It was a unique symbol.
If I had to describe it, it resembled an inverted triangle, surrounded by a strange pattern within a circle. My aesthetic sense struggled to convey more than that. This symbol was located near the Sapphire Snake, more precisely, on the side of the cave we were in.
"What is this?" I asked Carzakh.
"It is an upside-down tower—an ancient structure hidden all over the world," he replied.
It was a tower, not a triangle. But why did this matter?
"It is the Altar of a Forgotten God. You will understand if I put it this way, right?"
"Yes."
The mention of a forgotten god convinced me. There were gods whose names were widely known—the seventy-two gods of the empire, the thirteen dragon kings who guarded monsters and beasts, the nine spirit gods, and the five kings.
Some also counted the gods of disaster worshipped by the Dark Church. However, the world generally recognized ninety-nine gods.
In contrast, the forgotten gods were those who had lost their divinity, their names forgotten by all. Yet, even without worshippers, their power and influence remained immense. This was why the Altar of a Forgotten God was so significant.
If a person made a sincere offering and earned the forgotten god's acknowledgment, they could become their first believer.
Forgotten gods never forgot those who showed them kindness, and they almost always granted the wishes of the first believer who pulled them out of the swamp of oblivion. In essence, the first believer could decide whether the forgotten god was good or evil.
"If the divinity of a forgotten god is handed over to the church—"
"Maybe there will be another demon king. This could be the worst-case scenario," he interrupted.
Now everything clicked. The assassins had been cautious about the cave because if the battle escalated and they offended the forgotten god or damaged the altar, the consequences could be disastrous. In comparison, killing the Jewel Beast seemed trivial.
"So, killing the Jewel Beast is just a secondary concern for the church?"
"That's right. They are simply waiting for the Sapphire Snake to wake up from hibernation and leave this cave," Carzakh replied.
"Shouldn't you stop it?"
Carzakh shook his head. "How? We don't even know the strength of their forces in the mountains. The priest alone is a troublesome opponent. Given their goal, it's likely others as powerful as he is are involved. Securing the Altar of a Forgotten God is one of their top priorities."
"So what do we do?" I pressed.
"There are only two entrances to this cave. One is blocked by the Jewel Beast, so only one remains open. The church members will wait for you there until you emerge," Carzakh said, smoothing his beard. "As such, we need to get rid of the Jewel Beast."
"You want us to escape through that entrance?"
"Yes. Then we'll quickly leave the mountain range and report to the Badniker family. It is best to form an expedition squad and strike them." Carzakh looked at me and Arjan. "Of course, this is just my suggestion. If you have a better idea, I'm open to it."
I considered it for a moment, but I already knew the answer.
In many ways, Carzakh's plan was the best option—at least compared to others. However, it wasn't a brilliant solution. Regardless of how many lives one had, they wouldn't be enough to defeat the Jewel Beast.
"Do you both agree?" Carzakh asked. "Don't change your mind later."
"Can we kill the Jewel Beast with just three people?"
"Of course. This is the monster I intended to kill alone in the first place. Why can't I do it with two more people?" Carzakh replied dismissively. "As for checking your power, we'll handle that later. Let's rest today. You both look like you've been through hell."
"We'll do as you say," I said.
Even Arjan was exhausted, and I wasn't much better off after the series of battles.
I spread out a blanket and lay down. The ground was still hard, but sleep quickly overtook me.
***
I woke up feeling as if my entire body had been pummeled. Sleeping on hard ground had taken its toll, though I was relieved my lips weren't frozen.
Just as I was about to sit up, I overheard a conversation.
"Who knows about you now?" Carzakh asked.
"Only the family head, the Council of Elders, and the family head's wife," Arjan replied.
"I see. This must have been difficult," he said.
Carzakh and Arjan were in deep conversation. I reflexively pretended to stay asleep.
"What about him?" he asked, clearly referring to me.
"He hasn't said anything, but I think he suspects something," Arjan answered.
"He does seem perceptive and courageous. He is intriguing. Strange that I haven't heard his name from Delac," he mused.
It seemed the critical part of their conversation had already ended. I wasn't particularly disappointed, though. I'd promised Arjan I wouldn't pry, and overhearing their exchange would have made me feel guilty.
I deliberately tossed and turned before sitting up.
"Young Master Luan, are you awake?" Arjan asked.
"Yes. Good morning, though I'm not sure it is morning," I replied.
I pulled out my watch and checked the time. It was 9 p.m.
Turning to Carzakh, I asked, "You didn't sleep?"
"You sleep less when you age," he replied. "Ah, by the way. I enjoyed the jerky."
"Jerky?" I echoed, confused.
Carzakh gestured toward the floor with his chin, where several empty jerky bags lay scattered. It seemed he'd helped himself to the stash in my backpack.
