Rising god-Chapter 134: Angels and demons

The world was divided into five great regions, also called the continents.

The great region housing Solaris, Lunar, and Vodal was known as Theocras, nicknamed the continent of the gods. Theocras was separated into smaller regions, with each territory ruled by a powerhouse, family, empire, or kingdom, serving a deity who vied for influence across the land.

This great region seemed insignificant compared to the others, one, because the gods readily protected their contractors in times of trouble, and two, the sprawling Outlier’s Land, which claimed over a quarter of the continent.

But the great region Aires had entered was unlike anything he’d known, a place of stark contrasts, where morality blurred.

"This great region is known as Aetheria, and people often call it the great region of good and evil, or angels and demons," the old man said, his voice low in the firelit hut. "Some even heaven and hell. Well, it’s not that the good in this region are saints or anything like that, it’s just that, compared to the demons, they are just angels."

"Is it that bad?" Aires leaned forward, engrossed, the Church of Light plaque feeling heavy in his hand.

"Oh, you’ll soon find out," the old man replied, his eyes weary. "This is just a secluded, random, and distant village, yet they still reached us with one of their experiments."

"Experiments?" Aires frowned. He hadn’t heard any of this in Darkan. People barely performed evil acts, except for the underground organizations, which were like a necessary evil.

"Yes, your region was relatively safe compared to this region."

"And who are these angels and demons?" Aires asked.

"The first is the plaque you’re holding."

"Church of light!" Aires exclaimed.

"Yes, the church of light is on the good side. There is also the Ivory Tower, Genesis kingdom of knights, Crimson iron empire, Land of Shurai, and House Everfrost."

"That’s six of them." Aires counted. "How about the demons?"

The old man’s face darkened. "First, the Garden," he said, his voice tight. He didn’t seem pleased speaking about the demons.

"You mentioned that before," Aires noted.

"Yes, though we are not certain since this isn’t their method, but they are the only ones among the demons that deal with monsters." The old man mused.

"How about the others?"

"There are the seven arcanists, those vile bastards." He gritted his teeth, remembering their atrocities. "There are the undying court of liches, the ten commandments, and the black spire."

"That’s...five," He also counted.

"Yes," The old man nodded.

’I don’t understand. If the good side is more than the bad side, why haven’t they come together to defeat them?’ Aires couldn’t understand.

The room was empty now, save for Aires and the old man, the fire’s crackle filling the silence.

"I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not that simple," the old man said, shaking his head.

"What do you mean?"

"If the angels unite and attack, the demons could strike their territories, slaughtering innocents. How many do you think would die in that situation? Would there be any territories left for them to rule? And as I said before, the ’good’ side isn’t flawless; they’re only better than the demons. They have their own problems, their own wars. Why risk everything?"

Aires’ eyes widened, and he nodded slowly. He hadn’t thought of that, but he still wasn’t convinced. How could there be anything more important than purging evil?

The old man shook his head as if he could read his thoughts. However, there was a need to rush things. He would naturally see and understand those things.

"Thank you," Aires said, standing. "That’s payment enough."

"Let me see you out," the old man offered, rising with effort.

As they walked through the village, its dirt paths lined with modest huts, the old man spoke softly. "Be careful. This region is multiple times more dangerous than where you came from. Unlike there, where everyone respects their territories and tries to avoid fights, here, there is only fighting. There are no borders to prevent a breach, just like they did to this territory to enter this village."

Aires listened attentively.

"On this continent, there are lots of strong people. Be careful and try to fulfil your destiny." The old man stopped at the village’s edge, where a wooden gate stood under starlight.

"Just a two-day travel would lead you to the third parish of the temple." The old man thanked him once more.

"Alright, stay safe," Aires said, waving as he vanished into the night.

The old man stood still as an old woman approached, tears in her eyes. "So, this is the end, huh?"

"Yes," he choked out, voice thick. "But it is already enough that we met our light."

She nodded, staring into the distance.

Just seconds later, numerous figures in green poured into the village, their weapons gleaming with cruelty as they attacked.

Screams erupted as villagers fell, their blood soaking the earth.

The old man and woman froze, tears streaming, helpless as they stood in the slaughter of their kin. They’d already accepted their fate when the Orcs first attacked and forfeited their lives.

Bang! A figure landed behind them, radiating a red, fierce aura different from the usual aura or mana.

"Hmm, I wondered who killed those experiments we sent, but turned out you had help," The figure sneered.

"Who was it?" His force pressed against the two as they crumbled to the ground; however, they didn’t respond.

No, they couldn’t. If they did, their hope for the future was over.

"Alright, if you won’t talk, then watch." He forced them to face the massacre, villagers’ screams mingling with blood and fire.

"Look"

Tears mixed with blood as they endured; however, none of them spoke. If this was the right sacrifice they had to pay, they would gladly offer it.

"Tch, you still won’t talk? There’s no point. We will still find out regardless." With a sickening crack, the figure broke their necks, tossing their bodies like refuse.

"Kill them all."

*** freeweɓnovel-cøm

Three days later, Aires stood before the towering gates of the Third Parish of the Twentieth Temple, his luggage slung over his shoulder. The gates, carved with holy runes, glowed faintly under the sun. Two guards in radiant armor, their voices booming, demanded, "Who are you?"

"Um, I got a recommendation," Aires said, holding up the Church of Light plaque, its runes shimmering.

The guards exchanged surprised glances. "Welcome, hero candidate," one said, stepping aside. Aires entered, the gates closing behind him.

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