Chapter 105: Catching up (3)

Zaid frowned. ’Ancestor John is the founder of the Zachary Family... Was he involved in the founding of that church, so many years ago?’

He is such an ancient figure that the modern world didn’t exist in his time, and science hadn’t advanced that far.

’It dates back about 300 years.’

Zaid also paid special attention to the motto: There are questions that are better left unasked, because their answers could cost you your life.

It seemed to be the motto of all the powerful people these days; I’d lost count of how many times I’d heard it. And each time, they seemed to be more right than ever.

’It doesn’t even seem like fantasy came to us through the Portals anymore... Oh, wait. It’s true that there were Wizards, Alchemists, and Spirit Tamer before... How come I never heard about this when I was a kid?’

He felt frustrated. He knew nothing about his world. Or about his family. It looks like he’ll need to go to the library to do some research on his ancestors.

But just when he thought that was all the answer he would get, Azrik spoke again.

"Those who stand above the Cardinals on the Seventh Night... This is something I have confirmed myself, though some dismiss it as a rumor. Especially among the Zacharys," he said, staring intently at Zaid as he mentioned his last name.

Zaid frowned. "Do the Zacharys refuse to believe something you yourself verified?"

"Yes."

He nodded and asked, "What is it?"

"Supposedly, there are two people above the Cardinals nicknamed ’Angels of the Goddess.’ I don’t know the identity of either of them, but I once fought one... I have to say, they’re very powerful."

Zaid frowned. "Angels?"

He remembered what his uncle had said.

He had also mentioned two Angels.

However, then there was the prophet... who turned out to be Zayn.

And the Zachary family refuses to believe they exist, even though the history of that church’s founding can be traced back to the Zachary family...

’There’s something here,’ he realized. ’Too bad I can’t ask my uncle any more questions. I refuse to go to that place for now.’

After that, Azrik fell silent.

"Anything else, Lord Azrik?"

Azrik shook his head. "Try to figure out the rest once you’re strong enough. Kid, that information alone is dangerous. If you come across anyone who seems suspicious, don’t hesitate to come tell me."

Zaid nodded. "Thank you very much, Lord Azrik."

"If you have any other questions, just ask."

"I do have another question... It’s just that I think it’s confidential guild information. It’s about the Concepts. I recently found out a little about them, but I want to know more..."

Azrik shook his head. "Log into Sword Saint and you’ll have access to that. Although, anyway, it’s not very useful to you right now. Concepts start to become crucial once you reach Rank A and can begin upgrading your Talents."

’I can already upgrade my Talent, but...’ Zaid couldn’t say that.

Who would believe him that, as a Rank F, he was trying to do something only Rank A’s could do? And if anyone did believe him, it would be even worse.

He didn’t dwell on it any further.

"Thank you very much, Lord Azrik. That’s all."

Lodrey walked over to him. "You can go back now, kid. Don’t feel bad about what happened—it wasn’t your fault. Try to get some rest, and when you feel better, go back to the guild and your training. It would be a good idea for you to try to move up in rank soon."

Zaid nodded. "One last thing—I’d like you to look for my companions..." he said, pulling out a piece of paper. "Alice Silvercrown, Martin Lawrence, Finn, Mr. Khan, and Kevin. I can’t confirm that they’re dead, so I won’t give up hope that they’re alive."

"Rest assured, we’ll look for them." Lodrey took the paper.

Zaid said goodbye and left.

Silence fell over the room.

"That was a heavy blow," Frank whispered.

Azrik sighed. "We’re in trouble. If what I saw is real, those damn church people are actual beasts," he muttered.

Lodrey frowned. "They’re back to practicing curses again... And right in the middle of the Age of Beasts. Are they out of their minds?"

"It’s probably a way to fight the Portals of Calamity that might appear. It’s already been confirmed that a single one could wipe out an entire generation, so they want to create more and more hunters artificially."

"That’s highly counterproductive. If it goes well, we’ll stop being human at some point because easy power is more appealing than power earned through hardship. If it goes wrong... I don’t even have to say it."

"They don’t see that."

Azrik stood up and put on his cloak.

"I have to go see old Lawrence. Maybe he can help me mediate with the Armed Forces while Jake and Laura are away."

"All right, Azrik. I’ll talk to Anhur."

They said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.

Frank also went to lead the guild... now on his own, without anyone’s help.

--

Zaid left the guild shortly afterward. He thought about going to say hello to Anhur, but just in case, he decided to leave it for later.

"Where are we going?" Valia asked.

"To the Academy. I have to do some research. But first, I’ll have to complete some missions so I can level up."

Valia nodded and stayed on his shoulder.

Zaid walked through the city. He avoided crowded places so as not to draw attention to himself.

He crossed streets and passed through areas with beautiful scenery. He enjoyed them. For the first time in a long time, he took in the scenery and tried to forget the pressure that was gnawing at his mind and undermining his well-being.

However, something shattered the peace he had worked so hard to achieve.

"Erick?" Zaid looked down one of the deserted roads. Erick was leaning against a wall, breathing heavily.

He had numerous wounds on his body and seemed to have recently fled from something. As always, he was holding a book in his hand. Zaid was surprised to see that the book was *The Shadow God Dies*.

Erick looked up when he heard his voice. "Zaid." His heart raced when he saw him, and he jumped to his feet. "Are you alive?"

Zaid could tell he was having a hard time and didn’t understand why, but he couldn’t help joking around a little. "I don’t think so. I had to come back as a ghost to torment you for the rest of your life."

At the joke, Erick seemed to let out a sigh. "This isn’t good, Zaid. Some crazy bastards want to kill you! They destroyed our room... They’re from your family!"