Well, that Ahid guy possessed a considerable amount of magic power. He wouldn’t have been able to reach the surface if he couldn’t fly in the sky.
“Still, the magic wavelength of the people here is similar to that of humans and demons.” (Anos)
I thought Ahid had disguised himself as a human, but it appeared that his magic wavelength had been close to that of one to begin with.
“If anything, I’d say it’s a mix. Something close to that of human-demon hybrids, though not exactly the same.” (Anos)
“Did the ancestors of the Underground World come from the surface?” Misha asked while looking at me.
“That could be it. Perhaps demons and humans came to this Underground World long ago, and established a nation. That said, if those from the surface had found this place, they would’ve recorded it in history books.” (Anos)
At the very least, no one on the surface knew about this Underground World.
If their ancestors were demons and humans, how did they come to this world without leaving any traces behind?
“You mean they came here secretly a long time ago, established a country and lived quietly without letting anyone on the surface know?” Sasha asked curiously.
“Who knows. There might be a whole different story behind it.” (Anos)
We continued our descent, and landed on the ground of the Underground World without any issue.
“I was worried they were going to attack us.” (Sasha)
“Indeed. I don’t wish to turn this city into a sea of flames without having a chance to talk things out first.” (Anos)
“…What kind of worry is that…?” (Sasha)
I touched the building in front of me.
It was made with neither stone, nor wood, nor iron.
“Dragon bones?” Misha asked while tilting her head.
“So it seems. I’m surprised you can tell.” (Anos)
“I had a feeling.” (Misha)
And yet today should’ve been her first time seeing dragons. Her Magic Eyes were as impressive as ever.
“Hey. By the way, is this the city of Gaelahesta you wanted to find, or is it a different place?” (Sasha)
“Things would proceed much faster if I did. I wish someone would show us around, but unfortunately, I don’t know anyone down here.” (Anos)
Suddenly, I felt someone watching me and turned around.
“No… I suppose I do know someone.” (Anos)
I turned my Magic Eyes towards a gap in the alley and shouted out.
“You seem to like stalking me a lot, like you did the other day.” (Anos)
It was then that a man emerged from the alley.
He was tall, with long bangs covering one eye.
It was Ahid Alovo Agartz, the cardinal of Jiordal, the Kingdom of the Divine Dragon.
He stood in front of me without saying a word.
“Hmm. Are you going to start that Selection Trial of yours again?” (Anos)
“Unfortunately, the holy city of Gaelahesta is a place where a nonaggression pact was made in the name of God. No disputes of any kind are allowed here. There is only one place in this sacred land where the Selection Trial can take place.” (Ahid)
The holy city of Gaelahesta, huh.
Which meant that we were indeed right where we intended to go.
“By the way, can you tell me where the Institute of the Gods Everastanzetta is located? I was told that I could find an explanation about the Selection Trial there.” (Anos)
As if ignoring my question, Ahide turned on his heel and walked away in response.
Hmm. Well, no matter. We’d just have to look for it ourselves.
“I happen to be headed to Everastanzetta.” Ahid said while quickly walking away.
I followed him.
“I received an oracle from my Selection God Arcana, saying that you did not know anything about the Selection Trial.” (Ahid)
“Hmm. Still, are you sure about helping us? You called me an heretic last time.” (Anos)
“It is precisely because you are a heretic that I cannot deprive you of the opportunity to learn the teachings of our god. The Almighty Radiance Equis extends a helping hand to all who repent.” (Ahid)
“Is that so? I see that being part of a religion isn’t an easy life. Does this mean that according to the teachings of your god, you must help the one you tried to kill the day before?” (Anos)
“The shallow thoughts of Man cannot fathom the will of god. Once you devote your heart to him, you will know the true motive of the Almighty Radiance.” Ahid said as he walked quickly.
I kept following him, and eventually arrived at the particularly large castle we had seen from the sky.
“This is the Institute of the Gods Everastanzetta, the holy castle bestowed upon us by god.” (Ahid)
When Ahid stepped forward, the large main gate opened by itself.
Standing on the other side was a silver-haired girl.
It was Arcana, the Goddess of Selection.
“Welcome to Everastanzetta, Anos Voldigoad, Misfit chosen by a Selection God.” she said calmly, yet solemnly.
“I will now explain the Selection Trial, and the way to make a pact with a god.” (Arcana)
Arcana turned around.
“Follow me. The other candidates are waiting.” (Arcana)
She moved to the back of Everastanzetta.
