Lich Lembris and a new clue
"I hate you, Mom and Dad! I'm leaving home now. Love is just an illusion!" a young girl shouts at her parents and runs off, leaving them bewildered. Fermos walks by but pays no attention and keeps going.
"I used to be like that..." Fermos smiles to himself.
Meanwhile, at Aldo's house, he sits in a chair reading through letters from people who have bought Enzyme from the group.
"Wow, Veritas still hasn't come back?" Aldo mutters, looking out the window.
Aldo reads the first letter:
"Although the white powder you provided seemed a bit suspicious, my customers have said that the bread has become tastier and softer, and my income has increased thanks to that white powder. I hope you continue to produce this powder. Wishing you success." - Benton Rhodese.
Aldo continues reading the second letter:
"The cloudy liquid looked untrustworthy and deceptive. I almost chased poor Veritas away with my rake, but he patiently explained how wonderful the liquid is. The candies my family workshop produces are now smoother, more aesthetic, and tastier, with no reports of customer dissatisfaction. Our family's income has doubled in recent weeks. I will keep buying this and try more of Veritas' instructions." - Dunstan Monetf.
"Veritas is really hardworking and persistent. I admire his flexibility and determination," Aldo thinks and reads the third letter.
"The fish sauce from our association has become tastier, and our income has significantly increased. I wasn't wrong in spending money on this white powder." - Cenric Houstons.
"The wine has retained its flavor without souring or spoiling after we added the yellow liquid and white powder, following Veritas' instructions to heat at 50-60 degrees Celsius. He said this discovery was made by a scholar through research and application. If that's true, we hope this person continues to contribute to our people in the future. Therefore, we want to place more orders from you." - Larriot Association.
"The juice yield has increased, and the aroma and taste have improved significantly. I really want to meet the person who produced this 'Pectinase.' By the way, Veritas is very handsome!" - Lelia Heilop.
"That's the wife of Count Heilop..." Aldo thinks, slightly frowning.
"Great. My jam has never been this delicious." - Doanne Cheshiree.
As Aldo sets the last letter down, Neva suddenly approaches.
"Aldo, what is love?" Neva, wearing a gray dress, props her arms on the table opposite Aldo, curiously asking, her excited face waiting for a good answer.
"Are you... having feelings for someone? I guess you're at the age where you start to feel love..." Aldo asks, a bit surprised.
"You don't need to know! I'm just curious because my friends (the ones in this village) have started talking about love... Is it when a boy and girl are close, kiss, and hug each other?" Neva blushes slightly, but tries to avoid the topic, her voice faltering.
"If there's a boy who treats you well and makes you feel like you want to be closer to him, even think about starting a family or having children, that's love. At least, that's what my parents used to say," Aldo replies, while his fingers pick up and organize the letters.
"Is that so..." Neva, still blushing, responds with a shy voice, "Right, I haven't met your parents yet. How are they now?" Neva suddenly changes the subject.
"I lost contact with them a few years ago. Since then, I've been living independently and made friends with Helzard, Veritas, Auburn, and Fermos," Aldo answers, then hands Neva a bowl of black bean tea with lotus seeds and thinly sliced coconut, "This will help your skin become smoother and make you prettier. If you want to win that boy's heart, start now."
Neva looks at Aldo for a while, then takes the bowl and heads to her room. A moment later, Fermos leans against the window.
"Aldo, what is love? Give me information so I can argue with that girl!" Fermos smiles and asks.
"Love is a process of distinct stages driven by hormones and chemicals in the brain. Initially, dopamine floods the brain, creating feelings of pleasure, excitement, and motivation. This increase is accompanied by a rise in norepinephrine, which increases heart rate and heightens excitement. Serotonin levels often decrease at this stage, contributing to obsessive thoughts about the loved one. As the relationship moves into the attachment phase, oxytocin and vasopressin play crucial roles. Oxytocin, released during physical closeness and bonding activities, promotes trust and emotional bonding, while vasopressin helps regulate social behavior and emotional attachment. Endorphins, acting as natural painkillers, enhance feelings of security and comfort in the relationship," Aldo explains.
"That's detailed. I'll use this definition to argue with that girl. I'm off, goodbye!" Fermos releases the window and runs off.
Elsewhere...
No one is found, and it seems the villagers have either left for somewhere else or suffered a worse fate, becoming tree-bark-skinned entities with no way to reverse the process. A stillness envelops the village, and the surroundings look like a still-life painting; the leaves, branches, and flowers remain motionless. They don't stir, sway, or move at all, making me (Auburn) think they are the audience, watching us perform a play reaching its climax, awaiting the upcoming surprises. Zihao is still searching for a living person, or at least someone barely alive, or even just a body, but no signs are found. This village seems abandoned. The people of this world are really unfortunate, I think to myself.
"Auburn, go check the old lady's house. I'll check the village hall and come back later," says Zihao as he quickly leaves.
