Chapter 40

Riftan surveyed the reservoir, where steaming jade water trickled out of a small canal and into each of the stone houses.

He nodded as if coming to a conclusion. "This natural source of heat is likely what made it possible for them to survive in such a desolate place."

"I understand how they kept warm, but… what about food?" Ulyseon asked, cocking his head.

"What else could they hunt in such a wasteland but monsters?" Riftan said cynically.

Maxi hunched her shoulders. The consumption of monster blood or flesh was considered an abominable sin even by the Reformed Church. Maxi nervously studied Kuahel's emotionless face. The Temple Knight pretended not to hear Riftan and calmly steered his horse around to Calto.

"There's a particular place we'd like you to investigate first," Kuahel said, nodding in the direction.