In the darkness of the tent, I heard laughter. Though I couldn't see clearly, I could distinctly feel that the person sitting opposite me was observing me intently, as if very interested.
"I didn't expect your injuries to heal so quickly, Batu. The speed with which you drew your saber just now was impressive. You truly are the foremost warrior of the Duan Tribe!"
A low male voice emerged, filled with amusement.
*Swish!*
The candle in the tent was lit, and only then did I get a full view of the man opposite me.
He had a very ordinary, unremarkable male face, the kind you could look at on a busy street and not remember.
He wore a black robe, making him appear completely plain. The only striking feature was his eyes, which were exceptionally bright.
"Who are you? You entered my tent without my permission. Aren't you afraid I'll kill you on the spot?!"
I didn't lower my hunting knife. Although the man before me wore a smile, my keen sixth sense told me he was no different from the High Priest, a viper lurking in the shadows, ready to strike when you least expect it.
"Apologies. You and High Priest Hutu were discussing matters for too long, so I had to wait here for your return."
The man was unhurried, offering his reason with an unquestionable confidence, as if I would readily forgive him.
It's worth noting that this guy communicated with me entirely in the barbarian language, speaking fluently.
My eyes narrowed. This person was clearly no ordinary individual.
Few dared to address High Priest Hutu by his name on Duan tribal land; even I had to refer to him as 'King.'
Judging by his appearance, he didn't seem to be a native of the island. Combining this with the other clues, his identity became quite clear.
"You are the man who is always by the Saintess's side!"
Hearing my answer, the man showed no surprise at my deduction. Instead, he stood up, unfazed by my hunting knife, and walked directly towards me.
"Batu, I am becoming more and more interested in you."
"You don't need to speculate about my identity. You are now the new Captain of the Temple Guards, and we will have plenty of opportunities to meet in the future. This time, I merely came to greet you."
After speaking, the man walked past me. At the entrance, he turned back to look at me.
"By the way, each of us has hidden secrets. Remember to keep our meeting confidential."
With that, the man departed.
Damn it, I hate riddlers the most!
I watched the man's retreating back and silently gave him a middle finger, my mind still racing.
It seemed this man had a significant background, possibly connected to the Company. Moreover, he showed no respect for Hutu, even a deep-seated contempt.
It was the kind of gaze one might reserve for a monkey, a patronizing, condescending attitude.
I could now guess that this fellow was likely involved with the Shepherd God in making Pan Lili the Saintess.
Thinking of this, Pan Lili’s image involuntarily appeared in my mind—her peculiar face, now covered in strange markings.
It was strange, but when I spoke with Pan Lili in the tent earlier, I felt something was off about her.
Although it was still her, she gave me the impression of being an empty shell with a beautiful exterior, her inner personality hollowed out.
I quietly walked to the bed and lay down, blowing out the candle.
The High Priest, the man, Pan Lili...
Their figures constantly flickered in my mind. Lost in thought, I eventually drifted off to sleep.
When I awoke, sunlight was filtering through the gaps in the tent flap.
After I washed up, I went outside and saw Ada approaching me.
"Batu, hurry! The succession ceremony for the Captain of the Temple Guards is about to begin!"
Ada rushed towards me upon seeing me, grabbing my sleeve and pulling me along in haste.
Soon, Ada led me to a familiar structure.
The Death Arena!
Arriving here, my memories were instantly reawakened. The details of the life-and-death struggle with Guidus inside resurfaced.
However, this time, instead of entering the side gate, I followed Ada directly onto the central platform.
There, the High Priest, Hutu, and others were already waiting for me.
Beside the High Priest stood the silent Pan Lili, and... that man!
Meeting my gaze, the man smiled with a smirk.
As I stepped onto the platform, the ceremony was finally about to commence!