Chapter 1046 Religion Of Lies

Sunlight filtered through the palm trees, casting dancing shadows on the meandering rivers surrounding the Red Temple. Arthur gazed at the water, attempting to fathom the inexplicable presence of a river in the heart of the desert. Yet, logic seemed to elude this peculiar phenomenon; the river simply flowed in concentric circles around the temple.

"As long as you establish a city, town, or something of significance, the tower rewards you with phenomena like this river, based on your role," Joey explained, nonchalantly leaning against a palm tree. "This is why many believe the temple's ideals align with the tower's intentions. The tower rewards them accordingly."

"I could start a religion, and the tower would still reward me," Arthur mused, cupping his hand to scoop some water from the river before taking a sip. "This place thrives on chaos and life. Everything serves to propel the world forward."

"Is that a bad thing?" Joey inquired with a casual shrug. "I prefer a thrilling world of adventure over a stagnant existence where everyone laments the loss of freedom. Life within this tower is infinitely more intriguing."

"Of course, it is, as everyone here has an equal chance to grow stronger," Arthur conceded as he wiped his mouth. However, his expression suddenly shifted to one of concern. "But this water..."

As his unease deepened, Arthur noticed a child on the opposite bank of the river. The young boy, with dark skin, blonde hair, and green eyes, was using his frail hands to scoop water into a bucket. Arthur observed in silence as the child filled the bucket and then attempted to drink from it. Without a word, Arthur waved his hand, conjuring a gust of wind that sent the child tumbling.

"Hey, what are you doing?!" Joey exclaimed in confusion, taken aback by the unexpected act. "He's just a child!"

"I didn't hurt him," Arthur replied, his frown deepening as he watched the bewildered child slowly rise to his feet. "But I needed to scare him."

A look of anger and disbelief swept over Joey's face as he grabbed Arthur's collar, his voice trembling with rage. "What the hell were you thinking? Attacking a child for no reason? What's wrong with you?"

Arthur could sense that the same sentiment reverberated through the onlookers, including the other soldiers, who were incensed by his inexplicable actions.

"You have three seconds before you lose me forever," Arthur warned, his voice laced with an icy edge. "I'm not joking, Joey."

"I thought you were better than terrorizing children, Alexie," Joey muttered in disgust as he released his grip and walked away without saying another word. Koby and Dorian, who had observed the entire incident from a distance, remained silent.

Arthur adjusted his uniform, his frown still prominent. The river before them gleamed enticingly, tempting everyone to quench their thirst. Most of the army had already taken advantage of the clear waters. Following the altercation, none of his squad dared to drink from it.

Soon, details about the artifacts were unveiled. The High Priest announced that the artifact had manifested in their temple, but only the most devout could claim it. Therefore, the armies were tasked with clearing the surrounding area of monsters in order to compete for the artifact. Jonathan returned to his wagon, a colossal structure resembling a mansion, after meeting with the fervent worshippers. Drained by their zealousness, he had requested solitude. However, an uninvited guest had made himself at home.

"Long time no see," Arthur remarked, reclining in the knight's chair, positioned directly across from Jonathan's war table. "We need to discuss this temple."

"What is there to discuss?" Jonathan replied with a weary sigh, as he began removing his armor. "The tower has allowed the temple to issue a quest. Whichever army slays the most monsters will lay claim to the artifact. It's a preferable alternative to fighting other humans."

"A quest this straightforward could have been handled by the temple itself, don't you think?" Arthur quipped with a smirk, idly toying with a pawn on the war table. "This is merely a diversion from their true objective. The temple seeks to gather more followers."

"How could they achieve that through this quest?" Jonathan inquired, perplexed, as he stripped off his armor. "Even the tower has endorsed this quest. The High Priest holds an official position."

"That can be faked," Arthur explained, retrieving a medal from his pocket. "I believe this priest possesses a Traders Medal similar to this one, enabling him to issue quests. However, I doubt that is his true objective behind this quest. Even if he possesses the artifact, the priest lacks the military force to protect it."

