Six thousand four hundred six. Six thousand four hundred seven...
Donnel's dried mouth moved monotonously, counting every second as he waited for the door to open.
Though that time was sufficient to destroy the rundown chair on which he sat, he didn't move or even try to, as he was too lazy to watch the time.
He was certain that Robert would come back, not to kill him, but for another reason. It might be strange to have that amount of confidence. Regardless, he still waited.
After another hundred seconds, Robert appeared, wearing a more confident expression than the last time Donnel had seen him.
Donnel did not forget to greet him with mockery: "You're late again? Did your God praise you for that?"
If it had still been the Robert from earlier, he would definitely have sent him flying without hesitation, but now his faith was more refined than the wood beneath Donnel's butt. Instead of being offended, he laughed, knowing Donnel only had seven days until his spirit became corrupt.
Donnel stared at him blankly. He realized his trick wouldn't work on him, so he said, "What is the use of these cuffs? I ate the lumen. Even if I escape, I would turn into something like that robber!"
Robert nudged one of the books beside him. He understood what Donnel was really implying—that they were responsible for that rampage. Although his assumption was abrupt, it struck a nerve.
The robber's dilemma was meticulously crafted by Robert. This was his expertise: to make someone suffer and finally turn them into a perfect vessel. Now it was Donnel's turn to experience it firsthand.
Robert unlocked Donnel's handcuffs and whispered, "Follow me!"
Although slightly hesitant, Donnel followed. As they walked in the corridor, he couldn't help but notice a seven-pointed star mark on the wall. It was barely visible due to the peculiar carving, but somehow he saw through the pattern. Whether it was the cult sigil or not, he made sure to remember it.
When they reached the end of the corridor, he was quickly greeted by the green field. A few meters away from him, the woods stood peacefully, with their lush trees dancing as the cold breeze passed through.
As he stepped onto the grassy ground, Robert intentionally shoved him, making him stumble to the ground.
Robert gazed down at Donnel with eyes filled with disgust. "I'm pretty sure you're not stupid," he muttered, "so let me remind you: this compound is built solely for someone like you."
Robert stepped on his stomach and added, "Let me introduce you to your fellows!"
Donnel turned around and saw four individuals escorted by other evangelists. They made a remarkable combination. One was a man in his mid-twenties, with smooth, pale skin, wearing a tailored suit.
Donnel guessed he was a noble, which prompted him to wonder if this cult really didn't consider the consequences of kidnapping the son of an aristocrat.
Well, he has no interest in it, but somehow it made him realize how peculiar their organization was.
Robert pulled him out of his position and said, "For the whole week, you fools are going to be our servants, so please regard us as your masters!"
Among the four people beside Donnel, a masculine man shoved his escort and exclaimed, "You people aren't anyone's masters. Burn down your cult! Curse your false God!"
He was the son of a woodcutter, and his family was a faithful servant of the Church of Immaculate Anorma. He condemned their beliefs and immoral actions.
However, his protest probably upset the evangelist. In fact, Robert's face turned oddly blank after hearing his words. Donnel and the others felt the sudden change in the air.
"HAAH...HA!"
A cracking laugh echoed from Robert's mouth. Its menacing tone sent fear into the woodcutter's son. With a sudden hand gesture, the man's body felt an extreme pressure, forcing him onto the ground.
While the man was on the ground, Donnel noticed the grass eerily facing downward, as if gravity were dragging it beneath the surface.
Just as Donnel turned his head back to the masculine man, the melody of bones cracking into pieces echoed, followed by a pool of blood bursting like water from a fountain.
*SCREAM!*
A woman's terror quickly echoed as her body was completely drenched in crimson liquid. She trembled, her hands shaky and her face filled with dread as she saw the man's unrecognizable body.
No skin was visible, only crushed internal organs mixed into the dirt and grass.
The nobleman beside the dark-haired man started to vomit, while Donnel silently watched as the blood slowly approached his hands.
The other evangelist stationed nearby started laughing, their uncanny voice sending chills to the remaining four. They began to sing in an old Cazmet language, praising their God.
After the performance, every evangelist left, including Robert, leaving only despair and fear.
The group was still in shock, heads down and bodies shivering. Although the man was a complete stranger, his death greatly diminished their morale.
Amidst the situation, the nobleman mustered his courage and stood up bravely to change the gloomy atmosphere.
"I hate what I witnessed," he said gently. "I am Nicolai Von Brokfeld. I'm pleased to meet you!"
Donnel gave him a quick glance before checking the others' reactions. He saw hesitation and wariness in their eyes, yet it quickly turned into interest as Nicolai spoke up again, saying, "I know it's difficult to accept, but we need to keep living. If we unite, we can overcome this!"
Those words might be plain, but somehow they managed to lift their mood.
The black-haired man stood up and said, "I agree." He gently adjusted the position of his monocle, saying, "I am Borres Macmabell. I'm glad to meet you!"
He shook hands with Nicolai and turned to Donnel.
Donnel quietly watched. He guessed it was already his turn to introduce himself, but before he could speak, the woman interrupted, asking, "What is the point of this introduction? We're all going to die anyway! I heard we have only seven days... only SEVEN DAYS!"
Her statement bothered Borres, and he interjected, "You... I—"
Nicolai stepped in and said, "Fighting won't solve anything, so please calm down."
The two exchanged glances before they let out a heavy sigh.
Seeing the situation improve, Nicolai took off his coat and offered it to the woman. "I know how you feel, but we should at least believe in hope. We could surpass this situation and return to our lives," he reassured her.
The woman glared at the coat and replied, "I'm sorry. This is too much to handle!"
"We know. We are here to lessen that burden," Nicolai gently replied.
Nicolai's voice gave a warm feeling to his surroundings, restoring the good atmosphere.
"My name is Janette Honsgravel. I'm sorry for such a display!" the woman said, bowing her head.
Borres felt guilty and also bowed his head. "I apologize for my rudeness. Please accept my apology!" he whispered.
Nicolai smiled and wrapped his arms around Borres, feeling better.
The three simultaneously turned to Donnel, waiting for his turn. Donnel hesitated. He felt his tongue retreat after seeing Nicolai's persistent stare.
Without other options, Donnel forced himself to speak up, causing his voice to be shaky and incomprehensible. "Do...nnnwel," he muttered.
He coughed and said, "I'm Donnel... DONNEL LAMEEGORN!"
Nicolai gave him a tap on the shoulder, cheering him up.
Janette suddenly raised her hand and said, "I'm leaving for a moment. I'm going to wash up."
Nicolai turned to her and asked, "Is that dangerous? Those guys might assault you?"
"I appreciate your concern, but I can manage on my own! Besides, the quarter is right there," Janette explained, pointing to the middle of the field where a house stood silently.
They all glared at the house, and Nicolai muttered, "We need to inspect the property first."
Borres raised his hand to volunteer, and Nicolai agreed. Borres went out to check the house while the three watched him from afar.
Donnel silently observed Nicolai. He wondered what kind of aura he felt from him. Before he could dive into his thoughts, Nicolai glanced at him and smiled warmly, making Donnel uncomfortable.
Donnel wasn't used to being in a group. Even with his peers, he just greeted them plainly. He was neither a good talker nor a social person. He preferred to be alone, doing his tasks independently.
For that reason, he felt uncomfortable with the current situation. Well, he didn't really plan to get along with them. He figured they would eventually disappear like his parents.
However, he still wanted to observe them. He knew Robert had a greater plan involving them, and he was curious to see it.