23 The Greatest Preacher

A gentle breeze wafted over us, carrying with it the distant scent of saltwater. Perched atop the building, Dea and I were ensconced under the vast canopy of the night, with stars glittering like a myriad of diamonds while multiple moons painted silvery trails across the sky.

"Dea, what is the kingdom of Isolade?" I queried, my voice barely more than a whisper, lost in the grandeur of the universe above. 

Dea, with her ethereal beauty and luminescent eyes, responded, "This island was originally named Isolade before it became more popularly known as Rouge Haven. The Kingdom of Isolade is small, having been passed down through countless generations. Though it is called a 'kingdom,' it is really just a stretch of land with a rich tapestry of history. Many of its inhabitants today still proudly identify as citizens of Isolade, though outsiders sometimes perceive it as a small village with a long history."

I felt a tinge of melancholy, realizing that even amidst vast oceans and endless skies, there were places and people holding onto their identities, preserving their past or perhaps seeking a touchstone to ensure they do not get lost in the future—a place called home.

Do I have a home to call my own? I sighed. I definitely won't call a place full of war my home.

"With each passing moon," she continued, "many rogues have been drawn to this island, captivated by the genuine warmth and kindness of its locals. Given that Isolade has maintained its neutrality, not affiliating with any other continents, it became a haven for rogues."

"Do you mean genuine warmth is like free sex and freedom from many illegal things?" I laughed. "Sure, I will call this place my home too."

"Yes, free Sex," She paused, letting the weight of history sink in. "The balance of power here is intricate. The Kingdom of Isolade stands firm with its native citizens at its core. Then there's the Black Syndicate, a shadowy organization manipulating the rogues and gangs from behind the scenes. And there's the Merchant Union, wielding influence over the ships and all commerce on the island."

"But now," Dea's voice lowered, infused with urgency, "all these powers are in turmoil. Dark forces have unleashed a virus, an insidious energy that turns anyone it touches into a zombie."

Gazing at the sky, I felt the pull of destiny. "All I've ever longed for is a quiet corner in this vast world, a place to call my own. Yet every twist and turn seems to propel me toward an unknown fate." Drawing a deep breath, the chill of the night air filling my lungs, I turned to her. "If I were to reclaim this island, to dispel the shadows, could I find peace here? No, I must create this place as my home, as my heaven!"

Dea fluttered around me, her movements as graceful as a dance, her silhouette shimmering in the moonlight. "Under the best of circumstances, once the zombies are eradicated and with a thousand followers, perhaps, Master, you could indeed find the tranquility you seek."

A renewed sense of purpose surged through me, and I stood, my resolve steeling. "I've never had a penchant for strategies or politics. So beginning tomorrow, let's cleanse this place. Killing, unfortunately, is what I do best. As for the people, their safety and well-being, I leave in your capable hands."

***

In the heart of the Dark Continent, shadows lingered and danced, the air thick with an energy that seemed to pulse with malevolence.

"We lost contact with the Rouge's Haven branch. Yet, dark energy continues to emanate, surging like a storm from there," whispered a blind old lady, her form a grotesque merger of human and spider. Her long, spindly legs twitched in restless anxiety as she addressed the looming figure on the throne — the demon king. Candlelight flickered, causing his eyes to glint menacingly.

He replied, his voice dripping with disdain, "Send more vampires. It is, after all, their mess to clean."

She bowed, her spider legs folding beneath her, "Yes, my king."

Leaning forward, with genuine curiosity, he inquired, "And what of the other continents?

"The dark energy already engulfs, 40% of this planet and struggling for more?" the old lady answered "Once we reach 95%, this planet will be submerged in eternal darkness, and our god of darkness will descend."

Her voice, shaky yet determined, replied, "Resistance grows. Kingdoms rally, trying to thwart our advance."

The king's laughter echoed through the chamber, cold and mocking. "A futile struggle."

"Indeed," she said, "For we have our own agents amongst them, spreading the virus. And our demons feast upon souls, offering them up for our dark rituals."

A sudden hesitancy crossed the old spider-lady's face, "My king," she murmured, her voice quivering with trepidation, "I had a vision. The God of Light has dispatched a savior to this realm."

His amusement was palpable. "How many champions has this God of Light sent?"

"Only one," she whispered.

The cavernous room filled with the king's raucous laughter. "In a world teeming with 20 billion souls, the God of Light sends but a single savior. Delightfully arrogant. Let him try; he will falter."

"Can you locate this so-called savior?" he questioned, an eyebrow raised in sinister intrigue.

She hesitated, her voice barely audible, "The God of Light shields him from my sight. But through a great sacrifice, invoking the spirits of a thousand souls, I discerned he's a young male."

***

In the midst of a quiet evening, a soft breeze rustled the trees, whispering secrets from lands unknown. The sound of people whispering drew my attention.

[Apostle daily check-in]

[Note: Preaching to all your followers is a prerequisite.]

A weighty responsibility. I nodded in acknowledgment, "Very well," I began, stepping forward to address the sea of expectant faces before me. "Once Jesus said, 'If someone strikes you on the left cheek, turn to him the other also.'"

A palpable confusion settled in the air. The soft murmuring of the followers gave way to incredulous stares, as if questioning my sanity.

A voice, tinged with disbelief, pierced the thick atmosphere, "Apostle, do you suggest that if a zombie bites my left cheek, I should willingly offer the other?"

