Divine System: Land of the Abominations

"The city is divided into the inner and outer circles..." Master Theo began.

"The inner circle is further divided into three sections. One is the Common Ground which houses the common streets, the market, and the noble district. In the noble district, there are the inner and outer courts. The city is cut up by an intricate caste system. It is God to everything as everything is governed by it. I am sure it is the same way in the other cities and the capital."

Nero raised a brow, "What exactly is the reason behind this... arrangement?"

"It is the proximity to Adam's light."

Nero frowned, 'This again?'

Master Theo leaned forward with a slightly mischievous look on his face,

"Some say living close to Adam's light drives the corruption away. It also brings wealth and riches while driving away illness and disease."

Nero raised a brow, "Do you believe this is true?"

Master Theo nodded, much to Nero's surprise,

"Of course it is. While the bodies of others rot away, the skin of the nobles is as white and delicate as porcelain. They also possess incredible riches. Surely there must be some truth in the rumors."

Nero shook his head.

He did think Adam's Light must have some mysterious properties. However, granting riches and chasing away illnesses seemed to... mundane for something of that level.

He shook his head then asked,

"What do you know about the outer circle?"

Master Theo's face changed instantly, his expression darkening,

"Those parts of the city are called the slums. You definitely don't want to be there around nighttime. That's where the heathens and wretches live."

Nero leaned in closer, his expression curious,

"Tell me more."

The Master cleared his throat. The man seemed rather excited to talk to someone. Fortunately, Nero just so happened to be in dire need of information.

"The slums are home to all sorts of mundane evils. The darker side of humanity is what they represent. The Heretics, the hoarders, the killers and assassins... They all come from the slums."

'I see. His opinion of the lower ends of society are completely negative. Those from the towns should have a lower status in his mind then. If I wasn't being taken care of by the commander, perhaps he would believe I am not worth the dirt on his boots.'

A smile appeared on Nero's face.

He was not one to observe the difference between class. After all, he was humble born as well. He held no opinion on those of the same status as him. He also held no option of the nobles. However from the looks of it, he wouldn't be having a good time around them.

He sighed.

"Our destination is on the border between the inner and outer districts. Sometimes, the scum bleed into the light of the city proper. It is important you exercise as much caution as possible. Those people do not hesitate to take a life."

Seeing his dark expression, Nero couldn't help but think the man might have had a few dealings with the "wretches".

"I'll keep that in mind then. I appreciate the advice."

Master Theo nodded with a pleased expression on his face,

"Good."

Then his eyes widened,

"What town do you come from?"

"Gor."

"Gor, Gor... You mean the Gorbthat was destroyed recently?"

Nero nodded solemnly.

A strange look appeared on Master Theo's face,

"It is quite far from Liedenstorm. That is rather interesting..."

Then his eyes widened all of a sudden,

"I heard a few scouts were sent over to a few destroyed towns some weeks ago. I believe Gor was a part of those visited."

Nero felt his heart skip a beat,

"Are you certain?" He said, his breathing quickening.

Master Theo hesitated for a moment then nodded,

"Indeed, I am quite certain. If I remember correctly, I need was that most of them have turned into ghost towns. Not just the dead, but their bodies are no longer there."

Nero sighed, "That is the world of Beelzebub's hoard."

Master Theo shook his head,

"No. The news that came back is quite different."

Master Theo glanced around then whispered,

"The rumors say that something worse than the four Kings have come from Hell. And it brings with him an army of death and chaos that devours everything."

Nero frowned, "Is there any proof of this?"

Master Theo nodded, "The children of Beelzebub devour all flesh and bones. However, they do also leave behind their melting fluids and demonic residue. The other three kings have their remnants they leave behind as well. They are very distinct. This one was different. And here's the kicker..."

Nero's ears perked up,

"Apparently, this children of the new king also hunts down the spawn of his demonic counterparts. Numerous remnants of Beelzebub's spawn appear close to the now empty towns. Some believe it might be the work of a new breed of powerful Abominations. However, the walls of the Church have ears and lips."

Nero hummed, "I see..."

He had not seen the total ending of Gor with his own eyes.

All he knew, was that a dark storm had descended on it.

He had assumed the flies were the only culprits. Could it be that the story was far more complicated than he thought?

Still, it didn't matter.

The carriage began to slow down.

Nero took a look outside the curtains of the carriage.

The streets had turned bustling with activity.

Humans, thousands upon thousands of them walked on both ways of the one lane Street that cut right through from the inner to the edge of the outer district.

Instantly, more than a dozen scents and smells assaulted Nero's senses. Some were more pleasant than others with the most prevalent being the smell of spoil, blood and scented perfumes.

This was the market.

Nero huffed deeply.

Master Theo quickly paid the coachman and they both got off.

A soft heat clung to Nero's skin— a result of so many people gathered in one place.

"Let's go."