Chapter 51. The Sun God's Divine Light
"Why are you guys watching me?" Charles posed the question to Kord, who was seated at the opposite end of the table. Behind Kord, the Divine Light's cultists stood in a row.
"It's not just you," Kord replied. "We look out for anyone who seeks the Land of Light. It's a sign that these people are being called upon by the Sun God."
Charles could barely hold himself back from making a mocking remark upon hearing the words of the abnormal religious fraud before him.
"Mr. Charles, I earnestly implore you to join us. It is by His will and grace that you have managed to survive your previous adventures. In these dark waters, blessed individuals like you are rare," Kord continued.
Charles let out a chuckle and waved his hand dismissively. "Let's put aside the impossible for now. I happen to have a question for you, a so-called believer of the Sun God."
Kord gestured with his left palm open. "Please ask." Emerging from n0v@lbin☆, this material harbors clandestine details.
"You should know of the Mirrorboxes in Sottom, don't you?"
"Of course. Some captains of our faith have even requested for me to help them procure a few."
Charles leaned forward to study the old man's expression as he asked, "Don't you think that the light in the Mirrorboxes bears a striking resemblance to the light from your Sun God?"
Kord smacked his hand against the table as he let out a light chuckle. His old visage was brimming with confidence.
"Captain Charles, you might not understand since you have not joined our Order. Our religious texts detail everything about the Sun God. The Sun God's divine light manifests in a spectrum of colors, seven colors to be exact. It can soothe one's heart and also provide warmth. The light in the Mirrorbox has only a singular color and is far too glaring. There is nothing similar to be compared between the two."
"Are you so certain?" Charles leaned forward even more as his eyes narrowed into slits.
"Captain Charles, we admire your intention to seek the Sun God's radiance. However, your lack of understanding leading to the spouting of misconceptions reflects nothing but ignorance. As the Sacred Acolyte of the Divine Light Order, I am far more knowledgeable about the Sun God than you. If His divine light were to appear before me, I would surely recognize it."
Charles burst out laughing, which he rarely did ever since he came to this subterranean world. "Thank you for that joke. It's been a while since I laughed this hard."
A trace of fury appeared on Kord's countenance. He stood up, seemingly wanting to leave, but after a brief moment, he sat down again.
Three days later, Kord came knocking on Charles' door again. With a bitter expression, he said, "I'm sorry, Captain Charles. The telegram from the Archbishop has arrived. They find this information nonsensical."
Charles leaned back against his chair and let out a sigh. Indeed, a few words alone wouldn't convince such a large organization. He would need to find some other way.
After a few moments of silence, Charles looked at Kord, who was standing before him. "What about you? Do you believe it?"
"I..." Kord's dilemma was apparent on his face. He could understand the Archbishop's feelings. A stranger suddenly claimed that what they had been seeking for centuries was currently right before them. Anyone would be skeptical.
However, the thought of that spectrum of lights wavered his heart once again. But what if Charles' words were the truth?
"What use would it be even if I believe you? The Archbishop in the Northern Sea wouldn't send any Holy Warriors over. Our mere few hundred cannot defeat 'King'."
"We don't have to defeat him." Charles' words stunned Kord.
Charles didn't continue but rather gestured for the people behind Kord to leave the room.
“Everyone, go out and guard the door. Don't let anyone come close," Kord instructed.
After the other cultists had left the room, Charles continued, "Our goal is not to take over Sottom. We only need to find out where the sunlight from the Mirrorbox originates from. As long as we get hold of this clue, we will be able to find the Land of Light."
"Do you have a plan?" Kord asked in a slightly shaking voice.
"'King' usually resides in the palace in Central Sottom. The sea chart marking the Land of Light must be in there. As long as you can distract the 'King' and his guards, I can sneak in. I don't even need to steal the chart. I only need to take a glance. This way, we can avoid any direct confrontation."
Kord didn't give an immediate positive response. Looking torn, he said he needed more time to consider.
Days flew past, but Charles hadn't heard any words from Kord. He was starting to feel slightly disappointed.
If this plan didn't work, he could only return to being an Explorer captain and methodically occupy islands, become a governor, and expand his power and influence before eventually using his formidable position to force "King" to reveal the location of the Land of Light.
However, that would take too much time, so much so that Charles wasn't even sure if he'd live that long.
"Captain! That old cultist is back again! He brought a big, tall guy with him this time!"