"…"

If I said no, wouldn't I be taking back my already spilled saliva? If I say yes, won't I teach them the fastest way to die?

My head throbbed, an unwelcome sensation amidst this challenging conversation. With a resigned sigh, I replied, "I don't know, I am not Jesus. Just ask Jesus in your prayer; maybe HE will answer, maybe He won't. If you really want the answer I can send you to meet Jesus, and you can meet Him in person and celar my headache" I gestured to myself, "Or maybe perhaps some of you, with your bright minds, can see further than this foolish man before you."

I have always been a killer, pragmatic and grounded, untouched by fanciful sermons.

As I pivoted toward the door, an epiphany struck me, as if heaven itself had whispered in my ear. I whirled back, my hand connecting sharply with the left cheek of the inquirer.

"Why did you hit me?" he demanded.

With a seraphic smile, I poised my katana in the air, its blade catching the light ominously. "Will you willingly turn the other cheek, or shall we cross swords?" I challenged.

Wide-eyed and shaking, he presented his right cheek. My hand met his skin with a measured strike. "Jesus teach you about your submission is your armor," I counseled him and the other, "Forbearance is the secret to a long life."

I nodded my head in satisfaction, seeming to have a talent for preaching. That is why the True Source chose me as an apostle— perhaps, in another life, I could have been a coolest preacher.

***

Out side the building, I knew Dea had organized a group to assist me in clearing the impending zombie threat.

"Steady pace, always alert. Safety is paramount," I reminded myself, stepping out of the sanctuary. Beyond its borders, a radiant cube of light shielded us. This protective barrier ensured that no zombie could breach — any who dared were reduced to ashes upon contact.

"Apostle!" Eliana's voice rang out, snapping me out of my reverie. Approaching me, she rode something resembling a motorcycle. "Let's use this; it's the Kingdom's treasure, given by an outsider. It can help us."

Eliana urged me, "Dea already updated me that you need manpower to help reclaim this island. We should head to the castle. We have soldiers there, and I hope they're still defending it."

The first rays of morning light pierced through the mist, casting a soft, golden hue over the desolate land. Dew glistened on the grass and broken vehicles that lay abandoned on the roads. But the serenity of dawn was marred by the presence of wandering zombies. Their groans and the soft shuffle of their feet seemed louder in the morning stillness.

Eliana gripped the handles of the MotoCycle, her usually bright eyes shadowed with determination. The bike's Core Crystal glowed softly in response to her touch, ready to speed away. I clung to the back, holding onto her, as we surveyed the road ahead.

"This isn't going to be easy," Eliana murmured. The road to the castle was blocked by a sea of undead. They meandered aimlessly, but we knew that the noise of the MotoCycle would draw their attention.

The engine's roar intensified beneath us, and the MotoCycle responded, As the world became a blur, the wind whipping past my ears, the bike danced nimbly between the zombies. The uneven and broken road posed no challenge.

'I must have one like this later.'

With every close call, I marveled at Eliana's driving prowess. Just when I thought there was no way through the dense swarm of the undead, she'd pull off a tight corner, a swift turn, or a sudden brake. We never stayed still long enough to let the zombies close the gap.

The dawn's light intensified, casting the castle's silhouette in sharp relief against the brightening sky. Yet with the sun's ascent, the undead stirred more vigorously. A formidable horde of zombies began to converge on our path, threatening to sever our passage. But Eliana, with her dauntless spirit and adept maneuvering, accelerated the motorcycle's speed. We sliced through the mass of decaying bodies, leaving them far behind in a futile pursuit, their staggering forms no match for our swift escape.

As we neared the castle, my heart sank. The massive gates that should have been a castle last stand were swarming with zombies. The undead had congregated in large numbers, their moans echoing hauntingly.

I met Eliana's gaze intently. "You need to go inside and assess the situation. If you find no signs of life, return immediately. But if there are survivors, signal me, and I'll join you," I instructed, determination firm in my voice. "Leave the path to me."

Eliana's eyes shimmered with a mix of worry and trust. "Apostle..."

"It's the best plan," I said, dismounting the vehicle with a sense of purpose.

"Armor!" I commanded, and a compact shield materialized around me.

"Katana!" Nanobots swiftly crafted a pair of gleaming katanas. Taking advantage of my bonus skill points, I enhanced my katana proficiency to B-rank.

A rush of knowledge about katana techniques flooded my mind. I centered myself, attuning to every sensation, every beat of my heart, every whisper of the wind against my skin.

'Today's daily check-in bonus? Double EXP for the entire day.'

A smirk tugged at my lips as I admired the katanas' reflection in the sunlight—sharp and promising.

With a fortifying breath, I charged into the swarm of zombies, twin blades at the ready. Each move I made was surgical and fluid, a lethal dance that carved a path through the undead. The katanas felt like extensions of my soul, their weight perfectly balanced in my hands. There was a rhythm to my combat, a heartbeat of resistance against the bleakness of the world. 

The exhilaration of the battle, the raw feeling of being in the thick of it, made me think - maybe I was a bit mad, but in this madness, I felt more alive than ever.

In the distance, I could hear the familiar roar of the MotoCycle's engine. Eliana was poised to rush into the castle as soon as I cleared a way. My entire being was attuned to the task at hand, the symphony of blades, and the beacon of hope that awaited beyond the castle gates.