Artemis Unveiled:The Descent

Untitled Part 18: Under the Veil of Cold Mist

When Aria looked at Neven, her heart was filled with a myriad of conflicting emotions. Especially after he shaved off his beard, his features became sharper, resembling Thanatos from the realm of death. But Neven's gaze conveyed a different sentiment, far from Thanatos' cold ruthlessness, instead radiating warmth and tenderness, full of humanity.

They hastily bid farewell to the innkeeper and departed from Longhorn Town.

Due to the limited magic range of the exorcism candles, they decided to ride the same horse to cross the boundary. Additionally, Aria was penniless, unable to afford another swift mount. Despite Longhorn Town being the closest to the boundary, they still traveled quite a distance. It wasn't until noon, after passing through dense forests, that they entered the withered woods.

Neven halted the horse, and before them lay the end of the dense forest, accompanied by a putrid smell, while in the distance, the demonic roars reminiscent of creatures from hell echoed, sending shivers down Aria's spine.

"What will happen after we cross the boundary? Will we still find a safe place?" Aria asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Neven glanced back at her. "I thought you understood the situation."

"I certainly don't. How would I know what Sovereogn Bastion has become? The people in Longhorn Town said it has turned into ruins, with nothing left."

"You know nothing of the situation, yet you're insisting on going in?"

"Lucius told me. He said to find you and return to Sovereogn Bastion together."

"Who is Lucius, anyway? How does he know my name is Neven and send you to find me? And you... seem to know nothing..."

"I thought you knew each other."

"No," Neven said firmly. "I've never been to the Celestial Sanctum, and Longhorn Town has no demi-gods."

"Then why are you willing to go in with me?" Aria asked, puzzled.

"Because you've been begging me to take you in. So, as a gentleman, how could I let a lady face danger alone?" he said with humor, then reined in the galloping horse. "Aria, come in front of me. I don't want to lose you and the exorcism candle when we cross the boundary."

Aria let out a mocking laugh, knowing he was teasing her for being timid. However, she didn't refuse Neven's help, instead pulling his hand and climbing back in front. When she picked up the necklace from around her neck and unfolded the pendant with golden wings, revealing the small candle, Aria remembered the three exorcism candles Hawk had once given her. They were meant to help her escape Sovereogn Bastion in times of peril, yet now, she carried them back in search of answers.

"If all goes well, we'll reach the Moon Tower before dark," Neven said.

"The Moon Tower? We're going to Sovereogn Bastion," Aria reminded him.

"Did you come out from the graveyard? Who still calls it Sovereogn Bastion? The ancient city no longer exists; it's now the Moon Tower. I thought you would have known all this from the demigods, which is why you insisted on going in."

"And how did you know?" Aria asked.

"Didn't they tell you I came from the Land of the Dead?"

"How did you get out?" Aria asked, surprised, momentarily forgetting the reason for Neven's omniscience. "Isn't it only the exorcism candles that can pierce through?"

"I'm not sure either. I was unconscious after being bitten, and when I woke up, I was already in Longhorn Town."

"So, there are other ways to pass through the demigod's magical barrier?"