"It has been ages since I have had so much meat. Salty food is delicious," Carzakh said, clearly satisfied.
I owed him my life, so a bag of jerky seemed a trivial price to pay. "Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it."
Carzakh's tone turned serious. "Now then, let's discuss something productive. How are we going to kill that cursed snake?"
"You have fought it before, haven't you? You must know a lot," I replied.
Carzakh narrowed his eyes and studied me with a disapproving expression.
"What is it?" I asked.
"I don't like it that you keep calling me impolitely by 'you,'" he stated.
"Then what should I call you?"
"You can call me Teacher," he suggested.
"I'm not even your student, so that is a bit..." I trailed off, unsure how to phrase my objection.
"Fine. Call me Brother."
"I will stick with Senior," I said decisively.
"Why Senior?"
"You have been practicing martial arts longer than me," I explained.
" Hmm... Call me whatever you want," Carzakh grumbled, then stroked his beard. "In any case, we need to prepare thoroughly to kill the Jewel Beast. Whether I like it or not, I will teach you both, starting today."
"Teaching? Isn't that being too leisurely? We don't have time," I protested.
"You don't have to worry about that. Who am I? A prestigious Great Master of the Badniker family. In one or two months, I'll have the basics drilled into your head," Carzakh boasted.
In one or two months?
"Senior, how long do you think it will take to hunt the Jewel Beast?"
"Let's see. I need to assess your level first, but I would say at least three months," he answered.
That answer jolted me awake like a splash of cold water. I had a nagging feeling things had been going too smoothly. "Three months?"
"Yes," he confirmed.
"That is too long," I complained.
"Long? Then you must already have a deadline in mind."
I considered the schedule I had envisioned—defeating the Jewel Beast and returning to the main house.
I spoke hesitantly. "Three days at most?"
"What? Hahaha... " Carzakh chuckled, but I didn't join him. In situations like this, I could convey my sincerity best through an expressionless demeanor.
I stood still, unflinching, and Carzakh's laughter faded.
Silence followed, thick and chilling.
"Kid. You are underestimating the Jewel Beast too much." His voice sounded like a beast's growl. "Do you think it's a joke that Delac ripped off the three Jewel Beasts' heads? Do I look like an idiot for spending years hunting that snake?"
"No, of course not."
"You... hah ." Carzakh slapped his forehead. His tone softened, but only slightly. "Since Delac, many have come to these mountains seeking fame. Not a single one of them succeeded in killing a Jewel Beast. And those who returned alive?"
Carzakh raised his index finger. "About 10%. The funny thing is, fewer than half even saw a Jewel Beast. The rest ran off without ever catching sight of one."
I kept silent.
"Being young and hot-blooded has its merits, but if you want to live long, you need to understand your target. I'll pretend that I didn't hear you just now—"
Feeling the need to clarify something, I interrupted him, "I am well aware of the target. I know what a Jewel Beast can do. Maybe not as well as you, but I have a good sense of it."
"What kind of confidence do you have, having only seen the sleeping Jewel Beast from a distance?" he questioned.
I had no response to that.
I sighed. "Didn't I explain my situation? I must return to the main house by year's end. It isn't a question of possibility; it's the family head's command. Senior, I heard you were close to the family head even before you became a Great Master. You probably know better than I do how his children, who fail to obey his words, are treated in the family."
Carzakh fell silent, his gaze shifting. I saw pity and compassion in his eyes. "Being Delac's son doesn't mean you have to live the life of a Badniker. Your life won't end if you don't meet Delac's expectations. You're still young."
I blinked in surprise. I hadn't expected anyone in that frustrating and conservative home to think that way.
At the same time, I had other thoughts. If I had met Carzakh in my past life and listened to this advice, maybe I would have lived a better life.
"I understand," I said with a smile. "However, I'm not bound by the Badniker name. For me, the family name isn't a shackle—it's a tool."
"A tool?"
"The Badniker name is a strong one. I have to take advantage of what is available."
Carzakh studied me, his eyes sharp, as though trying to figure out if I was bluffing or genuine.
I didn't avoid his gaze.
"You aren't bluffing. Alright. Then prove it."
Was he challenging me to a fight?
This reminded me of Kayan.
What a boring routine.
Carzakh walked past me, picked up something from the stone desk, and showed it to me. "Do you know what this is?"
It resembled a mirror, small enough to fit in my palm, with a mysterious blue sheen. Something about it felt oddly familiar.
"Take this," Carzakh said, tossing it to me.
I caught it, noting its surprising weight and slippery texture. A realization dawned. "Is this a scale from the Sapphire Snake?"
"Yes. I picked up a few during a fight with it a long time ago." Carzakh leaned against the wall. "Now, whatever method you like. Try to damage it."