Just as the two of them had expected, the sound of foreign steps rang out in the middle of the night. Mu So who had been half-asleep and half-awake for most of the night immediately sat up and grabbed the dagger from below the pillow, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

The steps continued down the corridor and a door opened. There was a pause, and the steps sounded again, followed by the sound of another door's handle being pushed down. Over and over again, this repeated.

in the room on the other side of the corridor, Nilgu also got up and quietly took the bundle he had gotten from the kitchen before. Pulling back the bag that had originally been used for flour, he stared at the somewhat dull edge of the knife. This was all that he could have offered that traveler as a weapon. Thankfully, he hadn’t needed it. Now though … he was stuck with a makeshift weapon in a temple that condemned killing. What was he supposed to do now?

He sighed and put the weapon down again, sitting at the edge of his bed. What was supposed to happen, would happen. He would just entrust his life to Jel.

The steps closed in on their rooms and Mu So tensed, ready to jump whoever had dared to break in. Whether it was a robber or a priest of that other god, he didn’t mind giving them a taste of their own medicine.

The steps stopped at the height of his door but the one that was opened was that on the other side. There was a pause and a low laugh rang out.

"Oh, is this fate?" There was another pause while the man sized Nilgu up. "Do you want to speak a last prayer?" His voice sounded almost gentle as if he really was concerned that Nilgu might be unhappy if he died without that opportunity.

Nilgu looked up at the man whose face was hidden behind a vizor but he didn’t speak up. In any case, he had already made his peace. It didn’t matter whether he was killed or lived. Maybe not having to see the temple fall completely was also a type of mercy. He could pretend that after this, the temple would miraculously recover from the brink of extinction and rise to its peak once more. It would be a pity that he couldn't see it happen but at the very least, there would be hope.

The man gave a long-drawn hum when he didn’t get an answer. "If you don't want to, you don't have to. Although I can't deny that I am a little disappointed. Is your faith really this weak? Why join the temple then?" A hint of genuine anger could be detected from his voice and he finally stepped over the doorstep and pulled out his weapon.

On the other side of the corridor, Mu So tightened his grip on his own dagger and cursed under his breath. He had prepared his own room so it was best suited for receiving this unwelcome best but he hadn't thought of doing anything for the room of the priest. Who could have known that this guy would get the wrong one?

He sighed but then soundlessly opened the door. In any case, for giving him shelter, food, and a warning so he could save his little life, this priest also deserved some help. He sneaked over to the other room and peeked around the door that had been left open.

The priest was still sitting at the edge of the bed, his head held high, and not even a sliver of fear in his eyes as he faced down a man in armor. It was as if the sword that was being held to his throat did not exist at all. Mu So’s brows shot up.

This was what faith could make a person become. He wasn’t one of those priests that would just prattle on about their belief. No, this person had pure faith in his god and even if he needed to die for that conviction, he would do so. It was stupid. But also a bit admirable. Even though he had refused that last prayer, nobody could say that he did not take his belief seriously.

Mu So shook his head. No matter what, he shouldn’t have to die for this. He rushed out, wrapping one arm around the neck of the man while striking at his chest with the dagger. The man staggered and the two of them fell to the ground. Mu So gritted his teeth when the man’s whole weight crashed down on him and he threw an angry glare at the priest.

"Will you fucking help me?!"

Nilgu just stared at him. "The priests of Jel are forbidden from killing."

Mu So stared at him speechlessly while the man on top of him laughed out loud.

"Did you hear that? They’re forbidden from killing." It sounded a lot like he had just heard a good joke.

Mu So cursed. "What’s so fucking funny? Did you forget I still have a fucking weapon next to your heart?"

The man just lazily turned his head. "Did you forget I am wearing a fucking armor?" He laughed again, smashed his elbow into Mu So’s stomach, and got up when the traveler doubled over in pain. Getting back to his feet, he looked from Mu So to the priest and then laughed again. "Ah, well, I am feeling generous today. Just leave this temple already. Otherwise, how many more lives need to be lost? You also know that the temple of Jel and the temple of Bul can’t exist together in the same place. Why insist on it when you’re on the losing end?" He looked at the priest, seemingly waiting for him to give in.

Nilgu furrowed his brows. "This is not about losing or winning. This is about our faith. The temple has been here for hundreds of years. How could I just leave?"

The man shook his head. "Just go to the capital or something. Isn’t there a bigger temple of Jel? Whether it’s here or there, what’s the difference? Isn’t it better to keep your life?" His voice lowered, almost sounding as if he wanted to cajole him.

