Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Chapter 441: Red God

Rowan walked through the narrow and winding alleys of the slums in the Corvid Quarter, his eyes sharp and wary.

Is my lord finally going to take action tonight? He thought.

The previous day Adam had instructed him to follow the other believers of the Red God and visit their hideout. However, he didnʼt understand why he had to get involved in it.

Whatever it is, I hope I donʼt get caught in the conflict. Iʼm sure Lord Constantine wouldnʼt put me in danger. Yeah, I think... No, no, I must think positively!

Rowan couldnʼt help but nervously gulp when he recalled the flippant attitude of the lord he served. But in the end, he decided to put his faith in the youth.

After all, he owed a great deal to Adam and was truly loyal to him.

The alleys were barely wide for a person to walk through. Dirty waters trickled through the gutters, creating a nauseating and treacherous path.

Everywhere he looked, he could see makeshift shelters pieced together from scraps. Torn fabrics were used as doors and windows, fluttering fragilely in the occasional breeze.

The buildings leaned precariously as if a gust of wind could effortlessly topple them.

Seeing such a scene, Rowan couldnʼt help but sigh, Iʼm truly fortunate to have met him. My wife is now healthy, my children donʼt have to sleep on empty stomachs, and we live in a decent apartment in a safe neighborhood.

Thinking of how drastically his life had changed, Rowanʼs eyes flashed with resolve and he quickened his steps.

I canʼt see my lord, but Iʼm sure heʼs following me. I must do my best!

He navigated through the maze of alleys with great familiarity. He made sure to avoid the dangerous paths where thieves and cutthroats hid in the shadows.

Along the way, he exchanged brief nods with people he was familiar with. Soon, he saw a mural of graffiti depicting a red sun.

The symbol of the Red God, he confirmed inwardly, knowing that he was on the right path.

He saw more and more similar inconspicuous grafittis that guided him deeper into the depths of the slums, toward his destination.

Finally, after about twenty minutes, Rowan arrived before a dilapidated building, its entrance concealed behind a stack of old wooden crates and tattered blankets.

A man standing by the entrance of the building squinted his eyes as he gazed at him. ”Rowan, is that you?”

”Kilroy, yes, itʼs me.” Rowan smiled amicably.

Kilroy, the middle-aged bald man wearing tattered robes, glanced at him and asked suspiciously, ”I heard from a few people that you moved to Slate with your family. What are you doing here?”

Rowan had predicted that he would be asked a similar question, so he had already prepared an answer before coming here.

”The fact that I could strike fortune is all because of the benevolence of the Red God. Before, I was a non-believer, but now…” Rowan sighed emotionally. ”I have come to pay my gratitude.”

Hearing his answers, Kilroy was ecstatic. ”The Red God has truly blessed you, my friend! Priest Khali will be deeply happy to have you at the gathering.”

Rowanʼs lips twitched as he thought, Heʼs calling himself a priest now?

After making some small talk with the bald man, Rowan soon entered the building. It led to a narrow, dimly lit passage. The walls were close and damp, and the air smelled of mold and decay.

At the end of the passageway stood a wooden door guarded by yet another man wearing tattered robes. He glanced at Rowan before gesturing him to enter.

Rowanʼs heartbeat quickened with every step he took. He was deep inside the ʼterritoryʼ of the Children of the Red God. But knowing that Adam was nearby gave him courage.

He took a deep breath and entered.

Inside, the hideout was a stark contrast to the squalor outside. The room was lit by flickering candles and oil lamps, casting a warm and gentle glow.

A large number of slum dwellers, about three dozen of them, sat on the ground. All of them were looking toward a figure standing on the other side of the room.

When Rowanʼs gaze fell on this person, he involuntarily gulped. Itʼs him!

He silently took a seat on the ground, nestled between other people toward the back. He wanted to draw the least attention as possible.

However, some people who recognized him couldnʼt help but gawk at him in shock. Much like the bald man at the entrance of the building, they found it surprising for Rowan to come here despite already having moved out of the slums.

Damn it! He cursed inwardly.

But thankfully, the figure standing before them only glanced at him momentarily before continuing to speak.

This old man had a receding hairline full of white hair. He was clean-shaven and looked kind and amiable. His brown eyes twinkled with gentleness and hope.

Wearing tattered hemp robes, he glanced at all the people sitting before him and smiled.

”Once again, I bring you a message from the divine. Our benevolent deity, the Red God, watches over us, his children, with benevolent eyes, eager to bless those who show unwavering faith and devotion.”

This man, Khali, was so articulate and had such charisma that Rowan couldnʼt help but be shocked. If he hadnʼt been learned and experienced in life, he would have given in to the promise of hope and devoted himself to the Red God without hesitation.

”But as you know, blessings do not come without sacrifice,” Khali continued. ”The Red God has spoken to me, revealing that a great upheaval will be soon upon us!”

The old man spoke with great passion and fervor as he raised his hands and clenched his fists. ”Only those who prove their loyalty and devotion will be spared from the coming darkness!”

Hearing his words, the crowd couldnʼt help but gasp in fear. Some even started to cry, while others clasped their hands and desperately prayed to this mysterious entity.

Khaliʼs brown eyes flashed with a brilliant light as he spread his hands and proclaimed, ”The Red God has never once asked anything of you, except your devotion.”

He paused for a moment before loudly stating, ”But now the time has come! My brothers and sisters, I humbly urge you to demonstrate your faith. For the chaos that is about to ensue…

”It is imperative that you contribute to the sacred cause!”