Jared met Aurelius’ eyes, voice steady as iron. “King Aurelius, I do have a question… Roaring Storm Bell of Roaring Storm Church was stolen. Might Celestia be connected to that theft?”
Hearing this, Aurelius’ cordial mask cracked, caution flashed like lightning behind his stare.
“How could a mere Earthly Immortal Realm Level One know of that bell?” Aurelius demanded, his tone suddenly sharp. “Only the church’s higher-ups possess that knowledge!”
Jared met Aurelius‘ gaze. “To be honest, Abbot Infinides is a close friend, very close…”
Aurelius’ brow furrowed. After a beat, said, “So be it. This plaza is no place for such words. Come, let us speak within the palace!”
With a sweep of his sleeve, lifted into the sky. Jared followed, the two streaking toward the distant spires of the palace.
Inside the palace, servants dismissed by a silent gesture, Aurelius turned, face grave. “Do you understand that Roaring Storm Bell is nothing less than life itself to Roaring Storm Church?”
“Beneath Celestia, just like beneath Roaring Storm Church, countless demonic souls writhe in chains. Tomorrow’s grand ritual exists solely to strengthen the divine markings that hold them. Now that Roaring Storm Bell has vanished, Celestia is in a precarious position. I have already tripled Celestia City’s defenses.”
Alarm pricked through Jared, cold and immediate. “King Aurelius, whom do you suspect of stealing Roaring Storm Bell?”
Aurelius’ gaze flashed like winter steel. “I believe Malevolent Path Hall stands behind it, their order lives for shadows and unspeakable deeds. My covert scouts report that Drystan, the leader of Celestial Palace’s Sixth Hall, may already be in league with them. Imagine a celestial cultivator siding with demons, Celestial Palace is a tattered banner of its former glory.”
The bitterness in his voice left no doubt-Aurelius despised what Celestial Palace had become.
Unable to stay silent, Jared asked, “Then why, King Aurelius, would you marry your daughter to Enaricus’ son? That is bedding a tiger…”
Aurelius let out a breath that sounded older than looked. “I have little choice… I suspect Enaricus is entangled with Malevolent Path Hall. If my daughter gets close, can uncover proof, giving Celestia time to raise its shields.”
Jared weighed the explanation and sensed no deceit, Aurelius was not in cahoots with the people who stole Roaring Storm Bell.
Decision settling behind his eyes, Jared rose. “Very well, King Aurelius. I will depart and hunt for Malevolent Path Hall’s trail. Perhaps I can reclaim Roaring Storm Bell.”
Aurelius reached out, stopping mid-stride. “Stay, Mr. Chance! Strength and resolve like yours are rare. If those demonic souls regain their freedom, the entire level six will be consumed by endless ruin. Celestia will pour out every resource. We’ll investigate the theft with you. We can’t let the demonic souls free.”
The sincerity in Aurelius’ eyes struck Jared harder than any spear. He knew the burden was colossal, alone, might falter. With Celestia behind him, the chances of finding Roaring Storm Bell would soar
After a heartbeat’s pause, clasped his fists. “King Aurelius, your candor moves me. I will stay and face the coming storm at your side.”
Relief spread across Aurelius’ scarred features, tapped Jared’s shoulder. “Excellent! With you, Celestia, and the celestial realm, may yet survive…”
Joy flickered in Aurelius’ gaze, yet understood their power was but a brittle shell hiding fractures within.
Roaring Storm Bell remained missing, whispers of treason linked Celestial Palace to Malevolent Path Hall, and only a figure as unfathomable as Jared could steady the throne.
