The desert stretched endlessly behind them — a wasteland of black glass and dying wind.For the first time in days, the horizon wasn't empty.
Before them stood a colossal wall of white stone, etched with divine symbols that shimmered faintly under the rising sun. On its gates, the sigil of Elythra blazed like an unblinking eye.
The Holy Kingdom of Asterion.A place where the goddess's will was law — and those who defied her vanished without a trace.
Hayate adjusted the tattered cloak around his shoulders as they approached. His wounds still ached from the battle with the Seraphim, but his eyes were steady — focused.
"So this is where she hides her puppets," he muttered. "A city built on chains."
Lyria's gaze softened. "Not everyone inside serves her willingly. Some pray because they fear what happens if they stop."
Kael smirked darkly. "Then let's give them a reason to start fearing something else."
At the gate, armored sentinels glared down from their posts. Their armor bore the mark of the Church — the golden wings of the goddess.
"Travelers?" one of them called. "State your business!"
Hayate raised his head slightly. "Pilgrimage. To seek redemption."
The guard studied him suspiciously, eyes narrowing. "You bear wounds. From battle?"
"From sin," Hayate replied, his tone flat.
After a tense moment, the gates creaked open. The three entered Asterion.
Inside, the kingdom glimmered with deceptive beauty. Marble streets lined with glowing orbs, temples reaching toward the heavens, and merchants chanting praises as they sold charms "blessed" by the goddess herself.
Yet beneath the surface, Hayate felt it — fear.People avoided eye contact.Children whispered prayers whenever soldiers passed.And in the alleys, chained workers wore collars engraved with divine runes.
Kael clenched his fists. "This isn't faith… it's slavery."
Lyria nodded quietly. "Asterion calls itself the Land of Light. But the light here blinds more than it saves."
They stopped at a tavern near the city's edge, a modest place with cracked walls and dim lamps.
As they sat, a hooded waitress served them water and bread. Her hands trembled.When she leaned close to Hayate, she whispered just loud enough for him to hear—
"If you're not one of them… run. The Inquisitors hunt outsiders tonight."
Hayate's eyes flickered with dark amusement. "Then maybe I'll let them find me."
That night, the city's quiet hum turned into screams.Armored Inquisitors in gold and white marched through the streets, dragging away "heretics" who refused to kneel. Their torches burned with holy flame — light twisted into a weapon.
Lyria gritted her teeth. "They're purging the lower district again…"
Hayate stood, his cloak falling away to reveal his crimson armor underneath. The black and red glow returned faintly around his arm as the System pulsed in his vision.
[System Alert: Threat Detected – Inquisitor Squad Lv. 42.][Objective: Optional – Interfere or Observe.]
He glanced at Lyria and Kael. "Observation won't free anyone."
Kael grinned, drawing his blades. "Finally some fun."
The first Inquisitor didn't even see him move.A shadow streaked through the torchlight, and suddenly the holy flame was snuffed out — replaced by black fire that ate through steel like paper.
The crowd gasped.The Inquisitors turned, shouting in confusion.
"Identify yourself!" one barked.
Hayate's voice echoed coldly through the smoke.
"A sinner you failed to kill."
[Skill Activated: Shadow Step – Enhanced by Revenant Core.]
He moved like death itself, striking with precision.Kael followed behind, spinning through the confusion, while Lyria's light magic shielded terrified civilians.
Within minutes, the holy patrol was scattered — their leader kneeling, eyes wide with disbelief.
"You… you bear the mark of the cursed one…" he gasped.
Hayate raised his hand, dark aura wrapping around his palm. "Remember it well. The goddess's curse is now your judgment."
The man's scream was swallowed by the night.
When silence returned, the people stared — unsure whether to fear or thank him.
A child stepped forward timidly, clutching his mother's hand. "Mister… are you one of the angels?"
Hayate looked down, a bitter smile crossing his lips. "No. I'm the one angels fear."
As dawn broke over the blood-streaked streets, the System's voice returned.
[Quest Updated: Enter the Kingdom of Chains – Completed.][New Quest Unlocked: Find the Hidden Resistance.][Hint: The symbol of rebellion hides beneath the temple's light.]
Hayate looked toward the towering cathedral at the city's center, where the goddess's golden statue loomed.
"Resistance, huh?" he murmured. "Then let's find the ones who still dare to fight."