"And?" Jonathan prompted.

"This quest has been designed to deplete our resources and strength, allowing him to gain control over unsuspecting soldiers," Arthur explained with a sly smile, then turned his attention to the knight. "I propose that we burn this temple to the ground."

Jonathan's brows furrowed in response. "That doesn't make any sense. Attacking the temple would infuriate our own citizens. Many in Xeloria are devout worshippers of the Red Temple."

"It doesn't matter," Arthur asserted, his expression cold. "The illusion will be shattered once the temple is destroyed. The water from that river has the power to enchant a person's mind after they drink it. I realized it when I had a sip myself."

Jonathan seemed puzzled. "But how are you not affected by it?"

"Do you think such illusions work on me?" Arthur asked rhetorically, shaking his head. "There is an entire religion of deceit within this tower, and nobody has ever suspected a thing. Now, the entire army would be hesitant to draw their swords against the temple, given that most have consumed the enchanted water."

"How confident are you in this?" Jonathan inquired.

"One hundred percent, Captain," Arthur replied with a face filled with wrath. "I witnessed a child drink from that water. If we were to attack the temple directly, the priest would use the entire city as a shield to protect himself."

"You intend to handle this alone?" Jonathan asked with a frown. "These are just speculations, Seika. If you're mistaken, our entire plan could unravel. Lord Marshal would not be content with just our heads."

"I'm aware, Jonathan," Arthur replied, turning his gaze to the war table. "For once, I thought that a religion might actually make sense. I escaped a bleak future by entering this Red Tower. Whether by chance or design, this priest has managed to deceive thousands. I cannot forgive that."

"You seem to hold a unique animosity towards religions, Seika," Jonathan remarked with a sigh. "I'll place my trust in you for this task, but we need to make it official. I'll report to Lord Marshal about the river. You take our best men with you to infiltrate the temple and secure the artifact."

"The artifact is secondary," Arthur corrected as he rose from his seat. "First, I want to meet this priest and discern his lies. The rest can follow my lead and attempt to beat the other armies to securing the artifact."

"In the meantime, we'll act as though we're following his orders until the illusion is dispelled," Jonathan suggested, nodding. "As long as he has our army under his control, we cannot take any direct action against them."

***

Arthur made his way through the soldiers as they prepared to set off on their respective quests, each squad tasked with hunting different types of monsters. When he reached his carriage, he found his squad members getting ready as well.

"There's been a change of plans. We've been entrusted with a letter addressed to the High Priest, sent directly from our captain," Arthur informed them, waving a parchment in his hand. Joey glanced at the letter briefly before averting his gaze.

"I'll explain the details on the way," Arthur said as he stashed the letter in his pocket. "Follow me quietly, and be prepared for combat at a moment's notice."

Though perplexed, the squad obediently followed Arthur across the river. Guards permitted their entry after inspecting the letter's seal, bearing the Silver Rose emblem. The grand temple, constructed from cobblestones each the size of a man, loomed impressively before them.

Countless modest homes surrounded the temple, with inhabitants diligently working. Some cooked, while others sewed clothes. As they walked through the streets, they noticed the hostile glances of the townspeople.

Arthur was in the midst of the crowd when a flying rock struck his forehead, albeit without causing harm. Despite the provocation, his squad members remained vigilant. He raised his hand to halt their reactions and turned to identify the assailant.

"Have you mustered enough courage to face me, child?" Arthur asked with a faint smile as he picked up the rock and approached the trembling young boy, who was hiding behind his terrified mother. Although frightened, the child's green eyes bore into Arthur with an unmistakable hatred.

"Please, forgive him... he's just a child," the mother pleaded with fear evident in her voice as she witnessed Arthur's advance. However, Arthur crouched down and offered the boy his rock, nothing more.

"Keep this until later. You'll need it."