I am surprised, hesitating as I step towards and stand before the house where the old lady had sat before the door earlier. Helzard had fallen asleep without notice. I decide to enter the house.
The roof is covered with thatch, a common roofing material made from dry plants like straw or reeds. This type of roof provides good insulation and is relatively easy to construct. The house is built with visible wooden frames, a characteristic of medieval architecture. The spaces between the wooden beams are filled with wattle and daub or stone.
This house has architecture similar to other houses in the central region. The focal point of the house is a central hearth, resembling a triangular frame of firewood tied with a rope and an iron pot. Below it is a pile of black ash, serving as the main heat source and used for cooking. Smoke from the hearth rises through an opening in the roof. The interior is divided into several separate areas. One area has a table and benches for sitting and eating. Another area appears to be a sleeping space with a bed, a thin leather blanket, and a straw pillow next to a drawer.
There is a pen inside the house, likely for small animals like pigs or sheep, indicating that livestock is kept indoors, especially during harsh weather. Above the living space, there is a loft accessible by a ladder. This area is used for storage, containing sacks of grain or other items.
Outside the house, there are chickens and other livestock, indicating a small-scale agricultural lifestyle. The presence of farming tools like hoes and rakes also supports this.
I approach the drawer and open it. Inside is a leather-bound book painted black, measuring 30 cm long, 12 cm wide, and 10 cm thick, with the title "Necromancy: From Basic to Advanced." Next to it is a diary titled "My Memories," signed by Lembris, also with a brown leather cover. I open the cover, and on the back is a pressed nettle branch encased in glass. The following pages contain carefully handwritten entries recounting the old lady's and Nemele's memories from 1250 to 1298.
"Nemele, the Necromancer our group once faced?" I think to myself.
I begin to read the diary, skimming through unnecessary information and focusing on the important details...
...
"In 1250, my husband, Jillvin, a shoemaker, passed away when I was 50 years old. I organized a funeral for the man with whom I had walked the path of our lives together for 35 years."
...
"My heart aches with an empty sorrow, an indescribable grief for the loss of my beloved husband, who accompanied me through 35 wonderful and happy years. Although our marriage was arranged, we grew to love each other deeply, building a life filled with joy and mutual respect. Each day together was a gift, and I am immensely grateful for the years we shared, full of laughter, support, and countless cherished memories. His absence leaves an irreplaceable void, but I will forever cherish the love we cultivated and the beautiful journey we shared."
...
I continue reading a passage written in red ink.
...
"My dearest, Do you remember the first day we met in 1215? I still recall it as if it were yesterday. The memory is so vivid in my mind. I cooked you a bowl of herbal chicken soup, hoping to impress you with my culinary skills. Yet, it turned out too salty. Your parents refused to taste it, their faces wrinkled in distaste, and I felt a wave of worry and embarrassment wash over me. But then, you did something that I will never forget. Without a single complaint, you ate it all. Every single drop. Your eyes met mine with such kindness and understanding, and in that moment, I knew I had feelings for you. Just seven days later, we stood together, hand in hand, at our small, simple wedding. It was a modest affair, with only our parents as guests, but to me, it felt grand and significant. The vows we exchanged were simple yet filled with profound love and commitment. Every day after that, you worked tirelessly from dawn until late at night, ensuring that we had everything we needed. Meanwhile, I stayed home, busy with household chores, trying to create a warm and welcoming space for us. You were always there to help me, even after a long day's work. While my friends lamented that their husbands rarely lent a hand, I felt so fortunate and grateful for what we had. On the days when I fell ill with a fever, you took over all the household chores without hesitation. You fed me, bought me medicine, and stayed up all night, watching over me in case my condition worsened. I saw the exhaustion in your eyes, and it broke my heart. I blamed myself, wishing I could do more to ease your burden. You were a man of few words, preferring actions over grand speeches. But it was those actions that spoke volumes to me. Each gesture, each moment of silent support, touched and moved me more than any profound romantic poetry I had ever heard. Even without children, our days were filled with joy and contentment, simply because we had each other. We built a life together that was rich with love and understanding, a life I cherished deeply. But then, old Heilop (Not the current Count Heilop) came and shattered our happiness. You were called to war, to fight and conquer a neighboring territory. I pleaded with you not to go, to stay with me, but duty called. The day you left, you promised to return to me, to come back safely. Yet, you never did. The news of your death hit me like a storm, breaking me into pieces. You had broken your promise, and I was left alone, drowning in grief and anger. I blamed you, but deep down, I knew this day might come. I swore to myself that I would dedicate the rest of my life to honoring your memory. To live the days that should have been yours. Each day, I wake up with the weight of your absence, but I push forward, driven by the love we shared and the promise I made. Though you are gone, you live on in my heart, in the memories we created, and in the life I continue to live for both of us. "
...
