Chapter 9: The Lost Church and the Enigmatic Priest

"Where can I find the Shadow Sovereign?" Anran couldn't help but ask, her curiosity clearly piqued.

"Well… the Shadow Sovereign doesn't appear often. In fact, the last sighting was six months ago. We, the Night Clan, are his followers, which is why we take pride in our name," Wolf explained, recalling the silent, dark-cloaked figure who had once left everyone in awe with his unmatched speed.

"Let me know when you find him," Anran said, preparing to rev her engine.

"Wait, Streamer," Wolf called again.

"What now?" Anran replied.

"How can I contact you?" Wolf asked.

Anran thought for a moment before answering, "Give me an address. I'll come by when I have time, and we'll discuss the Shadow Sovereign then."

"Alright. I work at Enchant," Wolf said.

"Enchant?" Anran was puzzled.

"It's the biggest bar in town," Wolf explained.

"Got it. See you," Anran said, then sped off down the mountain.

"Boss, do you think Streamer can surpass the Shadow Sovereign?" the blond-haired youth asked.

"I don't know, but… Streamer's speed earlier surpassed even those individuals, and they seemed to be holding back, not even pushing their limit."

Wolf himself was still catching his breath.

"Could Streamer really not be one of them?" The blond youth was surprised by Wolf's assessment.

Wolf shook his head. "No way. Have you ever seen them wear helmets? Even the Shadow Sovereign only wears a mask."

Those individuals reveled in speed and the wind, performing reckless, death-defying stunts. Wolf had seen them release their hands on the handlebars at high speeds, shouting into the night as if the wind carried something unseen and unknown—something only attainable at the pinnacle of velocity...

Under the night sky, the shadows of trees swayed.

Anran, enjoying the thrill of speed and the wind, suddenly realized she was lost. The scenery before her was unfamiliar. She considered turning back to ask the group for directions, but just then, a faint light appeared in the distance.

After a moment's hesitation, Anran decided to keep going.

Soon, a black, spire-topped building came into view. As she drew closer, she saw a cross atop the spire. The black structure was an old church built of dark stone. Her headlights illuminated the moss-covered walls and the withered vines clinging to the stones, giving the place a somber, eerie aura.

A soft glow emanated from within the ancient church. Anran pulled up to the entrance but hesitated to dismount. Just as she was about to turn back, the church door creaked open.

A tall man in a gray robe stood in the doorway, holding a lantern. His face was shrouded in shadow, making it impossible to discern his features.

Anran remembered the ghost stories of her childhood. The scene felt eerily familiar, and a sense of tension and danger washed over her. Gripping the handlebars tightly, she asked, "Father, I'm sorry to disturb you, but I've lost my way. Could you tell me how to get back to town?"

The man raised the lantern to his chest, perhaps to get a better look at Anran. But in doing so, he revealed the face hidden in the shadows, and Anran breathed a sigh of relief. Unlike the ghostly figures from her childhood tales, this priest was young and strikingly handsome. His forehead was smooth and broad, his cheeks slightly hollowed, and his amber eyes sparkled brilliantly in the light.

He extended a pale, slender hand, pointing to the sky with a clear, melodic voice. "Follow that brightest star, and you'll find your way back to town."

"Thank you, Father," Anran replied quickly. Though the priest seemed kind and harmless, an unsettling aura still lingered around the place.

Anran gazed at the brightest star in the night sky, turned her bike around, and headed back toward town.

The man stood at the doorway, his pale face wearing a faint smile. "Father? Ha… What an intriguing title."