Prime Originator

After descending the wall, Neron and Lina arrive at Border Town a short moment later.

Despite being a small town with no more than 2000 inhabitants, Border Town had developed well with brick-laden roads and neatly arranged wooden-frame homes with brick exteriors of varying yet simple designs. 

It gave the town an overall fresh look. 

However, the moderately-invested town appears rather deserted at first glance when Neron and Lina enter and fail to spot a single person out on the streets. 

"I don't see anyone, but there's also no sign of battles in this town either." 

"That means the people are currently hiding in their homes, or they had simply fled the town."

Lina and Neron investigated the Border Town before stopping in front of a randomly-selected brick home. 

"Is anyone home? We have some questions to ask," Lina knocked on the door but received no response from within the brick home. 

"Pardon for the intrusion," Neron calmly said while preparing to bust down the door with a kick.

However, at that moment, the door slowly creaks open before a woman carefully sticks her head out to greet them with a wary look.

"How can I help you, sir?"

"Seeing how wary you are, you must be aware of the Border Wall's situation. However, you don't need to worry about us. We are just here to inquire what happened."

Neron stated his intention with a reassuring smile.

The woman studies Neron and Lina's facial expressions before understanding they mean her no harm. 

She fully opens the door and invites them into her home with a look of relief.

"Please come in and take a seat. It's dangerous outside these days."

"Thank you."

Although Neron and Lina didn't understand the specification of danger the woman implied, they accepted the offer to talk inside. 

…

Ten minutes later, they understood the general situation. 

"I see… Baron Cortez led all his retainers to the Border Wall and slaughtered the gatekeeper and sentries to leave the kingdom without a pass forcefully," Neron repeated what he learned.

However, Neron and Lina frowned at the situation.

Even if they understood the purpose, they couldn't comprehend the reason.

"This doesn't make any sense. No matter how big of a reason Baron Cortez had for leaving the kingdom, it still wouldn't be big enough for Baron Cortez to become an outlaw, right, senior brother?" 

"That's what people would normally assume, but the fact that it happened implies otherwise. I'm not acquainted with Baron Cortez, but no noble would foolishly choose to become the kingdom's enemy unless their life is threatened."

"How puzzling…"

While Neron and Lina expressed their doubts, the woman seemingly had something to say but hesitated. 

Lina notices the woman's hesitation and asks, "If there's anything else you know, please don't hesitate to tell us."

"Well… This is just my opinion, but Baron Cortez didn't seem to be in his right mind when he was passing through the town. Lord Fo-Dhar must have noticed the same thing and went to confront the person, but he never came back," the woman mentioned. 

Lord Fo-Dhar was the lord of Border Town.

"And before Lord Fo-Dhar left to confront Baron Cortez, I assume he ordered everyone to hide in their homes?" Neron speculated. 

The woman nodded but then shook her head.

"Lord Fo-Dhar did give such an order, but even before Baron Cortez passed by, everyone in town has been limiting their spending time outside since the start of the Cataclysm. Prolonged exposure to the sun seems to make people go crazy."

"That makes sense," Neron nodded before saying, "A foul energy encompassed the world since the start of the Cataclysm, but given Baron Cortez's cultivation base, he shouldn't be affected by it."

Compared to ordinary people, Transcendents had higher resistance against the Wrathful Demonic Energy's negative influence.

…

After learning what they came for, Lina cut the discussion short, "Senior brother, isn't it time we take our leave? If we take any longer, we will lose Baron Cortez's trail."

"Alright, fine. We will leave," Neron agreed with a nod before reminding Lina, "But remember to follow my instructions, junior sister. I might be stronger than Baron Cortez, but he is not alone. We have to tread carefully."

"I understand, senior brother." 

Lina nodded.

"Thank you for answering our questions, Lady Artemise. We apologize for taking your time," Neron politely said to the homeowner after standing up from his seat.

They had learned of each other's names during their exchange.

"You're too polite, Sir Neron. It was my honor to answer your inquiries," Artemise responded with equal courtesy.

Shortly after sending Neron and Lina off at the door, Artemise watched them leave on a mini airship without looking back at Border Town. 

A few moments later, Artemise continued to stare into the distant sky from the door in silence, even after Lina and Neron disappeared from her sight.

"Have they left?" a man's voice suddenly asked.

Artemise was not surprised to hear the person's voice coming from her home.

"Un, they're gone now," Artemise replied with a nod before shutting the door and heading back to the living room, where she had received her guests.

However, a black-robed man with a conspicuous symbol of a red sun eyeball on his back now sits in Neron's original spot while casually sipping on cold tea.

"Was it alright to let them go, Priest Jarumath?" Artemise asked.

"I thought it was the law-punishing force, but it was just a pair of curious brats who happened to be passing by and saw the situation on the wall. There's no need to pay them any attention."

"But the plan…"

"The plan remains unchanged," Priest Jarumath coolly stated. 

"Baron Cortez's bedevilment was unexpected, but he did make it easier for us to execute our plan. Killing those two brats will only draw unwanted attention to this town. The bishop will not be pleased if it affects the plan."

After his reminder, Priest Jarumath ordered, "The first group had met unexpected difficulties, so continue with the preparations. You'll be part of the second group to spread our faith to the four kingdoms."

"Yes, Priest Jarumath!" Artemise complied with a respectful bow.