Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 660: Tesus

Chapter 660: Tesus

Due to the war currently waging within Henos, the likelihood of coming across airships in secluded areas was greatly reduced, mostly because the city-states had commandeered most of the ships in service of the war.

It wasn’t just a fight against King Ull, the self-proclaimed son of God; even within the Solomon Alliance, its members had begun to fight amongst themselves, with two city-states currently serving as the figureheads leading the opposing factions.

The first faction, which could be considered the aggressors, was led by King Lyssandros of Pellasus, whose wife was kidnapped by the leader of the second faction, King Atiphates of Milatrea.

Due to the location of these two city-states, Henos could be said to be split into two, with the aggressors ruling the east and the defenders ruling the west.

In any case, a lack of airships meant that Ana could fly above the clouds with Nadia and Arwen without fear of getting shot down by airships.

As for mobile cities, as long as she actively avoided them, there was no reason to worry about them.

In any case, after a day of constant travel, the trio arrived at their destination, Tesus, which was a town subservient to Nysodosia, a city state that was currently under the camp of the aggressors.

Tesus was the closest town to the Grim Forest, but that wasn’t why they stopped there.

It was instead because it was one of the many train stops on the Transcontinental rail, the single largest railway in Eventide, which connected all city-states in one form or the other, facilitating trade between the city-states.

After transforming back into her human form several meters away from the city walls with Nadia utilizing a spell to obscure her descent, the ladies walked the rest of the way toward the town.

From a distance, Ana could quickly tell that the town was on full alert judging from how its walls were being patrolled by quite several armed guards.

It didn’t take long for the watchman to spot three women approaching the walls using his binoculars.

None seemed to be a native of any of the city-states, judging from their dress.

One wore an outfit commonly associated with those from Judah, a brown saree, while another wore what appeared to be a cloak made out of bird feathers, and the last wore a blue gown that seemed reminiscent of Razan fashion.

The town’s alarm bell rang and within moments, a contingent of armed guards stepped out of the town to meet with the ladies.

The person in charge was a brown-skinned man with brown hair and a toned physique, donning chainmail armor and wielding a spear with a tip forged out of Quillion.

He spoke in a foreign language, most likely Kantoj, judging from the number of clicks adjoining his words.

Nadia couldn’t figure out what was being said and though Arwen could recognize some of the words, trying to figure out everything was beyond her.

But then, Ana stepped forward and out of nowhere, replied in fluent Kantoj. "We are travellers from Pheripolis. We fled the city with a group when it was attacked and were on our way to a haven when our group was kidnapped by those from the Wailing Peaks. Luckily, we were able to escape owing to our gender, unfortunately, our companions were not so lucky."

The man regarded Ana with a cautious gaze before remarking. "So why are you here?"

"We seek to take the Transcontinental rail to the west. We arrived in Henos as adventurers to document the legend of the fabled Beast of Erethetri."

Upon hearing the titled Branch, the other guards reacted strongly, their expressions taking on various forms as they regarded Ana as though she were mad.

Their leader, though restrained, also seemed to share the same sentiment as his subordinates. "A word of advice, it would be best for you three to return from where you came. The Beast is no legend and it is not something that should be written about. It is merely an abomination, one that you should stay far away from."

"You seem to know about it." Ana intoned with a hint of intrigue.

The man snorted. "Who doesn’t?... Every Henosian knows of the Beast, after all, we have felt its impact one way or the other."

"I see." Ana nodded.

"And as for the Transcontinental rail, you won’t be able to make use of it."

"Why?"

"The civil war, that’s why."

Ana quickly came to an understanding.

The Transcontinental rail was a symbol of unity within the Solomon Alliance.

Now that the unity was being threatened, there was no way the rail would remain functional.

"We are open to sheltering your group for a day for free, after which you can decide to be on your way on your suicide quest, or you can return home."

"Thank you," Ana replied with a curt bow.

The man acknowledged her response with a brief nod before leading the way into Tesus.

Nadia and Arwen hurried to catch up to Ana as Nadia leaned in and asked. "When did you learn how to speak... that?"

"Ulysses taught me," Ana replied with a slight chuckle. "He’s a really good teacher."

"... Ah."

***

Chased out of the Infernal Palace by Baseth, Sayda headed for the one place she could access from within the Palace.

She appeared within the divine kingdom of the Goddess of the Deep Sea.

Without hesitation, she bowed, not out of respect but because she knew that failure to do so would result in either being kicked out or being struck by lighting... or perhaps both.

The Goddess Ninmah revealed herself, her divine presence weighing down heavily on Sayda, leaving her almost breathless.

Truly, the difference between a Daemon and a Demon-god was not to be underestimated.

Now she understood why Demon gods, same as Anti gods, were said to be equal in Authority to godspawns.

"Thank you for letting me into your kingdom, oh great Goddess." Sayda greeted, speaking with a subservient tone to avoid insulting Ninmah accidentally.

What do you want, Daughter of Gluttony?... Speak quickly for I am quick to anger and do not entertain small talk.