120: ancient books

Chapter 119 Ancient Book

A strange expression involuntarily flitted across Heir's face when she saw those who should have died long ago.

She questioned Father Dragan again, "So, all those who were presumed dead have been gathered here?

Does the Sheriff know about this? Or is this entirely her doing?"

Father Dragan pointed to a figure in the corner and replied, "That's her son, Doru."

Heir suddenly understood, saying with a bitter smile, "No wonder those people are so loyal to him."

Speaking of which, the young woman looked at Arthur and continued, "This is what I meant by leverage that could win over the Sheriff."

The smell in the basement was terrible—a mixture of feces, sweat, and blood.

Arthur walked around the entire basement, then gave his assessment: "The symptoms of these people are not severe."

They can still maintain their sanity for now.

But keeping them locked in a place like this is not a long-term solution.

They will eventually be consumed by bestiality."

"I know, I understand all of this," Father Dragan interjected, "but the church's power can soothe them."

This is also why I have them locked in here."

Arthur nodded, seizing the opportunity to say, "Tell me about this power. Any rumors, information, or research would be helpful."

Perhaps I can help."

"There is a book," Father Dragan said. "I don't know who left it."

But I'm sure that book contains information related to this power."

Upon hearing this, Arthur's spirits immediately lifted.

Father Dragan gestured and said, "Come, let's go upstairs to talk."

"What about these people?" Heir asked.

"Their vitality is strong, no need to worry," Father Dragan replied. "Perhaps in a little while, they will return to normal."

We can check on them then."

So the four returned to the church, and Father Dragan immediately led them to the bell tower.

He took out the parchment book from a hidden compartment in the wall on the second floor of the bell tower and handed it to Arthur.

Arthur opened the book, and his brows immediately furrowed: "I can't understand it. These words do not belong to the mortal realm."

Heir also leaned in; similarly, she could not decipher the words on it.

Both looked at Father Dragan, hoping he could provide an explanation.

Father Dragan cleared his throat and said, "A follower of the Lord of Dawn left a research notebook."

It was that notebook that guided me to this book.

And he, too, found it based on clues left by previous priests.

That notebook said this book was written in Celestial language.

I am also completely ignorant of the Celestial language."

But according to the content of the research notebook, I can confirm that this ancient book records the origin of this church.

So I think this ancient book can explain that mysterious power."

Arthur closed the book and fell into thought.

Celestial language is an extremely rare language.

Generally, only in large religious institutions would there be specialized researchers.

At this moment, Heir spoke, "The witch doctor who lives outside the town, I think he might be able to decipher this book."

Father Dragan looked at her and asked, "Are you talking about that madman?

Wasn't he expelled from the town by your father back then?

"My father didn't expel him," Heir said with a serious expression. "It was those ignorant townspeople."

Do you still remember the prophecy he made at the time?"

Father Dragan shook his head.

Heir said, "'Evil descends upon the land, sorrow for the living, fortune for the dead.'"

Before he was expelled, he warned my father to beware of the undead."

Arthur asked, "Is there any connection to the ancient book?"

"He wrote those words back then, and I'm sure those characters are exactly the same as the ones in this book."

"Where is he now?" Arthur asked.

"Silminster Forest," Heir replied. "Very few people know where he lives."

I know someone who can find him."

"What the hell kind of soup is this?" Old Joe grumbled softly, glancing towards the bar, "This stuff is even more disgusting than a witch's poison."

Flora silently pushed the bowl of onion soup aside.

"They're coming," she warned Old Joe. "Watch out, buddy."

Old Joe spat out the soup from his mouth and looked at the three people walking towards them.

A bottle containing a reddish-brown liquid was placed in front of them.

As the liquid in the bottle swayed, the rich aroma of strong liquor began to spread everywhere.

"You don't look like locals," the thinnest of the three said. "By the way, the soup here is terrible."

Old Joe curled his lip and said, "You should have told us sooner."

"How about trying our wine, gentlemen?"

The scrawny fellow pulled out a chair and sat down, removing the round hat from her head.

She was a woman, and her short brown hair made her look like a man.

Old Joe eyed the woman suspiciously.

Although he really wanted a drink, he wasn't stupid.

In such a strange place, facing wine offered by strangers, one had to be cautious.

It seemed she saw through the dwarf's apprehension.

The woman picked up a glass from the table, poured herself a drink, and drank it first.

After drinking, she wiped her mouth and said, "Now you can relax, right?"

Flora asked, "What do you want, gentlemen? You're not just kindly offering wine, are you?"

"Oh? Shouldn't I be asking you that?" the woman said. "You've been looking at us ever since you came in."

"It's rare to see outsiders in this godforsaken place," Old Joe raised an eyebrow. "Let me tell you, we weren't looking at you."

We're just new here and everything seems fresh to us."

The woman showed a sly smile.

She ignored Old Joe's words and turned to Flora, asking, "Our boss wants to talk to the Baron of Qingfeng Valley.

Can you help us relay a message? This wine is your payment."

This is Amber Wine, it's hard to find here."

Flora countered, "Who wants to speak with the Baron?"

The woman replied, "Duke Wild Dog."

"Who?" Old Joe pressed.

The woman did not answer. She picked up her hat, put it on, stood up, and said, "We're leaving town tonight."

If the Baron wants to talk, he'd better hurry.

Don't worry, this isn't a trap; our boss has important news."

After the three returned to their seats.

Flora asked her companion, "What do you think?"

I find this so-called Duke Wild Dog quite interesting.

Let's go back and report to the lord; Miss Heir might know something."

"You go, I'll keep an eye on things here," Flora said.

The people following Heir and Ismark were all young people from the town.

Arthur could see that hope still lingered in their hearts.

At least they weren't as utterly desperate about the current situation as the other townspeople.

Heir briefly introduced Arthur to their leader—a man named Louis.

He was an unremarkable short man with brown skin, black hair, and small eyes.

Arthur saw no leadership qualities in him whatsoever.

Instead, the tall Black woman standing behind him made Arthur feel that she was no ordinary person.

The woman was taller than everyone else present.

And she was burly, with thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a full, meaty face; standing there, she truly stood out from the crowd.