Nilgu stayed silent, clearly not willing to agree no matter what this man said.

Mu So stared at the guy in the armor instead. He just couldn’t wrap his head around this. Why would this guy suddenly let them off? There had to be some sinister plot behind this! Since he wanted to get rid of the enemy temple, he might just want to get all of them in one fell swoop. Maybe there were some more priests here and he wanted them to rush out and lead him over.

Thinking of that, Mu So lunged forward and hugged the guy’s leg. "I’ll hold him down. You just flee!"

Nilgu and the guy in the armor both stared at him before exchanging a glance.

"I gather he isn’t a priest?"

"No. I picked him up on the streets today."

"Oh." The armored man poked Mu So’s head with the blunt end of the sword, clearly wanting him to let go. "It’s alright to play dead weight to this temple but not to play a dead weight on a person. Aren’t you afraid I’ll poke out your eyes?"

Mu So froze but still stubbornly held onto him. So what? Clearly, that priest hadn’t been afraid either. As a man that had suffered countless hardships on his travels, he refused to be outdone by a guy in a robe.

The man in the armor raised his brows and then tried to shake him off. When it wouldn’t work, he sighed. "Do I need to slap you unconscious? Anyway, just get out of here."

Nilgu finally got up and walked over, pulling Mu So off the man. "You should go now. It’s not good to stay in the temple."

The man in the armor nodded along as if this was the most sensible thing he had heard all day. "That’s what I’ve been saying. You’d better leave sooner rather than later. The next time, it might not be me. Who are you going to cry to then when you lose your life? It’s not worth it, Nilgu."

The priest turned to look at him, keeping quiet for a moment. "Then, are you going to leave the temple of Bul?"

Mu So looked from one person to the other, feeling like he was missing out on something. Why were these two talking so amicably? Weren’t they from opposing temples and trying to kill each other? No, wait. One of them was trying to kill the other while the other one was waiting to be killed.

The man in the armor kept quiet for a moment and lowered his gaze to the ground as if actually considering the question. Finally, he raised his head again and looked into the priest’s eyes. "I can’t. This pitiful life of mine was saved by them. Now, I can’t just turn my back on them."

Nilgu nodded, not having expected anything else. "You can’t leave them just as I can’t leave this place. Stop suggesting it already."

The man in the armor sighed. "I will give you another day to think it through. Tomorrow night, I will return. By then, I really won’t have another chance. So consider this carefully. I can’t force you to leave the temple. I can only encourage you to do so."

Nilgu nodded faintly but didn’t say anything.

The man took one last look at him, his gaze actually lingering for an uncomfortable amount of time. Only when Mu So was already wondering if he should try to attack him once again now that he was inattentive did he finally move. He didn’t spare a single glance for the traveler on the ground and just turned on his heels, striding out of the small room with fast steps that soon faded in the distance.

Mu So stared at the empty doorway for a long time before he recovered. Turning around to the priest, he raised his brows. "What was that? Actually, how did he know your name? Just who is this guy?" Something about this whole encounter seemed weird. If those temples were mortal enemies, then why did that man not kill the priest? If they really hated each other, why have this kind of amicable conversation? It just made no sense.

Nilgu hadn’t wanted to bother about him any longer but finally fell into a daze when he was asked that question. Who he was? That question should be simple to answer but at the same time, it had become incredibly complicated. "His name is Vars." As for anything else, he did not dare to say.

Nilgu sighed and then got up from the bed where he had still been sitting. Just like Vars, he did not look at Mu So and left the room, heading toward the main hall.

Mu So was left petrified on the ground. What did this mean? He still didn’t understand! Just who was that man? Why did this priest know the name of one of the men from the temple of Bul? Who could explain this to him?

He cursed and picked himself off the ground, rushing after Nilgu. He had almost been killed just now. How could he accept that kind of non-explanation? No, he would definitely get the truth out of this priest!

Mu So was determined but since he had left the room quite a bit later, he had trouble keeping up with Nilgu though. When he finally got close, they had already reached a large hall. A towering statue stood on the other side overlooking the whole room. Lines of light crisscrossed the floor that was falling in through the windows despite the fact that it was already in the middle of the night.

Mu So couldn’t help but glance over and caught a glimpse of the moon hanging high above in the sky. He didn’t know why but suddenly, he didn’t know what to say anymore. He turned back to the statue. Nilgu was kneeling in front of it, his head faintly lowered. It seemed wrong to disturb him just to get some answers. Especially so since this whole situation had nothing to do with him.

