Chapter - 8

As they neared the 'White City', Rex noticed a large gate to the eastern side of the city. 

"Let's get down a little before the city, we don't want to alarm the guards." (Rex)

Laxavis complied and gently dived down. They landed, at least, a kilometer away from the gates. After they had landed, Laxavis shrunk down to the size of a normal eagle and took his perch on Rex's shoulder. Rex checked his equipment and finally noticed his disheveled state. 

"I look like some beggar, no, even worse than that I think." (Rex)

Sighing, Rex started walking towards the city. As he neared the city, the two guards on duty, fully equipped in white armor, prepared their spears and pointed it at him.

"Halt! State what business you have in the Holy City!" (Guard 1)

"Greetings, good sirs! I have been stuck in the [Lost Demon Forest] for the past two days and had the good fortune to wander to this wondrous city!" (Rex)

Using all forms of politeness at his disposal, Rex explained his situation to the two guards. However, the guards seemed to only get more hostile at his words.

"You came from that demonic place!? Speak! How did you come to be there!?" (Guard 2)

"Uh.....from the sky? Wait! I do not lie! I was summoned to this world, but I believe something went wrong, so I ended up in the forest! Wait! I am telling the truth!" (Rex)

As Rex tried to answer the guards, they seemed to believe he was fooling them. Their hostility rocketed and changed into killing intent. They stabbed their spears towards him. He tried his best to dodge while Laxavis took to the air. He was struck a few times, but only lightly. He was getting better at dodging their blows but, he couldn't keep this up for too long. Just as he was preparing to retaliate, a voice rang out from behind the guards.

"Stop! That man is a guest of the Church! Cease your hostile actions, immediately!" (Unknown Voice)

"Sir Raize!" (Guard 1 and 2)

"Hmm?" (Rex)

A burly man, equipped with heavy knight armor, had appeared from beyond the gate. This man seemed to give off a feeling of danger as if he was much stronger than Rex.

'This must be something akin to 'level difference'. Fascinating.' (Rex)

"Hello there! Sir Raize, was it? As I was explaining to the guards before they attacked me, I come from the [Lost Demon Forest]. In addition, I was summoned-" (Rex)

"There is no need to explain yourself Sir 'Traveler'. We are well aware of your identity. You are the human that the Great God has sent to our great Holy Church, yes?" (Raize)

'Human? God? Not Goddess? Should I tell him of my race? I feel something off here.....wait can't he already tell that I'm a Draco-Elf? Or could it be....my clothes are covering my scales and my ears aren't that pointed.' (Rex)

"Yes." (Rex)

Speaking one word, Rex smiled at the knight, hoping he would believe his lie.

"Well then, please follow me. The Pope wishes to meet you." (Raize)

'Eh? The Pope?' (Rex)

While feeling confused as to why the Pope would want to see him, Rex called Laxavis to accompany him. However, Laxavis refused vehemently and took to the skies, content with following him from the air.

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"It seems your pet isn't disciplined enough." (Raize)

"Ah ha ha! I have recently acquired him, therefore, it is natural for there to be some resistance." (Rex)

Nodding his head in affirmation, the knight guided Rex through the streets of the city till they reached a luxurious looking carriage.

'What is wrong with this city? No matter if it is a holy city or whatever, why is everything white?!' (Rex)

Wherever Rex looked, all he could see was white. People's garments were dyed in white, buildings were colored white with the occasional gold lining here and there, even the horses pulling the carriage were white.

"Sir? Ah! I have forgotten to ask your name. Please forgive my rudeness!" (Raize)

"No no, it is fine. My name is Rex Vagus. I wish to know something, Sir Raize. How do you cope with the brightness when the sun shines?" (Rex)

"Huh? What does Lord Vagus mean?" (Raize)

"I meant to say that, with all this white, surely when the sun shines on this magnificent city, there must be a considerable....um...brilliance?" (Rex)

Having phrased his sentence poorly Rex and flattered Raize as much as he could, Rex hoped Raize would understand the meaning of his words. At the same time, he was confused with the way that the man was addressing Rex.

"Haha! Milord is quite astute. The sun rarely shines on this great city. This is mostly because of the surrounding greenery. However, if that happens, there is a barrier around the city. Now, if you will please." (Raize)

The knight gestured for Rex to board the carriage. Rex complied and boarded it with a little hesitation. Once he was in, Raize followed, and the carriage started moving.

"May I ask of our destination, Sir Raize?" (Rex)

"We will be going to the church, of course!" (Raize)

"Church, you say....forgive me for asking, Sir Raize but, I am of another 'world' and, therefore, do not know of any religious practices of this world. Could you please enlighten me on the ideals of your Church?" (Rex)

After a bit of silence, Raize began his explanation.

"Our Church believes in the God Humas. He is the God of all Humans and therefore, every other race is inferior!" (Raize)

Rex was suddenly feeling terrified. When Raize was speaking before, there was a strange fanaticism in his voice.

"Ah, is th-that so? I see. What do you do with races other than human? And what of mixed breeds or halflings?" (Rex)

"Hmm? Well, we kill and slaughter every other filthy race. However, the halflings and such that possess human blood are turned into slaves are to work for the glory of the church! They should be grateful indeed!" (Raize)

'Again! That crazy glint in his eyes. That fanaticism!' (Rex)

"*Cough* Indeed, they should be truly grateful. Uh, how long till we reach the Church?" (Rex)

"We are already within the Church milord! Welcome to the Great Radiant Church of Humas!" (Raize)

Gulp.