Chapter 67: Tenjin Kingdom

Hours passed and the train arrived at the station of Tenjin Kingdom. As we got off, I could see that it was a peculiar place, an intriguing mix of ancient and modern.

Tall buildings stood majestically, some with elaborate architectural details, curved roofs and gilded ornaments reminiscent of ancient temples. However, as I approached, I could tell that the magical technology supporting them was primitive, barely enough to keep everything in working order.

The station itself was a work of art, with columns carved with scenes of heroic battles and ancient deities, especially highlighting the figure of the god Reijin, whom they devoutly worshipped. The marble floor reflected the light of the magic lamps hanging from the ceiling, emitting a soft bluish glow.

Following all the other mercenaries, we arrived at a building that appeared to be the mercenary guild. Its exterior was decorated with brightly colored banners, each representing different clans and influential families of the kingdom. Inside, the atmosphere was bustling, with people of various appearances and attire gathered around a large board filled with quests.

First, I registered as a mercenary. The formalities were easy and they didn't ask any special questions, which made the process easy. When I was done, I headed to the center of the board, where a recruitment mission was highlighted for the raid into the rift, which began in two weeks that Hera the main mission line. Until then, I was to gain influence and recognition to complete it.

With that done, Lili and I split up to search for clues and information. As I walked through the streets, the atmosphere of the capital became more apparent. The city, although impressive at first glance, had an air of decay. The tall buildings were full of cracks and patches, and the cobblestone streets were weather-worn. The stores seemed to have few goods, and the merchants, with somber expressions, tried to entice the few customers that passed by. I was investigating and understanding the situation further.

I had heard about it on the train, but now I could see that the kingdom of Tenjin strongly followed the religion of the god Reijin, and its temples were imposing structures of white stone and red-tiled roofs, with large golden statues of Reijin guarding the entrances. The church had as much or more influence than the imperial family, and its priests wore elaborate robes, adorned with sacred symbols.

Now I also discovered that the ranking of power was different here. The "sages," those who reached the rank of five stars, were revered as the protectors of the realm and held key positions in both the imperial court and the church. So someone like me, who was at the three-star rank, was considered the elite among the forces, although I knew I would have to prove myself.

I realized that the calendar they used in this realm was different from the one I am aware of so I can't figure out what time and place we are in or if this this scenario actually happened, since it is known that some of the 8 labyrinth were developed in the past of some kingdoms or empires that still exist, so it is assumed that the rest also but there are some that are not recognized either lost in history and there is no record or they were very isolated.

That is why when entering the eight labyrinths it is also useful that you know about history since the scenarios would be easy to decipher.

While I was going through the city, Lili, who was also searching and scanning the surroundings, came back and told me that she had detected a strange energy building up under the city.

I also used a more powerful spell along with my Eyes of Truth and confirmed her discovery. We followed the trail for a while and, after a few hours, we had a clear idea of what was going on. But it was already late, so we decided to continue the next day.

First thing in the morning, I went to the mercenary guild and went through the missions looking for a specific type of mission and I found it, a missing persons mission that stood out for the high reward was to find the whereabouts of the wife and daughter of a very wealthy and influential nobleman.

Seeing the description of the mission I realized that the situation was ideal so I took it, a few hours later I was entering the nobleman's residence.

Because this kingdom had a different culture than the Empire of the Sun, I had to adapt. In the past, being adopted by nobles, I learned the etiquette and culture of various kingdoms.

Although the differences were subtle, I could handle myself well. I introduced myself to Lord Ryota, a thin man, but with a shrewd face, curiously he was only a two-star desperado, but that was enough in this realm where the limit is only five stars, I could see that he was evaluating me from the moment I entered as if he was judging how much I was worth. Without preamble, he questioned me directly:

"So, the fact that you are standing in front of me means you know the location of my daughter and wife, right?"

"No, I don't," I answered truthfully.

"What are you playing at?" His face darkened, and the guards behind me drew their guns.

"I'm not playing games. I don't know the exact whereabouts of your wife and daughter, but I have an idea where they might be."

"If so, tell me, and if you are correct I will reward you handsomely," he said, trying to hide his desperation with a merchant's face.

"Sir, I do not wish you to reward me with money. I can tell you the location without remuneration, but in return, I want you to do me a favor and give me your support."

"What do you mean by support?" he asked, surprised.

"I'm a mercenary with big ambitions. I want to play an important role in the raid to close the rift and become a noble. I would be grateful if you could back me up and give me support."

"Oh, what great ambition you have. But it's true that times of war are ideal for rising," she said smiling slyly.

"...."

"I agree. I'll back you up as long as it's within my capabilities." Flashing a menacing smile she agreed with me.

"That's good enough. And about the possible location of your wife and daughter is..."

"..."

"..."

As I finished telling him what I knew I remained silent for a few seconds processing what I had just heard.

"How reliable is your information?" he asked, disbelief and desperation on his face.

"I found the place myself. I couldn't see much due to the bars getting in the way but I'm sure...but you don't have to worry it's not as bad as you think not everyone is involved. It won't be an all out war."

"Do you have a plan? This is beyond my power." Hearing what I said his attitude began to crumble and he panicked not knowing what to do about the situation.

"Of course you do. You know what the situation in the kingdom is and who would benefit the most from having this information." The answer was obvious once you understand the state of the kingdom and even he could find the answer if he thought about it calmly, but that's only if my information was real

"You may just be a mercenary, but you have the political mindset of a nobleman. i can already understand what the favor you want to ask me and what your real goal is in coming to see me, I agree to help you, but if it is a lie and you are just using me as a stepping stone, i will make you pay," he said, immediately understanding what he meant by returning to his calculating attitude.

We talked further about our next steps. I parted ways with Lord Ryota, a daimyo of the country, equivalent to the middle nobility in the Empire of the Sun. Disappearances in these chaotic times were common, but the situation was more complicated.

The lord ryota perhaps thought he was just a political enemy to someone who would demand a ransom for his wife and daughter, but realizing the reality he decided to agree with me completely, it could even bring benefits something that as a merchant I could not pass up. One of the things that made it easier for me to set up the situation was one of the side missions,

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Secondary missions:

Avoid the sacrificial ritual.

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Knowing the existence of a ritual I had asked Lili who is more sensitive than me to look for related clues and she found them, by examining the situation and those who perform it I was able to put together a plan of what I needed, although I could have stopped the ritual on my own, it was an opportunity that I will take full advantage of and my meeting with ryota was the first step.

Thus two days passed and on the evening of the third day In the night, I jumped out the window of my lodging and, as I ran across the rooftops, I chanted:

"Deep shadow, merge with my flesh and spirit.

Lead me through the darkness, invisible and ethereal,

beyond the barriers of the physical world."

"Shadowy Passage."

Thus, I disappeared into the darkness slowly without leaving any trace of existence.