So what if Nilgu somehow knew that armored man? So what if these two were able to speak amicably? How was that any of his business? Clearly, he had no right to ask. The right thing to do would be to go back to that room, try to catch another few hours of sleep before he got up tomorrow. Then, he could go and search for Nilgu again, thank him for his hospitality, and bid his farewell. That was what he should do.

Mu So sighed and still went over to the statue. He knelt down next to the priest and looked up at what was probably meant to be the face of Jel, the god that Nilgu followed. Mu So couldn’t help but feel that he looked like a kind uncle, the type that you could tell your troubles to. He could somewhat understand why a person might find solace in this place.

He glanced at Nilgu next to him who had closed his eyes and was probably praying. He gave him a moment and then cleared his throat. "You know, I don’t know the story behind all this but maybe it would be best to really leave here. What good does it do if you end up dead? If your god doesn’t want people to kill, then don’t you think it’s kind of … irresponsible to just wait to be killed? Would he want that?"

Nilgu slowly opened his eyes but kept quiet. Mu So almost felt that he wouldn’t get an answer but finally, the priest raised his head further, looking at the statue’s face as well.

"Vars knows a lot about our temple and even he couldn’t convince me. What makes you think somebody who doesn’t believe in either of the gods would have a better chance?"

Mu So stared at him, his expression blanking. That was a good question … although, to be honest, Nilgu’s voice didn’t sound as if he really meant it. There seemed to be a hint of resignation, a bit of determination, and maybe even a whiff of desolation. His emotions were too complex to really make out and for a moment, Mu So didn’t know how to continue. Finally, he turned back to the statue as well.

"I think that no matter how well a person knows your god, you wouldn’t be willing to even think about it. You have your opinion and you refuse to budge."

The priest actually gave a rather straightforward hum. "What Vars said wasn’t wrong. That day, his life was almost lost and it was a priest of Bul who saved him. By the rules of the temple, he will have to stay until he has repaid them. Otherwise, the consequences would be dire. Losing only his own life would still be the best outcome. It certainly isn’t something that he fears much."

Mu So furrowed his brows. The more he heard, the more he felt that this was strange. Knowing that guy’s name was one thing but to actually know how exactly he had happened to become part of that temple … Mu So’s eyes widened when he thought about it and arrived at what would be the only reason he could come up with. "Did you … know him before he became part of their temple?"

"I did. Very well, actually." Nilgu sighed and closed his eyes again, a trace of hurt visible on his face. Finally, he opened his eyes again and the previous serenity had been restored. "He was my fiance."

Mu So’s head whirled around. "Your … your what?"

Nilgu didn’t bother to repeat his words. Clearly, Mu So had heard him but just didn’t believe his words. Why would he bother? Instead, he continued to think back to that time. "I had ties to the temple of Jel since I was a child. It was always clear that I would become a priest as well. Vars knew. He didn’t have a problem with it either. After all, it isn’t forbidden for the priests of Jel to marry and arrangements could have been made for our living situation.

"At that time, we were preparing for the wedding. Who could have known that just a few days before that, everything would change? From one day to the other, we were unable to follow the path we had chosen. That future we had looked forward to was impossible to achieve. Worse than that, we were now enemies and will be until the day we die. Fate has been quite cruel. But maybe this is also a sign that I should devote myself only to Jel. Maybe apart from him, there is no place in my life for another person."

"That …" Mu So hastily shook his head. "I don’t think so." He furrowed his brows, trying to think of something he could say to convince him but the words just didn’t want to come. In any case, he had never been religious. Oh, he believed for sure that there were gods out there. But he wouldn’t worship any of them. It was best if they stayed far away. Whenever they appeared, that would only cause trouble. These opposing temples in the same city were proof enough of that.

Next to him, Nilgu got up, his gaze still on the statue in front of them. "You don’t need to say anything. I have made my peace with it. Back then, I loved Vars with all my heart. Since things are impossible between us, there is no reason to search for anything else. I am content being here. Following Jel is what I want to focus on. But because of that, I also want to stay. No matter what he says or what the temple of Bul does, I want to stay here until the end. Whether that be tomorrow, next week, or a year from now doesn’t matter. But my dedication would be a cheap one if I just fled." He didn’t wait for an answer and turned around, leaving the hall and Mu So behind.

The traveler continued to kneel in front of the statue of the god he himself didn’t follow. He felt dumbfounded. Nilgu’s decision … wasn’t it too harsh? He could still follow that god of his elsewhere just like Vars had said! Why insist on this?

He reached up and held his head, feeling like it was hurting. He knew he shouldn’t care but since he had already gotten into the situation, he also felt bad. Maybe it was because Nilgu had taken him in despite his obvious annoyance or maybe it was the fact that he had warned him despite not needing to. In any case, he felt that he owed him somewhat.

