Chapter 7 - The Crimson Creed(1)

Behold the Eternal Hand of the Sky, the wise and great mentor of all.

The master of arts, astrology and divination. He guides the path of champions and stands as a beacon of enlightenment, a pillar of wisdom.

The Heavenly Grandfather, source of cosmic knowledge, his teachings echo throughout eternity.

- The Beta Scroll.

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"However, he died mysteriously centuries ago. It was said that on his deathbed, he produced his last gift to the world; the Books of Apollyon. The ultimate culmination of all his knowledge and secrets."

Reve pondered, 'The Books of Apollyon…'

This was his first time hearing of them. However, if they were truly the gift of the Ancient Immortal, then even he can't resist their appeal. Apollyon was no ordinary being, after all. Even his casual words would be able to spark enlightenment in the minds of every mage.

Reve asked, "Where are the books? What happened to them?"

"Three books. The Apollyonian Codex. The Book of the Unsung Secrets. And the Unholy Tablets. The last two fell into the dust of time, probably in the basement of some idiot that doesn't know what they are. However, the Apollyonian Codex's story is much different."

Calen explained with a teasing smile, "In our current generation, the Apollyonian Codex doesn't exist as a single item, but as a collective. Scrolls upon scrolls, scattered around the globe. The supernatural world is crazy about acquiring those scrolls. And the cults are even crazier, since the whole 'grimoire' concept is their thing. They will do anything to get their hands on those scrolls. It's their lifetime achievement, I guess."

Reve thought back to Val.

Was that why Val betrayed him early on? Based on what Calen insinuated, a scroll might be hidden in the box. Val, Kallum, and Blimey were all part of a cult. They probably yearned to acquire a scroll.

However, something told him there was more to this.

How did they know a scroll was kept at Ashtown Bank? One would think it would be in a secure place if it ever came into the possession of the New Order.

"I know what you are thinking. I mean, you are not that hard to read, and I pride myself on being a master detective. I think I'm almost too smart for my own good." Calen's expression shifted as if he had just come across a realization.

"Anyway, the rumour has been surfacing for days. People said that Ashtown Bank recently acquired a scroll of Apollyon from the forest. I guess the best time to steal it was before it got transferred to the upper zones."

Reve needed time to process this information. He had a feeling he was ignoring something that could answer his questions, or maybe just add to his list of questions.

Ever since he arrived in this world, it seemed that list kept growing.

Reve closed his eyes and took a break from thinking. He needed the long break.

Days went by fast. Reve became accustomed to the life of a prisoner. It wasn't that bad, and the isolation gave him time to refine his thoughts.

It also strengthened his desire to become stronger. He wouldn't be in this position if he was just a little bit stronger.

On his seventh day in the dungeon, something unexpected happened.

Reve jerked from the ground as his sharp ears perked into the air.

Calen turned to him and asked, "What is it?"

"I heard a voice just now. Something feels wrong. Can't you feel it?" Reve was unnerved as he spoke.

Rarely did he ever get this feeling. Back in Arcadia, it was an omen of impending doom, and most of the time, he was always too late to pay attention to it.

Beads of sweat ran down his skin, and a dark shade overshadowed his sight. He lost his sense of time, unconsciously drifting between seconds and minutes.

Calen cooly quipped, "This is just weird, Reve. Talk to me, friend."

He moved to the corner of the cell and patiently watched Reve succumb to his weird sensation.

Reve collapsed to the ground, panting. He was temporarily weakened, which caused him to lie on the ground for a few seconds.

Reve stood up after the sensation left him. "We need to leave now."

"I guess so. It is probably time, but we need to act after it happens. We will take advantage of the chaos and escape this hellhole. So, chill, buddy."

Calen placed his ears near the wall. He seemed to be able to hear beyond the walls, and his expressions shifted constantly.

Reve was not surprised by this. He always knew Calen was not normal.

Super hearing wasn't that unique.

Calen suddenly smiled. "It's starting. You were right. There is a voice. No, it is more like a chant. It is indistinct so I can't tell what it constitutes, but I can hear screams. Oh shit, this is fun!"

"Good. Now, can you tell me what is going on?" Reve scoffed in annoyance. He didn't like being kept in the dark.

"Think about it, Ashtown is rumoured to have a scroll of Apollyon. I don't know of many cults that would think of getting on New Order's bad side by stealing it, but I can think of one. There are hungry for the scrolls and wherever they go, they wreak destruction."

Reve had a feeling that this cult was not ordinary judging by Calen's words and demeanour. He knew New Order had many rivals, but he didn't think one of them would be a cult.

Calen smiled, "Sit tight, the Crimson Creed will pave the way for us undoubtedly. We don't even need to do anything. We just need to steer out of their way."

Reve paid attention to his last words. "The Crimson Cree–what did you just say?"