Chapter 40. Divine Light Order
The moment Charles entered the Explorers Association, he was startled by the sight before him. The usually deserted hall was filled with people.
Couches and coffee tables were placed randomly. Men and women donned in various maritime attire were huddled in groups and their spirited chatter filled the hall.
Among the crowd, there were some who were clearly not sailors. They hovered around the captains and were whispering to each other.
Making his way through the crowd, Charles headed to the counter to report the findings of his mission. The chatter he overheard revealed that those particular individuals were here to request the Association to post missions on their behalf.
"Hey! Charles! Over here!" An unusually excited William waved a liquor bottle in the air. He was surrounded by a few captains whom Charles recognized.
The moment Charles' gaze landed in their direction, Elizabeth let out a snort and turned her head the other way.
As soon as Charles approached the group, William enthusiastically slung an arm around the former's shoulders.
"My friend, that knife of yours is awesome!" William exclaimed.
The stale stench on William caused an uneasiness in Charles' stomach. He pushed William's arm away and asked, "Is it a powerful relic?"
The last time they met, he had sold two unappraised relics to William. Judging by William's expression, it seemed like he had won the gamble.
"Mhmm. So, so powerful! It can't get any better! I accidentally gave that knife to my enemy, and guess what? He somehow ended up killing everyone on his ship. Hahahaha!!!" William erupted into a manic laughter and a chill traveled down Charles' spine. Chart your course back to the origins of this substance at n0v^lbin
Relics can be used in such a way?
A chubby man sided up to Charles and nudged him with an elbow. "I heard that you went out to the sea again. Did you encounter anything interesting? Do share."
Charles subconsciously recalled that giant hand emerging from the deep waters. With a forced smile, he replied, "Nothing worth mentioning. I lost a few sailors, and failed the mission."
"Come on! Share with us. What's the point of coming here if you won't exchange information? You might as well spend the time at the casino and try to win a big one."
Charles couldn't fight their logical argument and recounted everything that transpired—the giant butterfly, the huge hand, and Dark Crystal Island.
Hearing Charles' narrative, the other captains couldn't help but marvel at his luck. Having encountered such harrowing circumstances and still being alive to talk about it was nothing short of a miracle.
Charles picked up a round cake from the table and took a bite. The soft cake coupled with the sweet, milky cream tasted surprisingly delicious. Ever since his arrival into this world, it was his first time he had tasted an exquisite delicacy like this.
As he finished his cake and was thinking of returning for the day, an ordinary-looking young man approached him.
"Captain Charles?"
Charles turned around and inspected the newcomer. He was dressed in a long red robe and his forehead bore a bright, white triangle. His attire was a stark contrast from the other captains present.
"You are?"
"My name's Sonny. I'm also an Explorer, like you."
Having ignored Charles all the while, Elizabeth suddenly feigned a cough as she dipped her index finger into her drink and drew a few horizontal strokes on the table.
Charles recognized that Elizabeth had used the nautical signs to spell "Danger, keep away," and his guard was up instantly.
"I heard that Mr. Charles is seeking the Land of Light. Why haven't I seen you at the church's services?"
The Divine Light Order?
Charles couldn't be bothered to fake a front anymore and immediately stood up, hoping to leave.
With swift movement, Sonny moved to block Charles' path of retreat.
"Mr. Charles, are you one of the extremists that believe in the new doctrine? Actually that's wrong. You guys have misconstrued the Sun God's words. The only truth lies in the old doctrine. The Land of Light is nothing but a fallacy, and cannot be found. We must pray faithfully and hold frequent rituals in order for the Sun God to return."
Hearing Sonny's ludicrous speech, Charles didn't know how to communicate with him. He had no idea where these believers got their religious text from but he was very certain that it definitely wouldn't be from that burning ball of gas in the sky.
"Excuse me, I don't belong to your church. Please move away."
A look of surprise appeared on Sonny's visage. "If you are not a believer of the Divine Light Order, why do you seek the Land of Light?"
"I'm no longer seeking it. Bye." Dropping his last words, Charles then bypassed Sonny and headed for the exit.
The white triangle on Sonny's forehead glowed and a semi-transparent gel substance emerged from under his robe to swiftly envelope Charles.
"How about we take this discussion somewhere else?" Sonny asked.
Charles' face hardened and in an instant, he had his revolver pointing at Sonny's head.