Chapter 632: Mason

"Wow... It's peaceful here," Amon remarked, gazing at the statue of the Goddess of Light.

Arnold's lips twitched. "We're not here to find peace," he whispered.

"I know."

Amon turned around and began observing his surroundings, hoping to notice something useful.

Just then, Atlas entered the hall alongside two other men.

The first was in his sixties, with only a few strands of white hair remaining on his mostly bald head. He wore a simple white robe and a cross-shaped necklace around his neck.

He was none other than Mason, the priest of the temple.

For more than thirty years, Mason had overseen both the temple and the village of Leonera, making him one of the most influential figures in the area.

The second man also wore a white robe, though his appearance and attire were more modest than those of the deacon. Unlike Atlas, his primary responsibility was maintaining the temple's cleanliness.

He had burgundy hair and appeared to be around the same age as Atlas. His name was Frank.

Amon quietly studied Mason. The elderly priest's face was calm, and his eyes held a gentle warmth that made him appear approachable.

Several villagers sitting in the hall rose to their feet as soon as they noticed him. Amon and Arnold followed their example, standing up and bowing respectfully.

Mason smiled and raised a hand.

"It's alright. There's no need to do that. Please, sit back down."

His gaze soon settled on Amon and Arnold.

"Oh, are you two new here?"

Mason walked toward them, with Atlas following close behind.

"Yes, Father," Atlas answered. "They're travelers who arrived a few days ago. I met them on their first day here."

Hearing this, Mason turned his attention back to the two young men.

"Is that so? Well, I'm Mason, the priest of this temple. You may address me as Father or simply as Priest. Either is fine." He smiled warmly. "Now, what are your names?"

Arnold introduced himself first. "My name is Silas."

"And mine is Daemon," Amon added.

"Haha! You two have nice names.And where are you two from?" Mason gave a simple friendly laugh and asked.

"We're from Valerion City," Amon answered before Arnold could speak.

He had chosen the city where he had lived before enrolling at the academy as their supposed hometown.

Arnold nodded in agreement. "That's right."

"Silas and Daemon... It's a pleasure to meet you both." Mason smiled. "I hope you enjoy your stay in Leonera. You're welcome to remain here for as long as you wish."

He then glanced toward the altar.

"Anyway, it's time for the evening prayer. Atlas and the others are waiting for me."

"Thank you for the warm welcome, Father," Arnold replied politely.

Amon and Arnold bowed once more before Mason, Atlas, and Frank made their way toward the altar.

The three men knelt before the statue of the Goddess of Light and began their prayers.

Meanwhile, Amon's attention shifted toward the direction from which they had entered.

At the opposite end of the hall stood a door that appeared to lead into the temple's inner quarters, where the priests and other temple workers likely resided.

Amon narrowed his eyes slightly.

'There must be something hidden in there...'

He quietly committed the door's location to memory, already considering how they might investigate it later.

---

Amon and Arnold returned to their inn after leaving the temple.

Arnold settled on the windowsill, resting one arm against the frame as he gazed outside. Meanwhile, Amon sprawled across the bed, looking far more relaxed than someone planning to infiltrate a temple should have been.

"Alright, since we're going through with this, we need to plan carefully," Arnold began. "We're not dealing with a house occupied by two women living alone. This is a temple."

"There's only three people we need to worry about," Amon replied casually.

"Still..." Arnold raised an eyebrow. "What rank do you think that priest is?"

Amon fell silent for a moment, considering the question. "Probably fifth rank... a Transcendent."

"That's what I thought," Arnold said. "He's old, and he's been serving as a priest for decades. It makes sense that he's reached that level."

Amon nodded thoughtfully. "Atlas, on the other hand, is probably only a Master."

Arnold glanced at him. "What makes you think that?"

"Just a guess." Amon turned his head toward him. "Can't your System tell you someone's rank?"

"It can."

"Then why are you asking me to guess, you bastard?"

Arnold's lips twitched.

"I wanted to see whether you could figure it out yourself. I already know Mason's strength because my System told me."

Amon stared at him for a moment. 'What an annoying bastard.'

"Fine. So, what's Atlas's rank?"

"According to my System, he reached Master Ascendant a few days ago. He's fourth rank. But newbie."

Amon's expression grew slightly more serious.

"Alright. We'll have to be careful around him, too. If he's only recently reached that rank, he might not be as experienced as Mason, but we shouldn't underestimate him. Well... his in mid twenties from looks...but he must be around thirty. Why he entered fourth rank so late?"

Arnold look at him with deadpan expression and sigh. "Just because we are getting stronger at rapid speed doesn't mean everyone does. Many people take years to reach 3rd or 4th rank. It's just that you have been around monstrous young people lately, including yourself."

"Ohh.." Amon nodded as he got to learn something new.

'So I am special and genius like others. Damn nice.' He thought.

While Arnold crossed his arms. "So, when are we sneaking in?"

"I'll go alone," Amon answered immediately. "But let's wait a few more days before doing anything."

Arnold frowned.

"Are you sure? Infiltrating the temple alone could be dangerous."

"Don't worry. I'm pretty good at running away." Amon grinned. "Besides, I won't be going in just yet. Tonight, I'll observe the temple from the outside. I'll check every side of the building, look for windows and possible entrances, and figure out the daily routines of those three."

He paused before adding, "Once I know their movements, it'll be much easier to sneak inside without getting caught."

Arnold considered his plan for a moment before nodding.

"Alright. Just don't do anything reckless."

"Me? Reckless? When have I ever been reckless?"

Arnold gave him a flat stare.

Amon cleared his throat. "Anyway, there's something else I need you to do."

"What is it?"

"Keep an eye on Alice while I'm busy investigating the temple."

"Of course I will," Arnold replied without hesitation.

Amon nodded in satisfaction. With that settled, the two began preparing for the next stage of their investigation.