Chapter 463: Arrios

Reflecting on his experiences so far, Helag realized that the power systems of different worlds ultimately led to the same destination.

At their core, they were all governed by rules, though the specifics might vary from one world to another.

The power systems derived from these rules might differ, but the essence of power remained unchanged—it all stemmed from the rules.

Once power reached a certain level, it inevitably involved engaging with rule-based forces.

Helag understood that mastering rule power placed one on a completely different level, which is why he had fled immediately upon seeing the tentacle.

***

One Hour Later

The sky was beginning to lighten, and the temperature rose, becoming more comfortable.

Helag slowed his horse as the sense of impending danger lessened.

It seemed the tentacle from the lake hadn’t pursued him.

Helag speculated that something was preventing or deterring the tentacle’s main body from leaving the lake.

Otherwise, given the distance, Helag doubted he could have escaped. He had genuinely felt death looming over him.

It was a feeling he hadn’t experienced since facing the giant spider in the polluted zone.

Soon, Helag noticed someone following him.

Turning, he saw Jim riding up on a horse.

Helag slowed down to let Jim catch up.

As Jim approached, he recognized the horse Helag was riding—it was his own.

His expression was slightly awkward, but he didn’t mention it. Instead, he asked, “Helag, what was that thing in the lake?”

Helag replied casually, “How should I know?”

“You don’t know either?” Jim had assumed Helag knew the origin of the creature, given how quickly he had fled.

Helag said, “How could I know? I just sensed danger. What about you? Any information?”

“I’m not sure either. I’ve never heard of such a terrifying creature in Thousand Lakes. That thing is at least Apostle-level,” Jim said, still shaken.

“Apostle-level demon…” Helag thought, guessing that Apostle-level was akin to a second- or even third-tier wizard.

“I need to get to Amy City quickly and inform Lord Arrios. There must be a reason the creature hasn’t left Thousand Lakes yet. We need to deal with it before it does. An Apostle-level demon in such a densely populated area…” Jim trailed off, worried.

“Arrios?” Helag asked, puzzled.

“You don’t know Lord Arrios?” Jim replied.

“I’m an exorcist from far away. I’m not familiar with this area,” Helag explained.

Jim nodded, understanding.

The world was vast, and many exorcists wandered far and wide. Jim often encountered exorcists from distant lands.

Jim explained, “Lord Arrios is the lord of Amy City and its most powerful exorcist. He personally handles many difficult situations.”

Helag nodded, noting the name.

He planned to stay in Amy City for a while.

With its large population and abundant information channels, Amy City might hold clues about the expedition team or other wizards.

While searching for traces of the expedition, Helag could also find more opportunities to hunt demons.

As they traveled, Helag learned much about Amy City from Jim, gaining a rough understanding.

***

Two Days Later

After two days of travel, Helag finally reached Amy City.

From a distance, Amy City was many times larger than Greenfield City.

Outside the city, a vast marketplace sprawled, where most business transactions took place.

According to Jim, the marketplace was set up to prevent chaos within the city, keeping merchants outside for easier management.

With no reliable identification, people from all walks of life passed through, leading to all sorts of incidents.

The Lord’s Manor couldn’t handle everything, so they established the marketplace outside the city for trade.

Helag and Jim rode through the bustling market at a slow pace.

The streets were crowded with people and carriages, making it difficult to move.

The road was uneven, with puddles and occasional piles of dung.

The mix of smells created an unpleasant, fermented odor.

It took Helag half an hour to get through the market before heading to Amy City.

They couldn’t ride into the city; they had to dismount and lead their horses along the main road.

Riding into the city would risk being shot by guards on the city walls.

“Helag, want to come with me to see Lord Arrios? I’ll report the situation at Thousand Lakes, and I’ll mention you. He’ll probably want to ask you some questions,” Jim suggested.

Helag nodded. “Sure, lead the way.”

Since he planned to stay, it wouldn’t do to antagonize the city’s lord.

They led their horses into Amy City, heading toward the Lord’s Manor.

To reach the manor, they passed through a large plaza.

Many festivals and celebrations took place here, and on regular days, people from various trades conducted activities.

“Hey, there’s Lord Arrios,” Jim said, looking toward the plaza, where a crowd had gathered around a burly man standing on a platform, addressing them.

“Is that Lord Arrios?” Helag asked, looking over.

Jim nodded. “Yes, it’s unusual. Lord Arrios doesn’t usually appear here.”

They approached the crowd and saw Arrios on the platform, with a cross behind him. A disheveled man was tied to it, appearing to have been tortured.

“Attention, everyone. Recently, we’ve noticed some strange individuals. Not only do they not speak our language, but they also lack exorcist powers, yet possess abilities stronger than many exorcists. These people are powerful. If I hadn’t intervened personally, we might not have captured them.”

“During the capture, two were killed, and only this one was taken alive.”