Also, trying to convince him sounded like it should be an easy task. Well, maybe not easy but at least easy enough that not even trying would make him feel that he was in the wrong. The only problem was that he didn’t even know where to start. He didn’t know enough about the temple or about Nilgu’s history with Vars or his own life to figure something out either.

He continued to kneel in front of the statue, weighing this option and that, trying to come up with anything that might get him just a step ahead. Finally, pale moonlight was replaced by the faint shimmer of dawn and then, the next day began, making it so that Mu So deeply felt that not too many hours were remaining to find a way and he still hadn’t found a single option he deemed worthwhile.

Just when Mu So was ready to give up and just leave Lald by himself, not caring about the young priest any longer, steps sounded from the corridor outside of the hall, getting closer.

Mu So turned around just in time to see the door open. The person that stepped in was an old man who wore the same kind of robes as Nilgu. Mu So watched him waddled into the hall and then turn to the left where he stopped in front of a window that had been repaired scantily.

Mu So continued to watch the man busy about for a while, trying to patch the hole in the window a little more, before he got up and walked over. "Hey, there! Can I help?"

The old man was startled and turned around to look at the person behind him. Finally, he remembered what Nilgu had told him yesterday. "You’re that traveler that stopped here for the night, aren’t you?" His lips quirked up in an amicable smile. It really was nice to see that the man was still alive. It seemed Jel was looking at him favorably.

Mu So also smiled brightly. He had been worrying all this time but hadn’t been able to come up with anything since he didn’t know Nilgu at all. He could only guess blindly. But, thankfully, that wasn’t the same for others. He could just ask this guy! Since they were part of the same temple, this man should know a bit more about Nilgu, right? He also knew that people wouldn’t just randomly answer a stranger though so he still had to help out a bit before he could do this.

Mu So nodded while he walked over. "Yes, that’s me. Thank you for having me. I was really in a pinch yesterday. It’s not safe out on the streets so I was really worried."

The old priest nodded slowly, a friendly smile on his lips. "There’s no need to thank us. It’s a given. The temple of Jel is open for everyone."

Mu So nodded again and then glanced at the window next to them. "Maybe I could help somehow as thanks though? It seems that the temple isn’t in that good of a condition."

The old priest’s expression turned regretful. "Ah, that is right. Don’t worry though. We’ve managed all these years. We’ll continue to do so. You don’t have to do anything." He waved, seemingly not worried at all.

Mu So couldn’t help but feel that it really was a shame this temple was in such trouble with the other one. They probably would have been able to help the people of Lald quite a bit. "I’m sorry. I hope I’m not being nosy here but I heard that you’ve been in a bit of trouble with the other temple. And I noticed that somebody broke in yesterday night. Is it very bad?"

The old priest’s expression changed a little. He hadn’t seen Nilgu today yet so when he heard that those guys had indeed broken in again, he couldn’t help but worry. He really didn’t want to be rude but he felt like it would be better to check. "Ah, there is some enmity. Speaking of which, I should go and check on the other priest that lives here. I hope nothing happened."

Mu So hurriedly shook his head. "Don’t worry. I saw him before. He seemed fine. Although …" He showed a troubled expression. "He seemed a bit down I guess? Well, I know this has nothing to do with me but from what I noticed, he seemed to know the one who broke in. So I guess it’s not that strange."

The old priest relaxed when he heard that. "Ah, so it was like that." He nodded and there was actually a relieved smile on his lips.

Mu So watched him and felt like this whole matter between Nilgu and Vars shouldn’t be a secret at all. He still inquired further, hoping to find out more so he could come up with some kind of solution. "You’re not worried?"

The old priest shook his head. "Not at all. You see, those people from the temple of Bul have been breaking in regularly here. That is why there are only me and Nilgu left in the temple. The other priests all either died or ran away because they were afraid. Really, I can’t fault them. Sometimes I wish Nilgu was a bit more like them and would just leave as well."

Mu So raised his brows. It seemed he had come to exactly the right person. "Why doesn’t he? That man last night mentioned going to another city to join the temple of Jel there. It sounds … like a good compromise. He can continue being a priest and follow his faith but can keep his life. Why won’t he do that?"

The old priest sighed heavily. "Because he is as stubborn as a mule." He shook his head and turned back to the window, once again trying to patch it up.

Mu So watched for a moment and then stepped closer, lending the old priest a hand. He didn’t forget to shoot him a questioning gaze though, making clear that he was willing to listen to the rest of the story.