116 Resurrection Arc 6

"...Ahhh Love," said Ardyn. "My condolences to your passing lover. She must be one special girl to have an admirer such as you."

"You must think I'm crazy. Queen of the darkness, magic, demons…." said Kaizo.

"No, no. On the contrary, I believe your story is true, my friend," said Ardyn.

Kaizo finishes the last sip of his drink.

"Master. Give this man a drink, on me," said Ardyn.

The bartender nodded.

"Time goes by. People come and go like the passing set of sun. Souls may return to the great beyond but alas the world shan't stop spinning," said Ardyn. There's something in his voice that shows his… charisma.

The Bartender put a drink in front of Kaizo.

Ardyn raised his glass. "To Love," he toasts.

Kaizo slightly raised his glass and took a sip with Ardyn.

"Tell me, how many likes of me have you met?" Kaizo asked.

"Oh quite plenty, actually. Though I admit their stories are less… magical…."

Kaizo chuckled.

"And to much delight, some may find serenity with my companionship," said Ardyn.

"Looks like you're quite dependable around here," said Kaizo.

Ardyn chuckled. "Just a little contribution from an old man like me. Ah, you may think of a number but I am probably older than whatever age that you're thinking of."

"You're so sure about that."

Ardyn smiled. "I've been known to look young despite my old age."

"Well, looks can be deceiving," said Kaizo.

Ardyn laughs.

"If you ever need company, I usually come here around this time," said Ardyn. "Who knows. Maybe we have something in common."

"Like believing in magic and demons?"

"Why yes. Absolutely. You see, my friends believe in magic. Power beyond our realm. Maybe… you can come to see it for yourself. Perhaps you can find repose among us," said Ardyn.

Kaizo slowly nodded. "And you're sure they won't think I'm crazy?"

Ardyn laughs. "No, no. In fact, I think they will welcome you. We gladly greet people with faith. I'm sure you would fit right in."

"Sounds fun."

"Riiight. So, I usually meet my friends around here. You're in luck. We have a meeting tonight. You can come with me," said Ardyn.

"Sure. why not?" Kaizo replied.

"Then it's settled," Ardyn smirked.

Kaizo was about to pay when Ardyn insisted on paying for him instead. They then walk out of the bar.

The moon is getting high in the night sky. They stroll through the silent street. There aren't many people in this small town. Most people ended their activities before 6. Some went straight home and spent the night laying on the couch. Others went to the bar.

After walking for a while, they arrived at a building that seemed to be a church. But the building has no cross or sign of religion on it.

"We're here," said Ardyn.

Kaizo takes a close look at the building before following Ardyn inside.

As soon as Ardyn came in, everyone greeted him. They swarm around him like a celebrity. It looks like Ardyn is very well perceived in this town.

"By the way, this is my friend. He'll be joining us for tonight," said Ardyn.

The attention now falls to Kaizo. Some of them approach him and greet him.

"Hi, my name's Archie. Welcome to our community. We're glad to have you here," said a man with a big smile. He eagerly gives Kaizo a handshake.

"Thanks," said Kaizo.

"My friend here has been through a lot. Let us give him our utmost support," said Ardyn.

The crowd gave their condolences.

"Oh… it's alright. We're all been through a lot too. You're not alone here," said a woman.

"Yes, we're all together in this," a man adds.

"Come now. Let us start the sermon. Serena, my dear. Can you help our new friend for his first time here?" Ardyn turned to Kaizo. "I must help with the preparation. Serena here will help you. If you need anything, just ask her." said Ardyn.

Kaizo followed Serena to the back room without a word.

"Please wear this," said Serena as she gave him a black cloak.

Kaizo does as she says.

The black cloak is plain black with red on the insides. At the back, a crest of Umbran is proudly attached.

"Don't worry. Our activity is not hard to follow. I'm sure you'll be fine."

They both returned to the hall. Serena leads Kaizo to the second front seat. Shortly later, the sermon begins.

Ardyn walks up to the podium and begins to speak.

"My beloved servants of the Lord. I welcome you tonight on yet another day of blessings. Let us take this night to strengthen our faith in our dear Lord. Recently, we heard grave news. Some of our brethren at Melmore have been taken away by those who oppose our Lord. Luckily, some of them survived and are now among us. Tis' trying time for us. Our faith is being tested. But be not afraid. For the Lord is always with us. And those who have strong hearts shall be saved on the day of judgment. The heathens will not take us down. They will be punished. Let us keep our faith strong and never break down in the face of these heathens. For tonight, the Lord has yet again shown us his blessing by guiding a lost lamb," said Ardyn. He looked at Kaizo and pointed at him. "Our friend here has found his way to our door. We thanked the Lord for the salvation that he hath given this young man. Today, we celebrate. For yet another soul is saved. Let us pray... We give thanks to the Lord and his 7 Apostles…."

They all lower their heads and begin praying.

Ardyn's act is very convincing. Almost like a real priest. But Kaizo knows it is not a God that they're praying to.