like you. Confused and lost. Not knowing what to do or where to go. But alas, this stranger could only lend an ear to whatever dire you are walking on. After all, a bar is a place where you can meet people and share stories. Perhaps, I can hear yours."

"I don't know…."

"Come on. They said sharing stories will make things easier," said Ardyn with a smile.