"In 1255, a woman in a purple cloak visited me and showed me how to resurrect my husband, with the condition that I join their sect called the Sapphic Sect. I agreed immediately. She then gave me a purple cloak like hers and a charcoal-colored leather-bound book. She told me to follow the instructions in the book and patiently await future directives from the sect. I agreed and seriously followed through."
...
"Over the next five years, I used more than 200 different identities, disguising myself and acting as a nun, missionary, teacher, slave, babysitter, beggar... I killed and performed dark magic rituals on children, trying many ways but failing to bring my husband back to life. The Cazador and Thaumatica investigated and hunted me down, but I was lucky to hypnotize them all and continue my rituals. Many times, I thought I was on the wrong path, lost my way, cried, and even considered giving up, but the woman always came to comfort me. Thanks to that, I regained my confidence and continued."
"In 1271, as per the initial instruction, I arrived at the territory of the baron of the Samel family, reaching a predetermined village."
...
"I carried the coffin containing my husband's body, buried it on a mound, and planted a willow tree as instructed by the woman. Then, the woman conducted the Enlightenment Ceremony for me. Now, I have realized many things, how unjustly I have been oppressed. With unwavering faith and the woman's guidance, I decide to spread this enlightenment to those lost in this village."
...
"I enlighten the little girls about how evil, cruel, and selfish men are, how they are not educated like boys, cannot find jobs but must stay at home, take care of children, and do household chores. I share how I have been deceived over 35 years of marriage. Initially, the girls oppose, but gradually, with persistence, they start to realize. They begin to act wisely."
...
"In 1273, I pave the way for the girls to escape the chains of oppression. Naturally, the oppressors get angry, losing their property, of course, they get angry. They organize and demand my execution. I do not act arrogantly and violently like them. After performing some punitive rituals, they obediently submit to the willow tree, a deserving end for them."
...
"In 1275, the woman comes to the village, praises me, and rewards me with a bowl of water mixed with Succubi sap and some other things. She says my talent needs to be passed on to future generations, a noble responsibility not everyone is honored to undertake. I happily comply, who would refuse such an honor!"
...
"After three months, I give birth to a child. The woman comes again, names her Nemele, and takes her away. I protest, but the woman calmly reassures and explains that I should cultivate myself because this action shows I am still tainted by the patriarchal control system. I realize my mistake and apologize."
...
"After that, I continue to protect the willow tree from vandals..."
...
"In 1298, I still continue this noble mission. But the willow tree seems to have grown excessively. Maybe something is wrong, or perhaps I am just overthinking..."
...
And that's the end. I turn to the last page.
"She was clearly deceived. And she deviated from her original goal. How disappointing!" Helzard, who stands behind me, comments with a look of disappointment.
"Now, she, the villagers, and the willow tree have all turned to dust. We have no more evidence to delve deeper into this matter," I say.
"How about we take this black leather book back?" Helzard steps past me and picks up the black leather-bound book.
"Sure. Let's take it!" I reply.
Helzard and I carry the two books outside. Zihao has been waiting for us, holding a large, thick book with a pink cover that reads "The Holy Scripture of Awakening and Enlightenment."
"Zihao, is that... the holy scripture of the Sapphic cult?" I exclaim, recognizing it.
"Yes," Zihao replies seriously, "This incident is more complicated than I thought. We should head home as soon as possible," he looks around and then returns to the boat, his eyes glued to the book.
Curious, we return to the boat and row upstream. As we move, Zihao unexpectedly speaks.
"The Sapphic cult is categorized as a monotheistic religious movement and a belief in eliminating men, heterosexual love, and traditional nuclear family structures. It emphasizes education, empowering women, and romantic love exclusively among women as central tenets of this faith," Zihao explains.
"Sounds like the radical feminist movement on Earth, doesn't it?" Helzard, his face now serious, remarks.
"Exactly," Zihao replies.
"You two, slow down. This could be a local religion," I try to reassure them.
"But we can't rule out the possibility that this religion developed from someone with feminist ideas, but then got distorted over approximately 500-300 years ago," Zihao responds.
Helzard curiously reads the holy scripture, "They worship a deity called Kara – the Goddess of Enlightenment, Truth, Love, and Freedom. Is that woman, someone named Kara?"
"So, you're saying an Earth woman came to Terre, gained followers, created a religion, and turned herself into a deity?" I stroke my chin, nodding thoughtfully.
"If I recall correctly, in this world where magic exists, an entity can become a god with unparalleled power from nothing just through religion and followers. A person, an animal, or even a tree can have similar capabilities. This process is called Deification. This has led to the development of Theological Magic and Theology in this world," Zihao explains.
"This is getting more serious..." I say, my eyes wide with concern and anxiety.
"Yes," Zihao responds calmly.
"So, how serious is this?" Helzard asks, his eyes lifelessly expressing a clear disregard for the issue.
"Let's form a Coalition to protect each other first," Zihao suggests calmly, looking at us.
I gape in surprise, and Helzard raises an eyebrow, equally shocked by this sudden proposal.