Chapter 731: Capturing the Monster

"However, the High Priest of the Red God, Benerro, is also worth noting, Your Grace."

Elsewhere, Varys spoke up at this moment.

"I've received some news. Lately, the followers of the Red God on the eastern continent have been restless."

"They've instigated several uprisings, even destroying the statue of the Black Goat God in Qohor, leading to a tense atmosphere within the city."

The people of Qohor worship the Black Goat God, just as the Lysenes worship the Goddess of Love and the Tyroshi worship the Triune God. These are all native religions.

However, followers of the Red God are spread across the entire eastern continent, even having many followers within these native religious strongholds.

Viserys turned slightly upon hearing this.

"Recently, Norvos began expelling followers of the Red God. Did they foresee these uprisings?"

"I believe so," Varys nodded in agreement.

"The old monk of Norvos is said to be one of the oldest living people in the world. His vast experience allows him to make the best decisions."

"Just experience?"

Viserys frowned, his pale purple eyes flashing briefly.

"It seems I should meet him in person when I get the chance."

"However, he's quite old. I just hope he lives long enough for that."

Outside, a light drizzle began.

Volantis is situated at the mouth of the Rhoyne, stretching northward into the hills and marshes of the mainland. Hence, it's humid and hot throughout the year.

Due to its geographical location, even when Westeros approaches winter, Volantis remains in the peak of summer. But now, with Westeros in high summer, the temperature in Volantis is almost unbearable.

Asha sat in her room, looking out at the rain, feeling a bit uneasy. The pillars, steps, walls, arches, towers, and aerial corridors of the Red Temple of R'hllor were all drenched in the cold rain. The usually blazing flames were all extinguished, plunging it into darkness.

This was the darkest night Asha had seen since she'd been here. The Red Temple was usually brightly lit, with torches everywhere to ward off the darkness.

This only added to Asha's unease. The last time it rained, she was attacked by that half-man, half-fish creature.

That day, the world outside was as dark as it was now.

"Will that creature come tonight?"

The short-haired woman pondered, sitting by the window.

She had been living in the Red Temple for some time. Due to their itinerary, they would set sail for their final destination, the island of Naath in the Summer Sea, the day after tomorrow at the latest.

If the creature didn't attack her in the next two days, they'd be on their own once they reached the open sea.

Asha's uncle, Victarion, was also recovering from his injuries. Losing a chunk of flesh from one's arm isn't a minor injury, especially given the current medical conditions.

However, Victarion was in good shape. He had a fever for a few days but eventually pulled through.

Now he could walk normally, but he still couldn't do heavy work or fight. His arm was wrapped in thick bandages.

"I hope everything goes smoothly," Asha sighed, glancing at the dagger on her table.

She never expected so many things to happen on this voyage. There were even two near-death experiences. She initially thought it would be a straightforward mission, but it turned out to be full of surprises.

But just as Asha was lost in thought, she heard a faint noise outside her window.

"What was that?"

The short-haired woman was momentarily stunned, then quickly realized.

"It's here!"

A chill ran down Asha's spine as she grabbed the dagger from the table.

Soon, a dark figure appeared outside her window, its blood-red eyes fixed on her.

At that moment, Gillian's mind was in chaos. His blood-red eyes locked onto Asha, and his voice became deep and hoarse.

"Die!"

He had completely transformed into a monstrous creature, just like the one he had seen in the ruins of Valyria.

However, killing this woman was Gillian's last goal when he was sane. So it was deeply ingrained in his chaotic mind, becoming the thing he had to do after turning into a monster.

The presence of the Red Temple made him sense danger. But as Benerro said, a newly born monster doesn't know its limits. So, in the end, Gillian appeared here.

But this time, Gillian was much smarter. He didn't barge in and start killing. Instead, he sneaked in without alerting anyone, using the gray rain as cover.

He finally found Asha Greyjoy and broke through the window, ready to tear her apart.

But just then, a loud shout came from outside Asha's room.

"Monster, die!"

A tall red-robed monk burst in. His skin was as black as pitch, with a round belly, a long beard, and his face and forehead covered in fiery tattoos.

He was Machorro, the right-hand man of the High Priest of the Red God, Benerro.

He was placed in the room next to Asha Greyjoy by Benerro as bait, waiting for the creature known as the 'Deep One' to show up.

And today, with the light rain, this creature took advantage of the rain and sneaked into the Red Temple to commit murder. Machorro caught him red-handed.

The creature that had just broken in was about to kill Asha but was distracted by Machorro. It roared and charged at him.

But the tower-like red-robed monk wasn't scared. He took a swig from a gourd that looked like a wine bottle, then spat out a stream of bright, hot fire, illuminating the entire room.

The creature, named the Deep One, was caught off guard and ran straight into the flames, screaming in pain. This fire seemed to have a significant restraining effect on him.

Gillian screamed, terrified. He tried to escape through the window, but outside, the temple was surrounded by countless Hands of R'hllor. Leading them was the High Priest of the Red God, Benerro.